Thursday’s 3-2 loss at Carolina; Lemaire sends message — Was it the right time?
Posted on March 6th, 2008 – 10:14 PMBy Michael Russo
IF the Wild makes the playoffs, I’m willing to bet the Wild lose Game 1 — especially if it starts on the road.
How about this stat? In its last 10 multi-game road trips (splitting the DET-CBJ, SJ-ANA-LA trip into two in December because the Wild returned to Minnesota), the Wild has dropped the first game in eight. And usually, they’re exactly like Thursday’s in which the Wild players are severely under attack early like they’re still in the midst of their pregame naps.
Tonight, the Wild rallied from a 2-zip deficit (Minnesota’s own Matt Cullen and Scott Walker) on goals by Pavol Demitra and Mikko Koivu, but a Keith Carney out of control, swinging slash on Patrick Eaves — Eaves isn’t a threat from the slot — killed momentum and eventually caused the go-ahead goal on Erik Cole’s second-period winner.
There were several storylines in this game, like the fact that apparently Lemaire’s either out of answers or given up because any question I asked he pointed to the locker room and said “good question for that second door on your right.”
(Fourteen games left, folks, and it’s the same broken record. When’s the last time that the Wild played a 60-minute, dominating game? It’s hard to even believe they’re in a playoff battle the way they continually show up for games with no zip. What’s that say? Lemaire is beyond frustrated, and it’s clear every time we ask that he knows this team’s got serious issues. Like, for example, speaking of broken records, how many times can a team say, “We had a lot of chances?” This team has little ability to score more than two or three goals — plain and simple. Sixty-eight games into the season, I’d say it is what it is at this point).
I bet that made all you fans feel better about things.
But the biggest storyline is that with the Wild fighting for its playoff lives — it dropped to second in the division and is barely clinging to a playoff spot — and given a chance to tie 3:17 into the third on a power play, Lemaire throws checkers Stephane Veilleux, Eric Belanger and Branko Radivojevic onto the ice.
Yes, the power play has been a joke, which has been well-documented on this very blog. But, is this the time to send a message to your top-line forwards? Twenty games into the season, maybe, but now?
Apparently it was, and the Wild wasted a minute and was a disheveled mess during the second minute. Oh, and Marian Gaborik — who yes was not good tonight and didn’t register a shot for the first time in 13-plus months — didn’t get a shift.
I asked Gaborik about this (and incidentally you should have seen the way Veilleux looked at me when I asked Gaborik if he had a problem with the checkers being on the ice and not him, but that’s my job):
Said Gaborik, “The power play wasn’t going well the last few games, but you’ve got a chance to tie the game in the third and this is a critical time in the season to win games. You want to be out there. You want to have your best players out there. But he’s the coach.”
Said Lemaire on Gaborik: “He’s got to play better.”
Gaborik was on five of the power plays, including another scoreless one after the “message.”
Aaron Voros was clearly jacked up to make an impression after being scratched in two straight. But now, there is a chance he could be scratched tomorrow in Atlanta — not by Lemaire, but the NHL — for hitting Eric Staal from behind for a major. I don’t think it was as dirty as everybody here did, but it was to a star (although Staal wasn’t hurt, and that makes a difference in the league’s mind often).
Voros had a lot of jump, but killed the game with a trip with a minute left to ruin any chance of the Wild pulling its goalie for an extra attacker. Jacques wasn’t pleased with the penalty portion of his game.
Mark Parrish got more ice time, but not as much as I predicted. He’s gone from seven minutes, to eight minutes, to the nine-minute range (9:48 tonight). Perhaps he tops 10 in Atlanta?
Oh, and Colorado and Vancouver won.
Talk to you from Hotlanta.
141 Responses to "Thursday’s 3-2 loss at Carolina; Lemaire sends message — Was it the right time?"
The penalty call on Voros at the end of the game was a joke. TERRIBLE call by the ref. There was NO penalty there.
Wild got screwed - AGAIN
When the team suffers the fans suffer. I hope anyone on our team who can dig deep to find that extra effort, that extra spark will do it. It is difficult to suffer with them.
They didn’t deserve to win this game. They played like you know what and it showed. The last time this team has won by more than 1 goal was February 2nd in Columbus. Every game has been close, but like Russo said, I don’t remember a full 60 minute game they’ve played. With our ineptness tonight I would have thought Lemaire would have thrown Parrish out there a little more.
Does anyone from Houston deserve a call-up? Anyone who could put a spark into this team? I know it wouldn’t be a big name, but anything to get a reaction out of these guys.
Pretty entertaining game through the second and third periods. The first period was awful by the Wild. The game could have been a lot different if the Wild would have had the spark earlier. I agree that Gabby had a bad game. He is my favorite player, and I will usually stand up for him. But damn, he never moved his legs unless the puck was on the end of his stick. I am really disappointed with another loss… but what are you going to do… Just hope for the best in ATL. Wild win in the dirty south 5 - 2.
If we all went by Russo’s quotes from how the team practiced on the day before a game we’d be millionaires. They look flat the day before, they lose. They have some pep in their step, they win.
Cole and Voros were engaged in a fight and Walker jumped in on top of Voros, how is that not a penalty (plus he was leaving the ice when Cole jumped on and then turned to join the fray, so they had one more guy on the ice than the Wild)?
I am afraid Don Russo’s comment about the look on Veilleux’s face might be a very good insight into the chemistry of this team and the atmosphere in the locker room right now.
At this point I pretty much would rather see the Wild miss the playoffs. Now I almost never get to see them play (I live in AZ) but I love the team and this year, despite the record I have been terribly unimpressed. They do not deserve to play in the postseason. I want them to make a concentrated effort in the playoffs if they’re going to make it. As it stands now, if they get in it just means 10 or so more days of mediocre hockey.
