Entertaining preseason tilt at the X tonight. The Wild jumped out to a 2-0 lead, then gave up three goals in the middle frame to the Winnipeg Jets before recovering with Ryan Suter's third-period tying goal and Jason Pominville's shootout winner to improve to 2-1 this preseason.
Charlie Coyle and Carson McMillan also scored goals for the Wild and Niklas Backstrom, despite not really facing any shootouts thus far in training camp, went 3 for 3 in the shootout and stopped a Jets shorthanded breakaway with the Wild up 1-0.
Coyle and Mikael Granlund had real strong games and continue to push. Personally, I don't see how Coyle doesn't snag the No. 2 center spot, but that doesn't mean Granlund can't find a home in the lineup in some fashion. Remember, Jason Zucker is hurt right now, so depending on his timetable, maybe Granlund nails down the No. 2 left wing spot? He's battling also with Nino Niederreiter.
Coyle scored the goal, had three shots and won 12 of 15 faceoffs. But he was just a horse. Had a second gear, was constantly a threat all over the ice. Just has this presence and confidence right now.
It's impressive how well all the kids have played in camp and there are three games left. Tuesday will be a big cutdown day, but I think all the roster hopefuls stay and the players who just don't have a shot off the bat are sent to Iowa.
Remember, Coyle, Granlund, Zucker, Niederreiter, Erik Haula and Justin Fontaine can't all make it. There are veterans are on one-way deals that are staying, plain and simple. And the entry-level guys don't require waivers to get to Iowa, so it allows the Wild to call guys up whenever it needs them. So if one of the prospects don't make it initially, it doesn't mean they won't be back soon if there's an injury or need.
Torrey Mitchell's strong camp could mean he nails the third-line right wing spot, which will affect one of the kids. Originally, if you penciled Mitchell in at fourth-line right wing, there could have been a spot for Niederreiter or Zucker at third-line RW. But Mitchell has looked good and seems to be the natural fit with Matt Cooke and Kyle Brodziak.
Fourth line will be interesting. Zenon Konopka won 15 of 20 draws Tuesday and another 8 of 13 tonight (also screened Ondrej Pavalec on McMillan's goal). Jake Dowell looked real good tonight. If Mike Rupp starts the season on IR with a knee injury, perhaps that opens the door for Fontaine (needs waivers to get to Iowa) or Haula?