Thursday’s practice update
Posted on March 20th, 2008 – 2:23 PMBy Michael Russo
Good afternoon from beautiful Vancouver. Just a bit of trivia: On this day 40 years ago, Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn was born.
That means Lynn will have to be removed from the NHL’s Who’s Who list of successful under-40 year-olds. Or, is the list, 40-and-under? I’ll have to check.
Practice update is on the bottom.
Because of how much last-second work I had on deadline, I never really got a chance to blog. Couple thoughts:
– On Kurtis Foster. Man, you’ve got to feel bad for this guy. Not just because he’s one of the nicest dudes you’d ever meet, but does anybody have worse luck? I mean last season he’s sitting on the bench and Kim Johnsson shoots one off his larynx. He’s taken about 10 pucks and sticks and elbows to the face this season. And now this, a broken femur. This will be a very long-term injury, and with some extensive rehab.
I remembered on one of my flights this morning shooting the breeze with Foster a few days ago. He was the most confident he’s been this season about his game and was talking about getting to the 10-goal mark for the second time here.
I know there’s a big Torrey Mitchell debate going around the league. The NHL has decided not to suspend him, and he definitely felt remorse. But what a reckless play. I mean, he was not going to beat out that icing, so why push Foster when he was in such a dangerous, vulnerable position? I cannot explain to you how loud it was in the arena when Foster hit those boards. It sounded like a train smashing into a car.
I will probably address the no-touch icing debate in my Sunday column and hold off the Q&A for a week.
As for the latest Foster update from the team, he underwent six hours of surgery this morning by San Jose Sharks doctors. He had a steel rod inserted. He’ll obviously be in the hospital for a few days and is resting comfortably. According to assistant GM Tom Lynn, they won’t have a good idea of a prognosis for a few weeks. He’s out this season obviously, and depending on how much trauma was created around the break and how quickly the bone starts to callous, that’ll give an idea of when he could get back on the leg.
– On the game itself, entertaining game. Couple interesting tidbits.
1) Both of Gaborik’s goals were basically on slapshots. I can count on two hands the number slappers I’ve seen this guy even attempt. He needs to add it to his arsenal.
2) Boogaard’s fight with Shelley. Apparently Shelley said to Boogey in the penalty box, “We’re going to fight again.” Boogaard just laughed. When Boogaard repeated the comment after the game, Todd Fedoruk chimed in, “He said that again! He always says that.”
3) Couple bad signs for the Wild last night, even though it battled wholeheartedly. But what about the 1:06 delayed penalty in the first period where the Wild couldn’t even touch up the puck? Both teams executed full line changes on a delayed penalty to James Sheppard. I’ve never seen that. And, how about the three minutes in the first period where the Wild literally couldn’t get out of its zone? They turned the puck over four times (I counted) at the defensive blue line.
And how about a two-minute 3-on-3 in overtime? It was awful hockey. But it was interesting how Mikko Koivu was continually thrown out for the faceoff, would win it, then go to the bench so Marian Gaborik or Brian Rolston could jump on.
4) How incredible was Jeremy Roenick last night? The ancient one was absolutely flying, and was rewarded with a goal, one assist and the shootout winner. That is one fast, talented, aggressive team with an exceptional blue line and goaltender. Those ingredients often equal Lord Stanley.
5) Jacques denies he contemplated putting in Josh Harding for the shootout, but I’ll ask more at today’s practice. I do think this is a bit of a risk. Two reasons: Injury, but maybe more importantly, the risk of humiliating Nik Backstrom by taking him out. I just don’t know if it’s worth it.
Practice update:
All big-minute guys exercised their options today. Guys who got limited minutes yesterday, are on the edge of the doghouse or didn’t play skated — P-M Bouchard, Derek Boogaard, Benoit Pouliot, Todd Fedoruk, Sean Hill, Mark Parrish, James Sheppard, Keith Carney, Matt Foy, Aaron Voros and Chris Simon.
Here’s the deal, the Wild is stuck. It didn’t make a trade for a defenseman at the deadline. Petteri Nummelin is injured. Erik Reitz has an ankle injury. And to quote Jacques Lemaire’s indictment on the other minor-league defensemen, “I’m sure that none of the other guys can’t be that good to play in the NHL.”
So, the Wild will go with the six it has, and Jacques Lemaire drove the bus right over veteran Sean Hill, a minus-8 in his last six games, today. Lemaire then pulled forward, and backed the bus up again.
To give you a little taste: “If he’s not playing better, we’ll be in trouble.”
For the rest, buy the paper 
Jacques also ripped into the refs again for not giving Mitchell a major for hitting Foster, and then not calling Patrick Marleau for the trip on Martin Skoula, which led to a 3-on-1 goal.
He basically said fans pressure the refs, and then, seemed to take a little swipe at Minnesota fans.
“The fans are good. Really. The fans are great. They put them under pressure. They’re great here (Vancouver), they’re great in Calgary, they’re great in Edmonton, they’re great in San Jose. In Anaheim, they’re great.”
He seemed to leave one city out, so we asked, ‘What about Minnesota?’
“They’re not as good for the refs as they are somewhere else. West coast is the best, better than even East coast.”
171 Responses to "Thursday’s practice update"
Thanks for checking in and for the update, Don Russo.
Don’t the Wild usually wait until after 4 pm EST to call up someone? I remember reading an article last year about the Wild waiting because of cap limit.
Not saying this is the reason they haven’t call someone up yet or even if they will be. Just throwing it out there.
