Back to Work Monday
Posted on February 4th, 2008 – 1:30 PMBy Michael Russo
It was back to work for the Wild down at Parade Ice Garden this morning after most players attended a teammate’s Super Bowl gathering yesterday.
Jacques Lemaire put the team through an up-tempo, intense practice in which there were several heated battles along the wall. Stephane Veilleux, at one point, looked like he was going to pull a Ryan Hollweg on a few guys, but he refrained thank goodness.
Lemaire finally whistled practice dead after one shift in which poor Petteri Nummelin got hammered by Marian Gaborik, then got slew-footed by Todd Fedoruk.
Nummelin looked like he hurt his knee, although he seemed to shake it off.
This was clearly to get the team ready for Tuesday’s matchup against the best team in the NHL, Detroit. The Red Wings have won seven in a row (third winning streak this season of six or more games). They have 40 wins in 54 games. They are 27-4 in games decided by two or more goals. To put that in perspective, the Wild is 16-15 in such situations.
Think about that for a second. The Red Wings have lost four games this season by more than a goal. Think about that!!! I’ll pause for 10 seconds while you think about that.
……………………………. 
Jacques also had defenders play with their sticks upside down today (in other words, holding the blade) in an attempt to try to promote the Wild skating with the Red Wings rather than hooking, etc.
Mark Parrish (head) practiced fully today. Then I watched him put his stick in a bag and nearly tip over. He clearly lost his balance, although he quipped it was a heavy stick.
I’m no doc, but after talking to him for a bit, he’s clearly foggy (sorry Parrish, but you are) from the Columbus game and I’d be shocked if he played tomorrow. To make matters worse, Parrish is on his way to see Dr. Nanne to get a new tooth from the Vancouver game a few weeks back.
Bad few weeks for Parrish.
Seems like this happens a lot to the Wild this season, but the NHL’s First Star of the Week is Pavel Datsyuk, who comes in tomorrow, and Second Star of the Week is Marty Turco, who comes in Thursday.
Lastly, I have been told by very good sources that General Manager Doug Risebrough has inquired about free-agent center Peter Forsberg. Like I mentioned last week, the Wild is interested, but it would be awfully tough to convince Forsberg to sign here.
Plus, according to two GM’s I’ve spoken to, anybody who signs Forsberg will probably have to sign him to a deal for next year, too, at around $5 million.
And since Forsberg’s missed this season, is clearly injury-prone and — maybe most importantly — since the Wild has enough contract issues with Demitra, Rolston, Schultz, Bouchard and Gaborik, I don’t see Risebrough willing to sign up Forsberg for another year.
Risebrough wouldn’t comment on Forsberg this morning.
One other thing, Risebrough’s been scouting a bunch of high school games recently. He said there might not be “another place in the world” that’s producing better quality and quantity right now than the state of Minnesota.
He brought up Hopkins. He scouted them the other day and said they have an eighth-grader that might be the best on the team.
By the way, Risebrough’s scouted Minnetonka’s Jake Gardiner twice recently and clearly likes him a lot. The Wild will likely be eyeing him a bunch down the stretch because he’s ranked 22nd among North American skaters, and the way it’s going, the Wild will likely be drafting in the 20s in Ottawa at June’s Draft. And assistant GM Tommy Thompson’s told me he would really like to add some top defenseman prospects at the Draft.
Risebrough also scouted Roseau defenseman Aaron Ness the other day.
I’m doing a Demitra-Gaborik-Fedoruk story for tomorrow since they’re playing so well. Demitra was a pretty terrific interview today on the subject. Late Russo note: The story evolved into solely a Gaborik-Demitra story. I’ll probably lead my game notebook Tuesday for Wednesday on Fedoruk’s influence on the line.
By the way, notice Miami University (Ohio), led by Wild prospect Ryan Jones, is still Numero Uno in the nation?
Bloomington’s Peter Mueller named NHL Rookie of the Month for January.
164 Responses to "Back to Work Monday"
Russo: question about a 2-year for Foppa…with so many teams obviously interested in him right now, why not give him the two-year and then try to trade him this summer?
forget foppa….focus on signing butch and schultz to long term deals…..
NiNY - you don’t think he’d demand a no-trade clause?
Also, I think signing Foppa would be fine if DR’s plan was to let Rolston and/or Demo go.
If the Wild don’t go after Foppa, then I hope the implication would be that we do plan to re-sign at least one of those two (preferably Demo).
I agree lets get the young guys locked up, they are part of the core that could be very good for years to come.
I am with WildNighter, no Foppa (I am assuming that is Forsberg)! I much rather see us get a rent a player (Marion Hossa) if need be to get through the play offs. A commitment to the long list of player we need to sign is much more important.
