Size-specific goalie Equipment
Posted on April 29th, 2008 – 9:34 AMBy Michael Russo
I reported this after the February GM’s meeting. GM Doug Risebrough is part of the committee that is expected to come up with size-specific goalie equipment — in other words, maximum size equipment depending on the size of the goaltender.
Brett Hull makes this a fun dynamic.
NHL AND NHLPA SELECT GOALIE EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP
TORONTO/NEW YORK (April 29, 2008) - The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced the formation of the Goalie Equipment Working Group, which consists of five players and four General Managers.
The NHL representatives include Doug Risebrough of Minnesota, Garth Snow of the New York Islanders, Jim Rutherford of Carolina and Brett Hull of Dallas (co-GM). The NHLPA’s Executive Board voted to select three goalies and two skaters. Martin Brodeur of New Jersey, Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders, Ryan Miller of Buffalo, Dany Heatley of Ottawa and Mike Cammalleri of Los Angeles will represent the NHLPA.
The Goalie Equipment Working Group will meet on June 11, 2008 in Toronto to examine the configuration and dimensions of goaltender equipment with respect to safety and performance. If the working group decides alterations to the rules governing goaltender equipment are warranted, and will not jeopardize the safety of the goalies, these recommendations will be forwarded to the Competition Committee for consideration.
“The NHLPA’s membership supports reviewing modifications to goaltender equipment provided the safety and protection of goalies is not compromised,” said NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly. “These five players, together with the general managers, will each bring a unique perspective to the goalie working group, and we anticipate that following the meeting there will be recommendations for the Competition Committee to review.”
“As we discussed with the Players’ Association, player safety and competitive fairness are paramount whenever you’re contemplating any change to the game,” said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. “By assembling this great group of former and current players to review goalie equipment, I’m confident we’ll have the right recommendations to move forward both from a competitive and protective level.”
398 Responses to "Size-specific goalie Equipment"
well to me this is still better than making the damn nets bigger.
The League’s TV deal is a joke; the way the divisions are alligned in the Western Conference is nearly as big a joke; the way suspensions are doled out is borderline criminal. Let’s hope the size of the waffle blocker is not the only agenda item on the League’s to-do list this off-season.
This should be interesting. What are they looking at most pads on the legs or the ridiculously large chest and shoulder pads? I remember the old catchers chest pad and seperate arm pads. I dont think we need to go back that far as it would definately lead to a large amount of injuries. Especially with the new composite sticks these days. There is definately some room for improvement though. It’s really funny when you see a goalie off ice versus what they look like when they are all bulked up with pads.
Maybe we need to just widen the goal by 6-12 inches instead if we want to see more goals. that would force the goalies to be quick accross the net and some of the pad bulk would probably dissapear on its own. Just a thought DR.
NiNY, much better.
Believe it or not, I’ve known several goalies (amateur mind you) whose games have improved after switching to smaller pads. I suppose simply due to increased mobility.
I like our division. Very competitive with solid teams and passionate fans throughout.
With the change in scheduling next year there will be only 3 Canuck games on late.
Ice: Would be nice for the Wild to play a divisional road game in the same time zone; but I’m assuming having the Wild in a division with teams like Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago would make too much sense for the NHL. Most times, “sense” and “NHL” don’t collide in the same sentence.
Almost anything is better than making the nets bigger. I can see where smaller pads would increase mobility, who knows, this may make goalies even better in the long run.
I like how they could hardly bother to get anyone who wasn’t stationed on the east coast for this. and Garth snow as one of the GMs? Weak. I would have to imagine that NHL goalies have already taken the time to find the equipment that maximizes movement and coverage/protection.
It’s about time they look at this. I’m sorry but a 5′10″ Manny Legace doesn’t need to be wearing the same size pads as the 6′3″ Roberto Luongo.
but I’m assuming having the Wild in a division with teams like Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago would make too much sense for the NHL.
i don’t see the old norris being put back together but i could see this.
realignment.
western conference
vancouver, san jose, anaheim, los angeles, phoenix.
edmontion, calgary, colorado, dallas, wild or st louis
wild or st louis, chicago, columbus, nashville, detroit
east
montreal, ottawa, boston, rangers, isle
philly, devils, buffalo, pitt, toronto
carolina, miami, tampa, atlanta, wash
How about moving Nahville down with the south east teams, move Washington up with the mid east teams and move Toronto in to the West replacing Nashville?
I *believe* I had read that any realignment (or expansion that causes realignment) starts with Detroit moving to the eastern conference. I’m not sure if that was in the way of a “gentleman’s agreement” or something more legit.
you’d think that Detroit and Toronto should be in the same Division. the NHL drools over rivalries and anything that brings more money, and with attendance being what it is in Detroit (economy) and Toronto (suck factor), having those two teams play each other would fill each arena every meeting. they’re only like two hours apart.
I don’t see realignment until a team(s) move or there is expansion. However, my preference is to go old school (although this format works better with 32 or 28 teams):
Norris Division
dallas wild st. louis chicago columbus nashville detroit
Smythe Division
edmontion calgary colorado vancouver san jose anaheim
los angeles phoenix
Patrick or Adams Division
montreal ottawa boston rangers islanders philadephia buffalo toronto
Adams or Patrick Division
pittsburgh nj carolina florida tampa bay atlanta wash
Detroit is in the Eastern Time Zone, DB.
With any conference scheme you can divise, some team loses strong rivalries.
Personally, I prefer Wild opponents Calgary and Edmonton to Columbus and Nashville.
You would wonder how Vancouver fans would like losing Calgary and Edmonton as primary opponents?
Perhaps the NHL could schedule certain designated out of division opponents for more games.
For the Wild, teams like St Louis, Chicago, or Detroit could be considered as a primary “out of division” opponent with more home and home games.
Wow, Adam. That takes away three of our biggest rivals.
Have always wondered what keeps a team from bringing in a sumo wrestler, strapping some pads on him and wedging him between post post and crossbar? He wouldn’t have to skate, wouldn’t even have to move, just stand there.
KIPA - its tough to cut the East in half as currently constituted - I would love to build a super south division and replace the Pens and then NJ with teams like NSH or CBJ or even DAL.
Forgot to add that it is also tough to divvy up the the teams in the NE.
my alignment is simply based on time zones going from west to east. this is my biggest complaint with current setup. it would be nice to have equal teams in the eastern time zone and the other 3 but that isn’t the case. my setup puts the most divisions, where the most games are played, in the same timezone.
all of the east conference can be shifted between divisions any way you want. i just grouped them by proximity.
to me it isn’t about losing rivals. we will gain rival in chicago easily and others in the division simply based on the number of times we will meet. promixity has nothing to do with the rivalry with vancouver. it is the number of games we play and to a point, the 03 playoff series.
I’m Happy says:
Have always wondered what keeps a team from bringing in a sumo wrestler, strapping some pads on him and wedging him between post post and crossbar? He wouldn’t have to skate, wouldn’t even have to move, just stand there.
Try this article.
How does Brett Hull fit into this exactly?
We do not get votes however, if somebody decides to carve this up a different way.
The secret to happiness is learning to love what we have. If there is a change we will learn to love that too I guess.
But, given a choice I would rather have more games against the teams in the current NW than Nashville or Columbus, both in the Eastern Time Zone.
Brodeur’s performance (ignoring this post-season) is proof enough that smaller pads are both effective and protective enough. I think the league’s first focus should be on calling the penalties that are in the rule book. If they actually do this, it will open things up on the ice.
I’ll apologize in advance for the long post, but as an old goalie who still does a little coaching and instruction, I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past couple of years. I was okay with the smaller leg pads, and as Goody said above, there are cases in which the smaller, lighter pads have helped goalies.
At first, I was very much against any ideas about changing the net size. A six-foot wide net is difficult to cover, and for a goalie, your whole world is defined by “post-to-post.” Watch when a goalie slides across, how they automatically reach for the post to know where they are. If they move out to challenge a shooter, they will instinctively touch the pipe with the butt of their stick or their catch glove as they begin to move out, to help them know how they are aligned. Changing the width of the net would crate an incredibly difficult - and in my mind, unfair - challenge.
However, I’ve come to the conclusion that there would be no such impossible adjustment if we were to raise the crossbar by, say, six inches. We’re now a full generation into the “butterfly” era (which is an oversimplification, but it will work for this discussion), in which we all teach our goalies to get to their knees, spread the pads and take away as much of the space along the ice as possible.
We teach that because it works. And it works because when you take away the lower 10-12 inches of the net, while maintaining an upright torso, you force the shooter to shoot at corners. The philosophy has become (again, oversimplifying) “I’m going to move toward the shooter, butterfly to take away low, and if he can hit that tiny corner over my shoulder, then he gets the goal.”
Raising the crossbar six inches would alter that philosophy. The butterfly would no longer be the automatic “move of first choice” because there would be greater vulnerability to the high shot. It would force goalies to “read and react” more and rely less on a blind butterfly move.
Finally, it wouldn’t radically alter the goaltender’s world in the same way that a wider net would. There would be complaints, but it would soon die down. I’d love to see this experiment for one season in the AHL, or maybe the major junior leagues, because I think it’s a solution we could all live with.
goalieguy: as a fellow goalie, I can say that you just offered the best, most-persuasive argument for changing the dimensions of the net that I’ve ever read.
In fact, I believe I am now a convert to your way of thinking.
Goalieguy, if a change to the net has to be made, I like your idea a lot - very well-reasoned.
Interesting idea Goalieguy. I’d guess though that there would be lots of arguement about players shooting higher and hitting defenders up high (like it never happens now!). That, and would a puck batted out of the air still have to be played with a stick below the crossbar? Then the stick would be higher yet and I’m sure that the reason for that rule was to cut down on high sticks hitting the goalies and defenders.
Goalieguy I like that. Personally I always liked the standup read and react style better anyway because I think too many butterfly too early (like Backs sometimes) but I do understand its effectiveness. Raising the crossbar rather than widening the nets would require less adjustment but should result in more goals. Excellent suggestion.
With his background, Bettman would get this one. I think everyone else would hate it. You could have a ‘lane’ in front of the goal like in basketball. Players (offense and defense) wouldn’t be allowed to camp out in that lane. That would help cut down on teams (cough Avs cough) clogging the front of the net and increase the number of shots getting through to the goalie. Of course, he’d have a better view of those shots too. It would also virtually eliminate the art of the screen/deflection.
buffalo66:
Hull has been an advocate for size specific goalie equipment since before lockout. Plus he is the co-GM in Dallas now, so his voice gets heard a little better now that he isn’t just a retired player clamoring for these changes.
Well, I move we give the Swarm nets a shot in the preseason and see how it goes. That way MSE can save money on new nets.
Alright, it’s settled. The Wild buy one net 4′6″ high and place it on the west end of the rink for a trial next year. Any arguments?
mbrose, I think lacross nets are smaller. Not sure however. They may be taller but are smaller across. Anyone know for sure?
I say try the taller nets in the AHL next season, (it’s how they should have tested the ‘uniform systems’) problems can be worked out that way. Although I do hate turning the AHL into guenie pigs it just might work.
The big thing for me with goalie pads is the whole ‘not tying certain flaps so it’s harder to go five hole on a guy’ thing. I think thats one reason they are even taking a look at the pad sizes.Early in the season I thought I saw some griping about Luango the Ape Man not tying some things as tight so they flap down when he’d butterfly and cover the five hole. I could be wrong, anybody else remember that?
yeah, interesting thought. would suck for goalies. but, compared to how it used to be, they have gotten more advantage than anyone else. like when the oilers would fly down the rink in the eighties and you could actually see some of the net to shoot at around the goalies.
Nice explanation Goalie Guy.
Goalieguy - I agree that that was the best articulated rationale for increasing the size of the net. Still, I prefer that equipment be first addressed, as I see that as a much less radical change and it still maintains a connection with previous eras.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
Bandgeek: Lacrosse nets are the same six-foot width, but are also six feet high. They look goofy because they’re seven feet deep, with that odd pyramid shape.
I forgot to add that I think the whole idea of “goalie-specific” sizing is ridiculous. I can’t think of any comparable example in sports where we tailor the rule requirement to a person’s size.
And finally, why do we care what Brett Hull thinks? The f*&%er scored 741 goals and now he thinks it should be even easier? (He once scored 105 goals in a 57-game season in juniors…fun to be a goalie in that league!)
I’m pretty sure Lacrosse nets are 6′x6′. Should be the same width and give you plenty of top shelf to shoot at, or keep grandma’s cookies for that matter.
Oh….. They always looked smaller to me. Maybe because LaCross goalies look funny in their huge shoulder pads and shorts.
Maybe my problem really is this - I don’t really have a problem with goal scoring as it is now. While it’s fun to see goals being scored - at least in close games - the thing I also love about hockey is the rarity of the goal. I guess I don’t want a bunch of 1-0 games, but I don’t have a lot of problems with 3-2 games.
I agree with that, Hockeydad. I don’t really see a problem either, but enough other people seem to, and so I guess I’m hoping we find some reasonable adjustments that don’t put goalie safety at risk.
Total goals per game were 5.57 this past season, down from 5.89 the year before, and 6.17 in the first post-lockout season. (The number peaked at 8.03 in 1981-82).
As you said, I’m fine with the game as is, but if an extra two goals a game are going to create more fans and make the games more exciting for the average schmoe (I don’t know if I buy into that, but a lot of people do), then let’s get there in a reasonable, manageable way.
(8.03 goals a game means an average 5-3 game, as opposed to what we have now, an average 3-2 or 4-2…Is that really a vastly improved product? Maybe, but I don’t know the answer for certain.)
