Cup Finals
Posted on June 3rd, 2008 – 10:29 AMBy Michael Russo
Hello, hello. I’ll be on KFAN at 3:30, and on Phil Esposito’s show on XM at 4 p.m.
Remember a few weeks ago when I kinda, sorta predicted Brenden Morrow to score the OT winner against San Jose? Did it again. Was chatting with the Miami Herald’s David Neal during overtime last night and I said Petr Sykora would be the man.
I wasn’t as confident when he took that careless hooking penalty, of course. But, Sykora’s one of the most underrated sniper’s in this league, and I still remember that five overtime winner he scored with Anaheim against Dallas from about the same spot a few years ago. Mike Babcock was the Ducks’ coach, in fact, so you know he remembered. Remember also, Sykora’s only Cup win with New Jersey, he was forced to watch the celebration from a Dallas hospital in 2000.
Heck of a game. Marc-Andre Fleury stole Pittsburgh the game. The Red Wings pressured and pressured, but you could just sense the Pens weathered the storm. Plenty of blood and guts last night, too.
How about Ryan Malone taking a puck to the face and barely missing a shift? The Plymouth resident and Mark Parrish neighbor later threw his head into another puck. His free-agent value has skyrocketed. And talk about drama, but Sergei Gonchar only playing a few shifts in the third, zippo in overtime but returning in the third overtime to help set up Sykora’s power-play goal.
Question now: Did the Pens simply delay the inevitable? Only one team in history has rallied from 3-1 down to win the Cup, the ‘42 Leafs.
282 Responses to "Cup Finals"
History is definitely against the Pens in this one, but it’s not over till it’s over.
It will be interesting to see the intensity of the game on Wednesday. Didn’t Dallas and SJ players say it was a good week/week and a half before they got their legs back after their epic? Phew.
Crosby disappeared in most of that game.
Interested in opinions on the two DET G interference calls. Clearly tough OT calls to take if your on the Red Wings side but, on the other hand, just because a player gets around a D-man he probably shouldn’t have a free shot to run into the G in the crease.
Sykora himself called it, according to Pierre McGuire. Fluery definitely stole it long enough for the younger Penguins to out last the aging Wings. That should actually give the Pens an edge in game 6, they should recover faster. Do you suppose Gonchar had a concussion, and was too dizzy to play until the 3rd OT? Between him and Malone, what guts! They’re nuts, but it is the Stanley Cup finals.
Hey Russo,
Do you tell us when your predictions are wrong?? :p
I thought Fleury was bumped, but that second one he did his best Floppa routine. He acted like he got hit with a bus. I wish players would just play the game and leave that bush-league theatrics to the marginal players. I know he’s trying to sell that he “got run”, but it’s ridiculous to the lengths of the diving. We have roasted players on this board like Forsberg, ect, about the flopping, but goalies are some of the worst offenders in the league. Roloson comes right to mind.
My opinion with the two goalie interference calls were that the league was trying to either get the game to end because they were afraid of the backlash of a late game delaying local news and Jay Leno or they were just trying to extend the series for further exposure of the “great” Sidney Crosby.
Also Sidney Crosby truly did disappear in the OT’s. He is NOT the best player on that team. I saw more out of Dupuis in that game then I saw Crosby. Hossa is the MVP of that team hands down. Ryan Malone has the most heart and Fleury stood on his head.
And Dupuis and Hall. Where the bleep was this skill when they played for the Wild or anyone else for that matter. I get its the finals, but still they are about a million times better than i’ve ever seen them play.
All that said… Detroit wins in Pittsburgh 4-2. Zetterberg scores the winner and is named MVP.
Could it be that Dupuis has better linemates in Hossa and Crosby? I mean seriously, when Dupuis was with the Wild, the team was full of grinders. Just look at the 03 team.
grimicoh…
Perhaps Hall and Dupuis were ‘held back’ by JL’s ‘restrictive’ system… 
If Gaborik is watching he’s probably thinking that very same thing…but not joking like me!
bfw: (from last thread) yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, Osgood has also been stellar for most of the series.
I just don’t know what to think. I could really see the Wings coming out with a MAJOR chip on their shoulder tomorrow night. But at the same time The Pens are so good at home and they gave the Wings a serious kick to the stomach last night. It’s a tough call.
One thing I do know, is that I almost wet my pants when Fleury made that save in the second. That was breathtaking!
Interested in opinions on the two DET G interference calls
zetterberg was questionable, cleary was clearly interference. if not interference then something. unless you let the defense or other players on the goalie’s team to kick the cooke out of the player that runs the goalie, you have to call penalty. cleary never tried to get avoid him. he went to the net and ran him over, IMHO.
did anyone pick detroit and pittsburgh in the finals with detroit winning?
I haven’t watched much of the series but did watch from the 3rd on last night. pittsburgh was fortunate.
I wouldn’t say its the restrictive JL system (even though I hate it myself and think it needs to change).
I saw Hall and Dupuis checking harder than they did with the Wild, I saw them making better passes, catching passes, and hitting the net. These are just skills that you have or you don’t have whether its the system or not. And they all of the sudden have these skills when they didn’t have them with the Wild.
Its rather depressing to watch at times remembering Dupuis trip over bluelines, miss the wide open nets, get outskated by older, obviously slowed down Vets…..and Hall just not hitting, PERIOD. I feel like slapping them for putting MN fans through this and i’m sure there are others out there feeling the same way.
The NHL will make sure it goes 7. Saturday night prime time game 7 after a possible end of a 30 year Triple Crown winner drought an hour or so earlier? The 6 or 7 share NBC will get from the Belmont Stakes will be a fine platform for promoting game 7 later that night, they might even get a 3 share for game 7! Bettman and the NHL would be doing handsprings and backflips if that happened. (not to be a cynic or anything)
Its the playoffs and they are 2 games from a Stanley Cup. That’s heady stuff and makes a player more superhuman.
I think Detroit can win at the Igloo. If they hadn’t won game 4 there, I would have been concerned. MAF needs another outstanding game, though.
It wasn’t JL’s system that caused Gabby to be shut out in the playoffs, yet allowed Mikko, PMB and Rolston to all score.
zetterberg was questionable, cleary was clearly interference. if not interference then something. unless you let the defense or other players on the goalie’s team to kick the cooke out of the player that runs the goalie, you have to call penalty. cleary never tried to get avoid him. he went to the net and ran him over, IMHO.
I saw the Clearly call the same way - he made a great move to get around the D-man but then he kind of just barreled into MAF in the crease. On Zetterberg’s - McGuire or Olczyk said Zetterberg was trying to make a move so it did seem questionable but I can’t say for sure from the replays I saw.
Heh, I told you Fleury would figure it out with a bit of “experience” under his belt, KiPA!
It wasn’t JL’s system but two defenders taking away his time and space. We know that Gabby can score in JL’s system.
I think Gabby knows it, too. Its just that he wants to score 50 goals vs 40 goals.
because G* asked (I think he knew too)…
Here are the Russotans with skin still in the preseason picks game:
G*: DET/PIT DET wins
Goalieguy: ANA/PIT PIT wins
Hockeydad: DET/PIT DET wins
ballgame: DET/OTT DET wins
bandgeek: DET/OTT DET wins
collegekid33: DET/PIT PIT wins
Yoke: COL/PIT PIT wins
Reid: SJ/PIT SJ wins
willow: DET/OTT DET wins
Intoblivion: SJ/PIT PIT wins
Is anyone going to comment about goaltending at the other end of the rink. You can’t just look at goals when analyzing a performance by a goalie you have to look at handles or attempts on.
Osgood was beat several times by NHL routine level plays. He was shaky at best and rattled at worst. If you watched his team in the second and third OT they were responding to it with panic dump outs and giving up possession way too quickly.
The Wings management is going to watch the tape and you may see Hasek in game 6. The only hold back is that they have ridden Osgood so long Dom may be stale.
All you need to win a hockey game is a goal and a hot goalie.
Hockeydad, The Prophet among us.
Did anyone see that Tiger Woods opened up his presser yesterday (presumably to talk about his injury) by responding to the question, “Detroit or Pittsburgh” with a
“I don’t really care,” Woods replied. “I don’t think anybody really watches hockey any more, do they?”
I hope someone shows him Ryan Malone taking one off the schnoz and then tells him to grow a pair.
Osgood was beat several times by NHL routine level plays.
I agree on the first goal - I just don’t understand dropping into the butterfly when the puck is behind your goal line, and the lack of mobility hurt him when the Pens brought it out.
I think the second one was the own-goal - and you can’t really blame him for that one.
The third one you could say he was down too soon on, but his defenseman never should have let Talbot get all those whacks at the puck from back there.
