Lemaire Frustrated by Young Guns

Should the Minnesota Wild go on to win the 2008-09 Stanley Cup, it's a sure thing that head coach Jacques Lemaire would find something about his team's play. The Wild are one of only two undefeated teams in the National Hockey League (Northwest Division rival Edmonton Oilers is the other) yet it is the transparent play of the Wild's youngsters that has the French Canadian riled.

With injuries to forwards Marian Gaborik, Owen Nolan and Pierre-Marc Bouchard (placed on injured reserve Friday), the Wild needs help from its young trio of James Sheppard, 20, Benoit Pouliot, 22, and rookie Colton Gillies, 19. Their unsteady play has meant more minutes on the ice for team captain Mikko Koivu, Antti Miettinen and alternate captain Andrew Brunette. Eventually, the extra ice time will wear on the three over-producers.

"They've got to do better ... Come on. I've got nobody to play, and I've got to sit them? They have to wake up," remarked Lemaire to Star Tribune reporter Mark Russo. "I don't want to get on them, but you know, this is the NHL. I've said that. But we demand a lot. The kids, they've got to play."Lemaire has made vague threats that if the trio's production doesn't improve, it could mean game scratches or possibly demotions. But for now, they're all that the coach has.

"As soon as I get my [injured] guys back, I know what I'm going to do," Lemaire remarked. "It's a matter of time. It's a matter of time. I'm telling you. It's no secret. It's a matter of time."