I think rather than focusing on goals per game. They really need to focus on scoring chances. Which would you rather watch.
A 1-0 game where each team gets 15 chances to score.
OR
An 8-5 game where each team puts the puck in the net almost every time they hit the O zone?
Me, I’d rather see a 1-0 game with lots of chances than a 8-5 snoozefest (basketball) where either team scores on every rush.
Gotchya, GG. I guess we should expect little else from the folks who brought us the loser point.
more great info, there, Goalieguy.
I would like to point out that the “better” product of 81-82 was not enough to save hockey in markets like Quebec, Hartford, Minneapolis, Winnipeg, and Colorado - each of whom had a team in the NHL then that is no longer in existence.
I’m with you, Goody.
Agreed, Goody.
Now, for ways to increase the number of scoring chances. Hmmm…
Well, I think the calling of clutching/grabbing and removal of the two line pass rule have helped.
Olympic ice (won’t happen) would probably help because of the added room to skate.
Elimination of the ‘loser point’ would help because teams would skate hard throughout the third in tie games trying to score rather than ‘prevent’ and get the point for overtime.
Calling penalties per the rulebook would help (more pp time = more chances). Swallowing the whistle doesn’t help anything. Let them play only if they are playing within the rules.
… And the Best Mullet of the 2007/2008 Hockey Season award goes to a Sioux fan - http://www.startribune.com/local/18370349.html
two pucks?
classy, Adam.
If their going to keep the ‘loser point’ make a win 3 points. More of a difference between the winner and loser that way.
Goals are down from the 80s “hey day” for the simple fact that goalies of that era were brutal to say the least, overall, than the goalies of today. Watch some games from that time period and the level of goaltending back then was a joke. Now I understand there were some good goalies back then, but overall the position was a joke compared to what it is in today’s game.
Goody, I agree that going back to calling the interference and holding tighter is better, but not because of more PP time. That first season, all the PP time ruined the flow of the game. However, I thought the players eventually adjusted resulting in the more open games.
One item of note in that article that Adam put up (it’s all symantics but I’m bored). A mullet is a mullet. Hockey hair is usually shaggy and longer all over, for a good example of hockey hair see any recent picture of Sid the Kid. That’s all I’m saying, that and my god that poor child, next thing you know he’ll want to drive a Camaro and call all women ‘babe.’
Adam: it’s sort of amazing how much solace I take from the fact that that kid is a Sioux fan.
DB the fact that goalies have gotten so good is one of the reasons the Mr and I think a lot of the records held by a ‘certain Oilers player’ from the 1980’s will never be topped.
Band: Dave Semenko?!
Ha ha Nick. You know who I’m talking about. I just spell his name wrong 50% of the time (it’s like this weird mental block)and get tired of typing ‘The Great One’ all the freakin’ time.
Goals are down from the 80s “hey day” for the simple fact that goalies of that era were brutal to say the least, overall, than the goalies of today. Watch some games from that time period and the level of goaltending back then was a joke. Now I understand there were some good goalies back then, but overall the position was a joke compared to what it is in today’s game.
Absolutely agree. There can be no arguing that point. (Remember, “Stack the pads”? LOL).
Olympic ice (won’t happen) would probably help because of the added room to skate.
This would increase the amount of skating on the perimeter, but teams would respond by simply collapsing down in front of the net, (as they do now), so I’m not sure this would necessarily increase scoring.
I think it would be more appropriate to say about a 3 yr old; his parents are Sioux fans. Do you think the kid has formed his own opinion about which team to follow at this point in his life?
bfw, true that it might increase skating on the perimeter but it would give players a lot more space to work their way through the neutral zone = less dump and chase.
I hate the collapse and clog defense. It would be nice if there were a way to do away with it.
Penalty for leaving your skates to block a shot? Nah, I’m impressed by the balls some guys have to lie down in front of a frozen chunk of vulcanized rubber moving at 100 mph. Plus, I love it when the guy steps around them and makes them look foolish lying there on the ice.
Another change that we never hear of being proposed that would open up scoring would be loosening up the restrictions on stick curves. Increasing the curve allows for greater velocity and accuracy on the forehand. It’s not as though most players have a good backhand anymore.
Although I did find it interesting to see Sid the Kid in the outdoor game this year have a very slight curve to his stick which of course was giving him so many more options!
Bandgeek: Did you go to JM or Mayo?
it would give players a lot more space to work their way through the neutral zone = less dump and chase.
Agreed with more room, but if you think about it, teams would react by playing four across their blue w/one forechecker, which would result in more dump and chase.
Penalty for leaving your skates to block a shot?
Maybe not, but I like the creativity! (Believe it or not, goalies were prohibited from leaving their feet at one point!)
Another change that we never hear of being proposed that would open up scoring would be loosening up the restrictions on stick curves.
FYI: This was done for the ‘06 season:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2006-10-03-stick-curve-rule_x.htm
As far as conference alignments are concerned, my solution would be to change from East-West to a North-South conference makeup. The alignment would shake out like so:
Northern Conference
Northeast Division
Boston
Ny Rangers
Ny Islanders
Montreal
Ottawa
Great Lakes Division
Toronto
Buffalo
Detroit
Chicago
Minnesota
Northwest Division
Colorado
Edmonton
Calgary
Vancouver
San Jose
Southern Conference
Atlantic Division
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Washington
Pittsburgh
Columbus
Gulfcoast Division
Carolina
Nashville
Atlanta
Tampa Bay
Florida
Southwest Division
St. Louis
Dallas
Phoenix
Los Angeles
Anaheim
This alignment puts the burden of travel on all teams, yet keeps the divisions bunched close together geographically speaking, although St. Louis does get hosed a bit. (It’s their fault for being called the gateway to the west though.)
The Mr and I both graduated from Mayo. Go Spartans.
Thank Build, I must have forgotten that. I think I’ve forgotten more than I’ll ever know…
The hated green and yellow Spartans!!!!
Lots of years in the mid 90’s they had great teams though.
I attended JM myself. Most of the Spartans I knew graduated in ‘90. Although a couple of my brother teammates from growing up played hockey there. One was a really good goalie that carried your team to state as a freshman.
Green and GOLD thank you very much. My junior year we made it to state, we’d always do good till we had to play teams from other parts of the state. Let’s face it, south eastern MN is (was?) not the hockey hotbed it is in other parts of the state.
Was his name Ranfranz by any chance? He was a few years younger than me, and I graduated in 96.
TFP what year did you graduate from JM?
I got out in 89.
Band, He was the goalie when my little brother played for the Rockets.
I wouldn’t mind seeing more scoring. Some might suggest I follow a different team then. Ba da bing!
The Goalieguy idea comes across as pretty convincing. I suppose it would have to be tried first, just to see how many people end up taking pucks to the head. It’s possible that there would be less high shots actually because there would be less butterflying. Is that a word?
And of all the realignment ideas, I think the Wild’n'NH one is most intriguing. Northern (read: traditional hockey markets) Conference vs. Southern Conference Stanley cup finals. Very interesting…
Of course that would make it even harder for a Canadian team to win the cup. (-:
And for those who want to wallow in self-pity: Ryan Smyth is out with a broken foot.
About goalie pads: Look at old North Stars footage of 6′3″ Cesare Maniago. He was as agile a goalie as there was, and look at how small his pads were! Smaller equipment is the rule, especially today with lighter, more flexible materials that are actually better protection than the old stiff materials ever were.
About divisional realignment: I believe the NHL would be best served with 4 divisions, with each division having no less than seven members. Two divisions would have 8 members.
Western: Anaheim, Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver.
Central: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis.
Northeast: Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto.
East: Atlanta, Carolina, Florida, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington.
Playoffs would be the same EXCEPT there would only be two division winners, therefore the next two best in points would get home ice (FWIW, BTW) in the first round.
No division games would take place more than one time zone away from home. Only one team (Detroit) would have to cross three time zones to play games within their own conference.
Discuss…
For goalie pads, the main thing for me is have a uniform width 11″, 12″, whatever. Then, have a measurement that when the knee is bent at a right angle, the pads cannot extend more than x inches above the knee. Some of the pads these guys wear extend 6 inches or more above the top of the knee. When they go into the butterfly, the 5 hole disappears and allows them the flexibility to stick their legs out further taking up more of the lower corners as well.
Bandgeek:
You’re probably thinking of box lacrosse (like the swarm play) if you’re thinking of goalies with big pads. Those nets are smaller(4×4) than field lacrosse nets.
Yep, I’m thinking like the Swarm play. I’ve not seen much lacrosse played other than that and some traditional lacrosse played by a group of Dakota at a pow wow down the street from where I work.
Hey, just as long as someone asks Snow how many playoff games his pilfered gopher played this year. And remind him how many he would have played in if he were in MN. (snicker!!!)
Games getting chippy at the MSG.
Playoffs would be the same EXCEPT there would only be two division winners, therefore the next two best in points would get home ice (FWIW, BTW) in the first round.
I would be for intra-division games in round 1 and 2 - your idea to send PIT and PHI to the south was better than me putting NJ down there but I would still like to get NSH in with those teams somehow.
PS - I thought the Mullet kid was cute regardless of his affinity for the Sioux.
Realignment:
Remember 1 1/2 years ago at the Dallas all-star game? The league was discussing going back to 4 divisions, roughly based on time zones. The odd part was two of the divisions (Pacific and Northeast I believe) would have 8 teams, while the other two would have 7 teams.
Minnesota would be in the new Central, with Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Nashville, St Louis, and Dallas.
Of course, this was obviously a temp situation. This arrangement is perfect to allow for two new teams - and if they’re both put in the Central Div, then Detroit (or Columbus) would have to move east. 
Also in Dallas, Bettman and other execs PUBLICLY talked about how with the salary cap, Winnipeg could support a team.
I’ve learned to accept expansion because it’s likely the only way we’ll end up in the same div as Chicago and St Louis, where we belong. Sure, we won’t see Vancouver, Colorado, Calgary and Ed-mental as much, but playing our “historical rivals” would be better.
Plus, being in the same div as Dallas, we could play with ourselves!
Adam-
I MIGHT be for intra-div playoffs, but for the first round only. The problem is, look at the SE div this year. Can you really say that Carolina deserved a spot instead of Boston? If the first round is in the division, then the top four teams in each division make it, even if the fifth-seed team in the NE is much better than the fourth seed in the Atlantic.
Mr. B. - good point, we have had some bad divisions at the 5 team level but you would have to think if each division has at least 7 teams it would be ok. Plus, if its a 7/8 split you probably have to give the last spot to the better record, regardless of division. I believe AiH noted that is what they do in the AHL.
I have had several emaisl and comments about my roster I have penciled in for next year. My phone has not stopped ringing all day !
I posted it yesterday, and the following questions and comments were made. I have posted again for everyone to see with one change
Why sign Georg Larouqe when you have Boogy ? Larouqe has speed to make the hits like Boogy. They open up the ice for your closers. You dont need both in the line up everynight. It takes the need for Boogy to fight all the time off of him. Frees Boogys hitting game
One emailer noticed no Colton Gillies. Your right I made an error, so I put Clutterbuck as the number 15 forward and placed Colton in his place
(1)Look for Walz replacement at center (UFA) Team speed help
(2) Sign George Larouqe to go with Boogy
(3) 1 to 2 UFA on Defense
(4) Determine if Parrish or Gabby have a future with the club
(5) I would keep Demitra compared to Rolston, especially if Gabby has a future with the team
(6) If Gabby has no future you sign Rolston and LEMAIRES JOB JUST GOT EASIER
(7) Is Parrish ready to retire ?? If he dont he might score 10 goals at best, but he will be a great Dad I am sure
Centers
(1)Bellanger
(2)Sheppard
(3)Koivou
(4)UFA signing
Right Wings
(1)Gaborick or his replacement ?
(2)Parrish or his replacement ?? I think he is done as an effective player
(3)PMB
(4)Gillies
(5)George Larouqe
Left Wings
(1)Vellieux
(2)Pouliot
(3)Demitra = I think he will sign for a reasonable price if Gabby is here
(4)Boogy
(5) Fedoruk
Defense
(1) Johnnson
(2) Schultz
(3) Skoula
(4) Burns
(5) Foster= When he returns
(6)UFA
(7) UFA or Houston prospect
(8) Erik Reitz
Good Old Wally- I think that roster would win a bunch of games. I agree with you Wally that the Wild need to get back the team speed
Another thought Good Old Wally
If Gabby and Demitra go Lemaire can coach his system easier. No doubt JL likes the team speed, as do I Wally, but he can really play JL type hockey without the Slovaks easier. I still would rather have Gaborick with the Wild, but if they cant keep them, JL has an easier job at the end of the day
Yeah, that lineup would struggle to make the playoffs. Just like this years team. Certainly another one a done if they make the playoffs. Need to do more to improve rather than be content to be mediocre.
Dont B Fooled,
GOW is an expert, and he I dont think is saying that roster is what will be, rather he is saying Gabby- Parrish- Demitra might be replaced, and maybe that might tickle your fancy more DONT B FOOLED ?? I happen to think that the line up above would B/Slap any club you might like !
GOW- Count me in the “Demo walks because he doesn’t like JL’s system and wants to go out east, we re-sign Rolston to a 2-3 year deal, AND still work out something w/ Gabby” camp. Hey, it could happen.
Oh yeah- no Laraque
wow…KiPA’s going to be one happy dude. This series is OVER. Pens in the ECF!
Laraque’s goal took the life out of NYR from what I saw - will any of these series get to 6 or 7?