He wasn’t any worse playing the puck than MAF was/is, IMO. I think he was pretty good considering he saw so few shots.
I personally don’t care for Osgood, but I certainly think he was an asset to the Wings last night.
ballgame: for real, he said that?!
Or a sympathetic officiating crew…
Yeah, Nick.
And I’m willing to bet that the outcry won’t be such that he’ll need to apologize anytime soon.
I guess it’s OK that Tiger isn’t interested in the Finals. I am not exactly glued to the TV either. But. I have been keeping track of it.
At least he didn’t mention the other winter sports league… 
Tiger is a douchbag.
The thing is, no one follows the PGA Tour when Tiger doesn’t play. So how can he say anything?
Question: what happens if a team doesn’t tender an offer to a RFA and there are no offer sheets either? I know its unlikely to happen but how long does a team keep the rights of the player? Can said player find a new team?
you must qualify a RFA or they become a UFA. AFAIK
sunshine: I thought that, by not tendering him, you were waiving your claim to him as your property, no?
I hear there are people who actually watch golf. Like, really watch it the way we watch hockey. I know my dad turns it on but he naps on and off during the whole … what do they call it? Tournament? Whatever.
Given how many hockey players are avid golfers and probably fans of Tigers, that wasn’t the brightest thing he ever said. But I suppose, if nobody watches, nobody’s offended…
And I’m willing to bet that the outcry won’t be such that he’ll need to apologize anytime soon
and rightfully so. all he did was speak the truth. last saturday the nhl tied with a movie on fox, the rookie, i think.
Hockey Fans are tribal, many won’t watch games that are not ‘their team’ that’s why people get the impression that nobody watches. Plus, Tiger is a tool.
Thanks guys on the RFA question. Much appreciated.
The Pens don’t have to play history, just the Red Wings.
The Pens don’t have to play history, just the Red Wings.
I think they’d have a better shot against the former…
But then the “System” has benefited Rolston who has scored more under JL than for previous teams. Hmm. Also, it’s not like Hall lit it up this year (6 points) nor did Dupuis with 27. Remember in his best year for the Wild he scored 48.
Catching up (and no, I haven’t recovered yet):
Iceman, from the last thread: have to play 41 (I believe) regular season games or one in the Finals to get your name etched.
NiNY: Yes I’ll be there tomorrow (though I’m hearing tickets are going for like 500 or so bucks, so…)
Fleury may have sold the one call, but christ, osgood’s been doing that all playoffs. It goes back to my earlier rant from some other time: why have diving if it won’t be called?
Ratings last night won NBC prime time and were best in 7 years. Got 4.3 rating/8 share.
Fleury absolutely stole the game. Osgood was also very good and has been throughout the series.
Adam Hall was low on my list of being one of the leading goal scorers during the Finals. Hossa’s been incredible. $8.5 million isn’t too expensive for him.
One other thing: U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
That’s right Kevin, U-S-A! U-S-A! Stomp those commie bastages from Detroit.
Everyone humor Kevin, I think this roller coaster ride of a SCF is starting to do things to him. I really hope he doesn’t wear plaid pants to the game, he’s been having delusions of Herbie.
Russo on kfan.com right now - says Rolston and the Wild are “very far apart” and expects if a deal is made, it will be in late June (no surprise)
Not yet, but I am sending telegrams to the team.
Yes I’ll be there tomorrow (though I’m hearing tickets are going for like 500 or so bucks, so…)
don’t do it.
That memory is priceless.
I had a similar offer for my ticket for game 5 of the ‘94 Finals at MSG. Got out of the cab in front of the Garden and dude came up to me and goes “$500 each” without even knowing where our seats were.
Ridiculous.
Go to the game.
Plaid pant! Now that’s an idea.
KiPA…go to the game.
Or better yet…send me to game 7 (if of course). I watched the Pens hoist the Cup in ‘91 at Met Center so I know how to do it…
If anyone heard Russo on Esposito’s XM show a summary would be appreciated.
kj: I watched that game also…at home on TV…and remember, Hayseed was the goalie for the North Stars back then…
KiPA: GO to the Game…you will regret it for a long time (maybe forever) if you don’t and somehow the Pens pull this one out…
I wish we here in Minnesota had a meaningful hockey game in June. All we got is Obama tonight at the ‘X’ to sully the place before McCain comes in and really tears the joint up (figuratively, that is…)
Remember: All I want is/are upper level cup holders…
Just listened to Russo on Kfan, I am getting the sense that Rolston wants $5 million. I am concerned because at that amount, we might not be able to fill some much needed holes, specifically on defense.
I might be willing to do 2 year - $10 million since there aren’t that many UFAs of his caliber but that is really pushing it.
Sorry to bring up the Fiala thing, but it is interesting that they used injuries as a reason not to sign him. I say interesting because they signed Adrian Foster, a 2001 1st round pick whose career was derailed by injuries.
sunshine - we have Demitra’s $4.5 to play with. I think if Rolston can can a 3 year deal worth $13 or $14 million he will be satisfied.
*can can* should be *can get*
The big question mark is PMB’s contract. What is going to happen there? I think we all know Rolston is going to be back for that $4 to $5 million per range, but what of Mr. Bouchard?
AiH…Rolston wants (and will get) more than that. I don’t think there will be much negotiating before he becomes a UFA.
If the Wild are banking on a ‘home town, he wants to play here’ discount Rolston might recall management’s reluctance to do anything to help the team at the deadline.
Just sayin.
I don’t think teams will shy away from him because he is a young 35. Look at his durability.
He might take $10 mil for 2 years. But, he might wait until July 1 and let the bidding begin.
Indeed, what of PMB? Sign him to an inflated contract or trade him? Do you pay a non-All Star, All Star money? Not me.
I’m sorry, but seeing some of the SCF round between Detroit and Pittsburgh has shown me just how FAR away the Wild really are. I am hopeful for the upcoming offseason, but I am depressed at their playoff potential.
AiH, the only difference I can think of is that the Wild would have to make a 3 year committment to Fiala. Still, for a team that doesn’t seem to be strapped for cash, I’m not really sure why they would be worried so much about the money. He’d be playing on a two-way contract, right?
Okay, so I didn’t read all the comments…speaking here as a Penguins fan first and Wild fan close second (so you don’t wonder why I’m even here), Osgood has not been that stellar. He flops, he dives, he is often out of position. Pittsburgh simply can’t get shots on net–Osgood only made 28 saves in 5.5 periods, and let in four. .875% save percentage? Not that hot. His defense is ridiculous, so the Pens can’t get close, but he really is terrible.
Fleury on the other hand, was on fire.
Also, re: Russo mentioning the ‘42 Leafs: it was against the Red Wings. Just sayin’. Go Pens!
kj, I think the Wild were actually closer in 2006-07 than this past year, but I don’t think it necessarily would take a lot to make a big step forward. In this regard though, I’m not crazy about them signing Rolston to big money over more than one season. I suppose it will depend on what else is in the works, but there’s something about it that feels like stagnation. Are there really other teams out there looking to give him $5MM over more than one season? For a 35 year old Rolston? Really? I’m not trying to say he’s not good, but anyone can get injured, and that’s a much more expensive risk than Fiala if that’s where this is heading.
Headlines on the Star Tribune site. Much as I would not care to admit it, Tiger was apparently correct: “Mixed Martial Arts bests Stanley Cup in national TV ratings”.
If any of you were the GM looking at Rolston’s proposed deal, wouldn’t you make the decision based not only Rolston’s worth, but also what a handicap it would be if you gave him so much money that you would not be able to cover other weak positions?
speaking here as a Penguins fan first and Wild fan close second (so you don’t wonder why I’m even here), Osgood has not been that stellar.
Well, his team’s probably going to win the Stanley Cup. He can’t have been playing that poorly.
Rolston asking $5M shouldn’t surprise anyone. He’s starting from $2.4M (I think), this is arguably his last chance at a multiyear deal, and he’s NEGOTIATING.
That would be eating up $2.6M of Demo’s vacated $4.5M. Leaving the Wild net positive $1.9M and with arguably their most consistent scorer - and a good soldier under Lemaire - all tied up.
But, again, if he’s starting at $5 then he’s likely willing to sign for less (one has to assume more so if we add a second, or even third year).
Kevin: re. a much early comment you made…. people still do telegrams? I thought it was all e-mail and texting these days.
Given Rolston wants to be a GM, it wouldn’t be in his best interest to take a salary much below what the market would dictate. That’s a bad message to send a prospective NHL exec. looking for a GM.
I didn’t realize that Rolston wants to be a GM.
That $1.9 in savings from Demo can go towards SRV and Fedoruk/Voros.
I say give PMB his money even if its $3.7 million. He’s the best man to play with Rolston even though he defers the shooting too much to him. Parrish will not maximize Rolston’s scoring potential like PMB.
