Another Q&A edition
Posted on March 19th, 2008 – 11:39 AMBy Michael Russo
Good night for the Wild last night. Calgary and Nashville lost.
Incidentally, I was just eating breakfast in the concierge lounge and was chatting with referee Chris Lee. Turns out he lives in the Twin Cities. Nice guy. He’s working the game with vet Brad Watson tonight.
I was just wondering what the heck to write my Sunday column about this week, and decided, to put the pressure on you all.
So let’s do another Q&A edition.
Ask me Wild/NHL questions in the comment field (hopefully questions looking ahead toward the playoffs or something like that). You have until Thursday night because I typically write my Sunday columns Thursday night, Friday morning.
Please, however, in this particular blog entry, only ask questions. Don’t get into commentaries with others. It’s not easy to dissect the questions from inside the commentaries.
Please use the previous posts and subsequent ones to make comments, and I’ll be back later with a morning skate update. Wild doesn’t skate until 1:30 your time.
As usual, I’ll pick a select few for the paper. Because space is tight, I’ll probably do a longer version for Sunday on the blog.
OK. Have fun.
98 Responses to "Another Q&A edition"
Which “enforcers” do you think the wild will keep on the playoff roster? Fedoruk, Boogaard, Voros or Simon?
I know this is not probable because it would take out a few high priced rows of seats but how would widening the rink to 100 feet affect play in the NHL? I attended St. Cloud State’s game against Wisconsin and watched Minnesota play Minnesota State (both rinks are Olympic size)and those games seemed so much more exciting and wide open than a typical NHL game.
Is there a major lack of communication between the coaching staff and upper management for the Wild? The last three trading dealines management brought in players that never seemed to used by Lemaire.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard is having an outstanding season so far, but what are the chances he’ll continue playing at this level in the post-season, unlike last year?
In the Wild system, wings are given the green light to be more offensive-minded, while centers are expected to hang back a bit and play defensively. Demitra is obviously ideally suited to play wing. In fact he is in many ways a detriment when he plays center because he is just not that good playing low in the defensive zone. Given that set of facts, why doesn’t LeMaire just appoint one of his lunch-pail guys (Vellieux and Radio come to mind) to play center specializing in helping the D out down low in the defensive zone - thus freeing up Demitra to do what he does best?
What are your thoughts on the instigator rule and will the NHL ever remove it?
What is the coaching staff’s issue with Petteri Nummelin? As a versitle playmaker and offensive defenseman, will he continue to be a healthy scratch in the playoffs? He even adds value to the shootout.
Would it be an advantage or disadvantage for the Wild to face a divisional opponent in the first round?
How do you feel Benoit Pouliet & Danny Irmen are going to fit into the Wilds plans for next year? We have not seen Irmen up yet and Pouliet has seen limited action!
1) Which players on the current Houston roster will ever play a full season for the Wild?
2) How many Wild games will be broadcast in HD next year?
Looking ahead and skipping past the playoff’s completly…
Of the Wild’s current UFA’s which, if any, do you feel should be re-signed and in what priority?
On the same note, what should be key off season pickups in FA? (ie a top line center, a 3rd line center, physical stay-at-home dman, puck moving dman, etc)
Don Russo–
Wild fans are great about booing Mick McGeough every game and are tired of his “I am bigger than the game” displays. For reference, see the ridiculous call on Forsberg, as much as we all loved it, against Colorado. What type of review process is in place for officials and how much longer do NHL fans have to put up with his little temper tantrums?
Thanks
Jacques Lemaire has hinted about not being around too many more years. Is there a succession plan in place, and if so, where does Ramsey fit into it? Does Ramsey have serious aspirations to be a head coach, or is he just happy being an assistant at home in Minnesota?
What was the union thinking when it signed off on the over 35 rule for NHL contracts - it seems like they did veteran players a huge disservice.
What’s the deal with playoff give-aways and the Wild losing home playoff games? During both the first and second times in the playoffs - every time I found a flag or towel or whatever at my seat - the Wild ended up losing that home game. I know that the players’ performances are not influenced solely by fans waving flags - but there is a track record - is there anyway you can have the Wild management NOT distribute stuff at home playoff games?
