“We’re going to prove you wrong, Russo!”
Posted on April 13th, 2008 – 3:56 PMBy Michael Russo
Attn all Wild fans:
If the Wild comes back to win this series, you each owe me a sugar-free hazelnut, nonfat latte, my signature java (better than it sounds).
Whether it was players catching up on some reading on their flight out here or the fact that the FSN North pregame show was being SHOWN IN THE DARN LOCKER ROOM prior to Friday’s warmups, the news finally leaked to the players that yours truly predicted Avs in six.
Well, you’ll be happy to know I walked into the hornet’s nest of my life today as players terrorized me with barbs regarding that wonderful prediction.
It started with Stephane Veilleux, moved to Rolston, then to Gaborik, then to Burns and Bouchard and then Pavol Demitra took over with continuous heckling of, “We’re going to prove you wrong, Russo!”
“Where’s the belief, Russo?” Burns said. “Now we’ve got a little extra motivation.”
Burns joked that I “shunned” sportswriting 101 that you’re supposed to pick the team you cover. I’ve never abided by that rule if that is indeed one.
But two things on that pick: I originally had Wild in six, but the second I heard about Nick Schultz’s appendectomy Monday night, I hit the backspace button on my predictions (I was in the midst of doing them as I got the phone call). I just felt — and still do — that his absence is major.
And, like I told every player, I was the same guy that predicted the Wild to beat Anaheim last year. That pick didn’t work out too good.
I’ve gotten a lot of national press for that prediction, like TSN’s Bob McKenzie saying, I’ve got “jam,” etc. But like I’ve said on XM and in Ottawa and Vancouver and KFAN and other radio shows I’ve done, I don’t work for the team. My job’s to give objective views on the Wild, and my feeling was Schultz’s injury changes the complexion of the series.
I would hope that you’d rather see quality, objective coverage rather than cheerleading and disregarding the facts.
And if I’m wrong, good for the Wild, and good for you fans, and I’d be the first to admit that I underestimated them.
And then I’d probably pick them to lose to San Jose 
Just a joke, just a joke.
If you’ve read me long enough, you know I’ve had no problem admitting in print before when I was dead wrong.
Now on to practice, Branko Radivojevic did not practice. He’s been seen wearing a knee brace on his right knee. Jacques said he WILL NOT play tomorrow, although Doug Risebrough said that’s not true — that it’s wait and see.,
“Day to day,” Risebrough said.
One thing’s for certain. After talking with Radivojevic yesterday, this has got to be excruciating if he won’t be permitted to play. And if they don’t let him play, you know he played that game on a sprained knee or something.
Schultz practiced at the start today, then sat on the bench the rest. But this is a good sign. He said he’s not close to playing just yet, but he did say that if it got to the point late in the series where the Wild needs him and he’s ready, he hopes to play. More on this stuff tomorrow.
Talked with Marian Gaborik for tomorrow’s notebook on what Colorado’s done to eliminate him from the series so far. The Wild feels fortunate to be 1-1 in the series considering Gaborik has no points and three shots.
That’ll be in tomorrow, as well as a couple Keith Carney items. At age 38, he’s the oldest defenseman in NHL history to score at OT playoff winner.
What else, what else? Derek Boogaard practiced today and declared himself good to go. His back is acting up again.
Because the Avs and Wild practiced at two different sites, I couldn’t go to Colorado’s practice.
From my Denver Post pal, Peter Forsberg did not practice today, but Joel Quenneville said he’ll play. We also hired a stringer to cover the Avs’ practice today, and he tells me David Jones (foot) practiced today and said he’ll play.
My advance is on Jacques Lemaire’s line changing and how you should be prepared to see a plethora of combinations of forwards in the road games at Colorado. I’ve got some really good anecdotes and quotes about what it’s like to be on the bench when Lemaire’s scrambling up his forwards.
As I transcribe, I’ll throw other stuff up I may have forgotten to put here. But I’ve got to get writing now.
My favorite quote from practice, coming from Jacques Lemaire, and you better pray this ain’t true:
“Our team looks for goals from people we don’t expect, not only the top guys. We’ll need a goal from [Derek] Boogaard at a time if we want to win this series.”
152 Responses to "“We’re going to prove you wrong, Russo!”"
Iceman - you must have a better TV than me - If ESPN would have shelled out for HD maybe we would all be on the same page!
I really want to see the Wild win this series!! The only way is if they get alot shots on goal. Go Wild!!
I’m actually relieved to see some objective writing. I’m a die hard Wild fan, but it’s patronizing to listen to the guys on FSN and KSTC. Objective assessment is difficult to come by in sports coverage. Thanks for providing some, Don Russo.
WHY DO WE OWE YOU COFFEE WHEN THE WILD WIN? SHOULDN’T IT BE THE OTHER WAY AROUND?