It’s kind of nice seeing Dupuis and Hall do good out there with the Pens. Congrats to your boys again Kevin.
Not caught up, but Laraque, speed? Good old Wally, are you watching the same guy I am? Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, but I do not equate Laraque with speed. Great hands, great puck possession (particularly behind the net) but if you say he’s faster than Boogard, then, and no offense Bandgeek, Boogard must be really slow.
- KiPA: you are up 3-0, do not concern yourself with the ramblings of Good old Wally!
- Good old Wally: are you and Beaver still friends?
I know my Boogie’s no speed demon Kevin so that’s all right. But I don’t think Laraque is speedy either.
Thanks Band.
When I said I wasn’t caught up, I didn’t realize there were only about four or five other posts to read. Ha. I guess I lose my mind when I hear Laraque being praised for his speed.
Anyway.
Woo. But 3-0’s not over (although for the sake of my heart, I think I want to lobby the NHL to automatically award a series win when a team goes up 3-0.)
Not sure Laraque’s goal took the life out of the Rangers. They mounted a comeback and tied it at 3.
I did not think we’d win this one, and particularly during the first period when the Rangers swarmed Fleury.
- I totally missed that NYR tied it, I guess I can’t watch 2 games at once, work and concern myself with the latest GoW posts all at the same time.
- Randy Hahn has a playoff beard, Remenda should have let his hair come back.
Adam: yup. Laraque made it 2-1, Malkin scored a PPG a little later to go up two, then the Rangers scored twice in I think it was 64 seconds in the second to tie it. Geno got another PPG late after Hollweg took a stupid boarding penalty while the ice was heavily lopsided in the Rangers’ favor. Malone made it 5-3 2:30 into the third.
Detroit PP took about 10 seconds to skate through and tie it. Stars off to the races with a 3-0 lead.
KiPA - Here’s the real question: will your squad ever lose?
When I look back over Gabby’s career, he has been pretty high maintenance. Injuries, the butchered contract hold out, hand holding, scouting job for the old man, bringing in Demitra, etc. You can argue that is all part of developing a young player, but PMB, Burns, et al haven’t been problem kids. The Wild have been more than patient with him. Gabby puts together a decent year at this critical juncture and will ask for the max $10.5M (20% of the cap) Its going to be Kevin Garnett syndrome if we do that and one player in BB is far more impactful than one in hockey (see playoffs). Gabby sells tix, but won’t win championships. Its not in his makeup to battle that hard. I’d rather find 2 $5M players or even 3 @ 3.3 than commit that much even though I love watching him. I’ll spend the extra bucks on CI to watch him on some East Coast also ran.
I like the 4′6″ goal height. Anybody want to get into the goal retrofitting and manufacturing biz?
I hope not, HD, but I’m sure they will. I thought we’d lose tonight and now I’m penciling in Game 4 as an L just because of how dreadful we are in MSG. If the game plays out like tonight’s, I don’t think we’ll squeak another win out.
Holy Schnike! Stars up 3-0 in the series. Gotta feel for SJ.
Cody Mcleod opens scoring for Av. Must have deflected in off his gums!
Stoned on the Breakaway
I tend to like your thought process
No way is he worth in the 9 to 10 million range. If the Wild are about team, they need to be about team, and not 1 player. The Wild have to have a go to guy. However, how many games did Gabby close late in the game and overtime this year ? A bunch !
I dont keep Rolston unless Gabby is not going to be around as I would use 3 million on Demitra
Parrish I doubt is going to be worth his salary. I am sure Dr is not liking the fact that a Minnesotan will have to be let go. That 3 million could be used for Hedican or Malone however
Ha. One version of the Associated Press game story about the Pens-Rangers says Malkin “showed how he led the NHL in goals and points.”
For the Wild to build a team, they need money to fill all the holes. If Gabby wants the moon and they pay him, the holes cannot be upgraded.
So, I too would consider the right deal for him and trade him, but only if we got back what we need.
Gabby is a scorer, he has a rifle for a stick. But, he can be stopped as Colorado proved. That gets back to not buying into JL’s system early on.
I think he has done that now and has added more tricks to his bag. But, it takes a lot of work from him to keep ahead of the people who figure out how to shut him down.
You guys bagging on gabby better watch out for G*, that’s his boy.
I actually said we should send him packing back in November or thereabouts.I won’t go through my whole litany of reason’s again now, but I say trade him this off season for Malkin (kevin ) or similar type player.
Look what happened to all our other pro teams when they tried to build around 1 or 2 immature, self-absorbed yet “great” player(s)..does wonders for team cohesion and morale.
*head explodes*
How comical is it to hear Peter Forsberg complaining about someone else selling the call?
Hello, kettle? This is the pot, and you’re black.
Avs are toast.
If I had Malkin on my team, there’s no way in hell I’d trade him straight-up for Gabby.
Dave, you might trade him straight up if you cant afford two superstars
I don’t understand, GOW. If I can’t afford two superstars (and I assume Sid is one), how does trading one (Malkin) for another (Gabby) solve my problem? Am I misunderstanding your point?
Hold On Adam- I was never saying that George was faster than Boogy- George can play, and Boogy can play. Guess what boys, George and wild prospect Kassina are sparing partners in the off sesaon. They have a relationship
Boys, unless the Wild get out of the Western conference or we lose PMB- Demitra=Gabby. You need to have two brawlers- signed Good Old Wally, your expert
Wild needs SCORERS. Look how bad Colorado is looking against Detroit. More proof Risebrough is clueless. Wild had trouble scoring yet Detroit isn’t having the same problems. Wait until next year when the Wild miss the playoffs. Risebrough will be fired.
I’m a little tardy chiming in on this, but great discussion surrounding altering the size of the net, particularly Goalieguy’s rationale. It’s interesting to me how the players in the league evolve and change the way they play in response to changing styles. It’s like an ongoing chess match between goalies and shooters. For many years, the strategy was to shoot low on the standup goalies because they had a hard time covering that part of the net. The butterfly and the other hybrid styles evolved as a way to overcome that weakness. Then, the shooters in the 80s - led by all those great Oilers scorers like Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, and Semenko (LOL, NiNY) started shooting high in response to the popularity of those styles.
I wonder if you’d see a return to the standup style if the crossbar was raised, or if goalies would continue to use the butterfly.
can’t believe y’all had the time to post with GTA IV launched yesterday.
#10 ain’t my boy phil. I don’t give a shat if he stays or goes but if i were GM i’d try to keep him. he is a talented young hockey player.
I’d rather have 4 divisions but the trend is to go more divisions to there are more division championship races.
G* I don’t have a system that will play GTA IV. I also am very very bad at video games (although I did kick ass at duck hunt in my youth). So I guess I’ll stick with reading Russo’s and ‘talking’ to all of you.
What is this GTA IV to which you refer?
I assume it’s Grand Theft Auto, Goody. It’s a video game.
Ahh, I see. As you may guess it’s release has no effect on my visits to this site.
Mine, either, Goody.
Gabby is my boy more than Green*.
However, I am a realist also. I have said that if Gabby has indicated that re-signing him will be hard, DR has no choice but to trade him before the start of the season.
I went back and read some articles from 2000-2008. I think what turned the corner from coachable Gabby to what many deemed primadonna Gabby was the 2003 holdout.
That holdout was a bad move on his part and fans resent it. Everytime he has expressed interest about moving to the East, we resent it. Why wouldn’t he want to play before the best fans in the US, State of Hockey, and the best building? We resent the fact that DR went out and got Demitra to entice Gabby to stay. We don’t know if DR got another top-tiered center, would that have been enough for Gabby.
I also think he became less afraid to voice his opinions to his coaches after the lock out. He became less of mindless drone and grew up. You can say the lock out gave him time to get over the humility he suffered from the holdout-force to pay his former agent-low scoring year-and missing the playoffs.
After the 05-06 lockout, Gabby made it known to his teammates that he would consider leaving if the DR doesn’t make any effort to try to get good players. DR went out and did. This summer, Gabby is going to do the same. He is going to see what DR does before committing to the Wild.
Also, the fans and the coaches hold Gabby to a different standard because he is what revs the engine in the team. If he is not on his game (being a threat), the team loses. If he doesn’t play every shift, then it allows for other players to take a shift off.
We are more willing to give Rolston a pass because he plays on the PP, PK, scores at least 30 goals, and is considered a leader. Yet, he complains about practices and ice time and we give him a pass. He can take a shift or a game off and it will slide.
Gabby as the face of this franchise is held to a higher standard.
Another issue in the whole Gaby thing is that the team just can’t win when he isn’t scoring or in the lineup.
Remember how we had so much more offensive depth coming into the season? What did it get us?
You almost wonder if it’s a mental block (winning w/o Gaby) that they won’t overcome unless he’s no longer on the team.
I am not saying I think he should be traded (my personal jury’s still out on that one).
Greenstar made a really strong point about four versus six divisions. With six, you have two more races and with more teams in the hunt you keep more fans in the seats and excited to the end.
So, you will not see any return to less divisions. It would be a bad decision and cost fan support.
Dave, also good point. In Journey from the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne foretold of the race between impervious metals and more powerful explosives.
It is the same between shooters and goalies. Goalies get better equipment and then shooters buy better sticks. Goalies find a way to plug up the net and shooters find smaller corners.
Truth is: an exciting hockey game does not need a pile of goals.
As someone else mentioned recently, scoring opportunities with Hurculean efforts that thwart them is not bad either.
Good points, NiNY. That could lead to a whole discussion about what kind of player or players we’d want in return for him, and whether we could acquire that kind of player or players in a deal.
Are we ready to have that discussion?
NiNY: I have thought of that. I don’t think the team has a mental block but they speak like they do.
The playoffs showed that they can win games without Gaborik scoring but they can’t close the deal without Gaborik scoring.
It would be a good question to pose to Russo.
You’re kind of talking over my head now, Ice (”I don’t understand all this industry jargon. YP, MP.”). Jules Verne? Herculean? I thought we were talking about hockey.
Kidding.
Problem with Gabby is not Gabby at all.
It may just be the circumstances. Here we have a player who would benefit from just the right centerman.
But, if we pay Gabby the big bucks, then the team may not be able to fit that Centerman around the Cap especially if Demitra is also retained.
So, the decision really gets down to how to make the team better. Is it by retaining Gabby or by finding a different combination?
If Gabby was gone you free up a ton of $$$ because then Demitra is gone too.
With that money you could probably find that other solid DMan, a less sexy Wing than Gabby but maybe solid clutch player, and another strong Centerman.
So, maybe it comes back to the OJ trade that we teased ourselves with.
Dave, I am not a SciFi person at all, it was a really boring book for me.
But, there was that bit of truth.
Hold On Adam- I was never saying that George was faster than Boogy- George can play, and Boogy can play. Guess what boys, George and wild prospect Kassina are sparing partners in the off sesaon. They have a relationship
- Good old Wally: I just wanted to know if you and Beaver still on speaking terms - the Beav ripped you on the Laraque thing.
- I know its unlikely that there will be 4 divisions but I can hope, right? My theme with the NHL as a sport in the US - differentiate don’t assimilate!
But isn’t the right centermen, Koivu? They need to find a checking line centermen, which is cheaper than #1 centermen for Gaborik.
What have I told you guys about using big words before noon!?!?!?! I don’t find Gabby sexy (Boogie and Burnsie are a different kettle of fish however), I find him whiney. Roli’s whiney also, waaa, get me the perfect center, waaa I don’t want to practice so hard, waaa Boogie’s jersey’s sell more than mine do….. you get the picture. Now I’m cranky, and my headaches back. Wonder if I have any asprin in my desk drawer?….
I’m heading off to our nation’s capitol for a couple days.
Bandgeek: you and the Mr are in charge of the pub while I’m gone.
FYI to those of you who hoped for the Wild AHL franchise to move to Iowa… no dice, it seems.
Thanks for the trust Nick, we’ll try not to let the others get out of hand. Have fun in DC. And yes I found some asprin, now if it would just kick in….
Enjoy DC, NiNY. Have you ever been to the Spy Museum? It’s pretty cool. It’s near the arena where the Caps play, whatever that’s called now.
Any one else have a love/hate relationship with Don Cherry?
Today: Hate
At least that little mullet winner’s got the spirit. I sat in front of some Siuox fans once at the WCHA semi’s. They repeatedly told the ushers at the X that we were bothering them/too rowdy. Watching hockey isn’t like watching an opera you Dakota dorks. Gophs won- Ha! (This was last year, obviously)
Don Cherry is a typical gas bag that cannot survive unless he can hear the sound of his own voice. Somebody needs to let Don know that hcokey exists outside of Toronto and Boston.
you don’t need to be very good at this game. so far all i have really done is car-jack a taxi and knock down as many light poles and people as i could. and house a gal after letting me win at bowling and darts. great way to kill about 4 hours.
If Gabby would come in for $8M and Rolston/Demitra could swap salaries, they might be able to git er done with the addition of another strong center and filling in the other small holes around the core. However, if you are Gabby, do you go with that or do you go out east where you can get 10.5 in a media hotbed where you become a much more visible endorsement target. The guy could make a fortune over the next 10 years.
It certainly looks like the NHL got over the Ducks model in a hurry. Dallas and Detroit will be a series worth watching. Now if we could get the Habs on track to go against the Pens. Orange is a uniform color that should not be allowed on HD programming
I see Gabby banter, but how about Parrish banter nobody wants to touch the conversation of a guy that is getting paid 3.25 million, and he now looks like he has no future. You could replace his salary with a Ryan Malone… Good Old Wally Likey !
