Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Calgary; Wild relinquishes Northwest Division lead; Next move, Risebrough?
Posted on February 24th, 2008 – 1:03 PMBy Michael Russo
Somebody should figure this out, but what’s the fastest this late in the season a team’s squandered a six-point division lead?
The Wild might be close to the record. Seven days for a seven-point downturn in the standings. The Wild is one point behind the division-leading Flames after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat.
Wild played well, outshooting Calgary 39-16, but Wild killer Miikka Kiprusoff was fabulous and stole his team the two points.
And of course, there was controversy. The Wild felt it got the short end of Brad Meier’s washout of a tying goal in the second period. Two minutes later, what could have been a 1-1 score became a 2-0 Calgary lead.
Kiprusoff robbed Pierre-Marc Bouchard — NO GOALS in 23 games vs. KIPRUSOFF — on a breakaway. Aaron Voros, tangled with defenseman Jim Vandermeer, crashed the net. There was contact, the puck deflected in off, what looked to me, Vandermeer. But Kiprusoff fell into the net, and Meier waved off the goal citing that Kiprusoff had no chance to play the puck. The disallow rule is: If the goalie and puck enter the net at the same time when the goalie was pushed by an attacking player.
Two things: 1. Replays showed Kiprusoff entered the net after the puck. 2. There’s an argument whether Voros (the attacking player) pushed Kiprusoff.
Meier declined to comment when a pool reporter sought comment after the game.
In an email reply to me, NHL Senior VP of Hockey Ops Mike Murphy wrote: “Goaltender Kiprusoff was bulldozed into the net by Voros/ Vandemeer/ Phaneuf. The referee lost sight of the puck (which was shown on replay slow going into the far side of the net). Referee’s position did not permit him to see the puck go into the net , he lost sight of the puck as the players were sliding into Kiprusoff. He blew his whistle to kill the play because the goaltender was not permitted to do his job ( Rule 69.6, pg 95 ). He was interfered with by the sliding players, especially Voros.”
Interpret the way you want, but my question: If the rule says the goalie and the puck have to be pushed into the net together and the ref lost sight of the puck, how can Meier be sure his call is correct? He certainly looked convinced of his call when he emphatically washed out the goal.
Regardless, the Wild is suddenly one point from eighth.
The team is slipping, and things could really go south on this upcoming three-game road trip. The Southeast might be the SouthLeast, but you can’t be too comfortable playing back-to-back in Washington and Tampa against soon-to-be 50- (maybe 60-)goal scorer Alex Ovechkin, then going up against Tampa Bay’s Big Three (if 1/3 of the line, Brad Richards, isn’t traded, which I’m hearing he will be).
It seems to me like the Wild is in a fragile part of the season. The playoffs are certainly not a given for this up-and-down team, so the big question: Does GM Doug Risebrough deliver with something other than a “depth” move?
This team might not just need a spark, but a solution to some real problems that Jacques Lemaire mentioned post-game (see notebook Monday). The playoffs are not guaranteed.
Certain players simply don’t produce every game. It’s never known which players will bring 100 percent effort. I mean, in a game billed as a playoff game, the Wild had four hits! FOUR!
Could this team unearth a top player from another team, whether it be a center or a defenseman – maybe a gritty, high-scoring center like Florida’s Olli Jokinen?
After all, a fourth Florida scout watched the Wild play tonight for the fifth time in six games. Like I said a few days ago, I know the Panthers and Wild play this week, but wouldn’t you agree that’s a little excessive pre-scouting?
Of course, I can promise you the Panthers wouldn’t just give Jokinen away. It would have to be a deal that knocks their socks off. They’re under no pressure to trade him — he’s under contract for the next two years at a reasonable price. And the price could be way too much for the Wild, which is understandable.
But again, there’s suddenly pressure on management because things are slipping away. And you can bet Calgary and Vancouver will do something of note.
I was told that Columbus does plan to trade Sergei Fedorov and Atlanta Bobby Holik. Holik is 3rd in the NHL in faceoffs and would bring a physical presence. Wild cannot win a key draw. Honestly, on offensive zone draws, the Wild should just be preemptive and put a defenseman behind the defensive zone goal line because the puck is coming back guaranteed. It’s ridiculous, and a problem that hasn’t been addressed during the 3 years I have covered the team.
I also got a call from Philly on the way home from a writer, who hears Forsberg is back in play. I have not confirmed that from anyone official. I do hear Sundin is out, which means things should heat up Monday on Hossa.
Keith Carney played his 1,000th game. Does he get to 1,001 here? If the Wild trades for another defenseman, it could swing him elsewhere, or maybe Sean Hill or Petteri Nummelin (they’re scratched every night now, almost).
Talk to you from the nation’s capital Monday.
332 Responses to "Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Calgary; Wild relinquishes Northwest Division lead; Next move, Risebrough?"
I can’t imagine we want fridge teeing it up from the top of the circles on the PP
Carney’s kids are cute. Nice thing for the team to do for his 1000th game.
man…not many shots from above the circles are going to get past Kipper…especially with no one crashing…come on guys!
hey Russo - did Tanguay get hurt?
Voros just looks like a chump for the last 30 seconds of hockey…if you’re not going to do anything else, you can’t TAKE penalties.
Bandgeek, it would have happened 30 games earlier if he wouldn’t land in JL’s doghouse so often. 
well we’ve seen this script before this season…wild start out well, can’t get one, give up the first goal and then curl up into a fetal position.
They can sure be their own worst enemy.
Is it me or do both teams look like they’re skating through slush? That first period looked like both teams were still sleeping.
NiNY…you should write the game story.
I’ve seen this game over and over again this year - most recently @ Chicago.
How many scoreless minutes do we have piling up?
Are we approaching the ‘03 Conf Finals?
I like D’s end of period comment:
“In spite of the scoreboard, the Wild had a good period.”
In spite of the final score, the Wild had a good game.
In spite of the standings, the Wild had a good season.
Ugh. I need something good to happen!
Hmmm.. I thought the game started at 2pm. I sit down and it’s first intermission… and we are down by a goal. Not good.
Hey NiNY, is it just me or is the on ice sound being drowned out by the commentating? Pluse those guys do not sound excited to be there at all.
One more thing… where is the MN crowd?? I have never heardsuch a quite crowd.
Everything Calgary does is a penalty to our announcers, shut up!
Geez…not even 4 on 4 can help the flow of this game.
Well, at least there is a PP. Not what I would call an exciting game so far. Neither team seems to really be that into it.
Please do something with this PP.
Austin the CI audio is all jacked up…
Burns needs to get into it, yep..
By the way: at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, one of the zambonis “blew up” and spilled its blood-red hydraulic fluid from about center ice all the way to one end of the rink. Game’s been delayed about seven minutes so far and probably will be a few more before they face-off.
wes, the calgary announcers aren’t any different,,, just opposite. Can’t win in the whine dept. this game
I guess it’s time to invest in a new Zamboni then eh?
Do you think Jokinen would’ve scored there?
Yer probably right Jim but Tuesday when we get the VS announcers, that’s where it’s at.
No Wes.
Please someone hit the flippin net!
New zamboni, new arena…
Damn we needed an ugly one like that.
Nice move by Butch. Too bad they won’t give them that one.
I like Bouchard I just thought it’d be funny.
No way. Voros’ hand was NOWHERE NEAR that puck. A flame knocked that sucker in. Lame.
What do they even do in Toronto if they didn’t reverse that?
can someone explain to me why that wasn’t a goal? The canadian announcers aren’t doing much good with that one..
exactly should have been an easy review
These Flames announcers are big time homers. I do not like them.
im with ya ATX - i’ve never heard such a man-crush before as these guys with Phaneuf
Need a brawl to jack the guys up, or turn out the lights.
shane, I dunno if a brawl is needed, but they definitely need a shot in the arm.
Backs just stood in his crease on that one…he has to come out to cut down that angle…brutal…and then he looked winded at the end of that last couple of chances…he’s not the only one that’s not bringing it today, but he is the only one we can substitute…
this is a prime example of why this bunch has no chance in the playoffs. No heart, no identity, no willingness to play for each other. I’m not just talking about this game, but the pattern of play this season that this game is merely the last example of.
“this is a prime example of why this bunch has no chance in the playoffs”
I hate when people say stuf like this. There is still time. And you have no idea what will happen in the SCP. Have a little faith. It’s not over till it’s over, and various other cliches.
Dammit…we really needed that one to go in.
Okay that is the second time the Flames announcers have called a Wild player a “Cherry Picker”. I Hate these jerkoffs.
Austin, hate to say it but Nick is right on.
shane you have no clue if he is or not. Can you see into the future?? I didn’t think so. Have some faith.
Austin you know I’m a big fan of your never say die attitude. but the Wild just hasn’t shown any playoff-quality moxie at all this season. Certainly not more than a couple periods at a time, and that only a few times that I can recall.
We have been given no proof that they will exceed last season’s playoff record at all to date.
Please dear god score one this period.
I’m trying to have faith Austin.
I would say they are playing pretty well in this second period.. Kipper has been a freakin wall. Or our guys just can’t finish… one of the two.
NiNY, I know.. but you can’t say there is no chance when you clearly don’t know. I think you are right that they MIGHT be put out early if they keep this up. But to say it so definitely, like it is a undeniable fact, is what annoys me.
Well at least we know we have a guy who will grab each of them by the balls in the room and demand accountability in the third, literally will the team to win….oh wait…my bad…
austin we don’t know ANYTHING about what we talk about here. I sit here and say I think PMB will be with the team past the deadline, but I don’t know, do I? I don’t recall that drawing your ire.
Isn’t that cherry picking (see what I did there?!) which of my baseless predictions to have a problem with?
Touche NiNY. I dunno, I guess I just expect fans to have an optimistic outlook regardless. but then again, I haven’t been jeded by being a Vikings fan for a long time like some other Minnesotans.
Don’t know if ive seen any worse refs in quite some time
Can you say Chicago?
I knew you could…
I love watching linesmen drop the puck… what nhl official does that with a 5 on 3?
Kipper played amazing that period.
I think there’s a fine line between realstic and negative, though, austin.
It didn’t feel to me as though we had 17 shots in that period.
With the Wild needing grit me thinks marty lapointe can be had for nothing.(great locker room guy also).
Fair enough NiNY.
Greg, I think more than half of those came in the last few minutes of that period.
It’s about damn time…Now let’s keep it up.