It’s sooo easy to get you guys riled up! All you have to do is put “Mike” in the name field and mix in a “Mild” or “lemmings” and some of you (Dick and old man KJ) just lose it. I crack up at the stereotype you pin on me too….because I agitate you (because I can) somehow I’m in therapy, or in my moms basement, last one picked in recess, etc etc. Hilarious! That must be what you need to feel better…cool with me. I already accomplished my goal! Cure for boredom: agitate the regulars on Russo’s blog! I know how you guys hate agitators…funny how after I post that he comes out with a column on the subject. Hmmmmm…could it be I talked to him while he was writing it??
grimicoh…
Russo thinks so highly of the research he puts into his predictions that by picking the Avs he immediately doomed them to failure and gives the Wild the win. Thereby needing to be rewarded.
I’m thinkin he doesn’t really have that much pull - positive or negative - but because it’s his blog we need to humor him… 
Russo…your objectivity is refreshing and the passion you have for the sport is what makes your coverage “can’t miss”.
Although, the Strib shoulda fronted the dough to send #2 over to the Aged practice.
Is Forsberg’s foot falling off? Maybe he can get a bloody sock from Curt Schilling.
Wait… Russo. So if Colorado wins in 6 does that mean you owe each of us a sugar-free hazlenut, nonfat latte…? I’ll take on that bet!
Mike…you confuse entertained with riled up.
Oh and on the stereotypes…if the shoe fits.
That’s the funny part KJ, I think people actually believe it!
I’ll ask my therapist what she thinks and let ya know.
Again, get a new therapist. The current one isn’t doing very well. Interesting goals you have Miserable Mike. Sounds like somebody who has a life…
I wouldn’t give yourself too much credit either, not much riles me up. I just have a weak spot for trying to improve the human race. There has to be some kind of drug out there that can fix you.
Reminds me of the classic Dr. Lecter quote:
Best thing for him really. His therapy was going nowhere.
they just showed a stat that AO had 222 hits this season
must be the same cat that was counting Hill’s thousands of hits last season.
“Question: How do you spank your monkey with that thing?”
” You got a monkey?”
Russo, who will replace Radio if he doesn’t play? Any chance Voros moves to the checking line and Pouliot gets into the lineup as a wing? I’d like to see him get a little ice time as we’ve had trouble scoring at times in this series
Mike - I actually found ya more entertaining when, at least as far as I knew, you were just Mike. None of this alter ego stuff.
Exactly Hockeydad.
I’m starting to question whether I’m really me or not.
Multiple Mike. Coming soon to a blog near you.
Adam, some of the first views appeared to be a very borderline call to me. From them I would have said it was a difficult call to make, not necessarily wrong.
But, then there was one slo-mo view that clearly showed the puck on the right skate of the ND player. Then he kicked it out, as if he would if he wanted to get his stick on the puck.
Then it dribbled in the net instead.
So, from that view I think it was the right call.
HD-you’ve always been one of my favorites on here…very level headed and you don’t let my musings get to you because you know I’m just playin’. Sign of a strong individual…and I have a lot of respect for hockey parents. I know what my parents went through to take me to areans night in and night out. Good on you.
Dick and Kj, I’m hungry. Keep feeding me. I’ll talk to my therapist about it.
Michael: If your prediction (and the fact that the team caught wind of it, and cared about it) helps spur them on to something better, so be it.
I’ll take your bet.
A coffee on the Wild Road Tripper it is. Since our paths have crossed several times across North America this season, I don’t think you’ll have a real hard time finding me to collect on it!
If it will spur Demitra to throw one extra check more, for Gaborik to do that extra little step to get around a Kurt Sauer or Jeff Finger…if it will even help Skoula (OMG, what am I saying here, folks??) to try harder, I’ll take your bet.
Gaborik has to find a way to get in the clear from the Colorado checkers, who seem to draw to him like bugs to a bug zapper.
About Branko: Who did you talk to first? Lemaire or Risebrough? Sounds like the Wild brain trust needs to pow-wow about the young man. If he is playing injured, more power to him. Hopefully his teammates will see that and pick it up another notch.
Adam, he did not move his foot very far either. I do not think the ND player meant to kick it into the net.
It looked like was just putting the puck where he could get his stick on it.
Miserable Mike, I’m sure your parents were proud of your ability to wash jocks and fill up the water bottles.
I can’t help it…
I’m rather impressed that you have drawn the notice of Bob McKenzie, who I consider to be one of the best hockey journalists out there.
Iceman: two facts I won’t and can’t argue: 1) the puck hit both of the ND player’s skates, first left, then right; 2) he made a kicking motion.
My take on the video was he probably kicked it in, but I didn’t think it definitely showed him making contact with the kick. I thought the puck bounced off his skate, and based on the angle of his feet, it ricocheted toward the net, then he tried to kick at it and missed.
And we’ve spent a lot of time discussing this… lol. I’m not upset the goal was waived off, nor am I surprised it was.
Iceman: That brings up an interesting point. If a referee can think about blowing a play dead can’t a player think about hitting the puck with this stick, and have a goal like that count?
Seriously though was the ND players stick being held on that play?
The Houston Aeros concluded their regular season today with a shootout win over the Milwaukee Admirals in Houston.
