Wild at Blue Jackets
Posted on October 3rd, 2008 – 5:28 PMBy Michael Russo
Update: Defenseman John Scott said he has a badly sprained right ankle. New blog post soon.
Hola from Nationwide Arena, where Russo is stretched out up in the press box. I’ve got an entire TV booth to myself.
I’ll be on Columbus radio between the first and second periods, by the way.
And incidentally, I’d suggest you all check back after the game and read a blog post I’ll be throwing up.
As for tonight, the lineup’s on the below post. Justin Falk will make his pro debut. Exciting day for the pride of Snowflake, Manitoba. One second he’s a junior player, the next second, he’s got an NHL contract in his pocket and is playing in a Wild uni.
I’ll be back when the game is start, and again, be sure to check back at Russo’s Rants after the game.
Here we go. Period 1
1-0 Columbus 2:49 . Kim Johnsson tied up with Jakub Voracek in front of the net. Craig MacDonald (good dude) found up the loose puck and score. There was a bit of a mishap by Falk there, who wasn’t in position moments before.
Columbus hitting tonight. Aaron Rome just pasted Johnsson.
Wild doesn’t want to get hit. They’re just throwing the puck away on this power play any time a Blue Jacket gets close.
25-second 5-on-3 coming. Rome cross-checked Colton Gillies into the net.
Seconds after Nik Backstrom denies Rick Nash with a great left pad, R.J. Umberger bangs home Nash’s pass for a 2-0 Jackets lead.
2-0 Jackets after 1.
Period 2:
Backstrom just robs Umberger with the right pad. And now same pad save on Nash.
Wild just awful tonight.
13:03 left in second, Wild being outshot 18-5
3-0 Kristian Huselius. Sick goal. He gathered the puck, waited for Backstrom to commit on a delayed penalty, then deked around his pad and snuck it inside the post.
Gaborik takes a long shot and Pascal Leclaire flashes glove after beauty of a saucer pass by Bouchard
3-1 on the power play. Martin Skoula on the slap shot from the point and Owen Nolan tips it for his second goal of the preseason.
Gaborik then robbed on a breakaway by Leclaire’s left pad.
However, seconds later, Rick Nash put it on Gaborik’s stick in the slot. Another partial break and he scored this one. 3-2 seconds with goals 58 seconds apart.
3-3. Gaborik another great play. Leclaire robs him, but he can’t hang on to the puck. James Sheppard scores with 3:36 left.
3 goals in 2:14.
3-3 after 2…sudden turn of events, eh?
Period 3
You would not believe the two saves Backstrom made. He has been insane tonight.
But think we see Barry Brust tomorrow in Montreal?
Remember Gaborik in Detroit last year when he collided with Hasek? Craig Weller was just hit by Fedor Tyutin and did a cartwheel right over him. Scary stuff, but he’s OK.
Gaborik just took a hook. I’ll tell you what, helluva game by Sheppard, 11:10 left.
4-3 Columbus on the power play. Backstrom couldn’t hang on to the puck. Nobody could find the rebound. Looked like defenseman Kris Russell.
John Scott’s hurt. In a lot of pain. Having trouble pulling weight on the right leg as they help him off.
Another minor by Gaborik. He taketh, and he giveth away.
Malhotra empty netter with the Wild on a power play and an extra attacker on.
5-3 Columbus. Game over
146 Responses to "Wild at Blue Jackets"
As if anyone here ISN’T going to check the blog after the game… 
Anyway. Here’s a fun story:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=251544&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
Ben Eager, a former Philadelphia goon, should be thrown out of the league.
Come on Russo, you should know by now that you don’t need nuggets like that to maintain blog traffic. Throw us a bone here! 
Hey Kevin, looks like Avery is in mid-season form, eh?
What exciting thing is Russo going to be writing about after the game?
As if anyone here ISN’T going to check the blog after the game
LOL No kidding. I can’t go to bed on game night until Russo’s posted his wrap-up.
I feel like it’s going to be bad news. Like Russo’s gonna go write for the Rangers.
Like Russo’s gonna go write for the Rangers.
Because his paycheck bounced?
http://www.startribune.com/business/29984314.html?elr=KArksUUUU
Yeah, there’s something up. Any takers on some side wagers as to what it is?
