Minnesota Wild: Zach Parise renaissance in full swing
Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise looks healthy in 2018-19 and he will hope to stay on the ice after being plagued by injuries for several years.
Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise has not played a full 82 game season since before the shortened season in 2012-13. He played all 48 games that year but has failed to reach 75 games ever since.
Known as a workhorse on and off the ice, Parise left the New Jersey Devils in 2011-12 to play in his home state. While he has never been the same player he once was, his ability to produce was never questioned. At the same time, despite always being a gamer, Parise has missed significant time due to several injuries.
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This season, despite playing just nine games, Parise looks ready to turn a new leaf. He has three goals and 11 points so far this season, but his production over the nine-game span is what makes this season a promising one.
His 29 shots on goal with a 10.3 shooting percentage is a good start, especially since he was always a volume shooter and goal scorer. On top of that, Parise is now riding a three-game point streak (two goals, two assists) and has scored two goals with four assists in his last five games. Needless to say, Parise looks primed to get back to elite status in the NHL.
The Minnesota Wild Need the Help
The interesting thing about the Minnesota Wild is their lack of true talent at the forward position. Despite all the injuries, Parise has remained the most promising forward on their roster for years. However, the addition of Eric Staal to the mix has helped the Wild find some consistency on offense. He has been able to turn his career around in Minnesota and looks ready to help the Wild find postseason success.
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Mikael Granlund, Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle, and Nino Niederreiter are the future of this franchise. If they do not produce consistently, or find ways to improve, the Wild are in serious jeopardy in terms of long-term success. This season, it will be up to this group to ensure that, when the Wild stars are unable to produce, they are ready to provide the secondary help.
Mikko Koivu and Ryan Suter are the grizzled veterans looking for a Stanley Cup. Plain and simple. They have been a major part of the franchise and have been hoping for a stronger depth to deal with the NHL’s best teams down the stretch. If everyone can stay healthy and strive for consistency, this could be a big year for the Wild.
Devan Dubnyk was a wonderful addition for the Wild as well, who were struggling to find some quality and reliable goaltending on a consistent basis. With the goaltending and defense always above par, it is upto the forwards to make the magic happen up front.
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Parise is a bred leader and hard worker. If he is on the ice, he will be ready to give it all for his team. On the flip side, the NHL is far from a one-man show. You need good teammates and strong secondary support to compete with the best. While Parise is looking to do his part, his team will have to follow suit.