Wafer: he might, but if he does that takes us out of the running immediately.
I really don’t think we’re going to be a meaningful part of the negotiations for Peter.
WN- I’ve been hammering on this for weeks now that the Wild’s priority this summer ought to be Schultz, PMB, Demo, and Rolston in that order.
Unfortunately, as the Don pointed out, is the Wild prepared to give Schultz $3-4 mil a year, thus tying up $12 mil a year on the blue line?
Agreed. Foppa isn’t the difference this year between a Cup Parade and a1st round exit. Worry about getting PMB and Schultz locked up; then figure out what to do with Rolston and Demo; then figure out how many years and how many dollars to give Gabby; then worry about getting someone in here in the next 22 days to help make a playoff push.
NiNY - just read your C-Bus recap. Nice work. One comment you made jumped out at me because I was thinking this last week - Adam Foote would look good in a Wild sweater. He’s also a UFA after the season, so could be dealt if the BJs fall out altogether by the end of the month.
Like I said in the last post, leave the team alone. Sign are young studs before another team swoops in and gets them.
We can worry about making changes over the summer.
Hockeydad: thanks! When Foote was in Denver I used to think he would be a Norris winner if they valued defense over offense with that trophy.
Willie Mitchell is a poor man’s Adam Foote on his best night.
I’m suprised that Parrish is just foggy and lost a tooth! Mark takes a beating every night in front of the net.
I keep telling you that DR (because of Leipold’s prodding) will make a serious run at Forsberg and sign him to a 2 year deal.
I detailed in a previous entry (too lazy to re-post it) how to make it work with salary and PMB and Schultz.
You gotta believe.
ss6…Mrs. kj has an appointment at that wellness center later this month.
I hope it isn’t too spendy…we need to buy our playoff tix.
The Grease lose Horcoff for the season. Now they will be sellers for sure. But doubt they will deal with us. Supposedly Stoll and Pitkanen available as well of course as Roli.
I have always had an extreme dislike for Adam Foote, but it is amazing how much more you like a player when he has the correct sweater on!
K-Lowe will deal with us if it’s in his best interests. What would he want for Stoll?
True dat, spamsmom…I would also guess that the reasons you hate Adam Foote are exactly what would be so valuable to the Wild (other than his ugly mug).
Take these for what they’re worth (nothing), but the Ws jumped to #4 in TSN’s latest power poll
I hear ya, spamsmom. And my dislike for Foote has grown stronger since he’s been a BJ. But he plays with an edge to him that I would like much better if he were a W.
Oh, and I’m still learning these html codes, which I apparently screwed up. Here’s that link to the TSN poll: http://www.tsn.ca/fantasy_news/feature/?fid=548
NiNY - Nice breakdown of the trip. Nice assesment of Buffalo too. I flew in and out of there several years ago for the honeymoon with Mrs. BNAG and found it to be about as entertaining as watching flies; well ya know. Thankfully upon arrival, we drove out of town immediately and only stayed one night to catch the flight home.
Reading of TSN, I was viewing their latest power rankings (I know, take with a truck load of salt), but they have Nashville listed at #5, just behind the Wild and ahead of the likes of Dallas, SJ, Ana, Cal and NJ. Is it a prerequisite to snort pocketfulls of blow prior to starting your workday at TSN.ca? I am just curious because it is obvious that whomever put the poll together hit the booger sugar real hard before posting it.
DB - I think Scott Cullen is mainly responsible for it, but I also think it’s impacted by their player rankings.
As for Foote wearing the correct jersey, there’s an old Seinfeld routine where he talks about how we love a player when he plays for us, but hate him when he’s on the enemy team. He surmises that we’re all just cheering for laundry.
Froppa would be a nice addition but at what cost? I think DR has to worry more about his guys now, than adding anyone else. Get Schultz and PMB locked up long term, decide on either Demo or Rolston, not both and then go from there. I don’t think they are going to mortgage the future for rent a player when they might lose some of their own guys anyway.
OK, no stealing of thoughts 
February 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Agreed. Foppa isn’t the difference this year between a Cup Parade and a1st round exit. Worry about getting PMB and Schultz locked up; then figure out what to do with Rolston and Demo; then figure out how many years and how many dollars to give Gabby; then worry about getting someone in here in the next 22 days to help make a playoff push.
NiNY re forsberg. i don’t think anyone wants him for next year so trading him might prove difficult.
Not surprised to read SS6 talking about young studs again.