The shootout win means the Aeros finish in 3rd position in the West Division and will open the Playoffs on the road against the Rockford Ice Hogs.
The Aeros gave up 183 goals in 80 games, which is tops in the AHL. Goalies Nolan Schaefer and Barry Brust will share the honors for that achievement. But they would be the first to point out that is a total team effort. The Aeros really became stingy in the GA department.
Update on the new guys: I have now seen Colton Gillies three times in person and I can say without a doubt that this guy would be wasted playing another season of Juniors in Canada. Since he won’t be eligible for the AHL next season due to age, I have to believe he will follow James Sheppard’s path. Adjust your Wild free agency moves accordingly.
He is so strong on the puck, great powerful skater, can find the open ice and is just smart about his positioning. Incredibly polished for a guy in his third week of professional hockey. He is great at getting to the net and is quite good with the puck down low. He is setting up his teammates with great scoring chances every game. This guy is a talent and you can see improvement every game. At this rate, Wild fans are a couple injuries away from seeing this kid in St. Paul this season.
Ryan Jones is still really new to the team so in fairness I can’t say too much yet. He is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the AHL. He is definitely offensive minded, a stout guy with good speed and balance. Miami University fans wouldn’t even recognize him with a clean shave and short hair.
Couple general notes: Joel Ward has become the best two way player I’ve seen in Houston. Ryan Hamilton is hot on his heels for that honor. Hopefully Hamilton is alright, he left Saturday’s game with a arm injury. Also, I think Clayton Stoner is going to become an impact defenseman in the NHL. He is still raw, but I’m noticing a lot of tools similar to Brent Burns. Steve Kelly played today and that is a good sign for the playoffs.
Who saw the embarassing moment on Versus just now? There’s a scrum and at the end the PBP guy says “let’s see if we can decipher this conversation.”
Then the sound guy turns up the mic near ice level just in time to catch a player saying “You’re.a f-ing b****.”
Can’t comment whether the stick was held Kirk Wise. I did not see.
Puck seemed to hit his left foot, then his right foot. When he moved his foot toward the puck it appeared he kicked it.
Maybe the view did not show it was definitely propelled by the kicking motion Kevin. I suppose it could be argued that the foot could have been trailing the puck on the path the puck was taking anyway.
But, given the puck looked like it did receive a kick, I would argue it was the correct call.
But, then Kirk Wise has brought this to a new level adding the though process.
Maybe the Wild actually won the game on Friday by three goals because Gabby thought about getting a hat trick?
Good to know, AiH, good to know.
Now on to other matters. Sugar-free Hazelnut nonfat latte? You’ll get black Peet’s coffee and like it!
Rangers sure have the Devils number.
Thanks for the update AiH. I was just reading that they Brust, and Schaefer won the Harry “Hap” Holmes Award.
GO AEROS!!
That brings up an interesting point. If a referee can think about blowing a play dead can’t a player think about hitting the puck with this stick, and have a goal like that count?
Kirk Wise - you just took that call to a whole new level! Bottom line, I see the call as a “tie goes to the runner” situation - the Ref was in position and gave ND the goal and, as far as I could tell, the replay did not conclusivly (NFL term) prove the Ref wrong.
However, I might add that the “tie goes to the runner” rule works in Iceman’s favor since the replay judge agreed with him!
I heard that KiPA. So did my kids. We were having a tickle fight in the living room while watching the game. Both looked shocked “DADDY! That was a bad word!!”.
While I do hope that your predictions are wrong, Russo, I definitely appreciate your objectivity. Keep up the good work.
Another fine moment in the Gary Bettman era Kirk.
Oh and there are a LOT of Montreal fans in Boston. Almost sounds like a home game for the Habs.
Wasn’t it called a goal on the ice, and the replay judge over turned the call? IMO it looked like he made a slight kicking motion after the puck had already deflected off his skate. To me it appeared he was trying to direct it to his stick from his skate. He would have tapped it in had the BC player not been there. That’s why I was wondering if his stick was held because he was right there with the blade, and he just could not move his stick to tap it.
Hey now! Miserable was my word in reference to the whiny miserable bastards in this place after a Wild loss. You can’t turn around and use it back on me! That’s a BS low brow move. Just bush league if you ask me.
You still haven’t figured out I’m not the original Mike, have you Dickie?
Here’s one for ya….Risedump. And I’m still not him.
its only 500 k from montreal to boston.
from the boston games i’ve watched this year. the garden wasn’t exactly full.
Did anyone see Avery standing in front of Brodeur taunting him for a prolonged time?
Pretty chicken$hit if you ask me. If that is what hockey became I would quit watching.
Yeah, pretty bush league, Iceman. Someone on the Devils should’ve destroyed him.
Sweet - we all agree that Avery is lame!
Does not look like there is even one person in Calgary not dressed in a red sweater. Pretty impressive.
I think the winner of that series will have a lot to say about the SC winner this year.
The C of Red. The Sharks didn’t seem to care.