What was the deal with Hardng not even being on the bench? You’d think the NHL would make San Jose do “something” to allow the entire visiting team to sit together. If SJ doesn’t have to I say we put a couple barcaloungers in on the glass in Sec 115 and have teams visiting the X split into two mini-benches… or heck, have some of their players sit at the far end where the Little Clippers stretch out before intermission. And Don, give Fozzy my best. That crash was loud on TV too.
Russo: Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.
Sorry, I meant 116 for those who’ll correct my seating chart ineptitude.
Quasi was saying there are a couplpe of other arenas where they don’t have enough room on the bench for the backup. Where are they and why hasn’t the NHL stepped in? This is ridiculaous. We should shorten the visiting bench at the X to give our boys some room to spread out and see how fast it would have to be corrected. Just another example of the NHL being a joke when it comes to rules.
The benches at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena don’t have room for either team. Both backup goalies have to sit in the runway to the locker room.
Presumably the new arena will have enough room, but that’s a couple years away.
In the NFL if one team’s headsets aren’t working the other team can’t use theirs. It falls under the “unfair advantage” rules. Same should be for the NHL. If the visiting team can’t all sit together, the home team shouldn’t be able too either.
Maybe if the goalies pad size were reduced they would fit? Now that’s sarcasm!
Well, in the Igloo’s defense, it was built so long ago that I’m sure all the players could sit together. Then they started getting bigger, the equipment started getting bigger…
In fact I think it was built before the concept of running water…
- Roloson getting the nod tonight against VAN - keep up the steller play Dwayne!
- El Gato - thanks for catching my Simpsons reference on the last thread - one has to wonder if Krusty is a better gambler than Backs is in the SO
Who cares if the backup goalie can sit on the bench or not? What does it have to do with anything during a game? He can’t have a conversation with the trainer big deal.
Russo,
You seem to be reaching a little for negatives over the past couple weeks.
The 1:06 delayed penalty? Of that only 17 seconds were spent in the Wilds defensive Zone. On the other hand 32 were spent in the SJ Zone. Not tough to accomplish if the team on the delayed penalty is content cycling their own zone.
The 3 minutes in the zone. Yeah they turned it over 4 times (even if the first was immediately followed by a SJ hand pass) but the reality is it was really just 1:35 (5:48 - 4:13), of which 31 seconds were spent by Wild defensemen standing behind the net waiting for the team to change. SOG for SJ during that 1:35 — 1.
There isn’t anything more ominous than that against the 2nd best team in the league on the road?
Look at the bright side. Demitra took the shot on a 2-on-1 with Gaborik.
Gato, I was thinking it. I’m surprised Bettman hasn’t used that argument yet.
Happy about the lack of call-up for now. Might make the Wolf spanking tonight slightly less hurty. AIH, I don’t see Rogers up due to the lack of physicality, esp this time of year, though I would agree he’s marginally better with the puck.
There’s always Big John Scott. And pigs flying. And hell freezing. Never mind.
I did like Demitra taking the shot even if it didn’t result in a goal. Too often he passes to Gabby. Need to make the goaltender think a little.
JK, you are a great game-film-breaker-downer. Nicely done. I love Tivo.
Jeremy Roenick showed class last night when he waded in to show his concern for Kurtis. I don’t feel as bad that Roenick had a good night since he is a class-act.
Just stop doing it against the Wild!
A quote by JL from the AP article on Foster’s injury:
“When you look at the game overall, I think it wasn’t one of the best games refereed this year,” he said.
JK-I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that thought there was a handpass on that play when the Sharks player was down and kept grabbing for the puck. It looked pretty blatant to me and set up a pretty good scoring opportunity for the Sharks.
“When you look at the game overall, I think it wasn’t one of the best games refereed this year,” he said.
Yeah, I have to agree. How Brian Rolston can break his stick and be “replaced” on the ice while Rolston is still 50 feet from the bench is a mystery to Shark fans.
with an exceptional blue line
This is the only think I would disagree with you on the Sharks here, Don. It’s not bad, but I wouldn’t call them exceptional.
At some point, it has to be humiliating to Backstrom just to be in the net for the shootout. It’s not like he is unaware of just how terrible he’s been there. If he can’t do it, telling him to go try again and fail again is not going to help his confidence.
That said, the team needs to start scoring in shootouts, are we 1 for our last 9 now?
How Brian Rolston can break his stick and be “replaced” on the ice while Rolston is still 50 feet from the bench is a mystery to Shark fans.
I think in that situation when it is already 3 on 3, JL would be willing to take the bench penalty in order to get someone one as quick as possible.
Yes, Backs has been brutal in shootouts. In eight more games; shootouts don’t matter. If we can win 6 of 8, we’ll be hoisting a Northwestern Division banner and have a #3 seed.
I predict at 4:32 Hockeydad will say:
“Agree with Bill - it’s not like the back-up goalie serves a role like a back-up QB in the NFL. He’s more like a relief pitcher, and those guys sit a hundred yds from the dugout and just screw around for most of the game.”
This never gets old…
Agree with Bill - it’s not like the back-up goalie serves a role like a back-up QB in the NFL. He’s more like a relief pitcher, and those guys sit a hundred yds from the dugout and just screw around for most of the game.
Hockeydad and Bill,
While your points make sense, don’t you think he would be much less focused should he be called upon when he is 1/4 of the way across the arena from the rest of his team? I would think the mind and eys would wander that far away where on the bench you are at least halfway paying attention, especially in the SCP.
Scary, BNAG. Scary
Poor Foster, what a drag….When they were putting him on the flat board you could hear him saying “OUH,OUH”.
Is this the year…..we find out how bad Kurtis Foster’s luck is. Yikes
Intoblivion - here’s a concept. How ’bout we just win in regulation and not put Backstrom thru the stress. Just an idea.
