Avs 3, Wild 2; Avs take 3-2 series lead
Posted on April 17th, 2008 – 7:35 PMBy Michael Russo
I can only imagine how aggravating that game had to be to watch for you Wild diehards.
To outplay a team that badly in the first 40 minutes and not get the benefit of the ‘W’ in such a significant contest?
But Jose Theodore stole this. He didn’t have to make too many acrobatic highway robberies, true, but the guy was just perfectly positioned all night.
Save after save after save after save on wave after wave after wave after wave. The Wild tied a team playoff record with 40 shots. Its 17 first-period shots were a playoff record.
He was brilliant with 38 stops and stole the Avs the game and quite possibly the series.
As you know, 80.6 percent of teams that win Game of a 2-2 series go on to win. I’m not sure how that percentage changes when that Game 5 victor heads back home for Game 6.
Couple things:
– Again tonight you see the cost of not having Nick Schultz and Kurtis Foster. Sean Hill’s penalty, coming because he was dead tired due to Mikko Koivu’s defensive-zone turnover, led to the power play that led to Wojtek Wolski’s go-ahead goal.
Hill has been at the center of several problems in the series.
How about the power play? Think Foster would have been on the power-play point tonight, or center Eric Belanger, who’s got two assists and not a single goal since Feb. 20?
Unfortunately, this is what having a depleted blue line does. Guys get into positions they haven’t been in all year, and eventually it costs you.
That’s not excuse for them. It’s just reality. Directly above my head tonight was a television booth filled with Schultz, Foster, Mark Parrish and Branko Radivojevic.
And Niklas Backstrom should have stopped the second goal and needed to make a big save on the third.
– I was talking this morning with my Denver Post colleague — yes, the guy you all love — and we agreed on one thing: This series would be decided by which team’s star broke out first — Colorado’s Paul Stastny or Minnesota’s Marian Gaborik.
Stastny scored the winner tonight, and Gaborik wasn’t just snake-bitten, he was terrible. Looked to me like he’s completely devoid of confidence and caving under the pressure.
He showed his frustration every time he skated to the bench after yet another shift in which he either fouled up a scoring chance by missing the net or whiffing or getting robbed or turning the puck over by just losing it off his stick.
He’s squeezing that composite stick of his so tight, it’s amazing it didn’t snap.
– I know this has been an even series. I know the Wild has controlled the play for much. But you can’t escape this astonishing fact.
The Wild has led 4 minutes, 31 seconds of a possible 324:23 in the series. It’s been scored on first in all five games - three in a row by ex-Wild Andrew Brunette, although Pierre-Marc Bouchard’s first-period goal was Minnesota’s first within the first 40 minutes in the series.
– As you know the Wild has twice won a series when trailing 3-2 (actually 3-1), so obviously it’s not over. I think the Wild has won two in a row before 
– The Wild is 4-9 in home playoff games. Tonight would have marked the Wild’s first set of consecutive home victories in history, which is also unbelievable if you think about it.
Got a few email complaining about the disallowed goal. 1)Benoit Pouliot was three feet offside. Pierre Racicot might be the best linesman in the NHL. He didn’t get that wrong. 2) Its a nonfactor anyway because most the time goalies let up when they hear the whistle, so who knows if the puck goes in anyway if there’s no offside.
The Wild and Avalanche aren’t practicing Friday. Talk to you from Denver, although it might not be until late because I don’t get access to the team until after it gets to the hotel around 5 o’clock.
566 Responses to "Avs 3, Wild 2; Avs take 3-2 series lead"
Game time and Im not passed out yet! Whats the word on Flobby is skatin or not? Wild win 4-2
Countdown for toivo radio silence beginning…
Wild 11 Avs 2
Let’s go Wild! I think I will find some headphones and listen online.
I love this time of year.
Good call Mike….
Let’s go Wild! Hopin for a good one tonight. Can’t wait to see the X pumpin!
Are we really going to let Sean Hill on the ice? We are crazy!
Denver’s local feed, Altitute, on Center Ice. Ewwwwwwwwwwwww.
Tell me about it Bean! Im livin in Colorado and have to listen to it evey game. Vs. gets blacked out……..
Wonder who’s doing “Let’s play hockey”.
Let’s Go Wild!!
Just trying to join the chant.
Sounds like they are hitting hard and often early!
ATX did you just tell the boss whats what and you had a game to watch tonight?
I missed who did Let’s Play Hockey. Can someone tell me? Not watching at home to rewind and find out. Thanks.
Avs still have commercials to sell tickets for game 6. HA!
Sounded female, I don’t think they showed it the camera was on the ice… I hate Brunette.
Why was Backs laying down?
I am listening on the internets!!
Not good. Goddamn Bruno!
Shirley you can’t be serious?
How’d that first goal taste Wild fans! So much for the Wild coming out hard and fast.
I really hate Theodore.
And this funk they are in with not being able to score in the first period need to END. Soon.
I wish Theodore would get a good concussion, courtesy Rolston’s slapper. Might happen if he can get it past the Avs shins.
Remember in ‘03 when Cooke slashed Matt Johnson coming out of the box? Let’s do that to Forsberg.
Wow these Altitude announcers make me want to break my tv. Talk about homers.
Theodore’s a lucky son of a bitch.
Beantown… let’s just beat em’ on the scoreboard eh?
Come on Theodore!! Let in a first period goal!!!! Assbag!
God, don’t tell me it’s that bad. I haven’t even left work yet.
Avs fans find another blog. This one’s full.
I swear they’re pumping theodore will of something before the game! He’s insane!
Agreed, WATX.
Yes!
Anyone have a link to an online site where I can watch this game
BUTCH!!!!!
Theodore, you like apples?
HOW YOU LIKE THEM APPLES?!
WoooO!!! Scored in the First!!! Was it PMB!?
Butch!
WOOO!! Butch?
ATX: PMB from Burns and Rolston
Eat that Theodore!
Ignore the trolls please.
Wow, a Wild first period goal??? I have never heard of such a thing.
Thanks MNWF13.
Got home just in time to see Butch score so BUTCH!!!!!!!
My boss pushed the meeting through as quick as possible just for me.
That’s a nice boss bandgeek!
Well that was nice of your boss bandgeek.
Was thst even that blatent of a dive? It’s so rare that you see the singed out diving call based on the oficiating the other night It ALMOST FEELS as if the bias is home cooking.
Yep, the boss gets major brownie points for that. Not as many as my boss at my second job, her husband got me an autographed poster of Hards. So she’s my favorite (or at least her husband is).
Minn living in Iowa: Someone posted this a few days ago and I’ve been favoring it.
says:ttp://www.channelsurfing.net/?
Scroll to the end and click on the MN vs COL link.
Shots that period were 17-6, Wild!
Do those VW clean burning Diesel commercials seem weird to you guys? Isn’t diesel like 3.80 a gallon? It better burn real clean.
Wildlover - thanks that works. Now I can see the game. Des Moines is a little too far for KSTP to reach.
Wes — I think diesel gets better milage. But still, it’s gotta suck.
MN in IA: where in Des Moines? I used to have relatives down there.
ah I see, Washington and Philly just started OT on Vs. depending where you are I guess….
‘yer welcome dear. This corona’s gettin to me.
‘yer welcome dear. This corona’s gettin to me.
Why the heck does it say that i’ve already posted this?
cuz you have? 
I don’t mean to get sappy, but it’s nice in here tonight eh? Like you went to your favorite bar on a night something else is going on… just you and your pals driking, this is great.
LOL, well, actually i said it the first time i tried so i tried again and it said so again. hhmm.. i think Russo’s doing it.
WES who you talking to?
I can’t get http://www.channelsurfing.net/? to work, but I have a Mac. I tried it in Firefox and Safari… ahh, well. Radio it is.
Nice Wes. It is nice now. But if the Avs score those trolls will be back.
All the regulars Wildlover… Don’t worry ATX were ready for ‘em.
I don’t know if it works with Mac. Never tried it.
Avs announcers whining that Veilleux should have been suspended for that hit. Rediculous.
How about Arnason’s elbow on Carney? Let’s see the replay from the Avs announcer.
So, exactly what is this penalty for? I didn’t see anything.
The Veilliux one.
Sounds like Gabby got close there.
Poor Lappy!
Damn, Gabby just keeps gettin denied.
Avs announcers calling Wild fans classless for cheering that Lappy was hurt. That implies that Lappy has class.
Stay classy Minnesota…
Sounds like a great crowd at the X tonight. Also sounds like a pretty intense game.
We are going to break Theodore, eventually. It will happen.
I know we complain about D&D, but I think it could definitely be worse.
Yeah, crowd sounds great. Jealous of my dad and bro who are at the game.
I would usually agree that cheering an injured player is classless, but when it’s an agitator, I think it’s understandable.
They were not booing the injury. Don’t believe everything Homer announcers tell you.
Someone needs to tell the Avs color man that the Wild fans were not booing Laperriere after he was lying on the ice after being hit by Derek Boogaard. They were saying “BOOOOO” for Boogard. The commentator made a comment about how it was “classy” that the Wild fans were “booing” when in fact they were saying that for Boogaard. I feel that he should know that. Another Denver sports media gaffe based on their subjective reasoning.
BeantownChris, how bout those Bruins? 
I go to school in Boston.
D’oh….offsides
Awesome WildLover, was resigned to just listening but (despite the signal freezing every once and a while) watching is AWESOME. Many thanks!!!!! (Lexington KY is hockey hell)
We ran into the same problem with a lady at a Twins game. She tried to tell me off for booing a player, when we were saying Lewwwww, because Lew Ford was coming up to bat.
The crowd sounds amazing.
Heck of a defensive play by Reitz there on the 2 on 1…
To be honest, that can be confusing if you’re not “in the know.”
Maryann Gaborik is not a playoff performer. No grit, not tough enough. The highlight goals he lights up the regular season with don’t come in the playoffs. Minnesota Wild has based their team around a player that will never be able to make the “State of Hockey” anything more than a feel good story about how they are a classy, hockey knowledgeable fan base. You all drink Jacques Lemaire’s kool aid. Go Avs. Avs in 6!!!!!
Dallas is about to go up 3-1 on the Fowl.
You know, I thought that we had more going for us than just Gabby. Apparently I was wrong, we drafted all those other players like Burns, Koivu, Shultz, and PMB just to compliment Gabby. I should have known better.
Seamus: Me too. Just about to graduate from Northeastern. The Canadiens fans are nuts around here. There’s a good chance there have been more Canadiens fans at the games than Bruins fans.
Avs#19 - if you’ll say the same thing about Stasny, then ok.
TSN feed is gushing over Burns. I like it.
Alex, we’re not commenting on anything Avs fans say tonight…
I can’t believe how many beautiful chances we’ve had.
Stastny - 2nd Year in NHL
Gaborik - 7th Year
Wow, those TOI for the avs defensemen look so low.
Sorry Wes, I missed the memo. Pass the Kool-aid.
If this game keeps up this way I can’t be upset with any outcome.
Stars stick it to Ducks again.
I think even more than the announcers what bothers me about the ALT feed is all the crap that they keep running across the bottom of the screen, thus squishing the action into a bad proportion. I guess if you don’t have enough fans to sell out the playoffs you have to make money somehow, but still…
Waaaaaaaaa…
What’s a matter, can’t engage in a little competitive banter?
BeantownChris, awesome, I go to Berklee. I’ve been to a couple Bruins games (vs. Wild last year, vs. Rangers this year) and until I’ve actually gotten into the Garden, I’ve always seen more away jerseys than home. If I was a Bruins fan, I would be discouraged by that…
We need Theodore to pull a Cloutier.
Competitive banter is fine. Just don’t be an idiot.
It’s incredible, we sell out state high school and they cant sell out an NHL playoff game…
What instrument do you play Seamus?
A friend of mine’s brother went to the last game in Denver. He had no idea who the Avs were playing. And he’s from TX, so I’m not entirely sure he actually knew what sport they were going to watch.
Alex, FSN does that a lot too.
Seamus, isn’t the Garden aweful, especially after getting used to the X?
Please don’t feed the trolls.
My cheesehead WI friend who immigrated here says “Bring on the 3rd period…we own it phuckers!!!” Gotta love playoffs. He doesn’t even really like hockey.
I’m sorry to be so fair weather but if Ovechkin scores the winner in OT I might move to DC.
