Parrish scratched; Blame Wild’s 3-2 shootout loss to Atlanta on me
Posted on March 7th, 2008 – 6:04 PMBy Michael Russo
The writing’s been on the wall, and in the paper for that matter.
For the first time in his Wild career, and for the first time since his rookie year, Mark Parrish is a healthy scratch tonight.
He’ll be replaced by Matt Foy. Sean Hill and Chris Simon are also scratched.
Postgame notes: I’ve covered tons and tons of games in this arena, and I’ve covered worse last-minute comebacks than this, believe it or not.
But just to show you what kind of character guy I am, I’ll fall on the knife on this one, folks.
Blame this meltdown to one of the NHL’s worst teams (one that had lost eight in a row) on me.
I neglected to mention this on the blog before the game because I was hoping nothing would come of it, but I might have turned Nik Backstrom into a bundle of nerves about 90 minutes before the game.
You see, he was doing his normal pregame routine where he slow (speed)walks around the arena like a man-turtle, much to the amusement of several of the Philips Arena workers who weren’t used to this bizarre spectacle.
Well, between the loading docks and the entrance to the area that houses the Zamboni and locker-room corridor, there’s a door. Working my way up to the press box — actually CNN Center to meet my brother, his gf and some friends – I opened it and it wouldn’t open because somebody was pulling from the other side.
I finally yank it open and it’s Nik Backstrom, clearly in a Zen state (Everything Zen by Bush, highly recommend it).
Normally, I’d just ignore him knowing he was starting.
But we were eye to eye. So I instinctively said, “Hey Nik.” He sheepishly said, “Hi,” back. And right then, I hit panic mode. In hockey writing 101, you learn, “Do not speak to an entranced goaltender or you deal with the repercussions if they blow up later.” I think that’s what tutor, John Vanbiesbrouck, once taught me.
Well, I accidentally talked to Backstrom, and freaked out. All looked good until about 5 1/2 minutes to go when KABOOM!
If you really do blame me, remember I pumped Marian Gaborik up in that Nashville game he won with four ticks left in OT by watching his five-goal game with him that morning.
If it makes you feel any better, this Wild implosion will likely cost me a few years at the end of my life. Stressful, stressful night. And as you can tell, the aftermath has clearly made me delirious.
Regardless, barely had time to spend five minutes in a pretty silent locker room, but Jacques Lemaire immediately tried to lift his team’s spirit by telling them how well they played and how they can build off this during a brief postgame meeting.
The Wild outshot Atlanta 16-5 through one period, 26-12 through two. Yet, it had a 1-0 lead with 5 1/2 minutes left when Colby Armstrong tied the score.
So again, tonight’s storyline is the fact that either every goaltender that ever faces the Wild on that given night is a combination of Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, the Beezer, Dominik Hasek, Ken Dryden, Glenn Hall, Billy Smith and Tony Esposito all wrapped into one — OR — the Wild is offensively challenged.
I’ll go with the latter. As I said last night, IT IS WHAT IT IS. If the Wild scores more than two or three goals in a game, school and work should be cancelled the next day for a Twin Cities parade bigger and better than any before.
Don’t know what to say about this one:
– Eric Belanger is day-to-day with a leg injury. This dude sacrificed his body by launching himself into an Ilya Kovalchuk blast, but it cost him. He was gone for half the game, forcing the Wild to use Brian Rolston at center. And, he likes playing center in the Minnesota system as much as Pavol Demitra.
I did see Belanger after and he said, “I’m OK.” If he misses games, the Wild will likely call up Serge Payer, Steve Kelly or Benoit Pouliot, although I’d guess the former because Pouliot’s been terrible this year. Peter Olvecky is out with an injury.
– Burns was great tonight and got one and one to become the Wild’s new single-season defenseman record holder for goals (12) and points (36).
– Anything else? Parrish, probably smartly, declined to comment on his press-box credential. To be honest, I didn’t ask Lemaire about it after the game considering I had 15 minutes TOTAL to do interviews and write an entire game story.
Kent can ask about that tomorrow, and other things, as he’s got practice and I take a mental day away from anything puck related.
I’m staying an extra day in Hotlanta, but I’ll head back to the Twin Cities on the first flight Sunday morning so I can cover the Sharks game.
Good night Minnesota.
245 Responses to "Parrish scratched; Blame Wild’s 3-2 shootout loss to Atlanta on me"
I just don’t understand this.
Wow - Matt Foy this is your life.
