Wednesday’s skate update
Posted on March 26th, 2008 – 12:12 PMBy Michael Russo
Weird morning down at the X because the lineup appears so certain — yet uncertain.
As of now, the scratches appear to be Chris Simon, Matt Foy, Petteri Nummelin, … Mark Parrish and … believe it or not, Benoit Pouliot.
They were getting skated hard after practice. Parrish, whom I thought played well against Edmonton Monday, has definitely been told he was out.
Aaron Voros is playing.
Pavol Demitra is back in the lineup and Jacques said Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who missed last game with the flu, is in — although he came off early and said he’s not 100 percent.
But Stephane Veilleux missed the skate with the same thing Bouchard had. Veilleux told Lemaire, “Don’t count me out,” but if he can’t play, one of those scratched forwards will have to play.
Lemaire said he’s worried the flu bug is circulating the team again. Remember, there was one trip to San Jose/Anaheim earlier this year where 15 guys came down with the flu and players had to all get their own rooms in the middle of the night. Wild beat the Ducks, however.
If we do the math, the lineup as of now would be:
Left wingers: Todd Fedoruk, Brian Rolston, Stephane Veilleux and Derek Boogaard.
Centers: Pavol Demitra, Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger and James Sheppard
Right wingers: Marian Gaborik, P-M Bouchard, Branko Radivojevic and Aaron Voros
What this shows me: 1) Parrish is bigtime in trouble if he’s taken out for Voros (and I don’t mean that as a slight to Voros at all); 2) For Pouliot to be scratched to keep Demitra at center, this just shows that Lemaire wants Demitra at center no matter who’s in the lineup/healthy and whether Demitra wants to be there or not.
Backstrom obviously back in. He was hung out to dry on the first three goals the other night. And because he was playing tonight, Jacques put him back in the third just to regain his confidence.
That’s it for now. You’ll either hear from Kent or myself later; we haven’t determined yet who’s for sure covering the game.
Like Veilleux, I’m a gametime decision.
261 Responses to "Wednesday’s skate update"
does anyone worry that Lemaire’s coahing style will keep big name free agents from coming to the wild? He is a great coach, but it seems like he doesnt care if a guy like Demitra is happy or not, and he seems to always be calling players out. What do you think?
Voros in instead of Parrish makes sense to me. Voros is a skater/checker. Parrish is a stand in front of the net kind of guy. Which do you play against a team that apparently likes to skate?
I wonder why Benny is benched? JL baffles me. Why would you keep forcing Demo to play center when Benny has proven to be capable of it? Oh well, time to get some real food in my belly!!
Hmmm, Pouliot… I’m wondering if JL doesn’t want Pouliot on the ice for another blowout loss. Don’t want the kid to get discouraged. Either that or he’s a little uncomfortable with Pouliot’s defensive play at this point. Definitely want strong defensive play against the Oilers tonight.
If we scratch our Pouliot, I hope they scratch theirs. We don’t want to go into a game this important outgunned in the Pouliot department.
If SRV gets the scratch, why not plug in the Grand Poubah and let Demo play the wing?
Ok so I spent lots of time and thought on a post at the end of the last thread only to have Russo feed us so now my wisdom will be lost…. sigh…
If Benny’s scratched it’s most likely to rest him (just my guess however).
At least against Edmonton, I’d have B-B-B-Benny in rather than Boogaard, if for no other reason than the skating issue. Don’t tell me Boogie is a better skater than Pouliot.
Matt, I’m not worried about that, since there are other factors, like the fan base and the fact that JL can teach a player a LOT about playing a two-way game.
is the don coming down with a case of the drizzlers?
keep big name free agents from coming to the wild
maybe but if we want big name free agents because they are big names, then do we need them?
if a big name free agent won’t play here because of JL then is that really the type of player you would want? someone who considers themselves bigger than the game?
Matt, it seems to me they are more interested in bringing in former 1st round picks who were busts hoping that they learned the hard way that talent won’t always carry you to the top and now these guys will be more inclined to work harder to achieve a goal because this may be their last NHL stop. The only reason Pavol is here was to placate Gabby and get him to sign a multi-year deal. I don’t even know if JL wanted Pavol here. Sometimes DR goes out to get somebody and when JL is asked about it he says, huh, never heard of him (This was almost the exact quote from the Dom Moore deal last year).
BNAG - or let B-B-B-Benny play wing so he doesn’t have to worry about defense.
I liked your post in the last thread, Bandgeek.
That lineup is baffling to me. Why pull Benny and screw with the kids confidence?
He is one few Wild players that has actually played confidently the last two games. The kid can actually score too which is something I wouldn’t imagine we would want to give up…
And Demitra at center ?? I just don’t get it .. I think JL is just trying to send a message that this game is going to be played his way.
it’s no wonder the flu circulates through teams like a bag of candy… have you ever watched them on the bench? one guy wipes his face with a towel and throws it to the next guy, who also wipes his face with it, and so on. and they all take a swig out of the nearest water bottle, so if the dude before you is sick and doesn’t know it yet, guess what, you got it now.
I know it’s impractical to have 20 towels handy and keep track of who used which one or to make sure everyone drinks from the same water bottle every time.
I’m just sayin’… it’s no mystery.
And Demitra at center ?? I just don’t get it .. I think JL is just trying to send a message that this game is going to be played his way.
The more I think about it, the more I think that it’s to keep the Gabby-Demo-Fridge line together. Remember that JL isn’t afraid to play Shepp at center between the Groins late in a game.
I liked both bandgeek and SS6’s posts!
I don’t think Shepp (or anyone) would appreciate being referred to as “between the Groins”, VoR.
Thank you Dave.
Chewly, you are so right. It’s really ooky to think about. Good thing I was done eating my lunch when you posted that and made me think about all those germs and such.
Good point VoR. I think Benny is sitting out because he would probably be looking at 4th line time and he might be better served by watching from a different vantage point.
Voros over Parrish makes sense if SRV isn’t suiting up.
chewly - good point. You’d think they’d figure this out. I don’t think it’d be too hard for each player to have his own personal water bottle (black sharpie marker a name on each) or towel (shoot, have a big bag of ‘em so they can get a clean one each time). A little bit of a pain - yes, undoable - no.
