Wild 1, Tampa Bay Lightning 0 (shootout); Gaborik chatter
Posted on October 18th, 2008 – 10:52 PMBy Michael Russo
Before I begin with tonight’s game, first on Marian Gaborik.
He seems to be walking better on his lower body injury, although he came up to me after the game and said I was seeing things when I wrote he was limping yesterday. Gaborik knows his gait better than me, so we’ll give him that.
As for all the trade rumors out there, I wrote this last week and said this on TV, but it was confirmed to me beyond a shadow of a doubt today from a league executive that Doug Risebrough is offering Gaborik around the NHL.
As I wrote weeks ago, Montreal makes a lot of sense. The Habs want to win now. The Habs have lots of cap space in future years. The Habs have lots of young talent. And I think Risebrough and Bob Gainey know each other or something.
I definitely think there’s a lot to all these rumors you’re reading on hockeybuzz, and I do believe Chris Higgins is the guy. The Wild would love Ryan McDonagh too. He’s the former Cretin-Derham Hall star, Minnesota Mr. Hockey and current Wisconsin Badger. Remember at last year’s Draft when I was reporting to you all the Manny Fernandez to Boston stuff, McDonagh is the guy the Wild wanted badly if it was somehow able to move up.
Here’s the thing, it’s very unlikely the Canadiens make any deal with these two substantial players if Gaborik is unwilling to sign there long-term. And I am confident in the fact that Risebrough has not yet asked Gaborik’s agent if he wants to talk to any other teams about a contract extension. In fact, Risebrough and Gaborik’s agent have still not spoken in a few weeks – as of yesterday at least.
Also, cap room would be a problem this year. Gaborik is at 6.33. Higgins is at 1.7, so there would need to be money moving elsewhere.
I know for a fact that Wild Director of Pro Scouting Blair Mackasey attended tonight’s Canadiens game, but that probably means little. First of all, I don’t think Higgins played due to a groiner, and obviously McDonagh didn’t play. And Mackasey lives in Montreal, so this was not exactly abnormal.
Regardless, things could be heating up soon. Risebrough will be heading to Chicago on Thursday for the GM’s Meetings, and you can bet Gaborik’s name will be coming up with many of his colleagues.
As for the game, Antti Miettinen scored the lone shootout goal against his pal and old teammate, former Dallas Stars goalie Mike Smith. It was the first shootout goal Smith had ever given up. He was 3-0 and 10 for 10. Miettinen fooled him. Smith is used to Miettinen going five-hole in practice, so Miettinen pulled the Mikko Koivu move, only for a right-handed shot.
After the win, Scotty Bowman said to me in the elevator, “Boy, that Miettinen was a good pickup, eh?”
Wild might be thanking their lucky stars the Huselius’ and Naslunds said no to them this summer when Miettinen’s three-year deal is up. This guy can play.
Niklas Backstrom stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout, including one by superstar Vinny Lecavalier and one by shootout star Jussi Jokinen — Miettinen’s former linemate by the way.
Backstrom stopped all 32 shots he saw through overtime for his 10th career shutout. He’s got a 1.71 GAA and .942 save percentage. I’m no good at math, but I think he’s 4-0.
Eric Belanger was a horse tonight. He played nearly 10 minutes in the first period, then in the third period, he saved the game for the Wild. Paul Ranger had an open net to shoot at. Belanger dropped to the ice and blocked the defenseman’s shot. Then with 20 seconds left, Chris Gratton had an empty net to shoot at. Belanger again sacrificed his body and pushed the shot out of danger.
You won’t be reading this in tomorrow’s paper because I had to save a story for Monday’s paper since the team won’t practice, but Lemaire lost it on “the kids” after the game. He said it can’t continue this way or the Wild is in trouble. The quotes are strong, and it’s directed at Pouliot, Gillies and Sheppard.
OK, that’s it I think. I’ll talk to you from the Twin Cities.
279 Responses to "Wild 1, Tampa Bay Lightning 0 (shootout); Gaborik chatter"
I didn’t think the kids played poorly. They were nonexistent that’s for sure. Maybe that’s the problem. They need to do more than just be a body on the ice.
We’re trading Staal and Whitney for Kovalchuk, so we’re out of the Gaborik sweepstakes…
Anybody know how many “groiners” Higgins has had? We might be trading a bad groin for a bad groin. But maybe this is the first… idk… but we are in need of a centerman, so here we are…on the other side, McDonough is a beast. I would love to him here.
Also, I know Higgins is at 1.7 mil… but how many years does he have left?
One more note… I would like to see Andrew Conboy in this deal. I went to High School with the kid… he has great hands, beast of a shot, and a lot of grit… 5th round pick, why wouldn’t they throw him in… Plus, the kid loves the Wild.
He’s an RFA after this season. He played in 82 games his first full year, then 61, then 80 and hasn’t played yet this season.
Last year of his contract but RFA. Thus allowing for DR to sign him to a good decent longterm contract. DR does well with RFAs. Its the UFAs on this team that he has had problems with. I think DR has only been able to sign Backstrom and Walz to contracts when they were heading to UFA post lockout.
So the Hockey Night in Canada feed JUST WENT OUT with 14 seconds left in a 3-2 game.
They just cut off HNIC with 13 seconds left in the game.
WTF.
Yeah, I know… they need to get this figured out…
Would have been nice if Calgary would have one that…
won* wow… I can spell
Was that a serious trade KiPA, or just giving us grief?
And Kipper lost again. Turco and Kipper and I have 2 wins in 8 games.
Going to have to mark this on the calender… Russo just said there is some credit to what Eklund is saying… I don;t even want to believe that. Well, there is something about a blind squirell.
lol, I know scary thought… Eklund feeds us trash everyday, and for once he might be accurate… oh man…
It’s a trade the guy who sits next to me at games wants to pull off. No merit to it.
I’m not trying to poo poo the trade before it ever happens, but I am curious as to why Higgins is such a great deal?
Are they hoping he is going to improve on the 52 points last year? Only 38 points in his first two years… I guess I am really saying, I’ve never heard of the guy.
Got it KiPA. It just read like you weren;t being as sarcastic as normal…
I’d have been far more excited if it was for real.
I kind of like that trade though. It would help the Pens problem with too much depth at center… but I do not know that I would give up someone like Whitney.. you need him to hold up the blue line.
I think Higgins is likely the guy from Montreal. They just signed the Kosityns (?) brothers. They have their 2007 2nd rounder, Max P-something, who is very close. They can afford to let Higgins go.
Buddha,
Well, we should assume we are not going to pick up an equal to Gaby. I think that Higgins is a good choice, he should do well in JL’s system. Plus, yeah, I personally think he could improve.
Buddha: Remember, that is what we used to say abot Kuba when he scored. A blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while… I still would trade bad groin Slovakian for a bad groin North American. Sorry all you Gaby lovers out there…
Goligoski and Letang’ll be fine for the blueline.
Yeah, but I do not think the Kostitsyns are anything to brag about though either. But you are right, they can afford to let him go.
KiPA, you think they will hold up the point production well enough? Goligoski will be good, but idk about this year. He needs to get a full one under his belt.
Same with Letang for that matter.
Kovalchuk would make up for the points by himself. Goligoski’s playing on the top PP unit; he’ll get points by osmosis. Letang’s offense isn’t as important because he’s not playing on the PP much (he’s on the second).
If we’d make that trade, our No. 1 PP could be Crosby-Malkin-Satan-Sykora-Kovalchuk.
Besides, Whitney’s out until December at the earliest, and that’s the low end of his timetable. He’s not getting any points for us for a while.
Also, no telling how he’ll do once he comes back from the foot injury. This is an injury that was deemed “potentially career-ending.”
About the money moving between Habs and Wild: Wouldn’t throwing in Patrice Brisebois balance out the balance sheets? He makes close to $4M, and he’s on a one-year deal in Montreal…
…then how do we get rid of Skoula?
That would be a sick PP. Not going to lie. Do you honestly think they would do it? Be a renter like Hossa was? But you would probably have to give up a few prospects/picks too wouldnt you think? I view Kovalchuk as better than Hossa…
Interesting stats through 2 weeks of hockey about the Wild:
We currently have the lowest goal against at 7. If the Sharks lose, the Wild would be tied with Edmonton for the #1 position in the Western Conference with Minnesota as #1 and Edmonton as #2. #4 in the league after Rangers, Buffalo, and the Canadiens.