G*: If that’s the case then you’ll see him drop the 2-year demand pretty quickly, no?
i think he is betting that some team will want him bad enough for the end of this season to pay him for next. i know philly already says he is loaded to the gills with cash but if that were so then why the 2 year deal demand for any price?
and if no team wants to give him $5 for next season he will sit out and maybe try signing in off season
kj, you haven’t posted any comments about the Wild broadcast team in this thread. Are you feeling ill, since some people think this is all you talk about? 
I’ll keep checking your ‘touring’ schedule to see when a trip to Throwbacks may be in order.
Anyone else here think that Tom Petty was going to start calling out for ‘Carol Ann’ during the halftime show? He’s beginning to look like that creepy dude from Poltergeist 2!
Petty sure has aged, but I thought that was a pretty good 4-song set. Just wish he could have played a little more other than songs from Full Moon Fever.
Any news on the rumor Nummelin signed a deal with HC Lugano?
kj: Hopefully Leipold will stay out of the way (at least for now until everyone who has to, has signed off on the deal) and let DR & Co. run the team as they see fit. They really haven’t been doing a bad job, save for one (Skoula) deal and one (2004) draft.
NiNY: Read your blog. Great stuff on the trip to Columbus. And you brought home a winner! Makes the slog thru Buffalo worth it!
Woodcock: Shawn Horcoff’s surgery could be the death knell not only for the season for the Grease but for the jobs of both K-Lowe and MacT as well. As bad as the Grease have become, they are way on the outside looking in. And, they have the Flames at home tonight. Should be worth a look-in on Center Ice…
Censors probably wouldn’t allow him to play ‘Last Dance with Mary Jane’, then you are going back to the late 70’s for anything else substantial. I think next year they need Alice Cooper doing the halftime show instead of being in the commercials (think the censors would allow him to do ‘Cold Ethyl’ or ‘I Love the Dead’)?
I would love to see Adam Foote in a Wild jersey, but unless we can offload Kimmy J’s salary or he retires due to post Brad May traumatic Syndrome, there’s no way we can afford him with having to keep Schultz.
Hockeydad: not to split hairs, but American Girl is not on FMF…
CuJo in net for the Flames tonight, BTW
NiNY, the remainder of his set was from FMF. So 3/4 was from one CD (albeit a very good CD).
Yeah, as much as I am not a fan of the rental player (at least not for this team this season), I was more or less thinking of Foote as a rental player for this season only. Shouldn’t be a problem to fit his prorated salary under the cap.
I was being a little sarcastic, NiNY - 3 of the 4 were from FMF (which I actually liked very much), though. No biggie - this mini-concert format of halftime shows is MUCH better than the old Vegas-style productions.
Would be nice to see the Grease and Yotes pull out a couple of “Ws” tonight. Would give the Wild a 3-pt lead with 1 and 2 games in hand respectively. Doesn’t sound like much, but in the NW Division, that’s considered breathing room.
I hear ya’ El Gato/Hockeydad…just keeping us Russotans on point with factual info, so as not to anger the lurking thought police.
I’ve seen TP four times in concert (twice in the TC, once at McNichols Arena (RIP) and once at Red Rocks)…huge fan - and they put on a great show.
So that’s why Horcoff’s value dropped like a rock in my fantasy league! I traded him out for Peter Mueller this morning after I saw the value plummet, here’s hoping Peter goes Ovechkin on Colorado tonight (and Bryz gets the shutout, not askin for much, am I). Go Grease, win one for the Horcoff!
No Bryz tonight, Tell gets the nod.
NiNY - They do love their “POWER PLAY” in Columbus don’t they?
…as for the college hockey comment - the CCHA is the cup-cake division in this nation. Let Miami and Mich run the top 2 spots until tournament time, then the WCHA will clean house - 9 of the 10 toughest schedules are played by the WCHA. This will pay off in a few months (if they don’t kill each other first)
By the way, notice Miami University (Ohio), led by Wild prospect Ryan Jones, is still Numero Uno in the nation?
dangler… I think you are missing the point of that particular tidbit of information.
El gato,
the poltergeist reference to TP was spot on..I’m still laughin’!
Eddie Shore: If you think they love their ‘POWER PLAY’ in Columbus, wait until you get a load of Nashville. They REALLY LOVE THEIR “POWER PLAY”!!! (if you get what I mean)
Parity, parity, parity. The Wild’s 3-pt divisional lead is the 2nd largest in the League. Ouch!
ARGH. No Bryz vs a depleted Avs? Cripes, that sucks! Thanks for nuthin Eddie.
Am I making this up, or was the PA announced in C-bus also informing the crowd of each offsides call?
“Parity, parity, parity. The Wild’s 3-pt divisional lead is the 2nd largest in the League. Ouch!”
Yet, there are only 3 teams in the league with more wins than the Wild.