Hey just got home from work girlfriend told me Wild got one disallowed midway through the second Anyone know Why and if it was a good/bad call, she said the homer announcers thought it was a “terrible” call
Sweet. That’s a way to get back in it quickly.
Dan it was a fairly bad call. They said Voros pushed it in with his hand… but his hand was nowhere near the puck.
Bury that rebound Radio
ATX-Is that what they said on that delayed goal. On the Wild broadcast they said it was because Voros pushed Kipper into the net with the puck which was totally bunk.
I just don’t know wht that one was not reveresed since all goals are reviewed in Toronto.
I thought that they only review goals not no goals, I’m probably wrong.
Greg, I agree. Totally bogus call. I have no clue why they didn’t take a harder look at it.
I truly believe every freakin team that comes into the arena pays the ref’s before the game! Who’s with me?
My bad, I looked it up supposedly if it crosses the line they review it, I don’t believe them.
haham Wildlover.. It seems like it some days eh?
The Wild look pretty good this period. Except for that trip… dang.
Gabby…I’m used to those going in.
Come on Gabby! Put that one home.
I know it doesn’t count for 2 pts, but I like the effort again like I did on Wednesday night.
Greg I agree. The pace has picked up quite a bit, and the boys are showing some spark. Now they just need to bury one.
Dan - There was the replay. What did you think?
Apparently Belanger Slewfooted Kippy. These announcers are terrible.
whatever Belanger did, he didnt do it hard enuf. If he get’s a penalaty he should have taken KipperSOFT out of the game! I Hate him!
we had it for the better part of 1:30 there in the Flames zone and the only time we got it off the wall was on Burns’ chance at the very end…just awful.
SHAT…that one really stunk.
Awful is not what I would call it. I think they gave a vey sollid effort in the third. Kipper was just too good.
Wow we had 39 shots on goal and we missed the net on some glorious chances.
the third overall was better, no doubt. But at the end of the game, first place on the line, at home, divisional rival, down one, goalie pulled, everything calls for desperate…and we still can’t even get it off the wall?!?
With all due respect, Austin, to me that’s awful.
Give them that Voros goal back and it would have been a Wild W. Oh well. Get em next time boys.m Now worry about shaking off this little funk you are in.
Don’t be so down guys. That was a pretty good game. The Wild were fairly solid defensively, and got a lot of shots. Unfortunately, the Flames rarely got out of position in their defensive zone, and Kipprosoff’s game was sound. Had the refs not taken the goal away (no doubt it WAS a goal), we would be headed to OT with a point.
N in NY - One thing I have gathered from watching the Wild since their inception is that they are aweful with the goalie pulled.
It just seems that they can’t generate the quality chances that other teams seem to get.
After watching the game, it’s hard for me to see the Wild going far into the play-offs (think Jim Mora saying it)!!
NiNy, if getting it off the wall means the Flames get an easy empty netter, then I would rahter them attempt to cycle it to open up some space. Although you do need to give credit to the flames there… they kept the puck tied up very well. It’s not always all about what the Wild didn’t do you know; sometimes it’s about what the other team DID do. That was one of those times.
I agree Chris, but that still is not helping me out right now.
And, regarding the ‘funk’ we’re in, the game against Chicago was stolen by their goaltending. Not much you can do about that.
Keep those chins up, fans. Our luck will turn.
Yeah Chris, I wouldn’t pin this loss, or the Hawks loss, on the Wild really. It is a funk becaue we have lost three and can’t seem to put the puck in the net. But it’s not the Wild’s fault really.
Kipper won it for the Flames, with some assistance from the officials. Should’ve been a Wild victory.
.
Ok, I give up.
I am not allowed to voice my opinion.
Lots of soft shots that were easy to save.
Lots of shots that Missed the net.
Effort? Yeah, some.
Results? Nope.
More of the same? Uh huh.
Overreaction? No doubt!
Rebounds?
Usually cleared by their D.
the trade deadline is in a couple days. This is when you measure up and see whether or not you are one or two players away from a run at the Cup, or are just content to get to the dance, or else hitting Blockbuster for a movie and some popcorn on the couch while everyone else goes to the dance.
I believe this is a playoff team, and I frankly believe they could be one or two guys away from a run. But they just haven’t played like it consistently at all this season. Like many here, I think that missing piece is not necessarily the flashy top line guy, but the grizzled veteran, Braveheart leader type.
Now, I want to clarify that my expectation is NOT that they make a deep run into the playoffs this season. I still subscribe to the slow and steady growth model, and that means that I would be happy with just winning a round (as improvement over last season).
Perhaps that’s a Minnesota sports fan’s defense mechanism against heart break, I don’t know.
Last year you could argue they peaked too early. That certainly doesn’t appear to be the case this season.
kj, what rebounds?? There were not that many. Kipper was on. Not much else the Wild could have done. They applied the pressure, and they got some great chances. Kipper was on, and that’s all it takes sometimes.
Of those many shots, how many legit scoring chances? Not many more than Calgary.
How many times did our ’skill’ players miss the net? I think a goalie gets in their heads and makes them get too fine and try to pick corners too close.
Being a goalie, I know that when it looks like a lot of the shots are soft and easy, it’s usually because the goalie is always in position and is making them look easy to stop.
IMHO, that was the case this afternoon. Kippy was able to hold all the rebounds. Not flashy like Hasek, but it’s what wins.
The refs stole at least a point from us that game…hopefully the p1ssed offness is carried by the wild to “bring it” the rest of the season….this game there were many chances, they just frequently missed the net…I also noticed the WIld had their purses out today, hopefully they can grow a pair for the remainder..
“Last year you could argue they peaked too early. That certainly doesn’t appear to be the case this season.”
When you put it that way, it sounds like there is a posssibility that this inconsistient play could benifit the wild come the end of the season. Think about it. When they get to the playoffs maybe it will just click, and the team will mesh nicely. Frankly, I would rather have that than have what Detroit has. They meshed well and played great all season. Now it’s down to the end and they are literally flailing bad. If the Wild somehow manage to get it “figured out” as the playoffs start, we could be looking at quie the run. I know it’s being really hopefull, but it sound perfectly feasable.
Kipper was extremely good today. Not only did he make the tough saves, but he made a lot of saves where the puck hit him in the flaming C - even when he was moving. That mirrors what Chris said about a goalie just being on.
Give the Flames credit. They played a great road game.
ATX…there were at least 3 times where the puck was lying in the crease. I think 2 of the times were created by a Burns shot with him driving to the net.
Getting Boogy back is gonna be huge. Hopefully sooner than later. That’ll stop players like Hale and Pheneuf from taking the liberties they’ve grown accustomed to lately.
Yeah kj, I guess not all rebounds have to come out at least 10 feet a la Backstrom :P.
Oh well, I’ll brush this one off and go continue my COD4 time in the game room. laters! Go Wild!
kj, is the spirit of Forsberg upon us?
When will this team take the next step and win a big game? Being beaten by the other teams goalie is starting to get old. This team needs players who can put the puck in the net! It’s time to pull the trigger on a trade and give up a little of the future for a run this year. If DR is so confident of the farm system, it shouldn’t hurt to make a move.
phil…hard to see today…so much negative emotion clouds the mind.
I think he’ll be here tomorrow. And it won’t be soon enough. I am tired of seeing Radio ham-hand away good scoring chances.
yeah, radio rarely finishes the deal…he’ll make a good play and then let up…I’m like WTF?! You made a good play and now you’ll just sit back and admire it?!
wow that was a heartless effort, anyone who thinks the wild dont need boogie is clueless he makes a big difference in a game like that!
I agree with NiNY’s assessment about playoff expectations. Its hard sometimes to not feel the need to jump off the plan ship when your consider the pieces that could be gone this summer (Rolston, Demitra and Gaborik). BUT, then you look at the Schultz deal and it renews the confidence that I have in DR’s ability to build a better team year after year.
The question in my mind is this: Will we have a take a step back (miss the playoffs) in order to go from one or two series in the playoffs to making a few uns at it. I hope not. But when you fear that, it makes you panic and begin to believe that losing Demo, Rolston and/or Gabby later this year means making a move to take a run this year- ready or not.
Thats where a GM has to have some big b*lls and self confidence about his plan. I have niether and therefore am excited to see what they do and if it works.
BTW, didn’t see the game, but I hardly believe that Boogie would make that much of a difference. If he’s the team leader when it comes to physical play then we’re in big trouble cause he’s never gonna play more than about 3 min a game.
They need to trade for OJ and here’s why: They COULD lose Gabby sometime next year and be left without any big time scorers. They would at least have two years of OJ with a pretty reasonable contract. It’s looking more and more like Demo and Rolston be gone. The next highest goal scorer is Parrish with 15. Yikes…
you must not watch much hockey the rogue…with out boogie the wild have no physical presence, those 3 minutes hes on the ice will undoubtedly have an effect on the game. its ignorant hockey fans like yourself that make minnesotans look bad. i bet you think radio and steph and their 14 minutes a game of bad checking are much more important right?
RogueGopher
The telling story which I will be writing soon here on is the fact that some very talented players were not a factor in this game, to name a few Gaborick, Demitra, Bouchard. The NHL IS LIKE A CIRCUS when you look at how the referees call one game to the next.
How could you be a Wild fan and not feel like you were ripped off in that game. The physical play that Calgary laid on the boys did the job today
Bud…
And guys like you are why Blogs have a bad name. I’m not going to get into a who knows more about hockey argument with you but I will say that I watch alot of hockey and have believed this for some time. Those three minutes rarely result in any difference for the majority of the players. But, I’ve had this discussion a thousand times on this blog and don’t care to waste more time on it. You think he makes a big difference, I don’t. You are a hockey expert, I suck. I get it. Thank you.
As for today’s game, very frustrating. This whole week was. I’d like to see them make a move for a verteran center or a physical defender. Should be an interesting 48 hours.
Rogue I dont think you suck, you must just be a girls hockey fan right? I understand in that case, physicality doesn’t have an effect on the game. The other team having to look out for him at all times has no effect on the game. I’m not sure, but I would say CAL is one of the most if not the most physical team the Wild play. In that case having your most physical player out against them sure would hurt your chances. Look back on games when Boogie played against CAL vs those he didn’t. Thats my point, argue back if you want but I cant see any way around those facts.