MN’s PP is ranked #2 and we’re tied for first with Kings and Buffalo on our PK.
Backstrom is in the top 5 for all goalie categories except for GAA where he is 6th.
Nittymaki just made a stupid sick save on Cheechoo. Wow.
Cut him loose… or just send him packing with Gaby… JL would never do it though.
Kovalchuk has one more year after this one on his deal at a hit of 6.4, plus with Whitney’s 4M off the books and no worry about paying Staal they’d have more money to play with for Kovalchuk.
A beautiful thing Sunshine, a beautiful thing…
Keenan seems like such an intensely unpleasant person.
I thought Kovalchuk was in his last, sorry about that… that a good call, I like it
And no, I don’t think we’d have to give up more. Maybe a swap of picks or lesser players. Atlanta’d get a potential No. 1 center and a potential No. 1 D-man.
because he is Ms.C. I don’t know how a man can be angry all the time.
That true. It would be good for Staal too. He would get more way more responsibility in Atl, not stuck behind Sid and Malkin, also get to play his bro a lot more.
Yeah. Staal looked a lot more comfortable tonight back at center. He also didn’t play on the top PP unit.
Here’s the thing, it’s very unlikely the Canadiens make any deal with these two substantial players if Gaborik is unwilling to sign there long-term.
If they give him $10 million per this should not be a problem but we now probably know the conditional Wild pick was/is being discussed.
Also, cap room would be a problem this year. Gaborik is at 6.33. Higgins is at 1.7, so there would need to be money moving elsewhere.
In addition to the Gaby extension risk, Gainey also knows that the longer he waits the more other teams will be able to consider offers and ultimately benefit from lower cap hurdles as cap hits per player move lower. Right now it would appear that MTL would have to swap one of their high paid d-men - Markov or Hamrlik - for one of the Wild’s low ones - MAB or Skoula. Brisebois cap hit is just $1.5.
Does anybody think Melrose and Keenan are on the chopping block?
Well, the Wild are ranked #2 in the Western conference as San Jose just tied the game and will earn at least 1 point making them #1.
IMO, they both are. Keenan for sure. Melrose still has some chances I think, they actually appear to be coming around.
Doubt it, but how funny would it be if Melrose was?
Calgary’s problem is simple. Cut Bertuzzi and the karma gods will reward them with wins. No matter how many goals he’s scoring, they’ll never do anything with him on the roster.
I feel bad for Erik Cole — HNIC asking him about playing hockey in Nascar country.
Also, if MTL has as much in their system as someone noted above, they would have a good chance to add a better replacement than MAB of Skoula for Markov or Hamrlik at the deadline.
soon you can add Stevens to the chopping block…
yep… he is officially added…
Forgot about him. Yep, Stevens watch. What happen to the Flyers?
That’s cool. Erik Cole’s wife played college hockey.
Are any of my goalies ever going to win a game? SRSLY!
What happen to the Flyers?
The Phillies are winning. Can’t have too much good happen in Philadelphia. God doesn’t allow it.
Yeah I know… honestly not much changed with the Flyers… but they suck…
lol KiPA
Speaking of good in Philadelphia… I think I’m going to watch Trading Places.
I am not saying Miettinen can’t play, but lets calm down until he continues this play until late January let alone the playoffs. The Stars are NOT a dumb organization.
J2W… he was used differently in Dallas. It is really had to compare. He had no chemistry with anyone on the Stars. All we are saying is he is impressive and playing good. We aren’t expecting him to lead the league in points or anything.
I think for Mittens to have success, he has to be paired with either Bruno or Koivu. He’s not going to continue his pace playing with SRV and Shep. Its just the honest truth.
Watching the highlights. Looks like Reitz played well in front of Backs (ha)… Pretty good crowd.
We aren’t expecting him to lead the league in points or anything.
Yeah, they can’t all be Voros, right? 
Reitz is doing alright with Bergeron. I was worried about that pair but they are holding their own.
No, Jets, the Dallas orginization does fine. But, sometimes a change of scene does wonders for someone. Or, maybe the Wild style of play is a better fit for #20.
Whomever spoke about not caring for Ralph Strangis on the last thread. I can’t stand him either. His face must have been a dark brown from following so close behind Norman Greed.
Al Shaver was a class guy. He held to his convictions. Strangis did not.
But, a Dallas fan told me a few years ago, just how good their broadcast people were. I asked who, and almost puked when he said “Strangis”.
He was pretty immature when he was with Shaver and his voice always sounded like chalk on a blackboard to me.
Ms.C that was a good call… 
I’m on tonight, baby. Okay. Not really. Fading fast. Though I’d sell my soul for some chocolate milk right now. Nick? Does the bar serve chocolate milk?
Was there a decent crowd at the game with the Lightening?
I see the paid attendance was 15,191 but many of those must have been at the Ray’s game, yes?
Seemed noisy and the seats mostly looked filled to me. Though that’s after watching Atlanta and Florida games, you know. The Aeros game tonight was crowded (BIGTIME) by comparison to those venues.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
That was a slow game tonight, but that was some good gaby chatter.
Trade Gaborik for Franzen.
What’s Detroit’s cap space? I like Franzen. He is big, good hands, and he can score. He’s the right age. He will be a 30 goal scorer.
I’d really like to see Vanek for Gaborik, but Gabby is hurt, and Vanek stock is rising as he turns into a great two-way player.
Well, the Wild are ranked #2 in the Western conference as San Jose just tied the game and will earn at least 1 point making them #1.
does this matter much right now after 4 games?
montreal wouldn’t have to deal the extra salary to the wild. I pondered when we first started with mtl that they might need to move one of those two to make space and maybe they move them for picks to another team.
Vanek had a bad year last year as the pressure of the big contract, and the absence of Drury and Briere conspired against him (understandably). Anyway, it took him a whole season to shake that off, and he’s now playing the way the Sabres hoped he would when they took him 5th overall (IIRC).
If he has to come back to Minnesota AND replace Gaborik AND acclimate to JL’s system, his numbers - at least this year - will be way down. Not saying I wouldn’t welcome him here. Just saying what you see with him in Buffalo right now is NOT likely what you’d see with him HERE this season.
Russo, what was Scotty Bowman doing at the Wild/Lightning game?
Iceman: The only reason Ralph Strangis is working for the Stars in Dallas today is the fact that he would work for nothing to be near Norm Greed. And, until Norm sold the club to Ross Perot’s son (who then sold it to Jim Lites, the current owner), that’s what Ralph did. Work for next to nothing, comparatively speaking.
If the Wild can pull off the Montreal deal Russo is commenting on, they should grab it in a heartbeat. A strong two-way center and a promising young defensemen would be a great trade for them at this point. Forget any chance of a team willing to trade us someone of equal offensive talent for Gaborik, what this team would benefit from would be a couple more solid players to add to the Koivu/Burns-led Wild. This appears to be a pretty solid team right now. When Bouchard, Nolan and Zidlicky get back into the line-up it will be even better. The kids (Pouliot, Gilles and Sheppard) may be in Lemaire’s doghouse right now, but you know he will drive them hard so that they reach their maximum potential. It appears Edmonton will be the main competition for the divisional title this year. I hope they can pull this trade off soon and get their team set for the remainder of the year…
If Smug won’t ante up for Gaby, it is hard to believe that Gainey will. They come from that same Montreal DNA, but Gainey never struck me with the same condescending arrogance of Smug. Where is the Canadian dollar these days? I have more respect for Gainey than just about anybody in the NHL, and I would almost feel bad for him to get saddled with Gaby. Imagine what the Montreal press will do to his fragile psyche if he lands there and has more injury problems or a scoring slump. He’d be on suicide watch.
montreal wouldn’t have to deal the extra salary to the wild.
Good point.
Contrary to popular belief, the Wild hasn’t offered RW Marian Gaborik all over the NHL. With talk that Gaborik is demanding a 10-year, $100-million contract after rejecting more than $8 million per season, GM Doug Risebrough has started discussions with teams where he sees a possible fit. That includes the Canadiens, who are making a run for the Stanley Cup. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has also shown interest, but he needs a centre more than another winger. Vancouver tried hard to get Florida C Olli Jokinen before he was dealt to the Coyotes. It doesn’t help the Gaborik situation when he’s continually on the shelf with injuries and that will hurt his value
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/10/19/7135926-sun.html
Jim Matheson’s hockey World:
Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough, who is likely making calls to see what he can get for the winger who doesn’t look like he’ll re-sign there.