Chris, yeah they do, but it doesn’t seem to get in the way of the game as much. Or else I’m just biased. Heh.
I’m feeding no trolls. I will just take pleasure when they all melt away by the end of this game.
Jim Carr: Well I may be bald, but at least I’m not chickenshit like you!
It’s ok to like Ovechkin. He is pretty awesome.
I am about to head home, and the wife is pausing the DVR so I won’t be back till after the game. Go Wild! See you guys (and gals?) later!
I’m not sure anyone would blame you. Ovie is something to behold.
Later ATX.
Wes - I just moved to Virginia, it’s been fun to watch so many Caps games in HD since February or so.
Wes, I play guitar.
Beantown, the X is in a league of its own… the crowd is amazing. The Garden crowd got the most fired up during the Rangers game when they flashed on the screen “Go Red Sox! Tame the tribe!” (During the AL Championship last year). Boston is a baseball city through and through.
I do want to go the Bell Centre sometime…
And I’m sorry, this isn’t directed to the trolls, but where exactly was this “competitive banter” that was not well received?
Crap… what brought you to Virginia?
pHILLY GOT THE GAME!!!
They are just hungry WildInATX. We aren’t feeding them. Stay strong.
I think it was when I said not to talk to Avs fans… they were talking about Gabby and Spasny, ah sheet, I said it… I wasn’t going to.
Well, I don’t see anything wrong with some competitive banter. Helps keep the mind off the TERRIBLE Altitude announcers, right?
Like my dog, they will whine for treats and try to break you down.
Work. And actually I’m headed to Philly soon, but man the Flyers are so . . . not as interesting as the Caps.
Right… Lets go wild!
I’ll actually agree with you on the Altitude announcers. I can’t stand them either. In our defense, the current play-by-play guy is on “loan” from St. Louis.
Avs#19 says:
Stastny - 2nd Year in NHL
Gaborik - 7th Year
True dat. In playoffs:
Gaborik - 27games - 21points
Stastny - 4games - 0points
So, not completely ineffective eh?
Have I said yet tonight how much I like Boogie?
What an efficient kill.
spoke too soon 
Thank you! Thank You! Thank You Wolski!!! Just like Russo called it, Avs in 6!!
Damn!
Bandgeek - sorry I moved to the website and wasn’t able to see the logs. I finally figured I could put them side by side. I live a little south of Merle Hay Mall. Border of Des moines and Urbandale
These guys suck. Series over.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
Yes, quite an effecient kill…NOT!!!
need to close this down. not getting a very good feed with both windows open
Looks like the boys will be scheduling their tee times this week.
Again, the Mild couldn’t score in a whorehouse.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW!
I had reli’s out on the east side of town near Adventure Land. Is that still there? I spent many a day after Thanksgiving with the family at Merle Hay Mall showing Grandma what I wanted for Christmas, and then we would go eat at Chi-Chi’s and have fried ice cream. That is until they closed Chi-Chi’s and we started going to Machine Shed out on the north edge somewhere.
Pussies.
Oh dear
Well hell.
What was that about Statsny?
Another 3-2 OT thriller coming…JT is standing on his head.
GAWD, I hate the Avs? Why couldn’t the Wild at least beat these losers!?
Bad time for a meltdown, guys.
Honest to Christ, they’ve got to dismantle this team and start all over again.
Shit hockey year after year. Sick of it.
This team couldn’t score in a whorehouse..
See you next fall
Don’t worry, you’ll be outta your misery in 3.5 periods.
Was typing when Avs got the third…Good night Wild and Good night Russoville.
Thanks for the great season boys. Prove me wrong when I wake up tomorrow.
Backstrom was total horsecrap on that last goal. He’s terrible.
Mike, who would you keep if you were the GM? That would seem to be the short list.
Gaboril blows. Not a single point in 5 games? Awful.
Keeping gulping the tainted Kool-aid you Mild lemmings. You deserve these candy asses.
Another set of adventures from the land of misfit defenders. Don’t get me wrong, I think Burns is the cats meow, and Schultz is solid when his appendix isn’t trying to illegaly immigrate to the US, but….
With an awfully mismatched D and a few forwards who may have points, but act like a tin man in this game, we don’t deserve to steal this one.
Koivu, Burns, maybe Shultz. That’s it.
Na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey-hey, Goodbye!
Mike, you’re one of us, and if you’re not, go away.
Calgary up 1-0
Sure got quiet in here
Seriously, Risebrough is a total moron. They’ve got to get rid of him. Don’t know much about the new owner but it’s so apparent that a blind man could see it.
You know its bad when the Avs are only sending one forechecker to our blue line, and we can barely clear the zone…
Getting rid of Brunette and not signing any free agents after the lockout is unforgiviable. Keep to the plan Risedump? What’s the plan? Miss the playoffs entirely or bow out in round one year after year?
What are the lemmings at the X cheering about? Losing?
There’s one I’m on record for agreeing with Mike. Letting Brunette go the way they did, or letting him get away at all…. unacceptable.
Sean Hill is just brutal. Every time he’s on the ice, the Wild are scrambling. His breakouts are always off the glass and to the Avs.
-3 and his penalty led to the go-ahead goal. Lemaire is at fault. Hill has been brutal all series and Numinillen should have played.
Why is he still seeing the ice?
I think that pisses me off more than anything.
ROLI!!!!!
Ok, who called for the 3-2 finish again?
Where was Risedump at the trade deadline? Instead of shoring up at center or at D, no, he’s jerking off over Simon’s suspension record.
Ugh. This was disappointing. We needed to pounce on the Avs in the first two, but Theodore stood on his head. This period, the Avs showed up (and stayed out of the box, which was smart of them).
LoL… well, that was nice.
We just wanted to win by 3-2 again!
This franchise is disappointing.
I think I’m going to drive to Wisconsin and get some beer… See you Saturday folks…
Is the beer better in Wisconsin?
I’m a liar I guess, I’m still here, liquor stores close at 10 in MN.
Wow, you could hear a pin drop in here
Bueller, Bueller???
A long time ago I promised myself I wouldn’t feed trolls or morons, but I swear to God Mike you horse sh** attitude is hitting the wrong nerve tonight. I expect crap from people who are obviously cheering for the other team, but my god man do you have no shred of happiness in your soul? You only show up when we lose, you say the same mother smurfing thing time after time after time after time. We get it you don’t like the team, you don’t like Dougie, blah blah blah blah…… This team could play so hard they are sweating blood and if they didn’t win you’d bitch and moan. This is most likely the only time I will address this, because negativity is bad for your health, but if you really are this negative I feel pity for you. And since I might never acknowledge your presence again I have one last thing to say to you… get bent ya hoser.
So here’s the thing that bothers me about this: the wild has a good chance to win this series. If we do, then we get Shultz back and Radio, and we’re better.
If the Avs move on, it’s unlikely that they will beat Dallas or San Jose. Or Detroit.
I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
I’ve got about a million better things to do than watch these hacks play loser hockey on Satruday night.
Fact of the matter is we got beat in a close game, we had chances, if we come out and play on Saturday we might win, then we’re back at home. All is not lost, but this one stung.
Who to blame for this?? Tough to say…I’ll just say this: If Wild is serious about signing Gaborik, they do it this off-season as his price tag has just plummetted in a nasty bear market for him… . How come Iginla is able to keep scoring against much tougher D of San Jose and this clueless Euro of stuck up Gabby is absolutely detrimental as of the first five games??? I say it’s all about heart. He just doesn’t have it and therefore can’t overcome playoffs obstacles. Thorton, Stastny…every other star that has struggled has eventually produced….Gaborik has one more chance in Game 6, otherwise either sign him cheap or trade his ass for someone with heart…like 3 Smyths.
The Schultz injury is huge. Our defenseman have been totally outplayed this series. Hill has been brutal, Carney looks like an old man, and even Burns had a crucial turnover that led directly to a goal tonight.
I think they’re better off taking the Gabby money and investing in cloning Koivu.
I’ve got no happiness for Risebrough and this group of candy-assed losers he’s assembled. Nor do I have any sympathy or good will to the thousands upon thousands of Mild cheering, kool-aid gulping lemmings who worship every turd this hockey franchise drops year after year.
Does that explain it well enough for you?
And the excuses begin in 3-2-1….
Qualifying for the first round (which isn’t at all difficult to do in the NHL) and then bowing out in round one every year IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! Get rid of the Dumpper and start over again.
I’m excited for Saturday because Mike said he has better things to do than be here… Oh it will be so nice.
No excuses tonight FF, Jose freakin stood on his head plain and simple. Their were several chances that had he not been on this game would have been much much different.
I’m out. Night all.
Interesting speach from JL talking about frustrated Gaborik…how he’s playing with no confidence and very tight…that’s exactly what’s going on. Again, MG is the multimillion dollar deal, he has to figure it out, we can’t afford zero points in five games against subpar defense of AARP team.
Hey Foppa, where are you when the Avs lose? No one cares when you show up here to gloat. Avs won, Wild lost. Move on.
Mike — The Wild have made the playoffs three times. They got to the Western Conference Finals once. They got put out in the first once. We’re still in the middle of the first round the third time. I’m not exactly certain that you can say they’ve gone out in the first round EVERY YEAR.
I know it’s semantics, but that’s the problem when you make broad statements like that.
So you’re only a fan when the team wins Cups, Mike? And you’ve got a million things better to do than watch the Wild on a Saturday? I guess the list is somewhat smaller on other days of the week.
…against subpar defense of AARP team.
Awwww C’mon now…. that Detroit team led by Hull a few years ago *had to be older….
WildInATX, that’s flawless, but do you really think Mike reads anything anyone else says?
Where in the heck is the moderation on this board?
Seriously ban some of these terrible trolls.
Mike’s comment at 10:29pm shouldn’t be on any type of message board.
Can I get you a kleenex Joey?
Wow, check out Zuglands article… http://www.startribune.com/sports/17879324.html
Dudes . . . the series is NOT over. Nobody’s fault. Tip of the cap to Theodore. He’s never played better in his life. Time to suck it up and get ready for Saturday.
Wes, that is true. It’s probably a vain hope that his only joy in life is not complaining about a team or trying to anger other people on the internets.
Maybe a Wild exec will read that article and we wont have to listen to those goons anymore…
Risedump doesn’t even try to win a cup. Where was he after the lockout when 200+ free agents were available and the team was millions below the cap? Where has he been the last two trade deadlines…drooling over Dominic Moore and Chris Simon…that’s where. He’s cluless, ownership has been clueless, players have stunk in the playoffs. Don’t know much about the new owner but this next offseason (which starts in about 48 hrs from now) will tell the story if it’ll be more of this garbage or if the new regeime intends to actually try to be a cup contender.
Just watched SportsCenter and Stastny’s goal was in the top 10…ouch, that had to hurt
I know I said I was going to bed but I’m to wound up… Preach on brother Boomer. This series would be entirely different if Jose wasn’t playing the way he has been. I’m sure some of the Avs brass is thinking their record would look better and they’d have been the higher seed if he’d shown this level of play sooner.
Mike: If you don’t like the product then don’t watch. What exactly are you trying to accomplish by being so negative? Life is too short to be a miserable son of a bitch like you. Try to find some joy in your life buddy. And if the only thing that gives you joy is coming on this blog, and being ridiculous then you live a very sad life. I hope you can make it better for yourself.
Avs fans: Congrats. Your goalie stole a game for you. I would however think that 2003 would have taught you a lesson about gloating too early. You may end up winning the series but I would be cautious that you don’t celebrate too early.
Does anybody even see what the call was on in the 3rd that allowed the Avs to go up 2-1? I still have no idea why they make a call like that so late in the game when it’s not big enough to notice. The refs have been terrible in this series.
Hey Mikey, Risedump, Simon, Moore, lockouts - ANCIENT HISTORY. We have to play with the hand we’re dealt. Saturday night is the only thing that matters.
Took the words out of my mouth Kirk.
I thought we already knew that ESPN didn’t know enough hockey to make an educated decision regarding plays of the week.
Yes, blame it on the refs. That seems like a convenient excuse.
It wasn’t the refs. It’s JT. Don’t worry, he’s more than likely a headcase like all goalies. They have weaknesses.
No excuses Foppa. Your goalie was the difference, plain and simple. See you for Game 7.
