Friday night update
Posted on April 18th, 2008 – 8:17 PMBy Michael Russo
I know, I know, thanks for being patient.
Wild got here to Denver late this afternoon, and I needed to get writing for the paper so my overworked editor could go home for the day.
Didn’t have much time to schmooze with the team today because it was pretty much just grabbing bodies as players checked in. So once I got done talking to one player, others I needed were gone.
And I needed to get Marian Gaborik to ask him what’s new, how’s life, things like that. He was glad to see me I’m sure.
A few guys skated in St. Paul, but otherwise, most players didn’t practice today as the Wild couldn’t find ice in Denver. Instead, the team all went across the street from the hotel for an off-ice workout. The players are currently having a team dinner.
The question: Is it the last of the season?
That all depends on tomorrow night. Marian Gaborik says he’s got to be the player to lead the Wild tomorrow night, and the way he plans to escape the doldrums is by watching season-long highlights tomorrow to get the good vibe back and shattered confidence back. Of course, one problem Thursday is he tried to do too much on his own.
Not to start a wildfire of speculation, I found it strange that Nick Schultz would come on the trip considering the team’s not practicing, other than a morning skate tomorrow.
Still, Schultz doesn’t know if he can play, and Jacques Lemaire said he doesn’t think he’ll play because he’s had no contact and no one-on-one drills.
Lemaire said his plan is to go with the same lineup tomorrow as he did in Game 5 unless Chris Simon, Petteri Nummelin or Matt Foy have some sensational morning skate or something.
Branko Radivojevic is also here, but he hasn’t skated since Game 2, so I don’t see him being able to play.
That’s it from here. I’ll talk to you after tomorrow’s skates.
101 Responses to "Friday night update"
nummi for hill, make it happen
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.
Way sorry I asked but I have to agree, why play Hill again?
I’m not surprised Radio and Schultz went with even if they don’t play. I’m sure Foster would be their manning the popcorn maker if he could easily travel.
I’ll believe Schultz when I see it.
I have no problem with Nummy for Hill.
I’m for shooting practice in the hotel hallways. Gotta work on aim, then shoot.
I’m for Nummy too.
Why is it every time I type ‘there’ my auto grammar check changes it to ‘their’? And most of the time I don’t catch it in time to change it back. Stupid computer.
2 Goals and an assist for Gabbro tomorrow.
In case you haven’t got it yet, here’s a clip of Steph making fun of McLoud’s lack of teeth. It’s at the end.
Not sure if it’s on the fan cam video on wild.com, but there were two fans last night at the game with McLeod teeth. They hammed it up pretty good.
Wildlover that’s friggin hillarious. Im missin all the good stuff here in Colorado. The good announcers, the good TV telecast in general. Gad i miss Minnesota………
The Wild don’t need to lead another minute. As long as they win games 6 and 7 in OT.
However, it might be tough to even get to OT tomorrow.
Band, how do you get spell/grammer check on the blog?
I’ll be watching the South Stars hoping they crush the POS ducks, maybe can me out of my funk/fear for tomorrow’s game… I have bad feeling, maybe a few rum-n-cokes will do the trick. One of the pissers if we lose is that if they could have held on, we’d get Nick back which would be a great help and would, I think, aid us gretaly in the next round.
I laugh more and more everytime I watch it.
Count me in on the Nummy for Hill, there’s no reason to keep Hill in at this point.
How cool would it be to see Nashville tie up this game against Detroit.
Can’t say I like the Stars or Ducks but I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing the series go deeper. Speaking of the Ducks, are the Delta Burke to Toronto rumors strong?
I would think that if Schultz and/or Branko marched up to JL’s hotel room and said, ‘Let’s try it tomorrow,’ that he wouldn’t hesitate to put either of ‘em in.
Why wouldn’t they go if there was any possibility that they could be used? JL has made exceptions before when it has been convienent; why not now if either of them really feels they can go?
It may be your last game of the season tomorrow. The time for resting players is OVER.
Is Johnsson out?? Look at what Reitz did last night, Let’s get 6-7 270 John Scott up from Houston and see what Brunette does then.. I get sick of watching Backstrom get whacked and pushed around and then here about how he cant make big saves or win big games. I think he’s as good as Nabokov or Kiprusoff, Just there D pays for them and isnt so PUCK Oriented shall I say.