Teams are growing leery of Gaborik’s injuries and the risk that would bring to paying him something in the $9-million neighbourhood. Maybe the Montreal Canadiens will offer Chris Higgins and a hot prospect (Mac Pacioretty or Ryan McDonagh, two first-round picks in ‘07) and a first-round pick for Gaborik.
As good as Gaborik is, the face of the Wild these days might be Saku Koivu’s brother, Mikko. He’s a stud centre. And their second-best player might be Brent Burns on the back-end. He’ll be on Canada’s Olympic team.
Imagine what the Montreal press will do to his fragile psyche if he lands there and has more injury problems
“Le Aine“
KiPA & Mr and Mrs ATX, you have mail since I couldn’t get the pictures to upload.
If the Wild are to trade away Gaborik, don’t they need to receive more than just prospects?? Has anybody entertained the idea of trading Gaborik for a certain captain of the Canadiens by the name of Koivu. I’m sure the Canadiens would need to have a long term deal with Gabie in place before they would do it. Think about it. We need a good veteran center on this team. Who better than Mikko’s big brother? I would think capwise this would make sense as well. I am sure it is just a pipedream, but I will throw it out there since I have not heard it mentioned yet.
I hope I’m wrong, but think we’re going to have to live with the Gabby speculation for quite a while. As long as the Ironman is on the shelf, I don’t see a GM wanting to give much of anything away for him - they’d at least want to see him play at a high level for a stretch before giving up anyone of significance.
Thanks for the pics kgopher! Way to throw in the banner raising there too! I do love the redheads … and, I know this may sound gay, but your dress was pretty awesome. I like the black down the back.
Jerry: Make ablutely NO sense for Montreal to trade aay Saku Koivu. It’s been mentioned already and shot down. Koivu is the heart and soul of the Habs, he would be virtually untouchable. His cap numbers are up there, also; in addition, he is 11 years older than Mikko.
No Gaby-for-Saku trade.
Let’s try that first sentence again, OK?
Jerry: Makes absolutely NO sense for Montreal to trade away Saku Koivu.
Aww I want to see kgophers dress!! **(throws minor tempor tantrum)**
WildRoadTripper
A lot of people would say it makes no sense for the Wild, an offensively depleted team, to trade away a talent such as Gaborik. Like you said, Saku is getting up in age. Does it not make sense for the Canadiens to trade a man who may be 5-6 yrs from retirement for a young budding star reaching the prime of his career? I mean this is Gaborik we are talking about. I will be pissed if we trade for a couple of prospects that are 1-2 yrs away from playing. I would like to see the Wild get past the first round for once
Zero chance we get Saku. Wish we could. Didn’t get to see last night’s game as I was in Aberdeen and they had the Gophs on instead. I assume game was not on FSN in Cities. Sounds like we stole 2 points.
It makes the most sense for the Wild to trade Gaborik if they can’t come to terms on an extension. Trading him and getting back assets is much better than letting him walk for nothing.
Trading a team’s captain - who is the heart and soul of the team - is not. Saku probably is still good for those 5-6 years. He could probably be the best center that Gaborik’s ever had. He brings a lot lift to the team. Last night when A. Koistyn was injured by a hit, they showed Saku sitting next to S. Koistyn and talking to him. By their body language, you know Saku was telling him, it was going to be okay. You don’t trade away guys like that.
it makes no sense for montreal to trade saku.
more proof that no one here should get worked up over whatever slover Ruesse writes about the wild…on sunday sports talk they said after the break they would talk about the 4 and 0 wild, which came after they disected the BCS, and ruesse said slover can break it down because one night last week, he didn’t know they were playing and last night he didn’t care. He did go on to say it must have been a good one last night, 0-0. real barn burner. slover said we might as well watch soccer. they ruesse said that the wild don’t want to sign #10 because deep down they are cheap. more ignorance. i don’t know why they bother.
I despise Ruesse and Slover. It just goes to show that they really don’t enjoy hockey as a sport. Jackasses.
And wtf is wrong with soccer? Dicks.
It could be cheapness or it could be that the Wild have reached their max on what they want to offer Gaborik and it isn’t close to what Gaborik wants. I don’t believe that Gaborik wants $10 million - 10 years. But, I believe he wants at least $9 million.
For me cheanpness = if the Wild doesn’t offer at least $8.5 million. From all accounts, they haven’t reached that amount yet.
Bandgeek, what is your email address? I can send you pictures too. Austin. I always wanted a black dress, this was a nice comprise since I couldn’t find an all black wedding dress. Hockey related I agree with the no Saku for Gaby.
Saku gets mentioned only because Mikko plays here. Montreal would never do something that dumb - Bob Gainey is not Garth Snow.
Re: Chris Higgins
For those who don’t know much about him, ‘Higgins played college hockey at Yale. I believe he’s from upstate NY, if memory serves.
your dress was pretty awesome
Still drinking?
And nice, kgopher.
Mister Know it all Sunday Jottings
Pouliot: If Lemaire and DR can push this guy its easy to see he is a good offensive talent. He is similar to Modano, but not quite as dynamic, and he does not have his shot
Reitz is a keeper. Bravo to DR he is like a 7th round pick
Gabby: 5 reasons the deal is not getting done
Lack of connection in the Minnesota community
Salcer not providing a voice of reason to his client. Very few times does a player find greener grass elsewhere.
He feels like he wants a change deep down.Change just to make change, maybe he has no local girl action or was dumped
He does not want to play in JL system or he just feels he can do better elsewhere. Lets face it, Sheppard and SRV probably dont excite Gabby that much for linemates
He is tired of teams in the Western Conference abusing him with cheap shots. He does not have to play Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. It does not matter who the Wild have in the roster they continue to abuse this guy
Not only does MKIA wants Minnesota players, he now wants the players to date Minnesota girls.
I am just kidding MKIA.
Russo mentioned last year that Gaborik has a girlfriend and she is from Slovakia.
he now wants the players to date Minnesota girls.
LMAO
Whats more impressive — the Oilers beating the Avs, Ducks, and Flames twice or the Wild beating the Bruins, Thrashers, Panthers, and Lightening without a few of their offensive guys?
I hear he may date a Slovakia girl but that does not mean she is exclusive. At 26 and a hockey star you can develop some personal issues. Deres no doubt !
Sunshine,
I watched the Ducks last week. Wow is that team a handful with the rough stuff.
MKIA: I don’t about Gaborik’s relationship only that Russo mentioned her a couple of times last year in connection to the All-Star game and shaving his head.
So are you saying the Oilers’ wins are more impressive than the Wild’s?
Neither are really impressive. Wild or Oilers, still I will take a 4 and start!
Yes Sunshine, I am saying that the Oilers wins are more impressive then the Wilds. I dont think the Wild win the first 4 if they play the teams the Oilers played. That tuned out to be a great schedule for the Wild. I dont agree with the newguys opinion that both teams are no good.
Its simple- The Wild are engaged in JL hockey right now. The team will be effective enough to make the playoffs and possibly win the cup. Thats right newguy win the Cup. JL hockey will be here no matter if Gabby or his replacement is here. This year DR gave JL the tools
Bandgeek: email me so I have your mail address and I will send you pictures when I get home. My email address is grndpagopher at hotmail dot com. Doing it that way for the people who scan for email addresses.
RE: GreenStar’s comments on 11:01 am
If you are the Strib sports editor, at what point to you stop having Ruesse pontificate on hockey? Glad I did not tune into 1500 this morning - I like to leave it to the Vikes to ruin my Sunday and fantasy football to save it!
Radim Vrbata apparently was a healthy scratch last night, eh?
Well the vikes do have a knack for ruining Sundays…
Sure do, eh? So glad they showed up today. That should’ve been a 13-10 game.
the 3.5 minutes they spent on the wild wouldn’t have ruined the day. They give WNBA more time on that show.
The problem is the only columnist in town that knows anything about hockey is Powers and he is with the small newspaper.
Maybe if souhan didn’t ignorantly bad mouth the wild his cowboys would start winning
FYI, from Eklund:
“… On Miettinen….