I’d be happy with that (especially in the upcoming divisional games) but at the point where we’ve reached the shootout, not really an option. Putting in another goalie is
It’s novel idea but by jove I think it could work!
Is it? I would hate for Harding to be damaged physically and Backstrom damaged mentally. It’s obvious he’s a bit of a head case (what goalie isn’t)but I don’t think doing a few extra laps around the X b4 the game is going to blow the stink of that rejection off.
BNAG, If a backup goalie needs to be on the bench with the team to be focused when he get’s called on. I think he is in the wrong job and I don’t want him as my backup.
They might if they’re laps at Backstrom speed.
Is the continual failure really better than acknowledging a weak point in your game? Maybe shooters are already in his head, maybe he’s already convinced himself he can’t handle shootouts. After all, he seems to do much better in breakaway situations in game (different, I know).
Maybe a little time off to let that damage heal is what he could use?
BoogieNeedsAGoal says:
March 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
How Brian Rolston can break his stick and be “replaced” on the ice while Rolston is still 50 feet from the bench is a mystery to Shark fans.
I think in that situation when it is already 3 on 3, JL would be willing to take the bench penalty in order to get someone one as quick as possible
Actually, it was a four on four and the guy coming off the bench broke up an odd man rush and a scoring opportunity.
Also, the refs missed a high stick on Fedoruk against Mitchell that left Torrie with a nice little gash under his eye. It was “typical” (unfortunately) poor officiating all night long.
Hey, Sharks fan here. I couldn’t believe how Mikko Koivu was dominating all the faceoffs in the 3rd and OT. I was so infuriated, I thought for sure the Wild were going to take it in OT.
The Mitchell-Foster play…On the replays I thought I saw Mitchell’s hand on Foster’s back, which could be interpreted as a push from behind. I’m glad to see Wild fans and others realizing this was just a really bad, bad unfortunate accident. It happened to a Shark fave about 5 years ago…marco sturm. It took him over a year to start playing with the speed we were used to seeing from him. Good luck to you, Foster!
OK, so here’s my thoughts from where I was watching last night (Left side corner of Wild end of the ice, row 7). First, the Sharks are good. They’re really big, fast and aggressive up front, and that is definitely their strength. They do a really good job of getting on top of their opponent.
Any time Burns and Shultz weren’t on the ice, I did not feel comfortable. We got Minus Marty last night, and I get the feeling with Johnsson that he consistently holds on to the puck for a second too long. Let’s hope DR does something about the blue line this summer.
Pouliot didn’t look ready for the intensity of this game. From what I’ve seen from him so far, I think he can play. Watching him sort of reminded me of Sheppard early in the season, although they are definitely different types of players. Speaking of Sheppard, he’s going to be good. And Brent Burns is very very good. He might be the best player on the Wild right now if you ask me.
One other thing that I thought was interesting was that I think Boogaard was out on the ice every time Mitchell took a shift after the Foster play. So I guess you know how JL feels about it.
Think of the psychological damage winning in regulation would inflict upon Bettman and his parity?
How disappointed will the Nuks be if we get 2 points and they get none?
We’d really be opening a can of worms here…a 2 point game???
PREPOSTEROUS!
ElGato…there’s no chasm like sarcasm… 
[…] win on Long Island and will be …Leafs play waiting game Toronto Starcanadianpress.google.comThursday helloThursday hello Posted on March 20th, 2008 ?? 2:23 PM By Michael Russo Good afternoon from beautiful […]
Personnally, I would be thrilled to be a part of causeing “Bettman and his parity” any type of psychological damage, worry, extra tight pucker while in his seat, nervous perspiration(sp). I would like the Wild to be the Derek Boogaard to Gary Bettman’s……pick a Duck.
kj - only if you’re bad at it….
OK, so there will be no suspension of Mitchell according to TSN.
Interesting how they chose the phrase “Foster collided with Mitchell”.
It amazes me.
How do you collide with someone that pushes you from behind? Foster showed no backward motion - like he was trying to ward off Mitchell. He just fell forward from the BLATANT PUSH FROM BEHIND.
Is it so difficult to get the story right?
Of course, the putz’s. The NHL is magnificent. Imagine if that had been Malkin or Thornton or someone of that ilk that was injured–a suspension no doubt.
Mitchell pushed Foster, which made him lose control. The video replay showed it clearly. Foster was in control prior to the push to his back. I don’t think Mitchell tried to hurt him, but he did do something with absolutely no regard for the other players safety.
The refs were horrible. Between labeling the call a trip and missing the trip on Skoula, I was in shock at just how bad they could be. I am surprised we didn’t get called for a trip when the Shark went down while stepping on the puck. They need to go to instant replays. Too many mistakes are being made. Get the calls right.
I am undecided whether Mitchell should be suspended. He should, at least, be bublicly reprimanded for doing such a stupid and dangerous act. But then again, that would require the league to acknowledge that it wasn’t a trip….and they are too arrogant to do that.
Here is the youtube clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRwAyABEVBE&eurl=http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=494091&page=6
…..or Pronger
Funny how the only penalties called in the third period were on the Sharks, shortly after the Wild got behind. You guys have no right to complain, Thorton was being hooked and held all night and the only call that resulted from it was a “cross-check” on Thornton when he finally got tired of the Wild’s cheating. If anything the refs gave you guys two gift goals, it should have been 3-1 in regulation Sharks win.
Jeff:
We would rather take a fair called game than an absolutely bad refereed game. Even our coach called last night’s game one of the worst.
The game would totally different if it was a fair called game.
You guys have no right to complain
But you do? Whatever.
Seems to me Jeff, you came out of the game with 2 points. Obviously we weren’t “cheating” enough.