I think I’m going to go try that sleep thing now. Still wound up so who knows if it’ll work.
Hey Boomer, wouldn’t you like to see someone else as GM of the Mild trying to put together a winning hand? You say it’s ancient history but it’s the same gawd awful recipe.
Risedump has been miserable. I don’t see how he can be defended.
Don’t you be all making Theodore a Vezina recipient. Haven’t we made EVERY single goaltender a superstar in the regular season??? I can’t believe how ppl try to excuse Wild’s inefficiency on goalie’s performance. We just CAN’T score, that’s it. The story of this season. Now, having said that, this season ain’t over yet. A couple of lucky bounces even for our impotent goal-scorers can take us to Game 7 at the X which we’ll win. So let’s not lose hope yet.
At this point who does the winner of this series play next?
misko, Reality check: It’s over, pal. Stop kidding yourself. It’s done.
You should really listen to Mike, seems like the only sane Wild fan in here.
Mike, what else do you have in your life to entertain yourself?
Oh, and out of complete curiosity, did you go to the Russoville gathering today?
I know, I’m violating many rules by asking, but I can’t help myself.
It would be inaccurate to label Mike as a Wild fan.
He’s more like the guy who was angry when the NHL came back to MN.
I’m starting a club, Wild Fans for Mike’s Removal… Any takers? WATX right now San Jose is winning 3-1, series is 2 - 2. I’m pretty sure we’d have the winner of that series.
Hey Mikey, I am not defending Dougie. Yeah, I’ve been disappointed by his trade deadline non-action and I’ll never forgive him for letting Bruno walk. All I’m saying is that there’s nothing we can do right now except play Saturday night.
I thought it was impossible for us to play Cal in the second round due to the reseeding.
If SJ wins, we’d play them, unless Nash wins (I think).
If Col and Det win, I think they might play each other … being the 1 and 4 seed.
Positives for tonight:
1) Reitz looked decent. I disagree with leaving Hill in, and sitting Nummy.
2) The “Dirty Ducks” got beat. That makes me almost as happy as a Wild victory.
3) IF the Guppies beat the Cows that would be the trifecta.
See how that works Mike? You can CHOOSE to be positive or miserable.
One thing good about this first round is that the tough FA decision between Demitra and Rolston has become quite an easy choice.
I don’t believe a European Captain has ever won the Stanley Cup? I think maybe there was a Russian guy pulled it off once some time ago, but that is fringe Europe.
Brenden Morrow, Jason Arnott, Jarome Iginla, these guys are Captains that can really lead a team in the playoffs.
I can look past Gaborik’s lack of production a little bit if I felt like he was still visible in a vocal and physical way on the bench, ice and in the locker room. I just don’t get that feeling though.
Even DR has admitted, quite publicly, that letting Bruno go was a HUGE mistake.
I think there’s fairly good odds that the Wild make a play for him this summer though, given that he’s a UFA.
I don’t get how it works then, I’m used to the brackets from NHL ‘94 on Genesis.
Not that winning this series would really matter. Even if the Mild miraculously get past the Avs there’s no way the Mild could ever get past the Sharks or Flames. Not even within the realm of possiblility.
Seriously, fire Risebrough Sunday morning and give somebody else a shot. Nobody could do worse.
The sharks make scoring goals look E Z .
Anything’s possible, Mikey. You might even slip up and say something positive.
No, seriously. Mike - I thought you mentioned earlier that you had better things to do. So I took an interest in your life and asked what that was, in a friendly manner.
I now understand that putting other things in the same post makes it difficult for you to answer the question. Got it.
No brackets Wes. It’s Bettman’s playoff shuffle.
WildinATX, highly unlikely. They dismissed him with an unpolite, impersonal phone call. Just told him he wasn’t needed anymore in our “system”. As much as I want our guys to win, Colorado gets the gold star for picking him up. Not to mention he gets to play on a line with Joey Sac… not too much we could woo him with IMHO.
I can’t be positive about the Mild as long as the Dumpper is running the show. I just can’t do it. He’s that bad.
It’s not a shuffle. We reseed. Makes for better matchups.
Talking about 2nd round opponents is sort of pointless until at least one series is over. There’s just too many potentials when everyone is still alive.
That’s very true KiPA.
Hey, how often do you go to Pittsburgh?
Wes, et al.: After every round the teams are re-seeded so that the highest seed plays the lowest. If Detroit(1) wins, they’ll play the lowest remaining seed in the second round. If they lose and San Jose(2) wins, they play the lowest remaining seed Nashville(8), etc.
The Penguins are done… They looked good.
It may be Bettman, but it’s not stupid, joey. The NBA has had discussions - or at least the media has said the NBA should discuss - about reseeding teams which they don’t currently do in order to get the best teams to the finals instead of the conference semifinals.
Right on, I don’t think the genesis has that kind of computing power.
Not everyone’s “alive”. You can start throwing the dirt on the Mild.
Mikey, I feel your pain, Dude. I thought we’d see a meaningful move at the deadline. It could be worse. Dougie’s deals pale in comparison with the McHale/Taylor connection.
Usually only for Pens games, WATX.
Kevin where have you been?! Out with your girl I’m sure celebrating a sweep while we wallow in pity, consider my nose turned up! Kidding.
negatives
we lost, not much more to say
positives
we played really well.
reitz was fine. benny was ok. not a lot of ice time for him.
no OT
there was a gal two rows in front of me with perhaps the finest arse i’ve ever seen. sure made losing a little easier to take. Thank you, whoever you are.
Boomer, McHale/Taylor doesn’t matter. Nobody cares about the NBA. It’s a joke league for gangsters. The Woodmutts could leave town and the NBA could never come back and nobody would really care.
People here care about hockey. For me, that’s why it’s so irritating to see the Dumpper screw up year after year. Get rid of him and give somebody else a shot at it.
As for Bruno, given that DR has done nothing but honestly apologize for that and admit publically it was his biggest mistake, I don’t think we parted that poorly with him.
And the Avs haven’t resigned him yet. So there’s that.
Oh yeah, and he likes playing for a sold out crowd, he said so tonight. St. Paul can do that; Denver can’t.
GreenStar was she an avs or wild fan?
no offense to dave, KJ, mrs kj, el gato, WRT and guest, i ain’t meeting up for game 7. two russoville meet and greets and two losses. oh and i’m back in the red with foppa shoes.
Whatever, Mike. The Wild might lose game 6 but they haven’t yet, so they’re still alive. On life support maybe, but not dead yet. Don’t you have some puppies to boil or something? Seems like something you’d do.
Wes, wish I had a girl, but no, was at work most of the night. The celebration ended last night. Long way to go still.
DUMP the DUMPPER! (I’m serious).
GreenStar was she an avs or wild fan?
i didn’t care
Mike, Doug doesn’t play anymore. You’ll have to put some accountability at ice level at some time this evening.
wow, you didn’t care or you didn’t notice? Eh eh, you ol’ dog!
“I didn’t care”
Or notice?
The Dumpper assembled these pansies. He’s responsible.
Ok Mike, I’ve noticed that actual questions and invitations, although you invite them on the internet, aren’t accepted. Not to get personal, but that can only lead me to believe that either you don’t like to talk to people in person, or that you can’t leave home due to an illness or disability.
I don’t mean to insult you, but if you’re going to insult other people, then at least acknowledge other people’s questions.
Can the Flames do it? 4 - 3.
KiPA sayz:
Don’t you have some puppies to boil or something?
Best. Post. Tonight.
If anyone cares, those damn flames just scored to make it 4-3 with about a minute left.
G* — how nice an ass? Good rest of the package?
(WATX = Ms. ATX)
Mikey, Who knows . . . Mr. Leipold may make you a happy man this summer. Me, I’ll just roll with the punches and have good thoughts about Saturday night.
What other blogger have I insulted?
another positive was there was a new bar setup kinda by the entrance near the iron range bar that looked to be service fat tire.
Or notice?
i’d guess she was a wild fan but if you saw what i saw, who she was a fan of would the about the 9th thing on your mind.
Hey, at least Philly and San Jose won tonight.
WATX, I knew it! I’m so perceptive.
I try to please, dk9.
No! GreenStar they want you to drink the Colorado Fat Tire, you must refrain!
I figured that someone would know it!
And, just to be clear, ATX’s love of pmb is actually my love of pmb. But he’s grown to accept it.
9th? Wow, you show more self restraint than I would!
Oh, and speaking of pmb, I do believe he is trying hard to prove that he’s worth that contract. Anyone else?
how nice an ass?
way out of my league
Good rest of the package
she wore glasses which is a plus in my book. didn’t look like a lawyer which is a bigger plus in my book.
And Kevin, I ask because I lived there for 3 years and I’m familiar with the area.
Oh, and be careful not to get jumped in the Hill District when you go to the igloo. We like you here.
didn’t look like a lawyer which is a bigger plus in my book.
to clarify, looking like and being a lawyer is a plus. i realize the above could be confusing to someone who is looking for a lawyer gal pal for me
oh, G*, I’m hurt.
But a nice ass is always good.
GreenStar they want you to drink the Colorado Fat Tire, you must refrain!
i refrained. planning for next series
WATX I agree about Bouchard, someone was saying earlier we didn’t have a lot to offer Brunette and I was like what, we got Butch!
Oh neat Mrs. A. And don’t worry, I avoid the Hill like the plague.
WiATX, i think i redeemed myself at 11:44. at least i hope so.
i got to hit the sack. later y’all.
KiPA — where is the new center going to be built? rumor when we were there was the hill, but that’s when the casinos were funding it.
We have a lot to offer bruno. And, as I said earlier, I don’t think he’s adverse to coming back, with the right offer.
No real change. It’ll be right across the street where the old St. Francis hospital was. They finally tore that sucker down last month. The location isn’t going to change my route into town.
Hill district people put up a big stink about demanding all kinds of benefits. IIRC they finally reached a preliminary agreement on that very recently.
Man, The movie Sudden Death made the Igloo look awesome! KiPA you should campaign for them to keep it. Yes, no? Either that or the new rink should have a bronze Jean-Claude like the Herb Brooks at the X.
Don’t get me started on Sudden Death. Lol
It’d be neat to keep the Igloo but they won’t.
Right on, right on. Bed time I think, see you on Saturday.
Later Wes. Keep the faith.
Good game, and it’s the result we were looking for according to GOW. So no worries. (-:
I’m not all that worried. It might be the kool aid talkin’, but we’ll come back.
It’s in our blood.
Just home from the X, and that’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever seen. Total domination of the second period and nothing to show for it. We should have been ahead about 4-1 after that period, but instead we let this crappy little Avs team hang around.
Poor Gabby is so messed up right now he doesn’t know what he’s doing..painful to watch. The fans were great tonight, almost everybody played well - even Pouliot and Reitz did well - and the hockey gods just said “no.” I refuse to believe this is over, and intend to be back at the X Monday night.
And ATX, it IS impossible for us to play Calgary in the second round. Here’s the math:
If Calgary wins their series, it means the Wild is either 2nd-highest remianing seed (behind Detroit) or the highest remaining seed (If Nashville beats Detroit.)
In scenario A, the 2nd-highest seed, we would play the 3rd-highest remaining seed, which has to be Dallas or Anaheim>
In scenario B, as top remianing seed, we would play the lowest remaining seed, which would have to be Nashville.
My only bright post-game moment: Walking through the lobby and seeing Greenlay - in the one of the worst-fitting suits I’ve ever seen - and thinking “The silver lining in a playoff loss is that we wouldn’t have to listen to this buffoon for five months, or, if there’s any justice in the universe, we’ll never have to hear him again.”
Goalieguy, it sure seemed to me that the X was quiet at the start of the 3rd. The fans were stoked at the start of the first and second, but on tv anyway, it seemed quite. True or false?
I didn’t sense that, BNAG…I think everyone really believed we were going to win it, and were stunned when the Avs got those two goals.
Everytime they played one of the scoreboard videos urging the fans to make noice, get on their feet, etc., I thought “The fans have done their job here…it’s time for the guys on the ice to do theirs.”
The two Avs goals killed the X.
no posts from mike after 11:30 mommy must of put him to bed. but really mike i will say a prayer for you tonight. you must be such a pathetic soul that has nothing better to do in your pathetic life to just want to piss people off. don’t hide show your f..ing face in person… i told you last year i know who you are…. and you went away
maybe you should consider that again. give mommy a kiss
secuel; you need to give gabby his jersey back; he hasn’t got a point since you won that thing!