Matt, I think a combination of JL’s coaching style (and I don’t just mean the trap, I mean the whole kit-n-kaboodle) and the Wild’s unwillingness time and again to improve the team when it clearly needs improving is what will keep high-end free agents from signing here. players want to win the Cup, especially the most skilled players, and they won’t want to play for a Club that has proven that it is not interested in competing.
Play Pouliot. Put Demitra at the wing.
If he is going to put Shep between the slovaks then why scratch Benny and play Voros?
And I haven’t exactly seen great production lately from the slovaks and Fridge. There alright, but not exactly a lamp lighting machine for your supposed “first line”
Thank you as well El Gato. I try to be deep at least once a week, and I think that post used it all up. My lunch is over now, check all later.
Bad communication between the players and coach means SV can’t play, but someone who got skated hard will have to, which means they’ll play bad, which means they’ll get scratched again later… so Parrish is the logical guy to make the lineup tonight
Chewly - Good points, but don’t forgot about the coin factor. With so much parody in the league, high end free agents are going where they are going to get paid. Plain and simple.
With the possible exception of Detroit, there are no teams that are gaurenteed to compete for the cup every year. A big name has just as good a chance of going to the cup if he signed in Edmonton, Carolina, or here. They will follow the green.
Why does JL play Demo at Center when he prefers wing? Here’s a thought - maybe JL thinks the team has the best chance to win now with Demo at center? Isn’t that what a coach is supposed to do? Demo can suck it up and if he’s a team guy (and I think he is), he’ll play there because his team needs him to play there.
Why pull Benny and screw with the kids confidence?
I don’t see it that way at all - the Oilers free flow game, fueld by confidence, has put up 23 goals in the last 5 games so JL is going to old school Wild hockey like in the days of Wes Walz and Sergi Zholtok. Best for Benny that he is not yet expected to deliver that sort of play at the C position.
For the love of God Russo, show Gabby his 5 goal outburst again!!!!
… and to continue, this has definitely been Benny’s best stint up here, no doubt. But it’s not necessarily a poor reflection on him that he’s the 5th center (Demo included) right now. If I were JL I would have been very concerned about the defensive lapses on monday. We all know that center is a critical position in JL’s system. SO, i might take from these moves only that Demo, Bel, Mikko and Shep are his four top centers right now. Don;t see it as a big deal.
a Club that has proven that it is not interested in competing.
not sure what to say about this one. are you telling me that the signing of schultz, burns and koivu to long term deals this year has nothing to do with competing?
from last thread…gato, i agree it would be boring around here but you also offer a hypothetical that has never and will never happen. as i said earlier, when the wild win there is general contentment but still complaining mostly about something skoula did, that or they should have beaten a team worse than they did. when they lose it is fire DR, fire JL, trade #10, the wild are the worst team in the league, etc. sentiment swings with wins and losses but lags the team on the way up and outpaces the team on the way down.
again, i have no issue with ripping when ripping is due. i am miffed that if you are positive at any point you are just drinking the kool-aid.
I don’t care who is on the ice tonight. I just want a straight up win. No overtime. No shootouts. No skating around like fairies. Get the puck to the net. That is how you score goals.
Looks like Lemaire picked a hell of a day to quit sniffing glue.
dig it nicole, straight to the point. i would still take a win in OT though. give the grease a point I don’t think will matter much to us.
If he is going to put Shep between the slovaks then why scratch Benny and play Voros?
Shep and the Slovaks is a combination you play near the end of the night. For most of the game, you want Fridge out there creating space for the Slovaks, and he’s been pretty effective in that role.
I know it’s impractical to have 20 towels handy and keep track of who used which one or to make sure everyone drinks from the same water bottle every time.
Monogrammed towels in a nice Iron Range Red with the logo and their number on it… I can see it now.
What a great marketing opportunity…
Thank you, El Gato. Obviously Bandgeek and I think a bit alike. Don’t be afraid Bandgeek, don’t be afraid…;)
Need we all forget that until the Calgary game we hadn’t scored over 3 goals in months? To me the team could use a little more offense especially when our “defensive” system hasn’t actually been shutting the door on teams as of late.
To me it actually goes back to the question of identity. To me this team doesn’t have one. Are they a defensive focused? fast skating? hard hitting goons? highly skilled? It just seems every night they come out they have a different focus.
With so much parody in the league,
There isn’t much parody, but there is a lot of parity.
VOR Shep and the Slovaks
Sounds like the name of a bluegrass group.
a Club that has proven that it is not interested in competing.
Can we leave this tired opinion to the know-nothing-about-hockey Twin Cities punditocracy? The Wild has a new owner in waiting and, with the exception trading at the deadline (which is hit and miss as we know), has said it is competing for the playoffs in each of the last two years. Whether a high end FA would want to play for JL is a legit question but the whole spending/competing thing is Common Man like.
To me it actually goes back to the question of identity. To me this team doesn’t have one. Are they a defensive focused? fast skating? hard hitting goons? highly skilled? It just seems every night they come out they have a different focus.
On the other hand, flexibility in what type of game you want to play can help big time in the playoffs.
Goody - Shep and the Groins? That’s not much better.
I can’t win…
BNAG…….they can hang them along side the game used sticks or raffle game used monogrammed towels in some charity auction…….yewwwwwww
I’m with Nicole. Just SOMEBODY put the damn puck in the net. I don’t really care who it is.
G* - so how was Vegas?
JL is becoming more like ‘Doc’ Brown than Albert Einstein. I just don’t get it with Pouliot. I thought he has looked pretty good in this callup.
Maybe he wants to send a message to Voros - reward him for making good popcorn.
I agree with nick, we need a straight up win in regulation….I am so sick and tired of the moral victory crap and “were just happy to get a point out of it…” I would love to see a wild player tell the Don after a game that losing in OT is unacceptable….Walz would say it, we really miss a guy like him at this point in the season.
This team is in so much trouble!
Voice of Reason - The problem is they don’t do any of them well. They clearly can be a high scoring team and there D has been horribly inconsistent all year. So how is that a benefit again?
Its like saying the Vikes would have a better chance in the playoffs if they would use their passing game.
