Minnesota North Stars 1967-1993 = 26 seasons
Minnesota Wild 2000-2019+ = 18 seasons
Considering the popularity and growth of a franchise you would have to compare the current Wild to the 1984-1985 Minnesota North Stars.
If the Wild can make more significant push into the playoffs or even win a stanley cup sometime in the future, the feelings of fans may change more positively for this franchise.
I personally have fond memories of North Stars Hockey because of the arena, where it was located, the tailgating at the games, the atmosphere at Met Center, It just was all different. Less stale/commercial and more real. The North Stars had bad teams yes but it was an experience going to those games. Maybe its the difference between old time hockey and the newer product they are showcasing. Or maybe its my love for old hockey arenas vs the new ones. I have to admit that I really liked watching gopher games at the old barn...