Orange is a uniform color that should not be allowed on HD programming.
I think you could shorten that by 3 words - the last three to be exact.
I am pleased to see skating teams back in vogue. Where are those Avs trolls when we need them? The Gabby decision is a huge decision; there is no guarantee we will be able to replace his scoring and really no idea what we could get in return if our backs are to the wall. I certainly would like to keep him and also Rolston, add a solid D and a center and maybe a grinding forward who can score in front of the net. I don’t think we necessarily need to add expensive superstars for those roles.
The problem with Parrish is that he is under contract for three more seasons.
If he isn’t worth what he makes, how do you trade him? I mean what teams would be interested in acquiring him unless you package him with someone else. It’s the same situation as with Kimmy J. He’s paid more than he’s worth so who in their right mind would accept that in a trade?
I don’t think the club can break the contract. I’m not up on player contracts but I’d guess retirement is one of the very few ways a player stops playing in the middle of a contract. I would guess otherwise the player/club would have to request a release and the club/player would have to agree.
Woodcock, it would be foolish to make that trade if you back was to the wall.
Funny, if the Wild had not drawn the Ducks in the first round and lost a year ago the team may have been built differently this year.
San Jose is a surprise. But, as solid as they are, I guess I won’t count them out until they actually lose Game 4.
G*, you say you don’t give a shat if Gabby stays or goes and then proceed to say you’d keep him here because he’s talented. So you DO give a shat. Know what? That’s ok, I just disagree.
What turned me on gabby was not his hold-out, and I doubt many other people hold that against him, it was his statements last year in the playoffs against the ducks. “I don’t want to go up against Getzlaf” or words to that effect. Here is our star player, our best of the best whining about getting checked by Getzlaf…Right then and there, I knew he wasn’t champion material and I don’t buy into that he’s still “young” and needs to grow. Crap the man is like 26 now, how much longer does he need to mature?
Then this season I’ve just heard more statements from him in the same vein as the Getzlaf comments, + his groin…time to move on and he can take Demitra with him.
how does trading one (Malkin) for another (Gabby) solve my problem?
Exactly!!
By the way, Sean Avery reportedly was taken to a NY hospital with cardiac arrest. Reports said he was unconscious and not breathing.
Have fun in D.C. NiNY.
Kimmy J at least is playing at closer (not equal to) his salary–not Parrish. Yes, he will be hard to move.
Ok, now the Rangers say it’s a lacerated spleen, not a heart attack.
Lacerated spleen on Avery. That must suck.
Jinx, Kev.
That’s fine, Dave, you’re one of the few who agree with me here that trading Malkin for Gaborik is f-ing nuts.
how does trading one (Malkin) for another (Gabby) solve my problem?
who gives a shat if it solves your problem as long as it solves ours! Malkin for Gabby! They need speed, we need a center rah! rah! rah! Oh and Kev, remember Russo’s in play on this deal!
Really? People don’t agree with that? Huh.
Folks keep saying/writing Gabby could break the bank in the East. How many teams in the East even have cap room for a 5-yr, $50 million dollar deal, which may even go higher if he stays with the Wild for his final year and cracks the 50-goal plateau, which is possible. So, if a team in the East goes after Gabby this summer, they will no doubt have to give up players, top prospects or top picks; then, shell out ridiculous cash to secure him long term. Not sure the list of teams that would be willing and/or able to do that is very long. Wild should get him in for 6 yrs; $54-56 million and front load it so when the team’s other top players’ contracts come due, the orgaization is not completely hamstrung by the deal.
Ah yes, phil, however, Geno’s performance in the playoffs has been more impressive than Russo’s. Deal’s off.
People don’t agree with that?
Maybe it’s just phil. No one else really seems to talk about it save for him.
Avery lacerated spleen? One of those madam’s ‘ladies’ step on him with a 6 inch heel last night?
Oooh burn, EG. Well played.
Good one, El Gato. Remind me to never get on your bad side.
I don’t say what I said about trading Gabby for Malkin from an “I hate Gabby” perspective. I like Gabby, I really do. I just think Malkin has more positives and upside than Gabby does.
Kevin, damn it! but who’s Geno?
Pittsburgh’s nickname for Malkin. Evgeni = Eugene = Geno.
Got it..when you mentioned Geno and russo in the same breath, I thought he may have been a paper guy like Russo
Is it possible that we could see players price themselves out of a job?
In the age of the cap you have to decide how you want to win.
A couple big stars filled in with rookies or less than stallar players. Two dollar bills surrounded by 20 dimes = $4 and 21 paychecks.
OR
A bunch of middle of the road players and no star. 21 paychecks of 19 cents = $3.99
Myself, I’m of the 21 19 cent paychecks philosophy. To me, it is closer to the definition of ‘team’.
I’m with you on that one Goody
I’m on board with you Goody and by the looks of it so are the Stars. Don’t know what their payroll is and sure they have the Zubov’s and Modano’s, but they are a talented team of above average hard workers as opposed to a few studs surrounded by minor leaguers.
at the end of the day i really don’t care one way or another if #10 is here or on the isle next year. I will say if i had to make the decision, i’d try hard to keep him because you don’t find talent like that every day.
I keep reading that Gabby will most likely demand that maximum allowable of, what is it, 20% of the team’s cap? It’s like Garnett all over again. Who cares if we never succeed as a team as long as you get yours, right?
I am imploring the Wild to sign Gabby this off season. Granted he got the big ziltch against the Avs in the Real season, but he had success in playoffs prior to and I don’t see the Avs series as a trend for him, assuming the Wild make the playoffs again. With a team as offensively “challenged” (for all you PC folks out there) as the Wild is, cutting loose a 40+ goal scorer, who seemingly has started to figure out how to play for JL and is looked upon by the coaches as a team-leader, doesn’t appear to be the wisest move. Unless, of course, some team is going to back up the Brinks trunk over to 317 Washington and unload a package of players and picks that simply cannot be turned down.
Dave: Where have you read that Gabby is going to “demand” the maximum? Haven’t seen it myself and would be interested to say the least.
Hey Kevin,
I’m wondering what does Malkin think of being called Geno and how did it start? Seems strange that a Russian kid would end up being called an Italian nickname.
It’s only speculation, Deep. I don’t remember where I saw it. Maybe in Shooter’s column in the Pio. I shouldn’t have gone on record as saying I think it’s gospel. I’m just a little pessimistic today, and a little conflicted about Gabby in general.
Bead: Pittsburghers like to shorten names (or maybe simplify things is the phrase) whenever possible. I’m not sure exactly how it started, but the formula up above I mentioned, that Evgeni is Russian for Eugene (so I’ve heard anyway), spread throughout the area and someone, I don’t know if it was a Pens personnel member or the fans, turned Eugene into the friendlier form of Geno.
As far as I know, Malkin loves it, and so do his parents, who visited the ‘burgh a couple months ago. They like it a lot better than Malkin’s nickname in Russia, which was like Malky or something stupid like that.
If I were DR, I would trade Gaborik for Malkin in a Slovakian minute.
However, DR is usually on the other side of a one-sided deal so I would think he’ll settle for Dupuis and a 3rd rounder… 
Anyone that thinks that the Pens are going to trade a young star for a head case are nuts.
Gaborik will not sign here. He’s too infatuated with the idea of not having to play both ways. So, it will end up being another Santana deal - ‘cuz the recipient will have to sign him to a mega-contract.
Yeah, the weather is making me negative…
I don’t think Gaborik will demand the maximum. He doesn’t have the credentials for it. How many scoring titles and MVP titles has he won?
Iginla just signed an extension this past season for $7 million. In my mind, there’s no reason Gaborik should be paid much more than that. Gabby isn’t nearly as good as Iginla.
Of course, I understand that it doesn’t necessarily work out that way.
I would like to see him back though.
What had Garnett won when he demanded (and got) $126,000,000,000,000 or whatever from the Woofies, Wallshot? He was The Face of the Franchise, so they had to pony up. Sound familiar?
I guess. I don’t follow basketball.
I’m guessing the NBA as different salaries restrictions/requirements than the way the NHL works.
Plus - does Gabby really have the “star power” that Garnett does? I’d guess that plays into the deal quite a bit with the NBA.
I’m not necessarily drawing comparisons between McHale and DR. I actually thought it was really refreshing and classy of DR to step up and acknowledge where he’d failed the team and failed JL after the season. This is in stark contrast to McHale, who has stubbornly refused to admit to even one of the many, many mistakes he’s made over the years, even as the franchise burned down around him.
Dave, that’s kinda the point..we shouldn’t pony up anything remotely close to 8 or 9 mil with what happened with Garnett..wolves made it really far huh? I know you’re agreeing with that, but DR would be foolish to do that with Gabby.
Gabby’s talent is undisputed, his work ethic and ability to step up in the playoffs is disputed. He’s NOT as good as Iginla. If he’s not traded, he shouldn’t be offered much more than what he is already making.
Kevin, I took a Russina language class and my given Russian name was (pronounced) “shen-ya” which the instructor said was russian for Eugene, so I wonder if Evgeni is another way of saying that…
Pittsburgh says it’s Eugene. End of discussion.
Gabby has not publicly say that he will demand the league maximum of %10 million. The papers say that he could command that amount. And some team will pay that amount just look at Gomez and Briere contracts.
I agree with Wallshot. The Wild should pay Gabby no more than $8 million. Heck, if we could get an Iginla contract that would be great.
I’m curious - can anyone answer this: Since the CBA has been put in place, how many players have signed for the league maximum?
Crosby, Ovechkin - who else? I don’t think we’ll see a lot of those kind of deals, but that’s just my opinion.
Today is one of those days I love my job. I get to spend the day outside (just popped in to eat lunch) setting up stuff for an event for our opening this coming weekend. Today is good, tomorrow may suck donkey however…
My beef with Gabby isn’t his pay, it’s his lack of balls, geeze quit whining and do the job your paid very well to do. Now I’m cranky again, no more Gabby talk he makes me cranky.
phil: http://www.babynamesocean.com/russian_names/meaning_of_Evgeni.html
I’m pretty sure I’ve read some stories in one of the local papers here that explained the nickname, but I’ll admit I’m not a Russian linguist.
And you cannot possibly argue with my source……
Didn’t Briere and Gomez get the league max this year? The amount drops in subsequent years, though.
I think Gabby has learned to accept that he will be checked and checked hard. He has stepped up his physical side. Its either be beaten or stand up for yourself.
I didn’t hear him complain this year. He was pretty matter of fact about being double teamed and knew he had to work harder to get free. In 2003, he wasn’t checked hard because the other teams didn’t take the Wild or him seriously.
Gabby can become more valuable to the team. He needs figure out how to beat the shut down (one way or another) when he is being played tightly.
And, he needs to continue to be responsible on D.
I think he is entitled to a fine raise but not nearly the maximum and not to the point of keeping the Wild from filling their holes.
And look at that Kevin, one of the variants is: Zhenya..Good Work! Now that IS the end of the discussion…well, except I want him for gaborik! 
I guess if I were DR, I’d maybe wait and see if Gaborik comes to me. Gaborik has already said he wants to avoid the distraction of playing in the last year of a contract. Gaborik walking into DR’s office and saying “Let’s work out a deal.” would speak volumes about his desire to stay in MN, his commitment to the team and his maturity.
Ice and Sun, I agree with both of “yous” on your Gabby points!
Thanks Kevin. I know nicknames in hockey don’t have make a lot of sense but it helps when there is logic behind them. I don’t think Geno is going to want to leave Pittsburgh. He’s got a new nickname, the team is steamrolling through the playoffs, he’s scoring goals…why would anyone in their right mind trade him for our prima donna?
For the record, neither Briere or Gomez signed for the max. Briere has a cap hit of about 6.5mil and Gomez is about 7.3.
Thanks, Wallshot. So, Gabby would put himself in a class with Crosby and Ovechkin if he asked for the max. Does anyone think he won’t do it?
DR can’t wait for Gabby. Its DR’s move to make. Gabby has let it be known that he does not want the Hossa-like distraction next season. If DR doesn’t go to Gabby, it also means good-bye Gabby.
Johnsson — he is great defensively. I am impressed about the little things he does to break up plays or get the puck out of the zone during the PK. Who wouldn’t want more offense from him? He should know by now that JL is not going to bench him, Schultz, or Burns. He should take some more calculated risks.
Parrish — I don’t know what happened this year. Injuries, linemates, or what — but he was a disappointment.
Dave: I think Gaborik will start there– its all part of negotiating. Don’t you think that DR will start at $6 million? Hopefully the happy meeting ground is $7.5 million each year for 5 years.
I hope you’re right, sunshine. I really do.
I am with Sunshine on Yohnny.
His cap figure is high but I cannot say he is a bust as a player. He is pretty valuable.
Mostly all the D were stellar until they ran out of gas a little when the minutes went way up after the injuries.
The price of being responsible defensively is always going to be a few less goals scored.
Probably all of the above on Parrish, and they caused a loss of confidence and then he was making decisions instead of carrying the play.
Hopefully Parrish can turn it around again next season. He got banged around a lot this year. He seemed to have an awful run of luck. Perhaps a reversal fortune is in his future?
I’d trade Gaborik by mid-year. Maybe you can start the year with him, but the risk there is a possible October groin injury again, which will drop his value. Right now, it’s highest.
I think we could get some decent talent for him, or a couple of high draft picks and a decent player too.
Parrish? Screw Parrish. If he can’t stay healthy playing his role, then we need someone who can. Franzen or Parrish? You pick.