Good teams in any sport play their game and don’t change it on a night to night basis. How much did Anaheim change their game plan last year? Not much, and why would they? The point is the Wild need to figure out the game they play best and stick to it and enhance it.
ss6 - it was missing something or someone. it had the sun, sand, beer…
after the delayed flight and the shock of $6 beer if not gambling, vegas was everything i want it to be. I leave a little of my soul and more of my bank account there every time i go but have a good time doing it.
matt, they could win in OT. that would be acceptable.
I agree with Bandgeek and ss6 from the last post. I also agree that we need to win this one in regulation tonight.
G* is just saying it much nicer than I chose to because it was sickening to read the exact same thing over and over again, day after day after day. How in the world you all were brought together on one blog is beyond me. ATX, you do one hell of a job reprensenting the real fans of MN and you don’t even live here anymore! I wonder if it’s like this in other hockey towns. Blogs bring out the worst in people. A place for people to bitch about whatever they want.
Chicken Little sums up a lot of people on here.
ss6 - that’s awesome. I almost spit out apple laughing. I was actually thinking that they could just sell “replica” towels in the Lodge, but you might be on to something… although I don’t think there would be much of a market for the #17 game used towel if he ever gets Fedoruked again…
kj - Rewarding for making good popcorn would have had Nummi in the lineup a lot more. That can’t be it.
The problem is they don’t do any of them well.
I disagree with this. They can play many styles well, but none of them great.
It can be a benefit on two conditions: they come out wanting to play the game and play the style JL tells them to, and they’re playing that style better than their opponent.
Furthermore, if you’re a one-dimensional team, you’ll only get so far, because once teams figure out how to shut down that one aspect of your game, you’re toast.
An example is Calgary. If the Wild can solve Iginla, then the Flames wouldn’t be such a nemesis.
Rewarding for making good popcorn would have had Nummi in the lineup a lot more. That can’t be it.
you’re assuming nummi learned to make good popcorn. practice makes perfect but sometimes people just don’t get it.
Greenstar makes a great point, gotta take the good with the bad with any team, and this team definetly has more good than bad going for it right now. I still want the regulation win tho, not to bury the oil, just to boost the confidence of the wild.
Someone else said this about mid-season, how about a flu shot!
From the last thread: I read the blog everyday and am always interested in the temperature of the room after wins or losses. For me, I am more than happy with this franchise and all the positive things that it has accomplished in its 8 years. Also, I am excited with their commitment to many core players that showes that this franchise will have many successful years to come.
Also, is it true that Leipold has to pay more for the franchise depending on the Wild’s playoff success? That adds up to some crazy karma if its true.
Just a quick question to the regulars…Let’s say we’re having this conversation in,say a local bar, we’re all enjoying an adult beverage of our choice before the game and some joker out of the blue sticks their ugly face in to the middle of said converstation and calls us all, what was it Chicken Littles and pathetic or whatever. Now would this really happen in real life or is it because of the anonymity of the internet and blogs that these said jokers suddenly have the ability to grow the sack requiered to make such bold statements with out the consequence of getting punched in the face and told to F..off. Just askin’
no sack required on the internets
G* - Nummi makes such good popcorn, the boys now call him Orville.
Long story short, Michael R. go choke your little chicken and let the adults talk…ba by
ss6,
Don’t feed the trolls.
nummi definately serves up quantity. can’t say anything about quality.
BNAG…Nummelin is injured. He cannot make popcorn.
It’s one thing if Russotans decide to be negative about the squad. It is entirely different if the trolls mock us… 
I love it when chicks talk tough. You probably run your mouth then ask your hubby to take care of it. Your hubby would not be too happy with you if you pointed me out. Trust me. If you are pissed about what I said, I must be talking about you. I struck a nerve and you don’t like it. Plain and simple, Chicken Little.
Right, kj. The longer we carry on this ridiculous debate about who’s negative, who’s a real fan, who’s a kool-aid drinker, who’s a Chicken Little, who’s a this, who’s a that, the greater their amusement. Let us speak no more of it.
JL has lost his mind. He has his favorites and plays power struggle games with the rest. He can’t retire fast enough for me after the games he has played this season.
JL has lost his mind. He has his favorites and plays power struggle games with the rest. He can’t retire fast enough for me after the games he has played this season.
is this in reaction to benny possibly not playing?
if so i’d say it is a little reactionary but why should I be surprised.
If JL plays favorites, those would be the guys that work the hardest and do what he tells them.
Dave, I LOVE Kool-Aid!!! Thank you sir may I have another!
Can we please go back to making this a pissing contest? Or how about a “who’s the toughest on the internets” fight?
Someone else said this about mid-season, how about a flu shot!
Many things fall under the descriptor ‘flu’. Flu shots are only effective against the particular strains of bug that the CDC decides will be most prevelent in any given year. A flu shot would not do any good. The problem is as noted above the sharing of germs. Sharing between teammates, sharing amongst all the thousands in any given arena on any given night, sharing amongst the players and anyone they come into contact with (waiters/flight attendants/that guy who recognizes them on the street/their kids). Now, because of the above mentioned and close contact, one guy gets a cold and it runs right through the team.
“power struggle games”? You really think that?
By the reaction to tonight’s line-up, you’d think Denny left the high road and is now coaching the Wild.
I hear Nummi keeps offering the ‘boys Swiss cheese, maybe thats why the flu problems, maybe its bad cheese?
ATX - I have the original Orbital Hate Machine (OHM), circling hundreds of miles above earth in geosynchronous orbit above the Xcel Center. So nobody can mess with me.
Michael R - Get bent.
Goody’s right - I was assuming it’s the stomach flu because if PMB had the real deal he wouldn’t be playing tonight to be sure. The “flu shot” doesn’t protect against that.
My reaction is in response to the last 2 season’s worth of sitting guys up in the press box to “show them who is boss” while continually playing guys that barely belong in the NHL.
JL also needs to use his player’s strengths and not try to force them to play a role that is not their best. He has come out to the media and said that it’s his job to help the guys he doesn’t like on his team (in other words admitting to the media in front of his team that there are guys on there he doesn’t like). Real mature JL.
Goody - thanks for posting that, but don’t forget that this year’s flus shot was a miss on 2 of the 3 included vaccines.
