Minnesota Wild are ready for the season

    While the NFL roars on, the NHL is quietly making its return to the ice this week. The Wild reported to training camp on Friday, and they open up pre-season play in Edmonton on Tuesday night. What should fans expect from the Wild this season?
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    While the NFL roars on, the NHL is quietly making its return to the ice. The Wild reported to training camp on Friday, and they open up pre-season play Tuesday night. What should fans expect from the Wild this season?

    For starters, the Wild are in Edmonton to open up pre-season play Tuesday night against the Oilers. Head coach Mike Yeo says he is excited to be coaching a bunch of guys who truly love to be at the rink.

    Another positive for the Wild is that Josh Harding is healthy again. Niklas Backstrom played with more pressure than ever last season because Harding missed the season with a torn ACL.

    The excitement over Harding is nothing compared to the anticipation that continues to build around Minnesota's top line. Dany Heatley and Mikko Koivu will provide plenty of offense while Pierre-Marc Bouchard continues to mold himself into a productive player.

    The off-season acquisitions of Heatley and Devin Setoguchi have also given fans hope that the Wild won't be left out of the playoffs for a fourth straight season.

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