Devils are out. Rangers win 5-3, win series 4 games to 1.
Ya Nummelin… What a force they don’t try us in front of the net when the golden laces are around.Pleeeaasee
The time for resting players is OVER.
you really think they are just resting schultz? The guy had surgery a week ago and hasn’t had any contact since. What if schultz says he wants to play because it could be the last game and on his first shift he takes a hit and rips something open and can’t finish.
i’d like him to play as much as the next cat but i’d also like some assurance he is healed and can take a hit.
bandgeek, did I read in the last post that you speak german? Ich auch.
nashville just tied it.
Yes Preds!
Nashville scores to tie it!
Phil, I don’t know. It may be because I have a Mac, or it may be because I use Safari. No clue it’s just there.
Bonk just tied the Preds wings game with 43 seconds left in the 3rd.
G*: Read the post again. I said that IF they feel that they could play, not force them to play…
I’ve had what Schultz has had. I know that it’s not easy. Why do you think I worded it as I did?
BTW: Nashville scores with 44 seconds left in the 3rd, goes to OT with Detroit…
Ich kann auch Deutsch. But my blackberry sure doesn’t. That was hard to type.
I think the Schultz speculation is a little silly. Do you really find it strange that Schultz travelled with the team to Denver? He wants to be with his teammates whether he can play or not, wouldn’t you? This isn’t just another road trip. Ditto with Branco.
Yes, bulldog, Nummy is certainly not a force in front of the net, but I don’t recall Hill being that effective at clearing out the crease either.
Band, that’s probably it..the microsoft mafia will bust my thumbs if i try a different browser..would probably crash Vista or something.
Nashville..killer..it’d be a cryin’ shame for all the stars to “align” for us just to lose to the Avs…dam it..ducks look to be going down, either or for SJ/cows, preds making a run at it..no justice (unless of course we win 2 in a row here)
WildLover ein bissien. Mein Herr sprecht Norwegian (?). Aber ich hab viele (forgotten?).
I’m guessing branko has a ligament tear. I’ve had several, and he is done for awhile no matter what he wants.
Hey sweet. We could switch to german if the Av trolls come calling. 
I guess my 4 years of high school and 2 years in college of German haven’t stuck. I understand more than I can write or speak.
Phil, aren’t they more like Microsoft Nazi’s instead of Mafia?
Why do you think I worded it as I did?
because i think you think JL won’t play them no matter what they say.
Speaking of Brian Engblom, I heard Melrose cut his mullet. Anyone seen it?
The Mr thinks Bonk has one of the best Hockey names out there.
mbrose: re Branko: You’re probably right, but the Club doesn’t want to admit it…
DP: Not speculation. Just some wishful thinkin’ that Schultz was back in the line-up, which partially speaks to how sad our bottom 4 defensemen are right now.
Preds need new away sweaters. Those are ugly.
Preds need new away sweaters. Those are ugly.
I wonder if that was something Craig Leipold participated in? I think there are rumors about a Wild 3rd jersey next year.
HEHE Wings Won! YAHHH!!! I love them!
Damn. Detroit takes it.
D’Oh - on to the Stars/Ducks game.
G*: The only one that could overrule JL is DR, and I don’t think that will happen unless the medical staff says it’s OK.
But, as I said, just wishful thinkin’ about Schultz…
Preds go down 2-1 in OT, now trail Detroit 3 games to 2.
Adam-hopefully Mr Leipold doesn’t bring that designer with him.
With you on that mbrose and hopefully the Nuks designer of the 70s and 80s is retired!
Let’s go south stars…
Band, Nazi/mafia neither desirable..like having a boil vs. a cyst
The Mr has decreed that H. may not watch games with us anymore (sorry H.) every time she has we’ve lost. I didn’t know he was this superstitious but playoffs do weird things to people. I caught a coworker muttering in French today. She grew up out side Montreal and is a huge Habs fan.
Bandgeek: I feel sorry for H. Playoffs indeed do weird things to people.