I think at this point JL is going to use the players he thinks will get two points for the team and be da#$% to anyone who disagrees, he sees these guys day in day out and he knows who will bring it, especially with 5 games left.
Yeah, that JL is just a big baby.
My reaction is in response to the last 2 season’s worth of sitting guys up in the press box to “show them who is boss” while continually playing guys that barely belong in the NHL.
examples?
kj, excellent point, with it being the gg-g-groin, gg-g-groin, gg-g-groin injury, they deliver the popcorn to him so as to not further the injury slipping on butter next to the popper.
I have had season tickets since the beginning (center ice on the glass) and I can beat up any of you if you would be brave enough to meet me on the street and not piss yourselves first. Therefore, what I say here is the TRUTH!
JL has been bribed by the league to hold this team down. The league wants another nontraditional market to win the cup this year. JL is doing his best to hold the team back. Earlier in the season he skated Demitra and Gaborik into groin injuries. He holds Nummi out for fear of going to a shootout and actually winning. Parrish is so good in front of the net he has to sit him or anything within stick’s reach of Parrish would be a goal. He’s now holding out Pouliot because he’s proven himself the last few games to be capable of helping the team…
I think we should make it a “whoever can spit a watermelon seed the farthest” contest. Spring is just around the corner, and it would be a little more sanitary.
GreenStar - from the sounds of it we need to find you a GreenStarlet.
Goody is the tuffest dood on teh internets!!! Dun’t mess wif him or else!
*tongue planted in cheek*
Goody I heard there’s a bonus for the player named “Least Valuable” on the Wild, and that JL asked DR to pack players 4 to a room in the playoffs. They’re also going to start traveling in a 1964 Greyhound, starting with the April 6 game in Colorado.
Listening to everyone has been very entertaining. I can’t say I follow the wild much, but they always seem to have the Oils number. It’s good to see that times have changed a little.
It should be a good game and I hope that Boogaard plays a lot. Our kids could use a big pylon to skate around.
Cheers.
I don’t know that Parrish is in the dog house so much as there isn’t anyone to play him with.
He’s pretty much a one trick pony: He stands in front of the net and knocks in rebounds. He doesn’t set up plays, and he doesn’t play defense.
That makes him most effective when on the ice with someone who has a big slapshot. Unfortunately, we only had two players who fit that description - Foster and Rolston.
Now that Foster is gone, Parrish has to be on the ice with Rolston to be effective. Unfortunately for Parrish, Rolston is far more effective with Bouchard setting him up from the opposite wing.
While JL said that Parrish was the 21st, 22nd, or 23rd player, that really wasn’t true. What is true is this: He’s the 5th best offensive wing, and we only play with 4 offense minded wings.
The only place where Parrish MIGHT make sense is playing with Gaborik and Demitra, and Fedoruk seems to be a better fit there. Parrish doesn’t create space for them like Fridge does.
I don’t think Boogie made the return trip home. I think his face is still stuck in the glass at Rexall after his missed check.
Green*, my unmarried friend always said ‘If I could just find a nymphomaniac who owned a bar!’ Me thinks he’s setting his standards a wee bit high.
I’m thinking you’re looking for one that would know the proper meanings of push, juice, overlay, parlay and over/under.
from the sounds of it we need to find you a GreenStarlet.
if that was re my post on vegas, a couple weeks ago you said something about going somewhere there was sun, sand and beer…otherwise, you are correct. now that marney is off the market, i need a greenstarlet.
austin was supposedly finding me a sugar mama lawyer like he has. no luck yet i guess.
Oil Fan=Mike. Ignore.
If we scratch our Pouliot, I hope they scratch theirs. We don’t want to go into a game this important outgunned in the Pouliot department.
Haha, oh that is good Dave, well done!
CC to Jacques Lemaire, if you don’t want Pouliot the Aeros have an important game against Peoria on Friday. Thanks.
PS thanks for wrecking Steve Kelly’s ankle and keeping Foy and Voros tied to the popcorn machine.
Also, Air Force, if you’re reading, please defeat Miami in the 1st round and send Ryan Jones to the Aeros early.
I think Burnsy has a pretty nice slapper.
While typing that last bit, I actually thought of something which may have some merit (as opposed to that last bit). How many times have we seen a player (not just with the Wild) make their NHL debut and quickly bag thier first few goals and then hit a wall?
Foy did it last year.
Foster did it.
Voros did it.
I’m theorizing that when first called up, the other players tend to not take them seriously “rookie won’t do anything”. The rookie then produces a few and the players notice them a little more and pay more attention so then they hit that wall.
Austin - dohn u men Michelle ith?
Aaron. How are the Aeros? They had a couple nice victories agains Chicago right? How are they dealing with the loss of personnel recently?
Also, Air Force, if you’re reading, please defeat Miami in the 1st round and send Ryan Jones to the Aeros early.
No! I have Miami going all the way in my pool!
Thanks, Aaron. I’m glad SOMEone noticed….
Oil Fan=Mike. Ignore.
Unless he starts acting like a troll, Oil Fan’s welcome. I think we’re a little touchy today in Russoville.
I have skipped most of today’s blog bercause it probably is most of the same stuff–we stink, we have no heart, PMB has no heart because he missed his first game in the last 180 because of flu (must have been jaking it), DR & JL must be fired because they are so incompetent. Yet we are going to the playoffs for the third time–2 more times than any of the other expansion teams including those that were around for a year or two longer than us. And, even when they made their cameo appearances they never made it past the first round. And, the BJ’s have never even come close. Despite the Thelen screw-up, we have made some excellent draft choices and have a nice young nucleus, maybe even including Pouliot. Yes, I hope we play better tonight (back in my seats in 102 again) and I was disappointed we didn’t add a center but who could have foreseen the Foster injury or that Backs might be a one-year wonder. On the whole I think we have played pretty darned well and DR & JL do seem to know something about hockey.
I wouldn’t be suprised one bit if Oil Fan = Mike. But that post was waaay too nice to be Mike.
Adam, you’re showing the fatalistic Minnesota side in you. 
You’ve lost that Gopher lovin’ feelin’!