Wow! C of Red = 3 quick Shark goals
holy shat that was 3 quick goals
Dr. Hook has pulled Kipper.
San Jose, 3 goals in the first 3:30 vs. Cows
At 3.5 minutes it is already 3 - 0 San Jose. Can hear a pin drop.
Kipper gives up 3 goals in the first 5 minutes! What is up with HIM tonight?
The ‘C of Red’ looks more liek the Dead Sea right about now…
Holy cow (to coin a phrase). I step away for 5 minutes and I miss 3 goals?!
Russo, we appreciate your approach. You’re an exceptional journalist.
Thanks for the great coverage!
Cows haven’t even got a SOG yet, have they?
Cows fans have those ridiculous thunder stick things tonight. Man, nothing I hate in an arena more than those. Don’t think the Wild has ever done that, right? Let’s hope never.
I missed the first 5 mins. Were they legit goals or was Kipper giving up cheapies?
Mike and or Mikes. I don’t know who the original Mike is. I haven’t been in Russoville very long. I do know some people who have and they think you and the original Mike really suck brass ones. Alan too.
I feel good about a Wild victory tomorrow. No real reason why, just a gut feeling.
Were they legit goals or was Kipper giving up cheapies?
I caught the last two and they were fairly week but the D was lost on #3 too.
That feeling in your gut, Dickie, is just the tater tot hot dish.
You know, if the Mild need Boogaard to score in order to win the series, he’s gonna have to get that back in order. Maybe a better fitting bra would help?
I made that crack about Boogaard’s back and a better fitting bra because a bra is a women’s undergarment and Derek Boogaard is the “big tough guy”. Also because an ill fitting bra can contribute to back pain because the breasts would be poorly supported and the back muscles would have added stress.
Derek Boogaard has breasts, like a woman.
And needs a better fitting bra to alleviate his back pain.
Russo we appreciate the objectivity, but praying for a Boogie goal to not be true? Do I really need to change my moniker to BoogieNeedstoPrayForAGoal? He’s been knocking on the door the first two games, stranger things have happened… evidence Father Time racking up the winner in game 2…
DaK, get the feeling there’s an echo around you??? Sho-sho little troll.
Man. I had to stoop to tater tot hot dish and better fitting bras. You guys are so dull lately, I got nothing better to pick on you about. C’mon pretend your interesting again, get fired up about something.
Good summary, AiH. Pretty exciting stuff. I’m also very impressed with Gillies and look forward to Jonesy maturing with the team next year. He’s got a definite presence out there that I really like.
Flames on the comeback trail - 2-3
The Don seems to think some of us are pi$$ed about him picking the Avs, but has anyone expressed their “displeasure” to him about it? I haven’t seen anyone here doing that, did I miss it.
I don’t like the way SJ is in roller skate mode since they got the 3-0 lead…too reminiscent of the Wild prevent style… Now that it’s 3-2, SJ better find their brass ones again if they expect to win. Also the Cow’s are just owning them in hits…Marleau’s face is hamburger, literally, from 2 separate big, legal hits.
Hockey Night in Canada just said they are carrying the Wild / Ave game tomorrow as game 2 of the double header.
Adam, I did not think Kippur’s goals were all that soft.
3-3 now
Flames get a huge bounce to tie it.
SJ-CGY is 3-3 with 15 minutes left in the 3rd. I quit watching with 16 left to go in the 1st.
Kippur was not playing well. He was out of position. When he was in position, he looked confused… stand up? or down on his pads? He didn’t know, and he paid the price when he got yanked.
It’s amazing how the refs swallow their whistle in the 3rd period of a tied game. Tripping, hooking, interference, and no calls. Where is McGeough when you need him?
Wow.
CGY is the team of nine lives.
Sharks really don’t want to win this one, 4 unanswered goals, they’re now losing 3-4
Nabokov gets screened by 3 of his own guys and Nolan scores. Unbelievable.
Sharks got a power play though. Phadump in the box.
What a ridiculous game. SJ didn’t deserve to win, but CG was pretty lucky. The elbow penalty that led to the 2nd goal was w-e-a-k.
Too bad they can’t both lose.
That’s the last thing we need, an amazing comeback to give them confidence!
I’d much rather have both teams beat teh living daylights out of each other for 7 games. I’d like to see double and triple overtime in at least 2 or 3 games. I want whoever wins to be worn down, beaten up, and scrambling to find fresh legs for all games.
MNin AL, the only one doing the beating in that game was CGY, SJ had their purses out the whole night..no passion whatsoever
Well, we may still get our wish, but it doesn’t matter too much since the Wild can’t play either of these teams in round 2. If we advance, we’ll either get Dallas, Anaheim, or Nashville.
To me, a team that takes an early lead like San Jose did often shuts down like they did.
The first three goals were almost too easy.
Kippur may not have been stellar on the goals against but the Flames were way out of position to give up good opportunities.
Joey - Actually, if Detroit, San Jose and Minnesota all win their series, we would in fact play San Jose in the second round, while Detroit would play the Anaheim/Dallas winner.
