After turning over the roster a year ago, most pundits agreed it would take some time for the Minnesota Wild to put it all together. While the team made it to the playoffs last year, in 2013-14, it’s fair to expect BIG things from this loaded team. No More Excuses Two years ago, the Wild signed two of the best players available on the market in forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter for nearly $200M combined. Those contracts signaled a commitment to winning unlike any seen before in Minnesota. With Parise and captain Mikko Koivu filling up the net and ageless wonder Niklas Backstrom in goal, the Wild have stars they can count on. If Minnesota’s going to contend, however, it will be up to the less proven players to step up and contribute. Among a large group of potential stars, defenseman Jonas Brodin emerged as a top-flight player last season and joins Suter to make up, potentially, the best defensive line in the NHL. After a tough stint with the New York Islanders, the physically gifted Nino Niederreiter joins the Wild looking to redeem himself. While earning a playoff bid for the first time since 2008 was important, the Wild ran into a juggernaut in the eventual Stanley Cup winners, the Chicago Blackhawks. One year later, with some playoff experience behind them, it’s time for the Wild to put together a deep run in the post-season. Xcel Energy Center = Hockey Fan Heaven While Minnesotans love their Vikings, T-Wolves and Twins, this is hockey country. In the heart of St. Paul (all the other major sports franchises play in Minneapolis), the Xcel Energy Center is ideally located in a thriving city center surrounded by museums, restaurants, bars and parks. There’s almost NOTHING not to like about hockey night at the Xcel Center. With passionate, knowledgeable fans, the Wild enjoy one of the best home-ice advantages in the NHL. Don’t miss the action with guaranteed savings from ScoreBig.com