“Le Chateau Bow-Wow” has an occupant of the Homeboy Suite this evening…
Matt Foy hat trick tonight. You heard it here first.
The Wild REALLY need to win this game tonite with the Sharks and Devils looming next week.
The Wild could be by themselves in first place of the NW as soon as tonite (with a Calgary loss). Or out of the top 8 as soon as Tuesday.
Wow, even Craig Leipold is at the Edina Benilde game
Maybe Leipold is doing a little scouting mbrose. We could use a few goal scorers.
No doubt, some good prospects out there.
If he could find another center…!
Nice, I get to watch that means the Wild kick some ass tonight!!!
Just a quick note here guys … game’s on. I think it’s a good thing to sit Parrish, I don’t care how long he’s been in the league, I don’t care that he’s never been a healthy scratch before, the bottom line is he’s not contributing for whatever reason and it’s gotta be figured out. Either by him or the coaching staff.
I’ve never seen so much cry baby crap from a pro sports team.with the kind of money they are getting paid nobody should have to find ways to em.come spend a day in my business,none of em would last an hour.
Oh, and by the way I’m not a Parrish basher, I think the guy works hard. Somethings just not right.
Does anyone have a huge problem with sitting Parrish tonight? Just curious.
Nope Adam, he needs a rest. He’s tired and you can really see it. I think he’s also had the worst case of the flu bug that’s swept the team so he may just not be 100% yet, we don’t know. Let the man rest. I just hope they all get their heads out of their patooties and soon. And yes I used the word patootie.
I do have to say, poor SImon, welcome to Minnesota, don’t screw this up and oh yeah, have the flu on us.
Blakedigger- i don’t disagree with your comments that they get paid a lot of money and shouldn’t have to be motivated (i’ll assume there’s a word missing in your comment). but compared to say the NBA, these guys get paid a LOT less and work a LOT harder. i don’t know what your bidness is, but i doubt 18,000 people are paying $80 (or more) a head to watch…they have talent we don’t, or else we’d be out there.
and there’s a reason these guys have coaches - among other things, to put a foot in their azz, when nec
Did I just see SRV check Hedberg the goalie!?!?!
Reid just called the checking line the “pluggers”. And Russo thought SRV looked cross eyed at him!
Roli!
Yippie a PP, and a 5 on 3 on that. Maybe just maybe, if the Hockey Gods are listening….. Yea!!!! ROLI ROLI ROLI!! Nice to hear the Wild fans in the crowd yelling.
That ppg was a perfect example of what a great player Burns has become. Burns totally deserves the big contract they gave him after the season started. Burns is evolving into a scoring d-man as well… The cross play where Roli got the one-timer was initiated by Burns, just another example of how great Burns has become…
I love the sound of ‘Let’s go Wild!!’ Coming softly from the crowd. It’s nice.
FSN North on yahoo tv… will I be subjected to that infamous D&D?
Smuggla, Burns will be a solid player for years to come if this year is any indication. He’s improved a lot over the last few and still has some rough spots but time and age will help with those.
Shepp should have taken that shot, the goalie was expecting Gabby and Demo and wasn’t paying that much attention to Shepp. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20.
Terharr: “There is a delay of game penalty…what that means I don’t know.”
Say. No. More.
Kevin, what’s yahoo TV?
Is it just me or does the camera operator in Atlanta think they are watching a football game? Seriously, the main camera is having a hard time following the play.
And I’ve got no problem sitting Parrish, though the “not working hard enough” line from JL/DR is like a broken record. Makes me wonder, just a little bit, whether the head honchos are in danger of being tuned out by the troops.
Edina’s up 3-2 over Benilde.
why does the PA announcer say what stoppage of play is for?
Parrish sitting is fine with me.
souhan on wild live was a JOKE.
atlanta has the worse sweaters in hockey.
G*: to “educate” the non-hockey knowledgeable fans in the South.
Oh goodie, I get to see this Faceoff segment that’s so soundly hated.
the “not working hard enough” line from JL/DR is like a broken record.
i think this means more than what it does when taken literally.
KiPA - new rule, if you have to announce why they are stopping play at a hockey game, you get your NHL franchise stripped immediately and cannot have it back for 50 years
Because..it AIN’T NASCAR…
Kevin, I am so glad I can change the channel and still watch hockey. No face off for me. Just boys hockey tourney.
mbrose: occasionally there’s links on yahoo’s fantasy hockey teams that let you watch a certain game. Usually there’s one every other night, if not most nights. Tonight it’s Min-Atl.
and oddly enough, isn’t NASCAR in atlanta this weekend?