Hockeydad, I only say that because Mike admitted (that day he was impersonating G*, I think) that he’d come in here before to stir up trouble posing as PanthersFan and DucksFan or something like that on other occasions. I’m naturally suspicious now. I don’t mind debating a real fan of some other team, but I’ve got no more time for Mike. You dig?
Mike would say something about lemmings, Kool-aid, Risedump and the Mild.
And I’m not sure he’d be smart or sober enough to impersonate a fan of another team.
- El Gato - I did pick the Gophers to beat BC. Anything can happen in the NCAA hockey tournament (see: Cross, Holy) even SCSU’s first NCCA win!
Oh, I dig. To be honest, I couldn’t really follow that whole who was impersonating who thing.
I actually enjoy Mike’s schtick. He does it because he knows how it riles everyone up around here. And it works for him every time.
And it works for him every time
just like koivu going backhand in a SO, too bad he forgot about it.
And it works for him every time
Is Mike Colt45 too?
Yeah, but Mikey hasn’t forgotten about us.
He likes it…HEY MIKEY!!!
“And I’m not sure he’d be smart or sober enough to impersonate a fan of another team.”
VoR, he has done it in the past! Remember PanthersNut (I think that was it), that was him! He admitted to it. He also impersonated G* one day.
I’m here for you Dave.
I’m also here for the Wild’s young talent. All season I’ve been supporting Pouliot in a wave of criticism. Maybe Wild fans can stop labeling players or even entire drafts as busts until their actually done with hockey.
For Those Going to the Game Tonight Remember, JL called you out in the paper a few days back. Wild fans - you got to get angry, you got to get mean and you got to get on the refs hard, early and often.
Kirk Wise - the game last Friday against the Chicago Wolves was something special. The Aeros trailed twice in that game by three goals and won 5-4. Last night the Aeros rallied in the third period down by two to send the game to a shootout. Barry Brust turned away all five Riverman shootout attempts for the win. Will JL call up Double B to fill in for shootouts?
impersonated G* one day
people actually want to impersonate me? boy do i feel sorry for them
Thank you woodcock. I haven’t been scoulded like that since my mom let me have it for saying “There’s nothing to do” when I was a kid……
He does it all the time. He WAS PanthersNut, ripping us about the trade ideas for OJ around the deadline. He was on here the day the Pronger suspension was handed down, acting like a Ducks fan and trying to goad us all into arguing about the disparity (disparody?) of the punishments.
The Minnesota fans are ok I guess, they don’t really make a lot of noise and they never get on the refs. I can’t even recall once when they tauted the other team’s goalie
-Jacques Lemaire’s post game comments after San Jose Sharks fans baited both referees into questionable calls.
He’s calling you out Wild fans! Are you going to make excuses like Sean Hill or are you going to go out and do something about it!?!
if you guys haven’t figured out who Mike is playing today you’re slipping….
All the clues are in Michael R’s last post….
‘If I could just find a nymphomaniac who owned a bar!’ Me thinks he’s setting his standards a wee bit high.
yup. adding a nymphomaniac definately puts it over the top
I’m thinking you’re looking for one that would know the proper meanings of push, juice, overlay, parlay and over/under.
add to that press, 44 inside, buy the 10, 7 out…
It’s kinda funny, but how do we know that was him, Dave?
And, green* - what DID happen to that patented Koivu backhander? Maybe JL told him not to use it - another in the list of JL’s actions taken to keep the Wild down?
We don’t, Hockeydad. I guess he’s just inside my head now and I see him everywhere. Mike 1, Dave 0.
Oh Dave say it isn’t so…..
Yeah G*, he spent all day pretending to be you and he got under NiNY’s skin a bit. We all thought someone just urinated in your cherrio’s or something.
Speaking of NiNY, I am guessing that his absence during the workday means he hasn’t figured out a way around his employer’s blocking of this site?
Who’s he playing today, ss6? You?
I didn’t read all the responses, but with regards to WATER BOTTLES.
On all the hockey teams I played on, we all squirted the water into our mouths, we didn’t actually suck directly from the spout.
We were taught to do that at an early age, to prevent passing germs amongst the team.
It certainly has appeared to me, that the WILD do it the same way.
However, the towel thing, is something we never had on our benches, so I don’t know what to say about that.
A way around getting blocked is to load an alternative browser on your computer at work. Mozilla Firefox is free and works great. Depending on how much your system is locked down it should load easily.
There are 2 versions of Mike, original Mike (lemmings, Mild, Risedump,etc) and 2nd Mike (reach down your pants and see if theres a hockey stick). I believe the second Mike may have made an appearance. VoR is correct, it’s not original Mike.
2nd Mike was impersonating Mild Mike (not really, just knew the name would set you off) and he was also the FLPantherNut, DucksFan, and many many others, too many to remember to be honest, including G* while he was away from his computer.
Hockeydad, glad you enjoy cuz I know I do. I do it to bring people back to reality and get their attention away from the same old same old, and generally things that annoy me.
Oil Fan is not me. I get a kick out of Dave, don’t feed, don’t feed. For a relative newbie, you sure trained him right!
It worked, Mike (or should I say Mike?). You got me. Good one.
Guys, I think I can fix the Wilds problems..But I am going to need help from Russoville
Nick from New York you will be with Martin Skoula on his line tonight,
Aaron in Houston you will be in for BBBenny
AustinTxFan filling in for Mario Trembly
BNAG- well Boogies back is bothering him so we are going to try and go with a Simon,Fedoruk,BNAG line.
Green* Center for the Gabby/Demitra line
Slapshot filling in for Mike Ramsey
Hockeydad: Scratched has to stay home and watch game with kids
WRT is on the road scouting 
and Mike (since your no fun, your going to be the Edmonton goalie taking SLAPSHOTS from Rolston)
just having a little fun
Rob, can I have the popcorn machine. Please!
Well, it’s true that nothing gets us to consensus faster than Mike!
So I’m on the popcorn machine too?
yes, el gato.
also everyone else can take whats left..
Rob…can I make popcorn???
actually VOR, Russo and Youngblood both took the day off. have your story in by 12:am 
whatever helps us gets two points, KJ
On second thought, I’ll fill in for Palmer.
Did I mention the gig on Friday night???
Damn, El gato beat me to it. I wanted the popcorn machine since I’m officially a scratch.
It’s so unfair - I get scratched because of my moniker.