Mr. Lemaire seems to have shortened his bench lately. He pulls Carney off his normal shift midway through the second or early in the third period. And he has shortened his center rotations to only use three centers most of the game. Won’t that have a detrimental effect on the defensemen and centers as we go forward (hopefully into the playoffs) as they will have to play a lot of minutes and fatigue will become an issue?
How long does the coaching staff/upper management expect Wild fans to keep up the “don’t worry, be happy” mentality?
At what point does this team’s inconsistent play get addressed? It seems we are in the same spot every year. Is this a coaching management issue or is it player issues?
Are there any prospects that seem to have a chance to get signed and play next season, like Shepperd this year?
How do players break in their new gear? Who has the weirdest ritual?
1. If the Wild lose Demitra in the offseason, will Gaborik stay with the wild or try to sign with an Eastern conference team?
2. Which center do you see the Wild pursuing this off-season?
To get Demitria back on wing since we are so short on centers why don’t we try Nummelin at center? He should be able to handle the defensive role of center in JL’s system, plus can add puck handling and offense.
With the Wild’s home and away records so close together do they need to open at home to win in the first round?
What are the roster limits for the post-season? Are they any different from the regular season?
Two questions about Kim Johnsson. Is his huge contract holding the Wild back from resigning and/or adding crucial pieces in the offseason? And is he really worth over 5 million for the next two years? I know he has logged the second most minutes on the team and moves the puck well, but he’s not that physical and lets opponents right to the net for second chances.
Everyone thinks that the Wild will look drastically different next season. What kind of changes do you expect to see for the team next year? Who is most likely to get resigned? Who is most likely to be shown the door? Will Ben-wah Pull-I-Ott stay up for good after this playoff stint? Inquiring minds want to know!
What does Radio bring that Foy doesn’t? From a checking perspective it appears they have a similar game and Foy brings more offensively. Why is he so deep in Jacques’ dog house? What does he have to do to get out?
If you were the GM for the Wild this summer.
What 2 current Wild players are your top priority in re-signing, or offering a contract extension?
and why those specific players?
What 2 NON-Wild players are your top priority in trying to sign/acquire for the team?
And why those players?
Is it just me or does it seem like in the offensive zone that our guys get clobbered especially after the whistle blows or a goal is scored without a call? I rarely see our guys taking as many liberties with the oppenent. Are we just too MN nice?
There have been light-hearted comments/jokes in the past about having an enforcer line with: Boogey, Simon, and Fedoruk.
Any chance that this could actually happen, either in the remaining games or in the playoffs? Please, JL?!
If you were in charge of this year’s draft selections for the Wild, and assuming that Stamkos is already off the board; What players/positions do you target for the Wild’s first two drafts picks?
More and more, we see marquee veteran players (i.e. Niedermeyer and Selanne) skip a majority of a season, only to sign with a team in the second half in preparation for the playoff push. Do you foresee the NHL doing anything to deter this? What impact does this have on these teams, other teams, and contract negotiations that teams have with younger players?
Will Gaborik stay in MN?
When would you play Josh Harding down the stretch?
Is Parrish still in the doghouse?
What team would you most like to see the Wild play in round 1? What team do we have the best chance against in round 1? What team do we not match up well against? Calgary?
Will Burns be considered the best defenseman in the Wild’s short history?
If the Wild were unable to resign Gaborik long term and were inclined to trade him, where would you see him most likely landing, and what package of players/prospects could the team expect in return?
One more hypothetical Wild GM question:
The Wild defense squad currently has 4 players with contracts ending this summer. (Carney, Nummelin, Foster & Hill)
Nick Shultz and Brent Burns are here long term so that is 2 spots filled.
Kim Johnsson and Martin Skoula are both signed for next season, so that brings the Wild to 4 D-men.
What moves do the Wild make to shore up the remaining 4 blueline spots?
1) Why, when the league takes 8 CONFERENCE teams, does the NHL schedule so many games within DIVISIONS? It seems to hurt overall records of teams in the Northeast, Northwest and Pacific as they have a greater number of games vs. high-caliber opponents.
2) Where is the league on realignment? Is Detroit moving to the East?
1) Why, when the 8 CONFERENCE teams make the playoffs, does the NHL schedule so many games within DIVISIONS? It seems to hurt overall records of teams in the Northeast, Northwest and Pacific as they have a greater number of games vs. high-caliber opponents.
2) Where is the league on realignment? Is Detroit moving to the East?