I remember this way back on March 20th, when I was previewing top UFAs and I wrote a blog about Antti Miettinen and how I thought he could be one of the top UFA signings. That night I went on XM and talked about the kid. My main reason for putting him so high? Other Finnish hockey players. They were all telling me that he was just coming into his talent, and don’t look now but…5 goals and a shootout winner last night. I love the way this kid plays and I am serious when I say that a Selke could be in the offering this season. He is that solid defensively.
Miettinen may be quietly making it a little easier to swallow the Gaborik situation.
On Gaborik…
Many, many calls and emails last night regarding the Canadiens rumours. In Montreal apparently the rumour was Higgins, Halak, and a #1. Of course, how the Habs make space for Gaborik is a HUGE issue, but good teams and good GMs (both the case here) when given the opportunity to get a superstar, work out the rest.”
kgopher; just got home from a baby shower. You should have mail from me momentarily.
Mittens a Selke with only 4 games played? Eklund is really tooting his horn.
I’d give the Selke to Koivu before giving it to Mittens.
Poor Ms. Conduct. I’m about to go 1-4 in football this week but I’m beating her by a lot.
If you trade Gabby you better get someone like Higgins and one more very serious prospect
Sheppard has been given a hall-pass way too long..by my count close to 100 NHL games. He is NOT, as the company line suggests, “the next Koivu”. Nothing about his game resembles Koivu. Koivu is a game-changing playmaker, who can snipe when needed, and is rock-solid at both ends.
Sheppard is a dime-a-dozen ham-n-egger. He is basically a bigger, slower version of Jim Dowd.
I just don’t understand why the GM and the coaches try to sell him as “the next Koivu”, and the media and “the team of 18,00″ seem to swallow that line hook, line and sinker. He does absolutely nothing game in and game out to warrant comparisons to Koivu. They’re about the same size. After that, the similarities cease.
Enough of the comparisons to Koivu. I know Sheppard is still young, but after roughly 100 NHL games, he’s no where near being a game-changing player.
At this point in his career, Mikko was still playing in Finland. Were you over there observing his game at that point? That might help make for a better comparison between the 2… Even when Mikko got here, it took him a couple years to be a “game changing player”.
Sheppard has already made big improvements in his game and has buckets of potential. Criticizing him for the fact that he isn’t playing like Mikko right now, just isn’t fair IMO. Comparing him to Jim Dowd is laughable by the way.
I’m not even saying he will be as good as Mikko. He has a chance. But I just don’t think it’s right to throw him under the bus when he is only 20 years old and in his second year in the league.
he’s no where near being a game-changing player
whoever said he should be a game changing player?
whoever said he will be a game changing player?
I give up, KiPA. Maybe I should stick to reality.
If it helps, Ms. C, Brees hurt me too. I scored over 160 points in a league last week and at last check I hadn’t even cleared 70.
Rlind- While DD and G* have sorta kinda let you have it, I think I’m going to jump in here.
Let’s pretend for a second that Mikko wasn’t still in Finland at 20. Let’s then pretend that we only need to look at Mikko’s first 100 games to compare the two.
Now that we are comfortably in the same la-la land that you are…
Mikko had 21 points his first NHL season (6-15) in 64 games. Shep had 19 in 78. Not a real difference making performance from Mikko, and not a real difference making performance from Shep either.
No one has claimed that either one of them are Gretzky reborn, and he is the only player who has ever come into the league as a game changer.
I am going to go ahead and put my faith in what JL and DR and the crew see in him, and the fact that EVERY team in the NHL has likely inquired as to how to steal him away, as grounds that he is better than you think he is.
It’s his second season, 4 games in. Why, oh why, would you possibly be throwing such a tissy about him not being a game changer? There are still 78 more games to go, and he is still 20. 20.
Come back to me in two years, when he is the same age as Mikko when he hit the NHL, and we’ll compare #s. OK? OK. Until then, take a valium, and maybe go watch the Blue Jackets, they need fans like you.
Does anyone feel like the know-it-all’s on wild message boards are spilling over here? (No offense, MKiA lol)
Now, as for MKiA:
Salcer not providing a voice of reason to his client. Very few times does a player find greener grass elsewhere.
If I were Salcer, here’s what I’d tell my client:
“Since the new CBA, teams are still willing to overpay for players, to improve their rosters. You should ask for 10 million a year, because someone will pay it, eventually. You might have to wait until July 1, but someone out there will offer you a contract like what was offered to Sundin this summer. It’s your payday, Marian, you can sign with Minnesota for big bucks, or wait for them to trade to somewhere and you can cash in on bigger bucks. Either way, we have to ask for the longest contract we can get - because you’ll be grandfathered into any new CBA that’s written, so cash in NOW!
Wait it out, you got nothing to lose.”
Anyone wanna disagree with that assessment?
Mister Know it all was thinking for a couple of minutes about our beloved Wild. I thought I would share things to look for if Gabby is not traded. I dont think that JL will play him with SRV and Shep very much. I really think that PMB needs to play with Gabby. If the two of them are ever healthy together again with the Wild, I would like to see them play together, maybe Gabby feels better about the coach and the team.
Here is how JL can do it
You shift PMB to center in games against teams that play rough house hockey on Gaborick- You play Weller or Nolan with that combination. Games against non rough house teams on Gaborik you put PMB at wing and Gabby at a wing and stick Bellanger in the middle. Against the teams that pound Gabby you must have a solution ready to step in right as it happens… If I was Gabby I would be happy with the Wilds effort to address his concerns. PMB can help Gabby get a bunch of goals
Random lines that I thought about during the game last night:
Nolan-Belanger-Gaborik
Brunette-Koivu-Miettenen
Bouchard-Pouliot-SRV
Weller-Shepard-Gillie/Boogaard
Mittens a Selke with only 4 games played? Eklund is really tooting his horn.
Maybe I don’t have a radio show or my own anonymous blog (although, for all you know I could) and maybe I said in July that the Miettinen pickup was ‘intriguing’ there is no way I am so self absorbed to think that Mittens will win the Selke this year.
Ek…if you’re reading, you’re more delusional than MKiA.
Those of us that know anything at all about hockey know he’s gonna win the Art Ross!!! 
No he’s not, kj. Aaron Voros is taking home the Art (and the Hart).
KiPA…please.
AV will finish 2nd as Mittens gets 2 hatties on the last game of the season.
Dude, get a grip on reality!
FWIW, Mikko Koivu is currently on pace to score 21 goals, and 164 assists, totaling 185 points.
Wouldn’t that be awesome!?
KJ, I’m still disturbed you think I was double posting as MKiA… Like I could ever be that smart…
I do recall saying after I saw “mittens” in preseason that he would be a fan favorite. I didn’t know that people would be penciling him in for any hardware though.
People need to take a little time and think about what they are saying…
You forget about Skoula’s presence. Somehow he’ll get a stick on a Mittens shot and end up with credit for the goal, robbing Mittens of the scoring title - which he would actually be tied with - because he’d have one less goal than Voros.
That’s when JL will finally run Skoula out of town.
That’s when JL will finally run Skoula out of town.
It’ll never happen Kevin! Only way JL “runs” Skoula out of town is if he retires and takes Skoula with him!
KiPA…one must always consider the Skoula Factor whenever you discuss hockey.
There is no Mittens…only Skoula.
Dickie…you of all people with your mad reporting skilz should see how easy it is to confuse the incoherent ramblings of MKiA and the postings of someone as literate as yourself…
and he is the only player who has ever come into the league as a game changer.
super mario might qualify
Last night, TB was dumping the puck in on Skoula, I counted 4 bungled attempts at trying to get the puck out of the corner in the 3rd period. I don’t see how JL can be ok with that? The only time Skoula can handle the puck is out in open ice when no one is skating at him. How often does that happen? I only saw it happen once in the 3rd period, and Skoula actually was able to clear the puck without any issues.
Anybody watching the baseball game? I am watching because Game 7s are must see tv.
Skoula may get run out of town…on a rail…
I’m from Quebec and it is great to read on how you feel about the “Gaborik traded to Montreal” rumor. The recent rumor here (Saturday night) is Higgins + Halak + 1st09, which is impossible, given the salary cap.
Trading Markov or Hamrlik to balance the deal is not an option. Brisebois or Dandenault (who can play both wings and defense) is much more probable. We have not heard here about McDonaugh being included in the trade. Pacioretty is improbable, as he was the new media sensation during training camp.