What exactly is JL trying to say about Minny fans and the officials? We don’t boo loud enough when the refs make a bad call? As if…
Does he want us to start throwing beer and eelpout on the ice, too?
Secuel, I was thinking the same thing… maybe we need to go Cleveland Browns on the refs?
Jesus JL. Now the fans are in the doghouse? San Jose, Anaheim are better on the refs than MINNESOTA? And Skoula is a top 5 D-man, right? Piss up a rope…….
On the calls, or non-calls people see what they want to see, but Jeff seems to be taking that to an extreme..switch the jersey’s Jeff…do you still whine about Thorton? Skoula it could be argued stepped on the stick (leading to the 3-1), that he wasn’t tripped and that’s why I didn’t have a problem with the non-call… Mitchell (whom Foster collided with..yeah) should have received a major for boarding, not because he had malicious intent, but because it was a stupid, dangerous play…Foster had position and speed, there was no way Mitchell was going to beat him to the puck, subsequently he hurt badly one of our sorely needed defenseman. Now we’re down a good d-man for the game and season. So Jeff, spare us please.
Slap, JL swan song maybe?
I think JL is very much a frustrated man.
First place, JL can kiss my arse. Anytime he wants to fly me to the TC and put me in a seat for a game I’ll yell my butt off.
Second, it has been said around here before by people who go to the games with regularity that the crowd, as a whole, can be very, very subdued.
If the shoe fits…
Third, Jeff, the Sharks, their TV crew and the fans earned a lot of respect for the way they “handled” the Foster situation last night IMO. Why would you piss that all away?
SCSU ties it up at 1 in the first…kind of a choppy game so far. 7:30 into the game…
slapshot, I can vouch that San Jose fans are at least as bad on the refs as MN fans. Ron Wilson has pulled that crap with us b4, for getting hard on the team too early or some bs like that. It was received about as well as you’ve received the criticism. FWIW, JL’s gotta be one of the best coaches in the league IMO.
Doesn’t sound like either team’s fans are happy with that game. giving up a 2 goal lead, and the regulation victory with a half minute left. ineffective penalty kill. too many breakaways. and the faceoff losses were ridiculous, the Sharks’ centermen had no answer for whatever Koivu was pulling out there.
There are things to be proud of for Minny fans. Not a lot of teams can say they were able to keep up with us in regulation, as of late.
BigD: sorry to split hairs, but the Sharks never had a 2-goal lead in that game. So maybe you don’t have to feel so bad?
JL has no rhyme or reason to be ripping on the Wild fan base. When the fans see something, they say it, until the club arbitrarily cuts it off with some drowning-out ad spot or, worse, the dulcet tones of Palmer Harbison massacring the hits on the ‘mighty’ Zamb-organ…
If you want the fans involved, let them get involved on their own.
I must say, with the exception of Jeff, you Sharks fans are a classy bunch.
It’s nice to have an “adult” conversation with another teams fans. Thank you.
phil - I don’t know about swan song. But when I read JL’s comments I heard “Taps” in the back ground of the sound of the blood rushing thru my ears…..ugh
WRT - just how involved do they want the fans? My eyes are still burning from the smoke blown up my skirt about the Simon pickup. We got involved on the blogs and such on that deal and we get our retna’s smoked..
WRT: how’s the trip so far?
I didn’t give credence to the rumors of JL wanting to retire at the end of this season but I have to agree with Phil and ss6.
When I read JL’s comments, I got the sense that he is ready to retire.
Nick- Crowds can be subdued at The X sometimes, but only because of the lack of anything to cheer about. (Re: The Wild’s effort).
I’ve only been to a couple other arenas, but MN fans are as loud as any I’ve heard.
Maybe others on the board who have been to other buildings can give their take.
Does he want us to start throwing beer and eelpout on the ice, too?
Can we do this? Seriously, I’m down for it! 
man…Kangas is in some kind of groove lately, eh? Shepard is certainly making an impression on this game.
Flames up on Avs 1-0 in the first.
2-0 Flames…5 left in the 1st
What is this sudden fascination with eelpout?
Makes me wish for Rosie…
Douse the Flames.
BTW: the NHL ad splices old with new video to make fluid game play is stunning.
NiNY…yes it is.
Now all they need to do is spend a little dough and show it to OTHER sports fans.
You know, a network other than NHL network.
Buy some time on ESPN? Maybe NASCAR broadcasts?
Oh wait…that makes sense…
kj: TOTALLY AGREE! I simply don’t understand their apparent inability to grasp that concept.
Start with NBC - who has a vested interest in driving viewership to it’s NHL product - get ads on whatever passes for Must See TV nowadays, morning news magazine programs, whatever.
Mind boggling.
Nick- Crowds can be subdued at The X sometimes, but only because of the lack of anything to cheer about.
I think you’ve illustrated rather precisely the difference between Wild fans and fans in some of the other buildings around the league. Wild fans wait for something to cheer about. Fans in many other NHL cities proactively cheer to motivate their team, to get in the other team’s heads, or just for the sake of unabashed drunken weeknight cheering. We tend to watch and react and wait for something good to happen, and it’s just not like that in other places. We’re entirely too self-conscious here in Minnesota without 7/8 beers in our system. I think it must be all the Scandinavian blood or something.
CAR & FLA 2:00 left in OT
crap, sorry about the italics, forgot a (/i) somewhere in there….
Why don’t the wild sign a d-man from the European leagues like the Islanders did last year?
no worries slappy, we do that all the time around here.
(insert sarcastic tone) I’m so sorry Jl that the refs and the team can’t hear me yell through the TV, I’ll be louder next game. (end sarcasm)
slappy, that’s true about the crowds.