Reid interviewing whitey.
G*: agreed wholeheartedly.
Bandgeek: well I can always mute my computer and not watch it, but curiousity makes me watch.
Ok, I hereby throw my hat into the “wtf?” with this Faceoff: whoever “Gorg” is is a dope. Alexander Ovechkin for Lady Byng, and the argument is he hits the h3ll out of people? First, it’s not gentlemanly to hit people, second, AO’s no gentleman, third, another argument was his point total and ice time. I think I lost several million brain cells watching that.
Thanks Kevin, sounds handy. I don’t have cable.
Just be careful, curiosity killed the cat, and your in danger of getting brain damage from one of the face off things.
I wish you told me that 8 minutes ago, Bandgeek. I’m gonna crawl into a corner and cry now.
Np, mbrose, though like I said, I don’t know if anyone who a) doesn’t have a yahoo account, or b) isn’t signed up to yahoo fantasy hockey can find it and watch whatever game’s on.
Green*: As I pointed out in the last thread, it’s ‘NASCAR Night’ tonight at Philips Arena. One car inside, 3 more outside, games and vroom-vroom prizes. YEE-hah!
Game on yahoo is not available in MSP.
Sorry Kevin, I’m a slow-ish typer. I barely passed my typing class in High School.
Lets hope we can keep up those shots on goal in the 2nd some nice pressure would be good. Poor Gabby with the Pipe there.
I was actually watching price is right during the faceoff 
Secuel I found the same thing. Bummer.
got it WRT. i didn’t bother to catchup with last blog.
ref’s calling it tight tonight? i don’t mind it as long as it is consistant.
f’n yawnson
Uhoh
Dodged some bullets there.
I hope Bella’s ok. That looked like it hurt uber bad.
H. you missed a spot.
To add to the amount of hockey on TV right now you can get the red hot MSU Mavs v. Tech on Comcast 13.
Edina 4 Benilde 2 ….scratch that Benilde 3
I’d cut Parrish some slack. He’s had the flu. He’s had a knock to the head recently AND he’s got a new kid!
When I had my first daughter, I was delirious for a month or so. I know they don’t live in the real world, but being a new Dad is still the same eh?
Come on Benilde!
as i said before, if having a kid is going to affect your play, take a leave.
Like Shep holding his own there. Let’s get another PPG here.
Sone kid just won $127k on the price is right..
G* it’s not just the new kid, it’s the combo kid/flu/a few bad nocks to the head recently. Like I said earlier, let him rest and heal and we hopefully will get the old Parrish back.
Green* - the effect of a kid is unintentional and creeps up on you. One day is fine the next, you could be going on 3 hours of very interrupted sleep, although, I’m pretty sure Pari can afford a nanny at this point in his career…
Smuggs are things that bad around here that you tuned out to watch the Price is Right????
Smuggla, why are you watching the Price is Right?
I was excited to see Parrish sign as a St Cloud State grad who loved the fact that every Gopher the Wild ever had was mediocer at best but Parrish is an absulutly useless player. Lets get real we wouldn’t be any worse off with Kyle Wanvig or Matt Foy. Draw a penalty, get in a fight, hit somebody or get this earn an assist, otherwise you sure as heck better be scoring 25 goals or more.
Good to see the Star Trombone IT department has this sequence thing ironed out.
“absulutly” an SCSU grad and not just because you took a shot at the Gophers.
First Period Intermission - Face Off
Second Period Intermission - Horton Hears a Who.
Two intermissions, two f’n cartoons.
i’m not downplaying the effects of having a newborn. all i’m saying is if it is going to disrupt your work, take a leave otherwise it shouldn’t be an excuse.
I just flipped it there for a second during commercial and saw the result
benilde and edina are 4-4 and about to go into overtime…
But at least ‘Horton’ doesn’t try to pass itself as informed hockey commentary…
Green* - I hear ya, but you just can’t predict when the good days and bad days are. Having a diaper-filler hasn’t affected Schultzie….
Smuggla there’s a very good hockey game on 45
I get to watch again since I am back in the state of hockey. Although that means the Dumbermint Twins 
I really like Kurtz and Reid. I agree with those saying cut Parrish some slack. We at least look better than last night. Kevin, glad you get to watch, sorry you have to put up with the sorry excuse of a broadcast.
My Mr just said I’m obsessed with hockey and then giggled and said I smelled like cheese. I think I need to hide the caffein. Now he’s tormenting the dog. Could the 3rd please start he’s much quieter when the games actually on.
