Sunday’s practice update; Forsberg to return
Posted on March 16th, 2008 – 3:14 PMBy Michael Russo
As I begin this, Calgary has a 4-1 lead over Chicago in the second period. If the Flames hold on to win, the Wild, Flames and Avalanche would all have 84 points.
But the Wild would technically retain the top spot in the Northwest because it’d have one more win than Calgary.
Colorado would drop from sixth to seventh because it’s played one more game than the Wild and Flames.
This, heading into Monday’s big showdown between the Wild and Avs — the first of nine of 10 games for the Wild against divisional foes.
I just got word from the Denver Post writer that Peter Forsberg, who missed the last four games with a groin injury, will play. Adam Foote, who missed four of the last five games with a hip injury, will likely play. It’ll be determined during warmups because the Avalanche isn’t skating Monday morning. Jordan Leopold (head) practiced but may not play because the Avs have eight defensemen. Jose Theodore will start in goal. The Avs are 8-2 since the trade deadline but coming off a 4-2 loss to Jersey.
The Season begins tomorrow for Minnesota, Calgary, Colorado and Vancouver.
Wild had an intense, lively practice over in Inver Grove Heights today. Niklas Backstrom, Brian Rolston, Pavol Demitra, Mikko Koivu, Martin Skoula, Brent Burns and Kim Johnsson had days off.
This will probably be the pattern for the rest of the season as high-minute players try to rest up and keep fresh.
The only big practice news today is Chris Simon talked about the Chris Pronger suspension. He said it was completely unfair that he received a 30-game suspension and Pronger an eight-game suspension for what in his mind was the exact same stomping act.
“The only difference is he’s a star player and I’m not,” Simon said.
More in tomorrow’s paper on this subject.
80 Responses to "Sunday’s practice update; Forsberg to return"
I’m with Simon on this one.
I think this quote applied equally to his action:
“In attempting to free himself, _____ carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down,” said Colin Campbell
Someone else said what we all should worry about the most and that is a very well rested ProngHer for the playoffs.
Maybe another difference is that Simon’s occurred after a whistle and after he tripped his opponent into prime stomping position. 8 games still feels light, but it seems to me like the star power moved Pronger there from 12-15, not all the way down from 30.
But the Wild would technically retain the top spot in the Northwest because it’d have one more win than Calgary.
The CGY guys gave the Flames the division lead based on a win today (now 4-1) because the Flames will still have 1 game in had.
had = hand
Flames only have a game in hand over Avs. They will have same number as Wild and one fewer win.
Adam, the Calgary guys are wrong 
woodcock - that is extra good news as Flames ar at CBJ Tuesday. However, CBJ is up 4-2 on DET almost after 2.
I wasn’t doubting you for a second Don - just reporting!
ha…
Careful Adam you don’t want PO the Don.
Russo, Did Gabby get his money back for the haircut?
More than anything else I think the length of the Pronger suspension points out the excessive nature of the Simon suspension.
I didn’t think either player was suspended long enough. I thought Simon should’ve gotten more, based on his violent history, and Pronger definitely should’ve gotten at least 15-20.
Have to agree with Simon on the Pronger issue, it’s very unfair. Pronger is a “problem child” that has “parents” who let him get away with murder. The way Pronger gets away with things makes me wonder what he’d have to do to get a real punishment, kill someone. But what can we expect from a league that only gave May a few games after the Kimmy incident in the playoffs last year (can’t remember was it 4 games?). The people in the front office are tools.
Source: Denver Post
Avalanche star Peter Forsberg will return to the lineup Monday night when the Avs play the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center.
Forsberg missed a week with a groin injury, but proclaimed himself fit to return after practice Sunday.
Defenseman Adam Foote (hip) is “likely” to play, coach Joel Quenneville said. But Foote will make a final determination after the pregame warmup.
Defenseman Jordan Leopold (concussion) practiced at full speed Sunday, and could be in the lineup as well.
I’m glad to see Pronger suspended. HE certainly deserved it.
Contrary to many folks here, I still think SImon’s attacked deserved a longer penalty than Pronger’s because I feel that Simon made more attempts to step on his victim than Pronger.
That being said, I sure would have liked to see Pronger get 20 games for his attack.
Bill - it wouldn’t be the first time. Let’s just say we had a philosophical difference regarding what constitutes fair historical comparisions for the Wild. However, at the end of the day, we agreed that the Wild can’t win at the Saddledome (1-7-1 I think last year and this year to date).
That said, the law of averages should even out and I predict a Wild 3 game winning streak in CGY. Oh Yeah!
I sure wish NBC or any basic cable channel would broadcast more than 1 game on a weekend.
I don’t have a dish, and my local cable company sucks, so all I get is the Wild games on 45 & FSN, and the occasional weekend game on NBC.