Was at the game, man, JT was on fire; NB, not so much. They seem to have his #. I thought he gave up one soft goal and the other 2 were tougher, but stoppable. Your goalie needs to step up, I don’t know like JT has and make that great save or two(or 3,4,5) a game. It’s late so maybe I’m not remembering right, but the only really great save I remember Backs making this series was on that penalty shot in what was it Game 1?
How could Hill be tired, the puck was mostly in the Avs end? We played as hard as I’ve seen them play they looked great and still got the loss. Maybe JL should consider starting Harding, give the Avs something new to look at because they got Nick down, literally…just a thought.
Gabby, I don’t know, if DR can get something good for him over the summer, I say do it…this is the 2nd playoff series in a row that he is AWOL. What do ALL his other numbers matter if he can’t produce in the playoffs? “Getting” us to the playoffs is great, but not enough. He looked awful tonight and I say he was the only one looking that way.
Skoula, was very good marty tonight, he saved at least 1 goal and layed a few hits. Time for bed.
it aint over yet!
I hope the Don has some uplifting news in the a.m. from the Mile High City…Still up watching the Padres vs. Rockies game from SD in the 22nd inning WOWZA
Wow. Tough loss last night. Go get ‘em in Denver. That’s all we can do now.
I apologize this morning in advance to anyone in Russoville who may have a deep-rooted religion faith, but I have come to realize that Jose Theodore is in fact, Jesus Christ
#10 is 26 years old.
he just had his first 40 goal season
he is a plus player
he is oppononents #1 focus
i’m willing to cut the kid some slack.
Maybe we should trade him for OJ? He sure has a great playoff record.
If not DB he at least has a direct line to the Almighty.
Saw your post late last night about not meeting up again, G*. Agreed. It appears to jinx us.
Oh, and one more thing. Somebody needs to send a case of Schlitz to the media-guy writer in the sports section of the Strib who called out D&D for their incessant on-air whining about the officials. Last night was, without a doubt, the worst job of broadcasting a game that I have been forced to listen to in a long, long, long. Well, since I had to listen to the clowns during game 4.
Can someone explain to me why I keep hearing about how the Wild have dominated this series? I understand that they have carried the play for long stretches & have outshot Colorado and all of that, but isn’t the goalie part of the team? If the Wild aren’t scoring, how can our TV announcers continue to say that the Wild are dominating? The facts seem to say that Colorado is outplaying us. They are scoring during the few opportunities they are getting (see last nights power plays) and their goalie is seriously outplaying anybody on the ice! I wish it were otherwise. So can we stop with all the talk of the Wild dominating?
One other thing: Being fairly new to the hockey world, why is it that the players, coaches, and announcers always seem to bring up comments like “The puck didn’t bounce our way” or “We caught an unlucky break on that goal”? I understand that a puck can take a funny bounce once in a while, but they all make it sound like each game just comes down to luck. Seems to me that you normally create your own luck by being in the right place at the right time.
Did you hear about Danny Federici, G*? Very sad.
“The puck didn’t bounce our way” or “We caught an unlucky break on that goal”?
You’re a bad pony, Nth, and I’m not gonna bet on you.
GoalieGuy - we could play Calgary in the next round under one scenario if these teams win: Anaheim, Wild, Calgary, Nashville. The NHL reseeds after each round, and Anaheim had more points than us, so they would be #1, Wild #2, Calgary #3, and Nashville #4. Thus the Wild-Flames matchup.
Did you hear about Danny Federici, G*? Very sad.
I did this morning while looking for info on the rumored Obama concerts springsteen may be doing this summer. I heard he played a show in indy back in march and people thought he was on the comeback.
San but not as sad as your gal’s pooch.
so they would be #1, Wild #2, Calgary #3, and Nashville #4. Thus the Wild-Flames matchup.
we would get nashville in this scenario. we are seeded higher than the fowl
Anaheim had more points than us, so they would be #1, Wild #2, Calgary #3, and Nashville #4. Thus the Wild-Flames matchup.
That’s not how it works. The top remaining seed plays the lowest remaining seed.
If seeds 3,4,7,8 advance, 3 plays 8 and 4 plays 7, so we’d get Nashville.
Well, it’s been fun boys. The Wild may as well start making golf plans for next week because there is no way the Avs let the Wild win game 6. It’s been a fun series but experience counts so much in the playoffs. The way Theodore has been playing the Avs could seriously make a run at the cup. Hope they do. Guess there’s always next year.
You guys are trying to figure out who the Wild will play in the next round when they are 2 days away from elimination? Come on. Figure out who the Avs are going to be playing.
Short answer: Jose Theodore is the reason Colorado won the game last night, and if Colorado advances to the next round it will be due to his play. Period. End of story!
Long answer: Theodore has been very good, but how many times this season did the Wild play some team with a mediocre starter or back up goaling, and we made said goalie look like a future hall of famer?
Since the beginning of this franchise the Wild have struggled to score goals, and nothing has changed!
The Wild were awesome in that second period last night and came away with nothing. That has to be scary and disheartening for them because I don’t think they have another offensive gear. They through everything they had at Theodore in that period and got nothing.
George, the Avs said the same thing in 2003 after Game 4.
Wild are 7-2 when facing elimination.
I say tomorrow JL should roll 3 centers (9,25,15) with four wing pairs (10,38; 12,96; 19,17; 11,83) and dress 67 as an insert player on wing or center. Reitz plays again, Hill sits.
NewtoHockey, I think by “dominating” the just mean dictating the game. The Wild hav dictated the pace and the physicality of the series as a whole. The fact that they are losing the series is a travesty.
I don’t blame Gabby either. The Avs are doing a great job of frrusurating him off his game.
George, Theodore will buckle.. like a belt. You will not win the cup, mark my words. Even if you do make it to the SCF, if Pitt or MTL makes it the old men in Colorado would be toast. First they would need to make it past Detroit, Calgary, San Jose, or Dallas, which I don’t see either. Just to clarify… I don’t see the Wild doing it either, unless Schultz and Radio come back ASAP. And if they can make a comeback and win this series, obviously.
Thank you for calling out Gaborik. He is the most over rated player in Hockey and a complete non-factor in this series. I agree that last night was by FAR his worst game of the playoffs.
Great game WILD, but not great enough for a win. You all came out strong to the point I was anxious. Our goalie is AWESOME and played to his full potential last night! I’m not going to claim the series yet, but GO AV’S!!!!!!!
I think Gaborik’s trying to do too much. Last night, several times, he carried the puck into the zone and turned it over while there was an open Wild player supporting that he could have easily passed to. Instead, he’s trying to do it all himself and making it easy for the Avs.
VoR: If 34 sits, all the better. Voros has been worse than a non-factor in this series. We’d be better off with no one in that slot. (Of course, if Parrish and/or Radivojevic came back, the result would be obvious.)
Respect to docnjen for not being a douchebag. Although, theodore will fold eventually. I just hope it’s against the Wild!
I think it was Gary Gaetti of the Twins that said after the 1988 playoffs:
“It’s tough to throw a guy out when you have both hands around your throat.”
It’s also tough to score goals that way, even when you have an open net to shoot at.
Right, Gaborik?
I’m disappointed in this team, but not at all surprised. I kind of wish I hadn’t watched them all season long, because then I might be at least surprised by their inability to score and the tendency to make average goaltenders look spectacular.
This team needs to find some players who can put the puck in the net with more regularity.
The team doesn’t even have 1 scoring line. It seems any time there are two offensive players together, the third on the line is a goon.
I know, I know, I shouldn’t get that way. But it’s frustrating to be a Wild fan right now whne your team doesn’t do anything to improve their ability to score when you know they have the talent to do so.
WRT - It doesn’t help when the refs have blinders on half the damn time.
At least they started calling Forsberg on his holding the stick antics.
For the record, Gaetti said it after the Twins choked at the end of the 1984 season. They didn’t make the playoffs in 1988.
Too bad they didn’t get anything for the effort. Except maybe total consciousness on their deathbed…at least they’ve got that going for them… 
Enjoy the game on Saturday, I won’t get to see it because of the band gig.
I’m pretty deflated. When you play about as well as you can, and still lose by 2 goals, it’s time to turn out the lights.
Ugh.
WRT…like I said last night…
Gaborik may never score again.
Fat Tire is good. Colorado Avs are average. I’m disappointed we didn’t win this game. Why do we play so well only when pushed to the edge?
All season we have had this struggle with intensity. The inconsistency frustrates me. I guess at this point all we can do is hope that it ends up working in our favor. Someone please smack Gaborik. He needs a wake up call. Cheers to game six Wild fans!
i’m going to do one of those jotting/shooter type posts. Can you say (shooter on the trib site?)Anyway:
1st two periods great.
Third period bunk.
After the second Avs goal they just died.
Does Theodore give up any rebounds?
And just like all season, the Wild never get a bounce on the junk in front of the net. Or is that due to no one being able to finish?
Where did Veilleux go in the third? He was great in the first period, what happened?
Does JL need to stop messing with the lines so much? Would some chemistry help?
Burn’s looked awful too.
Reitz looked decent, waaaay better then Hill.
Is the captain in the playoffs to much for Gabby? Can we rotate it? Isn’t Rolston the real leader (especially with Schultz out)? With that being said, do we just need to pick a captain for the whole year already?
Sorry just a lot of thoughts. This team really irks me, they can look so good it’s so frustrating when they crap out like they did in the third. arrrggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
If the Wild could score goals we wouldn’t be in this predicament. Blame the Wild for their problems, not the referees!
gunga galunga
Hill should retire. I don’t hang last night on him but he has been less than ineffective all season. he may have been good in the past but it sure looks like he stayed in just a little too long.
Reitz looked just fine. Didn’t panic on that 2 on 1 and got the tip to break it up. I wasn’t expecting that.
NTH: Thanks. I was confused on the date!
after the aves took the 2 goal lead they went into trap mode and rarely, if at all, carried the puck into the zone. they dumped and sometime didn’t even send a guy in after it. just put 5 in the neutral zone and dared us to carry it thru. I don’t think the wild died in the 3rd as much as the aves went strictly defense. that is going to make any team look like they had no offense.
I realize it ain’t popular here but i think the captain thing is a non-factor. maybe some people play better with the C but i also think we expect more from them too. buffalo rotates the C as well so we are not the only team.
I am curios if it is possible to call diving on a player if they don’t actually go down.
Last night Floppy got hit cleanly by someone (don’t remember who). He came away from the boards with his gloves up to his face feigning getting hit by a high stick. Is it possible to award a diving penalty in this situation? If so, why does he get away with so much crap? At least give him an unsportsmanlike for that sht.
When he was shopping for a team I was of the opinion the Wild should try to get him. After seeing his constant acting (I had forgotten how much he does) I’m glad the Wild didn’t ‘win the Forsberg sweepstakes’!
Agreed about the Avs in the 3rd and about the C, G*. And also, please, can we not have the debate about the line combinations again? We’ve really beaten that to death.
Gaborik needs to change his pre-game meal.
He needs to stop eating “Chicken Swede.”
Reitz played well I thought. I saw him make several nice plays and he looked like he was doing everything he could do to prove he was worthy of the chance (which he did). He looked very responsible and seemed to keep up with the pace etc. Was impressed.
Benny seemed to do ok as well.
I am still frustrated this morning about the loss. Everything I have been thinking has already been said anyway. I am not blaming the refs, I am blaming our lack of scoring. Gaby needs to find some new moves. Even I know all of his current ones. How many times does he skate in and just try to split the defense? Too many to count and it generally leads to a turn over. He needs to relax and remember that he loves to play the game and he needs to play both sides of the game.
I am curios if it is possible to call diving on a player if they don’t actually go down
sleanne was giving a diving penalty last season in a game at the X around new years. it was the only penalty. he was not happy.
only time i’ve seen it happen
There were some pretty funny signs in the audience last night. I will list my 3 favs in order.