Saku won’t be joining his younger brother, simply because he won’t accept to remove his no-trade clause. Saku was included in many trade rumors in the last year, and told clearly that he has nothing to gain from quitting his captain job with a team that is in a good position for the Stanley Cup. If Saku end up in Minnesota, it would be at the end of the season, if Montreal decides not to retain his services and he becomes a UFA. With Komisarek, Kovalev and (possibly Gaborik), I would not be surprised that Gainey would not be able to sign all those four. About that, Mister Russo is wrong, as Montreal is very limited on its cap space in the near future.
A player that could end up in Minnesota and that you will love is Halak, who is a young future #1 goalie with great potential. What I do not know is how the goalie situation is right now in Minnesota. Halak is solid, but is stuck in the shadows of Price. His stats are incredible, he won a few trophies in the AHL and did well as backup last season.
As for Higgins, he was on the #1 line for the last two years, and is not an injury-prone player. He does not have the talent of Gaborik, but scores his 20-25 goals a year. Good leadership, was considered by some to be the next Habs captain, but somehow, the organization’s gurus lost their faith in him during last season. He was almost traded to Atlanta in a deal for Hossa last season and we know that it has affected him a lot. I think he was a healthy-scratch yesterday.
A lot of fans here are surprised about the trade rumor. As some of you, we have some questions about Gaborik’s reaction to the media hype. As someone wrote, “imagine what the Montreal press will do to his fragile psyche if he lands there and has more injury problems”. We share that opinion. Some also said that if Lemaire named Gaborik his captain and worked so well with him (well, we think in our limited point of view), Gaborik has more leadership than we thought!
Thanks for reading, love this blog, I will be back from time to time.
And sorry guys for the English mistakes.
Rays bullpen sure likes to make it interesting.
sunshine…is that the first rule of being a ‘true’ baseball fan?
They sure do. It seemed like they were overthinking the pitching.
I don’t know if that last pitch was really a strike but I will take it.
I am the farthest thing from a baseball fan. All Game 7s, regardless of which sport, are must-see tv. That is the first rule of being a sports fan.
Price is filthy.
Except for NBA Game 7s - that league blows all the time.
Always amazes me that people think they’re writing style doesn’t give them away completely. May as well be a finger print.
Ah well.
Nordiques guy. I’m pretty sure we aren’t really looking for a goalie.
I appreciate the point of view though. And your English was as good as most people who post here.
that should be their writing style… wow…
Actually, we might be in for a goalie. There is alot of questions surrounding Harding.
Nordiques - thanks for your thoughts.
I don’t think we are in for a goalie. We seem to have no problem at finding goalies. It is also big risk putting alot of stock in young goalies. They are anything but a sure thing.
nhlnumbers says the habs have 11 players for 23mil signed for 09.
Dickie, is ANY young position a sure thing?
One more needed for the underdogs to take the game.
Yes, screw the Sox.
Don’t jump ontop of each other. You are going to hurt each other.
good for tampa.
wouldn’t want to be at the bottom of that pile.
Good point KiPA. I was waiting for somebody to ask that. Nothing is really a sure thing. But I’d be somewhat shocked if the Wild got a goalie prospect in a trade.
We have Backstrom who is pretty solid and we should have a decent shot at resigning. Harding is young and promising.
Point is, we got Backstrom from obscurity in Europe. Roloson was pretty good and we got him from the second hand store. We got Manny in an expansion draft. Drafted Harding in the 2nd round… Our goalies in Houston have gotten some pretty decent reviews. I think it’s easier to find goalies than other position players. But that is just me.
Get those guys a new park. Tropicana is worse than the Dome.
Again, Price is NASTY.
there is the worst part of series wins…those stupid t-shirts and hats that the players have to put on immediately.
I’d be a little surprised, Dickie, but I’d agree with the Canuck up top; Halak’s got serious potential. I think he’s closer and maybe better than Harding, so if he’s a part of a package, it’d make some sense to me.
wouldn’t want to be at the bottom of that pile.
Given the reason for the pile in the first place, I’d take the punishment.
Besides, Lemaire can always use goalies for his six-goalie system.
How do you base your opinion KiPA? How much have you seen of Halak? why is he closer than Harding? When was he drafted? What is his background? Why would he be better than say… a McDonough?
Greenstar: If he’s going to be “the next Koivu”, then he’s going to be a game-changing player eventually…right?
DD: What exactly does Sheppard do these days that Dowd didn’t? I’m not criticizing him for not being like Koivu. I’m criticizing him for not accomplishing anything at all night after night. And I’m criticizing all the sheep who swallow the company line hook, line, and sinker and shield him from any and all criticism. Why is Pouliot worthy of criticism but Sheppard is not??? Though it finally sounds like Lemaire may be tiring of issuing the free pass to Sheppard.
There isn’t one single one of you who would have ever thought to compare Sheppard to Mikko Koivu. The only reason all of you do it is because Risebrough has said it on multiple occasions.
That’s the same Risebrough who thumbed his nose at Brunette so he could run out and sign Alexander Flag by the way…
“Sheppard has buckets of potential…” Really? Why is that? Can you describe exactly what it is that he does to make you think he has “buckets of potential”? And replying with “Because Dougie tells us so” isn’t a good answer.
I really don’t have anything against Sheppard himself. I’m sure he’s trying as hard as he can and is working to improve. I just don’t see this potential everyone talks about. I’ve seen more talent/potential from Pouliot in a handful of games than in 100 games from Sheppard.
LOL - I knew I’d get the “you’re not a true fan” stuff. Some of you guys are too predictable. Anyone with any type of criticism at all for the home team (or in this case the management of the home team) opens himself up to be labeled uneducated, unknowing of hockey, and disloyal. Puhlease.
I think what we saw of Sheppard late last year gave us hope that he could become a Koivu-like player and follow in his growth path.
Now in the first 4 games, Sheppard hasn’t been as sharp in most aspects of his game.
However, I think we tend to give Sheppard a pass because we like his personality and because he is hard worker compared to the enigmatic Pouliot.
First off, Dickie, I never said you should trade for him. I just said I wouldn’t be “shocked” like you. In fact I even said I would be surprised if he was traded. I never said he should be the centerpiece of any deal. So I’m actually in agreement with you.
I will be honest when I say I don’t have much to base my opinion on. Here’s what I do base it on: they haven’t hesitated to be willing to start him over Carey Price, who’s basically been anointed the next Patrick Roy (that’s another argument though); they were willing to roll with him as the backup instead of have Price to back up Huet during the playoffs; Harding still needs some work; if he was ready, why hasn’t he started a game yet to see what he can do?
In case you couldn’t tell or don’t know me enough, my comment about Lemaire needing more goalies was sarcasm. I’m not saying “OMG TRADE FOR HALAK BACKSOTRM AND HRDING SUCK!” I’m just saying I wouldn’t be shocked like you said you would be, but I would be surprised.
Rlind- I read the replies, I don’t remember anyone saying anything about you not being a true fan.
I also do not remember your credentials as a judge of NHL talent or potential. Could you enlighten us please?
I would be the last to say that DR should be the only source of talent judging. But every trade he has tried to make has been held up because other GMs want Shep (especially for OJ). You don’t make the jump from juniors to the NHL at 19 without a fair amount of talent.
I did however question how you know he won’t be a game changer, and why you think he should be already. But alas, no answer to those questions.
you say you have no problem with him personally, but he is the only one you have questioned. Sheppard has shown he is a solid tow way player, and strong on face offs. He has played mostly on the third or fourth line, while Mikko has played with the top tier talent.
Mikko started out as a fourth line shut down artist. Right now that has fallen to Shep, and he has excelled.
Game changers work in ways other than scoring goals.
KiPA- You won week 2. Go celebrate…
Um, is Koivu a consistent “game changer”? Can I get a definition for game changer? When did Mikko become a “game changer”? Was he a game changer in the NHL as a 20 year old?
Sheppard is 20 freaking years old. Mikko is 25. I never said I thought that Sheppard will become a Mikko clone. But his being a first round pick and making big improvements after a year at a young age, I would have to think he has potential. What would Sheppard have to do to make you happy? Would you expect the same from any other 20 year old playing in the NHL? I question your expectations. Especially seeing that you are touting Pouliot, who has been a major disappointment so far. He has had multiple years to prove himself. Yet you want to jump all over Shep who is one year and 4 games in??