The reason that Calgary takes us to task so often is that their team physicality is better. I’m not talking about a tough guy who plays 3-5 mins. I’m talking about multiple forwards and defenders who each play 15-25+ mins of physical play. Boogie can’t fight all of them and even when he does it doesn’t change the fact that the rest of the team gets puched around. My point is that Boogie by himself isn’t the answer. Boogie plus four guys who finish their checks and move guys from the front of the net would make a difference. I will grant that the occasional team will get fixated on Boogie (Edmonton is a sucker for the Boogieman). But they are the exception. We’ve had Boogie healthy and present for many more games that the WIld have looked soft in then games where he’s improved our team toughness. I don’t watch much women’s hockey and clearly niether do you if you think its not physical.
I agree rogue…I am a hockey expert… 
I’m thinking that a playoff run will not be determined by a player we receive in a trade. I think the playoff run will be defined by our skilled players. And how they battle. Or shrink away from the battle.
It is that characteristic that defines a team that is known as ’soft’. We have talked ad nauseum since last year about getting tougher and grittier. Up until now I thought it could happen by adding some players that were more physical. With our skilled players, I just don’t think that is something that will help. Because those players willing to pay the price don’t seem to be the problem.
It’s easy to talk about what’s needed or not from where I sit. And most of you will dispute what I am saying.
Make a big trade or don’t…I just don’t think it’s going to make much difference this year.
pushed around
Oh yeah…the Wild are 5 points ahead of Colorado. Last Sunday they were 6 points ahead of Calgary.
Hmmmm…
I am in utter disdain right now, like our Slovakian Mafia members of this club are…if they don’t at least ACT like they care anymore, why should I?
That was, at best, a rather putrid performance by the Wild this afternoon. No heart at all out there today. No sense of caring whether or not you make the playoffs. No sense of urgency from anyone on the ice (save for Burns and Schultz, both of whom had excellent games today)…Backstrom played like he was trying to pierce the fog in front of him all afternoon. But when the Mafia doesn’t feel like playing, the Wild suffer mightily.
Oh, and Colorado’s next game (after tonight)? Tuesday night at Calgary…
Rogue:
Check out “The Code” by Ross Bernstein. Having an enforcer like Boogy just sitting on the bench is enough of a deterrent to change the composition of the game, and keep it clean enough that skilled players like Gabby can do their job without being hassled.
As far as the overall physicality of the team: That’s not the Wild’s style. Just because it worked for Anaheim last year, it won’t work for everybody.
Putrid performance?! Nonsense. They outshot and outchanced the Flames. The Flames outphysicaled them but the Wild played hard and lost despite a number of good opportunities. Yes, we do seem to have trouble scoring and another scorer would really help but we played hard. Kipper played very well and Meier helped them. This game should have gone into OT and who knows what might have happened if the game was 1-1 when the goal was waved off by that clown Meier.
Chris N.
The Wild have always been pushed around by Calgary, whether Boogey was around or not. It didn’t help either when he got K.O.ed last year by Godard.
Hey look at that! For the first time in three months, I’m not a cowboy!
Chris N, I’ve read the book and find it both interesting and relevant. However, it doen’t change my observations that 1)people take runs at our skill players anyway and 2)Team physicality does not equal Anaheim 06-07.
The popluar argument about Anaheim was not just a physical team but one that racked up the penalty minutes because of their unwillingness to back down ever and instigate whenever possible. You don’t have to lead the NHL in penalty minutes to be considered physical or try to make yourself into Anaheim.
I believe that some aspects of the code are universal and that others are only enforcable by a team AND an enforcer. Not just an enforcer. I don’t want to be Anaheim (except for the whole cup thing) I just want our overall team toughness from non-skill players to improve.
Of course Meier was unavailable for comment because he blew the call and was not man enough to admit it.
woodcock: You could stop the Wild when 60-70% of the shots are from 40-70 feet out, like they were this afternoon. I stand by my original statement. They were putrid out there today. The afia didn’t want to play today. When they don’t no one else does, either, and then what do we get? 14-15 guys going thru the motions. I’m almost embarrassed to say that the wife and I are following them on the next road trip (to Tampa and Florida, not DC, though). The way this team is playing right now, looks like it will be a l-o-n-g week.
Russo: What is the NHL’s rules about referee post-game media questions? I know they can only have one ‘pool’ reporter asking them, but can the officials legally say ‘NO’ and that’s it? If this is MLB or the NFL, if they refuse, I believe they can be fined.
Well WRT you are and I were apparently at different games. They were around the net quite a bit but couldn’t put it in. Have fun in Fla. Stand by your statement. Frankly who cares? They lost and we can’t get those points back but they were not putrid. But again zero points equals zero points. By the way I suppose they weren’t around the net on the waved off goal or on Parrish’s goal.
i really don’t think the code applies much anymore. and the book was a horrible read. good idea but horrible read.
i’m beginning to think the wild can do nothing to please a lot of people here. first they need to shoot the puck more, now they are shooting the puck more but now they need more chances. the difference today was the wild power play is still bad, whoever left langkow wide open in front of the net for their first goal and kiprusoff.
look at the event summary, 39 shots, 13 attempts blocked, 17 missed. they were throwing rubber on the net. the only place besides the scoreboard, that calgary out played the wild is in hits but that isn’t the wild’s game anyway. the wild had a defensive breakdown for calgary’s first goal and i don’t know what lead to their 2nd except they were playing on tilt a little from the disallowed goal.
Perhaps that’s a Minnesota sports fan’s defense mechanism against heart break, I don’t know.
I was going to ask this yesterday with all the negativity floating around here. Are we conditioned that nothing good will happen or do we choose the negative side since, teams mostly fail so we end up right in the end?
I thought the boys deserved a better outcome today.
so was the no goal play a non-reviewable call? i can see it when the ref blows the whistle when he think the puck is frozen and it aint that there is nothing you can do but this explanation about kipper being pushed into the net seems like somthing a review could clarify. maybe not.
I think thats well said GreenStar. WHile there is no excuse for this weeks let down, I’m still pleased with this team and think they are an improvement from last year. Shots go up, shots go down. We win, we lose. But I don’t think there’s much reason to believe that the Wild can’t end the season at the top of the NW division.
JL pulled the goalie with about 90 ticks left. might be a record
On the first goal unfortunately Burns was going for a hit in the ccrner and was late coming to the net to cover. We are not all perfect and Burns made a mistake on that play and the Flames capitalized.
doesn’t JL have history with meier? might have been the first 3 years there was a stretch where i think meier actually said someting to JL akin to i’m going to f*ck you tonight. it got to the point where meier couldn’t do wild games. i think he blew a call an JL got on his arse and meier didn’t like that so to get back he made a few calls against us? it rings a bell but my memory is foggy. i think one of the events happened in colorado.
Sounds like the NHL can’t admit mistakes made by reffs.
G*, that was my recollection also so I was not happy when they announced it was Meier but who knew he would kill us on a call like he did. Figures though that he didn’t have the cojones to respond to questions.
Yep…that is why the Wild lost today.
Meier.
We need to petition the NHL as fans and make sure he doesn’t work the Wild games anymore.
It’s just not fair!!!
Good things usually happen when you shoot the puck. Kiprisoff had a very good game, but good teams find a way.
I think the Wild are good, but I stand by what I said earlier. One player will not alter this team’s destiny.
If the playoffs started Tuesday, we’d get Calgary in the 1st round. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? How about any of the other top teams in the West? Detroit? Dallas or Anaheim???
woodcock: Too much cycling = too many long-distance shots. Not wanting to get in and get ‘garbage’ goals = two points lost, never to return. Yes, Parrish’s goal was a rebound, and the ‘non-goal’ by Voros should have counted. We can argue that until St. Swithun’s Day. The fact remains that until a pair of Slovakian forwards who are supposed to provide offense actually want to play and do provide the offense we know they can, this losing skid will continue.
We know Kiprusoff is good. Playing as much as he has, he’d better be. Still, the Wild need to find a way to beat Calgary…and soon.
If the playoffs started Tuesday, we’d get Calgary in the 1st round. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? How about any of the other top teams in the West? Detroit? Dallas or Anaheim???
yikes. i say we just forfeit the rest of the season. save me some money.
Yep…that is why the Wild lost today.
Meier.
We need to petition the NHL as fans and make sure he doesn’t work the Wild games anymore.
It’s just not fair!!!
did someone actually say that meier cost us the game? i don’t recall.
WRT, we did try to get garbage goals–unsuccessfully except for Parrish’s and Voros’. The Slovaks did play–they just didn’t click and score. Anyway, I am on to the next game and chilling by listening to Dylan’s “Moonshiner” as well as the version of that on “I’m Not There” followed by 3 consecutive versions of the Dead doing Peggy-O. Chill.
In an email reply to me, NHL Senior VP of Hockey Ops Mike Murphy wrote: “Goaltender Kiprusoff was bulldozed into the net by Voros/ Vandemeer/ Phaneuf.
Murphy is f’ing liar….Voros didn’t bulldoze sh1t, it was Kiprusoff’s own players who did it, thus the goal must be allowed…that Gomer Meier should have thrown it to Toronto, instead we get idiot apologists like Murphy standing up for incompetence….and you can quote me on that. Morons.
sorry Green*…I wanted to eliminate the referee whining. If the call goes the other way, do the Wild continue to press?
If Radio or Gaborik bury one, do we even remember Meier’s call?
Aerosmith said it best…Same old song and dance.
Don’t worry, woodcock: I’ve kicked back and am watching the Avs-Oilers game on NHL Center Ice. Avs up 2-0. Grease fans unhappy.
When was the last time Demitra played a great game, start-to-finish? He’s like the Invisible Man for way too much of the past two months!
The guy has the ability to be a game-changer. But other than his GW OT breakaway rush w/ Gabby last week, I can’t remember the last time Demitra did anything that REALLY mattered. Can we just trade Demo now and find a way to bring in both Forsberg AND Jokinen?
kj, if you got a legit case…I don’t consider that whinning, this a-hole Meier should be fired if what G* says is true and then we get this..NHL has image problems??? BS like this isn’t going to help…
i need to clear some things up. i am only going by a foggy memory of 4 or 5 years ago. it might be meier or it might not and I don’t think that has any bearing on what happened today. i only brought it up because the name is familiar to me in relation to a feud JL had with a ref way back when.
i do not blame the loss on the refs.
google to the rescue
ST. PAUL _ The apparent feud between Wild coach Jacques Lemaire and referee Brad Meier has caught the attention of the NHL.
After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Detroit, Lemaire made strong comments regarding Meier, who called the interference penalty on defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn with 44.5 seconds left in regulation that led to Brendan Shanahan’s winning power-play goal 37 seconds into overtime.