Ugh.. Parrish is becoming the odd man out. He isn’t a checker, he’s too well paid for the 4th line, and he can’t consistently keep up with Gaborik.
I don’t like to be dramatic but we are screwed for next year. (I reserve the right to change my mind at any point)
We’re all speculating with numbers for Rolston (isn’t that what the blog is for?). How can you qualify a significant raise?
Is Rolston looking to make up for the last deal he signed?
He was good in the playoffs, but didn’t he disappear for a stretch this season?
As usual from me…just questions for everyone’s fav GM. Next year’s season will depend on what his answers are.
oh, and sunshine…I concur.
This may be the result of a long and crappy day, but I’m not sure I see why taking a salary below market value as a player would be a bad thing for someone who wants to be a GM.
Can anyone help me out?
The “we are screwed part” or the Parrish part?
Caroline! Good to have you here! Though I must disagree with you a little. Just because Osgood hasn’t made a lot of saves doesn’t mean a lot of the ones he HAS made haven’t been terrific. Remember Geno’s chance in Game 4? Christ, that should’ve been in, and that flopping jerk somehow stuck his pad over there and got it. Regarding his game 5 save %: kind of tough to fault him for Hall’s goal.
Band: sure, but they sent telegrams back then. Remember, it’s us against the Soviets! U-S-A! U-S-A! If you’re not rooting for the Pens, you’re rooting for communists!
And everyone telling me to go to the game: why would I regret it if they win the Cup? It’s not like I’d see them hoist it tomorrow.
Kidding, of course I’m going.
Everyone must be watching Obama’s speech …
I’m glued to it. (Stupid people at work having it on.)
Too bad the Xcel wasn’t occupied by a better cause…
32,000 people (17000 in the arena and 15000 outside). Quite impressive.
Are there pictures of the outside?
No but that is what is being reported by the Fire Marshal.
The local news is reporting that some wanted to camp out last night but were denied and the line was about 12 blocks long. They did close off a street because there were commencement ceremonies next door.
One station actually said that the long lines were like people waiting for Wild tickets.
They showed video of the jumbotron outside and people sitting out on the streets and sidewalks listening to the speech.
That’s enough from me about this night’s speech.
Let’s get back to the Wild and the Stanley Cup. I think the Pens are going to jump out quick.
I think the Pens are going to jump out quick.
That’s what happened in Game 4… that’s also when they peaked. The last 57 1/2 minutes were not good at all.
Lightening fired their coach?
Hey, where the H-E-double hockey sticks have I been?
KiPA - man I gotta hand it to your squad last night. I couldn’t stay awake for the 3rd OT, but to be able to weather all that the Wings brought and pull thay one out … wow. Game at a time now. You never know.
So, I picked DET and PIT in the SCP, huh? I guess that seems vaguely familiar.
Wow, HD, you must have been on a fantastic vacation. Or, alternatively, plowed under by a pile of work. Either way, welcome back!
I heard a rumor that Berry Melrose was set to be the Lightening’s next coach, but I thought that BM said it was untrue. That’s the last I heard.
Well, TSN is reporting that Ron Wilson was offered the coaching job in Toronto and is still thinking it over.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239633&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl
Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve EARNED here tonight! One game. If we played them 10 times they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight.
Tonight we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down, because we can! (Points at Fleury.) Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world.
You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight.
This is your time.
Their time is done. It’s over! I’m sick and tired of hearing what a great hockey team the Red Wings have. Screw ‘em! This is YOUR time! Now go out there and take it!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
KiPA…why not the speech from the Finland game?
“If you lose this game, you’ll take it to your grave.”
“To your ^%^#^#^^%$#$#@* grave.”
sunshine…we’re screwed.
Hockeydad…you put 20 large down on your prognostication, right???
WildinATX…huh? whatever. Although, I thought the Xcel held 18,568…
Rolston. How many years has he played on a line with PMB? How many of his goals have been set up by PMB? Here’s a bargaining chip. Let him know that if the Wild sign him for 5 mil that there may not be room to bring PMB back to feed him the puck.
Sorry Kevin inPA, but this series is following many for the Red Wings this playoff season. Round #1: Detroit led 2-0, allowed Nashville to get back in the series and then clinched the series ON THE ROAD. In round 2, the Red Wings got up 2-0 and went on to clinch the series ON THE ROAD. In round 3, the Red Wings got up 2-0, allowed the Stars to get back in thr series and then clinched the series ON THE ROAD. In round 4, the Red Wings got up 2-0, allowed the Penguins to get back in the series and will clinch the cup ON THE ROAD. Sux, because I always like to see the Cup winner clinch at home, but this pattern is just too obvious to ignore. Red Wings win tonight 5-3 with an empty-netter.
DB, but that was a pretty devestating loss for the Red Wings when they were so close. Now, with at the end of the playoffs and the long game both teams must be fatigued.
At some point, the tank is empty, and it is re-filled by adrenalin. But, there is only one of the teams with that right now.
I would not bet the house but it seems to me there will be a big edge to Pittsburgh at home. Then, if they do win there will be a carryover of emotion.
It could be that the Red Wings will only end up with the sour taste and legacy of the biggest collapse in modern day hockey.
Dead Wings are a perfect 3-0 on the road in Game 6s this playoff season and have outscored their opponents 15-3. Look for the Pens to finish with about 22 shots on goal tonight, but in the end, Detroilet sips from the Cup.
Shipley of the Pio once said in a radio interview that the ecosystem of a hockey line is very fragile. I think that is the case with Rolston and PMB. He NEEDS PMB to set him up and score goals.
With Gaborik, he just needs a good center and winger and he will get his goals and points. He’ll just work harder since he won’t have Demitra’s playmaking ability.
BD, they are obviously more skilled than the Penguins, but this might be one of those times it does not matter.
I just drank a big glass of offseason Kool Aid:
Parrish played solid 2 way hockey before Mikko’s injury on a line with Mikko and Radio. If the Wild can add a good fit at C (Langkow quality), Parrish could find himself competing with Fedorik (assuming the resign there) to play on a line with Mikko and Gabby. The other top line would be the new C with PMB and Rolston. Oh Yeah!
I just drank a big glass of offseason Kool Aid:
Holy cr@p, Adam. You musta drank the whole d@mn pitcher!!! lmao.
I did double the sugar
so, it’s a rumor….but I just read Marleau and something else (maybe Matt Carle) to the BJs for Zherdev and the 6th overall pick.
My gut reaction is if C-Bus pulls that off it’s highway robbery.
I thought the idea is that the Sharks are this close to real Cup contention right now…what’s a draft pick do for them?
NINY, a 6th overall could possibly be NHL ready. Werent they saying some of those top d-men were about ready to go?
Dead Wings are a perfect 3-0 on the road in Game 6s this playoff season and have outscored their opponents 15-3.
Meh. Not to high on the “Game 6″-type comparisons. (ex: Wings are 1-2 in Game 5’s, and 0-2 in Game 5 elimination games this year.)
This fact has gotta hurt:
No NHL team has gone so deep into an elimination game with a lead only to have it yanked away, teased and tempted by the Cup before having it stowed for another night.
If you’re Detroit, how do just “put that behind you?” That’s got to get into your head, a least a little.
And even if that doesn’t, it’s hard to imagine that Flowers hasn’t gotten into their head. He’s gotten stronger as the series has gone along, coming off a 55-save performance (.948 save percentage). Meanwhile, Osnogood has given up 7 goals in the last 3 games.
Gino is off the schneid with his assist in Game 5, Sid won’t continue to miss on his opportunities, and if the Wings fail to win the Cup, Osnogood will have proven to be the Achilles Heel for the Wings.
For the Red Wings to win maybe they will need to play angry. I don’t know what other emotion they can have because disappointment does not help.
Otherwise … crash and burn!
The Red Wings doesn’t have to play with emotions. They are the red machine, nothing seems to faze them. To them, its probably like “Darn, we lost game 5 and the chance to celebrate in front of our fans. Oh well, there is game 6. It won’t be as nice.”
Its the Pens that have to play with emotions.
I thought the idea is that the Sharks are this close to real Cup contention right now…what’s a draft pick do for them?
Cap space for Campbell?
FYI - just noticed that the Ducks are the new AHL affiliate for Des Moines
Since the last team to win the Cup after being down 3-1 was in 1942, doesn’t that imply that such a scenario is overdue?
The Penguins will win if they play their game, their goalie stays solid and the hockey gods smile on them. Of course the same could be said of the Red Wings. In which case, we get dueling hockey gods and multiple overtimes until a player scores.
It will be a good game either way. Go Penguins!