The 3-point game that’s seems to occur on a nightly basis really sucks. Would like to see them go to 3 pts for a win and 1 pt for an OT or shootout loss. Need more than a 1-pt separation for winning a game in OT or in a shootout. Keeping way too many sub .500 teams around for the playoff push. I know the League wants as many teams in it as possible, but mediocrity should not be rewarded.
NiNY - lol on your 3:15 comment. Yeah, there was probably a good chance someone will disagree with something I will say tomorrow, and then use my comment that all 4 songs TP played being from FMF as “Exhibit A” as to my practice of posting clearly inaccurate comments. That’s been about the speed around here lately.
not that I heard, hockeydad.
OK, I thought I heard that somewhere, but now can’t place it to the game I was watching. Maybe I was making it up. I should be careful about that around here.
Lest the thought control officers gets to you, Hockeydad!!
OK.. if not Foresberg, who can we add that would actually help get the Wild into the final rounds of the playoffs?
(looking for expert speculation from the Russolanders)..
time for a franchise to step up and act like they want to win the big one AND win consistently.. The Wild has shown the most in this area, but now they need to get that final piece or two and win now..
If we could get him… the completion of the Slovak Shower would be a great help indeed! Too bad the BFF says it won’t happen.
but now they need to get that final piece or two and win now.
so since you ask, what would that final piece be and how do you know that it is the final piece?
As long as we’re deamin’, I’d take Jokinen to center Demo and Gabby. Though, an argument could certainly be made that the Slovoks are doing just fine with Fridge. As stated above, as a rental player goes, I think Foote would also help on the blue line, but only at a modest price.
UND’s Hakstol was suspended 2 games for some sort of inappropriate hand gesture over the weekend.
Yeah, he gave the ref the bird.
El Gato…sorry to disappoint but that horse has already turned to glue. Oh, and fab AC references.
There is a difference between DR mortgaging the future and him investing in it. To get Forsberg, he will not have to give up anything except salary. That is the only reason I still believe.
Next year’s Wild will look much different than this year anyway so he’s getting a head start. Besides, he didn’t want to talk about it because he did not want the media coverage to pay attention to him.
And yes, “Fedoruk saucers a pass to Gaborik…he scores” does not have any earthly right to be uttered, but there it is. He’s doing a great job playing a different role than anyone (especially me) thought he could.
WRT…owners (even with just one foot in the door) can make hockey decisions.
kj: IF the owner knows what he’s doing, and not pushing the hockey staff to do things which would sabotage the team.
Now, just heard on XM NHL Home Ice that IF Forsberg signed for two seasons (the rest of this and all of next), his salary would NOT count against next year’s cap if he declares himself retired/ineligible by July 1st. (Forsberg turns 35 on July 24th.)
From Russo, above:
Late Russo note: The story evolved into solely a Gaborik-Demitra story. I’ll probably lead my game notebook Tuesday for Wednesday on Fedoruk’s influence on the line.
You trying to prepare us for something, Michael? Something special? Like a third Slovak Showermate?
SS6: thanks for the link. Don’t worry about being nosey, and yes it’s more than just losing weight.
I’m not so big on bringing Forsberg here. His injury and age make me leery of him despite how good he is. I guess will have to wait and see how things play out. It will be interesting how things might change with new owner, even though he’s said he’s not changing things.
huh, WRT, that IS quite a little teaser, isn’t it?
Ain’t it so, Hockeydad?
Late Russo note: The story evolved into solely a Gaborik-Demitra story. I’ll probably lead my game notebook Tuesday for Wednesday on Fedoruk’s influence on the line.
I guess I don’t understand what that means, and how it might be a teaser for a possible addition to the team
so since you ask, what would that final piece be and how do you know that it is the final piece?
i should have added, and what would you pay for it.
forsberg would probably be worth our remaining cap space this year, it is next season that scares me a little.
It doesn’t really mean anything ‘Slinger, but we can dream can’t we?
Me too Gunslinger. I know how a story can just instantly change into something else after doing a few interviews. It could be nothing at all… or it could actually be a teaser. Who knows.
Agreed, Green* - what we have to give up and how that hurts the future is what scares me about all these potential deadline deals. If one felt like the team was on the brink, then I suppose one would be willing to be more bold despite the price. I’m not one of those persons.
It always seems that when the Wild play Columbus, Foote takes at least one undisciplined penalty. Lemaire would not stand for that. That is why I doubt the Wild would make a play for Foote.