Great fun reading through the posts. Been a while since I’ve visited Russoville and NiNY’s Pub! A few thoughts — I’ve always said well-executed saves are every bit as fun to watch as stinger goals scored. American football isn’t so popular because it’s fast-paced and teams score tons of touchdowns. I don’t know WHY the NFL is so popular, actually.
Point is GoalieGuy has some good ideas. As a goalie mom, I’m most interested in what goalies think on the equipment issue. They’re the ones facing 100 mph pieces of rubber. I’m curious about the committee selection, though. Brodeur I can see. But, they could find no qualified goalie from the Western Conference?
Frankly, we ought to be sure low scores are truly why the NHL has such a “specialized” fan base. I see nothing boring about hockey in its current state.
Are these the same Avs we played?! True, JT has been sick and Forsberg was out. But, Detroit seems to have no problem getting to the net — especially when on the power play for a good chunk of time. Ditto for SJ except in all fairness, they got robbed last night by a lazy ref. Habs aren’t showing up to play against the Flyers either. Dear God but the orange has to go — HD just makes it sharper and uglier. And 1000s of fans in all orange!!
Probably the biggest surprise for me this year was JL’s inability to get the team to listen to him at critical times (can’t blame that on Manny!). They needed a good reality check from Wes Walz. He’s missed more than he realizes.
No way..if Gaborik is unwilling to re-sign, trade him before the season starts or it could be poisonous. See Hossa. Campbell — you can see it towards the tradeline but the Hossa situation epitomizes everything I as a fan don’t want to see happen to the Wild next season.
Take what you can get for him because the poison will bleed itself onto the ice.
Just get an old set of Ken Dryden’s pads and gloves, if they haven’t been destroyed and made into hockey cards yet, and make that the standard size for goalie equipment. It worked well enough for him.
And none of those giant chest protectors that rise up 6 inches (Giguere) when the goalie crouches over either!
I’m sick and tired of hearin’ these coward goalies complain about the size of their gear, that they’ll be injured.
You think you’re afraid of being injured??? How ’bout the old school goalies with NO FACE MASKS, facing slapshots from Bobby Hull at nearly 120 MPH!!! Gimme a break, you wimps!
Limit the width of the leg pads to 10″, just like it used to be. As for the blocker and glove, those should also be no larger than in any previous era (after all, their purpose is competitive advantage more than protection.) Allow for complete protection of the knee area WITHOUT having the pad or any additional contraption jut out in the five hole (see ANA JS Giguere vs. MN, ‘03).
Raising the cross bar makes more sense than widening the posts, but has far-reaching, fundamental impact on every level of hockey, all the way down to mites. I would agree to changes to the goal size ONLY as a last resort.
…And why is it that when the goalie crease (blue paint) was reduced from the “1/2 circle” to the current shape, they didn’t go back to the traditional rectangular shape? This current larger crease allows the goalies to come out further, thus taking away more of the shooting angles, and makes it more difficult to screen, tip, and score rebound goals. I say the crease should be returned to the rectangular shape, perhaps leaving the arc for goalie positioning purposes only (no blue paint.)
Gabby’s already making $6.5M per year, can’t see how he signs for 7.5. Let’s remember that this is almost the same team that had 6 20 goal scorers in 05/06. At the beginning of the year, JL was very excited about finally having 3 lines that could put the puck in the net. Walz retires and it was downhill from there. I think that kluged up the lines and it affected Demitra because he had to play too much center; Rolston, because he never got the chance to develop the chemistry with Belanger that he had with White and right on down the line. Koivu was affected on top of his broken leg and I am sure there is some way that it hosed up Parrish that was further complicated by a couple of concussions and other injuries. He had a down year, but he doesn’t strike me as a guy who doesn’t try to do all the right things. No matter what anybody says, I don’t buy that JL’s constant line juggling isn’t subversive to team and line chemistry when done to the extent that it was this year. Some is great, but when its constant, that is disruptive in my opinion.
>>>You think you’re afraid of being injured??? How ’bout the old school goalies with NO FACE MASKS, facing slapshots from Bobby Hull at nearly 120 MPH!!!<<<<
They’re all dead or institutionalized with brain injuries/dementia
Hey everybody! Work has been hell, so I have not been able to read much. As for the goalie gear, I am all for making goalies wear gear that actually fits them (Giggy). I think someone else mentioned that it would give them greater mobility… I could see that being the case for sure.
Since I’ve never been a goalie, I wouldn’t know this but how would changing the goal size be a “far-reaching, fundamental impact on every level of hockey”?
I agree Becky, there were many exciting games during the year, especially late. For people who like scoring there is indoor Lacrosse (Swarm).
RUSSOVILLE WAKE UP - Good Old Wally is questioning whether you are all in a COMA-
Does RUSSOVILLE understand that Parrish is getting paid 3 and one half a Million Dollars a year !
RUSSOVILLE
HAS
ZERO
THOUGHTS
ON
PARRISH
FUTURE
WITH
THE
WILD
WHAT WAS HE A HEALTHY SCRATCH THE LAST 40 GAMES OF THE YEAR. IS THAT WHERE DR SHOULD SPEND
3 AND 1/2 MILLION A YEAR ON ??
PLEASE- HOW IS THAT NOT BANTER MATERIAL ??
Crap…what is Johnsson making. Talk about a waste of a salary. Risebrough was in prime form when he signed that middle of the road defenseman to that large contract.
Wally your absolutely right ! Russoville needs to have its pulse taken
How that is not Rant material ? The Beaver may not ever understand. I have never heard you this angry and frustrated before Wally
You are offering up steak and lobster for free. Where is the manners ?
Whoever put the list up of players missed Clutterbuck, Jones and Fiala who all have feasible chances of making opening day roster. But they could make that off season play for Holik if he takes a decent deal.
DR Bashers: The GM paid market rates for #5 and #21 - #21 is looking like a bad bet right now given the years he has left but #5 has been solid and played all but a handful of games since his arrival. Would it be nice to get more points from #5? Of course it would, but the Gs clearly show you need to put hime on the PP - something JL does not do regularly. For me, the best rips on DR are:
- Deciding Bruno was “too slow” for the “new NHL”
- Wasting cap space in the post lock out year by not using it
- The UFA revolt this year/not bringing in a vet to privide offense this year.
- Thelan, AJ
Short of getting Pronger, Lindstrom, Chara and Niedermayer to play for the minimum is there anything DR can do to make the bashers happy?
/rant
Kim Johnsson
Year - Team — G - A - PPG - PPA
01-02 - PHI - 11 - 30 - 5 — 14
02-03 - PHI - 10 - 29 - 5 — 13
03-04 - PHI - 13 - 29 - 4 — 19
04-05 - PHI — 6 - 19 - 3 — 10
06-07 - MIN — 3 - 19 - 3 — 10
07-08 - MIN — 4 - 23 - 3 — 10
No Adam, there is nothing DR can do to satisfy some contributors here.
He ought not to try. All a good GM needs to do is continue to try and make the team stronger.
Sometimes the choices do not work out.
But, he has not drafted a Dimitrius Underwood yet.
Well, Thelen is your closest thing to Underwood - a 1st rounder who never played. However, we’ve discussed this before - drafting 18 year olds is in large part a lottery, especially later in the first. You will have some misses when drafting kids with a face full of zits. Of all the folks complaining about DR’s drafting, no one has showed how it ranks with other teams over the same period.
But, he has not drafted a Dimitrius Underwood yet.
I might use that one down the road Iceman - thanks.
- Interesting Jose fact:
Jose Theodore has now lost 13 games in a row in the second round of playoffs.
That includes losses with Montreal in 2002 and 2004, and with Avalanche in 2006 and this spring.
His Round 2 numbers? A 4.42 goals-against average and .866 save percentage.
Let’s Go South Stars!
Good old Wally: I think I brought this up before in the previous thread. If Parrish is still hearing the Bells of St. Mary’s, tell Mark to go home, and play with his daughter for all our sakes (especially his own). I really don’t think his noggin can really take much more scrambling before turning to mush. (Isn’t this last one his third concussion since joining the Wild?)
Except there are thousands of miles between Denny Green’s Underwood and DR’s Thelen and Thelen is still playing and earning his money.
Alex Picard isn’t likely going to be much. Montoya hasn’t lived up to any promise. Doesn’t look like Calgary is going to get much out of Chris Chucko either from the same draft. Andy Rogers the Bolts’ pick looks to be a bust too. And Marek Schwartz is also questionable for the Blues. And let’s see what happens with Wheeler, there’s a reason he isn’t signed yet folks. DR isn’t the only one to miss in the first round of that draft. His inability to get equity in trades or then throwing away the good when he does. White was a good move but then he let him go for nothing. Trading Rolston for a 1st round pick was great, but then giving up O’Sullivan AND that pick for Demitra was foolish. Seems all the players we trade are all still playing but the players we acquire are not or let free to sign elsewhere to become impact players for other teams.
Good points Claire, perhaps DB has gotten to me on the 2003 draft. However, you can’t close the book on the Demo trade yet - if he reups with a favorable contract the trade suddenly looks a lot better.
Trading O’Sullivan and a first for a #1 center at that time wasn’t foolish. Hindsight, sure we can say its foolish now because we are not going to retain Demitra. Would we be even talking if retained him? Could they have targeted another #1 center at that time? Sure.
What DR should have done was trade for a #1 two-way center. I don’t know if Demitra was labeled a two-way center. That player has to play in Lemaire’s system. I think it would have satisfied Gaborik. Like I said it was reported that Gaborik wanted DR to show him the moves to be a cup contender and of course the money. But at that time, it was a good move.
We can say about all the bad moves DR has made. Sure, he shouldn’t have let Bruno go. In the 2004, we should have picked Wolski instead of Thelen. Or in 2005, pick Kopitar over Pouliot.
Rolston was a center prior to coming to the Wild. He couldn’t play the position on a consistent basis for this team. Yet, we get down on Demitra for not wanting to play center. Rolston has no desire to play center in Lemaire’s system either.
Or what about letting Dupuis go for Adam Hall? 3rd round pick for Moore, 6th round pick for Simon?
We are not going to retain any of these folks and they didn’t help us in the playoffs.
Sullivan was still a prospect when we traded him away for someone to get more out of Gabby. At the time there were other people in Houston like Voloshenko that appeared to be on their way here too.
I never felt any of those moves were strictly bad moves. Prospects do not always pan out, wasn’t it Ottawa that picked Daigle? It is just another chance that did not work out.
San Jose finally won a game.
Glad to help out phil and bead. And bead. I’m sure geno doesn’t want to leave here. His parents even said they might move here. Malkin might get too expensive though.
It’s funny. A couple years ago the pens desperately needed a salary cap to compete. Now the cap will prevent them from keeping all their talent.
Hey G*, gotta chick for ya..check out 93x’s hot chick of the day…she’s a Wild fan and has some connection to a local band that maybe KJ could help you out with + she’s local, unlike Austin’s potentials..just an FYI, tryin’ to help a brother out.
And damn it about the Stars, maybe at the Shark tank.
GoW, don’t go postal on us now..what is there to discuss about Parrish? We’re stuck with him, so hopefully he can get his game back because few would want him for a trade if he doesn’t.
Sullivan was still a prospect when we traded him away for someone to get more out of Gabby.
There is the answer to the Gaborik question. The need to bring someone in to get more out of him. Do the Flamers need to bring someone in to get more out of Igninla? A player that demands to be paid BIG money shouldn’t require that.
That is where DR is at fault. If Demitra was so important to Gaborik, then why not ADD a centerman to allow those two to compliment each other?
By leaving the hole up the middle, he made that trade worth less to the team.
He has admitted he made mistakes with the roster this season. There’s really no reason for looking back anymore.
Let’s see how he goes about fixing those mistakes in the upcoming months…
The Mr this morning about the Sharks says… “Ah ah ah ah stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive….” I told him it was to early in the morning for the Bee Gee’s.
Parrish needs to change his game if he’s going to remain a viable player for any team. He’s at that age where he can’t be bounced head first of of posts, crossbars, elbows, knees, sticks, goalie as he goes for the puck in close, not without getting really hurt anyway.
Good Morning…
I know the blog is pretty slow, but I’m putting out an APB to Russoville for some help!
The Misses completetly caught me off gaurd and said we could use some of the $$$ coming from W to upgrade the Tube to High Def!
I’ve read through some great HD talk on this blog and was hoping I could get a few questions answered….or at least get me pointed in the right direction. THANKS!!
1. 720 or 1080? Is it true that Comcast doesn’t even broadcast in 1080 yet? I don’t game, nor do I own Blue-Ray or HD DVD players, so is 1080 really necessary?
2. 60Hz or 120HZ Screen Refresh Rate. I’d mostly be watching Hockey, sports and Movies…with the usual TV viewing. Is a 120Hz SRR the way to go?
3. I’ve narrowed it down to an LCD because of the lighting in the room. Glare during the day. I’d be open to DLP or rear projection because it doesn’t necessarily need to be mounted on the wall.
4. I’m trying to cap the TV price at $1500. Realistic?
Agree KJ, the importance is what happens next.
Maybe Parrish needs to watch tape of Smyth and Holmstrom to be more effective and to avoid some of these injuries.
So can Mr Bandgeek hit those high notes?
No, he can’t Goody. It hurts my ears and the dogs looked like they wanted to howl.
Sorry, KiPA:
http://www.startribune.com/nation/18444644.html
Somebody needs to run the numbers on what the cap hit would be if Parrish “decided” to retire, and if he would be able to collect any of his contract due to injury.
