The NHL's return to Minnesota was a resounding success. The building was always full. The Wild won more games (25) than four other NHL teams -- and home ice was a definite advantage (the Wild were 14-13-10-4 at the Xcel Energy Center).

The highlight for the local fans came on Dec. 17, when the Dallas Stars -- the franchise that left Minnesota in the early 1990s -- returned and was promptly trounced, 6-0.

	2000-01 by the numbers
	Record: 29-35-13-5, 68 points (25th overall, 14th West, 5nd Northwest) Goals for: 168/2.05 (30th) Goals against: 210/2.56 (12th) Differential: 42 (24th overall) 20-goal scorers: None 50-point scorers: None

But a six-goal game was a rare offensive outburst for the Wild, who were last in the league in goals scored with 168. To offset the NHL's weakest offense, coach Jacques Lemaire had the expansion team determined to play stifling defense. As a result, the Wild rarely were blown out.

Many times, when the team was overmatched, goaltending came up huge. Manny Fernandez (19-17-4, 2.24 GAA and .920 save percentage) established himself as a legitimate No. 1 goalie, and Jamie McLennan (2.64 GAA, .905 save percentage) proved an able backup.

But ultimately, scoring goals was a major problem. In 34 games, the Wild scored one goal or were shut out. How anemic were the Wile? GM Doug Risebrough traded Scott Pellerin late in the season, but he still led the team with 39 points in just 58 games. And no player scored more than 18 goals.

Looking at next season
The fan base will be patient as the team enters its second season, but with Pellerin, Sean O'Donnell and Curtis Leschyshyn traded late in the '00-01 season, the Wild remain a team long on able bodies but short on proven NHL experience.

In an effort to retain some semblance of offense, Minnesota re-signed Wes Walz (18-12-30) and picked up unrestricted free agent Andrew Brunette (15-44-59 with Atlanta) and Sergei Zholtok, who scored 26 goals for Montreal in 1999-00. If 18-goal scorers Darby Hendrickson and Marian Gaborik -- who is coming off hernia surgery -- continue to improve, the Wild should have two decent forward lines. After that, it's a matter of making sure the other two units don't let up many goals and make some strides offensively as the season progresses.

Between the pipes, Fernandez opted for arbitration, so he'll be in training camp; and Dwayne Roloson -- a scorching 2.16 GAA and .929 save percentage in the AHL last year -- is along for insurance. Youngster Derek Gustafson also has big-time talent, and although the 22-year old might not be ready for a full-time NHL job, management won't hesitate to bring him up in a pinch or if another netminder falters.

This offseason, Risebrough added tough guy Brad Brown and Mike Crowley, a Minnesota native, to the long list of defensemen heading to training camp. Lubomir Sekeras (11-23-34) proved solid on the power play with four goals and 12 points on the man advantage last season. Willie Mitchell, obtained from New Jersey in the O'Donnell trade, could be ready for consistent NHL duty, and with Brad Bombardir, Andy Sutton, Ladislav Benysek and Jason Marshall in the mix, there will be plenty of competition for the top six.

And that will be the theme for Minnesota: Internal competition -- and Lemaire's watchful eye -- will keep the team sharp. With more than 25 players on the current roster -- 18 dress for a regular-season game -- playing time will be fought for in September. That edge and a continuance of great goaltending and stingy defense ensures that Minnesota won't step backward from its inaugural season. Unfortunately, it's going to be a challenge to better last season's record.

Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.