Watched the entire Sharks/Cows game, and it reminded me so much of the Wild game there back about the 9th or 10th game of the seaason,..We got two early, then Walz scored to put us up 3-0 and it looked like we were cruising…by the end of the night we’d lose 4-3 or 5-3 for our first regulation loss of the season. Sharks had that same deer-in-the-headlights look that the Wild had for the last two periods.
If Detroit, SJ, Wild and Dallas/Anaheim win don’t we get SJ with no home ice? If its Detroit, Wild, Dallas/Anaheim and Calgary, we get Dallas or Anaheim with home ice. There’s a long row to hoe before we need to worry about that.
It looks like Phadump has been giving headhunting lessons to Saric.
Sharks looked like a team that had been exposed tonight. Their blue line especially. They tried to take off Marleau’s head and nobody on the Sharks responded so Calgary just kept hitting them and hitting them and they kept coughing up the puck and couldn’t move it cleanly through the neutral zone. Not even many good scoring chances after the three quick ones. We’ll see what the Sharks are made out when game 4 rolls around.
“Sugar-free hazelnut, nonfat latte”
Sounds as weak as the Avs prediction.
I don’t like the way SJ is in roller skate mode since they got the 3-0 lead…too reminiscent of the Wild prevent style
Sounds like someone hasn’t watched much of the sharks this season.
The sharks are offensively challenged and win by playing the best defense in the league. I think they are out of their comfort zone in this series.
How about I buy you a coffee with a shot of Frangelico in it?
Stoned: You are correct. If SJ and the Wild both win, we play SJ with no home ice. If either SJ or Detroit lose and the Wild win, we get home ice vs. the Dallas/Anaheim winner.
SJ tried to put it in cruise last night. No jump after the first 4 minutes last night. The first hit on Marleau took something out of the Sharks collectively. ‘Jumbo Joe’ needs to start playing like it again.
‘Jumbo Joe’ needs to start playing like it again.
WRT - No, no he doesn’t. I’d much rather face the Cows in the conference finals than the fish next round.
Must-win for the Avs tonight. Wild was the best team all season in the second game of a back-2-back situation, and they will win tomorrow night.
Also, I couldn’t see from Section 220 if the tripping call late Friday night on Kimmie J was legit or not, but what bothers me is that it was just another case of a ref officiating the scoreboard. Is there any doubt whatsoever that the call is NOT made if the score is 1-1, instead of 2-1? That’s the problem with the NHL refs; waaayyyyy too inconsistent.
“Versus,” Bettman said, “is a great partner, as is NBC. If we, at the appropriate time, sort through and shuffle our rights, I’m sure that we could hopefully work it out (with ESPN). But, frankly, we like where we are right now; we like the arrangement.”
Gary Bettman’s quote about the League’s television deal. Any wonder why the NHL is light years behind the rest of the “major sports”. Bettman is a tad out of touch, to say the least. It’s nice that he likes the arrangement where a total of 17 households nation wide get to see playoff games on Vs. Nice leadership. Maybe now that he is retired, Mick McGeough can apply for Bettman’s job.
It is fair to say that a Wild win tonight would be huge.
In the playoffs, those statistical tendancies are not good indicators.
check this out folks-
Adrian Dater keeps the hits coming…here he calls Wild Nation “moronic”;
I disagree. Wild win tonight, the series is over on Thursday. The Avs win tonight and the Wild win the series a week from tonight.
Maybe now that he is retired, Mick McGeough can apply for Bettman’s job.
That would be like having Mayor Adam West leave Quahog to become Commissioner Adam West. My God, I can see it now:
“McGeough Alters Schedule
by Michael Russo
In a surprise move today, NHL Commissioner Mick McGeough ordered the Wild to play it’s December 19 game against the Red Wings with four forwards dressed, one defenseman and three goalies. He further ordered the goalies all play at once, and will allow the Wild one skater on the ice at a time. By contrast, the Red Wings were ordered to play the game wearing only skates and a souvenir beer mug as an athletic cup. Goalie Dominik Hasek asked for and was allowed to wear his goalie mask, but only in the second period.
“In a related move, all NHL amateur scouts were ordered to report to Colombia to help search for kidnapped Elaine Wilder”
Tom Powers of the east side has a good piece on Skoula this morning in the PP.
Anybody doubt that Risebrough and Lemaire is the best combination of GM / coach on the Twin Cities sport scene since Jim Finks and Bud Grant?
Iceman, Bill Smith will give DR a run for his money, but I’d have to agree.
Actually, Sid said as much a while back, his theory is that DR and JL have a good relationship between them is one of the reasons the Wild are in the generally good position they are now.
i dn’t think ESPN is a salve for the TV woes of the NHL.
NHL will never get serious treatment from ESPN so even if people know where espn is compared to versus, I think money is better spent getting people to versus than going to ESPN and hoping they put the NHL ahead of reruns of american gladiator.
VoR: Bill Smith has already got 2 MAJOR blackeyes against him as GM: How he handled the Hunter and Santana situations.