Ex-Drummer - That is exactly what should be scary to us fans. Have JL lost this team? I cannot believe it, 14 games to go and the coach have to try to motivate his “stars” by playing his checkers on the PP when they are down by a goal, unbelivable!
Anyone see the replays of the Cote-Roy fights tonight? First one went 43 seconds. Second one went 2 seconds. I’ll let you watch the video whenever it comes out to see who won.
Looks like JL has lost them. I think it’s kind of foolish to throw a checking line out on the power play down a goal in the third, but at the same time JL must really be frustrated. I kind of wonder it the captain thing for Gabby is a test to see if he is going to pan out as a leader. i know Modano took a while to develop into a 2 way player, but Gabby has had at least 5+ years. I would guess if Gabb e doesn’t prove himself this month he will be traded away this summer. Especially with the way him and JL have been clashing.
Avs and Nucks both win tonight. Nucks with a game in hand compared to Wild and currently tied with Nashville for the 8th spot. Nashville gets the 8th seed with more wins tiebreaker. We’re in a bit of trouble if they don’t pick it up.
The question if Voros is going to be suspended will be interested to see. On TV you could clearly see that he was slowing down and didn’t hit Stahl with much speed. It almost looked like Stahl was trying to draw a penelty. I’m not saying it is OK to check from behind but there has to be a point when some of the “fault” has to be shared with the player that gets checked?
This is a trend I’ve observed both in the College and High School game. These guys are so used to draw penalties when they take a check from behind that they always turn their backs towards the checker to make the checker think twice before hitting them.
I agree with Dampland that the penalty on Voros at the end of the game was horrible. But why was he even on the ice. I’m really starting to question JL’s coaching as of late. You knew Voros was going to be a marked man by the refs and Carolina players so why did you even send him back out when you’re trying to win a game?
Was this a message to the players if you’re going to quit than I’m going to quit also. I guess if that is the case than do us all a favor and quit for real.
Time for some real changes this off season. Hey I’ll eat crow if they make a good playoff run but right now I’m thinking they wont even make it. And if they do what’s the point.
Okay I’ll stop with the Negativity but what the heck is going on with the team?
Time warp still in effect. Anyone have luck in correcting the problem or is it a Strib IT issue?
The players on some level probably think they will just turn it on in the playoffs, given they try to do that game after game in which they fall behind. Of course, they may not make the playoffs…
russo; tonite i lost a lot of respect for you. to call voros’ penalty towards the end a “careless trip” look at the replay he never fricken touched him. plus to prove your a fraud he got called for a hook. if your going to report on the game…watch it!
Okay, with all games done for the night. Yeah it’s late. MN now 6th. Avs now 7th and only a point behind. Vancouver is 8th 3 points back and a game in hand. Nashville 9th and 3 points back. Not good news.
Who knew that a game between the NHL’s worst team overall and the worst team in the Western Conference right now would have playoff implications? Atlanta is a sorry hockey team, and the Wild are possibly going for that implosion we’ve all been dreading.
When are our ‘top six’ forwards going to start playing like it? No one feels the need to go inside and get the garbage goal. It’s frustrating…
Good lord, the Wild lost a game. It doesn’t mean JL has to toss it in, and it doesn’t mean the team is going to implode. They predictably lost the first game of a road trip.
I disagree that they’re barely holding on to a playoff spot; there’s plenty of games left and I predict that they’ll come out strong and in a few days Carolina will be a fleeting memory.
Pass the Kool-aid please.
Time to take the C away from Gaborik since once again he is not ready to lead.
I agree with about the late penalty. Russo, you need to watch the replay on the Voros penalty at the end. It was a very poor call and never should have been a penalty.
Hoping they can get back on track before the wheels come off.
I’m gone for a few days and Russoville is up in arms and ready to string up Gabby and the rest of the W’s over a few tough losses.
Get over it. Tony is right. This team isn’t falling apart and JL hasn’t lost the team. It’s a few tough losses with a tough schedule coming up. But the whole division is playing against itself over the last three weeks of the season, and the Wild will have plenty of opportunities to stick a fork in the division.
Voros penalty call was an absolute joke! He didn’t even touch him, at least by the replays I saw. That was a payback by the refs, like 10 minutes in majors wasn’t enough. Fuckking NHL refs. What ever happened to the 3rd man in rule? Clearly Voros was engaged in a fight when the Carolina guy came in and took the pile down. What about the instigator penalty on the first guy that engaged Voros after the hit? The entire line dropped their gloves and went after him. And we get the extra time. Then, one of their tough guys is engaged with Gabby. Wonder if that happens if Simon is there? God that pissed me off.
On another note, what is the deal with Gaborik’s inability to carry a puck into the zone without turning it over? For such a skilled player, he stinks at that.
And one more thing, I recall their defensemen with 3 minutes and change remaining getting a questionable penalty called on him. I could read his lips and anger and none of it was PG rated. Why not the extra 2 for unsportsman like conduct? A definite F bombs was launched at the ref. Inconsistent bullshit from the refs. Tired of it.
Voice of Reason - What team are you watching? The Wild have almost nothing going for them right now - and their poor play goes well past the last two games.
If the Wild could actually score a goal on the powerplay, maybe they’d win more games. Playing the two worst penalty killing teams in the Kings and the Canes and getting nothing is unacceptable, even for the Wild special teams.
I’m going to say it because it seems no one else is. I think part of the problem is the coaching. Every time the Wild possess the puck their actions are predictable, sometimes beyond predictable (stop just over the blue line, drop pass). They never attack the opponent with the puck or play the body. I’m tired of watching the Wild act like they’re on the PK when it’s 5 on 5 in their zone, poking at the puck and never gaining possession. I’m also tired of opponent rushes on our zone and the D-men backing up and trying to poke check, STEP UP AND HIT SOMEBODY! Carney’s penalty is a prime example. We’ve had the same game plan for too long and it’s time to adapt or forget the playoffs.