I’m pretty sure if you got in a plane and went to Finland and saw Mikko at 20, he wouldn’t be the guy you see on TV now. THAT is my point. As I said before, Mikko as older and a more experienced player who took a few years to get where he is. Yet you don’t want to take that into account for Sheppard. What do you think of Burnsie? He wasn’t a world beater when he first got in the league either.
You don’t seem rational, it’s indicated by your angry contempt. My guess is that you are just a typical troll. Looking to argue and insult because you have a miserable life and you want to spread it around.
Nah, Buddha, too early to celebrate.
(That and three blowout losses and a fourth bogus one in the making in football is keeping my head under control. Not the best week in other hockey circles either.)
Buddha:
I don’t think I would go as far as you by saying that he has excelled as a shut down artist.
His overall game has not impressed but his defensive game is better.
I will however say thank you for Parise.
KiPA, I hear you. I’m saying I’d be surprised if a goalie was in the deal. I don’t know that Harding or Halak is better. I see Halak was drafted in the 9th round or something… More to my point of being able to find goaltending. Harding was taken in the 2nd and has more practical NHL experience. I’m not sure how the Habs dealing Huet has anything to say about Halak as much as it does Price.
As for Harding not getting a start might have something to do with Backstrom’s play.
And I am schooled in sarcasm. So I didn’t take the 6 goalie system comment seriously at all.
Price is good. Hard to call him the next Roy, but he is good.
Agreed. I’m working off a small sample size too. And I’m not one of those calling Price the next Roy.
I’ve been told that sometimes it’s tough to tell when I’m being sarcastic, that’s why I pointed it out.
I know about sarcasm, especially through text, can be hard to detect sometimes. Maybe Rlind was being sarcastic… It went right over my head.
But if anybody takes a 6 goalie system crack seriously on here, they probably shouldn’t be on here.
Dickie - Thanks for making me laugh. No, I’m not a miserable troll, and I resent you talking about my wife like that. J/K
But what is miserable is Sheppard’s winning percentage on faceoffs.
And while we all acknowledge that Pouliot is not exactly on top of his game right now, nevertheless good things seem to happen when he is out on the ice (which is what my definition of a ‘game-changer’ is by the way). He’s a +1 despite being in the doghouse. Meanwhile Sheppard is -4. Plus/Minus isn’t the greatest statistical measure in the world, especially after just 4 games, but it does give you an indication of what is happening on the ice when a player is out there.
If I compare the Sheppard of early last season to the Sheppard we’ve seen so far this season, I’m not seeing a ton of improvement by any stretch.
I’ve acknowledged that he is very young yet. And I acknowledge that maybe he will get better. I’m definitely not calling for him to be discarded. But over the course of about 100 NHL games, I haven’t seen the progression of improvement in the same way I’ve seen it from Burns, Koivu, Schultz, etc.
I think the fact that other young players are/were routinely open to criticism (Voros and Pouliot come to mind first), but Sheppard falls under a different set of rules, it rubs me the wrong way.
Is that irrational Dickie?
More rational now. You aren’t calling Shep a “bigger slower Jimmy Dowd”. That wasn’t rational at all.
So getting back to the “game changer” thing. Did you just call Pouliot a game changer? If so, you still aren’t coming across as rational to me.
Shep is 20 years old, and we are only 4 games into this season. You are going to see some growing pains. Kid can’t even legally get a beer at Alary’s. You just seem to be overly harsh on his game. And you seem to have a bug up your a$$ about something.
Go back and look at the first season of “Burns, Koivu, Schultz, etc.” None of them made that much of an impact. Even in their second year, they weren’t asked to be doing what Mikko is doing.
By the way, your wife is probably a very sweet and wonderful lady.
He’s 20-34 on face-offs. Granted, that puts him at the bottom of the league, but it isn’t horrible when you figure 9 times out of ten he’s out there against the other team’s top center.
=/- of -4? Again… he is a checking line center right now. Pouliot is on a scoring line.
Please, detail out with some numbers what this progression was you saw in Burns through 100 games. hell, he hadn’t even figured out if he was a wing or d-man yet.
Again, Koivu through 100 games wasn’t that much better then Shep. I’m not against criticizing him, but I have yet to see any reason to. Put him on the line Pouliot is on, and I am willing to bet Sheps numbers look different than they do now, and Pouliot is the one skating with at least a -4.
KiPA- Did I miss something?
http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/10/19/sports/penguins/doc48fc0189c8c39302877362.txt
Pretty clear there, Buddha. Ovechkin was going out of his way to hit Malkin as often and as hard as possible when they played Thursday, crossing the line several times. He flew at Malkin so hard at one point that he nearly ended up diving into the Penguins bench.
Ovechkin never went after Crosby. Just Malkin. He’s got some personal vendetta against him.
Pouliot isn’t on a scoring line. He’s a fourth liner who gets to play on the wing once in a while. I think when he scored, he was playing on the fourth line. I guess you can call the fourth line a scoring line.
Shep might have played against the top line in Florida but he wasn’t playing against the top line of the Bruins, Atlanta, or Tampa Bay. I think against the Bruins and Atlanta he was against the checking line because of Gaby.
Against TB, it was top line vs. top line.
Shep and Pouliot needs to play better. A lot is expected of them and they haven’t stepped up.
Game Changer = A player who seems to be on the ice when good things happen.
Who would you say fits into that category moreseo at this point in time: Sheppard or Pouliot? If you say Sheppard, I think you may want to grab a mirror before you go looking for irrational people. Like I said, Pouliot is in the doghouse yet he is still out-producing Sheppard. If the Wild are down by a goal with 4 minutes left, who do you want out there if you have to choose between Pouliot or Sheppard? I’d bet Pouliot is on the ice long before Sheppard.
I stand by my Dowd comparison. I’m not saying that’s what Sheppard is destined to be. I’m saying that is what he is at this point in time. You have no evidence to repute it.
I never implied that Burns, Koivu, Schultz, etc turned into studs in year 2. I said that it was much easier to see a bit of improvement in them than with Sheppard.
Good points Sunshine. I haven’t seen Benoit being on any scoring line. But I thought this was more of a discussion on potential. I wouldn’t depend on Benoit or Shep being offensive juggernauts at this point. It’s more concerning that Pouliot hasn’t made more strides being at this stage in his career. An argument could be made that Shep shouldn’t have been in the NHL last year. The only reason why being that it would be better for his development being on the big team than juniors. And I feel he has developed.
I agree that they both have to play better. But if the Wild are depending on that for a successful season or fans are expecting more than what they really should, we are in trouble with a capital T. What do you expect out of them???
“I never implied that Burns, Koivu, Schultz, etc turned into studs in year 2. I said that it was much easier to see a bit of improvement in them than with Sheppard.”
Well you never said that either. Go back and read, I did. Take a trip through memory lane and ask yourself where each player was one year and 4 games into their careers.
I’m still not understanding your definition of game changer. If you are on a scoring line, I guess you are a game changer… I don’t think either are or should be expected to be a game changer at this point. I would like to see more out of Pouliot at this stage in his career. And last time I checked, Shep is in the doghouse too.
You comparing a 20 year old first round pick to a 100 year old journeyman doesn’t make any sense. You can stand by it and feel fortunate that more people aren’t on here reading it.
But then again, we are all sheep.
Pouliot is on a scoring line??? Huh? What games have you been watching?
I’m criticizing him because through 100 games, it’s clear to me that:
1) he rarely does anything to make his teammates better,
2)he never takes the bull by the horns and surprises everyone in the arena with an impressive individual display of high talent/effort
3) he seldom wins faceoffs
4) he hasn’t shown a whole lot of improvement as of yet. Yes I know he’s young.
5) he seems to float above the radar when it comes to having any type of criticism heaped on his shoulders.
Like Jacques said… This is the N-H-L. No one playing in the NHL should be above and beyond criticism.
Pouliot is not a game changer for the good. He had one good shift that resulted in a goal, which could have turned out bad. That same game against Florida, he turned the puck over twice at the offensive blue line and one led to a very good scoring chance for the Panthers. That’s not the game changer we need.
Pouliot when he’s on the ice kind of scares me. He’s a little reckless. He chooses the wrong plays.