I’ll take $50 on it’s a Gaborik trade in progress. 
Oh geez, bullmoose! I had no idea.
“And speaking of rust, goalie Barry Brust is on the bench for the Wild.” Honest to god. This stuff needs to get back on TV so I can mute it.
Not a good start eh? I gotta go to the store and get beer.
Maybe he has his own skoula movie line like:
I want a hamburger.
No, a cheeseburger.
I want a hot dog.
I want a milkshake.
You’ll get SKOULA and like it!
How does a newspaper have $432 million in debt? How is that possible? Why are they borrowing money?
I seem to recall the last time Russo ‘teased’ the masses, it was much ado about nothing.
However, around 4 am when I get home, yeah, I’ll give him another hit.
How does a newspaper have $432 million in debt? How is that possible? Why are they borrowing money?
Hedge fund borrowers money to buy StarTrib. StarTrib borrowers a bunch of money, pays it to hedge fund, hedge fund pays off it’s debt, sticking the StarTrib with it. That’s usually how this happens - it sucks.
Minnesota MILD will lose this game, they have no talent up front. MILD are pretty crappy…Koivu sucks. Mild, Cansucks, Lames and stupid Avs all suck D*%$!!!
P.S
I hope Harding is ok.(I’m not a monster)
“P.S
I hope Harding is ok.(I’m not a monster)”
A troll with a soft side?
He wouldn’t hold back Gaby coverage.
I bet it is a pic of the mascot.
Oh, yeah, Buddha. I forgot about that mascot nonsense. Sheesh. Way to get me wound up.
Sorry Ms. C… didn’t mean to bring the ol’ blood to a boil.
The Aeros have aguy running around in a Bomber outfit?
No you didn’t. Russo did.
We have Chilly.
Well, *I* got me wound up assuming bad things. Bad habit I get from my mother.
Listening to his columbus interview. big story about the gaborik situation tomorrow. sounds like its getting to that point!!!! let the anarchy on russos rants begin!
P.S I hope Harding is ok.(I’m not a monster)
That was awesome.
Scaman,
Anything more to his interview? Thanks for the insight.
scaman-
You got a link to the interview?
He might be releasing more dribbles in the 2nd intermission.
This is scary. I think it might be a trade also. He must not be caring much because he has no SOGs as of this moment.
A Wild Fan: Yep, Avery and Eager both in mid-season form.
Toivo: Agreed. That was awesome.
And Russo’s coming to the ‘burgh! Remember, Russo, we go to FLORIDA and LONG ISLAND more than the Wild.
Hear me? FLORIDA
nah he said that the wild were gonna be vulnerable on the blueline bc while they have better playmakers they have no grit and they might get shell shocked if they get played physical on a regular basis.
as far as the gaby deal he said for the first time there was no flat out denial by riser about a potential gaby trade. and riser said that he will not be signed by the opener for sure. he sounded like its gonna get ugly and that gaby may not be long for the state. anyways he said he wrote a big story for tomorrow so we’ll see what his thinking is as well as the exact quotes!!!
nah i was listening to the feed off the columbus bluejacket website thats how i heard it. it was only a five minute deal it was gabby then defense bashing then done
If we’re going to get blown out, I think a majority of us might leave before the end of the game. Russo, can you give us a small teaser right now??
Well, looks like I’m wrong. It is Gaby news… First time in my life I have ever been wrong though… 
Skou dog scores? Maybe he was reading the Rants today? Hopefully it was tipped…
Its the arena … the Wild are always damned when they enter Nationwide!
And Gaby too? Sweet trade package… you listening NHL GMs?
wtf dudes. gaby right after nolan! 3-2 unbelieveable!
Listening to his columbus interview. big story about the gaborik situation tomorrow. sounds like its getting to that point!!!! let the anarchy on russos rants begin!
Damn. I coulda won $50 bucks. I’m not so dumb.
So, here’s to hoping DR lands Spezza!
Until we stop being a defensive team, Spezza is almost worthless on this team.
He plays no defense.
hahaha sheps sweet
Sunshine….
And Gaby does?
Gaborik is a gamer
More than Spezza.
sunshine says:
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Gaborik is a goner
Fixt.