He’s only 31, so my first thought is that those numbers would not count against the cap. I wouldn’t mind seeing some of that salary freed up, and I’m sure Parry wouldn’t mind spending more time with the fam’.
If Parrish retires, that would mean almost an extra $3 million.
Assuming that Gaborik signs an extension this year and there is a signing bonus, would it affect this year’s cap or next year’s cap?
Lapper,
Austin just bought a new HD a couple months ago so if he’s around maybe he can chime in but..
I’d go with the 1080 because eventually broadcasts will be in 1080 and i think yo’d be pi$$ed you didn’t get it.
Definitely go with the faster refresh rate, it minimizes blurring in fast action you get in sports. Since you’re not a gamer, LCD is probably the better choice.
Your budget wishes will ultimately depend on screen size. Go with a reputable brand such as Samsung or Sony, stay away from “ACME’s finest TV brands”.
And check the spelling on the box carefully. You wouldn’t want to get home and discover you’d bought a Sansung or Sorny TV!
I know next to nothing about HDTV’s but I’d say buy the highest resolution/fastest refresh rate your budget will allow. I’d also recomend cutting a piece of cardboard to the actual size of the TV you are thinking about and seeing how it fits in your room. A relatively big TV can look pretty small sitting in an electronics store but once you get it home and put it in your 15X15 living room it will seem much, much bigger.
And check the spelling on the box carefully. You wouldn’t want to get home and discover you’d bought a Sansung or Sorny TV!
I have a Panaphonic and a Magnetbox.
Kevin, Pittsburgh getting bashed for air quality this morning.
Ahhhhh, here in Minnesota we can see all the way to the Montana border and beyond.
Enjoy the Cup quest
Thanks Phil and Goody…
Think I’ve got it narrowed down…
42″-46″ LCD Flat Panel
1080 i or p
120 Hz SRR
$1500
Now….where can I find this price? I think the 120Hz really puts it out of the price range at that flat panel screen size…
Hopefully my negotiation skills are good enough to get this deal done.
Otherwise, i’ll be getting a Mestinghouse!
Lapper, Get p NOT i … so 1080p try ultimate electronics, BB and I think there’a place online that some here go to, I’m just weary of online retailers..
Lapper,
I’m no expert, but I play one on TV.
I say try the Blue Light Specials at Kame-a-part. Look for a Hitouchy if they have any left.
1080p isn’t necessary because there are no broadcasts that utilize this. 1080i is the highest. now if you plan on using an xbox or maybe ps3, they do make video games that use 1080p.
I have Sharp LCD and love it. my parents have samsung plasma and it is good but i like mine better.
viewing distance makes a difference with what size panel to get. if you average distance will be close, a big panel will have PQ issues.
Can’t really judge the quality of panels at the store since the factory setting are way too harsh and the store lighting is bad. if you need to do further research, try avsforums and cnet. consumer reports if you have subscription.
i haven’t compared refresh rates but the theory is the faster the refresh, the less PQ issues when there is fast action on the screen.
costco has good selection of flat panels if you are member.
Parrish doesn’t make 3 - 3.5 million a year. And if someone (Gaborik!) would pass while he’s in front of the net he would knock it in. Plain and simple!
Parrish = $2.65 this season, $2.85 over the next two and $2.65 in the final year.
Yep, Parrish doesn’t make $3 million but he will make $2.8 next season. After PMB, Gaborik has the 2nd most assists. He is passing.
The problem with Parrish is he needs to be with Rolston since he shoots the most. Second is Gaborik but when a skater is playing with Demitra and Gaborik, they are kind of forgotten. Its usually those two and whomever can dig in the corners.
G*, previously you said broadcasts were only in 720, they’ve moved on up to 1080? You check out the 93x chick I told you about above?
Lap, I would still go with “p” because as the broadcasts “improve” it will move to 1080p. Broadcasts are “marked” with “i” for interlaced or “p” for progressive. The letter tells whether each frame of video is sent partially “i” or all at once “p”. Typically, “p” signals look better than “i” signals, which may or may not be detectable by the human eye. But I would go with the p as long as you’re buying an HD anyway.
Hey all, been reading through here but haven’t had time to post in a while due to finals, etc. I’m debating about buying a new stick, but don’t know what I should be getting. I know it’s all personal preference, but I currently have a Koho Revolution and a TPS R2 with a Nash curve. Thinking about getting an R6 Armor. Thoughts?
Warrior Hockey Stick. Period. Kronik or Dolomite.
Were else can you get proper “Shaft Whuipness?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ydbx_tkZQ
I own a Kronik, and it’s the best stick I’ve ever had. Huge Jovo Heel curve, 100 Flex.
G*, previously you said broadcasts were only in 720, they’ve moved on up to 1080?
wasn’t me that said they only broadcast in 720. CBS is 1080i. the number 11 news is the only local to broadcast in 1080i.
with directv i pass thru the native resolution to my sharp and it displays resolution when i change from SD to HD and back and there is a fair amount of 1080i out there but still a lot of 720p which is technically still HD.
You check out the 93x chick I told you about above?
i didn’t but i will
do not let bestbuy or wherever talk you into monster cable. biggest ripoff going. order your cables from http://www.monoprice.com
This is depressing. Instead of talking about the Wild’s second-round game tonight, we’re talking about where to get Monster Cable. Makes you long for the days when talk centered around Rosie’s ass-less chaps, or the putrid 2004 entry draft the Wild had 
DB, we’re talking about how to improve Lapper’s Wild viewing experience for next season.
Of course none of us have any contol over what would be the biggest upgrade in viewing experience. I think we all know what that would be(wink, wink).:)
That is where DR is at fault. If Demitra was so important to Gaborik, then why not ADD a centerman to allow those two to compliment each other?
I often find myself nodding when I read kj, as I do again. Two seasons of Demitra, and the team never really had a true top line. Yes, this is water under the bridge now, yet going forward… if they don’t bring Demo back–I’m guessing the biggest question there will be the price tag–that’ll be a top prospect and a #1 pick for two seasons of Demitra on the roster. That doesn’t really sit too well with me, but we’ll see how it plays out. It’s not just one move, it’s sort of a combination of small miscalculations that start to add up that have me looking at Risebrough with a more critical eye these days.
Anyway, it’s definitely going to be an interesting summer. As for returning guys under contract, they’ve got 2 G, 4 D, 3 C and 3 W. With Risebrough talking about going with youth, I’m trying to read between the lines. The team actually has quite a few young guys under contract for next season, as well as a few RFAs. I’m wondering if maybe next season is another year where the team sees what the kids can do. Gillies, Pouliot seem like reasonable guesses for being with the club. Maybe Ryan Hamilton, Clutterbuck and I suppose Ondrej Fiala and Ryan Jones are potential long shots. On D… not so much. Shawn Belle, Clayton Stoner and Eric Reitz are all RFAs, and I think those would be the only three with any kind of chance of being on the Wild next year, and none of those names gets me trembling with anticipation.
So it seems that the FA budget will have to start with the blue line, and then depending on that, then they can look at guys like Rolston and Demo. Bouchard will probably depend on if he sees an offer sheet and how big it is. Vellieux… I have to admit that I’m not a fan. I’m not sure he can’t be replaced by a guy like Hamilton or Clutterbuck for less money.
So I’m now rambling, so I’ll stop there. I guess my point is that we’ll have a better idea when free agency opens up as to what The Plan means now.
Excellent Point Goody…
I’d say about 75% of my decision is based on how a Hockey game will look. I’m trying to maximize the full capacity of viewing pleasure for the Wild HD games next season…
If I get one in time for the SCF, it will be a good test run for next season!
toivo…
In talking about the D down in H-Town, and me being a bit miffed as to how the Wild has developed defensemen, I share the same feeling that more needs to be done to produce D-Men that JL doesn’t turn his nose up at. Too bad Reitz was hurt, but it makes me wonder what the Wild didn’t like about Zybnek Michalek. Or was Thelen really a lesson in drafting a d-man with a reputation and high expectations that precede him?
I’m not saying the Zybnek is by any means the “end all; say all” of young talented D-Men, but he plays a regular shift in the NHL, and the Yotes seem to be pleased with his progress.
Could part of our D-men and in general our prospect depth is the cause of the coaching in Houston prior to KC? They weren’t being developed properly but allowed to play freely, which set them back. JL and his coaches see the lack of discipline and basic NHL readiness that they can’t trust any of them. JL demands alot and have a high standard to the point of calling out his skilled players publicly.
Good point about the cost of Dimetra Toivu. If he does not return, he would be a really expensive acquisition.
And if, as someone else mentioned, he was brought here only to keep Gabby happy, then Gabby is expecting more from a club than he as a right to as a player.
An observation about the Twin Cities media.
When Simon was brought here by DR, the clamoring from Souhan, Ruesse and others was deafening. Called him a criminal among other things.
It seems like once a week we read about Vikings, past and current, getting into much more serious trouble than Simon ever did.
Not a peep from any of them!
Seriously, Demitra was brought in because we needed a center. It was one of their targeted positions to get such as a puck-moving defensemen, a player to crash the net, a veteran d-men, and an offensive d-men. Being someone who Gabby looked up to was a bonus.
They targeted Matt Cullen, a center for the Hurricanes, also. My contention with DR is that he should have known that Demitra is not a Lemaire prototype centermen. He should have gone after a Holik or someone along those lines but he might have gotten caught up with the whole Gaborik-Demitra friendship and chemistry seen in the international games. Would a Holik satisfy Gaborik? I say yes because he wanted to see the Wild step up and spend some money for good quality players.
Weren’t we as fans ready for the same thing? Weren’t we like Gaborik who wanted the Wild to show that they are ready to be a cup contender by speeding up the plan a little bit and go after quality players?
If they didn’t open their purse and go after quality players after the 05-06 season, fans would have been up in arms.
Iceman:
NBA and NFL players are known to have actual criminals play. Hockey, while has fights, isn’t really known to have criminals play the game. Hockey players are down to earth, average kind of guys. Baseball is similar except that they have druggies.
I meant to say that the NBA and NFL actually have criminals play the game.
Weren’t we as fans ready for the same thing?
Absolutely, and I don’t think it can be overlooked that Gabby was heading for arbitration when they got Demitra, and then Gabby was extended soon after. I do think the Gabby-Demo relationship played a big part of that trade as well because the team really couldn’t afford to lose Gaborik at that point. I don’t have a problem with the trade itself. It does seem like a possibility that maybe DR didn’t think this completely through. Now it seems like the team is in a very similar situation this summer. Based on Gabby’s all star break comments, he might still be skeptical of the front office. I’m just speculating aloud here, but say an extension isn’t worked out this summer. Then what? Hopefully that’s now how it plays out, but we’ll see.
I’m bored, I’m stuck at work because of a group using our meeting space and I’m bored. Someone say something witty to entertain me…. no one….. wow there’s an echo here tonight.
Hello, is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me, is there anyone at home?
Ok bored enough I’m quoting Floyd. If i didn’t think I’d get caught I’d put my head down on the desk and take a nap.
Sunshine, I agree with you on the ‘criminal eliment’ in the NFL and NBA. I also noticed hockey players tend to be a little more down to earth with their pay. Look at Burnsie, he bought a nice house and is now filling it with all manner of creatures. His brother lives with him for gosh golly sake, how many NFL and NBA players can you say that about? Yes I know they make considerably less than a football or basketball player, but even guys who make less than a mil a year get paid enough that it’s a comfy life for them. I’m rambling now aren’t I? Maybe I’ll go take that nap.
I want an update from Russo or from the Wild.
Even if its rumors or gossip.
Hey Bandgeek. You still there? I’m stuck at work too. It’s my 12 hour Thursday, oh yeah.
To comment on your last……..comment it’s all about the maturity and the resposibility of earning that kind of paycheck. I always told my kids you can make a million a year but if your an idiot with your money you might as well be saying, “you want fries with that?”. These NFL and NBA players were never held responsible for anything. They’ve had handlers since high-school. They don’t know how to run there own lives because of the money they have to many people “adviseing” them or maybe they have soo much money now they don’t think they need to listen to any advise. It’s just scary……ok now I’m babbling. I too need a nap but I have an hour and a half to go. Hockey Gods help me!!!!!!
Boogie’s going to be a some AT&T store on Saturday.
I get to go home now, the group that was here gave me some cake, I like cake. I like Boogie, I like Boogie more than cake. To bad I have to work on Saturday or I could go see Boogie, who I like, and then get some cake, which I like as well.
Agree on the money thing, I think the closest NHL young players come to a ‘handler’ is the kind of situation Shepp had. Here you go, stay with this retired player, you have a curfew, and have to live by his rules. All around a better situation than most young pro athleats (man I can’t spell worth dookie) find themselves in. I might be back later, depends on if the Mr got the laundry done for me or not. Ooooo… before I forget ss6 Nick left me and the Mr in charge of the bar so since your stuck at work, here’s a virtual cold one on the house.
…..i’m sorry that was lame but it’s all i got.
Thanks for settin’ me up, Bandgeek. I do appreciate it.
Careful drivin.
G*, my bad..it wasn’t today’s hot chick, it was Laura from tuesday..she was on there last night though, so a bit odd..anyway, she’s the Wild fan.
Ugh.
Why couldn’t it have been Lundqvist’s spleen that exploded?
Sorry Kevin. Have a virtual brew, on the house. Just don’t cry in your beer, makes it taste all salty….. I hope Nick won’t be mad I’m giving away all this virtual beer tonight, I’m trying to ease the pain and suffering of my fellow Russotans so it’s a good cause.