1) Swedish Diving Champion Peter Flopsberg
2) Laperriere’s to do list : fight simon-no, fight Boogaard-no, run like a chicken-yes
3)Hey Laperriere, Will you fight me? (what makes this a fav is that the person holding it was a white haired lady :-))
We didn’t take advantage of the limited Avs mistakes and they took advantage of ours. Also, what is the Av’s PP pct this series, somewhere in the high 20’s (taking Game 4 out of the equation since they had a big lead and didn’t really care about scoring PPG’s, it’s probably higher)? You have to have about an 85% PK rate and that is not being accomplished. Theodore has been outstanding but the Avs D has cleared out most loose rebounds and have done a great job of blocking shots.
Green*, I was beginning to think the same about the pre-game meeting myself.
Must win going out. The boys have to go out and take it.
Here’s what I’ve noticed about Theodore - you can’t beat him low, but you can beat him up high. I haven’t reviewed every Wild goal this series, but I’d be willing to bet that almost all of them went high.
Every one of his incredible saves has been on a low shot. If we start getting the puck up, we can beat the guy.
But, that is clearly more easily said than done.
behind the west goal someone unfurled a banner that read aves mascot, crying ryan and it had a pic of ryan smyth when he was blubbering like a kid when he was traded from the slick. that wasn’t bad.
i like the blue hair with the sign asking leperiscared to ‘go’ as well.
speaking of Ian. did him and DB just collide? it kinda looked like he tried to hit DB and took the worst of it.
Oh and Mike, for the sake of those family and friends around you, please seek professional help. The blogging under different/multiple ID’s, the cries for attention, the bashing of the female members of the blog, the ‘tough guy’ attitude when someone ’supposedly’ challenges you, it’s really not healthy. I don’t think society wants you to become the next ‘rampage’ news story or become like Norman Bates. Good luck with your life Mike.
kgopher that flopsberg sign was hilarious, but the guys holding it were annoying the entire game…trust me i was sitting two rows behind him
did anyone see a woman doing vellieux’s impersonation of mcLOUD on the scoreboard…the crowd was roaring the entire time it was on
Green*…it looked like Lappy Dog and Boogaard were facing the other way and thus collided like a train wreck.
No more Russoville pre-gamers for me this playoffs. Although, I am thinking that there is virtually no connection between winning and losing and us morons having a ‘meal’ together.
Ugh.
Too bad that they were annoying JSmith cuz it was a great sign. Those were just ones that I noticed on crowd shots. I missed the Cryin’ Ryan one. That sounds good too. Smyth to me will always be Captain Canada thanks to someone on here that called him that. I don’t care what team he plays for. I agree with whoever (I think it was GreenStar) that said Hill needs to retire. And despite all he has done for Burns, I think it is time that Carney retired as well. He is starting to show his age. I like Carney, he has been a great mentor to our young guys but retire and become a defense coach somewhere.
kj, morons is the operative word. It was a pleasure meeting up with you guys (and Mrs. kj, thanks for not getting me into trouble on ‘CCO) again and meeting WRT and the missus.
I’m going back to the Game 2 success, DVR the game and watch the following morning.
It’s kind of depressing here in Russoville, so I thought that I’d post something that would get a couple of chuckles. My personal favorites are 12 and 27.
Now, an ethics question. Does anyone else feel a bit leery that our new minority owner made his huge money by ‘investing’ in the idea that the subprime market would go belly up? The business section mentioned he made $1.7B for himself due to ’short selling’ subprime debt securities. It’s like wrong-betting in craps, right Green*?
G*, it looked to me that Boogie didn’t see Slappy and Slappy saw Boogie at the last second. I also thought that Slappy came up with the knee as well.
Not blaming the refs for the loss at all, but there were many thing that could have been and should have been called that weren’t.
Also, Smyth spends more time on his knees and back than a $10 hooker. If anyone skates near him he does a half-gainer unless he has the puck.
Loved the Cryin Ryan sign….
El G…the rich get richer.
So, Nik Lidstrom is Doogie Howser… wow.
FlyOnTheWall: LOL, Mr. Bean! That one was funny.
speaking of Ian. did him and DB just collide? it kinda looked like he tried to hit DB and took the worst of it.
Greenly suggested Lappy could have been called for interference but I thought it was more collision than intentional.
I remember listening to the North Stars on the radio a lot back in the day. If any of you remember, Shaver had kind of a strange call he’d make once in a while. He’d say something like, “Shot from the point, that hit Beaupre”. I always laughed at that because it sort of sounded like Beaupre was just standing there minding his own business and made a save because the puck happened to hit him.
I’m not saying Theodore didn’t play well last night or that he hasn’t been good in this series. He did, and he has, and this is not sour grapes. I do think that the puck has just happened to hit him several times, though, the way Shaver used to call it. Maybe that can be said of all goalies, but it sure seems to be happening a lot in this series.
Dave: I agree, we seem to be shooting at the goalie more then at the net. There are a lot of pucks that just keep hitting Theodore square on.
I agree with you Dave, Theodore’s been good but he hasn’t had to be great. The Wild haven’t had a lot of quality shots at the net. Something that I realized yesterday while watching the game was that the Wild would throw some shots at net and the puck would go right through the crease without a red jersey any where near it.
I do think that the puck has just happened to hit him several times, though, the way Shaver used to call it. Maybe that can be said of all goalies, but it sure seems to be happening a lot in this series
Could not agreee more - I fear the salt in the open wound of this series will be seeing more puck luck against Theodore in the next round.
Phonetic (Jo-ZAY Thee-o-DOR)
Taken straight from the Colorado website. Can D&D please stop saying Tea-a-dor? It hurts my ears.
Yeah the puck is just hitting him. That’s what happens when you aim it at his breadbasket.
You have to go high blocker on him.
Dave, kgopher, jsmith:
Your observations are valid. They also are proof-positive of just exactly how well JT played.
In today’s game, much of the emphasis in goaltending is positioning. In fact, kgopher, you actually used a term that we use in coaching: squaring up to the shooter. When we talk about a goaltender “playing well,” we almost always mean that he made spectacular (sp?) glove saves, or robbed a player, etc. This is a common “old school” characterization.
Today, if a goaltender is in fact “playing well,” that means that he his cutting off the shooting angles, reading and anticipating plays well, and “squaring up” to the shooter.
Soooooo, that is precisely why the Wild have been taken to task: They have not proven to be effective in scoring “playoff style” goals off of tips, deflections, rebounds, wraparounds, scrums in the slot, etc. These are the types of goals that a team needs to score if the opposing goaltender is “playing well.”
I like this one: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0804/nhl.players.resembling.entertainers/content.17.html
Modano FTW.
fly - LOL needed that, Thanks. Not nice to Inginla or Ovech but funny.
I’d still like to have a Russoville meet and greet and invite Mike. So I can punch him right in the mouth. I don’t feel sorry for you at all you loser. Get a life.
So if the Wild trades Gabby to the Florida Panthers because he won’t sign an extension, Gabby would get to play in the wide open East and wouldn’t have to worry about playoff pressure. I would call it a win-win!
The invitation has been extended to Mulitple Mike many times, ss6. Furthermore, the times and places of these gatherings are always well-publicized on this forum. For whatever reason, he has chosen not to take us up on it.
Wallshot, you are exactly right. He is weak on the blocker side.
We have thrown shot after shot right at him. I haven’t seen many shots go through a goalies torso, so it might help to alter the aim a bit. Not too many rebounds off the torso either…
Old Man Hill sits on Saturday. Reitz played well enough to stay in. If Schultz can go 10 minutes on Saturday, he is in and even if he is average, its addition by subtraction. If the Hammer can’t go, Nummi is back from the Popcorn Palace.
Frdige and Parrish need to take Voros aside and teach him how to screen a goalie. If your 3 inches away from him, you can’t get to a rebound or do anything with it if you do get to it. Move out a foot or two and not only do you screen a bigger area but you can do something with a rebound.
So I can punch him right in the mouth.
Classic.
I’d take you as a winger on my line any day, ss6. lol.
Lappy won’t fight ss6 either!
Hell, I won’t fight ss6 either.
So I can punch him right in the mouth.
I’d much rather break his hands so he can’t f’n type.
I suppose he could always dictate his posts to his mom and have her type.
Regarding Gaborik, it seems like it would be an overreaction to trade him based on solely his performance in this series. He’s still young, and prior to this series his playoff points per game was actually solid.
There’s an interesting conversation to be had about what his performance in the playoffs will do vis a vis contract demands. That being said, to me no point in worrying about that until this series is truly over. If the team can play 60 minutes like the first 40 last night, they stand a good chance of moving on to a seventh game, which would give Gaborik a chance to change some minds.
Thanks bfw. Frustration will make you crazy.
I wonder why Nummi wasn’t put up front?
It seems to me by keeping the Avs to 16 shots the D is doing their job. We obviously need more fire power up front. We need to get Theadore moving side to side. Nummi’s quick and has a decent shot.
Frdige and Parrish need to take Voros aside and teach him how to screen a goalie. If your 3 inches away from him, you can’t get to a rebound or do anything with it if you do get to it. Move out a foot or two and not only do you screen a bigger area but you can do something with a rebound.
I agree that we need to do better in front of the net (see my 11:11am), Voros included. I also agree that we are too tight to get to any rebounds, or room to do anything with it. Not to be critical, though, but moving out actually screens a smaller area.
Also, I believe we need to have activate our D-men in order to capitalize on rebounds (when we do get them) by having one of them pinch in to the tops of the circles. Obviously, the RIGHT D-men. Thoughts?
Had to work late again last night so only got to see the 3rd. Better half said Reitz played a good game and that the Wild had been good in the first 40. The third was very frustrating. I’m especially chafed about our goaltending. 16 shots and he lets in 3 in a playoff game? That’s not even 80%. The chef was a goalie for 10 years I understand good goaltending and those numbers are not good. ‘Specially in the playoffs.
Just read an article and these stats say everything….last night was the first time in four games The Wild scored in the first period, Minnesota still hasn’t scored a goal at all in any of the 2nd periods, and out of 324 total minutes of all 5 games, the Wild have had the lead only 4 minutes…I think that says alot right there, and as much as no Wild fans want to admit it, Theodore has been good enough, not flashy great, but just there and everywhere he needs to be, Saturday is going to be a tough one
Olli, I wouldn’t mind sending gabby to the Penguins for Malkin and a draft pick or something, I call that a win-win…
Kgopher, I agree that a lot of the shots were put right on JT’s chest instead of picking a corner, but even when JT was down, the boys didn’t lift the puck over his pads for an “easy” goal.
Unless JT implodes, the Wild are done, 2 goals in regulation for 5 games with the “D” not being able to keep them off the board spells certain doom…the stats when the Wild face elimination are just that, stats, they mean nothing. I wish it would be otherwise but it’s not. We rightly increased our toughness but have run into a hot goaltender, add some key injuries and that spells elimination.
I truly hope I’m wrong, maybe I’ll predict the Avs to win 3-1 to jinx ‘em, so I will, Avs win 3-1 at home.
ss6, the 1st one deflected off a skate and Johnsson’s stick and went right to Brunette, no chance on that one. They had 2 PPG on I think 3 chances. 33% penalty kill is the easiest way to lose a game! Game one I think the Avs were 1 for 2 on the PP.
ss6 it’s not quantity but quality.
Our D did not do their job as Brunette was left free, Wolski was left free and Burns created the turnover that led to the GWG.
How many times in this series have you seen a Wild player with time and space to shoot - like on all 3 Avs goals last night?
Sadly, 3 mistakes are 3 goals against for us.
I am SO damn frustrated by this team.
Ugh.
Russo you dont know how bad it hurts. Its almost as bad as the Vikings collapse against the Falcons in the NFC Final It took me two weeks before I could watch TV news or read the paper. As far as Hill goes just remember what DR did in free agency last summer and you have your answer (or trade deadline) This along with the injuries show the short comings. But as much as I hate to say it Brian Burke is right no complaining no excuses
The business section mentioned he made $1.7B for himself due to ’short selling’ subprime debt securities. It’s like wrong-betting in craps, right Green*?
I like risk but short selling scares me. mostly because when going long a stock and your wrong, it can only go to 0. if you short and are wrong it can go to infinity.
Just because he shorted the financials betting on sub prime blowup doesn’t mean he created nor encouraged it. lenders and borrowers did that themselves. I mean if i buy shares of exxon mobil or conoco-phillips, am I causing global warming or $4 gas?
so, while it feels slimey, to profit when something fails, I don’t have a problem with it. and that is just like betting the don’t. your odds of winning are roughly the same as someone betting pass. you just don’t get to cele when the table cele’s.
