By Michael Russo

McClatchy-Tribune News Services

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Doug Risebrough used to say that James Sheppard was the only member of the Wild's five-player "core" who had yet to experience "crisis."

Whether it was being ridden by former coach Jacques Lemaire, or being a defenseman forced to play forward, or being small in stature, the former Wild general manager felt that "core" players Mikko Koivu, Brent Burns, Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Nick Schultz had overcome early-career adversity that made them stronger as players.

Sheppard, on the other hand, hadn't gotten that -- let's call it, privilege -- yet.

"He hasn't really been pushed yet, but believe me, he will be pushed," Risebrough said before last season. "I'm comfortable to say he's going to come through it, but his growing pains need to still occur."

Fast-forward exactly one year, and Sheppard is experiencing "crisis," and yes, as Risebrough predicted, it's been painful.

The third-year, 21-year-old center is under enormous pressure to improve his game. In 14 games, he has no points, 13 shots, has won only 39.6 percent of his faceoffs and isn't winning enough battles to keep coach Todd Richards satisfied.

Yet Richards continues to go with Sheppard while scratching Benoit Pouliot the past three games. Pouliot might get a chance tonight, especially if injured Eric Belanger can't play.

But every facet of Sheppard's game continues to be scrutinized by the fans, media, coaches and -- in last Sunday's Star Tribune -- even by Tommy Thompson, the assistant GM responsible for drafting him ninth overall in 2006.

This, naturally, is sinking Sheppard's confidence. Just look at how tight he's gripping his stick lately. He's missing the net by several feet.

"You're looking at your numbers and people are reminding you of your numbers, and that starts to build up," Richards said. "But the one thing you've got to focus on is, 'How are you going to score goals?' The formula's really pretty easy, pretty basic. If you want to score, go to the front of the net, because that's where the puck is coming."

Kyle Brodziak proved that during Thursday's loss to Vancouver. Both of Brodziak's goals came from being in the right place (in front of the net) at the right time (when a rebound came).

Richards said Sheppard must be more committed to going to the tough areas. He can't just get in on the forecheck. He's got to compete once he gets there and win confrontations.

Sheppard says he's going to follow Brodziak's lead and "get my nose dirty." But he's also trying to repair his game, knowing full well he's being lambasted from the outside.

"There's always pressure, but right now, not that it's building up, but it's something I have to take and kind of deal with," Sheppard said. "But as long as I talk to the right people and get advice from lots of different sources, I can work through it. If I'm just sitting here and pouting, it's not going to help."

Who are those "right people" and "different sources" from whom Sheppard is seeking advice?

"I'm taking anything I can," Sheppard said, laughing. "Teammates, coaches, family, old coaches ..."

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