It was the fourth game involving the Wild since Feb. 23 that Meier has worked.
and
WILD NOTES; Lemaire fined $5,000; NHL mum on Meier.(SPORTS)
From: Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) | Date: 3/21/2001 |
Wild coach Jacques Lemaire has been fined $5,000 by the NHL for comments he made last week about referee Brad Meier, but the mystery over what really happened in the Wild’s March 4 game at Vancouver may never be solved.
Lemaire said Meier told him that he was going to “get back at me” for complaining about calls during the March 4 game. Lemaire made his accusation a week later after the Wild lost to Detroit because of, according to Lemaire, a bad call by Meier. Lemaire implied …
Unfortunately I missed today’s game because I was dealing with an unruly child.
I think NiNY brought up a good point about accepting the Wild is in slow growth mode and therefore the expectation is for the Wild to win ONE playoff series- but a serious run at the Cup should not be expected (at least not this year)…
Here is the rest of the story:
It was the fourth game involving the Wild since Feb. 23 that Meier has worked. In three of them, some team members believe, the Wild have come up on the short end of controversial calls or noncalls made by Meier.
“We’re aware of (Lemaire’s) remarks,” said Frank Brown, NHL vice president of media relations. “If there’s any action taken, the matter will be handled internally. Anything we do … we’re not going to conduct anything in a public forum.”
Andy Van Hellemond, NHL director of officiating, hadn’t spoken to Meier about Lemaire’s claim but planned to do so soon to hear the official’s side. Meier declined to comment to the media after Sunday’s game in St. Paul.
The on-ice officials are assigned by Van Hellemond. He said the schedules are made three to four weeks in advance and aren’t changed unless he believes an official is seeing a team too often.
“The hardest thing is to look at who the road opponent is,” Van Hellemond said. “That’s something I can check a little closer sometimes. It’s very time consuming. When you do find a guy who has a team three times in a row, it’s got to fit into the budget we have here. Then if you pull him out of there, then you have to find another guy to come from wherever he’s at.
“It’s a big spread out west with the travel distances between some of the cities. We have eight guys who live west of Chicago, and we have 24 guys living east of Chicago. It would be a perfect world if it were 16 and 16.”
The Wild were upset about two goals Meier ruled against them
Feb. 23 at Colorado and March 2 at Edmonton. In both instances, Van Hellemond said Meier got the calls right and the Wild shouldn’t be angry.
Lemaire also was upset about a noncall in the Edmonton game. Lemaire thought his team deserved a power play after Stacy Roest was pulled down by Oilers defenseman Janne Niinimaa with 3[ minutes to play. Instead, the Oilers gained possession, rushed up ice and scored to put the game out of reach.
Start of 3rd Avs-Oil: Tied at 2-2. Grease fans happier…
Nice comment by Murphy. The NHL can make its rulebook sing and dance to whatever tune its officials call. Anyone remember the contortions the NHL went through to explain Brett Hull’s Stanley Cup-winning “goal”?
Meier is awful. It’s time someone said it, in so many words. Oilers up 3-2 with six minutes left.
i can’t get that worked up over the meier thing. the wild had other chances i wouldn’t mind a better explanation though.
I blame at least the loss of a point on the refs…that kind of thing can demoralize a team, even the “good team” that should be able to “play through it”. Bush league officiating by a known nemesis of JL…an embarassment to the league.
Shaun JJ, not a bad idea, but I think we’d just be wasting our keystrokes…that tool already has his mind made up and is circling the wagons
I thought the Wild played a good game. Actually the last few games weren’t bad. I thought the Wild played a good game. Actually the last few games weren’t bad. They just didn’t get any bounces. The goal being called off sucks, but it wasn’t the reason we lose. The game did continue to show the Wilds need for a center. They really struggle winning key face offs. I actually believe they could take a run at the cup if they could strengthen that area. The goal being called off sucks, but it wasn’t the reason we lose. The game did continue to show the Wilds need for a center. They really struggle winning key face offs. I actually believe they could take a run at the cup if they could strengthen that area. They haven’t been giving up a ton of goals and have come up against some great goaltending..
Sundin won’t be traded, won’t waive no trade clause…The supply just got smaller and the demand remained the same..can you say Inflation?
Somebody, what did JL have to say after the game? Anything about the refs?
The Wild outplayed the Flames in my opinion. But, the Flames are a damn solid team. They could be a Cup contender.
Lemaire said that the team played better than average the refs told him that the “goalie couldn’t react to the puck… couldn’t move to go get the puck because he was hit.”
It could have easily been said that Voros was also helped into Kippursoft.
There have been goals allowed in the NHL this year with more goalie interference.
Maybe Brad Meier has an ugly daughter that SRV or PMB or Voros refused to date.
“goalie couldn’t react to the puck… couldn’t move to go get the puck because he was hit.”
Gee, kinda like what happened to Backstrom this week (was that against Vancouver?) when their schlep was in the middle of Backstrom’s crease and he couldn’t move freely in his crease to get to the puck????!!!???
Holy convenient excuse! The Wild have had that rule invoked twice against them in the past week — once each way on either side of the rule. In each case, the logic used to justify the one ruling should’ve justified the other call to the Wild’s favor.
To have the same rule used against you in opposite circumstances — when both were also clearly wrong interpretations — is just poor!
The Wild Lick Balls
Go ducks Go!!! We pwnd you guys last year and we’ll do it again.
Ducks= 1 cup
Mild= 0 cups
Minnesota Mild = The most boring team to watch in the league.I have to admit Ducks fan base is not the greatest but at least we don’t whine like the crappy mild fan base.
Preach On Brother MNBrew! Couldn’t agree more
F. U. jASON $hitpant$. Time for your SMA, maybe change your diaper later.
Why wouldn’t Meier review it? 18,458 reviewed it about six times all with the same conclusion that Meier was incompetent.
Some of the early posts criticized players and Backstrom. I would not fault Backstrom on the goals. Nor would I fault any Wild player.
The team looked ready to play, I thought they all gave it their best shot.
Russo said Kippersoft stole the game, and that was the same game that I saw.
But, also no puck luck. When there were rebounds they were just not bouncing where we could get a swipe at them.
From Greenstar’s Google, I remember that feud now. I think Meier had also waved off the goal against the Stars that would have been a win before that too.
The calls he made today did not seem to be neutral.
If the Wild play every game between now and the end of the season this strong, they will not lose many at all.
russo; i don’t think an 0-2-1 week should be considered the greatest collapse in nhl history.points are handed out in todays’ nhl like welfare checks; a six point lead is nothing.
that being said… goaltenders have stole the last four points from the wild;have our goalies stole two points all year? that worries me looking forward to the scp.
i must also say as a season tix holder
back to nstar days; i will never be more upset with an organEYEzation if DR does not make a MAJOR move at the deadline. anyone who cares knows what the wild need to make a run. god love em; but i’m growing weary of #’s 19,92 and mister clank 25. we need OJ and if we have to give up bouch; so be it.
we need OJ and if we have to give up bouch; so be it.
I could not agree more - although I don’t think the team is “tanking” Philly style they didn’t win last week and, again due to a certain amount of bad luck, haven’t had the best Feb. Since we know DR wouldn’t make a major move if the team was clicking, isn’t that all the more reason to trade for a solid vet with something to prove right now? As I have said before, OJ has 2 more years on his contract - this move is the best of both worlds.
Thing 1: jason = mike. Ignore him like the troll he is, because soon enough he’ll be back in his mom’s basement playing WoW.
thing 2: We don’t need Jokinen. If we pick up Fedorov and/or Holik, then Jokinen isn’t necessary.
Fedorov would be a fantastic center for the WonderGroin Twins. And I think that Holik would be a hell of an acquisition Look at his numbers - he was at his best between 93 and 98. Who was his coach at that time?
I’d much rather grab those two and let Shep play some wing or have some time off before the playoffs. I think the cost will be lower, and the payoff greater.
philly has lost 10 straight. ouch.
while i am not sold that OJ is the answer, i won’t complain if PMB is part of the deal. i think if PMB can be had long term for $4mil per that would be the correct course of action but that isn’t a guarantee.
unfortunately #19 and #92 will most likely not be affected by any deadline moves. perhaps #92 will see more press box time.
#25 is in a funk
It seems that the boys are struggling with their first real taste of success. its not easy playing as front runner. start thinking it’s easy and then bang, you are looking up again.
Right about #25, G*. It’s sort of hard to blame him, though. One game or shift, he’s on the checking line with SRV and Radio. The next game or shift, he’s back with PMB and Rolston. He must have a hard time keeping it all straight from one shift to the next.
Holik and/or Fedorov would be great. OJ will cost too much, especially with Sundin now out of the picture.
So based on Mr. Murphy’s response, is he admitting that the ref was out of position?
one more question. So when everyone in Fowlville was crying last year about Boogies supposed consistent knee on knee hits, that wasn’t whining?
Has a goal ever been reviewed and ruled FOR the Wild? I can’t remember one but I don’t get to see very many games. If they have the tech available to review goals, why don’t they do it? What would be the harm in reviewing every goal and adjusting the score as necessary.
Imagine this situation. Team A has a goal waved off. Play continues for several minutes during which they review said goal. The wave-off is ruled to be in error. At the next stoppage, it is announced that the goal counts. What are the possible ramifications?
1) Team A may feel they could have carried some more momentum had the goal been originally allowed. Bogus, team A will be perfectly happy to have the goal despite any potential momentum change.
2) Team B may feel it wasn’t a goal. How does this differ from if it is ruled a goal prior to play progressing? If anything, team B should be happy it wasn’t originally ruled a goal because it may keep up their momentum and reduce team A’s.
Can anyone think of a good argument for not allowing waved off goals to be reviewed and corrected after play has resumed?
To review the RFA situation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offer_sheet
If he got an offer sheet at 2.34 to 3.52m/yr, I’d say match it. Above that, look at the team making the offer. If they suck, take the picks.
What I’m getting at is that some people are overvaluing PMB by a lot. I love the guy, but he’s not yet a 5 million dollar man. Maybe in a few years, which is why I think the Wild are best off tying him up long term, at least for 3 or 4 more years, and I honestly believe that he’s worth 3.25 to 3.4m/yr.
as much as i dislike holik, i realize it is only because the rangers vastly overpaid him and would welcome his addition.
i kind of admire sundin’s loyalty and being honest but he is hurting the leafs by not waiving his NTC.