I know we are all down on our boys but when their back was against the wall they pulled one out.
Remember the last home game? We had to win to clinch and the boys did it against at team they were 1 and something against this year.
Yes the loss sucks, yes the shot selection is bad. It seams nobody is in the right spot to roof one home. Gabby is shell of is former self.
It looks doom and gloom but I belive that they will win game 6. I have hope. I guess that is what fan does.
Please pass the Kool-Aid…I relly need some.
It’s tough to be a Wild fan right now kj. I feel ya brother. But we must not lose faith. Good teams always find a way. The boys just need to find a way. Have faith and in the name of Gordie, Herbie, and the Great One, put the mother smurfing puck in the net!!!!
How many times in this series have you seen a Wild player with time and space to shoot
quite a few times i’d say. the difference is there are usually 2 or 3 aves inbetween the shooter and the goalie.
Much like i said yesterday, if the AVS scored the first goal again its over. The wild played a great first 2 periods of hockey which was to be expected. The AVS would have liked to have this one but didnt need it like the Wild did, this was definitely a stolen victory by JT. As i also mentioned yesterday, the Wild Fans should be concerned about the confidence challanged Backstrom. Thats 8 goals in two games and there is no sign of it slowing down. Cant wait till game 6 Saturday night, and there is no question it will be a sell out. I was expecting more from the Wild fans last night, did you even sell out? Whats with all the lame music your PA guys play? Tune in Saturday night and you’ll hear Metallica, Audio Slave, Pantera ETC.
El Gato/kj.
Dead on.
That’s why teams track “scoring chances.” SOG can give you an idea of advantage in attack zone time, but can be misleading.
Avs fans are not diehards like MN fans are, most at the can are upscale wine and cheese people, then a bunch of college kids who dont care about the sport, just a great excuse to wake up not feeling so good the next morning
Green*, he risked his cash (and the other investors) and it paid off big time, I’ll give him credit for that. I agree a lot of people got greedy (home builders, buyers, lenders, agents) but for $1.7B to go into one person’s pocket it has to be a cost somewhere and it’s costing the US economy.
At least he’s putting $100+ mil back into our economy by buying 40% of the Wild. I’m surprised the sportswriters in this town haven’t said anything like ‘He got $1.7B last year, maybe he’ll spend more on player salaries!’
Not to be critical, though, but moving out actually screens a smaller area.
BFW, you’re right, but screw geometry, I was on a roll.
Gabby: War’s over, man. Avs dropped the big one.
Fridge: Over? Did you say “over”? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Huggy Bear: Germans?
Boogie: Forget it, he’s rolling.
Fridge: And it ain’t over now. ‘Cause when the goin’ gets tough…
[thinks hard]
Fridge: the tough get goin’! Who’s with me? Let’s go!
[runs out, alone; then returns]
Fridge: What the f**k happened to the Wild I used to know? Where’s the spirit? Where’s the guts, huh? “Ooh, we’re afraid to go to goal with you Fridge, we might get hit by a punk defenceman.” Well just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I’m not gonna take this. Foote, he’s a dead man! Selai, dead! Theodore…
Boogie: Dead! Fridge’s right. Psychotic, but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional shots that could take years and cost millions of games. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.
Fridge: We’re just the guys to do it.
Boogie: Let’s do it.
Fridge: LET’S DO IT!
Reitz played like a man tired of being shuttled to the minors. He definatly is trying to earn a place on the team next season. I could see him staying if Hill or Carney retire or leave….. Pardon my spelling but spell check no worky and I just know I’m effin up on some words… Gabby needs to get his dritte together (anyone who knows Norwegian can translate dritte for you, but you might be able to guess what it means any way). Many of the boys are playing so tense it looks painful. They need to relax, and things will come. Also they need to stop aiming shots at JT’s chest, go blocker, not glove, and don’t go low he’s good low as well.
When is the parade in St. Paul for this club making the playoffs?
john, St. Patrick’s Day!
SS6 right on sister, mother smufing puck in the mother smurfing net.
St. Patrick’s Day? That reminds me…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZfyrIPw3wY
Ah, that always brings a shit-eating grin to my face.
Band
I have the same problem. I can’t type or spell well so I do ignor all those mistakes.
To get Gabby to relax maybe we need to do a LT of Giants trick. In a interview a few years ago he said that he used to send a few “working ladies” to oposing teams hotel to distract the oposing players. Now if we can get Gabby’s mind off his performance maybe he can relax?
BFW, you’re right, but screw geometry, I was on a roll.
Hilarious! Right on, screw geometry, you were DEFINITELY on a roll.
Awesome Animal House pull, BNAG!
I still wish Burns would have sent some of his snakes through room service.
El Gato, he could try setting some loose in the Avs Locker room right before game time
Green*, he risked his cash (and the other investors) and it paid off big time, I’ll give him credit for that. I agree a lot of people got greedy (home builders, buyers, lenders, agents) but for $1.7B to go into one person’s pocket it has to be a cost somewhere and it’s costing the US economy.
you’re not trying to say if falcone didn’t make 1.7B the economy would be all peaches and cream? If this were true than you must not invest in a 401k, if you do than you are dragging the economy down, stop it.
I don’t think making money in the market, long or short, has that big of an effect on the economy.
Right now i am invested in the ultrashortETF for the russell2000. when the russell2k goes down, i make money. i’m not necessarily hoping it will go down and the economy continue to tank, i just realize that it is going to go down because the economy is tanking or has tanked. might as well make some cash off that reality.
Who’sjoseanyway,
It’s funny to me when I hear about diehard MN fans when you guys cant even sell out a frickin playoff game. Like Patrick Roy said we dont hear anything you have to say becuase we have out two stanley cup rings stuck in our ears. You should be thanking us and we should be thanking you and this is why. Brian Rolston, what you are seeing now from Rolston is a result of him being a former Avalanche. We know how to groom players and teach them how to be superstars, too bad we couldnt make room for him to stay but you can thank us later. And thank you for taking Skoula also, what you are seeing from him is exactly what we saw when we let him go. The kid (if you can even call him that anymore) is the biggest underachieving bust ever!!
Can’t sell out a playoff game? What are you talking about? Colorado? Yeah, they had trouble with that this year.
What are you smoking? We have sold out every single game ever played in the X. If your gonna be a tool get your facts straight first.
colorado still had 200 plus tickets for the last game there, Adrian Dater wrote an article bashing you so called die hard fans, eat your cheese and drink your wine, enjoy your mile HIGH
Don’t take the bait, people…..
Bid D,
sending some of your working girls to the AVS hotel might have worked. Only problem is they dont have much interest in girls with frosted tips wearing Def Leopard shirts and pegged acid washed jeans. Ive been to MN before and its like walking into a time warp or a wayns world movie or something.
Sorry Dave, must have been a sugar dip. I think I’ll go find my lunch.
sending some of your working girls to the AVS hotel might have worked. Only problem is they dont have much interest in girls
Yup, we’ll just end it there. That’s about right. No beanbag, no interest in girls….
CBW, you are talking about your own team, we had over capacity last night -19,364…sell out is 18,000..if the Wild actually pull this one off you make sure to come back here
People, someone is under blog disguise. Don’t get worked up.
Maybe #60 for the Avs will slip on his Mcdonalds bagand fall through his glass entertainment system tearing up his arm, or maybe he got a DUI at 4 in the morning last night…hmmm where have I seen that happen before? Its totally possible
sorry dave, trolling I ignore, lying is something else.
Like I said.. sugar dip. Lunch is being consumed at the desk today, we reopen to the public in two weeks and I have tons to do but will spend lunch reading.
That’s O.K., phil. You can debate non-regulars if you want to. I just find it to be a colossal waste of time and effort. There’s been a lot of what I think of as Trojan Horse Trolling today.
Finding a playoff ticket in MN is hard to find as a knoweldgeable hockey writter in Colorado
Is anyone else here annoyed when at the “X” and the team is losing, you have these absolute goofs making fools of themselves when they’re doing that fan cam stuff during commercials?..I hate that, if we’re winning I don’t mind so much but losing, it just seems to belie the seriousness/urgency of the situation the team is in.
Green*, Gordon Gecko said ‘Greed is Good’. The economy is in the crapper because of greed.
So I’ll quote Frankenstein - ‘Greed Bad!’
I’ll leave it at that. Go Wild.
Dave,
all you wild fans take the bait, thats why you got all up in arms over Kizlas Goon article, and went back for seconds the next day. Kizla is a tool i admit that i have a hard time wasting time on his crap and im a native of colorado. I think its great for both fans to have playful banter back and forth, its fun and makes the day go by fast. In all seriousness, Minnesota is a great state, great people and hockey tradition. This series has had everything you could want and i still think this thing will go 7. In a 7th game everybody knows anything can happen and home ice means nothing. All i ask is that we dont make this a “ref screwed us series” honestly we know they suck and whats a penalty one minute isnt the next but no one can say thats why the wild are only 1 game behind. Im in it for the long haul and if the Avs lose you will see me on your blog to hear all of the i told you so’s.
With that being said no hard feelings we are all just passionate about our teams and there is nothing wrong with that. We welcome all Wild fans to blog with us at the Rocky.
see you game 6
I wouldn’t mind sending gabby to the Penguins for Malkin and a draft pick
However (un)likely that is….I would do that in a New York minute!
CBW, that was down right respectable..ley me be the 1st to tell you, unless someone beat me to it, the refs didn’t screw us last night, Theodore did..Avs win 3-1 at home and take the series.
phil, would you please tell crybabywild that not all of “us wild fans” take the bait?
indeed build..it could happen, I don’t know if Marian’s ego could take being “2nd fiddle”
CrybabyWildFan,
You know the refs have not screwed up the series. But games 3 & 4 the refs did lack any NHL street smarts at all, and the refs have not done the WIld any favors. They have showed some Love to to the AVs
CBW, not all us Wild fans take the bait!
That work for ya Dave?
and that is let, not ley in my 12:42
Great post, Beaver, I see you have a brilliant mind.
Wait, I’m not Good Old Wally!
Yes. Thanks, phil.
Beav, I don’t know if you’re up to the task, better send in GoW.
el gate LMAO!
- Good news below if it has not already been mentioned.
- Since Beaver chimed in, I will remind Russoville that Good old Wally guaranteed the Wild would take the series if the Avs won Game 5!
Not only are the Wild’s first-round games on Versus blacked out, but so is the high definition version of the telecast. This is especially frustrating to owners of HD sets when KSTC (Ch. 45) is carrying the games. The Hubbard-owned station doesn’t have an HD channel but is hoping to have one launched by next fall.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/17879324.html
Sigh. I am out of town for the weekend again! have to find a bar in Kansas City to watch the game… have a good weekend Russoville!
Since we’re a bit slow today, I had mentioned in my 2:57am post, that maybe we should consider starting Harding, any thoughts on that, anyone? (except cbw)
indeed build..it could happen, I don’t know if Marian’s ego could take being “2nd fiddle
On what are you basing this? Evgeni for Gabby straight up would be good enough for me. Much larger, more physical, stronger on the puck, better puck protection skills, etc.
I hope you’re not just gettin’ my hopes up.
ATW,
See ya’ buddy.
Remember: Stick down, head up.
build, a wing and a prayer and a little rumor mill
How many Jari Kurri trophies has Gabby or Malkin won?
Time to get into JT’s head, like the Rangers are in MB’s.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=234562&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl
“Let’s not make too much out of this,” Renney said. “Both teams play hard. The net is the end point. What are we supposed to do? Stand off to the side and throw pucks at him? It’s not the way the game is played. Both teams and 16 teams are doing the same thing, and the end point is the goal line. We’re conscious of the blue paint, we’re conscious of goaltender interference and anything like that. We completely are.”
Evidently, Renney hasn’t watched this series!
ATX, I’m with ya. Got to go to a wedding across town. The 9:00 start may save my bacon though. Maybe they’ll have the game on at the reception… ya right.