BNAG snares the line of the day once again!!!
smuggla…where do you stand on the whole Drew Carey for Bob N Weave Barker???
WRT - Do you think Horton has a higher “Hockey IQ”? I’m guessing he could win a vaunted face off segment from the two intellectual giants…
How is the puppy doing Bandgeek? I wish the 3rd would hurry up to.
that’s a tough one kj, I’d have to give it some thought…
YEAH!!!!! I am at work and just found the Yahoo feed. Thank you whoever first mentioned it!
Do you suppose AL Shaver gets FSN North?
He must cry every time D, D & Q are on.
I still can’t believe that moron that came in here a few weeks ago and defended them.
Must have been the producer.
Glad I could help RG. Don’t mistake it for Center Ice though. It’s normally just one game a night and they select which one they show.
smuggla…I am a Carey fan and I think he will hold up the TPIR tradition and bag every ‘model’ on the show… 
kj - Gotta agree about Big Al. He must weep like a schoolgirl when he hears those clowns. They set broadcasting back every time they open their cakeholes.
BNAG: Oh yes, I do, I do think that too…
Horton definitely has more Hockey IQ…
The ‘puppy’ is only a puppy cause he’s new to us, he’s really 2. He’s fine, doesn’t like hockey nights because we don’t play enough when hockey’s on. It’s our older dogs birthday today, he turned 10. The Mr has taken to calling them his little Cheese heads, Wookie (the 2 yr old) was found near Ashland according to the shelter we got him from, and Ollie (the 10 yr old) came from a breeder near Eau Claire.
When Kimmy put the puck over the glass you could see him swearing to himself. I wonder if any of it was in Swedish?
Oilers won in OT
WRT - I’ve seen Slapshot, Caddyshack, Kingpin and The Big Lebowski on here, but that may be the first Dr. Suess reference.
Any chance we can convince the rest of the teams on the schedule to let us play them 5 on 3 for the whole game?
i like drew carey but i didn’t care for the couple of TPIR performances i saw.
OK, might as well pile on D&D.
D#1 didn’t know who the delayed penalty was on until Backstrom was heading off the ice, even though the Wild were skating all over the zone with the puck but no whistle. How long has this guy been watching hockey?
Dave in Mn, what happened to Dave (formerly Dave in MN)? Didn’t even make it a full day?
BNAG; you forgot, Office Space, Austin Powers, Clerks, and I think even a little Monty Python.
Bandgeek, true enough. I’m sure there are others too.
Edina wins in OT.
Oops. Sorry, BNAG. I forgot to change it on my home computer.
Wild still do not look good..maybe one more pp and they’ll finally be able to pull it off??? BTW, these camera guys are absolutely terrible…they wearin’ the Hanson brothers’ glasses?
Did D and D just say something about kicking a cat? Why would you kick a kitty, we do not gnaw on our kitties so why would we kick our kitties?
Why would you kick a kitty
because it is fun and makes less noise than shooting them
Pretty sure they did, Bandgeek. Can’t say I’ve heard that one before.
We need flomax for our PP. We have trouble getting it going……. I really need some sleep tonight.
H. perhaps that ritual needs a live chicken and a live goat.
Bandgeek, I think that is the trouble. They needed to sacrifice a live chicken and Gabby brought in a bucket of the Col…
Does it bug anyone else when people bang on the glass like those guys behind ATL’s goal just now? Or am I just overly sensitive? Maybe it’s because I have problems with overly dumb people…..
NO KILLER INSTINCT!!!!
We have to put teams like this away….
That stunk!
Man, just feeling the negativity tonight. When is the last game where the guys DIDN’T take a bad penalty in the last 10 minutes of the game?
Nothing to be gained by running that guy at that point. Thanks Radio
Has Belanger even been out for the 3rd? DDQ have said no, but that is like believing a weatherman.
If he is going to miss ANY time at all, the Grand Poubah had beeter be on his way to George Bush International in the morning.
Missing the shots, getting shoved around, questionable penalties and all the momentum to Altanta.
these guys are sorry characters…guess they don’t like Lord Stanely…maybe they should switch to cricket
That bites! I won’t type what else I am thinking so I don’t jinx it.
Now let’s make them pay for a stupid late penalty. A PPG would be huge for the confidence right now….
As long as they win, who cares how they do it.
The Mr thinks those blow-up sticks the people in the stands have are stupid looking, but what do you expect from people who like NASCAR as much as they do down there.