But I’m still not sold that fans influence the officiating. Maybe JL’s the one being a bad influence. Remember Brad Meier?
I attend about 15 games per season, and I have to say, I disagree with the notion that Wild fans are generally subdued compared to other NHL cities. Compared to Candian cities - OK, I can buy that - Calgary and Vancouver seem like very energized buildings when watching those games. Are there times during games when it’s a little quiet - yes, but that’s usually a reflection of the game itself. But I hold that for most games, the X is a pretty lively place.
Wooo Gophers goal!!! Howe with 12.7 seconds left for the win. Kangas was awesome.
that was a pretty entertaining college hockey game, IMO.
I think JL is just really frustrated with the officiating in last night’s game and losing Foster. We do seem to get jobbed by the refs both at home and away on a regular basis. Remember the no goal in the Calgary game a few weeks ago at the X?
Dam Rodents.
JL allows the refs to do what they do because of his respect for the game.
He’d NEVER lose it.
Another prequel.
JL seem’s a little subdued as well when it comes to referees. Jacques needs a little more Gardy and a little less Denny Green. I would love to see JL lose his cool and start throwing sticks on the ice. Referee’s roll over JL because he allows it.
I just read Russo’s article on the defense being shorthanded. Very depressing!!! Is there any way for Burns and Schultz to play 60 minutes each?
GORG musta been on the red eye last night. Wonder if Sun Country served him CHEESEBURGERS?? Lord knows the little midget butterball needed them…
Sidenote: Don Russo continues to show why he is the best hockey beat writer in the biz. And it ain’t even close…
No help from the Grease. 3-0 Canucks. Also freaking Flames win. But at least not a 3 point game.
Woodcock, its a Canadian conspiracy to try and keep American NW div. teams out of the playoffs.
Time for PMB and Demtitra to step up. These guys have been practically absent for the last month.
Is there any chance Nummi comes back? How bad is his groin?
Wasn’t there one or two Aeros defensemen that Lemaire raved about in training camp? Play must have really dropped off then.
Oh well, make one of our more physical wingers a d-man then.
RogueGopher…P-Marc has nine points in the last 11 games. If that’s practically absent, give me a bunch of absentees!
We’re entirely too self-conscious here in Minnesota without 7/8 beers in our system.
This sounds like an excellent idea for a promotion. Come to see the Wild and after the 7th beer, the 8th is FREE!!!
Heh, when I first read it, I thought you typed without 78 beers in our system.
That calls for a Whooo!
NiNY: The trip is fine. Lotsa seafood (and not ’see-food’…) but no hockey coverage to be had here in Seattle. It’s like the NHL never existed. Sad, really.
ss6: I don’t know how much they REALLY WANT the fans involved. After all, we’re part of the anti-Simon ‘conspiracy’ in the eyes of management…they don’t trust the REAL hockey fans in Minnesota to lay it on the refs when they know they blow a call. (Witness: Mr. Magoo on Monday night vs. Colorado. His rookie partner sees a call and doesn’t screw it up, so it’s ‘Mick to the Rescue’ by screwing up on the PMB call a few minutes later.)
When the team starts playing 60 minutes a night, every night, maybe, just maybe, the fans will respond, also. Did anyone in the front office think of THAT?
(Nope.)
Silent fans - We’re Minnesotans. A bunch of Germans, Swedes and Norweigians. Not too many would call us excitable. Also, beers at the X are spendy. Also, maybe it’s partly the fact that we know hockey. We know what is worthy of a cheer and what isn’t. Frankly, in some arenas the fans don’t know what they’re cheering for.
If you want to see fans in MN boo a ref, attend a Gophers’ game and wait for a call against them - no matter how well deserved, the ref’s will get booed.
Back to the topic of backup goalies and why it is important for them to sit on the bench. Hockey is a very intense game - no comparison to baseball and their relieving pitchers. The backup goalie needs to be there to watch and be ‘into’ the game. He needs to feel the excitement of his teammates. It is also possible he might want to watch how the other team plays. Do they always dump and chase, do they work it down low then back out to the slot? Do they pass back to the D a lot looking for a big slapper? Are they screening a lot? Are they constantly buzzing the crease? All of that is important for the backup to get an idea of. If he is expected to be put in and play well, he needs to be prepared.
I wouldn’t read too much into JL saying the fans are too easy on the refs. Minnesotans are just too nice. Granted, we’re hockey fans and we’ve probably had a beer or two, but we just can’t get past that ingrained “Don’t rock the boat” mentality.
Also, maybe it’s partly the fact that we know hockey. We know what is worthy of a cheer and what isn’t. Frankly, in some arenas the fans don’t know what they’re cheering for.
Goody: one could say the same about the level of hockey appreciation among the common fan in, say, Montreal, TO, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Ottawa, too, no?
I agree that in a lot of the (newer) places, fans tend to not know to cheer for a clear on a penalty kill. But everyone knows to get on the refs when a call goes against you, or one of your guys gets light up with no call.
Goody - you beat me to it, but on the cost of beer at the X, I include the cost of beer into my game budgeting when deciding how many/which games to go to.
Website is squirrelly again today.
I guess I choose NOT to cheer when I am told to.
I am not a fan of ‘manufactured’ noise.
Case in point - Wild’s first playoff game was NOISIER than any North Stars game I ever saw. No Braveheart clip. No disgusting ‘Right now…blah, blah’. The FANS decided to shake the building.
The marketing mavens need to stop trying so hard.
Website is squirrelly again today.
Yes it is.