I wouldn’t put Pouliot out there in the last 4 minutes. I would put Shep out there to help on the defensive side.
Furthermore, Shep is out on the ice more than Pouliot. He also is playing against the checking line and top defensemen because of Gaborik while Pouliot is playing against other 4th liners, which is easier and to his level.
Well I guess you are smarter than all those gms in the NHL who wanted Shep in all those trade scenarios. Who is dumber? DR, for not trading him or all those other GMs for asking for him? Pretty sure Jimmy Dowd never got that kind of attention at age 20 or age 100.
And for the record, I didn’t say anything about scoring lines.
I would argue that Shep is further along in development than Mikko at this point in their careers. For the record, the Finnish Elite league wasn’t on TV that much when Mikko was 20. So I am digressing.
Game Changer = A player who seems to be on the ice when good things happen.
This is actually my definition of lucky…
Just like a player who seems to be on the ice when bad things happens = Skoula.
A game changing player should be someone that makes his teammates better, both when he is on the ice, and when he is off.
I also can’t agree w/ you that Pouiliot should be out there w/ 4 min left. As people who have seen him play more have mentioned, Pouli has lapses when he is on the ice. Really, w/ 4 min left, I want Koivu out there.
DD: What part of this paragraph don’t you understand:
I’ve acknowledged that he is very young yet. And I acknowledge that maybe he will get better. I’m definitely not calling for him to be discarded. But over the course of about 100 NHL games, I haven’t seen the progression of improvement in the same way I’ve seen it from Burns, Koivu, Schultz, etc.
Good things happening don’t always have to be a goal being scored. Maybe it’s being on the ice at a key time, winning draw and helping to get the puck out of our end. Maybe it’s laying someone out with a big legal check at a crucial time. Maybe it’s threading a nifty pass up to a teammate for a break up the ice. You don’t need to be on a scoring line to be a game changer.
The comparison does indeed make sense if you ignore their ages and their station in life, and just look at the results on the ice which is what my point was from the start.
The whole “game changer” concept is something I have a problem with. Neither are. Very few are. Gabby is the closest we have to what I would consider a “game changer”. But like I said, I have a problem with the concept.
1) he rarely does anything to make his teammates better,
As a SECOND year player, I don’t think that should be expected of him. He should be minimizing the mistakes and getting better. No, he has not improved much through 4 games over last year, but should we look at all the players through a microscope after 4 games this season…
If we did that, Mittens would win the scoring title. Give the players at least 10 games before you say they havn’t improved.
So you have a broad idea of a “game changer”… Good things happening… And I’ve been trying to follow you through ALL you posts, not just your latest adjustment.
Pretty sure Mikko, Burns, Shultz all didn’t do any more “game changing” than Shep or Pouliot are at this point.
Should we ship Gillies because he doesn’t seem to be a game changer 4 games into his career? We are talking about results on the ice, not station in life…
You know who is the only two Wild rookie to be considered a game changer in their second year - Gaborik and Koivu.
Koivu had the most point difference between year 1 and year 2 at 33. Gaborik’s point difference was 31. Koivu went from 6 goals to 20 goals. Gaby went from 18 to 30.
Koivu’s second year had a lot more talent on the team than Gaby’s second year. Gaby stepped up and so did Koivu.
So, I wouldn’t call Pouliot anywhere near game changer for the good. He’s taken stupid penalties and costly turnovers.
Didn’t Mikko have the benefit of a year with Houston for seasoning in his second year? I believe there was a lockout.
While I would enjoy debating all night. I can’t. I look forward to wasting an hour of work tomorrow morning catching up.
No, Mikko started in Houston during the lockout with PMB and Burns before starting with the Wild.
If you look at it that way, then Gaborik is the only game changer in his second year. From juniors straight to the NHL.
C’mon Wildfor9… you really think I’m calling for Pouliot to be out on the ice with 4 minutes left before Koivu? Go back and reread. “If you’re down by a goal with 4 minutes left and had to choose between Sheppard and Pouliot, who would you choose…”
When I’m watching the Wild on tv, and I take note that seemingly every time something good happens that makes me say “wow!”, I look up and lo and behold…Koivu is out on the ice. Guess that means Koivu is pretty lucky, eh?!
Let’s be clear, I’m not trying to infer that I’m a big Pouliot guy. I’m just using him as an example. Like Sunshine said, they BOTH have earned deserved criticism, and neither of them should fly under the radar when the criticism is being doled out.
Both Russo and Shipley have articles out about Lemaire’s frustration with the kids - Shep, Pouliot, Gillies, and Reitz.
When the other guys get back, expect to see some benching of players. I don’t know what Lemaire will do about Pouliot and Shep since we only have 4 centers and Nolan only takes faceoffs.
You are implying, however, that you would rather have Pouliot out there over Shep, which I do not agree with. Good things may happen when Pouliot is out there, but far more bad things happen.
Shep is far more defensive-minded. The +/- is a horrible stat to look at, because Pouliot would not be on the ice against scoring lines.
Wildfor9: I’m not making my judgment based on 4 games. I’m making my judgement based on approximately 100 games. 100 games is alot of games in my book, and is certainly enough to warrant initial judgment.
Again, Dickie D, you’re putting words in my mouth. All I said in regard to Burns, Koivu, Schultz is this: I saw more improvement out of them as they got older than what I’ve seen thus far from Sheppard. That’s it. I never said 1 word about players needing to be game changers in year 2. I just want to see improvement, and I’m not seeing it.
This whole “game-changer” thing started by my one simple sentence:
Koivu is a game-changing playmaker, who can snipe when needed, and is rock-solid at both ends.
How is THAT controversial???
VS has Florida-Montreal as their game tomorrow.
No Rangers, Flyers, or Penguins. Weird.
I’ve acknowledged that +/- isn’t the greatest stat, but it does give you an idea of what is happening when that player is on the ice. Pouliot is +1, Sheppard is -4.
Pouliot is out there with a bunch of young inexperienced pups…Gillies, Flutterpuck… and yes, while I acknowledge that Pouliot does some pretty stupid things and can be lazy, you have to acknowlege that despite those negative things, and despite who he is playing with, he is still +1.
“If you’re down by a goal with 4 minutes left and had to choose between Sheppard and Pouliot, who would you choose…”
Shep.
I think you guys are forgetting…. Shep, Pouliot, Gillies.. These guys are 18 and 19 yrs old. Most division 1 college players have more experience, and maturity, and these guys are thrust into the spotlight in the #1 league in the world. I wouldn’t expect any 18-19 yr old, 1st or 2nd year player, to be a “game-changer”. Not a chance. In 4 games, has Stamkos been a game changer?
Guys like Crosby, Ovie, Lemieux, Gretz, Bossy - they can be game changers at 18 or 19 in their first year. They come along so seldom though. I don’t expect anything more out of Pools, Shep and Gillies other than a decent effort every night, doing what’s asked of them on the ice, and improving along the way. Then in their 3rd and 4th years they’ll be solid, dependable players who can be counted on to go up against the opponents #1 lines.
Until then, they need to be taught, and if it takes JL to get upset with them to teach them, so be it.
Now that I’ve said that, you can call go to bed happy.
Jordan Staal is a minus 2, Sidney Crosby is even, Lecavalier’s a minus 1, St. Louis is minus 3, Jarome Iginla is minus FIVE.
I know you acknowledged +/- isn’t the greatest stat.
Actually I don’t think I have a point to this post. Just saying. Four games and +/- is nothing to base on who’s a better player or what’s happening on the ice when a certain player is out there. I think +/- can almost be attributed to luck as much as anything else (i.e. say a guy goes to the bench to end his regular shift, or even overextended his shift, his guy replaces him, a goal is scored two seconds later. The new guy gets the minus.)
You have to admit that Pouliot is not up against the checking line as Shep was when Gaborik is on his line.
Also, Pouliot hasn’t been given the ice time that Shep has so with more ice time comes more opportunities for them to score on him.
I just hope that we get back Gaborik and Bouchard for the Buffalo game. I don’t expect Gaborik to score but as he has great chances against them but Miller seems to have his number. Be a threat to draw the top defensive pairing and checking line.
I think JL will be reworking his lines. I am not impressed by Weller, Clutterbuck, and any of the kids. I think Boogaard played a better game them some of these guys.
Got myself a goal at hockey tonight! First ever and a thing of beauty, like I knew what I was doing (but really just got lucky).