Hockey needs all the fans it can get! (Ask Gary Bettman). As for your co-worker who is from Montreal, I doubt she’ll be muttering for long…
Is there a Mrs. Bonk, I wonder? I’m sure she’s a hit at parties.
H. can still watch games, she’s just not allowed to watch them with us. Silly Mr.
My Mrs thinks part of our problem is the “surrender” towels at the home games. Do they have to be white?
Wow. Quacks have 4 minutes of penalties in 6 minutes of game.
I liked the flags on 03. The towels are kind funny, but I’m sure easy and cheep to get tons printed quick.
Yet they put one in and Robidas looks badly hurt.
Why does it look like there is huge hunks of empty seats in the Honda center? Is it just me?
BG- Looks pretty full to me.and they have orange towels…
Mbrose…it is better than the White Snowball Pom-Pom Colorado has. A pom-pom…wouldn’t catch me dead with one of those things.
empty seats are for the silicone
Cam- lol agreed.
Russo -
Could you show Gabby the Ranger’s video? Or the Nashville OT winner?
Or anytime he’s scored in the last six months?
Anybody here just catch the announcers on the Dallas - Anaheim game screw up the penalty call?
The puck is dumped into the Anaheim zone by a Dallas player. An Anaheim player touches the puck and a whistle is blown. I thought it was icing, but Neil Smith said a penalty was being called on Dallas for too many men. On Dallas? An Anaheim player touched it.
Smith then gets confused because the faceoff will be taken in the Anaheim zone. Then the PBP guy (don’t know his name) chimes in and says that it must have been a delayed offsides call on Dallas. What? The faceoff is in the Anaheim zone.
Then the camera shows an open Anaheim penalty box, and they still don’t seem to get what is happening! It took an Anaheim player skating to the open penalty box to get them to realize that a penalty had been called on Anaheim instead of a Dallas penalty or a delayed offsides.
Didn’t catch that play MNWildFan, but I’m wondering if everyone’s VS feed is doing what mine is here in Savage. Every 5 minutes or so, I get a little “blackout” for about 1 second. It’s like they pull the plug then plug it back in. I’m on cable and thus it’s not something in my satellite. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed it.
Haha Pronger! what a baby to complain about hitting a guy after the play. Please score Dallas.
My feed is good. No problems.
joey - i noticed the same thing here in St. Paul
I am with Directv. The game “skips” (both the audio and the video) every so often like a CD used to do except it is the TV. Really really annoying. I’ve found this only happens watching HD stuff. I keep wondering if this is a satellite/Directv issue or the network poor HD broadcast (happens all the time with the Twins HD games and others). Lots of glitches and it really sucks the bone…
Interesting. I don’t have HD, so I wonder if that’s not it. The aspect ratio is all off, including the commercials. Occasional pixellation and “skipping”.
Thanks Vs.! Hope it clears up before the big world combat league throwdown at midnight. Would hate to miss that…ugh
poor HD broadcast
Could be - I have the HD feed via Comcast
Ok scratch my post - Vs. blows is probabaly in the ballpark.
I’ve tried some “experiments” watching the HD and Standard Def broadcasts when they are both available. Seems like the problem lies with the HD games.
Not sure which is worse…SD broadcast on Ch. 45 which is like watching the game through Saran Wrap (thanks you cheap SOB Stan Hubbard) or the HD broadcast on FSN/VS that skips repeatedly and there is never a FIX for the problem….
Max - good news from Zulgad today:
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.
I thought it was my Directv as a connection could be loose or the setup coulda been shoddy, but you guys are having problems with the broadcast on CABLE too so that kinda puts the onus on the lack of execution from the broadcast teams. I should note i have the MLB Extra Innings package with Directv and many of the games have the same ultra annoying skipping. Along with a few other problems. Patience is starting to run thin. Who wants to spend 40-60 minutes minimum on the phone to not get the problem diagnosed and fixed? Hmmmm…
Yea I read that Adam, I’ll believe it when I see it. “Check is in the mail”. All the local stations are dragging their feet big time on ushering in mainstream HD broadcasts. Only Ch.11 does the news in HD and nobody (Twins, Wild, Wolves, etc.) has ALL their games in HD. Time to get with the times. I realize it is much more expensive to broadcast in HD but you know what. People want and demand it. 1500, 2000, 4K for a new TV I want the best programming. No excuses.