I’m bordering on needing to go to my happy place, not a happy Bandgeek. Can we please do something with this PP. I don’t have a chicken to sacrifice, but there’s some left over meat loaf in the fridge.
YES
BURNSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BURNZIE!!!!
I didn’t think that was much of a penalty on Atlanta.
BURNS to the rescue! What would we do without that guy? Whew!
However, if Burns gets credit for that goal, then I’ll be very happy.
Hedberg did a pretty good Billy Smith imitation there on AV too….
Agreed Kevin, but with all the touchy calls against in the last few games, I don’t feel bad taking that one IN THE LEAST.
Burnsie!!!!!!!
Put the C on Burns’ sweater!
Two Lubomir Sekeras references in the same game…. Someone has to be feeding Dumber.
Joey: Can’t blame you. I haven’t seen a Wild game since at Washington, but based on the discussions here lately there’ve been a lot of unhappy people regarding the refs, so I think this is things evening out a little.
Did it look like Backs reached into his pants to hand that puck to the ref or was it just me?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Someone was in here defending DDQ?
Bandgeek, you are correct.
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(shaking head) Manhandled right back to Raleigh.
NFG.
weird
Wow. BNAG hit it on the head. How do you still not close out this game? Gotta shut ‘em down.
I’m going to lose all my hair if this team keeps playing like this. 
baggin’ tpir models is cool…
The good news about going into OT against these guys is the fact the Thrashers get a guarenteed point effects the Wild in no way… (we just need to make sure WE get the 2 points…)
Can we try not to piss away the seocnd point here? Is that too much to ask?
This is suckage of the ‘thumb sucking in a corner while rocking back and forth and mumbling’ variety. D and D jinxed us by talking about Burnsie and GWG stats to early. Stupid heads.
H. Go vacuum.
Since I’m in such a bad mood I should add that I hate the Atlanta’s blue stanctions and their rink announcer needs to be put down.
The one good thing is that if we get the lead in OT we can’t eff it up.
Anyone else think we need Rammer back on the bench? Since he’s been out, their ability to finish has been putrid.
Maybe he’s the evil genius and JL is just a figurehead? Hehe.
Bandgeek, I had a good laugh at Backs pointing at his pants then digging in them to come up with the puck. Ok, guess I will type what I was thinking before. At least it an eastern conference team so we aren’t helping out a west team and at least we get a point since we can’t just finish teams off in regulation by a comfortable margin (by any margin some days.)
JL - Dr. Evil
Rammer - #2 (the brains behind the operation)
MT - Scott Evil
“Let me tell you a little story about a man named Sh! Sh! even before you start. That was a pre-emptive “sh!” Now, I have a whole bag of “sh!” with your name on it. “
I don’t think JL spends his summers in Rangoon. But we’ll go with it BNAG.
The potential Christensen vs. Backs matchup in the shootout is bad news.
Put Skoula in for the shoot out.
Bandgeek and kgoph, did you notice the ref looking at Backs as if to say “you can dig it out buddy, I don’t want any part of it.”
Maybe JL has an underground lair under the X?
BNAG, I am hearing Dr. Evil’s speech about his childhood, only in JL’s French Canadien accent. Needed a laugh tonight.
So a slapper from Rolston in the shootout? I say 80%.
Weakest
Shootout
Ever
how weak was that? F’ing embarrasing
Roli thought it was a good idea to shoot from a 2 degree angle…
AAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!
SHAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT
zero goals effort? harsh
I think I’m trowing in the towel on the Wild this year.
I just can’t stand watching them anymore.
No heart, no balls, disgusting to watch.
Well, maybe alcohol will befriend me as I click over to Roseau Hill-Murray.
makes me want to puke
who gives a crap?? we’re still the best
Put a fork in this team, they are done
Lover just finished the kool-aid and is makin another pitcher
It just doesn’t matter anymore.
I have become…comfortably numb.
I should be singin Tom Petty not Floyd.
Free fallin…
best at what? not being able to put teams away?
Can it get any worse? (I asked myself that after the ‘canes too.)
This team is pathetic. No way the Wild makes the playoffs.
SOB. This is not good.
Just think of all the playoff ticket money you will be saving.
This team needs to learn how to get a team down (see 1-0 with 5:00 left, 2-1 under a minute) and STEP ON THEIR F’N THROAT! NO KILLER INSTINCT. Put down the WSJ and finish a game instead of sitting back on their heels.
We get beat by a puck off Backs tailpipe. Pathetic.
I’m so pissed, I might even join Bandgeek and go vaccuum.