Connor - where did I say the whole team is peaches and cream? There are improvements to be made, but there’s no need for the players to start planning their summer golf schedule like some of you are implying. There are some in Russoville that freak out after a few losses, and those people need to keep things in perspective.
My bad, I just read the boxscore and they did give Cole the instigator and got him for unsportsmanlike conduct for instigating with a visor. But there was still a third man in that wasn’t called.
Gabbie looked uninterested. I agree about the style- get in zone drop pass of gretzky escape and dump—weak.
The guys are not very creative on the power play either and it shows statistically. They will be a easy out for some team in the playoffs assuming they make it. I think we have character issues on the team and it is depressing as a fan. =(
We suck!
If I was JL I would scratch Gabby for tonights game. When Russo and crew come asking why I would simply tell them, “Gabby looked tired last night, he didn’t skate well so I gave him the night off.” That would be a good message to Gabby & the others. Then, from this point on through the rest of the season I would do the same thing.
Easy bets are the Mr. Rolston would be sitting next as he has to be the laziest player on the team. He is one of the main reasons the PP is so unsuccessful. Hell, he kills off most time than the opponent as he loligags back to the puck each time and then shows no urgency in getting it up the ice.
Maybe DR isn’t so stupid after all?
Perhaps he did not want to trade any assets to improve this team because he knows he is going to blow it up in the off-season.
Demitra - gone.
Rolston - gone.
Carney - gone.
PMB - trade.
Nummelin - gone.
Fedoruk - gone.
Hill - gone.
Radio - ??? (sure he doesn’t score a lot but he is doing what he gets paid to do)
Gaborik - trade. (after BFF Demitra is not re-signed)
So next year’s team will have a completely different look. Perhaps it will be another post-lockout year while the team collects $$$ and needs to ‘let the kids play so they get experience’.
I don’t know if I agree that Gabby seemed uninterested, at least no more than anyone else. The whole team looked hungover in the first period. I was frustrated all night by our inability to hold or even gain the zone, just like everyone else was. I really can’t fairly single anyone out, but Rolston looked like he was skating in slow motion and he got knocked off the puck regularly. Even PMB doesn’t get knocked off the puck as much as he does, and I don’t know what the deal is with that. Koivu seemed to be the only one who was willing or able to take the puck to the net, and he only did it sporadically.
I noted Carolina’s league-worst penalty kill yesterday afternoon, but it looked like the best against our PP. I don’t know how we’re ranked 9th.
As for tonight, Atlanta appears to be a team that’s packed it in. If we don’t win by a comfortable margin tonight, especially if it seems like we don’t want to work harder than they do, I’ll be very disappointed. Not surprised, but disappointed (if that’s possible).
Voice of Reason, if they keep losing games to inferior opponents, they miss the playoffs. That’s the perspective. Colorado just lost another 2 guys to injuruy, but they are still winning! Love to hear your spin if we are on the outside looking in, especially if things don’t turn around by the time we play our 9 of 10 final games vs the NW.
kj, you may be on to something. Also like the article on how Rolston misses Todd White, maybe Brian would like to sign with Hotlanta this off-season? Lets do a Gaborik for Kovalchuk deal over the summer. I think JL might like that work ethic a bit better!
Your point is a good one, El Gato. We’ve survived to this point by beating the teams we should beat. If we stop doing that, it doesn’t bode well against the better teams in our conference.
Does Kovalchuk have a good work ethic? I hadn’t heard that. Not saying you’re wrong, I just didn’t know that about him. I kind of thought he was kind of a prima donna, too.
I don’t understand that sentiment, either, Greenstar. During the Voros melee, Gabby was right in there and was jawing with and standing up to a guy who was a little bigger and looked a lot tougher than he is. I forget who, but I remember thinking that was pretty cool. He certainly wasn’t backing down.
happy i missed the game or at least most of it.
It sounds like JL is as frustrated as we are.
i don’t read into SRV on the PP question.
possibly the most frustrating piece right now is most of this team was here last year and knows how tough it is this time of year. for some reason they have forgotten that.
Time to take the C away from Gaborik since once again he is not ready to lead.
i just don’t understand where this is coming from.
if they keep losing games to inferior opponents
El Gato - as someone told me last week, if my mom had balls she’d be my dad (and I’d have had one hell of a confusing childhood, but that’s another issue). There’s no evidence that they will keep losing. As I said, JL is arguably the best in the business and he won’t let this continue.
Voice of Reason = Wafer??
Somehow I can’t see how Carolina is an inferior opponent? They are a damn good team.
kj is spot on although i’m not sure about everyone being gone or next season being similar to post lockout but, i think win or lose there will be more changes than usual. the core is defined and locked in. i still think PMB is a part of that but i won’t rant if he is dealt. i’m not sure that rolston or demitra has created themselves a lot of market value this season.
sign harding long term and talk nik into a trade or let him quietly play out his deal.
i see more retooling not rebuilding.
we have 11 guys comitted to 32.5mil next season. there is room to add quality unlike calgary who has nearly 45 mil comitted to 13 guys.
W4L - Yes, I am wafer thin, and I kinda like this name, especially in turbulent times. 
Green*…I wouldn’t take the C away from Gaborik either. It is a great lesson for him. Win or lose, the perception of him as a leader will be settled. And, it doesn’t look good when your best offensive player - and team captain - is benched for the PP.
What I don’t understand is WHY DOES ROLSTON PLAY on the PP?
I would rather watch Carney on the point than him.
G*, Backstrom’s no-trade is limited and I believe he could be dealt this summer. Russo explained that recently (I think in his last Sunday Insider).
