Going Yeo-verboard

Mike Yeo is a pretty calm guy in most situations. He's been around long enough as both a player and a coach to understand that tirades rarely make any discernible impact on a player or team. His press conferences are usually pretty reserved, and I would assume his addresses to his team are of a similar nature. In other words, Mike Yeo is no John Tortorella by any means. However, when Mike Yeo does lose his cool, it usually causes everyone to sit up and take notice. Today was one of those days for the Wild as Mike Yeo melted down at practice.

KSTP, the ABC affiliate in Minneapolis-St.Paul, was on the scene at practice today, and they caught Yeo unleashing his wrath upon the uninspired Wild squad. Most of the objectionable language has been censored courtesy of KSTP.

There were quite a few bleeps in that video. It was the second time Yeo stopped practice today, and he clearly had had enough.

The Wild, who have lost eight of its last ten games, seemed listless when Yeo snapped. He's probably feeling the heat with the Wild out of a playoff spot despite having added Thomas Vanek in the off-season to a talent-laden roster that features Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville, and Ryan Suter. They sit six points out of a playoff spot when it was thought they would challenge for the division lead this season.

"I think Yeozie finally lost it on us," Vanek told Michael Russo, the Wild beat reporter for the Star Tribune. "I think it was good and maybe needed. There's only so much you can say before you snap."

Yeo's calm hasn't moved Minnesota to new heights, and it appears that his tirade was a little eye-opening for some of the Wild. Whether or not it changes his fate is to be determined. One thing is certain, though: the coach, like the fans, are being driven mad by this seemingly indifferent team. The only difference is that it may ultimately cost Mike Yeo his job.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!