I heard rumors that Gaby’s offer to the Wild was 10yrs at $9M per yr.
Everyone who keeps getting their hopes up for a huge trade keep this in mind. Risebrough has an AWFUL trade record. Just awful…
Is no one shooting but Nolan and Gaborik?
Didn’t I say before more info was provided about Russo’s interview that it was likely to be a trade?
I ain’t no kool-aid drinker. I know how real a trade is.
Hey GM: As for the Wild in Columbus, Nationwide is NEVER ‘on their side’…
If it indeed IS Gaby trade news, and he DOES want to leave, give the man his passport and Canadian visa and ‘Ship it’ wherever he wants to go. I’ve grown tired of the threats and counter-threats…
BTW: WTF cares about a mascot?
We don’t need no stinkin’ mascot…
WRT, no doubt. Mascots in the NHL are stupid. What we need is ice girls.
Just don’t trade him to the Atlantic Division.
…unless he takes a paycut and you take Paul Bissonette, John Curry and some other dope back in return…
ugggh shut your hole falness. so sick of hearing your lame analyisis.
KiPA- He’s going to Washington… him and AO…
No, I don’t have proof, no I haven’t looked at cap or anything. Just saying it, without any backup, because I would like to see it happen.
The wife is more afraid that Russo gets traded than Gaby. Hopefully it’s not Russo.
Well I heard Nylander’s on the block…maybe he’ll be heading your way?
But boy, there’s a scary line. AO-Backstrom-Gaborik.
Just checked, Washington doesn’t have cap space.
That’s out unless we get 8mil worth of contract in return.
oh, i just had a thought… Had to share.
Ya know O’Sullivan hasn’t signed yet, and hasn’t reported to camp. Kings have tons of cap space, and could easily afford Gaborik.
Kopitar? Stoll? hmmmmmmm….
I credit Skou-Dog for turning the tide and getting the ball rolling the other way tonight. Down 3-0 he took the game into his hands and said, “Nuh-uh. I ain’t going out like that!”
Yeah, that’s what happened.
Correction: Skou-Dogg, not Dog.
thankfully this #10 news will happen on a weekend when I am not by a computer so much. hopefully, whatever the news is, things will have calmed down here by monday.
Can’t see gaby going to la. Not exactly a step up.
Weird to be at an Aeros game and not clapping and yelling.
Say hello to Captain Stoner.
Heh, and at first glance when I read Russo’s post I saw: I suggest you all check the blog post after the game. I’ll be throwing up.
TMI!
mbrose, he doesn’t have a choice.
Anything’s possible, we could get a bunch of picks for him, a mix of picks and some utility players, or a bona-fide superstar swap.
Do ya think we can con Atlanta into a swap for #17?
blogger press pass, Ms C?
No. Just sitting in horrible seats in this tiny rink with my laptop. Guess I’ll see our offense in the second period.
Toivo: He was heavily medicated last game, so that could still be possible.
“Captain Stoner”.
I’ve been called worse.
Good gravy our PK is good
MuN in that case I would take O’Sullivan back.
Well, that’ll teach me. PP goal SA
Don’t you think if Gaby was going to be traded, he would not be playing tonight?
mbrose: O’Sully and what for Gaborik?
Depressing. At least Gopher hockey starts next week.
W9, I don’t think the deal is done yet. I think it’s just the fact that DR has come to the conclusion that he’s not going to get him signed, so plan B is in effect, and he’s on the phones trying to make a deal.
Bet you see more rumors on it later tonight or tomorrow am.
Doubt there will be any announcement or done deal until Monday.
MuN it would mean rebuilding for us but I would take picks. Even with gaby la picks will be good picks.
I just think, if they were going to trade Gaby, they wouldn’t want to risk him getting hurt, esp. since he has already been ’sore’ this season.
Remember everyone,
Leak bad news on Fridays, if it works in politics it works in sports.
Hopefully I am wrong.
Oh crap. Poor Scotty.
it would be nowhere as long a rebuilding period because we actually have a strong core already. im not saying we wouldnt suffer for a year or two but were not gonna be perpetual contenders for #1 overall like many teams who rebuild. it’ll be a year or two rebuild at most i think? once again if it ends up coming to pass that hes gone this year.