It’d be easier to take if the Pens at least showed some signs of life at any point in the game. And by “some” I mean “any.”
Bandgeek: something witty.
Now I have done that for you, I would say you are easily entertained.
Bandgeek: something witty.
Now I have said that for you, I would say you are easily entertained.
How about a nice glass of Iron City Kevin?
Thanks Iceman.
Kevin I’m very sorry your boys lost. I hope they win for you next game.
Kevin:
They just want to win at home that’s all.
sunshine: my friend did say during game 1 that he wants to see a handshake at home. Hopefully we’ll be obliged, since the Pens didn’t show up tonight.
I won’t complain or mope anymore though. Lot of teams/fans would like to be in this position.
Hey Boys and Girls,
Good to see a little banter still going on, though I wish it was discussing ongoing Wild games. This second round has been so wierd. 3 series are now 3-1 and they all have seemed a lot closer than that to me.
In regards to the comments above regarding Parrish, I think he excels when he is on a line with skilled people. Put him with Mikko and Gabby and I think he would do very well.
Wyatt Smith forced into the lineup for the Avs as Foppa as well as Stastny can’t go.
Lots of Wings fans in the Pepsi Center tonight.
With Demitra likely gone, I’d like to see these lines:
Parrish-Koivu-Gaborik
Rolston-Belanger-PMB
Fedoruk-Shep/Pouliot-Gillies
SRV- UFA checking center-Voros or checking winger
Schultz-Johnsson
Burns-Skoula
Foster
Reitz
UFA D-men
Backstrom
Harding
Lots of Wings fans in the Pepsi Center tonight.
Despite being down 0-3, shouldn’t Avs fans be clamoring to see the wide open hockey they love?
Sunshine,
I like the lines above, though I think I would keep Belanger with SRV and a checking winger (Gillies or Ryan Jones) and move Benny to the line with Roli and PMB.
I think adding Langkow would give JL outstanding depth at C for his system. So my question for Aeros/Wild watchers is: would Benny be better off establishing himself in the NHL as a wing? C could be an option down the road.
Would DR and JL go for having 4 rookies (Pouliot, Gillies, Jones, and Reitz) on the roster?
If I recall, AiH and/or Ms. Conduct did not think Jones was NHL ready. From the few college games I saw him play, I wonder if it would be best for his development to gain confidence scoring goals for a season in the AHL first.
That could be that Jones is not ready. I would like Kalus to do something and earn a spot next year. I don’t know if JL wants 4 rookies next year, but I think we are going need to.
does anyone remember if Jones is a two way contract? If it isn’t, we are paying him alot to play in the minors.
Two 2-on-1’s given up by Colorado in the last 90 seconds of the period. Both result in goals.
Its over for the Avs.
Wonder if Detroit will score 10 tonight.
They don’t want to kick a team when they are down. They will score only 9.
Nah, I think they’d take it to Colorado as much as possible.
This is downright embarassing for the Avs.
Wow, 6 goals and the second period is not yet over. Too bad Theodore didn’t save something for this series.
How cool would it be if Zetterberg and Samuelsson get hat tricks too?
As much as I dislike Detroit I’m excited to see the Avs are now scheduling tee times!
JL and rookie/AHL defensemen: I’m wondering if the step between the AHL and NHL is big enough that for someone to take it JL’s going to have to swallow some mistakes. Maybe no AHL defensman (no matter what team) is ready for the step but other coaches may be more willing to accept mistakes because O plays a little bit bigger role in the coach’s game.
I’m also wondering if taking the Burns approach with a rookie D might be a good idea. Bring them up, put them at wing (mostly) and maybe after a year or so move them back to D. That way they can get used to the speed of the NHL without being as big a defensive liability.
Many questions and musings today. Last year, we took some solace from knowing that we lost to the team that eventually won the Cup. What conclusions are we supposed to draw from the way the Avs went in the tank against the Wings? Why did they beat us? Were we that bad? Were they that good? Was it a combination? Are the Wings just that much better? Did the injuries finally catch up to the Avs the way ours did to us? How would we have done against the Wings? Would we have had an answer for Johan Franzen?
Dave, it just seems to be the difference between Theodore then and Theodore now.
And maybe the Wild made it easy for Colorado to shut down our few scorers.
There was nothing much wrong with our defensive part of the game.
Detroit’s dismantling of the Avs is more proof Risebrough should be fired. The Wild drew the easiest opponent in the first round, and still could not win. As long as Risebrough is GM, the Wild will never win a cup.
Detroit stomped on every team during the regular season. Why wouldn’t this continue in the post season?
The Wild would not have played Detroit had they won their series with the Avs. Speculating how they would have matched up against Detroit is pointless.
I’ll do some speculating anyway. The Wild played pretty evenly with the Avs. Sure there’s that “only led x minutes” thing, but they didn’t get blown out. Many have stated the Wild were built to play Anaheim, San Jose, Calgary and not the Avs. Because of this, they may have faired better against them than they did the Avs. They also may have fared better against Detroit than against the Avs. Of course the only way the Wild would have played Detroit is if they had both made it to the conference finals.
BTW, being built to play against another team you should still be able to win against any team. It shouldn’t be used as an excuse. Not doing so points (IMO) more toward players and coaching not making adjustments to match up against the team they are playing.
I agree, DBf, but I don’t think firing him goes far enough. First, he should be clapped in irons, frog-marched out of his office, and publicly flogged before being ridden out of town on a rail.
Risebrough built the team to be competitive, nothing more. Are we well positioned to make a playoff run next year. Let’s see.
Not going to be able to sign all of our free agents. No talent in Houston to take the place of lost free agents. A GM that doesn’t understand that scoring would help win games. I see the future as pretty bleak. And this does fall soley on Risebrough. Risebrough said signing free agents doesn’t offer the payback. Tell that to Philly and Briere. There are a number of success stories this year. All we hear from Risebrough is excuses. I fear next year is going to be a real tough year for the Wild. Now I realistically do not expect the new owner to fire anyone this year. But after next year, all bets are off. I just hope he doesn’t sign Risebrough to a long term contract that will be too expensive to buy him out after the Wild miss the playoffs next year. And I used to be a critic of Lemaire and his line juggling, but since Risebrough gave him next to nothing to work with, the blame still falls on Lemaire. Risebrough supporters will change their tune in just under a year…my prediction.
Typo…next to last sentence should have stated the blame falls on Risebrough.
Whew…quick but good trip.
Umm…bandgeek…care to tell me why all the taps are dry and there’s no chardonnay?!
Welcome back, NiNY. How was DC? Do you go there a lot? Have you ever been to the Spy Museum?
I didn’t drink any of the chardonnay. Ick. The taps, on the other hand…..
DC was great…80 and sunny but barely a trace of humidity. perfect weather.
I get down there a few times a year. Oone of the best parts of my job is that I have the ability to go anywhere in the US to help our wholesalers out. This is especially nice when I’m going somewhere on a vacation. I’ll just call the local wholesaler up, tell him I’m going to be in his neck of the woods and if he wants to put me in front of any of his guys I’m all too happy to haul a suit and tie on “vaca” if it means part of my expenses get covered by the firm.
I have not been to the spy museum, but I am…intrigued…
That sounds like a great setup, NiNY. It’s nice that you have some say about where and when you travel. Very cool.
The Spy Museum is near the arena where the Caps play, whatever that’s called this week. It’s worth tracking down if you ever get back there. They have a lot of cool exhibits and memorabilia. Unlike The Safe House in Milwaukee (coolest bar/restaurant ever!), its location is not hidden or anything.
Ummmm….. well see SS6 had to work a 12 hour shift, and I was stuck at work with a group using meeting space, and Kevin was sad about the Pens losing …. do you see where I’m going here. In my defense all was good when I went to bed, the Mr was no help, he just kept testing the taps. I suppose you want the kets back…
Spy museum is one I would love to go to. I know people who have been and they loved it, really cool.
That should be keys not kets, ok maybe I was testing taps as well. Off to work in the rain, yippie skippy.
that’s pretty thin, Band…pretty thin
I’ve been to the Holocaust Museum down there, and it was an unforgettable experience.
The Holocaust Museum was really cool. I could only spend a couple of hours there, though. It was just overwhelming and made me so sad.
Damn development cycle is in high gear right now.
Good to see the Avs crumble. Bad to see how the Wild ‘blew it’.
Detroit looks like they’re rolling again. Will the South Stars be able to stop them?
I’m thinking it’s the Pen’s cup to win tho.
Just to be clear, I wouldn’t call my self a DR supporter. I’m just not so sure things are a bad as some say.
I need to be clear, too, Goody. I was being very, very sarcastic above when I said what I said about flogging DR. I was just taking DontBfooled’s line of thinking to the absurd extreme. I’d like to see him do a better job, but I still trust him. As I’ve said, I’m glad I don’t have his job. I have a hard enough time just managing my fantasy hockey teams. I’ve made more bad decisions than good ones, and I’m just playing for fun with nowhere near the pressure he’s under. I don’t have to worry about the salary cap or dealing with players and their agents or any of the other “real world” aspects that complicate things for him.
A GM that doesn’t understand that scoring would help win games.
of course last year at this time the statement was:
A GM that doesn’t understand that grit and toughness, like what the ducks have, wins games.
Tell that to Philly and Briere
or tell that to edmonton and penner or san jose and campbell or edmonton and surray or the ducks and niedermeyer and selanne or minnesota and yawnson or philly and foppa, buffalo and vanek…
for every FA signing that works there is one that didn’t.
I think JL and DR probably didn’t want to teach a rookie defensemen last year and the year before. They had two new defensemen in Burns and Foster to teach. Also, there was a question on Schultz, I mean, that is probably one of the reasons why they didn’t give him a long term contract last summer.
If they added Reitz or whoever, it might have been too much.
You nailed it “DontBfooled says:”, fire both JL and DR, clear out the front office. They ought to have 4-5 Cups by now … right?
Fire DR and hire McLean or Ferguson so that they can either trade away all the prospects or give FAs all NTCs.
If building a team was a science and not an art, there would be an exact formula and every team would know it.
But, it is not so simple.
So, there are can’t miss prospects who do not make it out of the AHL and guys like Daigle who do not put it all together.
Or, guys like Walz, who languish in Switzerland until just the right opportunity comes along and then they become an important part of some teams success.
When you play another team is so important. Colorado was at the top of their game and had it all together against the Wild, but then they came out flat against the Red Wings and were quickly totally spent.
Maybe a team does not need good luck when they go on a Cup quest. But, they cannot have bad luck.
Maybe a little bad luck that Theodore was so solid and a combination of near misses that are just pure luck. That can change the outcome of any one goal game.
Like I said in a previous post…
The time to look back is over. The Wild need to look forward - and see what DR does to improve this team.
We’ll get an idea what direction the management is taking the team later this summer.
DR might not even BE here…so ripping him now is as productive as Gaborik was in the 1st round…
I think staying healthy involves a good amount of good luck, Iceman.
but kj: how can DR know how to proceed until he sees what kind of team wins the Cup this year?
/sarcasm
I am going to go out on a limb and say don’t count the Sharks out. I know the history of the 0-3 comeback and the Stars are playing great hockey but the Sharks system won a lot of games this year and it might give them a chance to make history.
Since we play so many games in the West and so many games in the Northwest division, isn’t it more important to have a team that can compete with the teams we see frequently? You don’t make it to the playoff unless you beat teams you play frequently. We won our divison by playing the style we play. If we were a little more consistant, perhaps we would have made it out of the first round or Theodore would have still shut us down. Who knows. It is a pointless excercise playing the “what if” game. You win games, series and cups with the team you have, not the team you want.
briere, a 6.5mil cap hit although he got paid 10 mil this year, and is getting 8 mil next, had 31 goals, 41A and was a -22 during the regular season. Is 10mil for 72 points considered a good buy?
mike richards had more points and was paid less than a mil but did sign an extension that will pay him 5.4 next year.
Adam, I have been thinking those same thoughts regarding the Sharks. They came back on Calgary after a brutal loss. We will soon see.
Good insight beadwench.
Green*…if Briere (8-6-14 +1) leads the Flyers to the finals, is it a good buy?
Briere is worth $10 million for he is doing now in the playoffs.
Is it just my bias or are the Canadiens not doing a good job checking him?
Briere is worth $10 million for his production in the playoffs.
Is it just my bias or are the Canadiens not doing a good job checking him?
Or, sunshine, it could be that good players like Briere manage to succeed somehow despite the best efforts of the other team. What a concept. Some of our players who shall remain nameless should try it some time.
Went over to the Avs blog and as I expected there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth. What is really rich is the Avs fans are whining about the Detroit fans having no class because they’re gloating! Some serious nerve to complain about that after what some of their tools did here after we lost…karma is a biotch!!
Oh and it seems that mo’fo dater still deletes posts he doesn’t like.
Hey Avs, we can set your tee times up with the Wilds’ now!
Green*…if Briere (8-6-14 +1) leads the Flyers to the finals, is it a good buy?
can’t have players that suck during the season simply because they get hot during the playoffs because enough of these types of players will not get to do their playoff magic because the team won’t be there.
this isn’t an indictment of danny b. the point is using him as an example of DR’s ineptitude simply because he is having a good playoff season, is a stretch.
My point is that the real goal of a team (and their management) is to win the Stanley Cup. Not to point out deficiencies in DR’s performance.
Would Briere like to go back and have a better regular season? Probably.
Are the Flyers happy he is on their squad? Absolutely.
Sorry folks, I swear this is my last tech question for this blog…
(Is their such a thing as a “blog foul” for asking too many questions unrelated to the topic du jour. Like something similar to a party foul for knocking over a lamp?)