Since Channel 29 has an HD option for seemingly no reason I am holding out hope. In addition to more Wild games, I am praying for some Gopher games in HD next year as well.
So it’s obvious that this is a known problem since all of us are experiencing it. In my mind, that’s unexcusable. They apparently don’t care for rubes like me who don’t yet have HD equipment.
Holy cats! Ellis had to face 54 shots from Detroit while Osgood only faced 21. A miracle that it even got to overtime for Nashville. Unlike our boys, the wings finally got the payoff for all those shots.
Yeah, but they still scored just as many as the Wild.
And I was just going to conclude that DAL was done - should be a good last 15 now.
vergessen is forgot in german
As I said Friday, I think we will see 7 -10 of Schultz in place of Old Man Hill. I have foreseen it ((c) kj)
Is Parrish just out for awhile? Doesn’t even get a mention anymore.
Whether the Wild see the next round and beyond or not, I can’t see Parrish coming back this season. Multiple concussions in one NHL season isn’t something to mess around with, he’s got the rest of his life and his wife and daughter to think about. I don’t think he was ever “right” after the first one, and now add this one on top of it? I think he’s out for a long time.
Good lord what are you doing up at 4:50 am MNslappy? Thats sleepy time.
I had another hockey dream, I’ve had this one before back in January just after I got my new doggy. I was on the local sledding hill with Burnsie and we were trying to coax his doggies and mine onto a sled. My Mr was skating on the rink at the bottom of the hill with some of the other players, I was to far away to see who it was, with our other dog chasing him around the rink. The Mr thinks I’m losing it. I’m starting to agree, but then I remember that dreaming about hockey or hockey players is better than dreaming about problems at work.
Morning all. Woke up with a good feeling this morning. Didn’t dream about hockey or hockey players but I just have a positive feeling this A.M.
I think Gaborik is going to remove his head from his breezers, loosen up the grip on the stick (that sounds naughty) and tickle the twine a little bit tonight. I see him and Demitra getting a couple of beautys along with PMB, SRV to make up for his out of control play the other night. Boogie will score in game 7 at home to blow the roof off the X. that one’s for you bandgeek.
Speaking of hockey dreams, I certainly had an interesting one a week or 2 ago; there were a few games left in the regular season. I fell asleep with the television on (as I’ve been known to do on occasion) and some talking heads on Sportscenter were discussing whether or not Brett Favre would come out of retirement. Well, in my nap-induced haze, I concocted a dream where I met with Brent Burns at a bar and he announced his retirement. Try as I might to talk him out of it, I just couldn’t convince him it was a good idea (I’m probably the biggest Burnsy fanboy I know, what do you expect?) He just hasn’t been the same since 
Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a great 2-way player, and he’s generated a couple chances in the offensive end since I jinxed him, but he has been held pointless every time I’ve watched a Wild game since. 0 points folks. I watch a lot of Wild hockey.
Should I stop watching games or what? Help this poor soul, please! I’m so terribly conflicted!
….and Backstrom will be a brick wall.
Of course #10 & #38 scoring will unnerve the avs and Theadore and they will crumble like the over baked, dried-up cupcakes they are. i have forseen it….
People want and demand it
HDTV penetration is still not as much as you would think locally. nationally it is about 35%
if hubbard was as cheap as you say, he wouldn’t have moved those late season games to channel 5 so they could tele in HD.
Boogie with a hattie! Ok so I’m reaching there but that would so kick ass. And yes SS6 that did sound a bit naughty. But I’m not one to complain.
I’m pissed to say the least at this whole series, Face it People, we’re a bunch of Toothless lions. We don’t know how to impose our will or toughness on a series or even defend ourselves for that matter,Koivu, Voros, Veillux, Radio and Burns, Sheppard are the only guys playing playoff hockey that I have seen…It all started with the Parrish hit in game one. What did Selei get out of the deal?? Oh we don’t dare take an instigator penalty. better to take 400 nip tuck penalties instead, if you know they are going to call it tight make the penalties count. Oh we’re so tough??? I know Mcleod, Guite and Laparierre & Foote have been really worked over through five games, They know Jaques has these former tough guys on the shortest leash possible.. He was spoiled in New jersey when he had Brodeur in his prime, Stevens Niedermayer and Daneyko on D and a solid group 4 lines deep up front. I hope he and Reisbrough retire after tonights loss..I would love to have Tom Thompson as GM and Mike Ramsey as head Coach..PLEASEEE!!!!