VoR, you put way too much salt in the machine. I’ll handle it.
kj your the anthem singer tonight, don’t forget to do O’ Canada.
Can I drive the Zamboni?
Mike - to paraphrase Cosmo K., you just blew my mind. Had no idea of the depths and complexities of your schtick.
kj, I want the Enrico Palazzo version of the Star Spangled Banner!
‘All the bombs in the air! Gave proof through the night that we still had our flag!’
I’d love to fill in for Backs in the SO - I can be a pylon in the blue paint, too.
Rob - can I work as a Kool-Aid vendor tonight? Check out this trend:
Nov 16, 2007 Wild Canucks 2-6 L
Nov 18, 2007 Avalanche Wild 1-4 W
Nov 23, 2007 Blue Jackets Wild 4-0 L
Nov 24, 2007 Wild Predators 4-3 W
Dec 7, 2007 Wild Red Wings 0-5 L
Dec 8, 2007 Wild Blue Jackets 2-1 W
Dec 11, 2007 Wild Sharks 1-4 L Dec 14, 2007 Wild Ducks 5-2 W
Dec 26, 2007 Wild Stars 3-8 L
Dec 27, 2007 Wild Coyotes 3-2 W
Feb 26, 2008 Wild Capitals 1-4 L
Feb 27, 2008 Wild Lightning 3-2 W
Mar 24, 2008 Wild Oilers 3-5 L
Mar 26, 2008 Oilers Wild ?????
Rob just call me “Le bleuet bionique-The Bionic Blueberry”.
The Bionic Blueberry?
I think that’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard.
I thought so too Kevin… though that is Temblay’s nickname apparently. I wonder how he got it?
Since I’m filling in for BBBenny here is a little scouting report on myself.
I’m about 30% at the face off dot - Advantage: AinH
My top speed is slower than Pouliot’s neutral zone coasting speed - Advantage: Pouliot
I don’t have hockey pants that fit - Advantage: Push
My cell phone works in Canada - Advantage: AinH
When you break it down like that it’s a good move to get me in the lineup.
I’m not really sure I want to know.
So get this, a co-worker told me the area’s been getting a free CI preview, right after I finally decided to order it…
Oh how could I forget - I don’t tuck in my jersey - Advantage: AinH
Put me in coach, give me #13!
AiH, what about the size of your head?? Is it normal or is it too small for your body?
Kevin, a buddy of mine in Denver said he is getting all the CI games lately as well.
Rest easy, I don’t believe they’ll get the playoff feeds. Which is a good thing when “Hayseed” Hayward is rocking the commentary.
Yeah, my co-worker’s a baseball fan, and he said the free preview’s basically overlapping with the start of stupid baseball season.
Can I sit in my regular seats and just send down a picture to tape to the glass?
Aside from JL’s daily game of musical lineup, just got UPS confirmation that my playoff tickets will be delivered Frdiay morning. Not a bad way to end the work day
“stupid baseball season.”
I knew I liked you Kevin. Although, going to PNC Park is pretty fun. Good view, Yuengling, and a Perogie race make a pretty decent afternoon in the PGH.
I offered to drive the Zamboni and not take a place on the ice because:
1) I only can skate going forward.
2) I can’t stop very well once I get going.
3) My jersey has someone else’s name on it.
4) The only popcorn I make comes out of a micro wave and is bought from boy scouts by the case.
Just for the record I don’t find you entertaining at all Michael. You are an ass. And if your “calling me out” I guess I’ll be meeting your husband then?
Don’t feed the trolls. Much like flesh-eating viruses, they will die without a food source.
Trolls can be taken care of by damaging or removing the brain…. oh wait, that’s zombies.
-but the whole spending/competing thing is Common Man like.-
Adam, I don’t believe I said anything about spending. you don’t necessarily have to spend big money to improve a team. I’m just sayin’ that last year, this year… the team was struggling, you could see they wouldn’t go very far, and yet nothing was done. this year, you could see it in the first couple of months of the season, and DR went out and got Fedoruk and Simon and nothing more. and have you looked at the draft the last few years? where’s AJ Thelen? how is Matt Kassian a 2nd rounder?
I just don’t see any willingness to compete, here. signing Koivu, Burns, Schultz (ahem) just keeps us above water, nothing more.
I used to be a big baseball fan, but that was in the time of innocence, over a decade ago, before the time of $10+ million contracts for scrubs, rampant steroid use, and the Pirates being the worst franchise on earth. Used to have a season ticket package but I dropped it before Pittsburgh got the all-star game a few years ago. Had dinner with the family two weeks ago and I said I can’t wait for baseball season to end. Major League Baseball’s dead to me. Despicable organization.
But yes, PNC Park’s a nice place. A couple years ago I offered a solution of somehow turning it into a hockey arena and letting the Pirates leave town in order to save the Pens.
she shoots, she scores! - SS6 1, Multiple Personality Disorder guy 0
Austin you just need to drop a club on the head of a troll to stop it. A simple levitation spell would be a great help. And the pronunciation is Win-gar-dium Lev-i-o-sa. Put the emphisis on the o in Leviosa.
1) I only can skate going forward.
2) I can’t stop very well once I get going.
Maybe Bandgeek should be in for Boogie then?
The Mr does call me his little enforcer sometimes, and I do have back problems. My right hook and left hand jab isn’t as good as Boogies however.
Nicely done Bandgeek. I gotta remember to put the correct emphaSIS on the correct SYllablE.
Kevin, I like that idea on the Pirates/Pens thing. Would have been a nice arena… just enclose it and voila!
Bandgeek: Are those marching-related injuries?
Exactly, Austin. Toss a retractable roof on there and imagine the outdoor game possibilities, particularly with that view.
She probably got them in a parade ‘rumble’ with a rival band.
Well I’ve read all the fun and games today, you all are just too giddy Predictions/ gut feelings for tonight? Mine: Consistent Wild 4-2 win. Inconsistent Wild 3-1 loss.
I bet she was putting the beat down on a flute player when the tuba player snuck up from behind and cracked her in the small of the back with his horn. He didn’t even get suspended, Colin Campbell must have been handing out the suspensions.
Thanks SS6! Love ya!