On the plus side it would cost Risebrough his job.
Too bad about Scott.
W9, Yor…
Either they come to a deal, or ship him out. Either way I couldn’t care less - just so we get equal value in return, whether it be picks, or players.
Strong core? Koivu, PMB, and a couple D? San Jose has a strong core. Detroit has a strong core. Last year, when Schultz had his appendectomy, what happened? The team went into the tank. That’s not the sign of a team with a “strong core.”
Agreed scaman, but we have a lot of goals to make up and I can’t see us making the playoffs this year without gaby.
On the plus side it would cost Risebrough his job.
Not that I like laughing at others’ misfortune (okay, sometimes I do) but I found this really funny.
5-3? Is this a sign of our D? If so, I am not impressed.
pmb, shep, koivu, burns, hards, gillies, cuma. we have a lot more promise going forward than most rebuilding teams and thats without any potential return on gabby. what did toronto, st. louis, la, phoenix have when they started rebuilding a whole lot less then that ill tell you that right now.
On the plus side it would cost Risebrough his job.
Wishful thinking, at best.
OK Russo. The games over… give us our tidbit…
C’mon. How about now? Is it up now? Now?
oh im not saying we’d make the playoffs this year w/o him i just meant were not in as bad a shape as some rebuilding teams
Late to the party but I can’t imagine a trade is close becuase there is no chance Gaby would be on the ice if that were the case. He proved he was in decent condition by playing the other night.
MN in AL- That’s a very pessimistic way to look at it. Not that I’m saying they are equal, but I’m pretty sure if Lidstrom goes down, the Wings suffer.
It wasn’t just Schultz, Foster was out already too. The only people they had to bring in were Numi and Reitz, which is nowhere close.
A core of players is not a group of players that can win when the team falls down around them. A cire is the players that lead the team, and bring the best out in players arund them. In this case, the Wild have one of the strongest cores of any team in the league.
And yes, the Wild can make the playoffs without Gaby. I promise you all that. He is not the end all be all of this team.
Gaby not being on the ice, though he is healthy, would be a trade indicator to me. I bet it’s just a pic of the mascot, like someone suggested earlier.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Without Gabby, the Wild would be like Columbus without Rick Nash. How do you sell tickets? Who wants to go see that?
For that matter, look across town at the T-Wolves. DR = McHale when it comes to bringing free agents, trades, and the draft.
The big dog is right in front of me flapping his big feet. He proposed to me on one knee when I came in. Swear to god the dog has a thing for me.
Who wants to see the Wild without Gaby? I do. Because they still have Burns, and Koivu, and Shep, and Pouls, and…
They are still a good team without Gaby. koivu can be the scorer, if they would just let him.
And please, don’t compare the Wild to the Wolves. At least not yet. It’s not that the wolves couldn’t attract FAs, it’s that they didn’t try.
And MG is no KG. KG has the work ethic, the pure desire to play the game, the pure rive for his TEAM to win. KG makes his team better simply by being there. Gaby doesn’t.
Chilly??? proposed??
I’m not drinking the koolaid, but I’m not busting open the cyanide pills yet either.
rive = drive
“Wishful thinking, at best.”
We will see about that. Risebrough was flamed by the media for bringing in Simon and had to deal with outraged fans. Trading your franchise player for crap the following season won’t win hearts my friend.
Okay where is this post? I want to know the secret!
Yeah MuN. Well, he mimed it. So not hot.
If Gaby is traded, it is probably not because DR low-balled AGAIN, and Leipold would know if that were true. B/c of that, I don’t think it would be a fireable offense.
Okay, the only bad part of this reporter gig is that when we tell the opposing goalie he sucks after a goal, I don’t get to join in. Boo. So I think it real hard in my head.
I just want everyone on here to know that I do nothing except obsess about my fantasy hockey teams now…
Buddha, there is nothing wrong with that.
Yeah Ms. C. Can’t show even a little fandom… it’s brutal.
LOL Buddha. You’ll have real hockey to obsess about soon
I have found myself doing that the last few days, and I only have maybe 3 player playing this weekend.