Agree with Mort re: Foote. Besides, he is 36 years old, which would make him impossible to move if he is not an UFA after this season ends.
oooook just got caught up here reading everything…My 23rd b-day is today btw…anywho those TSN rankings are a little wierd…Ottawa drops from #2 to #17 in a week? Very strange…I don’t think the Wild would fare much better with Forsberg….Out of curiosity…with everyone saying we need a center…what if we dealt for Vaclav Prospal - 50 pts already to go with Demo/Gabby? He’d be a rental but would get some points on the LW and would cost next to nothing. $1.9M in salary this year and 33.
Oh…and he’s Slovakian…
Add one more to the Slovak Shower eh Lemmi?
Hey, we might as well field the whole Slovakian Olympic team. Then Gabby and Demo would never leave! There’s no sense in doing anything half-assed.
I’m with you on that one Lemmi. Hey you live in CO. right?
Yea that’s right GreenStar I love me some young stud so let’s get them signed already.
Forsberg - no way no how.
Happy B-Day Lemmi. My 28th is in a week. Good month for birthdays. Now all we need is a Wild Winning February.
Grease up 2-0 on the Flames after one…Pisani and Penner.
CuJo!
CuJo!
CuJo!
Woot! Go Oil!
Hey Hockey Dad - there is a very easy solution to not having to worry about the ‘lurking thought police’ that you and Nuck in New York call it: Just post actual information. Don’t spread bull ‘fertilizer’ all over the information super highway.
Opinions are Great!!!
But throwing around untruths, or non-facts, or lies (whatever you want to call it) and/or statements encouraging people to criticize others because they are in ‘Public’ positions is extremely ignorant and irresponsible. It is also a good way to become actually farther away from your team, then closer to it. (i.e. roadtrips, etc…)
So for the exact same reason that the negative people want to try and sway the masses on this blog with their hatred - I will try to do the same and keep some checks and balances with the actual facts.
Will…who appointed you Blogmeister?
We criticize people because this is a blog and they suck…
I guess everything is ok as long as it is your truth, eh?
actual facts
ok, 6 or so posts now and no facts. you may start anytime.
“Opinions are Great!!!”
You sure don’t act like they are. That is the only thing I read on here are opinions. Last time I checked nobody here has claimed to be the be-all-end-all hockey know it all.
I was in a similar boat when I first started posting here. I was outraged by the negativity and the way these folks talk about the Wild organ-eye-zation. But then after awhile I realized that it’s all in good fun. Debates are what forums are all about. You obviously can’t handle that. Instead of posting about how many “lies” others are spewing forth, why don’t you just back up your argument with Facts? You seem to be keen on those, so start using them to your advantage. Prove the haters wrong. If you can.
ATX…shhhhhh…
NO facts, really…
I pointed out yesterday that road trip on wild had the goldberg situation incorrectly posted..
Greenstar tried a little damage control saying that only 4 people have moved in 7 seasons around him. Actual fact is 5 SETS of tickets have moved within 2 rows….HMMMMM - sounds like somebody else has the facts wrong there.
And nobody appointed my blogmeister..But when the posts are constantly criticizing people because ‘they suck’ in your opinion, then I guess you need to hear when your posts fall into the same category.
Is that info good enough..
If you want your own private site when the 6 of you critics can hammer people with no recourse - then go ahead and start one. On this site however, you will be held accountable for your misinformation.
Hopefully this site can evolve into a sharing of ideas, not a place where the cyber bullies run free.
Russo, did he happen to mention that 8th grader’s name from Hopkins?
Actual fact is 5 SETS of tickets have moved within 2 rows….HMMMMM - sounds like somebody else has the facts wrong there.
how can this be a fact when it isn’t true? I’m the one sitting there. I’m the one that sees the same people every year except for the guy on the end the moved to the 200 level because he wanted to cut down on ticket cost.
Is that info good enough
not really.
On this site however, you will be held accountable for your misinformation.
with more misinformation? good tactic.
ok. done feeding
Will, how do you know how many seats have moved out G*’s section? I just want to know where you find such information.
stortini just fought for the 2nd time and he has a wierd style. he kinda rolston hugs the guy and throws some wild rights from left field. hard to punch him because it would be like punching yourself. effective i guess.
calgary game is getting out of hand
Data is available for every seat in the building: % of times that tickets go unused, % of times that tickets are resold (website only), % of movement per seat/row/section (i.e. select a seat, cancel, company upgrade)…Even data on which section buys the most merchandise (when discount used)..Data is a wonderful thing.
Is that Chicken Parm doing color on Oil-Flames game?
perfect night for the Wild…Flames and Avs lose (the Avs get the loser point though).
Edmonton looked very strong IMO. And Sanderson can still fly.
Will, I had no idea that was available. Crazy.
At least Colorado only got 1 point tonight. Way to go Oil!
Will: honestly, get over yourself. You don’t represent the truth anymore than anyone else here. That is a mighty fine ego you’re stroking though.