Did you know he only bested 80 points twice in the last 10 years averaging 76? i thought it would be higher.
Chris - that was mostly Hayseed getting people fired up.
Goody - where do you have the faceoff? At center as if it was a goal or in the offensive zone as if it wasn’t? What if time runs out in the intervening time? Time remaining affects a coaches strategy.
Goody,
There was that one goal that one time where the puck got caught in Walz’s breezers and he got shoved into the net. They reviewed that one and called it a goal. Other than that, I can’t think of anything. There were probably others, but that one stands out because it was so weird.
I admire Sundin, too, G*. He is hurting his team, but at least he’s not screwing some other team that might have traded for him and his heart wasn’t in it.
Can anyone think of a good argument for not allowing waved off goals to be reviewed and corrected after play has resumed?
unless rules have changed, this has happened. they can’t review the play until a whistle at which point, if determined a goal, they reset the scene at time of goal, even if 10 minutes go by.
the only person i can recall putting 5 to 6 mil per numbers out there for PMB is the don. i’ve said if we can lock him up for 6 years at 4 mil per, don’t delay, do it today. if sharp resigned for $4mil per and all the talk was cleary was going to get that much, PMB is in that market.
i’m not so sure he will get an offer sheet either. it hasn’t worked out so well for edmonton and that may give other GM’s pause.
What if a coach could challenge a call on a goal a la the NFL? Sure it would hurt the ref’s ego, but so what?
Wow. Wild lose a couple of games in which they outplay the opposition and almost universally, Russoville goes into “Deep Panic” mode. Folks, deep breath. The team had what, 40 some odd shots and 20 pipes against the Hawks and then had 40 more shots yesterday and got beat, almost single-handedly by one of two goalies (also Hasek) which has OWNED the team since the beginning. Sux to lose games but the Wild has played better in last two, both losses, than it did in its previous two wins (Nash & Van). Sometimes the breaks don’t go your way; or the bounces; or the calls. Wild will win at least 2 of 3 on the road this week and then beat LA and Chi at home next week to start the month of March. At least 8 of the next 10 points should get some of you guys, and gals, off the ledge. Let’s hope DR and the Brass don’t have such a kneejerk reaction to the last couple of games that they go out and do something stupid prior to 2 pm CST tomorrow. Make a deal because it’s the right one for the team, not because the team has lost a couple of games in regulation despite putting 80 shots on net and hitting a plethera of posts. Sometimes the other team’s goalie is just better.
Up next, trade talk.
I’m going to mix it up and move away from PMB as being the most likely to be traded.
Let’s look at who we have and why or why not they are likely to be traded - assuming we are buyers and not sellers.
Demitra, Rolston - FA after season, which buyer would want him?
Gaborik - 1 yr left in his deal. Has expressed desire to test the waters/play in the east.
PMB - Young, still developing, questionable size, scoring potential.
Belanger - I’m blank on him.
Foy, Radio, Veilleux, Voros - Sorry, but who’d want them? I can see them being thrown in to make deal numbers work but not strong trade bait.
Fedoruk - Added some grit to the team and has shown an uptick in scoring since moving away from the ‘enforcer’ role.
Boogard - Questionable back, questionable decreasing role of enforcers in the league.
Koivu - Multi year contract fits DR’s develop from within plan.
Parrish - Hometown boy, good producer, hard worker.
Sheppard - Still developing, fit’s DR’s develop from within plan.
Burns, Schulz - Just signed, DR’s develop from within plan again.
Carney - FA, age.
Foster, Hill
Johnsson- Prohibitive $$
Nummelin - FA, most likely back to Europe.
Skoula - Need I say anything?
Backstrom, Harding - Strong goaltending is critical, Harding fits DR’s develop from within plan.
G*,
What kind of deal did the Wild sign Hill to? Will he be back next year?
Goody - where do you have the faceoff? At center as if it was a goal or in the offensive zone as if it wasn’t? What if time runs out in the intervening time? Time remaining affects a coaches strategy.
The faceoff would take place as if the goal was waved off at the time of the waveoff. At the stopage where the goal is announced, the faceoff would be where ever it would have been.
Goody,
There was that one goal that one time where the puck got caught in Walz’s breezers and he got shoved into the net. They reviewed that one and called it a goal. Other than that, I can’t think of anything. There were probably others, but that one stands out because it was so weird.
There’s one!
unless rules have changed, this has happened. they can’t review the play until a whistle at which point, if determined a goal, they reset the scene at time of goal, even if 10 minutes go by.
This is true only if there is not an immediate stoppage of play. This can only happen on in and out goals or ones where the goalie or other players sweeps the puck out of the net. If the goaltender freezes the puck or the puck is in the net, play stops.
Ok, back to where I was going with the trade stuff.
I’ve said it before but what about Gaborik to someone for that center we’re looking for + something else? That solves a couple of DR’s problems though it does make us look weaker for a cup run this year.
He doesn’t have to re-sign Demitra, he doesn’t have to worry about signing Gaborik next year, he clears salary to resign PMB and Rolston. Sure, he’d be trading the ‘face of the franchise’ but that has happened before with other teams (Smyth for one). It could happen.
One more quick one. What was Johnsson doing on that second Calgary goal? He did the ‘offensive defenseman’ thing and carried the puck up ice to get us into the Calgary zone. He went to the net, then turned, coasted and watched the Flames produce a 2 on 1.
As soon as I saw him not moving his feet to get back to his defensive duties, I knew a Calgary goal was imminent.
Dave, nhlnumbers.com says hill’s cap hit is .992, salary is under 500k but there is a bonus involved. UFA at end of year.
goody, wasn’t that the question? i don’t follow. if a goal is waived off play continues until a stoppage, be it immediately when the goalie freezes it or 5 minutes later for whatever reason. then it can be reviewed and if goal then reset the clock, if not they continue as if nothing happened.
Deep…
Keep thinking that all is well.
JL himself said he doesn’t know who is going to show up or not for any given game.
What does that tell you?
Goody - Agreed that Johnsson got caught on that second goal. He was at the end of his shift when they made the offensive rush and he went to the net. The rebound came out perfectly and it ended up getting turned around the other way and he was gassed.
He probably should have changed, but I don’t blame him for trying to joing the rush to give em numbers and then the fact that it went back the other way just sucked.
Thanks, G*. I bookmarked that site, so I don’t have to trouble you anymore to look that stuff up for me. I’m going to go out on a limb here and speculate that Hill will be a healthy scratch for some other team next year.
KJ: This is nothing new, though, Inconsistency has been a trademark of this team ALL season. Just because they have lost two games in a row in regulation now, doesn’t mean it’s time to pull the trigger on a panic move. There should be no reason for panic because the Wild has played like this all year.
Deep…define a ‘panic’ move?
Any trade at all?
Moving PMB?
Getting a rental?
Something needs to be done other than Forsberg coming here…as I have forseen…
Florida C Olli Jokinen: There’s talk the Predators, Ducks, Wild and Flames have each made a pitch. The Predators need help up front and the Wild might want to bring in an impact player at the deadline.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2008/02/25/4874770-sun.html
a panic move to me would be dumping benny and or PMB for hossa. maybe for OJ but at least we’d get more than one year
Meier’s bigger mistake was not blowing the call, the bigger mistake was not having his call on the goal reviewed.
Unless he had blown the whistle, but that was not the explanation and if he had it would have been the quickest whistle in the history of the NHL, it was a goal.
But, Meier also made two calls against Voros for penalties that were questionable, especially the second one.
From where I sat, and watching the monitor, he was a total victim on the second penalty.
And, then Meier capped off his grand- stand performance with a puck drop when the Wild forwards were standing relaxed three feet from the FO dot and that seemed like it was a total in-your-face action designed to show the fans and JL that Brad Meier was boss.
So, it was not just the waived off goal.
Anyway, the fans deserve two things for the price of admission: competent refereeing and total effort from a team.
They got the team effort. It was an exciting game for me.
Wes says:
February 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
“Everything Calgary does is a penalty to our announcers, shut up!”
Man I could not agree more! I CANNOT stand our TV announcers, there constant griping, “that is ridiculous, obvious penalty” every time a Wild player falls to the ice. It makes me sick! At one point I turned the game off and walked into my kitchen to fire up Bob Kurtz and Tom Reid on the radio.
Minnesota Wild are a nice average little team, without changes (and I don’t know which ones they should make) I have no faith that they could do much in the playoffs. We just don’t seem to have the grit and guts required.
Chris, personally I think the Wild are much better than average so I disagree with your assement. Remember, the Red Wings just lost how many games in a row?
That is not to say they “will” make a deep Cup run, but they “could”. And, part of that run will depend upon who they play.
Less likely, is the Wild will finish out of the playoffs.
A center improvement strengthens the team.
Chris: D&D&Q getting ripped is a staple of Russoville, and rightfully so. It has often been debated as to which is worse: The Wild’s TV announcers or the team’s 2004 entry draft. I think the consensus is the TV crew, but the ‘04 draft does make it horse race.
“Remember, the Red Wings just lost how many games in a row?”
I chalk this up to “long season, things will happen.” When you are the Red Wings you can afford to and pull through bouts like that. Even after that bad stretch they are still the best team in hockey. The Wild are nowhere near the Red Wings in any category.
“Could” the Wild make a deep run? Well I suppose they “could” if you would like to get technical about it, I mean any team that makes the playoffs “could” go deep, but which of the possible playoff teams do you feel good about playing? I just can’t say that I have real confidence against any of the possible teams we would see.
I do think we will make the playoffs, just doesn’t seem like these guys have the “fire in the belly” required to step up and go deep. Maybe a change of some sort would help stir things up.
KJ:
Panic move = players and a pick for Hossa if an extension is not worked out with him prior to the deal.
goody, wasn’t that the question? i don’t follow. if a goal is waived off play continues until a stoppage, be it immediately when the goalie freezes it or 5 minutes later for whatever reason. then it can be reviewed and if goal then reset the clock, if not they continue as if nothing happened.
My problem is that it seems like many, many times goals/waved off goals that should be reviewed are not. What I am proposing is that all goals/waved off goals are reviewed no matter the circumstances.
not so much who the wild play than what wild team shows up. when the boys are at their best I think they can play with anyone.
and i am so thankful that the grit cliche is back in full force.
voros’ high stick penalty was legit. he clipped the cat in the face. not completely surprise there wasn’t a penalty called when he was dumped in front of goal at whistle but when lighter stuff is called later it makes me wonder.
