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Tuesday Tire Pump: Mikko Koivu

Mikko Koivu

Minnesota Wild teammates rush in to congratulate Mikko Koivu, top, of Finland, after his goal against St. Louis Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak in the third period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, in St. Paul, Minn. Koivu scored two goals in regulations and a goal in the shootout which the Wild won 3-2. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

AP

Every Tuesday at PHT, we’ll pump a player’s tire. Because every player likes it when nice things are said about them.

This week’s tire pumpee: Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild

The captain of the top team in the NHL has at least a point in eight of his last nine games, a vital contribution to the streaking, yet still offensively-challenged, Wild.

Koivu leads Minnesota with 21 points, meaning he’s factored in at least 30 percent of his team’s 69 goals. (That’s ignoring the goals he factored in, but didn’t draw a point on.)

True, Koivu is well compensated for his work, and critics love to complain about the $47-million contract he signed in the summer of 2010. His $6.75-million cap hit is the 22nd highest in the NHL, despite the fact the most points he’s scored in a season is 71 (2009-10).

But Minnesota doesn’t exactly run and gun. If it did, Koivu’s offensive numbers would be better. The 28-year-old Finn has bought in to new coach Mike Yeo’s system and the team’s win-loss record speaks for itself.

Mikko Koivu, everyone.