The trolls returned.
JL is trying to win the war, even if he lost the battle last night by not putting skill guys out for the last PP.
They need to pay attention.
Team must take care of business and they cannot if they are not playing smart with all the effort they are capable of.
iceman is wise.
i an just getting to the 98 playoffs i have on DVR via the classic series show on NHL network. JL led devils had the best record in the east and drew ottawa in first round. they were promptly bounced 4 games to 2. it was noted that JL said jersey was a better team and at the end he said that they didn’t do enough, meaning the team, over the last 15 games of the year to be ready for playoffs. they relaxed.
sounds a lot like our wild in a way.
kj:
Millions of $$$? Did I miss something? MN is not that large of a market for professional sports.
How come you never say anything about my posts any more, Green*? I kind of miss the days when you’d disagree with anything I said.
Yeah, I don’t know where the whole ‘JL has lost the team’ angle comes from.
If they don’t put out the effort, it isn’t JL’s fault. Granted he needs to motivate them but think about it…
1) Legendary coach
2) One of the BEST NHL markets
3) Fabulous facilities
4) Nice place to raise a family
5) Millions of $$$
How can you NOT be motivted????
Once again this team has no heart. Hards played well, only letting in 2 goals in the first when Carolina had how many scoring chances? I believe it was 11 or 13 of their 15 SOG…
When will this team, the whole team, show up to play 60 minutes of hockey?
MN is not that large of a market for professional sports.
This is true for baseball, basketball and football, but the Wild sell out every game. Even against the crappy teams, tickets are hard to come by.
Does anyone else think that JL has lost this locker room?
I know JL thinks that moving people around and all that will ’shake the team up’, but I really think it causes more disarray than anything else. I think the players are getting frustrated because they can’t get into a groove due to the constant shuffling of lines, and the benching during key moments in a game. Granted I saw a lazy Gabby last night (and I never call him out because he is my Fav player to watch), but I would still want him out on the ice for those final few shifts. Gabby can make things happen, and maybe he looks at the clock when there is 3 minutes left and say ‘oh *uck, I better make something happen’. It’s obviously not the ideal situation but I would rather have that than Radio, Belanger, and SRV during the waning minutes. I love the team, and I think JL is a hockey god… but maybe it’s time to try something different with this group. After all, it’s different strokes for differnt folks… one strategy won’t work for every individual.
I also think kj has got it in terms of why DR didn’t make a big move although I think DR also thought ANA, DAL and DET are maybe better than they look right now while SJ remains strong.
Can any great UFA minds throw up a list of wingers that could add to the young Wild core? I believe Gabby will ask for a trade this summer and the Wild will get a top center in return (like OJ) which will suddenly make this team deep at a critical JL system spot.
Does anyone else think that JL has lost this locker room?
No.
Kyle…
Gaborik 6.5 mil
Demitra 4.5 mil
Kimmy J 4.8 mil
Backstrom 3.1 mil
Koivu 2.7 mil
Parrish 2.65 mil
PMB 2.6 mil
Rolston 2.43 mil
Carney 2.1 mil
Schultz 1.8 mil
Belanger 1.75 mil
Skoula 1.7 mil
Nummelin 1.2 mil
Foster 1.0 mil
The SOH is a VERY lucrative franchise. Otherwise Leipold would NEVER have bought it.
The writing has been on the wall about the coach losing the team for a long time.
Their play has shown it for a while, but the biggest confirmation was a few weeks ago when the 5 skilled players went to JL’s office and told him that he needed to trust them and let the team play.
JL’s quotes leading up to then were about how players needed to step up, and he’d give the ice time to those who earned it. His quote after that meeting was something along the lines of “My way hasn’t worked, I’ll try their way.” That was a sign of serious division between coach and team.
Today’s quote (which I’m guessing Russo is saving for a big “The Coach Has Lost The Team” story on Sunday) about asking the players in the locker room is the final stray.
They players had already lost faith in the coach. Now the coach has lost faith in the players.
Not good.
kj:
A large market is one where team owners spend money to win and could care less about maintaining a profit. Our roster isn’t getting things done regardless their price tag.
I don’t think JL has lost the room. I think he is just as frustrated with the inconsistent play as most of us are around here.
By the way, did anyone else take the time to read the article by #2? Fine work. Disregard the troll comments at the bottom about what is a Wild, blah, blah, blah.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/16362601.html
Also, I know garlic is supposed to work for vampires, what keeps trolls away?
Wins to trolls = Sunlight to vampires
So much for the theory that Gabby would be more
motivated wearing the “C”. Gabby is a phenomenal
talent but that doesn’t mean he is a leader.
This is when the value of Wes Walz type players become apparent.
Question for those of you with DirecTV. As much as I hate Qwest and as good as Comcast is in comparison, I’m looking at switching to a Qwest bundle. for cost savings.
For TV, the Qwest option has DirecTV, which my wife claims will go out all the time in bad weather, according to her coworkers.
Confirm/deny? (I live in St Paul if it matters.)
The Avalanche are 5-0 since signing Peter Forsberg and acquiring defensemen Adam Foote and Ruslan Salei just before the trade deadline. In that same period, the Wild are 3-3. I’m not saying that they are dead in the water, but they could be steaming towards the playoffs. Too bad we couldn’t get more than Chris Simon, who incidentally has averaged a not-so-workmanlike 7.5 minutes per game not including being scratched last night.
Simon has the hershey squirts that already hit Parrish and Koivu. Not a healthy scratch according to the Don.
kj:
I hope your right, we need to start spending the right $ amount on the right players.
VoReason:
Do not get satellite TV, my sister has it (prior lake) and it goes out in window and rain. I have comcast digital, and it’s probably as good as tv can get.