What I am proposing is that all goals/waved off goals are reviewed no matter the circumstances.
i think most are but some can’t be such as the quick whistle.
I’m not one to usually complain about Referee’s, but man the did the Wild getted jobbed yesterday. I’m not just talking about the disallowed goal either, they got jobbed in all aspects of the game. I am still confused how Voros got a hooking penalty when he was checked off of his feet…and we all know what ended up happening on the ensuing PP for Calgary.
This team seriously needs a spark though. It is time for DR to make a move, and not just a “depth” move.
i think most are but some can’t be such as the quick whistle.
Well, if that is the case, they must have someone who is only slightly less blind than a mole doing it.
I don’t think all are reviewed. The one against the Wild (last season?) vs. the Avs that went under the side of the lifted net was allowed. That should have been a no brainer for anyone reviewing the tape.
If you look at the kinds of deadline free-agent acquisitions that seem to have made a difference over the years, it’s more often than not been the kind of experienced, battle-hardened vet that adds a character and leadership piece and/or a specific skill than it’s been the flashy players who have helped a team take that last step. IMO, players like Holik, Fedorov, and Forsberg (even at 75%) would be more beneficial to this team than a Hossa or Richards or even a Jokinen. There may even be a player out there who’s more “off the radar” who could provide that key piece. You never know. What I’m not sure of is if we’re close enough to make that “last step” or if we’re still a few steps a way from making that last step. I don’t envy DR right now. A certain segment of the fan base, as you can see just from the posts on this board, will rip him no matter what he does or doesn’t do.
Wafer (I really don’t mean to keep picking on you but): Holik would be a hell of an acquisition Look at his numbers - he was at his best between 93 and 98. Who was his coach at that time? He was awesome in 93 to 98 and Lemaire did bring out the best in Holik. But that was 10 years ago and a few million less than what he’s making now. His faceoffs are still solid. At 4 million+ is he worth it? That’s a ridiculous amount of money for a faceoff specialist when Yanic Perreault comes in at less than half that. Plus, think of the investment for those special helmets for his cro-magnon fivehead. That would push it to 5 mil a year at least for Holik. I think that’s way out of Risebrough’s wheelhouse when it comes to Return On Investment.
I would like a true energy player. Something this team has never had. I don’t know why. Is it something to do with the system? Are they squelched by the coaches? Would a P.J. Stock/”little ball of hate” Pat Verbeek-style player never flourish with the Wild? Voros had it for a while, but he’s shown that he’s not bright enough to choose his battles. But 4 hits in yesterday’s game is truly pathetic and a telling sign of why this team can get pushed around like it does. Can Sean Avery be had for a decent price? Could they get Danny Irmen up to fill that role at least? Nobody else seems up to the task.
I agree completely with all sentiments regarding the TV announcers. Worst in the NHL, which is astounding considering our market and the amazing talent in our broadcast television. Maybe they can steal Terry Crisp from Nashville. He is awesome.
Something on my mind: I get NHL Network on my Direct TV/Center Ice package, and in general, I love the channel. The highlight packages are terrific, Neil Smith has some insightful comments, and after an hour of “On The Fly,” I feel like I’ve got a good sense of what happened around the league.
However, last night they led with some trade talk, then when right to the Wild/Calgary game. The normal highlight package, all the goals and lots of nice saves. BUT THEY NEVER SHOWED THE WAVED-OFF GOAL! Never mentioned it, never showed the clip, nothing. (And they’ve shown plenty of waved-off/disputed goals before.)
Obviously you can’t report on that game without including a critical turning point. But of course, this incident makes the league look bad, since its official blew the call, and Mr. Murphy gave the lamest explanation since the Clinton deposition.
So my question is this: Should I now assume that the producers at NHL Network are simply stooges for the NHL, and not “reporters” at all? Or was I just naive for assuming they were something besides shills for the league?
Thoughts?
So, you think the cards will start falling this afternoon on some trades? I would like to see some big trade news this afternoon somtime. It doesn’t have to be a Wild trade, I just want to see some trade deadline action. It would be nice to know who is going where and whatnot.
Dave:
Hopefully DR isn’t worried about what percentage of the fan base will rip for a deal that he does or does not make. The problem now is, the price tage for players like OJ and Hossa just went up when Sundin didn’t wave his NTC, little selfish IMO, cuz he’s gotta know the offers will roll in over the summer, which will leave the Loafs with ZIP in return if he goes elsewhere.
AustinTXwildFan -
Today is just going to be another “hot ‘n heavy rumor” day. Doubt there will be any moves.
Tomorrow around noon CT, though, your gonna wear out the refresh button on TSN.com.
All I know is that for a 3rd round pick in 2009 the Flames picked up a guy (Vandermeer) who they think is good enough to play on the 1st D line with an all star D man and he looks to be better than all but 2 of our D-men. That’s some solid work by their scouting staff.
I saw Belanger lose every faceoff I watched, especially one late in the game in Calgary’s end when we had pulled the goalie. I saw SRV take one draw after Mikko got kicked out and won the draw. Maybe SRV needs to teach Belanger how to take draws?
Goilieguy - I thought the same thing about the “On the Fly” highlights from the game. I was hoping to see an explanation and there was no mention what so ever.
Edddie, that’s what I was thinking. I guess it’s just a bit of wishful thinking on my part that things would get going a bit earlier than expected. Maybe Forsberg had already landed in St. Paul and is at the MOA buying a new suit for the press conference tomorrow.
i think but can’t be sure but i think “on the fly” is partly put together by TSN. It is canadian based.
for any player that is a UFA, the only cost i’d be concerned with is what we trade for them. There is so little time left in the season that the impact is negligible. Plus, money not spent to the cap is money not spent. can’t be carried over. i don’t think a million or two will bankrupt the wild.
On the Fly is an NHL production and I highly doubt that contriversial plays are shown. At least I don’t remember any.
Oh yeah, and of those 4 ‘hits’ yesterday, Voros has 2 of them.
The plumbers ain’t the problem. If we are expecting lines 3 and 4 to carry the scoring, we’re really in trouble.
Green*…
Plus, money not spent to the cap is money not spent. can’t be carried over. i don’t think a million or two will bankrupt the wild.
But, it will cut into the profitibility…I think under Leipold, the mindset will change a tad.
Just sayin…
I can’t believe there are teams actively trying to acquire Brad Richards.
Foster must have had one also because the Don said his hit knocked Tanguay out, so who had the other hit?
It’s just my opinion, folks…but:
1. Mats Sundin’s refusal to waive his NTC just set the Leafs back another 2-3 seasons. There were suitors who would have stocked the talent larder greatly had Sundin not been so high & mighty and waived his NTC to become a ‘rent-a-player’ for two months. If Sundin really cared about his LONG TERM relationship with Toronto, he’d of said ‘G’bye’ to his current team until the summer when he could re-sign with Toronto.
Nice move, Mats…
2. Goalieguy: the NHL Network is majority owned BY THE LEAGUE. Of course they won’t show any mistakes that any league official will make! They are sacrosanct, or haven’t you heard that yet?
It doesn’t make any difference that in reality that Brad ‘I got it in for JL’ Meier gets to turn the screws to his old nemesis once again and blows the call. That’s what replays in Toronto are for, right?
WRONG! Because you can’t review that kind of decision even if you request it from the officials!
Why? The officials are sacrosanct, that’s why! They can do no wrong!!
3. Anyone who is not Slovakian can be traded between now and tomorrow. (And, two of the three Slovaks on the current roster just might be moved!) How much the current roster might need shaking up may be in JL’s post-gamer yesterday. Even HE, great a coach as most hockey people have inferred he is, cannot motivate this bunch to get over the hump and towards a division title.
This team needs an infusion of HEART more than anything else. They have the talent, they have the skill. They need the desire. IMO, they need the next Wes Walz. That player is NOT on the current roster.
Could Jokinen be that player? Certainly Hossa won’t be. Not Gaborik, not Demitra, and definitely not Radio. And let’s not even bring Skoula into this. But at what cost? Everyone blames the 2004 draft. OK, it was a bad one. But how do you work around that to have better talent in the system NOW?
Another Russo Rant and another shot at PMB and another love rainbow for OJ.
i’d think a team like phoenix could build around him but they already have big contracts with jovo and shane doan. nashville has room but not sure what they could give up to get him.
him being richards as i forgot to copy in what i was referring to.
Yeah Aaron, it’s an OJ lovefest, isn’t it?
Scoring is what we need because our scorers aren’t scoring.
kj: But, it will cut into the profitibility…I think under Leipold, the mindset will change a tad.
I am sure you are right about this, I just hope it applies to this year but my guess is that it does.
Wild RoadTripper: 1. Mats Sundin’s refusal to waive his NTC just set the Leafs back another 2-3 seasons.
No question about it - wish that franchise was in the NW!
Adam: Once upon a time (late 1980’s) the Leafs and North Stars WERE in the same division! (Believe it or not…)
WRT, but what is a “no trade” clause for if not repayment to the individual for conceding $ or something to the club?
Sundin is not selfish, it is what his contract calls for. It is for the Leaf GM to be responsible for upgrading but not at Matts’ expense.
KJ and Adam, the only change Liepold brings is that he does have deeper pockets.
But, that does not change the cap and the Wild have been near the cap.
Sundin’s NTC was a dumb move by a desperate Leafs franchise, agreed. But if he is as serious as he says he is about helping bring the team back, maybe the good of the team overrides the good of the indivdual. The Leafs screwed up by giving Sundin a NTC. Now they live with it.
They’re stuck with each other…
iceman - no doubt, our point is that the cap $ at the deadline will be spent based on need and not with regards to budget. In the past two cap years, budget might have been a factor in spending up to the cap.
Is there not one player in Houston that could come up, take Radivojevic’s place on the roster, and give more of anything than we get from him?
What is Rado’s specialty? What intangible does he bring to the team? And if the answer to my original question is no, then our young crop in Houston seems a bit iffy.
WRT i agree with you on sundin as i posted earlier. my question is this, since sundin made it known he wouldn’t be comfortable being a rental, would toronto still get a king clancy’s ransom for him? I think the leaf’s were fedoruk’d as when sundin opened his mouth.
Chris - the Aeros are playing pretty good hockey. No need to bust up that chemistry for a floudering NHL team.
Besides, Branko is averaging 14 minutes of ice time a game, the Wild would never give Olvecky or any other call up that much ice time.