SCSU Fans - great game last night and it was nice for us Gopher fans to put that 0-8 (I think) winless streak to bed - thanks be Kagness on that. On the plus side for the Huskies, Motzko now has plenty of time to get the team ready for the NCCAs - going the distance as a Play In team in the Final 5 can be fun for fans (if you end up in the championship game and not the dreaded 3rd place game) but taxing on the team which might have to travel far and play in less than a week.
If I were a D-man in the minors and the coach of the big club said he didn’t know if any of us would be ‘that good to play in the NHL’, I’d ask if he’s seen any games and would like to offer any feedback on what we needed to do to become NHLer’s or I’d be looking to get out of the team’s farm system.
I’m beginning to think Rammer may be the Wild head coach in 2 years.
Adam, if the Gophers lose tonight I would start Solei in the 3rd place game, give Kangas at least some rest and let the walk-on senior goalie say he played in the WCHA Final 5!
Dam Rodents.
I don’t think anyone can figure JL out.
Other than not knowing what he’ll say next.
Being a psychotic SCSU fan, and alum, I was disappointed in the boys’ lack of energy for much of last night. Team had been plating very well of late 6-1-3 in previous 10, or something to that affect. That said, team will still be a 3 seed with a possibility of a 2 seed if the rest of the games shake out properly. Now that the Badgers are dead and buried, Huskies may get the Madison regional, which would make for a sweet road trip next week. As far as our flying Ws, having Hill and Carney on the bench at the same time may look like a perilous situation, but it may also shake something loose with the rest of the boys knowing they have to tighten it up a bit for the final 8 games plus the playoffs. The playoffs, fans, are a given at this point. Team is 7 points up with a game in hand on the Preds. Done deal, now it’s just a matter of securing the #3 seed.
What is Jacques talking about?
Much of the time I’m not sure JL even knows what JL is talking about.
This site is drivng me crazy. Half the time I can’t get to the comments section. In any event, the Wild will need to show true grit tonight and tomorrow and Hill and Carney need to buckle up. But, no one can fault their effort against the Avs or the Sharks. The Coyotes brief flirtation with a playoff spot sure ended with a whimper. Russo last week commented favorably on their chances so they promptly lost 4 in a row. Oilers kind of blew their faint chances last night against the Canucks. So, now I do feel reasonably confident that we will make the playoffs but not where we will wind up. Backs has got to play like he did against the Avs. We need last year’s Backs. Please don’t drop into your butterly so soon.
I would start Solei in the 3rd place game, give Kangas at least some rest and let the walk-on senior goalie say he played in the WCHA Final 5!
That would be cool assuming the Pairwise situation is a lock which it probably would be. However, from all reports, Frazee has handled his demotion with a lot of class so Don might want to reward him. Maybe he could go with both?
Agreed, El Gato. That’s gotta be frustrating for the guys down here to hear, esp. after an unbelievable win last night and looking down the barrel at lots of similar battles thru the end of the season. That raised my hackles a bit, even if it’s true.
kj, how do you really feel?
Every time you say Dam Rodents makes me think of Uncle Eddie in Vegas Vacation on the Hoover Dam tour:
‘Can you tell me where I can get some Dam bait?’
Much of the time I’m not sure JL even knows what JL is talking about.
JL strikes me as the type of coach who knows exactly what he’s saying and why.
That said, why are people exercised about the comment about Houston’s D-men? Do any of us think there’s a d-man available down there who’s ready to play inthe NHL?
I agree, JK, Russo is being a Negative Nancy.
I take Lemaire’s indirect comment on MN fans as a compliment. It makes me proud that at a Wild game fans only boo calls that really are poor. I would think that Referees would pick up on that and be more likely to take it to heart when a MN crowd is upset.
Regarding pulling Backs in a shootout: He’s playing solid the last few games. Let’s not do anything to jostle him. We need him as confident as possible.
I take Lemaire’s indirect comment on MN fans as a compliment. It makes me proud that at a Wild game fans only boo calls that really are poor. I would think that Referees would pick up on that and be more likely to take it to heart when a MN crowd is upset.
I agree and I thought that was the kind of coach JL was.
Unless I am mistaking, Terhar said SJ fans threw stuff on the ice after the game - is JL encouraging us to do the same?
Threw stuff on the ice? Were they mad about something?
I’ve grown weary with all the “Fans need to do this, don’t need to be doing that,” nonesense that we see from players, coaches, organizations, not just the Wild. Hey, here’s a thought: play hard for 60 minutes and the fans will appreciate the effort. May not like the way the game ends up, but we’ll appreciate the effort. As far as the officiating, I have always thought those folks behind the Wild bench have spent waaayyyy too much time crying baby shoes about the refs. Coach the team to play hard for 60 minutes and what the refs do won’t play a factor.
Off topic–NCAA’s. Mankato and Wisconsin are now on the bubble with the Badgers unlikely to make it. Based on the pairwise-they are tied for 13th. Nos. 15 & 16 won’t make it because of the two guaranteed spots for winners of Atlantic and CHA. ECAC, undeservedly, gets a second spot because Clarkson lost in their tournament but has a 9 in pairwise so winner of the ECAC also goes and so #14 doesn’t go. If either Vermont or BU wins the Hockey East tournament (they play each other in semis so one of them will be in title game) or Northern Michigan, which is in semis of CCHA, wins its tournament then #13 also doesn’t go. If both events happen and Gophers lose to CC then Gophers might not go. Ok, so we are Wild fans but this is a great hockey weekend with WCHA and two critical Wild games on TV. Glad it’s snowing–an excuse to stay home and sample some single malts, eh NiNY.
Threw stuff on the ice? Were they mad about something?
I guess giving the Wild a point. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if many SJ fans there thought the player who stepped on the puck was tripped leading to a crash into the boards.