With junior and college teams wrapping up there season’s, would the Wild sign any of their un-signed draft picks to contracts before the season is over?
Are there any un signed players that are ready to make the jump to the pros and contribute to either here or in Houston?
Burns, Schultz, Veilleux — even Branko all seem to have stepped up this year. Who do you see as the “core” of the Wild in years to come?
And, which players’ jobs are riding on the upcoming playoffs?
When will Burnsie start to get national attention for being one of the top young players in the NHL? Maybe he is getting it but I have not seen it.
Do Gabby’s feelings get hurt when they call Mikko “Franchise”?
lets talk about the average joe being able to get a playoff ticket at the excel. Is that going to be a possiblity?
or will we have to scalp a ticket for way over face value? If we are able to When?, Where?, and How? I know that there is not a very good chance that we will but……
Why are players in Juniors off limits for NHL teams to sign during the season but players in the NCAA are fair game?
Russo,
What is the atmosphere around the players/lockeroom? Is there a clear leader? Does it feel like they are pulling together as a team?
Has the Wild’s recent success and consistency come from Jacques making the team focus more on defense and out working opponents, which worked in ‘02-03? This could make for an exciting playoff run if they don’t try and just outscore their opponents.
1 - Bouchard is having a career year this year. Do the wild lock him up for 4-5 years with a decent contract, giving them Burns, Koivou, Bouchard, Shep, Schultz, & maybe Gabby as a solid core? It seems that towards the end of that cohort (in about 4 years) and by rotating the right vets/free agents in we could have a heck of a squad.
2 - Why don’t Gabby & Butch ever play on a line together. I’d imagine top scorer+top playmaker=offensive success.
Is JL done after this year? What do you think?
I almost think the Wild would be better off starting a playoff series on the road-more pressure on home team to win. Your thoughts?
Have you ever asked Lemaire if he would consider pulling Backstrom just for the shootout and putting in Harding?
When players get called up Where do they live and how do they get around? Life with out a car and a place to live. thanks KLJ
Russo -
The Toronto Star recently placed the Wild in a tie for dead last in terms of number of draft picks playing in the NHL (tied with Atlanta). Yet, we continually hear a story of building success from within. What gives?
Re: Slapshots up high during practice, ala Rolston.
Hey ‘Russo…
I’ve heard a bunch of stories from the likes of Glen S. and “Sweet Lou from the Sault”…about goalies that played with them and for them and their displeasure toward teammates that shot high (and hard) during practices. In this day and age, have the pro goalies you’ve covered taken issue with teammates for similar behavior? Inquiring hockey minds want to know!
With Boogy man only playing around 5 minutes a game, doesn’t it make sense to play Petteri Nummelin instead? At least he would be available for the power play and any shootout. I know we need to be more physical in the playoffs. It just seems to me that the Wild missed an opportunity to have a offensive weapon available for the powerplay and the shootout losses that we have had lately.
Mikko Koivu recently made comments about his desire to play with his brother. Saku has had a few rough patches with the media in Montreal, although the Habs’ recent success probably overshadows any issues. Do you think Saku would consider playing for the Wild and do you think the Wild management would ever consider making a trade for him?
Where did Pat Reusse go to school to learn math? He stated yesterday in his article about how Walz pestered Forsberg in the playoffs 4 years ago. That would have been 2004 and I don’t think the Wild were in the playoffs that season. How does this lack of basic Wild knowledge allow him to do any more stories about the Wild?
With the numerous line combinations the Wild use, why have they not tried Gaborik with Bouchard? With Gaborik’s ability to finish and Bouchard’s play making ability it seems a good fit.
Russo, does it make you mad that all the local news about the Wild (radio) seems to come from your blog or columns?
Assuming we make the playoffs, what’s the best matchup for the Wild in the first round? Worst?
First of all, a big SECOND to the Gaborik/Bouchard question. Why AREN’T they together?
Address the boogie thing: The team played AWESOME with him back in the line-up, but he plays so few minutes and contributes so little on the offense, that Fedoruk, Simon AND Voros seem to be more helpful. Does he bring some intangible psychological benefit? What gives?
Also, Russo, you love to reference the Panthers, particularly the Bure/Gaborik comparison, but do you see any similarities between MG and any more successful leaders like Sakic, Yzerman or Forsberg? Isn’t that the kind of leadership we need?