Green*: Sundin should have just said ‘No’ instead of enthralling us all with his version of the Communist Manifesto. He didn’t have to explain himself. Yes, the Leafs indeed would have received a ‘King Clancy’s’ (LOL at that reference, Green*) ransom for Mats if Mats had seen the forest for the trees. If he was serious about his Leafs’ future and staying and playing in Toronto, he moves now and comes back in the summer for even more $$ than he would get after all this.
As I said: Nice going, Mats.
I agree, Maple Leaf’s did not do themselves any favors by extending NTC. I do not blame the player for not accepting the trade.
Chris, 92’s specialty is to put the run on Neo-Nazi’s.
I think the momentum is building:
Florida’s Ollie Jokinen has now been linked to trade rumours involving Minnesota, with Pierre-Marc Bouchard rumoured to go the other way.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/marek/2008/02/looking_into_the_trade_deadlin.html
‘Pierre-Marc Bouchard rumoured to go the other way’ I didn’t think PMB was like that, not that there’s anything wrong with that!
ugh.. I still don’t like that trade a ton. I just wonder what else we are going to have to give up. PMB + what exactly? There is no way in Hell he is going 1 for 1.
El Gato with the line of the day…again… 
I don’t think its just Sundin. The Leafs hand out NTC like there is no tomorrow. I read Tucker, Kaberle, and McCabe all have NTC.
How many on the Wild — one and its a partial NTC for Backstrom because its only good until half-way in 2009.
Interesting thing about Adam’s link (besides what El Gato said) is that Mike Cammalleri is supposedly on the move. Does the Demitra deal suggest a level of comfort between DR and whoever the LA GM is, and is Cammalleri a possibility to come here? How does everyone feel about that?
cbc may have picked that up from this blog.
just read that tom powers is in full panic mode and on board for 2 trades. columnists from both sides of the river are calling for trades DR, get it done!
JL’s comments don’t sound like he is pining for a trade. he said he wants this team to step up. perhaps that is his way of saying trade without saying it. regardless if PMB and pick for OJ can happen, it’s probably time to roll the dice. i don’t see how the wild can afford both OJ and #10. if gaborik gets paid, OJ is certainly gone in two years. if gaborik bails then we will be rebuilding around OJ, which clearly didn’t work in florida.
if PMB would sign long term for 4mil per, then we can afford #10. if #10 bails we can sign or trade for another marquee player such as richards.
i’m seeing a deal for OJ as the brass leaning on #10 not resigning.
I had a dream last night that Gaborik and Rolston were traded to Tampa for Richards and Lecavlier…
I had a dream last night that Gaborik and Rolston were traded to Tampa for Richards and Lecavlier
ain’t that bad of a dream. maybe swap rolston with demitra so #10 doesn’t pout.
I’m with you ATX - I don’t think OJ is the solution to our woes. And I really don’t like the idea of giving up so much for OJ. Seems hershel walker-esque. No me gusta.
Fedorov for a draft pick, and Nummy+ another expendable defensemen for any kind of blueline upgrade!
BTW - Anyone notice that once Voros came & had an impact, we had the most successful November the franchise has seen yet… now his playing time is that of boogey’s and we’ve lost all of our grit. Its as if we’ve seen a paradigm shift in what the team was trying to establish in the fall to what they’re trying to do now. I’m not sure which is better, just an observation from Delaware.
Gabby would get what he wanted. He’d have 60 goals, 12 assists, and be -30.
LA’s GM is Dean Lombardi, who used to be GM in San Jose. He began his GM’ing career with the North Stars and the Gunds took him west when they were awarded the San Jose franchise…
Cammallieri mightbe a good fit here, but why LA would trade him, presumably their single (or second, behind Anze Kopitar) best forward? Yes, because they can, but what’s in it for the Kings?
I’m seeing a deal for OJ as the brass leaning on #10 not resigning.
Which brings up my previous statement. #10 to Florida for OJ+???
Gaborik gets to play in the East and test the waters.
OJ is the center we need. The + could be a draft pick.
DR’s hands are untied from resigning Demitra. DR has cap room to resign Rolston and PMB.
I’m not saying I like it but it looks good on paper er… internets thingy.
G*, if we do deal for OJ and what you are saying is true about #10 bailing, then I can’t see how they could bring Pavol back next year. If that is the case, then I would see DR shopping #10 during the off-season. Lots of scenarios to deal with here, I just don’t think anything significant is going to happen.
kj: Sure your dream wasn’t Gaborik and Demitra plus Johnsson and Skoula for Vinny Lecavalier and Paul Ranger?
That would have been mine!
trouble with #10 for OJ at deadline is outside of this blog #10 is still pretty popular. and he has shown just how good he can be. if OJ isn’t dealt at deadline, i’d look for this rumor to heat up off season.
Hey, I don’t make these things up.
Oh wait, it was my dream, I did make it up…
Forsberg will be here…I have forseen it!
i’m seeing a deal for OJ as the brass leaning on #10 not resigning.
I am no NHL Capologist, nor do I play one on this blog, but I think giving Gabby “his center” will help retain him as well as Demo with a short-term deal.
Then again, TSN says this about Cammalleri:
Needs to overcome his lack of size in order to thrive at the NHL level. Must add strength and avoid injuries as he moves up the ladder.
Sound familiar (except for the injury part)? He’s 5-9, 185.
I don’t see us shopping #10 now… in the offseason, yes. If he’s gone, say adios to the playoffs. OJ/Richards will take some time to get use to and play in Lemaire’s system. If PMB is not traded, I think we should give PMB a similar contract to Koivu. I would even go as high as $4 million a year but not $5 million.
i don’t think OJ and #10 can exist on the same team due to salary.
Goody, as this blog continues to fuel speculation about OJ, I am wondering that too. For as talented as Gabby is and, who should always be the key player for us, he can be invisible too.
Am I correct that If PMB signed elsewhere we get picks, but if Gabby signed elsewhere we get nothing?
And I really don’t like the idea of giving up so much for OJ. Seems hershel walker-esque. No me gusta.
PMB and a player/pick or two is Herschel like? Please visit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herschel_Walker_trade
Sure they can Green*…look at the Rangers. A couple of 10 million dollar men!
Oops…sorry…it just seems like 2…
Gomez 10,000,000
Jagr 8,360,000
Drury 7,100,000
El Gato going back a little bit, according to D&D’r yesterday, none of the 4 hits were registered by a defenseman. If I remeber right, all 4 hits were in the 1st period.
kj making my point for me, thanks
JimLove, Nummi was already in Columbus, he must have left by mutual consent.
don’t forget lundquist.
C’mon, let’s dream big this off-season. Gabby for Malkin, let him play under the shadow of Sid! Then Gabby would never get to wear the ‘C’.
Hits: Voros 2, Belanger 1, Rolston 1.
But the Don states in his ‘Wild Notes’ that Tanguay was injured from a Foster check. Sorry Original Chris, but do you really accept everything that those two say as fact?
Are we sure Foster wasn’t just standing there and Tanguay ran into him?
Hmmm, then Foster checked Tanguay but did not hit him. Maybe the statitician registering hits couldn’t believe Foster could hit someone?
El Gato…I bet the Foster push from behind on Tanguay wasn’t called a hit.
Thanks for the explanations, maybe if it was Sean Hill then it would have counted as 3 or 4 hits, right Green*!
Am I correct that If PMB signed elsewhere we get picks, but if Gabby signed elsewhere we get nothing?
PMB is an Restricted Free Agent. To my knowledge the only way he can be pried away by another team is through an offer sheet. To do such, the offering team must give up picks.
Gaborik is a Unrestricted Free Agent after next season. If we don’t sign him by then, he can go to whoever throws money at him and we get nothing.
Hits: Voros 2, Belanger 1, Rolston 1.
Rolston??? Huggy Bear??? That has got to be wrong.
tells me to take the recorded hits with a grain of salt, eh? i mean hill had what 5000 hits last year and was billed one bad assed dude but so far this year he could barely hit water if he fell out of a f*kking boat
Green*…especially this time of year…
Thanks Adam,
I knew I’d get ripped for the walker comment. Emphasis on the “esque”. Worst trade ever.
Getting rid of Gabby during this season isn’t going to happen. I think part of Gabby’s problem with playing here is he hasn’t had a top tier center. To be honest with a strong center I believe Gabby will be even more effective. He’s more of a sniper with mad speed. He isn’t a dazzling puck handler, so in my opinion he isn’t going to create by himself.
Also I think when you win in the playoffs. Gabby gets a lot of goals with a good center like OJ, perhaps the paycheck doesn’t need to be as high. If Gabby is scoring points and winning everyone is happy.
Worst trade ever.
Now that we can agree on and for the record, I have been for OJ in Iron Range Red as soon as his unhappiness in Old Russoville came to light.
Any ideas what would need to be offered to get Fedorov? I would assume it to be much less than PMB? Would be fun to see him between Gabby and Demo for a playoff run.
As far as grit goes, I think we have sured that up. The Fridge to my amazement has been a excellent addition. Voros hasn’t been bad. He isn’t here to be a goal scorer, I think earlier this season wasn’t realistic. But I do think they have plenty of grit.
C’mon, Meat. You can’t hit me ’cause you’re starting to think about it already, you’re starting to think how embarrassing it’ll be to miss, how all these people would laugh.
Green*…Nail…Head.
curt, I am with you. I would like to see Federov centering the Groins. And yes, he would likely be much more ‘inexpensive’ than OJ.
I would love to hear JL and Mario call the team ‘lolly-gaggers’!
You guys lollygag the ball around the infield, ya lollygag you’re way to first, ya lollygag in an’ outta the dugout. You know what that makes ya…Lollygaggers. What’s our record, Larry?
We’re eight and sixteen.
Eight and sixteen?! How’d we ever win eight?
Sorry to burst your GM bubble but I wouldn’t want any of you as GM. Yikes, Bouchard plus a pick for Jokinen? You still haven’t moved off that one eh? Keep dreaming. I told you last Friday that wasn’t close to enough and that he isn’t going anywhere for that little, if at all.
Now, put Gabby in the mix and we have something started.
Last week a mid-round pick was the going rate for Fedorov in Russoville. I think a 3rd-rounder was the consensus, and/or a non-B-B-B-Benny prospect. Aaron in Houston could probably name names.
You guys lollygag the puck in the our zone, ya lollygag you’re way on da breakout, ya lollygag on and off the ice. You know what that makes ya…Lollygaggers. What’s our record, mario?