PS: your statistical categories above don’t prove anything about people leaving because of any other person in a given section. Don’t come on here and tell people to back their stuff up with facts and then not bring any facts. And data may be a wonderful thing, but you only mentioned data categories - not data itself.
Sorry…so far you’re still just another self-marginalizing dolt with electricity and a computer in mommy and daddy’s basement.
Sounds like Nuck in New York is now the bitter one. Just keep tagging along on roadtrips and bragging to your neighbors…
You asked for the facts 5 posts ago, and now you don’t like the answers…
Very weak on your part. Don’t worry - I will be around when your next erroneous post gets exposed..
I say the Wild shoot for Olli Jokinen. He has a lot of talent that a lot of people haven’t seen. This would definitely be a steal if the Wild pursued him.
AustinTX: yessir I do live in Boulder. Kgopher: Happy 28th!
Beer factoid of the day that may interest only me: Old Chicago in Boulder was trying to get rid of beer not on their new menu. Here were the $2 bottles of the evening:
Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout
Ft. Collins Chocolate Stout
Dogfish Head Brown
Best $12 I ever spent!
Wow, that was a damn fine investment, Lemmi. I should find out if the OC around here pulls such shenanigans.
Happy birthday BTW.
Tip of the hat to Phoenix and the Oil, especially Garon and Cujo.
Well I was going to post something stunningly humorous…
I calmed down.
Ok, maybe not.
657+987=2
1-3=15
3*4=10,000
Have fun Will!
So DR saying in the Demitra/Gabby story “We need Pav” - does this say to anyone else that we may see Demo getting re-signed at the end of the year? Or is that just indicative of us needing him for the playoff run?
Ok, who forgot to put the Kool-aid mix into the water supply last night?
Roland I think he’s just saying that the team needs Demo to be producing and playing well at both ends.
However, I have been a vociferous advocate of signing him this summer before we even look at Rolston. Of course, I also think that signing PMB and Schultz are a higher priority than either #12 or #38.
Kool-aid mix
purplesaurus rex?
slinger i think it means what wafer said, that we need pav playing well this year and says nothing to next season.
I am very interested to see how the boys measure up against the mighty red machine tonight.
Remember how Russo pointed out a couple weeks ago that the Wild were even in goals differential in all periods and OT/SO? They now enjoy a +7 advantage, all in. That ain’t much, obviously, but it’s improvement, and indicative of the current 4-out-of-5 streak they’re on.
Have to thank the Yotes and Oil for keeping the Flames and Avs off our tush’s a bit. And I love seeing the Canucks out of the top 8. Those are all happy things for me.
Catching up on a couple weeks of stuff here, Wild doing great in my absence.
There are some persistant Forsberg rumors?
If I was GM, bringing Forsberg out of the rest home would not interest me in the least. Hopefully, the new owner will be willing to provide the $$$ but not trying to reinvent himself as a GM taking over the hockey operations department on who should be signed.
Schultz and PMB are proving to be key parts of this team. Presumably, the Wildcan find the cash to keep them.
As others have indicated, I think Jokinen would be a great addition, but maybe now, with the team’s fortunes rising 12 and 38 have again became key long term ingredients.
The Flames looked horrible last night. Give some credit to the Grease, but Keenan’s boys looked awful.
Matt Cooke Sux!!!
Should be a good one, it seams Hasek is going to get the nod tonight.
On another topic, with Horcoff out for the season(although the greasers played great last night) and now the oil looking at a bottom 5 record in the NHL, that would mean the Ducks have a top 5 pick in the ‘08 draft sans the ridiculous Penner offer.
Does Burke make the “big splash” move this year?(Sundin, Hossa)
I’d say he’s in a very nice position to do so.
So, is there just no chance that we get Mats Sundin? My impression of him has been very positive but maybe someone knows better. And he’s a center.
WRT, Foote is a UFA after the season, which would be the only reason I would be interested in him (and probably the only reason the BJs would move him), but even then only if the price is right (i.e., low). I’m not sure about the “undisciplined” penalty thing one way or the other. I just like that the guy seems to play with an edge, something generally lacking on our blue line.
Apparently a lot of cowboys here this morning….
Wow, Just looking at nhlnumbers.com and this stood out.
After this season we have 8 RFA’s and 5 UFA’s. That’s 13 players that DR needs to sign or replace!
After next season, at this point we have only 3 UFA’s and 1 RFA. Skoula’s one of the UFA’s BTW.
Looks like if DR can weather the storm this year, and assuming he doesn’t sign too many 1 year deals, after next season he’ll have an easy summer.
Boy, Eddie, Delta Burke sure has the assets to make a big splash, doesn’t he? Scary thought.