VoR,
I would not recommend DirecTV to anyone. Every time there was any kind of a weather event, like it rained or the wind blew, I’d lose the signal. It didn’t even have to be near my house, either. If there was bad weather near the tower that relayed the signal, I’d lose it, too. I switched back to Comcast digital cable, and I haven’t had a single problem. The whole experience was extremely furstrating. I’ve never used Qwest, so I can’t comment on them. I think you’re just generally better off with an underground system than satellite.
I live in St. Paul, too, VoR (btw).
Kyle…I didn’t say it was a large market. I said there are millions of $$$ (which there are) and that the SOH is a lucrative market (which it is).
Leipold has deeper pockets than Naegele did. I have a feeling that the bottom line for this organEYEzation will change in the off season as the team is rebuilt.
Thanks Dave. You don’t happen to have a yellow lab named Jack, do you?
Troll Kyle: are you aware of the NHL salary cap? The Wild’s soon-to-be old owner bagged it the year after the lock out under the “develop young players” guise (which did have something to it) but those days are now gone as the team has spent near the cap the last 2 years. Join us in the present or move on.
No, VoR. I have a boxer named Tessa. Why? Do you have a yellow lab named Jack near you that barks incessantly or something?
maybe he looks at the clock when there is 3 minutes left and say ‘oh *uck, I better make something happen’
maybe but the coach is making the point that #10 cannot wait until 3 minutes in the game to decide to make something happen. I happen to agree.
A large market is one where team owners spend money to win and could care less about maintaining a profit.
then what market are the rangers in?
this argument is mostly invalid with the cap in place. you can no longer spend millions on marginal bit players as a tryout. pre cap you could toss big coin at someone and if they didn’t workout, cut him and throw money at the next guy. can’t do that anymore because dollars are not infinate. you give brett hull 6mil on a tryout and he sucks arse, like he did after the lockout, you have a 6million dollar hole on your roster.
Dave, there’s a Dave that lives near me (Randolph and Hamline area) with a dog named Jack. Jack likes me because I’m dumb enough to throw his toys for him.
I live on the extreme east side, almost in Oakdale, near the 3M complex. I actually live in the area of Harding High School (which is distressing to me as a Johnson grad but probably amuses Green*).
G*, that is a fair point… but wouldn’t you want to put the guys on the ice that give you the best chance of winning the game when there are only three minutes left? Especially this late in the season when you are fighting for the NW Division title? And let’s face it Radio, SRV, and Belanger are NOT those guys… yet that’s what we got. I agree that sending a message to the ’skilled’ guys to work hard all the time is something that JL tries to do often… but 15 games left in the season, down by a goal, 3 minutes left, is not the time to be sending any message at all unless that message is ‘go win this game NOW’.
VoR,
I’m going to play the flip side of the coin. I have Dtv and have had very few weather related problems. Heavy rains have caused it to go out, but other than that, no problems. The bigger thing to me is the price stability. Communistcast was raising their prices every 6 months, I think I have only seen 2-3 price changes from Dtv since 2003. I have done the bundle with Qwest just because I hate Qwest. Has nothing to do with service at home. I deal with them on regular basis at work and they have left a very sour taste, so the less money I give them the better, even if it costs me an extra dollar or two by not bundling. I just hate having all of my eggs in the Qwest basket.
So Dave (DfDiMN), does your locale mean that you have been to Obb’s a time or two?
For TV, the Qwest option has DirecTV, which my wife claims will go out all the time in bad weather, according to her coworkers.
I have been with DTV for 5 years now and live in mpls. The only time it has gone out is for a few minutes during a severe thunderstorm. i haven’t had it go out during any snowstorm as of yet. just make sure the dish is properly aligned. i took my dish off when i did my roof and didn’t put it back on in exactly the same spot and it would “fade” when a cloud went by. realigned it and the signal is as solid as peter north’s crank.
you will need a clear view of southern sky so if that is in doubt, you can have someone out to do a site inspection and test for signal strength. they won’t put it up if the signal is no good.
dtv’s HD is kick arse. PQ is excellent. DVR took some getting used to coming from tivo but is now easier and if you have highspeed internet and can network your DVR, they have VOD and the ability to schedule recordings from DTV website.
BNAG - it’s the price stability that’s killing us. Comcast is almost 130 with just basic cable TV and internet, which is absurd. We need to save some money because formula for the kid is 50 bucks a week.
So much for hoping the captaincy motivating Gaborik. For the record, I voted for Koivu. If your not willing to listen to JL, who are you going to listen to?
Actually, BNAG, I’ve never been to Obb’s before. I really should check it out some time.
Are you purposely ignoring me, Green*?
G*, I have a pretty good view of the southern sky - from due south I have 30-45 degrees to the east and west.
How do you get it aligned properly? Is it trial and error or is there a tool or person that does it for you?
probably amuses Green*
tells me there is hope for you guppies.
ATX - yes you do but sometimes, as iceman stated, you need to lose a battle to win the war. we need #10 to play the whole game, not coast until 5min left and then turn it on. if JL leaves him in, he thinks like you say and scores, why would he change his play? #10 is still young and has a lot to learn. hopefully he learned something last night.
why is it so easy for us with no talent to see these things?
How do you get it aligned properly? Is it trial and error or is there a tool or person that does it for you?
they have tool and you can use your receiver but it is pain in arse.
So much for hoping the captaincy motivating Gaborik.
After 3 games?
Dave, you’ve got 2 weeks to get there on a Friday. Phenominal all you can eat fish fry. It looks like a dump, but I’ve never had a bad meal there. Plus, the cocktails are reasonable and a good pour. I used to bowl at Sun Ray on Fridays and head over there after. Good times…
G*, again that is a fair point. That would be like telling your dog to sit, and the dog doesn’t perform the ‘trick’, and then giving the pooch a treat anyway. I just don’t see the good it’s going to do with 15 games left in the season. Gabby has not ‘gotten it’ yet this season by the sound of it, so why jeopardize the NW Title now? I really wish Gabby would mature and realize he has to skate hard EVERY SHIFT, but it seems like a lost cause sometimes.