I would love to watch some other teams play, COME ON NHL - get your games back on ESPN! PLEASE
I’ve got to start hitting the Kool-Aid so I can have thoughts like that.
CGY announcers reiterate the Flames claim to the top spot in the NW with the win. For the record, I trust the Don on this one.
Dampland @ 3:53. Hard to split hairs so finely.
If the NHL wanted to make a statement, he would get the same as Simon because Simon broke new ground. His punishment was the standard that future actions will be based upon.
Now, maybe somebody who is not an NHL star does something similar, he will get the same as Simon.
Not equitable justice.
Forsberg will be here. I have forseen it
Obviously I got the jersey color wrong.
I think PMB has some competition to worry about. Gerbe almost surely must be referring to Pierre-Marc as that “certain guy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiYUrSOqblM
This is what Jim Connelly from USCHO.com had to say about it:
To say Gerbe successfully converted on the penalty shot is an understatement. The Hobey Baker candidate moved right to left into the zone, pulled Simpson to his right and then came to a dead stop, doing a 180-degree spin-o-rama and tucking the puck inside the right post to leave the BC crowd of 2,493 with jaws dropped and sending the Eagles to the locker room with a 4-0 advantage.
“I knew what I wanted to do,” said Gerbe, noting that he’s very aware of moves that NHL players have used in the recently-implemented shootouts that now decide tie games. “I’ve watched certain guys make certain moves, so I have an idea what I wanted to do.”
“I thought it was a great goal,” said York. “It takes a lot of courage to try something like that. I don’t think I’d have the courage to do that.”
kj: Your last game?? You didn’t even save ‘fan de-preciation night’ for yourself??
I dunno about you…
Adam: I hope you’re correct about that 3-game Wild win streak at Calgary. That game (and games at Vancouver and Edmonton) my wife and I will be attending in person! 
Adam, all you have to do is look at the standings to know the Flames announcers are completely wrong.
WRT…I never said I was the brightest bulb in the drawer.
- NHL agrees the Flames announcers were wrong - in Don we trust! - http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=StandingsPage&type=CON
- Belated congrats to the SCSU fans here on reaching St. Paul. Assuming UND wins tonight, do Huskies fans want to play the Gophers or the Mavs on Thursday?
Funny but true Dept.: Right after the Steve Kelly ankle injury on Thursday night, the Wild ran one of their ‘Window to the Wild’ pre-recorded segments.
The subject of the segment? Benoit Pouliot! (Complete with the Byers assault and B-b-b-Benny’s game-winner against Rochester the next game)…
kj: Tsk, tsk…
Adam: I LIKE different teams playing in the WCHA Final Five. Especially if it’s not the Gophers. That way, the Gopher uber-flame Jeff Dubay has to sit there and weep into his open mic…
WRT: Call me crazy, but I think you would drop the purse with Dubay if given the chance. I agree about having different teams playing in the WCHA Final Five and if the Mavs win tonight I will be happy for that program. My dream Final Five would be Gophers, UMD, UND, SCSU and the Mavs.
That would be a ticket $eller$ dream too Adam. And, the WCHA would al$o lap it up.
Forsberg will be here as KJ has forseen, but the young fool has underestimated the power of the Wild side! He will pay for his lack of vision!….er I hope!
Adam: Thanks, but no thanks. Dubay is not anywhere near in my league. I’m way-y-y above him. 
I just tire of his total pomposity when it comes to the Gophers. Everything the Gophers do is right; everything every other school does is wrong, blah, blah, blah.
There is a reason that the Don uses the word “technically” when saying the wild are in first place in the division. He is right that the wild are in first as during the season when teams are tied in points the team with the fewest games played gets the nod.
However at the end of the season, since all teams will have played the same number of games, the first tiebreaker is number of wins. Thus the Flames are ahead in the tiebreaker that actually matters, while the wild have one extra game to make it up.
Actually, DP, the Flames are not ahead in “the tie breaker that matters.” CGY has played the same number of games as the Ws, but have one fewer win. The Avs have played an extra game than the Ws and have one more win.
It only took like 13.5 periods but the Gophers are going to St. Paul!
And it was a fine series.
I wish both were playing further, hopefully the hockey Gods are smiling on the Mavs for the NCAA’s.
It seems to me the Gophs have grown up considerably this season and may be ready to play with any team.
We will soon find out.
Otherwise, the Wild have a tough week that could make or break their chances.
Wild are 16-15-3 on a single day’s rest, 2-2-0 on Mondays. 11-9-3 in the division.
Avs are 21-16-5 on a single day’s rest, 2-2-2 on Mondays. 15-7-1 in the division.