You could trigger nukes with how hard I’m thinking it at him though. BOOM.
Ms C… you’re reporting? I thought you were just bored in the stands with your laptop!
Good man, Buddha.
And 9: seeing as how there’s only four games this weekend, it’s okay having just three guys going.
I would agree most hardcore fans wouldn’t miss gaby as much as the casual fan, but I bet if we lose him the sellout streak ends real quick.
Far from bored, MuN. First live hockey since April. I’m in HEAVEN. Just in bad seats in heaven. Apparently the die hard aeros fans get here early.
“I bet if we lose him the sellout streak ends real quick.”
I would take that bet. I doubt it would end that quickly.
I’m comparing impact. Gabby has impact. JL likes to play a non-interesting, tight-checking game. Fine. You still need some scorers. Koivu and PMB are not it. They’re pieces of the puzzle. Gabby might not have the heart that KG has, but he is an impact player. He’s absolutely thrilling to watch. When he gets the puck, he’s as dangerous as anyone in the game.
I guess I’m really tired of DR searching the bargain bin every off-season. I’m tired of it at the trade deadline. Who wants to watch Skoula? How about Belanger? Simon?
Some day soon, if they’re not careful, the party will be over, the fans will quit buying tickets. Then what happens? You have a serious case of Hartford Whaler syndrome.
I feel like it’s the first day of free agency all over again, waiting for this tidbit from Russo. I’m forcing myself to wait 2 min before refreshing.
The let-down will probably be the same as well.:)
I bet if we lose him the sellout streak ends real quick
define real quick. i want in on this bet too.
DR was flamed by slover souhan and reuesse about simon. i wouldn’t consider them “the media”
“DR was flamed by slover souhan and reuesse about simon. i wouldn’t consider them “the media””
ZING!!
Thrilling to watch? How many times can you watch a guy blow a break? How many times can you watch a guy go five hole on NHL goalies figuring his shot is faster than them?
Not saying he’s horrible. Far from it. But he is not the next coming. As dangerous as anyone in the game? Nah. I have twenty+ guys I’d rather have on the team.
Koivu can be the impact guy. He just has to be given a chance to do it. PMB is an impact player, just not the type that casual fans want to watch. The man is a set-up genius. Even Gretzky agreed… an assist is worth as many points as a goal.
I’d take some solid picks and prospects for Gaby. The reason they won’t get a super star in return? Gaby isn’t worth it.
” I have twenty+ guys I’d rather have on the team.”
20+ really? I don’t think I could name 20 guys I would rather have than Gabby.
Gaby has had one game. One that made me think he was special. One time. Not a superstar does that make.
And whoever thinks the sellout will end quickly… no way. Too many people want to watch this team. With or without Gaby. He is not the reason for the sellout.
excellent points, buddha
If you really look at every team in the league, pick their best player, how many would you really take before gaby?
off the top of my head, i think i’ve got 5. in our division the only one i think of is Iggy.
on sellouts…
if the wild sellout because #10 is on the team, that streak would have been broken a few years ago when he was out for large chunks of the year, no?
there are 16500 season ticket holders, 97% renewal. 7000 on waiting list which even if they are waiting for cheap upper levels, they are still waiting. And the wild have done next to no marketing in respect to selling tickets. Marketing the wild has been a cake job in this town. if the team felt it was in danger of not selling tickets we would see partial season packages and a lot of 4 tickets, 4 dogs, 4 sodas, $160. and it is possible that ticket increases would either slow or not be very large.
Sorry, MN/AL.. Had to comment, don’t take it personally.
He’s absolutely thrilling to watch.
I find him not so thrilling. He can’t stickhandle, can’t handle traffic, can’t handle being hit, and 9 of 10 times he touches the puck he never even gets a shot on goal.
I guess I’m really tired of DR searching the bargain bin every off-season
Which is why you don’t want to lose Gaborik.
In no particular order
1. AO
2. Cosby
3. Malkin
4. Kovalchuck
5. Thorton
6. Lidstrom
7. Brodeur
8. Nabokov
9. Iginla
10. Heatly
11. Datsuyk
12. Zetterberg
13. Lecavalier
14. Spezza, yes Spezza
15. Phaneuf – may not be offense, but he is top 3 in the league
16. Getzlaf
17. Kipper
18. Gonchar
OK, I could only come up with 18 off the top of my head… I’ll eat the crow for exaggerating by 2…
good list although I’d remove brodeur, getzlaf, gonchar.
where’s OJ? last season we were trading #10 for him straight up.