On another note, I played some street hockey last night. Every time I make an attempt to ‘play’ hockey I am just astounded when I think about what guys in the NHL do. It’s such a tough game to play. Although I did score on a nice little one timer ;).
BNAG - it’s the price stability that’s killing us. Comcast is almost 130 with just basic cable TV and internet, which is absurd. We need to save some money because formula for the kid is 50 bucks a week.
Nursing is the way to go. Two kids, not one penny on formula. Gotta give a little credit to Mrs. BNAG though, she was a trooper. With the first kid, she had enough “output” to take care of my daughter and fill 1 full shelf in the freezer besides.
Dtv for me is +/- $62 per month for 2 tv’s, no HD or DVR (yet). Tack on the Qwest “higher speed” DSL for another ~$42, and you’re still way ahead.
I will say VoR, that I know other people who had DirecTV and had no problems. My former roommate is the one who talked me into getting it. He had it in Cloquet, where you’d think the winter weather conditions would be worse, and never lost the signal at all. Maybe it had more to do with my alignment or whatever, but I just got frustrated to the point where it was worth it to me to pay a little more if I never had to worry about it.
When I cancelled DTV last fall, I was paying about $90-100 a month for it and I was getting more channels than I am now with Comcast, paying about $130 for cable and internet. I miss those extra channels, but I was unwilling to pay substantially more for them with Comcast. So, the packages are also more enticing with DTV.
Don’t forget that you’ll have upfront costs to get DTV. You’ll have to purchase the dish and the boxes, which I think ran me about $200. They rebate some of that to you, but it’s not like Comcast where you don’t have to buy the equipment.
Johnson our dear old high school
to thee we sing our praise… 
Dave - I am Class of ‘76. Wow. Almost 32 years ago.
I am a DirecTV subscriber and have only seen a few t-storm related outages. Not very long but painful if you’re in the middle of watching something.
I guess I am somewhat at a loss with the sentiment around this team.
We all keep wating for them to ‘turn it around’ or ‘be consistent’. Don’t you think JL is rather tired of their act too?
They should understand one key component regarding the Wild - JL will be here until he decides he doesn’t.
Cool, kj. I’m Class of ‘85. I can’t believe there’s no more St. Paul City Conference hockey anymore. Are the Govies eventually going to join a conference, or is the program just going to die off?
But, Comcast charges you monthly for “equipment rental”
You can have the same DTV stuff for years (and get upgraded for free/cheap if you know the way to do it)
The key is a well aligned dish. If the signal meter is at or near 100% on most transponders in good weather, it will take a HUGE storm for you to lose your signal. Even then, I don’t know that I’ve had an outage of more than 10 minutes. I’d be surprised if it happens more than a handful of times per year.
I’d say I had as many outages with cable, and those lasted much longer.
I just looked at your band website for the first time, kj. I’m going to have to get some friends together and check you guys out some time in the near future. Have you ever seen Transit Authority?
I didn’t realize that the City Conference was no more.
What a shame.
Their program has been in free-fall since the 70’s - thanks to HM. It’s tough to compete when you compare the available education.
I definitely do not like HM…
Dave - we’ll be at the Blue Fox in Arden Hills on the 22nd of March.
Haven’t seen Transit Authority - a Chicago tribute band???
kj, I think that JL is going to call in KC to run a practice, go into his office, and turn the Vivaldi up way loud to drown out the players’ pleas.
That’s true about equipment rental charges, Danny, so I suppose it amounts to the same thing. For me, it was tough to come up with a couple hundred bucks at the time. That’s just me, though.
VoR…now THAT is a good idea.
Yes, kj, Transit Authority is a Chicago Tribute band:
http://www.transit-authority.com/4436.html
They’re pretty good. They do almost exclusively old stuff. Nothing beyond Chicago 16, and they don’t do those songs that well. They recently changed lead singers, and the new guy is not as good as the old guy was. Every other aspect of their musicianship is outstanding, though.
I definitely do not like HM…
Go Rams! - if should be a great night cap tonight but please let it be after a Wild win.
Voice of Reason-I have DirecTV and it is nice. It never went out this winter and in summer it went out maybe a half dozen times during big storms. I highly recommend it and you can get the Big Ten Network and NFL Sunday Ticket if you like Sunday football (ask Comcast if they have those, zing!)
dtv runs deals with free installation which means no dish cost, and rebates on receivers making them close to free. DTV does charge $5 a month per receiver over 1 per household.
Back on… I do question JL’s control over the team at this point. How many times will veterans listen to work harder skater harder beleive in yourselves yadda before they start checking out? By watching some of these guys it looks like they’ve checked out, even in some of the wins in which we’ve eeeked by. There have been hints of this stuff with Demo and Gabby Vs JL’s system as well as the hints of looking to the East. Not saying players want to coast it and expect to win, however going down the list: Wanting the team to get a center, not wanting to play center, Nummi’s riding the pine/possibly gone after the season, Parrish a former captain (ok not that it means much with rotating C) getting little time, overall inconsistant play, and really lackluster performance other than flashes from guys like Burns/Shepp/Johnsson here and there… How good can the lockerroom morale really be and what points to JL having a good grasp on what this team is doing at this point?
Nummi’s riding the pine/possibly gone after the season
nummi is and always has been a non-factor
Wait a sec. I don’t see FSN North on Dtv’s lineup. What will I do without DDQ?
Ch. 641
Green*, allow me to revise
nummi is and always has been a non-factor
except in shootouts. The shoulder shimmy is unstopable. However, we know how many shootouts we can expect to be in in the SCP.