Wild lead the rivalry so far at 3-2, total goals is 13-12 in the W’s favor.
VoR…3-2 sans Forsberg and Foote.
This will be the first of 10 tests the Wild must not fail. They cannot afford to give up points to division opponents - especially at home.
Foppa isn’t what he once was, and is groining it like a Slovak.
And they’re also without Smythe.
The Wild either will come out looking like world-beaters and will play one of their best games of the season, or EggBeaters and play one of their worst. You know it will be one or the other when Gaborik is quoted in the media as this game being a ‘big game’.
Remember: 6:00 PM start time tonight…don’t be late!
I take that back. Apparently Smyth played Saturday.
This is the penultimate, and rare, Monday game for the Wild this season.
The Wild is currently 2-2-0 on Mondays, with this and next Monday (@ EDM) the final two Monday games of the season.
Wild season-to-date record, by day:
Sunday 8-3-1 (2 more, COL, @ COL)
Monday 2-2-0 (2 more, COL, @ EDM)
Tuesday 1-7-3 (no more - THANK GOD)
Wednesday 4-5-1 (2 more, @ SJ, EDM)
Thursday 8-3-2 (1 more, CGY)
Friday 4-4-1 (2 more, @ VAN, VAN)
Saturday 11-2-0 (1 more, @ CGY)
The Thursday games were irking me because I’ve been banished from the main TV when LOST is on. Fortunately that last one is the one I’ll be at.
VoR: dude, you gotta get another tube.
VoR: ‘Lost’ isn’t worth it. Get another TV.
It’s feels like forever since I have had the chance to post. Too much work and a little SXSW, and I lose all touch with my computer. Looking forward to the game tonight, and I am glad it’s on VsHD.
Phil, if you are out there let me know. I got me new TV installed and ordered HDNet to watch the LA game.
Nick, WRT - I have another TV, I just don’t like being sent to the basement to watch the game.
ATX…SXSW rocks!!!
Before I die, I NEED to get there for one of them.
VoR…you must do what it takes…no one ever said being a Wild fan would be easy…LOLOLOLOL
VoR — sometimes you just grab the blanket, trudge down to the basement and GO…
NiNY: You have mail…
kj, I didn’t buy a wristband, but I did go see a few shows on Saturday and a big free show in the park. If you ever come down here for SouthBy, let me know! You also got ACL (Austin City Limits) coming up soon-ish. I have heard rumors that Radiohead may headline ACL.
Also VoR, I agree with kj and WRT. Grab a blanket and get comfy. I love LOST, but I love watching hockey more. Good thing my wife loves the Wild more too!
ATX don’t know what it is but i think we’re alike. I always agree with you and I too love LOST but would rather watch the Wild. My brothers hate lost. They say when you start watching Prison Break, Lost is crap! I can’t make myself watch PB.
NiNY - Hockeyfans are not supposed to use the words like “penultimate”!!!
Bringing my daughter to her first game tonight, hopefully she will bring them luck.
You’re right hockeydad, got the avs and flames confused.
WL, I agree. I have a lot of people suggest shows to watch, but I don’t get as into any of them as much as i am into Lost. I have never miss an episode of Lost. I did not get a chance to watch the latest one yet. But I have it recorded so I will probably try and watch it tomorrow night (gotta watch the game tonight!).
Simon can be upset all he wants, but watch both sequences in their entirety. Not only did Simon trip his “victim” - he pulled his leg into position before stomping on it.
Pronger’s “victim” was already down, and was being an agitator by trapping Pronger’s foot. Pronger responded by stomping on him - twice.
Maybe Pronger should have gotten more games, but while the actions were the same, there were pretty big differences in the circumstances.
Headed to Austin in April. Saw the last show of The Wire–all 60 episodes. Best show ever on the tube. Headed to the X tonight for third straight night. Put some in the net boys.
woodcock, you been to Austin before?
With a new season starting and if the Wild treat is like the start of the last two seasons, they should take the division.
First 10 games of 2007-2008 Season:
16 points
7 WINS
1 Loss
Two Shootout Losses
First 10 games of 2006-2007 Season:
18 points
9 WINS
1 Loss
LAST 10 games of 2006-07 Season
15 Points
7 WINS
2 Losses
1 Shootout Loss
don’t know if this has been posted here yet or not, but it is a stats geek’s Mecca!
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Western/Northwest/Wild.html
ATX–went to school there. Going back for a reunion. Been a long time. Is the Scholtz Garten (sp?) still there?
While i dont think —- oops i was having a DR moment sorry—.
Chris Simon is not saying his punishment was wrong only that prongers “stepping” on kessler was similar to his stepping incident.
if you watch the replay on you tube you will see that pronger is indeed looking down to SEE where he is stepping. So no i dont think it is wrong for simon to complain!