The Red Wings doesn’t have to play with emotions. They are the red machine, nothing seems to faze them.
Well, I’m sure the Soviets were the same way in Lake Placid, and we know what happened there. There’s confidence, then there’s overconfidence.
The young Pens are gaining confidence with each game, while the aged Wings have to be having some doubts. Even their coach is showing signs of cracking, evidenced by his post-game remarks.
Should be a helluva game. (And I’m sure the League wouldn’t mind a Game 7 Saturday! 
Cap space for Campbell?
a good point.
Dueling hockey Gods, I like the concept.
Seems to me that due or overdue, is another one of those more or less useless statistics.
Those stats, like who scores first, and how many games a team wins when leading after two periods only illustrate the size of the obstacle.
If Detroit can play with the grit needed, I the team is very skillful and would be hard to beat.
But, I think the Penguins will be a much tougher opponent now, and I think their attitude must be much more positive today.
To me, their is a fine line between winning attitudes and thought processes, and counter-productive ones in team sports.
The Wings must have been letting their mind wander towards the end of the game and thinking about how great taking the Cup home for a day would be, or champaign, or the parades, or the other perks that go with a Championship … instead of making the individual plays needed to win.
So, they quit doing what they needed to do to win.
Why couldn’t it just be that the Pens, especially with the extra skater, simply converted?
The Pens didn’t steal the eastern conference championship. In fact, as I recall, they were playing some pretty good hockey through the first three rounds.
Not the speech from Finland because we’re not playing the Finns. We’re playing the Soviets.
Here’s another stat for the haters: Detroit’s like 12-0 in Game 6’s with a 3-2 lead.
Something no one here’s talking about is Gonchar’s status. If he can’t shoot, that’s gonna hurt.
I think the Pens might be able to force Game 7. Am I confident? Hell no. I’m prepared for either outcome.
All is open for debate, NiNY. But, early and late the Red Wings did not look to have the same degree of readiness to play.
It is just my opinion that early in the series the Red Wings looked like a highly skilled team on a mission, a deadly combination.
My personal opinion is that they do not appear like that right now.
They have both played the same number of periods and maybe Detroit has been able to use more players to spread the minutes. So, I felt it was attitude.
What city was the privious affiliate of the Ducks?
The demoralizing impact of outplaying a team for long stretches only to lose the game cannot be overstated.
When the Pens simplified their game plan after the 1st overtime of Game 5, consistently getting the puck deep, making sure to get it in/out at the bluelines, it took all the momentum away from the Wings, and derailed their bread-and-butter puck-possession game. This lead to a careless high-sticking penalty, and the game winner.
For the Pens, keeping the puck deep in the Detroit zone, winning the races to loose pucks, and putting pucks and bodies to the net will result in a Game 7 showdown at the Joe. Assuming, of course, that Flowers out plays Osnogood.
KiPA,
What is Gonchars status? I heard back spasms(?), but I wonder if it wasn’t concussion-related symptoms. Just having him on the ice will be a plus for the Pens.
Iceman - Portland, Maine. According to the Des Moines Register, the Ducks signed a two year deal with the Des Moines arena so we could be talking Aeros in Iowa again soon as the Ducks (according to the article) ultimately want their AHL team in California - http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080604/SPORTS1403/806040375/-1/SPORTS0806
Just seem to be saying they’re “optimistic” he’ll play.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080513.wsptduha13/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
Stumbled on this short read, Wings-related. Nice piece re: player development.
Maybe instead of an AHL team in Des Moines, we could put an ECHL team there.
Apparently Tom Lynn was contacted about moving the Aeros to Des Moines but instead they signed up for five more years in Houston.
I don’t care where the AHL team is if I can see the games on the internet or tv. Since the Aeros will not be moving for a while, can somebody start working on that?
Rolston asking $5M shouldn’t surprise anyone.
That part doesn’t. It’s the idea of that much over multiple seasons for an over-35 guy. There’s just too much cap risk involved when you get to that part.
As for the Marleau trade… I know my buddies would celebrate, especially if Matt Carle was included. Carle is their Skoula, and Marleau’s nickname is Slacker. He’s coming off a terrible season and set to get a big pay raise with a no-trade clause for the next two seasons, so I can see why the Sharks would want to move him, but then he’s in trade rumors all the time. We’ll see if this one has any more legs than any of the others.
My bet will be on the Wings - they’ve really outplayed them, the Pens are hurt, and the Pens really haven’t figured out the Wings yet ( their second goal on Monday was a fluke). Honestly I’ve felt the Pens are a bit overrated, although I’ll admit I’ve been impressed with Gill - he has been a force out there.
Worth a look if you got 30 seconds:
Aaron, I brought up the Adrian Foster thing too, primary difference is money and ELC terms. With Fiala they’d be locked in with that contract and signing bonus, and any second contract would have to be qualified above that, with Foster they just threw a base two way free agent contract at him for two years, no bonus. A lot less to deal with as far as salary cap implications, especially if Fiala decided to up and head back overseas. I was thinking that they were suitably impressed with Foster though, that they feel like they didn’t need Fiala’s big contract, however, and could fill the center need with the former first round pick Foster.
Hey on the wild board someone through out the name Josef Vasicek as a possible center candidate. His numbers are reminding me of Belanger. He is a UFA and signed one-year deal with NYI for $800k. Belanger and him were traded for each other too.
Who would be better A Foster or Vasicek? Or neither?
what a chance for Sykora there…
I think I just saw KiPA…guy with a white t-shirt on…?
NOW we’ll see exactly how big the Pens’ balls are.
how can KRIS DRAPER take a guy into the boards head first like that - and from behind?!
Nothing like a 1:33 5 on 3 with no goal to suck the life out of ya.
…Again.
KiPA: Pierre Maguire is saying the ice is really bad…what’s it look like from where you’re sitting…and where ARE you sitting?
Time to start drinking.
Doesn’t seem bad from where I am but I’m in the F balcony, highest level, front row, the end where the Pens shoot twice. And yeah I’m the guy in white.
nice….I knew it was you!
Sid looked pretty banged up.
Well it’ll be neat to see the Cup awarded.
Geno’s got some pep tonight.
uh oh….softie from MAF.
The Wings are going to boa constrictor the life right out of the Pens now.
GENO!
that was a laser, but also not Osgood’s best effort.
Yeah. Hurray. Still feels like we’re down by five. Had a little life at the end of the second.
as good as MAF was last game, he didn’t have his best game tonight. Anytime you let in two five hole you’re not going to feel good.
That said, the better team won.
Take nothing away from the Pens - who are a great, young team with a very bright immediate future.
But the Wings are just superior - to everyone.
so…think DR has dispatched all his scouts to Sweden yet?
(I’m going to go cry now.)
Well, the myth of having a European Captain not winning a Stanley Cup has finally been debunked.
Congratulations to the Red Wings. They were the better team theoughout the series and deserve the win.
Huge props to you for taking the high road and being a stand up guy, KiPA.
Go be amongst other Pens fans, and stop by when you feel up to it.
You’ll be welcomed.
“WildinATX says: Too bad the Xcel wasn’t occupied by a better cause…”
“kj says: WildinATX…huh? whatever. Although, I thought the Xcel held 18,568…”
Hey KJ! Just to clarify, she meant too bad it’s not occupied by the Stanley Cup Finals. Seems like you were confused that she may have been hoping for something different.
Wow, what an ending. I thought that last second effort was going to cross the goal line. Crazy! Nice win by the Wings.
Sorry your boys couldn’t pull it off Kevin. Detroit played well all season and certainly showed why they had the most points of all 30 teams. Did you get to see the cup Kevin, is it pretty, did it look shiny? I guess the cup gets to travel to lots of Swedish towns.
I’m bored, is it pre-season yet? Is the schedule set? can we buy tickets? ….. Man am I pathetic…..
I forget to chenge the name back to my own too often…
Man, that has to be weird to win the cup in the opposing teams arena.
Driving and drunk. I’ll talk later.
Well congrats to the Wings. They were a very good team from the beginning of the year to the end. Pittsburgh gave them a run and turned it into an enjoyable series to watch.
Only a few more week until FA begins.
Later all,
FA — We have the draft in a couple of weeks to deal with before FA.
Well another Iceman theory shot to hell.
Was not near a television so that I did not see the game but the Red Wings did not seem to be bothered by the last loss.
Interesting that Detroit’s cap number is 39 million because guys have taken less to play there?
Classy guy KiPA. Sorry for your team coming up short.
My friend and I stayed to watch a little of the Wings celebrate. I saw the Cup. It was shiny. Neat seeing it awarded. Don’t get to witness it every day.
I still think the officiating was awful throughout BUT Detroit was still better. We had some great chances (two long 5 on 3s in two games we lost: one SOG.)