VoR, It will be great when the little one can start eating real food. Even better when potty trained, which is next on our to do list for 2 and a half year old Lil’ Gato since she is now at the low end of the largest diaper size!
Interesting center quotes from JL and about PMB on the other side - http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_8483080
Also, in retrospect, I think Foster should have played last night. Some of his PP slappers have gone in although others missed so bad they ruin possession. At this point, I guess I would take my chances.
Gato - the little guy is starting to get interested in people food, so that’s starting soon.
Is Ch641 on the Premier level only?
Adam - I’ve thought about PMB at center before, but he doesn’t make sense there under JL’s system, since he’d have to play defense first.
Probably on the sports package. I get Premier since it was part of the deal when I joined (Premier free for 4 months with NFL Sunday ticket purchase). I have the option to change but don’t really want to. To save costs I’d see what kind of specials they are running now and maybe downgrade to the most basic level during the summer and go back up to get your sports level when VoR Jr. starts eating real food and when the Wild start up again.
Is Ch641 on the Premier level only?
it is part of sports pack but you get your regional sports network with regular package
If JL had truly lost the team he would have quit trying new ideas for teaching and motivating “his youngsters”.
Personally, I would rather have SRV on the PP, than someone who was taking the night off.
Gato - good luck on the PT with Lil Gato. My 3 year old daughter had no problem catching on with #1, #2 took almost a year. She would hold it forever. Even went to a gastro dr. and the only help we got out of that was sending her to the hospital for a blood draw. Once they took 3 vials, she has had no problems since. I think the prospect of the needle again has scared the #2 out of her.
So who agrees with D&D that Voros tried to slow up before hitting Staal?
VoR…
I definitely do not agree that Voros tried to slow up. How his stick came up as Voros hit the boards indicated to me that his weight was moving toward the boards rather than easing up.
Parrish is on PA & Dubay
Never said Nummi was a factor - The point there was his situation doesn’t help the lockeroom along with those other items and more. Example: The game we won in OT a couple weeks back when he was in the lineup (don’t feel like looking for which game it was, I’m at work) - They showed the bench in a replay when the Wild scored - you have all the guys with smiles and cheers and there is nummi looking like someone just kicked his dog.
Corey Perry got Zednik’d on his leg, out 6 weeks.
At least Voros fought instead of turning tail and running like Martha Cooke would.
Voros lifted his left arm up and grabbed the wall… IMO this showed me that he was trying to ease up a bit. The Carolina announcers (who were actually pretty good) thought Voros game an extra nudge at the end, even though one of the replay angles clearly showed that he did not. It was definitely a penalty, but not a severe as it seemed IMO.
So who agrees with D&D that Voros tried to slow up before hitting Staal?
I also disagree. Although I would not say it was a reckless run, it was a clear penalty.
I think it should have been a 2 min penalty but I also think he pulled up a bit after he gave the initial push. Definitely checking from behind but a major? Not IMO.
I personally liked how Staal hammed it up for the officials and crowd, then after the penalty was posted, guess who’s out on the first shift of the PP? You guessed it.
Hey Blog! Been away for a while on work project. So I hope you accept me back and take my comments for what they are, comments. Here’s what i’ve seen lately.
DR has blown it. Not just at the trade deadline, but what we had to trade in the first place. While I agree that you don’t want to “mortgage” the future for today. Does it not scare anyone that the only players other teams had interest in are Koivu, Sheppard, PMB and Burns? Is it not scary that there’s nothing in Houston other teams want?
Then Center position. DR wanted Walz back. Walz “retired” after a month. Lemaire wanted Pouliot to stay during training camp. We keep Walz and have been short a center since Nov 1. Now some would say Pouliot is a bust. Fine. But that makes two first round picks in a row that are busts in Thelen and Puoliot. Pouliot being a bust with the 4th overall is especially disgusting. Maybe the the bust is DR?
Lemaire all but admitted he lost his team last night. By telling Russo, “good question for that second door on your right.” That says to me, the team doesn’t believe in him anymore. It is said Lemaire is the best coach in the NHL. The best teacher. So then, what has happened this year? The team no longer seems to respond to him.
We have a new owner coming in. If I was him, here’s what I’d look into if the Wild miss the playoffs and or exit in the first round.
1. Replace DR. With who? I don’t know, but given the state of affairs in Houston and the first round busts, I’d relieve him.
2. Lemaire. Great coach. He seems to have lost this team. Especially Gabby, Demo, Rolston Parrish etc. Maybe its his time to go as well.
3. Gabby. As far as I’m concerned. He’s a superstar, nearly the franchise. I’d ask him what he wants and give it to him. He’s a top 5 player in this league. Leave the leadership, character etc. to Burnsie, Koivu, Schultz etc. Get Gillies in here, Pouliot too.
If this means that DR and Lemaire go, fine. I was at the Rangers game when he got the 5′er. It was electric. He needs support form coaches and management to be that electric player. Go get Hossa, put Koivu between him and Gabby. Then let them fly.
At the end of the day, this year has been frustrating. Not as much as I feel our expectations for this team are off. But for the inconsistent effort, apparent lack of trust in management-coaches from the players. I’m waiting to the last second to “buy” playoff tix.
Thoughts?
Voros did ease up, and slow down, but it was still a penalty.
Any hockey player could tell by Voros’ body posture, that he was easing up. And quite honestly, I felt that the Carolina player he hit really seemed to embellish the hit (Sean Avery style).
But it nonetheless was deserving of a penalty.
The “penalty” called on Voros at the end of the game, was total and complete crap. Voros got royally screwed on that one.