Nick - nice
On the topic of stats, any idea where I can find stats for hits, blocked shots, and giveaways/takeaways?
Happy St. Patty’s Day all! I’m a little disappointed that I won’t have to be dodging drunks on my lunch break today like I have in prior years! I’m looking forward to Friday night to see if JL will throw out a Boogaard/Simon/Fedoruk line for just about 30 seconds to see Kesler & Burrows reaction!
VoR - the NHL’s event summary should have all that at NHL.com .
I’m looking forward to Friday night to see if JL will throw out a Boogaard/Simon/Fedoruk line for just about 30 seconds to see Kesler & Burrows reaction!
Probabaly will have to wait for a home game so the Wild has the last change - now I miss Cooke.
Hey Austin.. I be here…how’d the HD go ??
Cam-That’s a nice stat. I’ll drink that kool-aid everyday and twice on Sunday.
I just hope we remember how to finish off our chances or get some puck luck here quickly as averaging 2 goals a game isn’t going to cut it most nights the rest of the way.
This team needs Parrish/Voros to help out (score a goal or tip a shot) on the PP and continued strong play from SRV and Radio.
I’m looking forward to tonight as I truely don’t know what to expect.
VoR - the NHL’s event summary should have all that at NHL.com .
Yeah, but then I’d have to slog through 70-odd games to get totals. 
Happy St. Paddy’s all!!! Was at the X to the Boss last night. It was fabulous! Waited 30 years to see him.
I love the idea of the Legion of Doom being unleased upon the Nucks. Ooooooo, I just got goosebumps
sorry, that should have been “unleashed”, forgot the “h”.
Did any of you see Roloson standing on his head for Edmonton this weekend? He’s still a quality netminder!
SS6 you were so excited you couldn’t type properly, we understand. Those of you heading to the X tonight have fun, I’ll be watching from my couch as usual of late.
s6: Re: LoD on the ‘Nucks: Me too! And then the Flames, and then the Grease, for whom Boogaard holds a special place in their collective hearts…
And then I come along and screw it up…that was for ss6! Bandgeek, you may have the best seat in the house if the roads get any worse (especially when it’s a 6 PM start)…
Roloson is probably trying to save his job right about now. The Grease fans have not been too kind to him this season. He’s had his bad streches, but…
Happy St. Paddy’s all!!! Was at the X to the Boss last night. It was fabulous! Waited 30 years to see him
where were you located? i was on the floor. missed the pit by 100 numbers.
for those not there here was the setlist
1. Night
2. Radio Nowhere
3. Lonesome Day
4. Darkness on the Edge of Town
5. Gypsy Biker
6. Magic
7. Reason To Believe
8. Prove It All Night
9. She’s The One
10. Livin’ In The Future
11. The Promised Land
12. Waitin’ On A Sunny Day
13. Backstreets
14. Devil’s Arcade
15. The Rising
16. Last To Die
17. Long Walk Home
18. Badlands
19. Girls in Their Summer Clothes
20. Jungleland
21. Born To Run
22. Dancing in the Dark
23. American Land
good times
El Gato,
yeah I saw Roloson, he was very good in the SO (and the game, like 48 saves)…I miss that with Backstrom.
Sorry, I got distracted by filling out a March Madness bracket. (who is going to win!?!?)
Phil, the TV is fantastic so far. We watched the LA game on HDnet and it looked very good. It makes it so much easier to follow the puck. The contrast is really high quality so the puck really stands out. I also fired up a few demos on my PS3 and they look incredible. I played the demos for Uncharted, GT HD, and Motostorm and they all looked amazing. I popped in the Blue-Ray of Talladega Nights for a few minutes and it looked great too. I highly recommend the Samsung 65F model to anyone who is in the market for a 52″ HDTV.
Woodcock, I am not sure about that place… I was going to suggest going to Hoovers. I love that place. Also, Home Slice pizza is awesome as well.
Austin,
that rules…I have a hard time following the puck on my TVs so I’ll like that when I get one…and the gaming aspect..that kicks…I’ve been having my capital go to other items for now…but will be getting a HD set within a year..I’m thinking either Samsung or Panasonic. Did you mount it yourself or have the “pros” do it?
phil, I had a guy do it for me. It was only about $215 for wall mounted over the fireplace with all the wires hidden. I bought the wallmount itself, and a few HDMI cables from http://www.monoprice.com for about $45. The TV came from the guy who did the install as well for $1999 (Best Buy price was $2500). So be sure to do some research and see if you have anyone locally that can get the TV from a distributor for cheap. http://www.newegg.com is a good place too. They had some good deals on TV’s there when I looked… it just so happens that the local guy could get it for just a bit cheaper.