The Wings’ forechecking and breakout are phenomenal. Osgood was great. Pens didn’t put forth their best but Detroit had a lot to do with it.
Tough to lose on goals like that. Wouldn’t have been here without Fleury. We made it interesting by forcing game 6 and scoring late.
Again: Detroit better and quite worthy of the Cup. Pens had a great run and it was a joy. I was glad to see a very warm thank you to and from the Pens players and fans, and a lot applauded the Wings. Congratulations Detroit.
And thanks for the condolences.
So close… drag.
So there’s something to be said about getting dumped in the first round, eh folks?
[ducking]
Boy, what a bad day. The Pens’ AHL affiliate lost Wednesday and are in a 3-0 hole in the Calder Cup finals. Sigh.
By the way, I blame all of you. I didn’t see one person echoing my U-S-A chant. You’re all communists.
(Kidding naturally.)
Deep Breath says:
June 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Dead Wings are a perfect 3-0 on the road in Game 6s this playoff season and have outscored their opponents 15-3. Look for the Pens to finish with about 22 shots on goal tonight, but in the end, Detroilet sips from the Cup.
It’s rare that I am spot on, unless we’re discussing Rosie’s ass-less chaps, but I could see last night coming. Red Wings had closed out every series on the road and the shutdown defense was nothing like the free-wheeling nonsense the Pens saw in the East playoffs. I even believe I got the shot total spot on. Well played, young man.
KiPA…sorry to see the Pens go down, but the future’s so bright you gotta wear shades.
Now, about that Malkin trade I proposed last fall…
Congrats to the Wings. They clearly were the best team all season long. Mike Babcock is a damn fine coach.
Deep…I would congratulate you on your foresight except you brought Rosie and ass-less chaps into the conversation again…ugh…
It won’t be long and we’ll be seeing the Wild trading Gaborik and snaring TB’s first round pick.
Careful DB, you may seperate your shoulder by patting yourself on the back too hard.. you are turning into Russo
Man, it must really suck to have to watch the other team celebrate in your building. The Pens have nothing to hang their heads over, though.
I’m away from the blog for a while, and I come back and I’m still confronted with the image of Rosie in assless chaps. I’m not happy.
The Pens had a great season, obviously, but I do belive they have serious cap issues. I would hesitate to write that you will see this group in the East finals or beyond for the next several years. Was watching a highlight show of sorts late last night and the putz on the show was talking about how the Pens are all so young and this is the first of several runs to the Cup Finals. Please. Oh, one more thing, how about the stones on Malone to get his face smashed and miss just a shift in game 5 and then play all of game 6. Only hockey players. He just cashed in MONSTER with his play in the playoffs. He’ll get $5 million a year from some team. Nice to a SCSU boy play tough. Also, caught a glimpse of Hartigan, another SCSU boy, getting his grubbies all over the Cup last night during the celebration. SCSU…you could do worse
Yeah, DB, as much as I’m going to scream about that “western style” defense, I will agree about all the BS comparisons towards the ‘83 Oilers and the first of “many” runs. Someone’s going to throw at least $8 mil at Hossa (quite honestly I want it to be the Pens though; I really want him back), and Malkin and Fleury will be getting huge pay days, as is Malone like you mentioned, Orpik’s a UFA who’ll earn a raise…the cap’s going to doom us.
To compare this team to the Oilers is just stupid. A) it’s a totally different era first off, and B) there was no salary cap then. I said some time ago I had a feeling that this year was the time.
On the defense thing: look, it’s not just an East-West thing. The Wings possess the puck a hell of a lot. It’s like the coach in the NHLN commercial: their offense is their defense. You’re telling me every team in the West plays like that? Please. Our 8-1-1 record against the West during the regular season must not have come against any good teams then. You know, we played just 10 different ones.
The Wings throw blind passes to open space and there’s always a guy there. In fact, 80% of the time the Pens threw a puck to open space, there’s a Red Wing there. It always seemed like there were 10 of them on the ice the whole series (sometimes 14, but that’s a topic I won’t get into.) They out-hit us (and playing the Rangers and Flyers wasn’t exactly exchanging pleasantries either, so it’s not like physical play was new); out-worked us, out-skated us; got the lucky, garbage type goals you need; and were generally just better all around. Their stars were factors in SOME aspect. If they weren’t scoring, they were killing penalties (Zetterberg’s great stick check in Game 4 might’ve won them the Cup.) Ours weren’t.
Free-wheeling nonsense means you’ve never seen the Rangers or Devils play. They scored about two goals a game and were playoff teams. It wasn’t just their goaltending either, trust me (I saw them 16 times). The defense in the conferences might be different, but don’t talk like that’s the only reason Detroit won.
And while we’re breaking arms patting ourselves on the back, I thought Detroit was going to win all series.
Which trade was that, kj? I thought phil was the only one discussing inane trades involving Malkin.
Another thing about the defense: Christ, that’s the kind of defense the PENGUINS were playing the last two rounds, so it’s not like they’d never seen shutdown defense before. They just ran into a team that could actually do it against them.
“It won’t be long and we’ll be seeing the Wild trading Gaborik and snaring TB’s first round pick.”
Why in the world would the Wild do that? It’s not like there is a Crosby or Ovechkin to snag. I don’t think that would be a good plan.
Austin: some say Stamkos is pretty darn good, and a sure thing to jump to the NHL next season.
If TB was dangling, say, Vinny and the #1, and wanted to listen to Gaby, our 1st and ??? then I’d be very interested.
The thing is, I doubt very much that they are dangling that - or anything like it.
Back in November I wanted to deal Gaborik, Skoula and a 1st rounder (or PMB) to the Pens for Malkin and Orpik.
ATX…one word…Stamkos.
This team needs retooling, not cosmetic surgery.
Disagree if you wish, but after watching last night and seeing the level of play (and comparing to what I saw in the 1st round), the Wild are far, far away from being a legit Cup contender.
NiNY…there is no substance (except my own abuse of such) to the TB reference…other than hope.
See 9:48 post for my reasoning.
kj: Oh. *cough*
Um. Yeah. I’ll get back to you on that.
KiPA…thank back to that time…Orpik wasn’t exactly playing well. Ok, so Malkin was and Gaborik wasn’t.
I never said it was a good trade for the Pens…
I recall offering up Gaborik for Ovechekin too…
The thing is, kj, I’ve always been a fan of Orpik, for several years now. For some reason it just took Therrien time to realize that and give him some quality minutes (the guy was a healthy scratch and played some at left wing earlier in the year, and rarely on the PK.) Orpik’s play surely had something to do with Therrien’s decisions but I’ve been waiting for this breakout.
Kevin: The smothering defense the Dead Wings played is the exact reason they won the series. What did Pitt average about 20-23 shots a game. Winning games against the Western teams in the regular season is no way to judge what will happen in the playoffs. We all know the difference in the Regular season to the playoffs is night n day. Up and down the East the goals against is high. You don’t have to take it personally. Your team had a great season, whereas the Wild got bounced in 6. But the fact is, as has been for a while, the West playes much better defense as a whole than they do in the East.
Kevin,
Any way the Pens can work it out to keep Hossa? Who do you speculate they would likely have to let go to accomplish that, and how would you feel about losing those players?
Why does it have to be an East-West thing? Can’t you just say Detroit is the superior team?
KiPA…I have always been an Orpik fan too. That’s why I wanted the trade.
Malkin was just a ‘throw in’…LOLOLOLOL
Dave: not too likely, unless everyone’s willing to give a hometown discount to keep together a team that was two wins from the Cup. So many key guys are UFAs. Malone would almost surely have to go to keep Hossa, maybe Orpik. As gritty as Malone was, especially in game 5, I’d rather have Hossa over Malone. I don’t want to see Orpik go either since for most of the year he was our only real physical defenseman. I think everyone and their mother expects Hossa to be elsewhere next season.
And DB: I guess you’re right, after I looked at the stats, but you almost seem to be taking a perverse delight in pointing out what wonderful defense the West plays. I guess it was the tone (or the tone that I perceived) that set me off. I still say we saw a tough defensive team in the Rangers though, so it couldn’t have been all that new.
kj: so you’d be getting the two best players in the deal in your eyes? Yeah, sounds like a hell of a trade from your standpoint.
Why does it have to be an East-West thing? Can’t you just say Detroit is the superior team?
Ok, I think we can all agree that Detroit is the superior team.
Let us also agree that the East is the least.
I’m also just trying to say it’s easy to play defense when you have the puck all the time. Do all West teams possess the puck like the Wings do?
Because if they do, then the NHL might as well do away with the Eastern playoff bracket and award the Stanley Cup, not the Campbell Cup, after the Western finals.