G*: The fact hat VS is on in like 4 houses nationwide compared to the 72 billion for ESPN is reason enough to work towards making the switch. Even if VS plays hockey games ahead of reruns of “Northwest Bear Hunt”, doesn’t do any good if people don’t have the channel. With the plethora of young stars, especially in the ESPN-biased east (Ovie, Sid, Malkin, etc) it would behoove the NHL to get back on ESPN.
Deep: dude! I totally love “Northwest Bear Hunt”! Did you catch the episode where it was the Sedins vs. Iginla/Phaneuf on the split screen “Hunt-Off”?!
Talk about must see TV!
The fact hat VS is on in like 4 houses nationwide compared to the 72 billion for ESPN is reason enough to work towards making the switch
while this may have been true at the beginning, I don’t think it is as much the case today. versus is on directv and dish network and i believe on the same tier as espn. it is carried on comcast cable.
espn is the world wide leader in sports if those sports are NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS or poker. back when the switch was made versus paid $200 mil for 3 years. ESPN could have matched but said F U.
versus gets plenty of market penetration and continues to be an excuse for the NHL being unable to gain viewership. versus isn’t the problem, the NHL in the united states is the problem.
VoR: Bill Smith has already got 2 MAJOR blackeyes against him as GM: How he handled the Hunter and Santana situations.
seriously, though, here’s my other problem with Vs.
As you may have read when I blew an aneurysm on it the other night, Versus - as (one of the) national television partners of the NHL - picked up game 2 of the Wild/Avs series as a back end of a double header Friday night.
This produced two side effects:
1) as the scheduled start time was only 2 hours after the scheduled start time of the preceding Caps/Flyers game the Wild/Avs game was to be joined in progress (hereafter: JIP).
B) it blacked out the game on Center Ice.
My initial beef was that this arrangement alienated some of the painfully small number of people who WOULD watch the game, right off the bat.
It’s asinine to think that ANY hockey game, much less a playoff game (which could go on all night) will be concluded in 2 hours. So it is obvious that they ASSUMED we wouldn’t see the beginning of the Wild/Avs game. Thus, the league at least tacitly agreed to it - at the expense of some of the most loyal fans the league has.
But, and here’s my problem with Versus specifically, when the game finally did end (well after the opening faceoff of the Wild game) they first let the PBP guy do a lengthy “well this was a great first game in this series, pretty much what we expected…” exit statement thing and THEN they proceeded to show not-one-but SEVEN commercials.
So Versus is either too dependent on the (meager, considering how low viewership is) ad dollars from the three saps they boondoggle into buying advertising from them to tell them “sorry, if it’s a JIP situation our product comes first and we’ll either squeeze your ad in or refund you the difference”, OR Vs. has zero clout and can’t drive these advertising contracts at all.
Making matters (much) worse, the final TWO ads were for…VERSUS! Well that was just a slap in the face. They’d rather TELL me they have the playoffs than SHOW me the actual thing?! That’s a joke.
And that’s where I started to really get steamed at Versus specifically.
Because after the parade of ads, THEY CUT TO THE STUDIO FOR A RECAP OF THE CAPS/FLYERS GAME!
It’s not bad enough I have to sit there and watch the end of another game - when the product I HAVE PAID FOR is blacked out by it - and it’s not bad enough they make me listen to the jaggoff tell me how great that game was when it’s finally over, and it’s not bad enough they then show me seven commercials (two of which were for themself), but now I have to listen to your blow dried mouthpieces re-hash that preceding game?!
I’m sorry, but that takes it out of the realm of “sad little Versus has no control over their own fate” to “you know what, Versus, you can kiss my butt. You clearly have no idea how to handle this as a product if you think that NHL playoff hockey needs anything more than to just be shown on the screen to be a viable “product”.
So I really haven’t been in the “get back on ESPN or the league will die” bandwagon (mostly because I think ESPN is a joke)…but now I’m pretty much off the Vs. bandwagon too.
/rant
Mike & Mike in the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine had an interesting take on why the NHL doesn’t enjjoy the same popularity as the other major sports. They think the issue is twofold:
1. Lack of recognizability of the stars of the league;
2. Failure to reach the casual fan (niche sport).
According to them, if Sidney Crosby walked into their living rooms, their wives wouldn’t recognize him. They extrapolate that to say that it’s true of most people who aren’t hardcore fans of the league, who make up the vast majority of the fan base.
They go on to say that other sports do a better job of pulling in casual fans, and they use the example that people who don’t otherwise watch much football will watch when Tom Brady plays. They say the NHL doesn’t have anyone like that who will entice people to watch who wouldn’t normally watch.
They also claim the game is harder to follow than other sports, so that someone who’s flipping channels and stops on an NHL game can’t comprehend what’s going on quickly enough to keep them watching. That seems rather absurd to me, but that’s their opinion.
Anyway, that’s what they theorize FWIW.
VoR: I was hopeful you had tounge firmly planted in cheek; but there has been a lot of discussion on this Board about how well Bill has done as GM and I’m just not seeing it.