I think I need to go to my happy place now. A place where we won 10 to 0 and are strongly in first for the division. Its a pretty place with rinks that always have perfect ice and…. maybe I need to drink more.
I think I’ll at least go watch the tourney and wish for happier times for the Wild.
Backstrom looks silly in shoot-outs.
Why does Backstrom always let in at least 1 weak goal a game? He loses it just as much as them having no energy
free fallin………..
Brutal! Insert Jerry Burns speech about killer instinct here.
lol… damn skippy i am!
SOB, well guess better from them to self-destruct now than to string us along for worse heart break later
Bandgeek…does your happy place have a midget on a hobby horse too???
Good thing it is the weekend. It might keep some of the trolls at bay…
How about Jim Mora. ” PLAY-OFFS”
Boomer…you’re on to something…
Schnelker LOST this game for us!!!
JL shouls have all these clowns running sprints for the next hour
should
kj, JL must have had a trap play called in the shootout and Roli’s shoe came off. That’s not JL’s fault!
Poor Voros.. he looks so sad! They (announcers) also look sad! But aren’t we all??
I’m REALLY GLAD I did not attend this game. And for those of you who did…
Shame on you! You brought home a LOSER!!
(BTW: Anyone else think that JL should have put Harding in goal for the shootout? Backstrom and shootouts don’t mix…)
SRO at the UC tonight for Sharks-Hawks on ‘Hull and Mikita night’. Good for the Hawks!!
KJ, No midget on a hobby horse, but unlimited Girl Scout Cookies, mini donuts, and I’m skinny like I was in High School.
Kudos to Brent Burns.
These boys need to be doing Herbies till they puke tomorrow with JL giving them the talk about the logo on the front being more important than the name on the back.
Kevin in PA: Kevin Gorg is a former goalie who won the MN State HS Hockey Champ with Burnsville. Very knowledgeable on hockey, and a great guy.
Mike Grimes: Saying Parrish is absolutely useless is absolutely ridiculous. Granted he’s hit a rough patch but he’s done far more good than bad in his time here. He can still be a very effective player, and he will be when he gets his game back.
horrible. and very concerning. no heart out there. can’t figure it out…
instead of getting somebody who can win faceoffs, score ‘dirty’ goals, etc, let’s find somebody w/ some f’ing heart who just wants to f’ing win. i put burns in that category, and voros (w/ 25% of the talent). who else? perhaps mikko?
i would love to read on this blog about simon taking gaby, rolston, demo, pmb, et al out to the woodshed and telling them to play like a leader. would make the entire trade worthwhile.
BNAG…I guess we don’t have to wonder why the NHL didn’t tap Gaborik for that commercial, eh???
Maybe it was the personal foul on Radio. That’s not Schnelker’s fault either!
I don’t think you can hang this one on Backstrom. The skaters on this team have been mediocre at best for most of the season. Yes the goalies have cost us a game or two, I just don’t think this was one of them. I did see Koivu take his guy out on that last Atlanta goal, good to see but not much consolation.
WRT: Backs only let in one goal. I don’t think you can ask much more than that from him. We can however ask for much more from the boys that are supposed to put the puck in the opposition net.
Kirk what are you Gorg’s agent?
Give me a break. He is HORRIBLE!
KJ,
I am 30 years old, 3′9″ and take great offense to your midget comment. For as much as some of you think you are so smart on this blog, it amazes me how stupid you can be. NiNy was incensed by the “yellow” comment and you all acted like that comment was horrible. KJ, you are an @ss. There are a few of you who live on this blog and while I have enjoyed reading it daily, some of you have become too comfortable on this public blog and feel too comfortable in your clique. Midget comments have no place in our soceity KJ. Shame on you.
Kirk: I think I got the guys mixed up during the Faceoff segment. I think it was Greenlay I had issue with, so my sincere apologies to Mr. Gorg. I didn’t know who was who, didn’t really hear introductions, and just matched the “Text Gorg or Greenlay” with the faces that appeared over the respective names.
One idiot yelling louder than the other idiot does not make Quasimoto smarter than Dumberer. Or more knowledgeable. It just makes him one step closer to the unemployment line.
Well my one dog is snoring, and the other is doing that run and whimper in his sleep thing. Think I’ll join them and call it a night. May you all dream of big wins and bikini models (or in my case and some others I know, curly haired Canadians and blond Finnish centers).
I knew as soon as I saw Koivu, Roli, and Butch yukking it up, big smiles on their faces with about 1:40 left that we were in trouble. Just a classic example of how this team doesn’t put the effort in until the final horn blows.