Man, it would have been amazing if Hossa had put away that goal… but actually, from what I saw, if it had trickled in past Osgood as it was, it would have been even worse for Pens fans… it would have crossed the goal line about .3 seconds too late and not counted.
it would have crossed the goal line about .3 seconds too late and not counted.
Yup. A lot of people reacted, but I saw the green light before the puck slid across. Half a second, half an inch more. Bam. That’s the way it goes though. Had chances to get it done earlier and couldn’t.
For the Wings, it was the 11th Cup.
That is lots, except I assume the majority came when it was a six team league.
Since hockey expanded in 1967, have they won only three?
On HNiC, someone attributed the key to Swedish players being thier scout Hakon Andersson.
Iceman, this was their 4th since the expansion.
I’m excited to see the Wild try to copy the Stanley Cup winner this year. That’s what all the teams do right?
But how do you copy this Red Wings team? Last year after Anaheim’s win the Wild bulked up.
So does this mean for next season’s Wild team we’ll see a fast skating-puck possesion-solid defense-excellent goaltending-ruthless penalty killing-deadly powerplay-mix of youth and vetteran-well coached team make a deep run in the 2009 playoffs?
Quick…somebody wake from my daydream.
So does this mean for next season’s Wild team we’ll see a fast skating-puck possesion-solid defense-excellent goaltending-ruthless penalty killing-deadly powerplay-mix of youth and vetteran-well coached team make a deep run in the 2009 playoffs?
I was chuckling about that too, Lapper (9:54pm last night).
Except that, if tradition holds, we’ll see a pretty fast skating- decent puck possesion- more or less solid defense- arguably excellent goaltending- some might say ruthless penalty killing- usually deadly powerplay-mix of youth and veteran-well coached team make a deep-ish run in the 2009 playoffs
Except that, if tradition holds, we’ll see a pretty fast skating- decent puck possesion- more or less solid defense- arguably excellent goaltending- some might say ruthless penalty killing- usually deadly powerplay-mix of youth and veteran-well coached team make a deep-ish run in the 2009 playoffs
FTW
I think the Wild has the right ideas just not the right personnel to execute it.
7 days until Wild Summer Bash. It’ll be just enough of a hockey fix to get me through to the draft, after that comes the slow torturous march that is late July and August.
7 days until Wild Summer Bash.
Am I crazy or is this sooner than what has been done in the past? I thought this had been an August thing.
DB: Last thing I have to get off my chest then I’m done. Keep in mind I’m a little sensitive right now. When you quoted yourself, you made it sound like you were the only one who predicted Detroit would win last night. I took issue with that (the sensitivity thing). When you talk about the conferences, you’re making it seem to my black-and-gold view that the Pens shouldn’t have been allowed to play in the Finals because they came out of a “vastly inferior” conference. That’s what set me off.
Defense may win championships but scoring goals is kind of important too. I’m all for a 2-1, 1-0 game if it’s entertaining, but I don’t want the game stifled and clogged down with traps and whatnot. Just because the West may play better defense doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better hockey.
That’s it. I’m done. Enjoy the offseason.
The Defense in the West is a little different in the East.
Hear me out here — just generalization and doesn’t necessarily apply to all the teams in each conference or the Stanley Cup.
The West defense is to prevent goals because games are usually low scoring and tight. The East defense is to limit the # of goals because they have the offense to overcome defensive lapses.
It sounds the same but its not. The two different types of defense allows for the East to play a more open game while the West a more tighter, checking game.
OK folks… the offseason has now officially begun, so let me start off by being a nice cold, wet blanket.
Gaborik won’t likely be going to TB, and Vinny has given every indication he wants to stay there, so I wouldn’t expect to see him coming to town, either. TB is now officially rebuilding, and I don’t see any reason why they’d give up a #1 pick in that scenario. So any Gaborik trade ideas should probably start looking elsewhere.
I disagree, however, that the Wild are a long ways away. One good offseason could give them a nice boost, and as DR has pointed out, he’s made it so that he’s got some flexibility this summer. Now, it remains to be seen if he’s just blowing smoke or if he’s got something cooking, but we’ll see. Regardless, it seems to me that a few upgrades could go a long way. Now whether that gets done or not remains to be seen.
Does anyone think that the addition of five (I think) more intra-conference games will have any impact on the different styles of play going forward?
I kind of agree with sunshine, as I often do. The styles of hockey in the two conferences are slightly different, and there’s more talent up front in the East and more talent on the blue line in the West, generally speaking.
Adam: Not really.
toivo…you’re disagreeing with me?
I am shocked!!!
Great series. Could have gone either way. KiPA, the Pens definitly deserved to be there. They played really well. Got to remember, goaltender;20 yrs old, captain 20yrs.old, Malkin some where in there, Stahl 19 yrs. old. These guys will be around for a long time and I didn’t even mention Hossa, Orpik, Malone, not as young but good/great players. Detroit played a good series, you have to give them that. I’m not going to lie, after watching that series it sure brings home the reality of how far the Wild are from a serious Cup run. But oh well, looking forward to the season starting. Is the “get together” really next week already?
Yep Summer bash is June 12. It was a week or so later last year, it may have been later in the summer in years past but I can’t remember. I’m looking forward to seeing Boogie, Fridge, SRV, Shepp, Hards, and Voros. H. and I are going in early to get dinner, the Mr might have to meet us down there if he doesn’t get done with work early enough. I think it’ll be a good time.
Sunshine at 12:17 and Toivo (third paragraph) at 1:14 are on the right track.
If they can make just a few of the right moves they can be right in the thick of things.
Hopefully, Rolston, and our core players who we want to retain, will not price himself beyond reach.
It still amazes me, as reported by HNiC that Detroit’s Cap Number is only 39 Mil.
The rest of the league can hope the Red Wings will get fat and lazy this off-season.
ATX - my absence can’t be blamed on a vacation. I wish. No, work matters have been overwhelming. I left my former firm and joined a new one; been crazy transporting my practice over here.
kj - unfortunaely, not only did I not bet on my little prognostication, I barely remembered making it. Green* chose the same, did he not?
toivo…you’re disagreeing with me?
Maybe less than it seems. While this year’s team was significantly below Detroit IMO, I don’t think it’s a scrape-job. There’s some significant holes to fill to be sure, but I don’t think they are holes that can’t be filled. It will take a bit of luck and some shrewd offseason work, but I think putting a better team together for next season is doable.
That said, they could botch this summer in any number of ways. If that’s what happens, then we’ll start talking about a rebuilding project in earnest. I’m looking forward to the offseason with about equal parts optimism and apprehension.
Detroit has a pretty good cap situation, and as we get further along with the 2005 CBA, I think what we are going to see, instead of parity, is a separation of teams based on who can best manage and get the best value from their cap.
I also think a healthy Schultz changes that series a lot. No, he doesn’t add any offensive dimension, but his steady play in our zone might have helped other players add more of an offensive dimension.
What is this summer bash exactly? I looked on Wild.com but I didn’t see any info.
It’s how they end the summer road trip Austin. The Summer Bash is the last night of the Road Trip, it takes place in Rice Park there’s usually a band and all the guys that do the road trip are there and you can get autographs and have your picture taken with them, there’s also games and a booth to buy Wild merchandise at.
Oh and my friend H would say it’s the best way to oogle up close some of the players. I’ll have to remind her that Shepp is to young for her.
Thanks Bandgeek! Dang, it’s too bad I can’t be there. I wish we were taking a trip to MN around that time….
No problem Austin. KJ when is Russoville’s favorite band going to play the Bash? Then Austin would have to make the trip back to Minny for it.
Anybody getting hail? All we’ve got is heavy rain in SSP.
Having Schultz healthy for the series could have made a difference. No, he wouldn’t have gotten any goals but he could have prevented some of them.
There is a reason why Chelios didn’t play much in any of the series.
We are just getting heavy rain and lots of thunder in the northern suburbs.
I heard from a guy who heard from someone who heard from someone that Malone just bought a house in Minnesota.
Just saying. Fourth-hand info.
He actually has a home near Mark Parrish and makes Minnesota his off-season base. There was a recent article about him.
Last year, he skated with other NHLers, including Wild players, before heading to the Pens training camp.
Maybe then it was just old information I’m just getting now. I rarely pay attention to where players live.
Parrish was KFAN and it was mentioned that they are neighbors. So that was why it was fresh in my mind. He was rooting for the Pens because of Malone.
My friend seemed… semi-excited at the possibility of Malone going to the Wild. He figured that meant we’d have the cash to re-sign Hossa.
Will the Pens be able to bring him back? I keep reading that if he takes a home discount,then they can keep him. I just find it hard for the Pens to keep Staal, MAF, Malkin and Malone. The Pens have one year of MAF, Staal, and Malkin before they hit the big dollars.