Jacques “We’ll be fyinnneee” BS not the way you coach. Do you think Glen Sather ever tried to make Marty McSorley play like Gretzky or sit.
Here’s my Wild core list in no particular order, everyone else can be let go or traded after tonight and we will be better next season Guaranteed. the rest would fall into three categories Old, Gutless or useless or a combination of the three.
Koivu
Burns
Gabby
Bouchard
Harding
Backstrom
Sheppard
Schultz
Parrish
Veillux
Voros
Boogaard
Fedoryk
Radivoivic
Rolston
Reitz
To whomever that was that asked, I heard Parrish is out for this series for sure and if we survive, we’ll see when he comes back for the next.
I have Comcast and on VS last night I too was getting a funny, pixilated/smeared feed from time-to-time.
I’m glad others are having a good feeling about tonight because the rum-n-cokes didn’t help me last night, the bad/anxious feeling is still here. I want the boys to have a break out game, but I’ve wanted that for the past 2-3 games and haven’t seen it…I’d really hate to have faith in GoW’s prediction, but if I must I must.
Exsqueeze me bulldog???
Where would the Wild be this series without Rolston? Koivu and Rolston have easily been the MVPs of this series. Fridge has been a major contributor too.
Demitra has been spotty. Gaborik has become a league-wide joke.
The only reason this series is close is because of the missing D men of the Wild.
Think the Avs would be playing so well if Salei and Liles (#2 and #4 D men) were out of their lineup? It isn’t an excuse, it is a fact.
I thought the Wild missed an opportunity in game 4 for some retribution but it isn’t going to happen on a JL coached team.
I hope the pattern of this series stays as it is: they win one, we win 2, they win 2, we win 2.
One thing is for sure…I won’t see much of the game - Mainstreet owns me tonight… 
Interesting picks, bulldog.
Here’s mine:
Koivu
Bouchard
Burns
Schultz
Fedoruk
Sheppard
Harding
Anyway, I’ve been rather pessimistic about their chances tonight, as the Avs are on a roll and come into their building tonight with a 2 game win streak, lots of confidence, and great play by JT. That’s going to be rather hard to overcome if the W’s can’t notch the early lead and build on it right away.
If we get to the 2nd and we aren’t up by two and pulling away, forget it folks. Burnaby Joe has the moxie to lead his team to the next round all by himself.
lots of confidence
i don’t think they have lots of condfidence. I think they feel lucky to be returning to denver up 3 - 2. they couldn’t get the puck out of their own zone for the back half of the 2nd on thursday and the better parts of the 1st. the only reason that didn’t continues in the 3rd was the powerplay goal they scored early.
the aves know they cannot continue to rely on jose to bail them out time after time.
G* I hope you’re right about JT because in ‘03, JSG bailed out the Ducks and we went home. I would think that if we had the same amount of shots/intensity level we should win tonight but..till I see it..
KJ read my list before you respond as you can see Rolston and Fridge are both on there. Demitra, Carney, Hill and Simon should hang it up. Skoula and Johnsson are both overpaid stiffs especially Kimberly (13th highest paid defenseman in hockey…What a Joke. I did forget Puliot on the list.
i’m not saying jose won’t continue his stellar play just that i can’t see the aves just full of confidence for winning 2 straight.
bulldog, you might not like yawnson but he is here to stay. his $5mil per over the next two years says so.
bulldog…they were near the bottom. I made the incorrect assumption that you didn’t think they were contributing much…
The Wild will win tonight and come home to the X to play game 7.
bulldog - I understand your pessimism but let’s not throw it up all over. Let’s either have a little enthusiam or get yourself a nice big glass of the koolaid.
Nick can you set the bulldog up. It’s on me.