OJ’s in the desert - which is where I thought we should send Gaby if we can’t get him re-signed.
And as for Gaby going East and lighting up the league… does anyone else see that as less than likely? The less physical play opens up his speed, yes, but his speed also opens up the injury.
I will not argue with most of those choices, but notice, over 1/2 of your picks are from the East.
If Gabby was over there scoring 120 points, would he be on top of your list wishing he was here?
I can name 20.
In no particular order:
Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Vanek, Datsyuk, Iginla, Lecavlier, Heatley, Thornton, Zetterberg, Alfredsson, Spezza, Nash, Kopitar, Toews, Savard, Eric Staal, Sakic, Kane, Selanne.
wow that was 22 before I had to stop and think.
I’d take OJ. Like I said… off the top of my head.
Only put Gonchar on there to satisfy Kevin…
Hmmmm… I don’t think I would take any goalies before Gaby. I am not sure I would take Phaneuf over him either. I will give it to you on most of those though. Definitly on the Zetterberg front.
Alfredsson, forgot him too. Kane and Toews with the upside, I like them too. Savard has the assist thing down, may have the same issue as Butch… afraid to pull the trigger.
I like your list MuN… I like it a lot. Proves the point for sure.
nash is a good add.
sakic and selanne are AARP card holders.
savard is a sleeper almost. puts up points that no one ever hears.
If Gabby was over there scoring 120 points, would he be on top of your list wishing he was here?
good point although i don’t know if #10 puts up 120 in the east.
No way Gaby lights up the league in the East. Even with a more open sheet of ice, simply moving conferences will not make Gaborik a top scorer: the goalies are still just as good in the East, and he still cannot score on break aways.
Vanek
Serious MUN!? No effin way.
Please dont mis read my arguement. I dont post often, but i am always reading. Everyone knows my personal favorite style of player, AO, Forsberg, Iggy, i love guys that score, hit, and play a nasty game. And i agree Gaby is in no way that player, but what else have we got?
Hopefully John Scott’s anle will heal soon. Ms. C needs a big body to protect her ‘crack squirrel’ in Houston.
OK, where’s this ‘mystery’ blog post, Michael? 
Left Sakic and Selanne off, because they are close to the end. Hard to justify when I have Brodeur on there, but my brain works in weird ways…
I like Phaneuf over Gaby because he’s an excellent player, little or no drama with him, and the team is first.
As for Goalies… not just any goalie, the elite. They win more games than Gaby ever will. (And I was a goalie when I played… so they get special ranking)
Tks Buddha, there’s a lot of good players in the league, and while guys like Savard make everyone around them better, guys like Sakic can lead a dismal group of players into the postseason way beyond their expectations.
A flashy, fast skater is no cure all for any team. Certainly not this one.
And I only listed forwards.
Those are all great players. The problem lies in DR getting any one of them. Then try and get them to play in JL’s system. Try and get Heatly to come here. I would bet he’d rather go back to Atlanta.
Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the best 2 way players in the league, but neither one is going to leave the house that Bowman built to come and play for JL.
Thorton would be fantastic, but again, DR won’t be able to get him, and Thorton won’t want to play for JL. So where does that leave us? DR goes out and works a multi-player deal, the Wild gets several role players like Belanger, or maybe we get lucky and get a guy like Ralston, plus a 1st round and 2nd round pick.
I don’t think Gabby is worth $9 million a year. But he’s not worth 2 mediocre players and the roulette wheel that is DR’s drafting ability. The way DR operates, he’d trade for a 1st rounder to the team that wins the Cup.
We lose gaby the sellout ends this season.
Hardcore fans are not enough to sellout every game, and I think you underestimate gaby’s draw.
I sat in front of a kid this preseason that didn’t stop asking his dad the entire game when gaby was going to come out.
Not to mention the fact that you still have to replace his 40 goals. Fans aren’t going to support a losing team without a star at this point.