DB, not sure about the Santana, Hunter situations yet. Reserve judgment until we see what happens. His (Santana’s)contract, however is over the top. Pitchers don’t have a great track record on long contracts (e.g., Zito, Hampton et al). Not sure Smith had any choice on Hunter as he took over when Hunter was free to sign anywhere. I do wish we would have signed him though. Can’t believe SJ blew a 3-0 lead.
DB, I liked Hunter and Santana, and Santana more than Hunter at this stage of their careers.
But, no way would I give that long and rich a contract to Hunter. And, with the trade of Santana the Twins have a brighter future with exciting kids.
So, I would not criticize Smith for that at all.
did versus just pick up the TSN feed on friday?
Last night, directv decided it didn’t want to put the habs/bruins game on center ice even though they had it listed in the guide on NESN, meaning the didn’t have to get a feed from canada. the dbstalk.com boards were lit up with frustration. dish and cable both had the game. my email to directv asking where it was got the response that NESN owned the rights and said it wouldn’t be carried by CI. i protested and during so, the SD feed was turned on. When asked what changed DTV told me that NESN decided to allow them to show. Someone was asleep at the switch and they blamed it on NESN.
Back when NBC was showing 3 regional games on saturday or sunday, the other 2 not in your area were on CI. When versus is doing what it did friday, that 2nd game should be on CI either in its entirety or until versus picks up coverage. doesn’t help those out of market that don’t have CI but then if you follow a team and are out of market, good bet you have CI.
Crazy NHL TV idea: Give NHL Network (SD) and NHL Network (HD) away for free to all pay TV providers around the world (meaning it would be on expanded basic for most cable systems) and use free access to CI channels to avoid the JIP problems in the playoffs. In addition to minor league games, add content through a package of college and junior games and even re-broadcast the MN HS tourney outside MN!
G*: yes, they had the TSN feed (which meant McGuire, which helped alleviate some of the pain, I admit).
Ice: The problem is that Smith was having talks with Hunter and Sanatan’s people long before the season was over. He should have known that neither was going to take what the Twins were offering. Should have moved Sanatana atthe deadline in July when demand would have been through the roof. Same thing for Hunter. Team wasn’t going to give the years Hunter wanted, but you have toget SOMETHING in return. Letting him walk for nothing was a complete fiasco. Now, back to hockey. Wild win in 7 games; Stars beat Fowl; Fickers beat Squid; Wild host Stars in West semis
Alex Burrows sux!!
I am not a happy Bandgeek this morning. I just found out that I will be unable watch game 5, stupid evening training. I will be dealing with uncooperative staff members instead of watching my boys. I’m going to go sulk for a few hours now….
DB - Completely. DR is by FAR the best GM in this town. Bill Smith is a joke, Kevin McHale is pitiable at best, and uh, I don’t even know who runs the circus at Winter Park, but I’m pretty sure that my cat could do a better job over there.
When versus is doing what it did friday, that 2nd game should be on CI either in its entirety or until versus picks up coverage. doesn’t help those out of market that don’t have CI but then if you follow a team and are out of market, good bet you have CI.
100% agree.
What’s odd is that someone (bandgeek?) said that CI turned on the game AFTER it was JIP by Vs. I don’t think Vs. - or the NHL on Vs - has any leg to stand on with that kind of ridiculous parochialism.
So NiNY, is tonight’s game another JIP?? Or is it on CI as it should be.
trouble with hockey is the names people recognize don’t always produce exciting games.
san jose and calgary would never get on NBC and neither would wild/colorado but their games have been pretty entertaining. philly’s blanking of the caps was somewhat of a snoozer and i just don’t see detroit/nashville being remotely exciting.
BTHOOM, Austin…I don’t care who has it as long as it’s on time and in full.
stupid evening training
i heard the drizzlers are still going around
Sorry, Bandgeek…..
“I uh, I don’t like my job, and, uh, I don’t think I’m gonna go anymore.”
“You’re just not gonna go?”
“Yeah.
“Won’t you get fired?”
“I don’t know, but I really don’t like it, and, uh, I’m not gonna go.”
I didn’t check the schedule on my tvguide tonight… I don’t even know what channel it will be on. It’s at 9 central right?
i’ve always said that CI games should never be blacked out anywhere. if you pay for the package you should get every feed available.
sometime today I will be sending versus email about the situ on friday. may not change anything but i am a firm believer of letting em know your there.
9 central carried locally by 45. suck.
G*: thank you. I’m doing the same. Silence condones.
question for techies. anyone know of or have a program that edits and converts DVR-MS files?
Austin: I did just notice that Vs. is advertising the Wild game as following the Wings/Preds game tonight. I don’t know if that means it won’t be on CI or will only be JIP - though I assume the latter is true.
The Wings game starts 2:30 before the Wild game.
FYI:
G*: thank you
np. it wasn’t until after people hounded DTV last night did they open the habs game up to everyone. people without the sports pac or CI were able to tune in.
i’d also send email to the NHL.