Everyone here is so helpful and honest with their views, I just can’t help but go to the well one last time.
Hey Green* (or anyone else with DirectTV)… With my pending upgrade to HDTV I also explored switching from Digital Cable to DirectTV. After the promotions are over, I figured out I’d end up paying about $.75 less a month for DirectTV with the similar pack of channels that I currently view. They seem to offer more HD Channels (40+ DTV to 23 Comcast), and more Sports Channels in their Sports Pack.
Basically, I feel I would be getting more HD prgramming for a bit less per month. I feel it’s a good move because I’d like to have the most HD Channels available to maximize my HD viewing pleasure.
Anyhting I should know/hear/learn from a current DirectTV subscriber?
If you’re bored and want to watch some hockey on your computer today go to wcsn.com. Pay $4.95 for the month and you can watch all the World Championships. Just make sure you cancel your subscription at the end of the month.
I’m about to see Marty Skoula and the Czechs take on Denmark. Canada plays Slovenia at 2, and the US battles Latvia at 6 pm.
Don’t sweat it, Lapper. If this blog was 100% hockey 24/7, it would be very boring.
I’m a past DirecTV subscriber, but you’re right on with waiting for G*’s opinion. He can tell you more than I can.
Lapper, you’ll need an HD receiver first off (with DVR for those late night contests). You can lease one for $10 a month or buy it outright for about $220 (we have a HD/DVR). Make sure you will have the ability to brush heavy snow off your dish and make sure you have a clear south facing view for your dish. It will go out during nasty thunderstorms and snowstorms, but usually only for 15 minutes or so.
Correct El Gato. The website let me build the whole package.
On my pro/con list, the satellite was my biggest con. Don’t like the idea of storms or snow affecting my viewing pleasure.
El Gato touched on the thing that irritated me the most about DirecTV, Lapper. I thought I had a pretty good setup with my dish, but I lost service quite a bit. Sure, it’s only for a short time, but if you happen to be recording something during that time (I had DVR, too) and you lose the whole recording, or you’re watching something you’ve been waiting to see for a long time, like a season premiere of a favorite show or a season finale or something, the fact that it’s only for a short time doesn’t make you feel much better.
Other people have said they had fewer problems with it than I did, but now I have digital cable again and never have to worry about it. I prefer that.
Someone could go over to the Avs blog and say “So sorry your team lost. Oh, BTW your guys are going to get all the crappy tee times because the Wild already scheduled all the good ones. Have a good off season.” but then that would be bad karma wouldn’t it.
So does this mean the Wild are looking for a new ECHL affilate?
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=362302
I’m thinking it’s the Pen’s cup to win tho.
Crap, we’re going to blow the 3-0 lead now.
Goody: Funny you should mention the Avs blog. Vividly recall a lot of comments from trolls about the Wild only leading for 4 minutes and change. Haven’t read too many posts from the Avs’ faithful today about Colorado leading for a total of 53 seconds against the Dead Wings. Or, the fact the Avs were schooled by a guy that had Eric Belanger numbers in the regular season.
Good points all DP, funny how the comments change when the shoe is on the other foot! And I didn’t know about the 53 sec thing…and hey, at least we won 2 games!
The whole leading by X minutes is lame - the Stars have around 14 minutes of lead time and 3 Ws.
True that!
All that matter is is who is leading when the game is completed!
KiPA…don’t worry about that quote…I haven’t forseen it so there is still hope…
I think the 00:00:53 visual is more revealing. Especially when it was out of a total of 4:00:00. Or out of 14,400 seconds. The Avs led for .00368% of the series…
Yeah, I need to get back to coding…
As for Av karma, I humbly remind Av Mark of the following:
Av Mark says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Just wanted to remind you that we won…you lost!!!
Bring on the Red Wings!
Adam says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm
karma
Main Entry: kar·ma
Pronunciation: kär-mə
Function: noun
Etymology: Sanskrit karma fate, work
1. often capitalized : the force generated by a person’s actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration and in its ethical consequences to determine the nature of the person’s next existence
Lapper - I’m a Direct TV subscriber for about five years now and I love it. The weather-related problems are very few and far between (maybe 3-4 times in the last year, and only for 5-10 minutes at a time) and the quality is great. I’m a big fan.
Yeah, and you guys didn’t lose 8-2 at home.
I think the Avs led for longer than 53 seconds however, they couldn’t win any games against the Wings and gotten blown out of the water.
They scored the first goal in game #1 but Detroilet answered 53 seconds later. That was it. 53 seconds.
It’s been over 5 years since I last had satellite, but I hated it when I had it. I haven’t seen anything from the satellite side since that has made me even consider going back. The service would go out regularly. Maybe for only 5-10 minutes at a time, but when you’re watching it is incredibly annoying. Especially if it is at the end of a close game or overtime. For me, it didn’t have to be a very bad storm for it to happen. In fact, sometimes it would go out on a nice day.
In the third game, Avs scored first and led for about 7 minutes.
sunshine…don’t let the facts get in the way with us poking fun at the Avs…
I know but losing by 6 points and being swept is enough laughter for me.
I really am sorry Nick, look at it this way, now everything will be fresh, even the pretzles.
Someone earlier said something about the Holocaust Museum making them sad, try Dachau, in the rain. Then we’ll talk sad.
A friend of mine lives near Denver (consumate ski bum in winter and bike junky in summer) he says driving past the Pepsi Center makes his IQ drop.
That was me, Band. I can see how the real thing would be exponentially worse to experience than a musuem.
Honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine that the sun ever even shines at a place like Dachau.
musuem should be museum. Yeesh.
>i>try Dachau, in the rain. Then we’ll talk sad
Band,
Saying Dachau is sad is like saying getting hit my a freight train might sting a little.
I have never had, before or since, such a hauntingly morbid, and fundamentaly transcendental experience as walking through the ruins of Dachau.
It’s been 20 years, and the memories are quite vivid.
If you have the chance, it’s certainly work visiting.
I’ve heard Aushwitz is even worse. I almost freaked out when the guide at Dachau took us into one of the gas chambers and then showed us the creamatorium. Arbeit macht Frie my chubby a$$.
The weather is making me morbid.
Dave, now that I think about it, Dachau might have been worse if it had been sunny. For the sun to shine bright, and the weather to be gorgeous would almost feel sacrisanct (sp?) or something. So the rain we had probably fit better.
I went to Dachau on the sunniest, nicest day ever on the outside. Inside the gates, it was different. Still planning to visit Poland someday to see the big one.
I suppose I should go back to doing work, my lunch is done.
I’M GIVING THE WHOLE BLOG A XANAX, RIGHT NOW.
Pay no never mind to everyone’s dreary sadness. This is what happens when Minnesotan’s don’t get a warm spring, not enough sunlight on weekends and no hockey to follow. Makes us impossible to deal with.
I think spring has been recalled and replaced with a southern winter until they get the bugs worked out.
For those interested in watching the IIHF games on the net, check out hockeywebcasts.com
i’ve had directv for 5 years and can’t find too much to complain about. i have had outages during severe weather but that doesn’t happen often. i do need to have a tech out to check my alignment as my signal strengths have dropped slightly.
i don’t know exactly what DTV has for HD but i get 4, 5, 9, 11, 23, 29 in the cities. espn, espn news, espn2, nfl, bigten, hgtv, food, a&e, usa, spike, tnt, tbs, apl, discovery, discovery science discovery theater, disney, toon disney, cartoon network, mtv, weather channel, cmt, cnbc, vs/golf, cbs college, fuel, speed, nba, tennis, natGeo, hdnet. that is off top of my head. i don’t get sports pack or premiums but they have HD as well. for CI nearly all US games were in HD. they just launched another sat recently and will have more channels coming.
Directv’s HD is mpeg4 compression. you can look up comparisons on the web but it is the best except for receiving the signal OTA. cable has limitations and squeezes HD bitrates.
i know this, my PQ is much better on my setup than my parents on comcast.
RIGHT NOW
hey, there’s no tomorrow
Right now it’s time to stand up and cheer….
Sorry, my bad. I think I’ll take that Xanax now Nick.
Woooo field trip!!! I’ve just been handed the company card and told to go get goody’s for the big wigs coming to our opening tomorrow. That perked me right up. No more paper work just a trip to the grocery store in the rain.
hey, there’s no tomorrow
Come on! It’s everything!
this isn’t an indictment of danny b. the point is using him as an example of DR’s ineptitude simply because he is having a good playoff season, is a stretch.
Disagree, because Risebrough is on record of saying:
I’ve never believed, you can’t begin to tell me that free agency on significant players works. You can’t. I’m looking at it and saying, ‘Why would I do it?’ I’m not going to do it.
To this I would say it hasn’t worked for the guys he chose to go after (Parrish, Johnsson). Certainly there are risks, but in this particular case I would say that the Briere signing has “worked” pretty well so far for Philly. If he’s accurately stating his opinion in that interview, then I think it does reflect a certain ineptitude, and lack of awareness. You can make a very long list of significant players signed as free agents post-cap that have worked.
You can make a very long list of significant players signed as free agents post-cap that have worked.
this is true…as is the list of FAs that didn’t work.
It’s a fine line to walk, though, because in order to get one that works, you have to be willing to sign one in the first place. (Or, on the flip side, you have to have FAs willing to sign here - there is a difference.)
Lapper, yes, though I haven’t heard officially how that’s going to go (new ECHL team). Wish we could keep Cameron in the organization though… sounds like he worked wonders down there and certainly, we got some quality players from them this year (much to the irritation all 100 Wildcatters fans).
And I second switching to DirecTV. We’ve had 4 dishes in 3 houses here in Texas where, while we don’t get snow, we get tornadoes and hurricanes and hail and such, and it hardly ever goes out on us. Maybe 3-4 times a year for maybe 10 minutes max while the worst of the storm cell blows through. I will say I don’t feel the love for the DTV DVR that I felt for my beloved Tivo, but it does get the job done.
Burns just got an assist on a Heatly goal. The commentators have been talking about Burns and saying that he is jumping into the play alot unlike in JL’s system.
oh man…this day is c-r-a-w-l-i-n-g…
lets do something, anything to create a diversion until we can talk about the draft or something.
How about we try to fill out the nickname list for the team? Looking at the Russoville Cultural Dictionary, we have names/epithets for Gaby, Demo, Pouliot, Veilleux, PMB, Radio, Skoula, Burns, Carney, Terhaar & Greenlay and Gorg. There is at least some other connotation associated with Boogaard, Fedoruk, Belanger and Simon (by extension, with Boogey and Fridge).
So, I’ll open the festivities with…
Nick Schultz
And, because I’m a giver, a couple nicks for Nick from yours truly:
Snoopy (ya know, Schultz)
Nick the Stick (think Bachelor Party)
Houdini (much more obscure, I’ll give $5 Russobucks to the first person that can figure that one out)
El Capitan
Chevy (also more obscure)
I think the key point here is that DR is on the record saying something that is just flat out wrong. Fair or not, he’s going to be judged to some degree on that, especially if the results aren’t there. He also comes off sounding reactionary and gun shy (and his track record doesn’t really do anything to suggest otherwise either).
It should also be noted, that even though the Johnsson and Parrish signings have both been disappointing to date, the Wild probably wouldn’t be as good as they have been these past two seasons without them.
Double Nickles on the Blueline (shouldn’t be obscure, but probably is)
The only thing I have against the Johnsson signing is the amount. Other than that, he has been solid and does move the puck out of the defensive zone really well. He is also doing a great job on the PP.
I think Johnsson has been more beneficial than Parrish. Johnsson hasn’t been scratched and is relied on for huge, huge minutes.
STEREOTYPE ALERT
The commentators have been talking about Burns and saying that he is jumping into the play alot unlike in JL’s system.
All the more reason to turn off the sound…
I would agree sunshine, but *amount* counts for a lot with the cap. To be fair, I think DR has set the team up pretty well with Burns, Shultz and Koivu signed at very good prices through at least the next three seasons. Now, he just needs to build on that because first Koivu, then Burns, then Shultz will all likely merit big raises. In a way, I think with maybe a couple of “significant” free agent signings and a little luck with some of the prospects, they could have a nice little window of opportunity here.
Food. Gaborik undergoes minor hip surgery.
The commentators have been talking about Burns and saying that he is jumping into the play alot unlike in JL’s system.
Because the 15 goals he scored (tied for 5th for the year to Mike Green’s 18):
- happened when JL took the night off
Or
- All came on shots from the MN blueline
Food!!!
And time for me to go home. Yippie!!!
Actually, Mediacom cable goes off the air maybe four times a year too.
So, Ms Cunduct and Lapper, can we assume that if our Texas ECHL team is looking for a new home, and Des Moines is looking for a replacement team for the franchise that Dallas is moving to Texas, there would be a chance for a match to make our Iowa pal happy?
Or, is the level of play too different?
Agree about Johnsson….if we signed him for MUCH less, that would be a nice pickup. He is WAAAAAAY over paid based on his production. He should make double Skoula’s salary, but no more.
Anyone with half a brain could have told you O’Sullivan was a better prospect than Voloshenko, he was supposed to be a top ten pick if not for his father’s trouble, was dominant in Major Junior and USA tournament play. Look at the first season he had with the Wild in Houston for cripes sake! I screamed bloody murder at the TV when that deal went down, trade POuliot, Irmen ANYONE but O’Sullivan. I’ve been proven correct on that one. Wild scouts definitely haven’t done well on American players as of late. Foolish doesn’t begin to cover it.