Finally, what can be said about the value of Ramsey? Our play indicates he was missed. Maybe we in the galleries underestimate the value of in-game coaching. Any thoughts on how Wes Walz would do behind our bench for a play-off run? Just thinkin’ and typin’…
Is it just me or do you believe that the Management of the Wild are more interested in making money then respecting the fans? The food on the 100 and 200 level is gross (cold or salty hot dogs and brats) and expensive, the beer, pop and water is very expensive also. The list could go on for ever. Do you have any thoughts?
There have been so many terrible facial injuries around the league this year, I am wondering what the official rule is on NHL players wearing a full shield or grill covering their faces (similar to college players) and why this type of helmet is not incorporated into the league?
For a team that has been so inconsistent, will the “playoff atmosphere” of these remaining games finally bring some consistent hockey out of the Wild?
Will Chris Simon see significant ice time this year?
Riddle me this Batman - tell us how Wes Walz has screwed the Wild this year in his “cry baby” and poor me retirement. If he hasn’t screwed them over in your opinion then let ME have it 
Gus
Mike,
Do you think everyone would have been as upset about picking up Simon if the deal was completed a few days before the deadline? Since the Simon deal was announced on Tuesday afternoon, it seemed like Simon was the consolation for not getting a center (like Jokinen) instead of a more positive spin of picking up a solid forward that doesn’t flop around in front of the net like a crappie on a hot dock.
What are the chances we will see a Fedoruk, Simon, Voros line by the end of the season?
what changes are leipold going to make when he takes over if any? the blog shows the fans are not happy with riseborough and lemaire. especially risebrough? are they both going to be running the ship next year?
What is the contract status of the TV broadcast crew?
The closing of the Wild sale will be upon us soon. Craig Leipold said “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. If you were him, what would you fix?
2nd on a question previously asked:
Is it true the Wild have the fewest number of draft picks playing in the NHL?
What does that say about the “plan”?
Russo,
What is going to become with Boogard, Simon and Fedoruk? Are we going to keep all three?
Hey Don Russo - Clearly, Risebrough believes this team needed to get more physical this season and I assume he believes that for next season and beyond. For all of his talents, we know Bouchard isn’t physical. Any reason to think that the fact that the Wild has yet to re-sign Bouchard to a long-term deal (as it has with Burns, Koivu, and Schultz) is a sign that Bouchard might not fit with the team’s plans, especially given the restraints of the salary cap?
I agree about the enigma named Petteri Nummelin! He might not be defensive enough for Lemaire, but wouldn’t it be an excellent defensive forward and shootout STUD!?!
Real question: Does Mark Parrish have any role on this team? He doesn’t seem to fit on any of the 3 lines. Was there any thought of trying to trade Parrish at the deadline, or would that have seemed cold with his new baby?
What is your opinion and/or the consensus around the league of Brent Burns’s current play and his future development? Is he a future perennial All Star in experts’ eyes?
Last week on Hockey Night in Canada Radio, Jeff Marek said that Doug Risebrough’s name was being mentioned in connection with the Leafs’ open GM position. Do you think there is any truth to that and do you think he would consider the position if it was offered to him?
Do you think the Wild will ever try new procedures for entering the puck into the offensive zone on the power play other than skating just inside the line and stopping? Perhaps they could try sending men in with speed and dumping it in more often.
Second question…With the lack of garbage goals for the Wild recently, will they ever start shooting low again? Or will they keep shooting for the corners?
what are the chances we could see a significant roster turnover this summer?
With the talk of Gabby possibly leaving, and the lack of Wild depth in the minors, do you foresee a major trade involving significant draft picks?
With the playoffs approaching, do you expect a return of the Shameful about-face in officiating?
Although there was only one RFA deal last year, it made a lot of noise, especially with the Ducks. Do you see any potential for another big RFA deal this off-season? Is there a player out there who could garner such interest by some teams?
The argument against larger sheets of ice do not hold water. If you do the analysis, the two rows of seats that you lose are not the high priced rows. they are the last two rows in the arena. I guarantee you the league makes up the difference in more tv ratings and ticket sales in markets other than sota. Watching the nhl now is so unbelievably boring as there is no space to accomodate these giants. someone - you - needs to throw that argument back in the face of the league. it just doesnt hold water. Thee college game is so much more entertaining. My god I watched 3 overtime games and I was thoroughly engrossed in the back and forth with solid goal tending. Very cool stuff and gophs mankato stink!