BNAG,
Watch out for food poisoing at the reception, that could potentially cause you…to, uh…have to leave…ummm, just a little early. lol
BFW, I was thinking that my grass is getting a little long. Might need to get home and mow before dark
Having to miss games to go to a wedding is no fun. A good reason why you plan the wedding not during hockey season Then you don’t miss any games. BNAG, you need more hockey savy friends/family if they are making you miss the game for a wedding
BNAG if there is a bar attached to the reception then you may be lucky, if not there is always what bfw said…
BFW, I was thinking that my grass is getting a little long. Might need to get home and mow before dark
Don’t forget to run home to let the dog out, too. lol.
The Mr’s mom got remarried hunting opener. A lot of her brothers didn’t make it to the wedding. The Mr was sad he had to wait till the second weekend.
I should point out she has a lot of brothers, she’s one of 11 kids (Northern Minnesota Catholic family lots of kids).
BNAG if there is a bar attached to the reception then you may be lucky, if not there is always what bfw said…
What she said! lmao.
The family my Mr comes from most of the weddings are in VFW’s so their is always a TV in the main bar with some sort of sports or something on. His family would be the first to tell you they lean to the hick-ish side of things.
Good Old Wally has predicted if the Wild lost game 5 that they would win the series indeed
Why ?
Momentum changes when the Wild takes game 6, and the Wild play at home for game 7
Good old Wally feels the Wild wont lose in an elimination game against the AVs
Jose T will soften by game 7
The refs will give the Wild Love with the calls. They owe the Wild.
Backstrom is a Michael Jordan type performer. You will always get his eye of the tiger look in an elimination game
The Wild team have unity, they will support Gaborick. I think we will see Gabby work hard to make something happen in game 6 and that will carry over in game 7
I think the refs/NHL will give the Wild a couple of owed favors in Game 6&7. No doubt the AVs have cashed in on favors thus far
Game 6 = I get the feeling the Wild might run away with game 6
Having to miss games to go to a wedding is no fun. A good reason why you plan the wedding not during hockey season Then you don’t miss any games. BNAG, you need more hockey savy friends/family if they are making you miss the game for a wedding
I’ll take that to having to miss a softball tournamnet though… at least they avoided that next weekend!
I hope all the Gods (hockey and otherwise) hear you Wally and make good on what your saying. I should go try to get some work done shouldn’t I?
I would also like to point out I did not get married during Hockey Season.
Thanks GoW. Now what does the Beav think? What about Ward and June? Eddie Haskell? Lumpy?
Band, I avoided softball (barely), football and hockey season. August has to be good for something other than Back to School sales.
Sorry for the late note, but as I sent via text message last night to concerned folks after the 10:00 mark of the 3rd:
“[expletive], they’re toast. If they can’t score and clear the front of their net, they will not win.”
On a side note, Reitz looked good. If they want a chance to win, call up fresh legs from Houston.
I don’t think we should start Harding but I do worry about Backs. He was not sharp last night (see Russo above). I still think he butterflies too early leaving the top of the net open. He’s not why we lost but he needs to really play well in Game 6. Our injuries at D have really hurt us–Hill just isn’t there. But, to re-state the obvious Gabby needs to pick it up. But, just because he played a crappy game yesterday doesn’t mean we need to trade him. Explore his price and see what it will take. I still think he can be one of the top few forwards in the league and would hate to see him elsewhere.
If GoW’s prediction is acurate I will gladly buy GoW and Beaver NW division championship merchandise at the Hockey Lodge!
I got married during the strike/lockout season.
Bandgeek: You probably were better off at your training session last night than at the ‘X’. The third period was bad for Wild fans.
BNAG: Remember the game is on FSN not KSTC-45, so you better hope the reception site has working cable!
I’m really hoping against hope for a Game 7 Monday night at the ‘X’, but as of now, I don’t see it. Mind you, I’d LOVE to see it, but the way ‘da boys’ rolled over like the liner Andrea Doria after getting nailed by the Stockholm in 1956, well, it don’t look good…
Amen Adam.
About the Pepsi Center not selling out the playoff tickets, that one has been beat already. Through my contact at the Pepsi Center, I have learned they they never sell all tickets before a game to give people last minute chances to pick up tickets to avoid scalping. Regardless if they sold out or not, does it mean that the Av’s don’t deserve a win because more Minnesotans attended the X? Hmmmm, not quite logical. On this post Colorado was put down for being “white trash” now we are told we aren’t hardcore fans because we are wine and cheese people? I find Colorado to be very classy, however, when it comes to sports, we are very dedicated and root for our teams win or lose. Me and my kids are HUGE fans, but didn’t know we had to be “hardcore” for it to count. Hockey is what it is, a great sport! My son wears his Av’s and Nuggets gear all year around and really gets the shaft at school, but he is laughing now, who’s in the playoffs? NUGGETS AND AV’S!!
I am avoiding hockey and hunting season which are the 2 main ones here in this house. Ours should be a few days before preseason starts. I remember having to watch a game on DVR and having to check scores in November because we had rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for the future brother-in-law. The game was not where we could watch it at dinner.
They never sell all tickets before a game? Seems weird, but OK.
With respect to all the banter about Gabby, he will be just fine. Jose has been stellar in net. Against any other goalie Gabby would likely have 2-3 goals, and nobody would be focused on this.
Game 6 should be a classic - hoping for Game 7. GO WILD!
but for $1.7B to go into one person’s pocket it has to be a cost somewhere and it’s costing the US economy.
Yeah, but it not his bets that are causing the pain to the economy. It’s not his fault the guy making $20k a year can’t make the payments on his $700k mortgage. There’s plenty-o-blame to go around for the situation, but I don’t think people like Falcone even make the list.
OK, back to hockey…
GoW, if they can win game 6, I’ll pee in the outlet.
You heard it here first.
Can we get something up on YouTube for that, MuN?
docnjen, this is what was posted by CBW, a CO fan, you have it backwards, MN people are apparently the white trash and I said that a Denver writer blasted the Av fans in denver for not being loud because they are too busy eating cheese and wine while at the game all the while not selling out.
this is what CBW posted:
sending some of your working girls to the AVS hotel might have worked. Only problem is they dont have much interest in girls with frosted tips wearing Def Leopard shirts and pegged acid washed jeans. Ive been to MN before and its like walking into a time warp or a wayns world movie or something.
So anyway… yeah that was pretty frustrating that they couldn’t put the cat in the hat last night. I thought they did pretty much everything they needed to except putting the stuffing in the turkey.
OK, I should stop. I don’t even like those commercials. I get what they’re going after, but I think they kinda flop in the execution.
So yeah. JT make a fantastic save getting the paddle down on Burnsie when he got the corner, and then was still able to stop Fridge’s rebound chance. Gabby’s at the side of the net… usually he’s able to lift that one, but as has been documented, he’s strangling his twig. He needs more dangle, less strangle (now if that coach character uses that line, I’m gonna sue!). Also, they’re still having trouble getting shots through the Avs blocks and on net. Then when they do get through, they’re often hitting JT right on the logo. That’s the reason why I think they’re having a hard time finding those corners.
Still, hope is not lost. According to history they’ve still got a 1 in 5 chance of winning this thing. Not as good as 4 in 5 like the Avs have, but it’s not totally outrageous. Here’s hoping GOW’s scenario plays out.
with all due respect, “sports” fans in Denver as as fair weather as anyone else I’ve ever seen. The only them that enjoys unebbing support there is the Broncos.
The Rockies. Please. They became “popular” again last season when they got good. But between the first couple of seasons and last year it was extremely slim pickins at Coors in general.
The Nuggets. You’ve got to be kidding me.
The Avs had that great stretch of sellouts from when they moved from Quebec but that broke last season and getting tickets to Avs games has not been a problem this season - and into the playoffs it seems. If you have to have people on the 16th street mall trying to sell tickets to a playoff game it doesn’t have anything to do with holding tickets back until game time so people can have a shot at walk ups.
Now I don’t think this makes Colorado a good sports town or a bad sports town. God knows the twin cities are just as fickle (with everything but the Vikes and Wild - so far). So I’m not going to cast any stones from inside that glass house.
But not even Kiszla can delude himself into thinking that Coloradans are die hard, never-say-die sports fans (again, Broncos notwithstanding).
Slow day at work. Some numerals to chew on:
The Wild is 4-9 at home in the playoffs
840 minutes, 45 seconds played in those 13 games
25 goals scored
breaks down to 1.79 goals per game (ish)
The Wild is 7-8 on the road in the playoffs
919 minutes, 5 seconds played in those 15 games
38 goals scored
breaks down to 2.48 goals per game (better, but still ish)
The Wild is 11-17 all time in the playoffs
1759 minutes, 50 seconds played in those 28 games
63 goals scored
breaks down to 2.15 goals per game (double ish)
Wild has scored 2 goals or less in 16 of 28 playoff games
Opponents have scored 2 goals or less in 15 of 28 playoff games
Wild has been held to 1 or 0 goals in 10 of 28 playoff games
Opponents have been held to 1 or 0 goals in 3 of 28 playoff games
Michael…if they win game 6, I’ll pee up a rope.
I’ll pee my pants.
I’ll pee in someones Cheerios.
I’ll pee like a little schoolgirl (unless Lapppy already has that covered).
I’ll pee into the wind (and tug on someone’s cape too).
Most of all, I will not be pee’d off.
toivo.. I’m sure we could work something out. Live feed from the webphone, maybe?
Oakland is a pretty good sports town.
That works. As long as you don’t mind me uploading it to YouTube then. I think the world would love to see that.
This might be worse than chaps (forehead slap).
kj…
in the sink.
of the balconey.
in a shot glass.
in the mailbox.
in LaDerierre’s hockey bag.
A guy at work here waw telling me how Backs made great saves just like JT last night, I could only shake my head and wonder what game he was watching..It seems it’s a common theme, in whatever sport, that as soon as a lower paid individual has a great year and subsequently scores a big contract, that next year they SUCK…Backs of this year is not the Backs of “old”.
I truly, truly hope I’m wrong but I see us losing tomorrow..perhaps I should have faith in GoW’s prediction, but that is a scary proposition in and of itself.
We need Gabby but he’s proven himself to be nothing more than a paper tiger, when we need him to pick up the slack because of our “D”, he’s just not there. If Gabby has a break-out game, we win the series, it’s that simple and he’ll have earned his check.
toivo: As one who has been to both the Mausoleum and the Shark Tank, I would say that Oakland is an OK sports town (altho why they put up with the Raiders being as bad as they are, I’ll never figure that one out). As I’ve said, every Sharks fan is a Raiders fan in training…
The fact is, if your favorite team is actually winning, you’ll have a good fan base. Winning is the best promotion in sports. Win and you’ll draw fan interest. Lose and you’ll be Atlanta.
NiNY is right: It’s Broncos first in Denver, then Colorado football, then everyone else, depending on who’s winning. Right now, it’s the Avs and Nuggets (Nuggets not for long, tho, vs. Lakers, IMO.)
kj: Remember, it’s on YouTube or it didn’t happen…!
kj, is that a Haiku?
DB… great job on the stats. Those numbers show a consistent lack of offensive output. Doin a little checkin on the NHL.com stats engine.. I find some other interesting stats for the Wild:
2.68 goals per game during reg season. So playoff scoring is down. Last season: 2.74 GPG.
In 5 on 5, that number drops to 1.70 goals per game. Last year: 1.57 GPG.
-5 overall in the +/- category. Last year: +17.
This would indicate the idea of defense-first, and using turnovers to generate scoring chances isn’t panning out as well as hoped. By comparison, Colorado was a +15 this year while decimated by injuries. 2.73 GPG overall, and 1.97 GPG as 5 on 5.
The Avs can score well even strength. Wild do not.
good point, WRT…I forgot about the Buffs.
Lots of folks seem to be fretting over last night’s game. Need to step back, take a Deep Breath, and clear the head. Wild will repeat the ‘03 trick and win both games 6 & 7 by identical 3-2 scores in OT. Relax.
Be sure to check me out on youtube after the game
Deep: game 7? What is game 7?
If the Wild were to win game six
I would pee on the Avs sticks
I would go pee on campers tents
I would go pee on an electric fence
I would go pee here or there
I would go pee anywhere
If the Wild were to win game seven
Wild fans will have died and gone to heaven
The feet of fans may never touch ground
If we move on to the second round
deep breath…
I knew once someone posted the word ‘chaps’ that you would arrive.