- woodcock - it did work out perfect that the Wild are out West during the Final 5 - March Madness indeed!
All the hcokey gives me even more of an excuse to ignore the bouncyball tournament.
I hate basketball.
I’m with you there. I just hope we aren’t stuck watching the tail end of a Woofies game tonight as they bleed out the last 30 seconds or so into about 10 minutes of meaningless fouls and timeouts while we wait for them to switch to Vancouver for the real game. But, I think with this game on 45, it should be on CI also so I can watch it on the Canucks network.
Wild game is on the NHL network tonight; not on CI.
El Gato…my opinion on all things Rodent hockey is well known. I basically want them to fail as much as I want ND, WI, et al to fail.
Tonight will be a good test for the positive strides our ‘C’ has taken. I assume he will have Kesler or Burrows on him all night. Will he be effective, or will they?
Also, it is imperitive that SRV and Radioactivich shut down the Sedin sisters and their escort Naslund.
A 3 point game (with the Wild losing in OT or SO) will give them the identical record as the Nuks. So, this is a HUGE opportunity to put a little Elmer’s on the division lead.
And, Pouliblah gets a point toight. Sheppard with the GWG. In regulation.
Basketball is terrible!! How can it possibly be so popular? Just boring beyond belief. I would honestly rather watch curling.
Wild are 17-15-4 on a single day’s rest, 4-4-1 on Fridays. Vancouver is 6-6-1 on the second of back to backs, 4-4-2 on Fridays.
FYI - Tonight’s game is on NHL Network and 45:
http://www.kstc45.com/schedule.htm
http://www.nhlnetwork.com/en_US/tvListings
Full credit to NHL Network for also covering the ECAC tournament - I wish they could get a national college contract and cover the NCCAs as well.
Crowds at the X have hockey smarts but are generally subdued. There is no comparison between the crowds during some of the playoff games at Met center and playoffs at the X. My theory is that season ticket holders tend to to be less raucous than the average fan that can only afford a few games per year.
Looks like I need to brush off our dish when I get home from work, Mrs. Gato says the TV is not working, dam March wet heavy snows!
Let’s hope we have a Wild regulation win and if you have nothing going on tomorrow night go see the Russoville house band at the Blue Fox (how’s that for a plug kj)!
Well as a season ticket holder who gets hoarse most games, particularly when McGeough is reffing, not sure I buy that theory, pie. I just think that in general MN folks are less abusive than many fans and also somewhat quieter but certainly knowledgeable when it comes to hockey.
El Gato, nothing tomorrow night !!!! It’s the freaking Flames!
Hockeydad, some of those D-men have been down there for years. Does JL have any finger on the pulse down there, or is he relying on reports from scouts, Aero’s staff, etc? Maybe there will be an epihany from one of the players and he will magically be ready for the NHL. How does JL even know if any of them are ready until they get a shot? Remember, he’s the same guy who has a lot of faith in Skoula.
If were talking about poor D-men prospects in Houston it would seem like somebody should rip a certain draft class at some point
I don’t like when fans get really ugly or abusive of the refs, but getting on the refs in a constructive (not necessarily fair) manner is one of the pleasures of being a fan.
I’m just catching up reading here, referring to the part about the crowd at the X being subdued…I think (and many friends agree) that they need to change the music after Wild goals. Instead of actually cheering the crowd just claps along like robots. We need to get rowdier and show the team some support.
Does this not seem like the way the Wild brass have been dispensing the Kool-Aid lately (Simon, JL’s comments).
http://www.kraftfoods.com/koolaid/2001/ka_flavors.html
We love our Kool-Aid around these parts, but if we want to drink, let us drink. A Kool-Aid enema doesn’t help.
I remember during the 1st round last year, JL wanted the home crowd to make noise when the Ducks interfered with our guys so the refs would be encouraged to make the calls..I suspected the Wild was going down…if the coach is relying on the fans to sway the refs, its all over. Even though that type of sh1t was going on all the time and the refs let the Ducks do it…under Bettman’s directive I suspect, isn’t that JL’s job to make a stink to the refs or league or whomever?? Why in the hell would the refs be swayed by the crowd? I think that’s a complete non sequitor…perhaps JL is not as powerful as we thought….might be time for him to get the gold watch.
Adam:
I’m always in the mood to discuss the debacle known as the Minnesota Wild 2004 entry draft
Deep,
One positive did come out of the 2004 Draft. We got our picks in on time…
Deep…I thought that draft was cancelled.
Why doesn’t Center Ice replay the games the next afternoon/morning? They have the channels reserved and blackout restrictions already in place.
If we are talking about drafts, let’s not forget the draft where we stunned everyone with a surprise pick of—-Burnsie. I guess that one worked out. Doesn’t take much imagination to pick Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin or for that matter Gabby. But, the Thelen pick sure didn’t work out.
woodcock - don’t forget in the draft when we picked Burns we also picked O’Sullivan, who we traded for Demo. So I’d say that draft worked out particularly well.
El Gato, of course JL is probably relying heavily on reports from the staff on Houston, but let’s also be realistic. Reitz might have been someone who could have helped out up here, but he’s not available. Are you suggesting any of those other guys should be given a chance right now?
And to be clear, because I think somone above implied this, JL didn’t say that none of those guys would ever be NHL-ready.
I just don’t know why the comment has struck such a nerve - it seems to me to be a simple, honest statement of the state of the D-men available in Houston.