Yeah, NO Minnesota team ever has a killer instinct..it wouldn’t be Minnesota f#@!ing nice
Yahoo hasn’t realized that the game is over, now I’m getting the Gopher game!
(or in my case and some others I know, curly haired Canadians and blond Finnish centers)
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm blonde finnish centers but even better, short bald frenchies….
Tina…you’re right. That was insensitive of me. I shouldn’t have quoted that scene from “Happy Gilmore”.
I probably should have left out the Gilmore reference to Bob N Weave Barker too, right?
I really wasn’t trying to rile anyone up, it’s just that when someone says ‘happy place’ I always think of that scene.
Boogie: IMO Gorg is a pretty insightful hockey guy. I watch him on FSN broadcasts of H.S., Gopher, and Wild hockey. He was great on Hockey Day MN too.
Kirk, I was thinking that myself…slappin’ each other on the back acting like they had it wrapped up…Keep your game faces on boys till the game is done…definitely not champion material
Plus Gorg, and Lapanta survived the big crash on their way back from Baudette Bay. The hockey god’s were looking after them.
Kirk Wise: Look at Backstrom’s shootout record. It’s not very good. I agree with you, though, in the fact that this atrocious exhibition of late-season hockey should have never gone to this extent. The offense needs to step up. And, if you take a hit in the process of your linemate(s) scoring, so be it.
Sadly, the Wild have shown all of us that real offense is not what this team is about. It’s all about the ‘pretty goal’.
Kirk, were all entitled to our own opinion on Quasimodo, but I’d be willing to bet that there won’t be many on your side of the equation around these parts.
I agree WRT. Normally Backs is brutal in the SO. Before Kovalchuck went in for his shot I said “It will be a miracle if he doesn’t score”. Backs got lucky to let only one in but he did stay with the shooter better than most nights. They must not have watched game film on his so they knew they could get him dancing if they deke enough.
Point taken Boogie. I’ll agree to disagree.
I don’t like to get confrontational but I do want to ask G* if he still thinks we can roll with 3 centers “as long as we f’n want” as he so eloquently put it a few days ago.
Belanger looked to be in pretty rough shape. Hopefully he’s OK. Maybe it doesn’t matter at this point but if he’s out that means we going with Koivu, Shep (a rookie although playing well), and Demo (who hates playing the position). Bad gets worse.
i don’t mind gorg or midgets for that matter.
i’m on the road the next too weeks but will be back next weekend for springsteen. hopefully my abscence lights a fire under their arses
I don’t like to get confrontational but I do want to ask G* if he still thinks we can roll with 3 centers “as long as we f’n want” as he so eloquently put it a few days ago.
i wasn’t expecting a center to go down.
expect the unexpected you must…how was that KJ?
G*: Weren’t expecting a center to go down? This was exactly my point. What if someone goes down? This team had no depth at the position, and did nothing to address it at the trade deadline. They can call Payer up from Houston. He’s a veteran. Foster is having a nice season leading the Aeros in points but are they battle tested for the playoffs?
Like I said maybe it doesn’t matter at this point but it would have been nice to see what this team could have done if things had been handled differently.
Since the Detroit game when the Wild decided to lose the game rather than keep doing what was winning it (convincingly too I might add against the best team in the league), they have gone 7-7-2 with most of the W’s coming from lesser teams….turning point… for the worse??? I think so, but our resident hockey genius told me I was “PAM ing” about it, so I won’t bring it up. They lost their pair right then and there and never got it back.
Right you are Phil.
For the second night it a row Rolston was satisfied with their effort.
“All in all, it was a good effort. We can build off this,” Rolston said. “Sure, it’s a tough one to take. We feel good about the way we played, but we just have to come together as a team. We’re still not there. We’re not there yet, where we had been early. If we don’t get back to that …”
You lost the game!! At the end of the day that’s all that matters. This is broken record stuff from the last 15 or so games. There is no time left to keep saying this. This team is a breath away from being out of the playoffs, and could soon be in a hole they can’t get out of. The teams they are battling are going the right way up the standings. If that trend continues we’re done.
Like Russo said earlier “IF the Wild make the playoffs”. I’d say that’s a pretty big “IF” at this point.
Flames up 1-0 over Nashville Per. 3.
so I won’t bring it up
huh, seems like you did
it was after the trade deadline was over that JL started using 3 centers. at that point people here seemed at a loss for words as to how they could keep that up, i mean on earth could 3 centers consume the 8 minutes or so the 4th line center had and not die from exhaustion. my comments had nothing to do with the lack of center depth, i’ve stated that was a problem from before demi moore got waived, it was that I don’t think it would kill them.
