The Minnesota Wild are still at the top of the Northwest Division. Their lead varies by day, with Calgary always within a game of the top spot. With close games against the cellar dwellers of the league, the Wild are certainly making the push to the second season interesting.

At the trade deadline, the Wild were involved in almost every rumor being reported. Peter Forsberg, Marian Hossa, Sergei Fedorov. The Wild had needs that could and should have been addressed, and they supplemented their team with Chris Simon, the same Chris Simon that tried to decapitate Ryan Hollweg, and tried to cut Jarkko Ruutu's foot off. The reaction in Saint Paul has been one of shock and amazement. Yet the unbelievably dedicated fans have accepted GM Risebrough’s move, figuring it must make sense somehow, and willing to give him a chance.

The Wild however, did not address the need for solid a solid defenseman, nor did they find a solution at center. Asked why he had not made a move for a center, Risebrough is quoted as saying, "the availability was limited." This would have been easier to accept had Sergei Fedorov not been traded for a song.

Moving past the lackluster trade deadline acquisitions, which for the record was predicted here, the Wild have bigger issues with which to deal. Since February 26, the Wild have played the Capitols, Lightning, Panthers, and Kings. That would be the number 19, 27, 29, and 30 teams in the league, respectively. They lost to the Caps by three, and the three victories came by just one goal each, needing overtime to defeat the Kings.

The Wild have again leaned on Niklas Backstrom to keep them in games, while the offense has been mediocre at best. They are taking more shots on goal than earlier in the season, but the shots are mostly from the point or low percentage angles. Mark Parrish, Todd Fedoruk, Chris Simon, and Aaron Voros all have the ability to score the physical style goals the Wild lack. Yet the Wild continue to gear their plays to the skill players and highlight reel goals, the type that are few and far between in the playoffs.

Minnesota continues to find ways to win, which is a positive sign. Their problem is in their lack of consistency, especially when facing weaker opponents. The last four games were definite should wins for the Wild. They won three out of four, getting the crucial two points they needed from each. Given that fact, the wins were of an unconvincing nature and nowhere near playoff caliber. They must find their best game, and find it soon. With just 16 games remaining, nine are against division rivals, and two are against Calgary. Half of the remaining 16 come against teams currently not making the playoffs.

Momentum is critical in the NHL, and right now the Wild are winning, but they're not scaring anybody off. As of now, they have little momentum going into the final month of the season. Every game is critical at this time and with the Northwest most likely being decided by just one or two points, the Wild need to buckle down, step it up and show what they're made of.