It’s almost like the Batsignal…
FYI Jose has changed the way he says his name about half a dozen times throughout his career, depending on which city and country he is playing in. He is French speaking and there is no “h” sound in French, which would automatically negate the natural “th” sound, making the “Tay-adore” or “Tee-adore” (its been both depending on the year) more correct in French pronounciation, but good old Jose has Americanized himself it seems and has said it is pronounced like the cartoon chipmunk name currently. It will change the next time he gets traded, or depending on which country he is playing in or when he has a whim to change it again. Of course they also still say Stephane Vay-oo which isn’t correct either and the worst is Beauchemin. And poor Dustin Bufyglien had an incorrect official pronunciation guide listed for his name by the NHL so never rely on that crap, ask their mothers how they say their names!
Phil: Gabby needs to listen to Joe’s self titled album before game 6. It’s pretty chill so I think that will calm his nerves.
BNAG, good twist on Seuss. I haven’t read that story more than 200 times in the past month to Little Gato.
It’s almost like the Batsignal…
Almost… yet not.
It’s almost like the Batsignal…
I believe it’s called the “Chaps Signal.”
For those needing more reassurance, call 7 of your closest friends over to the house prior to the game tomorrow night, break out the Octo-bong, lower the lights, fire up a bowl and slowly repeat after Bob Kurtz:
“Morris, getting it ahead back out for Sakic at center, stopped by Gaborik. Back come the Wild. Here’s Park, right side. Park fires…..SCORES! Richard Park has scored….in overtime. And the Wild……..will advance to game number 7. Park in overtime at four twenty-two, there will be a seventh game.”
Phil: Gabby needs to listen to Joe’s self titled album before game 6. It’s pretty chill so I think that will calm his nerves.
Russo is the one to solve this. Show him video of the Rangers game on his laptop again. Go with what works.
LOL kj and build…. and remember gents, it is better to be pi$$ed off than pi$$ed on!
Gato, read it hundreds of times myself. Read it to the elder little BNAG in-utero so many times I thought she’d tell me I AM SAM when she popped out.
Indeed Kirk!
phil, in my experience its best to be the British version of pissed!
(drunk for those of you who may not know)
WRT, I wasn’t including the Sharks in Oakland. Granted the Seals never quite caught on (I think they were just a bit ahead of their time). But the Raiders… it’s almost like a cult even when they blow. The Warriors have great fans–even during their long stretches of terrible, they get a decent crowd for most games, and they know their hoops. Same goes for the A’s (who have been relatively successful, but good grief, have one of the worst stadiums). The teams are well-supported, rain or shine for the most part.
ZOMG the “Octo-bong”! DB, you remember that thing??
I think it was recalled for lead based glass or something.
pissed with the pints at the pub! Cheers!!
Deep, man I don’t know if taking a deep will help, you got any valium?
toivo: Does the Arena in Oakland still have those dark blue curtains around it to block out the sun for afternoon events? Or was that taken down when they rebuilt the place?
‘Behind the curtains’ was stashed some notoriously good bong material in the ’70’s, so I’ve been told! It was the only arena in the NBA wher they had trouble selling the lower level seats!
(Wow, man, I wonder why!?)
wow.
kinda quiet in here.
feels a little like the calm before the storm….
I’ll get Billy Bong Thornton!
With all the comments about peeing on things, I am about ready to see the Rosie a$$-less chaps posts again. Enough peeing already…
Not sure what to think is going to happen tomorrow night. If they play like they did last night and I think they will, it should head back to Minnesota for Game 7.
Someone needs to “Kerrrigan” Theodore’s knee!
Michael Up North: I am an SCSU grad (’94) and the one year I lived in Holes Hall, a guy on the floor had an Octo-Beer Bong. It was a 5-gallon pail with 8 hoses rigged to it so 8 people at once could do a funnel at the same time. Those were good times.
Since folks in Russoville seem to be making deals with what they will do should the Wild force a game 7 Monday night, I will throw this out there:
The Wild win tomorrow night and I will talk to Mrs. Deep Breath about taking down the hockey memorabilia in the basement of the homestead and replacing it all with 4′x6′ posters of Rosie in ass-less chaps bent over a small bench and winking
DB, no kidding? A beer bong? Wonder if it was made by the same people. One could venture that you could corner the market with Octo paraphernalia!
DB, lolol!! Great idea, but you tossed the disclaimer in there:
I will talk to Mrs. Deep Breath
Build: What did you expect after last night’s disappointment? “YIPPEE! WHEE We love everybody!?”
Of COURSE it’s going to be quiet in here. It’s also Friday afternoon, and you’re probably thinking of the weekend ahead…
Someone needs to “Kerrrigan” Theodore’s knee!
Agreed. See my 1:08pm.
With all the comments about peeing on things, I am about ready to see the Rosie a$$-less chaps posts again.
Cam, I’ve read and re-read this one close to a dozen times, and I respectfully ask that you clarify your position regarding peeing and RAC. Puhhhhleeze.
It’s also Friday afternoon, and you’re probably thinking of the weekend ahead…/i>
Indeed.
probably thinking of the weekend ahead…
…Speaking of which, I’m outta in a few. Have a great one all!
Rosie is hot…how does that work for you BFWS. clear enough
seriously show gaborik the 5 goals, fire him up!
seriously show gaborik the 5 goal game, fire him up! He could definatly use it!
I am as upset as the rest of you about the recent play of this team and Gaborik in particular, however, after no changes were made to improve scoring on this team during the summer and especially at the deadline, I did not even expect them to make the playoffs due to the scoring drought they continually go through about every 2 weeks. The real focus should be on DR on why a major scoring aquisition was not done and why we never aquired a decent Center all year long. Also, why Pouliot did not start off with the team to begin with because I think the kid could have contributed alot more had he been given a full year and would have. I understand we have injuries on Defense, but we cannot score and that is the biggest problem facing this team. DR has alot of explaining to do in my opinion and saying he is not willing to give up the future is getting old. I suppose when this series is finally over and we have lost, hoping that has not happened, then the focus will be on DR like it should be.
Who needs a beer? I need a beer. How bout you, you need a beer?
“DR has alot of explaining to do in my opinion and saying he is not willing to give up the future is getting old.”
Not to go back and restate the obvious…. but the future’s awfully thin in Houston.
I’ll take a beer or coffe with alcohol. Not real picky at this point.
Question for somebody. The Wild were not on where we are but we did get a few minutes of the Capital / Flyers game last night.
Anybody comment on the call at the end of the third where a Cap was checked into the goalie by one and a half Flyers … yet a GT Interference was called on the Capital player?
The sound was off at the restaurant and they did not show the replay, but it seemed to be it was a terrible call.
Can anyone add some insight? Was there something I missed?
Orange whip?
Orange whip?
Orange whip?
Three orange whips…
WRT: to be honest, I don’t know, but will be sure to do some recon next visit.
Wild apparently played one of their best games.
Theodore has been a stone wall but that can change. No reason to despair, Wild can as easily win two in a row.
Maybe the hockey Gods will give them some favorable bounces.
Whiskey!
I said, WHISKEY!
Now wait a minute. We haven’t even heard these boys sing. Alright?
You know, it may be quiet but it is troll free
I’d kill Mike for an ice cold Guiness….wait a minute…
Lots of second guessing Gabby. It seems to me a shooter is always easier to shut down than a grinding dominant player like Koivu who does so many things well.
If the other players are not replacing the goals when Gabby is playing so tight the opponent can continue to choke his opportunities.
Maybe one solution is if a different Wild player went on a scoring tear. Of course it is obvious there is not much time left.
There’s always time to win, IMOOTL.
We’re still in this game. Who’s tired? Green*, you tired? Bandgeek, you tired, kj, WRT? Who’s with me?? Nick you tired?
slap… the fat lady sings tomorrow night.
News at 11.
I’m tired, was up late last night. But I’m with you, though afeared of tomorrow night!
If nothing else the South Stars seem poised to eliminate those worthless f’ing Ducks (and SJ is up on the Cows)
“”The Wild has led 4 minutes, 31 seconds of a possible 324:23 in the series”"
That is a telling statistic … got to change that to be successful.
B’en, merci Claire.
Does anyone have the URL for the Avalanche blog? I want to see what they are saying over there.
ss6: Hoping against hope, I’m with ya!
Wow, they don’t talk very much. Thanks for the link though.
“I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And through the grief
Through the lies
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe”
Lost Boys Soundtrack, Tim Capello “I Still believe”
More Kool-aid, dose of vodka, neat. Please!
for that stat where we’ve only been leading for 4 miutes of 300, how many minutes were tied? I think that’s a fair point.
Phil that is a great point. For God Sakes people let’s look at a good stat. LIKE how many minutes were we tied. I’m tired of all these statitics, bamishtics. Just let’s drop the damn puck. The tellin’ is in the playin’. We’re not dead yet people. Boogie hasn’t even gotten a goal yet and you know that has to happen before this series is over. Mike and those Avs fans can take a big bite of me arse. It ain’t over yet!!!!!!
i am tired too. but i don’t have to set an alarm tomorrow. which is nice.
Excellent GreenStar!! Then you’ll be fresh for the game
fresh as a daisy
….but you look more like a black eyed-susan……
I’m not tired coach SS6!! Put me on D.
Mmmmmmm…….beeeeeer. The Mrs. and I are going to out tonight sans children. Some adult beverages are definitely in order.
Please disregard the renegade ‘to’. And no I haven’t started early.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Nice pull from Lost Boys, Beadwench. That song in my head and more of the special Kool Aid should get me through to game time tomorrow!
Yeah. Nothing wrong with it.
Wonder when the Don’s gonna check in next?
Trying to be of help. So which hockey game on tonight is going to be worth watching?
I keep hearing that 4 minutes with the lead stat and agree that its worthless. Everybody knew this was going to be an even series and it has been. I wish somebody was keeping track of what percentage of the time the Wild was carrying the attack. To the AVagina’s credit, they have been very opportunistic on burying a few chances early, but the tempo of most of the series (sans Game 5) has been dictated by the Wild. There are lengthy periods of time in most of the games when the AV are hanging on for dear life. The Wild haven’t been able to score, but the Av sure haven’t shown me anything that makes me think they match up better with anyone in the next round. JT has been stellar, their D packs down around the net and they have come through on the PP a few times. With Schultz and certainly Foster, the series would have been over with a Wild win. I love Gabby, but this series makes it clear that he is a regular season entertainer and not a SCP leader.
Bead: Devils face elimination tonight at home vs. NYR. So do the Fowl at home against the South Stars…
…and just as I type that, brian Gionta scores for NJ!
And as I type that, Michael Roszival scores for the Rangers to tie it at 1!
Okay. I have hockey (of a sorts), something alcoholic to drink and the main tv all to my self. I’m out. Thank you!
A couple of other items: I have been in love with hockey and the NHL since I was 3, but if the NHL doesn’t get a handle on refereeing (In Bettman the Woodtick’s own words “We have to bring more consistency to the way the game is called.”) and if the NHLPA doesn’t succeed in its rumored effort to get rid of the instigator penalty, I am done with the NHL. It is becoming more and more apparent that the non-hockey leaders of the NHL in their desire to grow interest, aren’t afraid to use WWF-like tactics. The behavior of the refs almost seems scripted at times and having agitators running loose who then hide behind the refs apron strings gets everybody revved up. Professional sports at its best is a balance of competition and entertainment. My feelings toward the game are changing and I think it is because it is becoming too out of balance in favor of entertainment.
This is my first year with CI (on Comcast = No CI in HD) - do you get the baseball games too until SCP games on CI end? Thanks.
Huh. Thanks New Jersey for showing up to this year’s playoffs. Wow.
ok, so i make a little dinner and sit down to watch a recorded episode of nip/tuck and guess who is the guest star. none other than Deep favorite, rosie, minus the assless chaps. damn that was wierd.
Look around
They’re moving in
Hold your ground
When they begin
We can do it
We can do it and if they wanna they can try
But they’ll never get near
Then they can get out of here
Gonna keep on driving
Never stop
United, united, united we stand
United we never shall fall
United, united, united we stand
United we stand one and all
So keep it up
Don’t give in
Make a stand
We’re gonna win
We can do it
Pass the kool aid
G* - did Rosie get liposuction on the show?
FOOD FINALLY!!
they sewed her mouth shut. then while in recovery she had some guy posing as a doctor take a stool sample by gloving up and shoving 3 fingers up her bung.
