(TheFourthPeriod.com) -- The Minnesota Wild entered the 2006-07 NHL regular-season with the intention of competing for first in their division.

After ranking 25th in the league in goals-for last season, the Wild acquired center Pavol Demitra in a trade from Los Angeles and signed free agent winger Mark Parrish in an attempt to bolster their offense.

With two new offensive weapons, the team had hoped it had enough ammunition to battle for first in the NorthWest.

After starting the season with a 9-2-0 record, the Wild slipped in November and December before turning the heat on in January. The Wild finished the season with an impressive 48 victories, falling just one point back of the Vancouver Canucks for the division title.

"We met our hopes and expectations in the end," said Wild Assistant GM Tom Lynn. "The team probably finished where it should."

Demitra collected 25 goals and 39 assists to share the team lead in points (64) with Brian Rolston. He was a key part of the team this past season and played a big role in their success.

"Demitra was a real coo for (GM Doug) Risebrough," Lynn said. "We were looking to add a top line guy to add scoring and match (Marian) Gaborik.

"Pav has been a professional; he's close with Gabs and added a lot to the team. He plays the penalty kill, the powerplay... He's already succeeded in our type of environment."

While a lot of emphasis this year was played on their defensive-minded style -- the Wild led the league in goals-against -- much of their success was pinpointed around their new-found offensive game. Oddly enough, the Wild only scored four more goals this year than in 2005-06.

"I think the key to scoring is timely scoring," Lynn explained. "And in that respect, we want to make sure we can score those goals. Having players like (Gaborik) and (Mikko) Koivu, it's not about the amount of goals they score, it's when they score."

Five players finished the season with 20 or more goals this year. Had Gaborik been healthy, he would have been on pace for 51 goals.

One player who stepped up in his absence was Koivu. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, Mikko demonstrated excellent form, tallying 20 goals and 34 assists for 54 points. He, along with fellow youngster Brent Burns, have emerged as solid stars on Minnesota's roster.

"Mikko's getting better every year since we drafted," Lynn said. "Clearly, we expect Burns and Koivu to grow and add more to the club."

With their season now complete, the questions surrounding the club this off-season begin in goal. Manny Fernandez came into the season holding the No.1 duties firmly in his hands. Unfortunately, halfway through the campaign, Fernandez went down with several knee injuries and to everyone's surprise, Niklas Backstrom stole the show.

In 41 games, Backstrom posted a 23-8-6 record, and won this year's Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award (best save percentage - .929) and the William M. Jennings Trophy (lowest goals-against - 1.97).

"Because of the way we play, and the responsible defensive nature of the team and players, we've had goalies come in and have success," Lynn said. "When given the opportunity, (Backstrom) took it. We didn't expect him to lead the league in goals-against. It was a pleasant surprise that when given the chance, he succeeded."

Backstrom is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and one of the Wild's top priority this off-season appears to focus around him.

"I can confirm that we're talking to him," Lynn said, in reference to contract negotiations. "Do we want Nik to stay? Yes. That being the case, he'll make the decision, in the end."

It has been widely speculated that once the Wild can come to terms with Backstrom on a new contract, the team will turn around and trade Fernandez. The Wild has youngster Josh Harding ready to take over as the team's backup and if the right offer comes along, it's believed the team will pull the trigger on a deal.

"In our history, we've always played two goalies," said Lynn. "We feel two goalies is essential for our team's success.

"Right now we have the pleasant challenge of having three goalies who are very good. We never want to be in a position to need a goalie. The Wild will do what's best for the team. We've never had a problem having two goalies. Having three would not be an issue."

The Wild have four other key UFAs: Martin Skoula, Wyatt Smith, Wes Walz and Todd White. According to Lynn, the team hasn't started negotiations with these players but plans on speaking with them in the coming weeks.

With several big-name free agents set to hit the open market this July, it's uncertain what direction the team will take in their attempts to improve the hockey club. The Wild has 12 players signed for next season, costing the team approximately $31 million. Various reports suggest the salary cap will increase to as much as $49 million, giving Minnesota plenty of room to finalize its roster for the 2007-08 campaign.

In the next few weeks, Lynn, Risebrough and the team's hockey and scouting staff will weigh its summer options. While much of their attention will lie with their own talent, such as re-signing RFAs Koivu and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, the Wild is expected to scour the market for outside assistance.

"When you look at centers and defenseman, you look at the market and say who has a role and a place on the team," Lynn said. "We never look at improvement on an individual basis.

"Many teams in the East will spend (a set) amount. Whereas, we look at the hockey part. We want to replicate last year's success and add to it. We want to make sure the team is as good as last year, and hopefully put ourselves in a position to move forward."

Top 06-07 Performers | Off-Season Needs | Time to step up | Free Agents | Top Prospects

TOP 2000-07 PERFORMERS

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OFF-SEASON NEEDS

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TIME TO STEP UP

	Kim Johnsson Since joining the Wild, Johnsson hasn't shown the type of offense he was accustomed to in Philadelphia. Minnesota needs him to be a force from the point and the quarterback of their powerplay. He needs to up his performance next season.
	Mark Parrish The 19-goals Parrish scored this past season was the second-lowest goal total of his entire NHL career. The Wild were hoping he'd prove them with extra punch and he didn't deliver. Hopefully, Parrish can regain form and put together another 25+ goal season.

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KEY FREE AGENTS

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TOP PROSPECTS