More e-mail for NiNY…check it, pal…
no irony gets by you G*! Good Work!
yeah Kirk…with all the building material they’ve been acquiring from the past games they should have Trump Towers by now…what a ridiculous, redundant answer..And “good effort”? WTF? What’s scary is he may actually believe that…if this is their attitude/belief, just flush the whole rest of the season.
BNAG, yes I did catch that look, which me thinking Backs thought the ref could retrieve it, the look he got from, and then him digging in to get it made it all the more funny. My only good laugh of the game.
Arrgg… what a frustrating strech of hockey. Why can’t Wild ever just put a team away?
Backs have not been good in that many shoot-outs but we cannot blame this one on him.
Good thing I’m almost done with the Edna Vally Syrah 2005 and about to hit the Crown Royal Cask no 16 after games like this Kool-aid just doesn’t cut it.
Go Rams!!!
FYI, Russo updated
Preds beat Flames 2-1. In overtime, unfortunately.
I miss #37. He would never settle for this crap.
I think JL realizes this locker room is gone, and he has to say anything to try to keep them from becoming suicidal.
I second that Mike. Why isn’t anyone stepping, and getting after guys like Walzy used to. If it’s happening it sure as hell isn’t doing any good.
I can hear it now. At the end of the season all the guys will say “well we worked hard. the effort was there but it just wasn’t enough”.
i admit;there is more vodka than kool-aid in my cup. four game homestand we need all four. show some brass boys.
Hey Russo, enjoy the extra day in ATL. Avoid MARTA at all costs. Longest ride to the airport in my life!
It’s not all bad: CGY got the loser point on home ice, SJ won (so they won’t be looking to make up for an L),
Edina v. HM should be a great game and the Gophers retained the coveted DQ Cup! As kjr said, sweep the four game homestand and the Wild are right back in this thing so stock up on Kool Aid packages today - its going to be a Wild (pun intended) run to St. Pats Day!
This is management’s fault. We have no real depth in Houston. No depth at center. Everybody gets injuries.. You can’t rotate 3 centers and get away with it. As for leadership, the players are professionals and should be held accountable…. But so should DR… he put the team together… Come on its no secret that Demitra and Rolston are floaters look at their playoff success, have they ever taken their teams deep in the playoffs, how about their stats they are horrible, not to mention others. Rolston won in NJ but was a fringe player, not part of the nucleus. I am sure we will make the playoffs but its pretty clear we are not going anywhere. We need major changes this offseason. Can DR acccomplish that.. I am not holding my breath.
I meant PLAYOFF stats NOT regular season!
I’d take a chance and send up Pouliot if Bela is out. I might send him up anyway JIC. He’s looking better at center (been on the wing all season until recently). Assuming he’s okay from Byers smacking his head against the ice last night. Grrr…
Maybe this year’s team is last year’s team except that Backstrom is just OK instead of being great. That can be the difference between a one goal win and a shoot out loss.
jetstowild - there were most certainly be a number of changes next year. Just look at all of the teams UFAs.
Hockeydad: I mean the right changes. Is this organization capable of doing that? I think the answer at best is I don’t know.
Why do my posts keep getting deleted?
Have not read the earlier comments, but it seems to me the team really misses the speed that Walz-Laaksonen players brought to the team when they get a lead. Any lead they got was almost a cinch in the early days because of their relentless attitude and that they had the speed and willingness to get into the defensive part of the game.
But, no doubt when the team starts giving up late leads, it becomes a disease that is caused from carrying a big monkey around.
It still gets down to the big scorers just not scoring. You would think the combination of Rolston, Demitra, Gabby and PMB would account for a couple goals per game.
None of these losses are the absolute end of the world, but they are of course digging a deep hole.
But, everyone goes into some doldrums once or twice during the year. It is just that Detroit has a big lead so they can afford it a little.
Just watched the game this morning… didn’t have time to read all the posts. But I have to throw my two cents in. Good game overall by the Wild, they just fell apart at the end. I don’t see why the Wild can’t seem to tie the puck up in the corners when the net is empty on the other end. Every other team pulls that on us, yet we can’t seem to do it back.. instead we just sit back in the passive box like it’s a PK. Frusturating game indeed… it should have been 5 - 2 Wild like I predicted. Too many chances that did not get buried. They need to find a way to put those chances home. I won’t be on much, busy day at the office today moving some stuff around. Laterz.
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