DB - I don’t think you’re allowed to say that someone “sucks” (or derivations thereof) here anymore unless you offer up cold hard facts for such an assertion. Otherwise, that’s just an opinion.
sundin has a no trade clause. i think that will be an issue with him coming here.
the flame looked off last night and appeared to become more interested in hitting people and not scoring goals. Have they put out an amber alert for iginla?
if delta can make the cap space to get a hossa or sundin, i think he will. it appears the time is now for the ducks to win it all again as they appear to have some serious cap issues for next season. i’m not a capologist but it looks that way to me.
Eddie Shore says:
On another topic, with Horcoff out for the season(although the greasers played great last night) and now the oil looking at a bottom 5 record in the NHL, that would mean the Ducks have a top 5 pick in the ‘08 draft sans the ridiculous Penner offer.
Man, that isn’t a happy thought.
Yeah, thinking about that is a little bit of a buzz kill.
HockeyDad:
If we cannot agree, and that includes Will or any others of his ilk, that Matt Cooke Sux, than we do indeed have to turn the lights off in Russoville and read quietly amongst ourselves until we all go to the big Warming House in the sky.
G*: They were going to put out the Amber Alert on Iggy but he showed up in the third period - with his breezers stapled to the Flames bench.
I don’t think you’re allowed to say that someone “sucks” (or derivations thereof) here anymore unless you offer up cold hard facts for such an assertion. Otherwise, that’s just an opinion.
You forget the Matt Cooke clause in that rule, HD.
Road schedule looks nice for Wild for the last couple of months of the season. Roads games are usually tough, but the Wild’s final 14 away from the “X” includes just two that look, at least on paper, to be brutal (SJ & Cal). No trips to Det, Dall, Ana. Too bad the game’s not played on paper, right Patriots fans?
IMHO, Matt Cooke, Jarko Ruutu and Todd Bertuzzi do indeed suck.
Henrietta and Danielle suck, but for different reasons.
Norm Green sucks (even though he seems to be related to Green*)
I am not going to say Will sucks. He is entitled to give his opinion (and his version of the uncheckable facts surrounding the Green* Movement Theory) even if it sucks.
even though he seems to be related to Green*
in color only
Rogue: in addition to the other reasons previously mentioned, I think we’re not likely to be in the Sundin discussions because he’s unlikely to stay here after this season.
So, presuming the Leafs want something like a 1st round pick, a young stud and a well-touted prospect for Sundin, I don’t see DR giving all that up for 20-30 games plus 10-14 playoff games (max).
Super Tuesday = Wild v. Wings - Let’s Go Wild!
NiNY: I doubt the Wild will be buyers this year, simply because of all the “issues” that will surround this team this summer. I would say the Wild would seem to be buyers next summer, provided they are in the thick of things in the West, since their UFA and RFA list will be dramatically different going into the 2009 summer than it is going into the 2008 summer. I didn’t check all my facts, however, with this, so take this with a grain of Will, er, make that salt.
Meant to type “buyers next trade deadline” not “next summer”. See what happens when you don’t check your facts.
It’s Fat Tuesday!! Where’s my beads? I have some around here somewhere. Hopefully Fat Tuesday will be lucky for our boys.
Deep: I pretty much agree. That’s not to say I wouldn’t like to see them bring in a pivot, but I don’t think they will at this point.
This message has not been approved by Stats, Inc. or any other statistical or factual data reporting organization. It contains opinion solely belonging to the poster and does not represent the views of the website on which it appears, nor the parent company nor any subsidiary of same of the website.
I think the odds are high that if DR adds someone over the next few weeks it will be a player with a contract that lasts at least through next year. However, if it is a guy like Dominic Moore, DR might want to run it by JL first.
Note to Will: I am not DR so this is an opinion! Hope that is OK.
Where’s my beads?
I have some beads at home, from a previous trip, but i’d have to make you pay for them.
NiNY - I like the way you think. We all need disclaimers at the end of our posts similar to the “forward-looking statement” disclaimers at the end of press releases issued by public companies.
Hockeydad: it’s all disclaimers nowadays!
Past performance does guarantee future results. Before investing, investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses.
It’s sad to think that places like this are not even safe from the hyper-litigious sense of entitlement in America these days.
As Larry the Cable Guy says, “I’m going to sue Hustler magazine for giving my wrist the carpal tunnel…”
If it’s not all disclaimers, it’s all ballbearings.
Couldn’t agree more, NiNY and I’m a securities lawyer paid to draft those disclaimers (making me one of the only ones to read them).
I am beginning to think Will is really Will the Shill, probably employed at 317 Washington St. in St. Paul.
oh man…you guys (securities lawyers) rule!
