Post-game thoughts Sunday
Posted on February 17th, 2008 – 11:04 PMBy Kent Youngblood
Whew. That was certainly not the easiest gamer to write on deadline.
There is so much to talk about, but let’s start here: Marian Gaborik.
Don’t know if those of you at home could get a sense for it, but on the game-winning goal the speed he displayed was breathtaking. When he saw the puck on Demitra’s stick and the opportunity looming he got up to full speed in no time.
After the game Jacques said he did nothing but watch Gaborik on the final play. He didn’t look at Demitra, or at the clock. Just Gaborik kicking it into high gear. I think he word he used was ”unbelievable.”
Jacques also threw in the opinion that Gaborik — the best player in franchise history — was playing his best hockey. As in ever. Far be it from me to disagree.
By the way, let’s throw Don Russo a bone here. Before the morning skate he sat down with Gaborik and they watched replays from Gabby’s five-goal game earlier this season for a story Russo is working on. Russo reports that Gabby got very fired up. And it’s clear he brought that emotion onto the ice Sunday night. Two great goals and a pretty assist. The Wild has a six-point lead in the Northwest as it preps for it’s stretch run. Having Gaborik on top of his game will make it that much easier.
Other topics?
-I, for one, did not think Backstrom was in top form Sunday. Yes, two of the goals were questionable. No, he should not be held responsible for the game-tying goal when Alexander Radulov was practically sitting on him. Still, I just felt he was fighting the puck too much.
–How nice was it to see someone not named Brian Rolston score a power play goal? It’s a good sign seeing Bouchard skating like he is right now.
–Good to see Parrish back in the goal column after having a series of bumps, bruises and injuries cool him down for a while.
That’s about it, for now. Don Russo will be back in action tomorrow.
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