I hope JL watches tape of the Flamers win against Avs last night and figures out a way to get out of our zone. They put a serious forecheck on the Avs. They couldn’t get out of their end to save their lives, let alone get thru the neutral. We have had problems with getting out of our end all year. Gonna have our hands full against Flamers tomorrow night. Forwards are going to have to come back and help out the D in our end-especially now that Hill will be skating a regular shift (scary thought). Again, I think we have steadily started to see improvement in each game over the last week. Think about it: If we had played against San Josie the other night like we did a few weeks ago, it would have been 5-1(L)- easy. I feel better about our boys than I did a few weeks ago, if you can’t tell. Lets get them Knuckleheads tonight. I am working so won’t be able to watch-bummed out big time.
I say the Wild bring up and dress Big John Scott and Matt Kassian.
Then dress Simon, Boogie, Voros and Fridge.
We may not be the prettiest skating team, but with those 6 guys plus Burns, SRV, Radio and Schultz hitting everything that moves, I think we might be able to cause our opponents to wet their pants, and just cry “uncle”.
May not be pretty but man, I sure would love to see that game!
Ok, lets take a closer look at the 2004 draft, shall we???
Thielen = bust
Voloshenko = bust
Olvecky, Stoner = Houston
Ryan Jones = Miami of Ohio (top NCAA goal scorer)
Bordeleau = ECHL
Sprunger = Swiss A League
Sawyer = ECHL
A. Boogaard = gone
Khodubin = ???
Wild blew their 1st and 2nd round picks. Jones looks like a player. The rest…too early to call them failures.
Good lord Dampland. That would be insane. You also forgot Koivu. Just tell him that a teammate just got face-planted into the boards and watch him go bonkers.
I agree with HD. Does anyone think Belle is ready? I suspect that had Reitz been healthy he would have been called up. Any of the Aero fans think there is a future for Stoner? Where oh where is Nummi? Haven’t seen anything about when he might be able to go.
When your #1 pick is a bust–it’s hard to have a good draft. And it certainly didn’t help when Voloshenko turned out to be head case. Sometimes difficult to look into a kid’s mind and heart.
By the way in 50 games, Belle has 1 g, 2 a and is -7. Oof. Reitz on the other hand had 34 points and was tied for team scoring lead.
No offense Woodcock, but it is NOT a good sign for the Wild, that their top scorer is a D-MAN!
Seems like we can’t score goals in the NHL or AHL! 
Before we completely hang DR out on his draft results, a comparison needs to be made to other NHL teams’ drafts. When drafting 18 year olds, you’re going to have busts from time to time, even in the first round. When looking at the Wild’s first rounders, he seems to be doing pretty good so far:
00 - Gabby, Schultz
01 - Koivu, Wanvig
02 - PMB, Harding
03 - Burns, O’Sully (this was a loaded draft)
04 - Thelen, Voloshenko
05 - Pouliot, Westblom
06 - Sheppard, Fiala
07 - Gillies, no 2nd rnd
Of these 15 players, 8 (Gabby, Schultz, Koivu, PMB, Hards, Burns, O’Sully, Shep)look good, 3 (Wanvig, Volo and Thelen) would be busts, and the remaining 4 are TBD. (Though I must confess to having never even heard of Westblom).
To elaborate on my comment about the 2003 Draft being loaded, this is the list of first rounders - a lot of NHL talent here:
1 Marc-Andre Fleury (G)
2 Eric Staal (C)
3 Nathan Horton (RW)
4 Nikolai Zherdev (RW)
5 Thomas Vanek (LW)
6 Milan Michalek (LW)
7 Ryan Suter (D)
8 Braydon Coburn (D)
9 Dion Phaneuf (D)
10 Andrei Kostitsyn (RW)
11 Jeff Carter (C)
12 Hugh Jessiman (RW)
13 Dustin Brown (RW)
14 Brent Seabrook (D)
15 Robert Nilsson (RW)
16 Steve Bernier (RW)
17 Zach Parise (C)
18 Eric Fehr (RW)
19 Ryan Getzlaf (C)
20 Brent Burns (D)
21 Mark Stuart (D)
22 Marc-Antoine Pouliot (C)
23 Ryan Kesler (C)
24 Mike Richards (C)
25 Anthony Stewart (RW)
26 Brian Boyle (C)
27 Jeff Tambellini (LW)
28 Corey Perry (RW)
29 Patrick Eaves (RW)
30 Shawn Belle (D)
I noted the 2003 Draft was loaded - here’s the first round list. Impressive.
1 Marc-Andre Fleury (G)
2 Eric Staal (C)
3 Nathan Horton (RW)
4 Nikolai Zherdev (RW)
5 Thomas Vanek (LW)
6 Milan Michalek (LW)
7 Ryan Suter (D)
8 Braydon Coburn (D)
9 Dion Phaneuf (D)
10 Andrei Kostitsyn (RW)
11 Jeff Carter (C)
12 Hugh Jessiman (RW)
13 Dustin Brown (RW)
14 Brent Seabrook (D)
15 Robert Nilsson (RW)
16 Steve Bernier (RW)
17 Zach Parise (C)
18 Eric Fehr (RW)
19 Ryan Getzlaf (C)
20 Brent Burns (D)
21 Mark Stuart (D)
22 Marc-Antoine Pouliot (C)
23 Ryan Kesler (C)
24 Mike Richards (C)
25 Anthony Stewart (RW)
26 Brian Boyle (C)
27 Jeff Tambellini (LW)
28 Corey Perry (RW)
29 Patrick Eaves (RW)
30 Shawn Belle (D)
what the h-e-double hockey sticks is going on with this site!?
Ryan Kesler was a first rounder??? Wow. Did not know that…Nuckleheads use a first round pick on an agitator. They do love those guys up there don’t they?
No clue hockeydad, I was wondering the same thing. They’re making us pine for the cowboy days…
Mid-afternoon snack available…
……food
…..food
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