I think it would be great to have him. Heck, call me crazy but I would be willing to pay him $5 million instead of Rolston — youth and more upside.
Hey guys this is kind of off topic but maybe you could help me. I’m going to make the trip to see the Wild Road Tour in St. Paul. I’m looking for some cool stuff to get signed….I’ve got a Boogaard jersey and thought that some action shots…8×10’s..photos of players would be a cool thing to get signed and them have them framed. I’ve got some pics I’ve taken myself that I’m going to have printed. Anyone know where I can get some nice pics of the guys? I see on the Wild’s website they ahve photos of every game and some of them are great but I can’t save them to my computer through adobe. If there is a way to save them that would be great. If you can help me out email me at Temoryian@charter.net Thanks for your help.
sunshine: Malone’s the most likely one to give a hometown discount. One season ticket holder who sits next to me said we should be glad Malkin didn’t win the scoring title, otherwise that would’ve bumped up his price even more (we still joke that he’ll be making $8.6 mil, right below Sid’s 8.7).
Keeping the four you mentioned I think would be possible. Staal’s goals were way down this year but he’s still developing into a wonderful penalty killer, and his faceoffs improved during the playoffs. I don’t think he was ever projected as a goal scorer, so hopefully that means he won’t be making as much as the others.
There’s no way we’re bringing Orpik back, and highly unlikely Hossa will return.
I’d prefer Orpik over Malone on the Wild.
I’d prefer Orpik over Malone on the Wild.
Me too - the Wild will only be able to add one significant D-man and when you already have Schultz, Johnsson and Skoula in your top four, any addition to the regular rotation needs to be a physical player. As for forwards, I think the the priority needs to be on a C that is a step above Belanger and can play the JL system.
Would you trade Parrish and a first rounder for Oli Jokkinen?
Discuss.
Would you trade Parrish and a first rounder for Oli Jokkinen?
In a NY minute.
In a heartbeat.
No thought even required on that one.
The Wings cap number shows how consistently hitting the jackpot in the late rounds of the Entry Draft pays in more ways than just winning the Cup.
Oh wait…Eklund is the source of that rumor.
Sheesh…no wonder it seemed far-fetched.
Oh…and Mo…
Did Reggie finally wise up and take the C from you???
If the Panthers would take a first rounder and Parrish for OJ, you’d think the Florida media would demand an invesitation into the recreational drug habits of the Panthers’ management team. Steal would not begin to describe that sort of “deal”.
Deep…check out the bloging responses in that article.
You’d think they’ve been reading our opinions on Parrish…
You’d think they’ve been reading our opinions on Parrish
Mark Parrish would score 30 goals easy if he could only get out of the JL Six Goalie System. I would put 10 Million Theoretical Internat Dollars on it!
I’m with you Adam. JL expected Parrish to change the way he plays. He turned a 30 goal scorer into a 15 goal scorer. My bet is that he will find a place he can play his game.
Russo, you have any info on the Malone situation that you are willing to share?
We shouldn’t expect JL to change the system for Parrish, either, since its been here longer. Parrish can’t crack the top 6 unless one of them is injured.
Parrish needed to change his ways and JL has to find a way to bring the best out of Parrish. It was hard in the second half when he was injured and other players were playing better.
I noticed that Orpik was the guy who allowed Fippula to get his stick on the rebound that MAF sieved on and also was the one closest to MAF and didn’t check to see if he had the puck secured on the 3rd goal (since no whistle blew). If Skoula had been there instead of Orpik on those 2 plays he would have been roasted to no end.
As far as Parrish is concerned, wouldn’t there be some discourse between DR and JL matching up player capbilities JL is expecting and the capabilities of players DR is bringing in? Usually there seems to be a disconnect between the 2.
Usually there seems to be a disconnect between the 2.
No kidding.
Hopefully, that is one thing DR and JL was able to straighten out in their conversation a few weeks back. DR listen to JL more often.
Hey, guys, I was checking on Wild.com for any new updates and they have a Kurtis Foster feature update.
FYI - Ryan Potulny traded to the Oil for defenceman Danny Syvret.
I’d stay away from Orpik, Malone and probably Hossa. Not because they’re no good. They are, but with the attention that they got in the cup finals, they are going to cash in. I know I sound like a broken record, but you aren’t going build a winner paying top dollar for everyone. You can give big bucks to a few high-end players, and the rest need to be good value players. See Johnsson, Kim.
That said, the Wild have three important guys in Koivu, Burns and Shultz signed to very good contracts. That’s a good start. We’ll see what happens with Gabby, Rolston and PMB soon, and then we’ll see what kind of FA dollars are left to go around. When I hear stuff about paying Rolston $5MM a season, I really think that they should go after Hossa for more money (Rolston and Demo’s salary).
Dominic Moore says:
No kidding.
LOL!
Yeah, that was kinda funny.
Who?
Toivo, you say stay away from Hossa probably, then you say you’d rather go after him instead of Rolston? Make up your mind.
From what I hear, Orpik won’t return not due to money but because Therrien treated him like crap. As for his not covering up on those two goals, you’d like your goalie to control those rebounds…but no reason to cry about it now.
Also Malone’s long-term plans are to live in Minnesota apparently.
as for not covering, defense and defensive awareness is the one thing I am certain our current coaching regime can teach.
I just keep playing the shift where Orpik dished out three (solid) hits in the space of about five seconds in his own corner on a loop in my mind. Not even Burnsie has shown a willingness to do that yet. As a fourth defenseman that is very attractive to me.
Heh, you caught me with the “probably” which I used to leave the door open a crack.
It has more to do with Rolston than Hossa, though. I guess what it comes down to is this $5MM number that we’ve been kicking around. If I get to play GM for a day (as I often do, on many days :-))I’d consider it for one season, but no way for two or three, and I worry that’s exactly what the Wild will end up doing. I think he’s a good player, but then I think if I have to pick between him or Mikko or him and Burns, I’d take the other two, and they both signed contracts in the past year for cap hits in the mid 3’s. So the more I think about it, the crazier that kind of money to a 2nd line guy over 35 seems. So then I’m saying that if the Wild are going to throw that kind of money around, they should really take a step back and maybe go after a true top-level guy instead, of which there’s only a handful, and at the top of that list is Hossa.
Orpik and Malone, I think, are both worth about a $3.5-4MM cap hit, but I think each will get more than that this summer, if they so desire. Quite possibly much more, which is why I think they are not likely to be good signings for where ever they end up going. I could be wrong, but that’s just my hunches.
I don’t want Commodore. He is physical but not great defensively and is slow.
I’ll take Orpik, but the Pens must take Skoula in return!
Malone, I’m kind of ambivalent on even after the SCP. He’ll probably want more $$ than is available here. Glad he likes it here in the off-season, but I don’t think DR is ready to shell out that kind of cash, at least until after Rolston is either re-signed or becomes an UFA.
Hossa? Pipe dream…
Toivu, well said at 1:36. Also, I agree with your reasoning at 3:41.
We have been thinking Rolston is underpaid until he is compared to Burns and Mikko and Schultz.
Probably the team needs to get more if they are going to ante that sort of bucks.
I want Jan Hejda or Marek Malik, have Lemaire pair either with Skoula and then see WRT’s reaction as the Wild skate TWO Czech defenders together on the blue line.
Seriously though, they could do worse than those two to fill the 2nd or 3rd pairing.
Nothing wrong with defenders that check…. oh… wait… you said Czech defenders. Never mind.
Great article about Foster. Poor guy.
toivo: Where do I send the hit an for you…? (j/k of course…)
Two Czech defensemen are two too many on this team. They are not called on to hit, but even I’d admit Malik or Hedja would be better than good ol’ Martin…
Hopefully Foster is getting along OK. He gets married soon (which might be more painful to watch than that night at the Shark tank…)
toivo: that’s ‘hit man’ for you, pal…damn keyboard this thing is junk…
WRT…take off the mittens or use the clown keyboard…
Rolston can walk for any number north of 4 mil. Especially if it entails 3 years.
Exactly how many times was Parrish a 30 goal scorer???
Oh wait…once. I HATE it when Lemaire ruins those Mike Bossy types.
Oh btw, anyone catch the North Stars game 7 win vs. Montreal in 1980 on nhl network last night? OK, so it must’ve been on at like 1pm MN time, so maybe not. I happened to check to see what was on, and there it was. Kind of a weird time warp for sure.
toivo: No, but I watched most of the Chicago Wolves - W-B-S ‘Baby Pens’ AHL finals tonight. Now you know why they call it the ‘minor’ leagues…the officiating was horrible and the play was worse. More chopping and hacking than an episode of ‘Ax Men’. Ug-ly.
