ST. PAUL, Minnesota - Making the playoffs for the first time in five years should count as progress. For the Minnesota Wild, that step forward wasn't firm enough.]]>Sat, 11 May 2013 16:08:43 -0400http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/939afefc8f0c4a3dae4a45e801421551/HKN-Reliable-Rookieshttp://www.therepublic.com/view/story/939afefc8f0c4a3dae4a45e801421551/HKN-Reliable-Rookies

CHICAGO - A year ago, Brandon Saad was just a footnote when he made his postseason debut for Chicago against the Phoenix Coyotes. He skated for just over 10 minutes in two games and picked up his first career NHL point on an assist, but the Blackhawks were eliminated in the first round.]]>Thu, 02 May 2013 17:38:10 -0400http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/84165009b0d2419f87742a7075b9b842/HKN--Wild-Almost-Therehttp://www.therepublic.com/view/story/84165009b0d2419f87742a7075b9b842/HKN--Wild-Almost-There

ST. PAUL, Minnesota - The time on the scoreboard was ticking toward zero. The Minnesota Wild were clinging to a one-goal lead the Los Angeles Kings weren't ready to give up on.]]>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:32 -0400