Ass
I just don’t see any willingness to compete, here. signing Koivu, Burns, Schultz (ahem) just keeps us above water, nothing more.
To believe that re-signing those guys only keeps us above water, then you must believe that those 3 have tapped out on their potential.
The back is from working in a bookstore and not lifting properly. The knee if from cheerleading and landing a jump wrong. The wrist is a drama club accident involving the trap door on the orchestra pit. And the ankle was marching band, Homecoming senior year, rain, mud, and marching shoes with very little tread left (must I say more?).
A very likely situation El Gato, we clarinets did have a great dislike for the flute players (high pitched little prats). But I had friends in the trumpet section to watch my back. And I was in with the drummers, bailed them out and played crash cymbols a time or two when we had an over abundance of clarinets and not enough drummers.
I like that I’m in for Boogie. I’ll crash the net hard, kick some tail, but he may have me in a footrace down the ice, so don’t expect much of a back-check, not that the bar is real high…
BNAG, maybe you’ll get that goal the Boogieman needs.
Bandgeek - this is tooooo strange. I too played the clarinet, hated the perfect postured flutes and my husband calls me the “Enforcer”. If I didn’t know my sister is in Georgia…..
phil, I expect the Wild to do one of two things. Play run and gun with the Oil and lose 6-5… or play shut down old school style and win 3 - 1. I am hoping for the later.
Your welcome, Michael R.
dick
I’m sensing sparks between Michael R. and ss6.
Kevin, is your spidey sense prickling?? It must be a keen sense indeed!
Who knew SS6 was a female? Ya lerned sumptin’ new everay day!
That’s reasonable Austin, I guess the score for the Oil will be higher if Skooby is playing, do we know if he’s a scratch? I know we’re short on D, but if bad Marty is back and playing, god help us.
That’s just the kind of guy I am, Austin. I can dig deep into the meaning of statements, no matter how vague or misleading they may be.
You never answered the question about who Mike was playing today, ss6. Who was it?
Mike is playing both sides of the Michael R/slapshot6 coin.
hockeydad, no, I just believe it takes more than those three guys.
Oh, man. That’s not fair.
VoR: ohhhhhhhhh. Thx.
Let me try that.
Dave, you’re an idiot.
No, TRD (FDiM), you are.
Shoot. It’s not as easy as it looks. Let me try again.
Dave, you’re an idiot.
No, TRD (FDiM). You are.
He’s playing Michael R. Most of the regulars know my gender but not too many “new” posters know. Hence Austins 4:22 comment. When he started shooting off his big mouth about how he loves it when women talk tough, I knew right then.
It’s me, SlapShot6, no kidding. I don’t play those games. If I’m going to say something I don’t hide behind anyone or anything. I’ll stand up for anything I say. If I’m wrong I’ll admit it but I will never hide.
I know I shouldn’t feed the trolls but I can’t help it. I can’t resist going into a battle of wits with someone who is essentially unarmed.
No, you are.
Not as easy as it looks… lmao.
No, YOU are….
Meh. That wasn’t fun at all. It’s kind of a waste of time.
If you’re not going to hide behind anything or anyone, ss6, reveal your true name!
Just kidding, I’m just a harmless observer in these kinds of things.
Poor Sybil, I mean Dave. Those split personality problems suck, just ask good Marty/bad Marty.
Good one, Bandgeek!
Ah, exposing the paper-thin veil of identity in the wide world of the internets. How can any of us be certain who anyone really is? This is getting positively existential…can I have a beer now? If we’re going to get this philosophical, I want to be drinking.
chewly, I can agree that more is needed. This summer is going to be really interesting - I have a hunch (hope, maybe) that Gabby will extend this summer. It wouldn’t surprise me if they move PMB (though that would be the upset). Obviously, other than those two, the core of Koivu, Burns, Schultz, SRV, Shep, etc will return. But there is likely to be a lot of roster turnover beyond the young guys who are signed. So, let’s see what happens this summer.
Also, I think you overstated your point even about the recent past. IMO, extending Koivu, Burns and Schultz was pretty significant and shows a willingness to compete. But so did acquiring Demo, Parrish and Johnnson in 2006 and re-signing Gabby. Some of those guys have worked out better than others, but all of the foregoing makes it hard to say there’s has been no willingess to compete. Agree?
I’m already on my 2nd one (beer, that is), Beadwench. You’re way behind.
I expect the Wild to do one of two things. Play run and gun with the Oil and lose 6-5… or play shut down old school style and win 3 - 1. I am hoping for the later.
C’mon ATX, you’re not backing my 4-2 Wild victory with the empty netter at :32.7?
See if I get your back again…..
I heartily agree Beadwench..Barkeep I need a Killians with 5 green olives….
“Ah, exposing the paper-thin veil of identity in the wide world of the internets. How can any of us be certain who anyone really is?”
I dunno about you guys, but I am a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, I enjoy base jumping and hunting for illegal game in Africa. I am also a world renowned cage fighter that goes by the nickname of “The Bionic Blueberry”. I only fight to the death, and I have only lost once. I also enjoy using tax doallars to pay for high priced prostitues while I vacation in Tahiti. Life is GOOD.
I’m still at work and forbidden beer. Boss types do not appreciate drinking and working at the same time.
Dave, you hold your water until the very last note……
How close is Nummelin sounds like he is skating. Nummelin is 10 times the player Hill is. When Nummelin is ready he should play.
Here are my predictions from a few weeks ago. I’ll revise to say Gabby breaks out tonight a game late.
They have 3 points less than what I pegged them for at this point. Hopefully after tonight they will be just one behind, and in sole posession of first place.
Wow….what a terrible predicting how the Wild would finish out the regular season mind.
03/06/08: Wild vs. Canes - 5-2 L. 3-2 L
03/07/08: Wild vs. Thrashers - 2-1 OTW. 3-2 SOL
03/09/08: Sharks vs. Wild - 4-1 L. 3-2 SOL
03/13/08: Devils vs. Wild - 2-1 SOW. 4-3 SOL
03/15/08: Kings vs. Wild - 4-2 W. 2-0 W
03/17/08: Avs vs. Wild - 3-2 SOL. Foppa GWSOG. 3-1 W
03/19/08: Wild vs. Sharks - 4-3 OTW. 4-3 SOL
03/21/08: Wild vs. Nuks - 3-1 W. 2-1 W
03/22/08: Wild vs. Flames - 3-1 L. Iginla Empty Net Goal. 5-4 L
03/24/08: Wild vs. Oilers - 3-1 W. Gabby hat trick. 5-3 L
03/26/08: Oilers vs. Wild - 5-4 L. Simon first G w/Wild on PP.