Anybody doubt that Risebrough and Lemaire is the best combination of GM / coach on the Twin Cities sport scene since Jim Finks and Bud Grant?
Yes, I doubt it. A duo named Andy MacPhail and Tom Kelly won a couple of world championships together. As I recall, the only MN professional sports titles in the modern era.
Thanks Nick. I hope it’s not another JIP. I really hope the Wild make it to the next round so hopefully this JIP crap doesn’t happen as often.
NiNY,
If you’re watching DirecTV, Game 2 was broadcast in it’s entirety on Channel 641 (FSN North). I think that if you are out of the blackout area, you will get all the FSN North games on the dish. Games on 45 should get broadcast on Altitude.
HD: I agree about not being ready to anoint DR and JL as the best dup EVER; but the current race for top duo in Minnesota sports isn’t even a contest.
WildinNH: Thanks, and that’s great for DirecTV peeps. But I’m not one of ‘em - and I shouldn’t have to be to get these games on a pay product such as CI, IMO.
Has anyone seen the Ana/Dal series? I haven’t had a chance to watch. Is Dal that good or Ana that bad? Or both? Or closer than the scores have reflected?
RG, Dallas has looked pretty good, but the Quacks have struggled to kill of the ridiculous number of penalties they keep taking. Last year they seemed to get away with killing them off, but right now Pronger looks a bit lost, and the brother of Russo’s BFF isn’t his normal presence lately.
ok, emails sent, catharsis achieved.
I just sent this to NHL.com…
There should be absolutely blackouts when I am paying the league for special broadcast access. The fact that I can’t get playoff hockey for free is just ridiculous. If you’re gonna isolate the game by putting it on irrelevant channels the least you can do is provide access to us who care. That ought to be top priority since expanding the hockey audience clearly is not.
Thanks mbrose…
that should read… absolutely no blackouts.
Going back a bit…I stand corrected on who we might play rnd 2. I knew that didn’t sound right when I wrote it.
Dave, nice Office Space pull. Great flick.
I agree that VS is much more widespread than it once was, but part of drawing in the casual fan is hooking them when they’re just surfing the channels. On my system, ESPN is channel 25 I think, whereas VS is channel 130. The chances of me getting all the way to 130 before finding something to stop on is nil whereas getting to 25 is pretty likely. Casual fans aren’t everything, but it sure helps ratings and subsequently the value of the TV contracts.
Not to mention that ESPN is on is a gazillion bars around the country. How many will have a screen tuned to VS? Again the casual fan probably has little awareness of the league and players because there is no penetration. You HAVE to look for it and that shouldn’t be the case for such a great game.
I also hate the fact that our beloved sport is put on a par with bullriding, ultimate fighting (ugh), and fishing. Bettman is being a total homer on this, though I understand that he can’t dis his current TV partner in public. However, he’s just a bit too effusive when talking about the current deal.
Whew, rant over.
Thanks for doing that RG and NiNY.
I don’t have cable or satellite, so I bought the CI Online package. The number of blackouts is pretty bad. I think on Saturday everything was blacked out. I was able to get some stuff off broadcast on NBC, but the rest I am forced to the “free” sites.
I don’t understand why I can’t just pay the NHL to watch all the games.
Hockey Night in Canada announced they would have Wild/Ave’s tonight (Monday) as game 2 of DH.
DB, except with the Twins on the fringe of making a run it is hard on fans if you let guys go at that stage.
If the team is going noplace, then it is easier to do.
Personally, I get the impression that Hunter’s public persona is better than his private persona … it seemed to me that he was not exactly acting in good faith.
I have watched some of the Ducks/Stars games and the Ducks have probably the worst penalty killing units for having such big stars.
Didn’t we get like 2 PP goals off them back in January when we beat them 5-1? Their bullying tactics are not working this year.
Ice: The Twins were going nowhere fast at last year’s trade deadline. Should have shopped Santana to the Yankees, who were depleated with pitching injuries at the time. Could have gotten the moon. As far as Hunter, you have to get something in return. Just a bad move by Smith.
The Fowl’s penalty kill has been a mess, but the fact the refs have been calling a lot of stuff that Anaheim seemed to get away with more last year is interesting. Don’t throw dirt on the Fowl just yet, though. Just like Jersey did yesterday; win game #3 and all of a sudden it’s a series again.
brunch is served.
DP, agreed about the Fowl. It pretty amazing to see the spark that the first goal in the series gave them. They were on fire for a little bit there.
As far as Hunter, you have to get something in return. Just a bad move by Smith
i think they sincerely thought they could resign him. by the time they found out they couldn’t it was too late. i also think they were afraid of the PR hit they would take for trading away the 2nd most popular player in team history during the season.
So if San Jose loses, and the South Stars win, and the Wild win… then the Wild will play the Stars??
Well, i also sent a message to Versus. To say the least, i told them how “utterly dissappointed” i am that i have to pay for blacked out shows. That they need to give us games when it counts the most.