Seriously, whenever I get really frustrated with the hoops our legal department makes me jump through when I’m doing a report or a piece of literature I remember that their regard for the sacred commandments of FINRA and the SEC has kept my firm out of trouble over the last fort-year (knock wood).
Wouldn’t you say that Toronto has ZERO leverage when it comes to moving Mats or anyone on their rostor?
Everyone knows their situation, the jackals in Toronto have the Leafs moving various players(even though the players often mentioned have no-trade clauses) but no viable takers for said players. Really, who is going to trade for Darcy Tucker or Blake giving their hefty contracts?
Toronto’s only play is Mats, but what they receive in return isn’t exactly what one would believe.
Eddie: the one thing offsetting all that is that it’s such a seller’s market. With so few teams clear sellers and so many teams still potential buyers, demand has to be greater than supply right now.
and, wouldn’t toronto be better off getting a 3rd pick for sundin than keeping him for the last month and half?
Last season, teams paid ridiculous prices to acquire UFAs (e.g., Smyth, Forsberg, Tkachuk) from the non-playoff teams in deals. In the end, you’d have to say that NSH, NYI and ATL all made poor deals to acquire some big names at the deadline. Makes me wonder whether the lack of playoff success by those teams in 07 will help drive down the price for similar players this season.
I think that a team like Toronto could say to a buyer “You want Sundin, you take Blake too” or something of the sort. Some teams might be willing to do that if it means they don’t have to give up a stud, a prospect and a high pick.
I think that a team like Toronto could say to a buyer “You want Sundin, you take Blake too” or something of the sort.
I didn’t think of that and it would be a good approach for a team that is not just rebuilding but in need of new construction.
Warning…there were NO facts harmed during this blog post….
I still think that because we have so many issues with regard to UFAs and RFAs this summer, it would make us buyers. Because as DR said before (Will I am paraphrasing here) it is this group of players’ window to do something in the SCP.
He could (and in my meaningless opinion) and will (no pun intended) pick up Forsberg. He wouldn’t have to trade away any assets unless he wanted to remove someone from the roster without waivers.
do you college puck fans think Herr Coach Hakstol’s wrists were sufficiently slapped with his 2-gamer?
Does anyone thinkg the Wild will go after this Fabian Brunnstrom kid?
Sorry for the tangent. There is an article about him over at TSN
NiNY: Wooger only got 1 game in the ‘94 playoffs when he flung the Bird.
GS: Don’t think the Wild will go after anyone leading up to the 26th. Not to say they won’t listen or toss forward a token offer, but with the player issues they have before them, I don’t see them being in the mix.
Link to Brunnstrom story: http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/11323-Fabian-Brunnstrom-the-next-Daniel-Alfredsson.html
Sounds like a lot of people are “interested”.
Will - opinions are like a$$holes and every blog has one.
And I don’t remember anyone on this blog asking for yours.
They Wild are in a good place. They are playing with confidence, joy and poetry. (Little Bull Durham reference there) I am excited about tonights game. I think the boys will show up and give the Wings a good game.
How was that? Positive enough for ya
I also agree with DB. DR has enough on his plate without adding to the mix.
ss6…to paraphrase (I just learnded that word) a tagline on KFAN:
All the positivity in this blog sucks…
do you college puck fans think Herr Coach Hakstol’s wrists were sufficiently slapped with his 2-gamer?
I am fine with it but if the league suspends players, why do schools get to suspend coaches?
Not sure I understand your question, Adam. Why wouldn’t UND be able to discipline its coach (an employee)? Besides, as I read/understood yesterday, the WCHA was ready to discipline Hakstol if it determined UND’s actions were insufficient.
Yes kj it does. And I am proud to be a proponent of said sucky positivity. I should have been an English teacher
flipping the bird isn’t that big of a deal to me so i have no opinion.
blake has 4 years left and tucker 3.
you would really have to want sundin bad if you were willing to take on tucker or blake and their contracts. i think that hurts toronto more than helps.
they only way toronto could get out from under them is to buy them out. or find a GM that actually thinks they are worth it in the same way a certain GM though skoula was worth it. they could possibly trade them for a pick and a big salary that is set to retire at the end of this season. but i don’t see them having the leverage to hook either to a sundin deal.
Since someone else brought it up, any news on suspensions/disciplinary actions to players resulting from the fights at the end of the game? I haven’t seen anything.
st paul paper had this quote:
“The fans,” Lemaire said, “will throw us tomatoes if we’re not moving.”
maybe he reads this blog?
they also say parrish is out.
What’s with giving KimmyJ the A? Is it just to piss off the Finns on the team?
Lunch is served.