We’re 35 and 23.
35 and 23?! How’d we ever win 35?
add you own french canadian accent
“Last week a mid-round pick was the going rate for Fedorov in Russoville. I think a 3rd-rounder was the consensus, and/or a non-B-B-B-Benny prospect. Aaron in Houston could probably name names.”
I must say that trade sounds good to me if it is possible in reality. Not giving much up and he could be just the thing that the team and that line needs.
FPN, the idea of trading for OJ has it’s roots in the Wild making a playoff push, which implies that the Wild wouldn’t get rid of all of their talent for one guy, much less in the middle of a playoff push. The most DR would give up is one impact player and some future considerations (eg picks and/or prospects).
Haha. You want Groinerik AND Butch AND a pick?
You need to add ‘It’s a miracle’ from Mario after the ‘How’d we ever win 35′.
It’s a very simple game, you pass de puck, you shoot de puck, you stop de puck!
Not Gabby and Bouchard. Start with Gabby then we’ll talk. We might even throw in a draft pick to you guys. But, any deal should start with Gaborik, not PMB. Let’s talk apples to apples.
Why would we give him up for nothing? What’s in it for us? We don’t care about your playoff run.
P-nut, we’ll give you Bertuzzi for Luongo, oops sorry, you did that one already.
My point exactly E-gat. We’re not going down that road again with OJ. The fans here would riot. Well, maybe not but you know what I’m saying.
FL Panthers Nut “What’s in it for us? We don’t care about your playoff run.”
What’s in it for you? You could live vicariously thru us since it’s the closest you will get to the playoffs! Perhaps ever!
FL Panthers Nut: what is the best deal you have heard about for OJ regardless of team?
P-nut, just messin with ya, we can talk off-season about OJ for Gabby, it’s not happening now.
No deal curt. I wouldn’t want to be associated with you and your ‘fans’.
Zing.
Adam-lots of possibilities but just all talk now. Most of the offers are not high enough to get rid of our best player with 2 years left under contract. But,like ya’ll, what do I know. Nothing!
It should get interesting in the next 24 hours though.
How about our 5 losses to the Flames this year…
1. Oct. 24, 2007 – Wild builds 3-0 lead after 1 period and proceeds to give up 5 unanswered goals to lose 5-3
2. Nov. 13, 2007 – Trailing 1-0 heading into the 3rd, Mikko Koivu scores 2 goals to give the Wild a 2-1 lead. The lead lasted 21 seconds as Jerome Iginla scored a pin-ball goal that ricocheted of the feet of 2 defensemen and past the surprised Backstrom who had no chance. The Flames end up winning 3-2 with a bad angle goal with under a minute left in regulation.
3. Jan 16, 2008 – The Wild answered Calgary goals in the 2nd and 3rd periods and ended up falling 3-2 in a shootout.
4. Jan 22, 2008 – The Wild scored the first goal in this game and went to the 3rd tied at 1. The Flames scored with 11 mins remaining and held on to beat the Wild 2-1 after Brent Burns clanked the pipe 3 times on 1 shot and missed scoring by just a bit.
5. Feb 24, 2008 – The Flames take a lead on a 1st period PP goal and then add another even strength goal shortly after the ref’s botch what should have been the tying goal. The Wild, with the help of some PP’s of their own, generate a number of good scoring chances yet can’t solve Kipper. And lose 2-1
My point with these is that we are close. No need to jump off the cliff, let’s just start burying some of our chances.
FPN - What’s in it for you is that now is when you can get SOME value for OJ. The other option is to watch him leave for nothing after 09/10
Waf-maybe next year we can have that conversation, not this trade deadline!
Well I’ve had some time to cool off, and I guess I feel a little better. Not that I think we’re going to win the Cup now, but I am glad we have twenty games left to get ‘er cranked up. No, they haven’t been consistent yet this season. But I do think they have at least a good amount of tools from which they could create a good showing in the first round.
I respect Sundin and I think he’s screwing the Leafs at the same time, I guess. You’ll notice how the rest of the guys thought to be in play (except McCabe - who apparently said he’d only go to an eastern conference team) also said they wouldn’t waive the NTC after Mats did? If I were Fletcher I would seriously consider taking my ball and going home. What can he have to prove?
FPN - That’s cool with me. If your GM is anything like you about your demands for OJ, then I think there are better values out there. I’ve been on the record that Fedorov and Holik would cost less and bring more to the party.
Greg is the new voice of reason.
Nick, that was as harsh as I had seen you yesterday when I was checking in. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
the wild should be in a mini-panic if they really feel they played good against chicago and calgary and still couldn’t manage even a point…
everyone who isn’t completely delusional knows we need a center who can win draws and play well with gabby and demitra (holik and oj would be interesting) and an upgrade on d (doesn’t nashville have a trio of young d men they might give up for the right price?) and a serious dose of heart/leadership…
i’d definitely give up pmb for a center and anyone on d not named burns or schultz can be thrown in to sweeten a deal for oj, imo…
if no deals are made and the team flounders in the playoffs again, leipold’s first order of business must be to fire DR…
I don’t think Federov or Holik would bring ‘more’ to the party than OJ, they might be better value, however. Maybe we can send a draft pick to ATL for Todd White? Oops, my bad.
El Gato shoots again…
HE SCORES!!!
El Gato: it wasn’t my finest hour in Russoville, I’ll admit that.
LOL wafer. Bring more to the party…what party is that again? I do think you guys should be seriously looking at Federov though. I don’t think you have the tools necessary to land OJ.
But, again, I could be wrong. Nobody really knows what’s being discussed right now. Could be shocking and it could be nothing.
El Gato - Disagree. By bringing in a pair of centers like Fedorov and Holik, we get a talented center that can play with Gabby and Demo while playing a style that JL loves and wouldn’t require much of a learning curve.
We also get a center that does great with faceoffs and already knows JL and who JL knows well. Holik played under JL and had some great years. Sure he’s aged, but I think you’d see a good rejuvenation by coming back to JL. Someone mentioned Yannick Perreault as a value compared to Holik, but I see Perreault as too Dominic Moore-ish - I question what he can bring other than an obscene FO%.
OJ is great and all, but there’s far better value in the combination of Holik and Fedorov.
Actually P-nut, the deal we’d be most worried about would be the one where OJ goes to Calgary. I hope you’re GM doesn’t send him there for Tanguay and a couple of high draft picks. That would be much worse than any PMB stuff.
I disagree Wafer.
I don’t think you can look at Fedorov or Holik as anything but a rental.
OJ is signed and can contribute beyond this season. That is Risebrough’s definition of ‘value’.
Bring more to the party…what party is that again?
Sorry, I watch entirely too much Alton Brown
Is it Monday yet? It’s 2:30 Eastern for crying out loud!!!
FEED ME!
Question - We had an opportunity to waive anyone when we waived Moore. At the time (and even now) I was befuddled by this move - we were short on centers and JL was starting to enjoy the job he was doing more and more. I remember someone mentioning that because we have some developmental guys (Payer, Benny) that it was okay to let Moore go. I guess now this waiver of Moore just seems to make even less sense with our current problem with depth at center… Any thoughts?
kj, I agree that they’d be rentals, which is why we wouldn’t have to give up too much, and maybe Fedorov would see what it’s like to center the WonderGroin Twins and want to stay. If the Fla GM is anything like some of the panthers fans that have found their way to Russoville (why you’d want to leave Miami for Minneapolis, even on the internetweb is beyond me, but that’s another issue), the price for OJ is prohibitively high.
Whether we went after Holik now or not, I think that he’s a good long-term addition to the team for reasons I’ve already stated.
Holik really does nothing for me. His numbers have been awful 4 of the last 5 years and he’s only had 3 years above 60 pts in his career. Otherwise he’s about a 30-40 pt guy and that’s playing in the East and most recently in the SE with all the run and gun teams. I’d take Sergei before him everyday.
I don’t think you can look at Fedorov or Holik as anything but a rental.
i don’t think anyone is looking past this year at the deadline.
Actually P-nut, the deal we’d be most worried about would be the one where OJ goes to Calgary. I hope you’re GM doesn’t send him there for Tanguay and a couple of high draft picks. That would be much worse than any PMB stuff.
I don’t think OJ will go to Calgary. Aren’t salary cap issues the reason for Calgary looking to get rid of Tanguay? How does aquiring OJ help that?
Looks like the Flames are going to roll with the team they have: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=230548&hubname=
The thing I don’t get from a FLA perspective is why dump your best player if the coach/GM is on the hot seat? Reminds of the Vikes bailing on Moss even though everyone knew that Tice had one more year. However, in that case, ownership transition was in play. Further, I guess if you are going to do a Bert for Luongo deal, you might as well deal OJ for PMB and prospects/picks and start over with new management on and off ice.
I find it very difficult to be critical of Sundin’s decision.
I think Holik spends most of his time on the checking line with ATL, Greg. His scoring numbers aren’t that great because of that. It’s his FO% that intrigues me. He’s also got good size (6′ 4″, 230) and plays with kind of a nasty streak, and JL knows him.
We’ve been fed.
Dave - So if Holik came hear would you want him to play the same role so that Mikko and Belanger would play with the top 2 lines?
Greg - the thing I like about Holik is that he played his best hockey under JL with the Devils, under a defensive system. The book on Holik is that he’s a defensive center, not an offensive menace.
And I’m advocating for both Fedorov and Holik. Fedorov to play with the Groins and Holik as a depth center. I’d much rather go into the playoffs with 5 centers than 3.
Wafer I could see that if you got them both. Just to note, Russo has updated the blog…not much to read though.
Yes, Greg, that’s how I’d see him being used. It would (theoretically) free Belanger and Mikko up to do more offensively, and also maybe get Shep some rest.
I agree completely, wafer.
Right, Greg. The only bad loss was the first one. No excuse to give up five unanswered goals that night.
Yesterday, Wild did a good job and contained Iginla, and everyone else (even though he got an A).
Personally, I would not give up as much as you would PKNE. Can’t hold DR’s feet to the fire for any trade. There may not be any deals other than overpaying a rental player.
hey; panther nut; whats it like when six people riot?
i’m not saying DR *has* to make a trade to keep his job in my world, but if he goes with the team we have and they get smacked down in the first round again, he’s done for…but we’ve been building for the future for how many years now? when is it time to try to win?
As much as I hate to say this - the wild will not make the playoffs this year. I think the northwest div. is going to place maybe two in and it’s going to be the flames and the avs.