That was an incredible shift by Orpik, NiNY. I’d pay him just for that. And I think the number was more like 4 or 5 in 20 seconds. I was on my feet.
I’ll defer to your math, KiPA…either way, it was some righteous hockey.
Oh btw, anyone catch the North Stars game 7 win vs. Montreal in 1980 on nhl network last night?
The Comcast show guide for NHL Network is sketchy but if it is right, that game will also be on at 11 am today.
Malone isn’t stupid, he knows he wouldn’t be half the player he was this year without the supporting cast he had in Pittsburgh and without the system they play there. He is already on record saying he wants to return to Pitt. He should learn the lesson of Jason Blake, sometimes money isn’t the only thing. Malone and his wife (a Minnesotan) had their first baby this year, but I’m not sure that he’d be happy playing in Jacques’ system. He is the power forward the Wild need (and thought they got with Parrish) but doubt they can afford his inflated price after this year. Teams will be stupidly outbidding each other for his services this summer and he will go for far more than his value.
Potulny will do well with the Oil, he was buried in the depth of the FLyers system. Hopefully the Oilers liked what they saw from Grant with the Falcons as well and the two will play in the same system for the first time.
Sunshine - Foster is better prospect than Vacicek, who will expect a higher salary this season too, not to mention Foster can be signed to two-way deal.
So, I am watching the third period of the North Stars vs. Canadiens 1980 game. Tremblay assisted on the tying goal.
Its weird seeing some of the players like Gainey without a helmet
News has come out the Radio has just signed a contract for a russian team. Here’s the original link (in russian): http://www.championat.ru/hockey/news-115579.html
Here is the same page translated with Google’s page translator: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.championat.ru%2Fhockey%2Fnews-115579.html&sl=ru&tl=en&hl=EN&ie=UTF-8
I found the news on HFBoards.
sunshine,
there’s a lot of stuff that I thought was “weird” watching that game 28 years later.
First, I know I watched that one, yet I have to be honest. I don’t remember a thing about this game. I should, right? It was a big game in the history of the North Stars, and a dramatic game 7 victory no less, yet… blank. OK, so I was 12 at the time and there wasn’t the internet back then to keep these things alive, so I suppose it makes sense, but then there were a few other things that struck me.
I don’t remember Sharpley, or Shmyr. The rest of the players, I think so, but those two were just blanks for me.
And while I knew this was the case, I did find the whistles whenever the puck was tied up along the boards very strange.
It really was kind of a nostalgia trip for me, though. I was such a hockey-crazy kid then, and to see the old Forum… OH, one other big thing. Benches on the opposite side of the ice on the offensive end of the ice for the 1st and 3rd periods… weird.
I do recall the game and I recall the N*’s scoring a goal at the buzzer that did not count in a earlier game of I think was that series.
Glen Sharpley was a big promising center. He was here for awhile and then he wasn’t. He was ok as I recall. Shymr was good too but not here very long.
So, now Radio has gone to Russia. Thus ends that speculation.
Happy to hear that Radio received a contract, especially after learning that he tore his ACL
Glen Sharpley was an OK center, but always seemed injury-prone. Paul Shmyr was part of a trade package and really didn’t like it here all that much, IIRC.
As for Radivojevic: He has probably learned enough here in the NHL that he will be a very good player for Moscow Spartak once his ACL recovers. Hopefully for his sake he is getting lots of guaranteed roubles from Spartak. My question now is: Who(m) do the Wild replace him as checking forward with…?
toivo: Benches on opposite sides of the ice were not that uncommon in Original Six arenas; Boston and Montreal both still had them when the North Stars started playing in 1967-68. The Forum didn’t put the benches on the same side for both teams until (I believe) 1982, when the NHL mandated that all penalty boxes be on the opposite side of the team benches.
Branko gone.
WRT, see it’s those little details like the benches that I’ve totally not noticed at all, but then when you see it… very odd. Cool in a way, really. I do remember the old Boston Garden had some tight corners, but for some reason I remember more about Boston from that era than most other teams.
I watched Buffalo - NY Islanders last night until I fell asleep (end of 3rd period) from 1980 too. Pretty good game, and you could see why the Islanders were the dynasty. Potvin was just a dominant player, and they were pretty deep up front. The game itself had much more flow than the MN-MTL game. The funny thing is watching these is realizing just how long ago it was. It really doesn’t seem like THAT long ago that the Islanders were so dominant, but there you go. I’m debating on whether to watch Chicago - Edmonton from 1983 tonight. That’s gotta be good, right? Al Secord and Tony Esposito and Denis Savard and Steve Larmer and Doug Wilson and, of course, the Oilers.
But I may go to sleep instead. But I love these vintage games from the 80’s.
As for replacing Branko, my bet is on either Clutterbuck or Olvecky with the inside track going to Olvecky, but depends on how they look in camp. Another possibility is Gillies in that role.
toivo: Now you know how much fun it was in the 70’s and 80’s to watch the NHL. Don’t forget in 1980 Gil Perrault was leading the ‘French Connection’ line in Buffalo at his prime.
The old Boston Garden was the smallest of the ‘Original Six’ arenas, not only from an ice standpoint but from a seating standpoint as well. As it was originally constructed the Garden seated 14,000-plus. They finally expanded it when the Bruins were good to nearly 15,000, but even that was pushing it. And, if you remember, that place was always a dump.
TSN’s offseason game plan for our beloved Wild.
When you look at it like that, Risebrough has his work cut out for him.
I think he has no choice but to bring in a FA or two. Not a marquee, necessarily, but he just has too many holes (and a decent amount of cap space).
http://tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=240138&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
I liked that TSN said the Wild could afford Hossa - keeps the espectations high.
Apparently they also think we could trade Skoula, Johnsson and Parrish. Of the three, I think Parrish would be the one we might get something for in a trade. Johnsson is priced too high and well, most other teams have seen Skoula’s brain cramps.
- espectations = expectations = Monday
- Goody - in “offseason game plan” articles for other teams, I have noticed that TSN will put just about any name on the trade list.
I don’t know if I would trust Olvecky, Clutterbuck, or Gillies in our checking line. In our energy line, yes, in our checking line, no. DR can get someone cheap but with NHL experience to check.
Good point, sunshine. I kind of think the Wild has plenty of 4th liners already, assuming Voros and Fedoruk are back. And yes, I think Fedoruk belongs on the 4th line. Put him with Belanger and Voros and I think that’s a pretty good 4th line actually. Bring in Boogaard when you need the extra beef.
The top three lines are where all the holes are, and I guess until we know what’s to become of Gabby and Rolston, which holes and how many need to be filled is up in the air. I think Mikko and Sheppard can be pencilled in at Center up there. Pouliot? At C? If so, with Gabby? Can those two be trusted defensively together? And this is about as far ahead of myself as I can get before I start to get into too many scenarios. The only thing I know for sure is that they need to get a couple of FA defensemen. One who can play a 2nd-pairing role and bump Skoula to the third pairing, and then someone to play with him. Depth will probably need to come from Houston, and then Foster maybe by the end of the year. We’ll see.
And yeah, I think that trade section isn’t so much about who could be traded as much as who the team would love to get rid of any way they can.
Jones will be good on that checking line to replace Branko, but Holik is still my guess as a free agent pursuit of the Wild too.
Interesting rumor on Hedican not being part of Canes plans. Don’t know if Wild will be once bitten twice shy on the Minnesota d-men (see Sean Hill), especially the oft-injured ones, but Hedican did show he had offense left last year and can still contribute. He would just have to be signed for a lower amount to compensate for injury risk. He has said he isn’t ready to retire yet though. He may prefer to stay near home in Carolina but who knows, he stays here in the summer.
btw, a good article here on the Wings super Swede scout
Hedican is moving to Northern California. I was thinking he might end up on the Sharks, actually.
With Voros on the Wild Road tour I think it is safe to assume he’ll be back.
And yeah, I think that trade section isn’t so much about who could be traded as much as who the team would love to get rid of any way they can.
That’s a good way to put it. FYI: a player from the NW Division will grace the cover of NHL 2009 -
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240173
Adam: does the EA jinx apply to hockey? Please, oh please, oh please….
You can put Mikko in ink whereever you want him.
Do not think the Wild will by shy on a player just because the last one did not work out.
These are individual issues and ought to be treated as such.
toivo,
thanks for the great read on the Wings scouts!
With Voros on the Wild Road tour I think it is safe to assume he’ll be back.
I would think so too, but didn’t someone point out a similar situation a couple years back where the player didn’t return to the Wild?
I do think that for what he brings at that price tag, it would be a good thing.
Hedican is a much better player than Hill… not as physical but more mobile and is fast.
Vacationing Russo checks in from Vegas! New post!