HEY DON RUSSO;
If you were made GM of the wild who/or whom would you try to get to make the team better?
Also is there any way you can get our boys with the big shots to put that shot on goal??
How badly has the poor drafts from 2003, 2004 & 2005 hurt the future of the Wild. How long will it take for them to overcome the lack of depth due to the wasted picks?
From these three drafts (28 draft picks), the Wild only have 1 regular NHL player (Brent Burns) plus the recently called up Benoit Pouliot on their team. Other than Patrick O’Sullivan who was traded to the Kings, the Wild appear to have nothing else to show from these three drafts!
If the NHL went to a 3pt system how would the Western standings be different
3=regulation or overtime win
2=Shootout win
1=Shootout lost
Is the push to get the NHL back on ESPN/ESPN2 dead in the water? Is there any way that ESPN could “buy” a direct feed from one of the Canadian networks (TSN, CBC, or Rogers Sportsnet), and then substitute in their own commercials? Then they would not have to spend as much money in producing the games themselves.
Which, if any, franchises are likely to move in the next year or two. If so, what cities are likely to land a team? Kansas City with its new rink? A Canadian city with the stronger Canadian dollar? Seattle or Portland?
Why hasn’t the option of going to a simple 2 points for win been part of the discussion on changes to the point system? It seems simple to me; 2 points if you win in regulation, OT or SO; 0 points when you lose. After all YOU LOST!
With the current standings being so tight and teams grouped close together, does this suggest there will be quite a few playoff series this year that will go the full 7 games?
And do the Players expect a very competitive post season this year?
How can a “puck control” team, like the Wild want to be, do so little in the face-off circles. If its an individual skill, why hasn’t Risebrough addressed it? If its a team skill, why hasn’t Lemaire addressed it?
Do you think the Wild’s inconsistent play this season is related to Walz’s retirement? Who do you think is stepping up and helping to fill some of his role (if anyone)? In your opinion, do the Wild need to seek help with grit/leadership/work ethic/etc from outside the organization this summer? Why or why not?
As a vocal leader and fan favorite, where does Mark Parrish fit into the Wild’s playoff plans considering Jacques Lemaire’s limited use of him of late? How does Jacques expect him to raise his level of play without allowing him enough ice time to play his way through his slump?
If the Wild get matched up against the Ducks in the playoffs and one of the Wild’s skill players is injured by an Anaheim cheap shot, which Wild player would you like to see confront the offending Duck, and how severely should the Anaheim player be mauled?
why does skoula think hes better than he ACTUALLY IS?
Only glanced through most of these, but I saw a few regarding points for wins, SOL, etc.
Since we get a winner and a loser each game now, should the NHL just do away with points altogether and use wins, losses and games back like MLB and the NBA?
If the decision is made to trade Gaborik in the off-season, what do you think the Wild need to get for him in return? An established player, 2 prospects, and one or more picks in a future draft? Also, do you have anyone(veteran or prospect)in mind who you would like to see the Wild pick up in a potential Gaborik trade? And, as much as the correct answer is Sidney Crosby, please be realistic.
If Mikko Koivu is God, doesn’t that make James Sheppard Jesus?
The baby Jesus that is.
Has Mick McGeough ever injured a player while mistakenly calling a slash in his typical, highly dramatic fashion?
Mr. Russo,
How is it that with all the free time you have to sit around enjoying fresh cut grass, sunshine and special coffee AND having a qualified #2 in Mt. Youngblood; you somehow claim you won’t be able to answer all the questions posted here for you for your Strib article?
Perhaps you need to put down the WSJ for a bit huh?
just giving you a hard time.
Keep up the good work.
Is the Wild looking at making practices during the regular season and/or playoffs available on their website? It would be interesting to watch how the professionals take practice and let kids (especially) see the hard work that goes into being in the NHL. Heck, just doing it once in while would be kinda cool.
Free agents this summer: Gaborik has to be a priority but who will be next. they loose Rolston or Pav, there goes a ton of scoring that is hard to replace. Who will be the priority?
What are your thoughts on the Wild’s unspectacular drafting record - only drafting 1 all star caliber player over an 8 year span? Scouting or Player’s or Coach’s fault?