On a side note: Sean Hill & Keith Carney need to retire after this year, as the boys just don’t have the legs anymore.
well I have been away from the blog for a few days and now that I got back and done reading past columns from ” THE DON” and responses from fellow bloggers , I have to admit to being wore out.
my big question happens to be “WHAT THE HE77 IS GOING ON??”
We are trying to get to the playoffs right??
Why is this team moving so slow??
CHECKERS OUT FOR A PP??
And DON’T even start about referee’s involvement in the game. My dad said many years ago the MN teams will never get any calls all because of the “BOTTLE THROWER AT THE VIKES GAME WAY BACK WHEN”. he was right then and his words still carry true today.
I dont condone throwing a bottle at the referee’s but where they he77 are they looking?? and with which eye??
However that is the least of the problem for this team.
they dont play together.
Is this due to lack of chemistry??
Is it due to lack of compatibility?
the coach and his card shuffling?
NO SOLID LEADER TO STANDUP AND IMPRESS ON HIS TEAMMATES THE NEED TO PUT FORTH THE EFFORT TO WIN???????
Me i don’t know but am just so tired of seeing my fellow bloggers have to try and seek answers that could have, should have, and will not be answered by this TEAM,COACH, and most of all “GM”
when they get it together they are really fun to watch but as of now it is hard not to channel surf!!!
Dice - disagree on DR and JL points.
DR is cautious. Cautious is not stupid, and I’m actually liking Simon now that he’s here. Also, Houston is not barren of talent, ask Aaron in Houston. B-B-B-Benny wasn’t ready last fall, hopefully he’ll be ready this year after his tour of duty with KC.
If JL really felt he’s lost the team then he’d leave on his own, like he did in NJ. I don’t see him as the type to stay beyond his welcome. Maybe replace Tremblay with KC?
I agree that we need to tie up Gabby long term. I think an 8mil/year is about what he’s worth, but a contract should be bonus-laden (think “play all 82 games” or “score 40 goals have 40 assists”).
The money is there to go get Hossa, but I think it’d be better spent on Foppa or another center. Available this summer:
Forsberg, Peter
Fedorov, Sergei
Holik, Bobby
Conroy, Craig
Rucchin, Steve
Peca, Mike
Smolinski, Bryan
Weight, Doug
Morrison, Brendan
Langkow, Daymond
York, Mike
Straka, Martin
Prospal, Vaclav
Williams, Jason
One other thing to prove a little point is the fellow bloggers are talking about
-which type of tv to have dish or cable
-who lives where in state
-who owns a dog
-johnson is better than h-m
these are not things to bring up on the hockey blog of our great ” DON RUSSO”
it just shows that the teams of 18,000 might not have all players holding on as tight and may end up looking for another ride
VOR, good comments.
And I think PMB and Gabby on the wings of a top-tier center would be positively dreamy
BTW, I’ve had DirecTV fro 12 years. It’s the bomb! LOL.
Dave in Alex - stranger topics have been discussed.
Yeha Alex, I could go back to talking about my HDTV purchase comoing up… I think we have decided on a setup! 
skate food
Does it not scare anyone that the only players other teams had interest in are Koivu, Sheppard, PMB and Burns?
No, it means the future of the franchise is stable. You left out Schultz and Harding as well. Other teams wanting them means they are indeed valuable.
I think Gaborik will be traded this summer. DR cannot afford to let him walk and if Demitra is shown the door, Gaborik will dig in his heels and not sign UNLESS Hossa is picked up. A likely destination for him would be Washington. Or wherever Hossa signs.
All the more reason to reload after this season.
JL pointing to the door and saying ‘ask them’ is a clear message that he is frustrated with the veterans. I keep saying that. They are the ones that are not producing. The ‘core’ mentioned above are always working hard.
We’re stuck with Johnsson. Belanger is a good 3-4th line center.
Next year’s centermen will be Koivu, Sheppard, a UFA and B-B-B-Benny.
Foster has been out with a back injury but would like to see him used more on point on PP. He seems to be the only one able to get it in toward the net these days with his slapper. When was the last time Rolston one-timed a slapper in the net? A lot of that has to do with missing a decent center though. WOuld be nice to see that line with Belanger and Butch regain its early season chemistry. Dont expect any help from Houston or the college kids, that’s not how Jacques works unless there are injuries. He won’t shake up lineup like that. I’d really like to see what Jones, Aeillo or Fiala could do if given the chances but its just not going to happen unless they get injury desperate. And if they get injury desperate, they’ll probably tap Reitz or Belle on the blueline or Clutterbuck, Payer, Ward or Kelly as forwards as fill-ins.
Marshall 3 - Warroad 1
Now in the books.
Would it be such a bad thing to let Gaborik go? He’s never really been a “team player”. It’s all about him. Demitra, has anyone been that impressed? Belanger, where’s Rolston been. The only line working is the grinder line. Even Fedoruk has made more of an impact that our more “skilled players”. Maybe it is time for a re-vamp. Get rid of the dead weight and start fresh. Either some of the current roster doesn’t want to play for the Wild or in MN or for JL.
JL just can’t get a fire lit under these guys. They don’t seem to care.
Dice, I disagree with your JL DR comments too. Gabby is an exciting shooter. But, I would never give one player the entire franchise, maybe not even if his name was Gretsky.
A player must bring effort the the cause every night. He can’t participate depending upon his mood of the day.
And, it must be to his ability on both ends of the ice. I understand that Gabby does not have the same defensive talent as SRV, and vice versa but he’s gotta try.
Everyone would agree, that when SRV gets an opportunity, he does it with enthusiasm. Gabby needs to bring that same level of enthusiasm to getting open and playing without the puck.
I think he is still growing as a player, so I am not writing him off. Only, that we need more from him if we are truly going places.
Consistant enthusiastic effort would be a big contribution to the team.
Maybe SRV should be wearing the “C”….