03/28/08: Nuks vs. Wild - 3-2 SOW
03/30/08: Avs vs. Wild - 2-1 W
04/03/08: Flames vs. Wild - 2-1 L
04/06/08: Wild vs. Avs - 3-2 SOL. Bruno GWSOG.
Playoff seedings:
Team Pts
Wings 112
Stars 108
Flames 101
Ducks 106
Sharks 104
Avs 99
Wild 98
Preds 96
Hawks narrowly miss playoffs w/95 pts.
Round 1:
Stars vs. Wild
Gm 1 - 2-1 OTL
Gm 2 - 3-1 L
Gm 3 - 2-1 OTW
Gm 4 - 3-2 Triple OTL
Gm 5 - 6-1 L
Stars win series 4-1
AustinTX - that was hilarious. I’m laughing my Bionic Blueberries off….:)
LMAO, ss6. What a horrible scene that was. One of many, actually.
Austin, LOL,”only lost once”..
yea it was brutal.
So who is going to the game tonite? I’ll be properly placed in sec. 101 seats 10, 11 respectfully.
slap, you take up 2 seats?
I WILL BE ENSCONCED IN MY …damn caps locks…. I will be sitting in my usual chair in the living room SS6, scream at the refs for me please.
I will be sitting courside in my living room as well. Someone please tell the ref to buy some new glasses for me. Not buy me glasses… but buy glasses for himself… you know what I mean!!
Just catching up here…
If I could just find a nymphomaniac who owned a bar!
Trust me on this one: this isn’t as fun as it sounds!
No, seriously, it’s not.
I get to help clean out the grandmother’s apartment… What time is the game again?
phil - did that image scare you?
No, my better half will be with me, he is seat 10. And it is his job to yell at the refs and he is quite good at it.
We are right in front of the barrail so we get some interesting characters behind us. A few weeks ago we had a bunch and one of the guys yelled, ” Get off you knees, ref. Your blowin’ the game” It was phenominal. I thought about stealing his line a few games later but I just didn’t think it would have the same impact coming from me.
Might have been if I was in the age range of about 16 - 23, though.
Hypothetically speaking, of course.
Kevin, I think the game is on at 8 your time. 7pm central.
The game is at 7pm CST.
Sounds like toivo has has some expierence in this area, no?
Is NiNY really cut off from the blog?
ss6, his only access is a blackberry right now as far as I know. That has to suck for him. I dunno what I would do with my downtime if it weren’t for the blog.
No kidding Austin. 2 days a week I’m the only one in the office sooooo there you go…..I be nutter than a Dave/Sybil/Mike…..
well slap, the image was a little scary, maybe
Don’t know if he has a BB. On mine right now while I assist the cleanup. Thanks austin and Bead. Dunno if I’ll be home by opening faceoff
lucky for you there are no internets blocking devices on your computer!
Kevin, helping with cleanup? Your not friends with the jizmopper are you? (Can’t resist a little Clerks reference)
I’ll be watching the game on a bit of a dealy, I don’t leave work till 7… so I will start tryig to catch up around 7:30 hopefully.
SS6, cranky little bitch aren’t ya?
Must be that time.
Won’t take me on in a battle of wits? Ahhh, that’s a shame…
C U Next Tuesday
Well Austin not yet anyway
Nah, grandmother died a few weeks ago and we’re emptying her apartment.
Sorry about your grandmother, Kevin.
The Mike and SS6 show reminded me of the precinct scene in Ghostbusters:
SS6: Everything was fine on our blog here until dickless started posting his crap.
Mike: They’re kool-aid drinking MILD lovers!!!
Russo: Is this TRUE???
SS6: Yes, its true…this man has no dick.
Kinda puts everything into perspective dontcha think?
Wow, your just too clever for me Michael. Yep you win. I mean how can I compete with clever little ditty’s like “cranky little bitch” and “must be that time”. Gee, did you get those from your buddy in 5th hour Algebra?
My condolences, Kevin.
My bad Kevin. Sorry to hear it.
Sorry to hear about your Grandmother Kevin.
Algebra? Too much credit given there.
If your going to talk smack Michael at least pay attention. I said I couldn’t help feed the trolls because I love to go into battle of wits with someone who is essentially unarmed. Take your ADD meds and try to keep up. If your going to run with the big kids your going to have to learn to pee in the tall grass….dick….less
Go Wild!!!!!!
You can’t..that’s the beauty of em….
Thanks TRD, Austin, ss6, band and anyone who posted that I missed.
So yeah,that’s my evening after finding out about free CI last night…
Hey Kevin, I just noticed that the Pens clinched a playoff spot, when did that happen?
Last night after shutting out the Devils.
Kevin, I also don’t pity you your task. Grandmothers are well know hoarders. A historians dream actually. Be careful what you throw out, you never know what your local historical society would want. Good luck with the sorting.
Gametime food.
ok: I’m here…and boy am I ready for a little Wild hockey.
I will be in situ from now through the end of the game.
A couple ground rules, if you please:
No one mention municipal bonds (munis), sub-prime mortgages, insurance companies, auction rate bonds, PLNs, VRDO/Ns, default rates, Vallejo County, CA … or I might stroke out.
Kevin: I’m very sorry for your loss. I lost a grandma 12/02/07. My thoughts are with you, and your family.
It hasn’t been fun Band. Parents were here 3 hours last night and we’ve been here another 2 so far. Still lots to be done.
Thanks Kirk.
Go Wild.
And subprime mortgages.
Thanks Band 5 hours in 2 days so far.
My comments take some effort to post from my BB.
Go Wild.
Thanks Kirk.
And subprime mortgages.
Double post! D’oh!
Yea!!!! We won! We didn’t sit back with the lead! We didn’t get pinned behind our net all night! We scored on the PP! Is this enough positivity for the remainder of the season?