Congrats, ms. c. Did you get the GWG?
Grats, Ms. C, but that doesn’t count for fantasy purposes.
As someone who really enjoys the statistical side of sports, I will say this much about plus-minus: It’s probably one of the most misunderstood metrics in the game. It’s very dependent on a number of factors, so using it in isolation will tell you very little. Four games in, it’s absolutely useless. It doesn’t tell you anything.
+/-, to me, has more meaning more over the season and over the length of a career.
The kids are skating but not doing much else on the ice in these games.
No, Sunshine. I think the score was 8-1. Our team is really good. I had the 6th goal. 
KiPA, that’s okay. Takes the sting out of my fantasy suckage.
Are you a game-changer ms conduct?
I am from Montreal and close to the Canadian Montreal.The offer was..
M. Gaborik for Chris Higgins, Havlak and a first pick.
Havlak gonna be in the goal Monday and Wild personal will be there…
Press conference Wenesday the 22 to annonce the trade…
Thanks all
BloodRock
Scheduling screwed up my fantasy hockey team a bit. In the russoville league, none of my guys played today, and in my other league, only 2 played.
I can’t remember if hockey scheduling is always like this, with few games on Sunday. Do they play more Sunday games after football season is done?
Here’s a question. There was someone earlier saying Higgins isn’t injury-prone, but he hasn’t played yet this season with a groin injury and is questionable for Monday. Do you, the Wild, want another guy with groin problems?
Bloodrock:
Can you tell us how the Canadiens are going to free up $4 million of cap space to fit Gaborik in, too?
His groin problems are probably not as serious as Gaborik’s.
I wonder if its easier for Gaborik to transition into the Eastern Conference and Montreal’s game than for Higgins to the Western Conference and the Wild’s game.
His groin problems are probably not as serious as Gaborik’s
Most likely, but do you want to take that chance? If I was trading my superstar, I’d want the centerpiece of the return to have a clean bill of health.
Oh, I see. Yeah, the Wild has to see how Higgins play before trading him. He hasn’t played much in the regular season and I don’t know if he played in the preaseason.
I think if and when a trade happens, it might be good for Gaborik and the Wild. Test out other teams. He has been with the Wild from day one — same coaches and same GM.
And maybe at the end, he might feel that the grass is not greener on the other side and might want to come back to the Wild.
For the Wild, see how they really do without Gaborik. Is there a Gaborik effect? See what this team is really about. It would have been better if the Wild re-signed Rolston to give it leverage without Gaborik but Mittens and Bruno have stepped up.
I don’t know, sunshine. What are the odds he signs with Minnesota if he’s traded? If he’s traded, he’ll be testing only one other team. Then he’ll have 20 or so knocking on his door with blank contracts. He won’t really find out if the grass is greener or not until the ink is dry.
One last thing on Halak being added to the deal, would the Canadiens then call up Marc Denis to back up Price? This is also why I don’t think Halak would be included in the deal.
I don’t know if the Wild would make him an offer at free agency. They made a last ditch offer to Roslton in FA. The Wild is not going to ante up the money either but I think DR will try it. I don’t think he will broadcast it to anyone if he did and Gaborik isn’t going to say anything.
Gaborik, if wanted to test it out, really needs to only test out one team, specifically in the East. Montreal is probably the best team to test it out. He might want to know if he can find success with a different team.
He’s not ending up in Pittsburgh, but some teams have better personnel than others so he may find varying levels of success depending with whom he plays. Granted, the Habs have some nice players, but consider some other teams/players: Savard, E. Staal, Lecavalier/St. Louis, who knows, maybe even Florida with Booth/Horton…
Plus if money is really the issue then the team doesn’t matter as long as he gets his.
Bloodrock: Nonesense. And if you were so “close” to the Canadiens, you would know that it is not Havlak, but Halak. The source of that is RDS (sport channel), which is often reliable, but nobody there can understand how Gaborik cannot fit in with that trade. Include Dandenault… maybe.
This rumor is so weird… why Gainey would like to have an injured player, at the beginning of the season (there were no big trade before December since the lockout), when Gaborik’s salary will count against his cap space (at deadline, an expensive player is more “affordable”), when his team has not yet lost (well… before OT). An important part of the rumor about Gaborik, that has not been mentionned here, is that it says that Gainey would like to sign Gaborik before the trade, and yet, Gaborik’s agent has not been contacted so far.
GreenStar: Indeed, NHLNumbers seems to be correct. My point was that Montreal needs to sign important UFA (Lang, Kovalev, Tanguay, Koivu) and RFA (Komisarek) next summer. If Gaborik is traded, it won’t be for any of these guys, so one (or many) of them will have to leave at the end of the season or they won’t be able to fit under the salary cap.
Sunshine: Yes, Denis would become #2. He is doing very well in Hamilton (AHL). Hamilton is 4-0-0, 7 GA, 1 SO, and he goaled the 4 games. He has done well in the preseason. It may be a factor.
As for Halak and Price driving out Huet out of Montreal, it is true. Huet said that he would sign (he was UFA) where he would be #1 so they would have lost him. Gainey decided to make more space for Price and Halak had proven that he could play NHL after his great season in the AHL. Huet’s trade was a shock for most fans, and I wonder what the Caps were thinking not signing him and signing Theodore.
Float any trade scenario you want with the Canadiens but one thing is certain:
For Ghost to end up in Montreal, they need to dump salary. Without doing that, the trade is not anything close to reality.
The salary doesn’t need to come back to MN, but then Gainey would have to have a 2nd trading partner. Doing so complicates things even further.
It’s entirely possible that Ghost could head to Tampa for one of their stars - if a contract can be worked out.
I don’t think any deal is happening for Ghost until he gets back on the ice.
He’s got some personal vendetta against him.
must have had relations with his girl in the offseason.
it’s 4 games into a kid’s 2nd season. a season that came after a season where he was played twice as much as the coaching staff would have liked to play him. and we are already boxing him into a journeyman’s position.
I think i am somewhat on top of things and I don’t recall DR saying over and over he is the next koivu, which sounds strange since koivu if far from established. I do remember a story on shep that said he watches koivu and tries to pattern his game after him.
Montreal needs to sign important UFA (Lang, Kovalev, Tanguay, Koivu)
Lang and Tanguay are 1 year rentals. Kovalev may be off to KHL. I’m no expert but I don’t think Gainey thinks he has to sign these 4.
Montreal needs to sign important UFA (Lang, Kovalev, Tanguay, Koivu)
Lang and Tanguay are 1 year rentals. Kovalev may be off to KHL. I’m no expert but I don’t think Gainey thinks he has to sign these 4.
Agreed. How much do Lang and Kovalev, and maybe even Koivu have left in the tank? How much does Kovalev want to remain in the NHL? I could see them wanting to re-sign Koivu and Tanguay, maybe Kovalev, but I don’t know if all four will be back.
Uh, thanks Ms.C now I need some visine…
The children on the team need to get off their butts. I will call Shepps lack of effort a sophomore slumpish type thing, but he should know that even if he’s slumping points and plays wise if he works hard JL will not be angry. Gillies, I’ll cut him a bit of slack for a bit longer, let him get his feet under him a bit. But he should also be working hard when he gets the ice time so that JL doesn’t start to think keeping him here was a mistake. Poolboy, well, he just seems lazy unless he’s sure he can make a showy play. Poolboy needs to get off his arse and prove that he’s not a waste of ice time or he may find himself makin’ popcorn, whether we are short centers or not. I think maybe Poolboy has a bit of an inferiority complex, coming out of the same draft class as Crosby couldn’t have been good for the other guys considered top five picks.
That’s a lot of thought for before breakfast. I need to find some sustenance.
After seeing that MsC I don’t think I could get breakfast down, thanks ever so much.
with a healthy team, gillies is not in the lineup for all 4 games nor should he be.
benny is the one to be concerned with. he’s had chances. has talent. is at the end of his entry deal.
Seems like B-B-B-Benny’s ‘tude is semi-Ghostlike.
Granted, Ghost has accomplished a great deal, but they both seem to be rather mecurial.
Also, with both there is enough sheer talent to make you more tolerant of their erratic play.
B-B-B-Benny has all the makings to be a JL whipping boy. Million dollar talent and a .10 brain - or so it seems.
Agreed on the Gillies post Green*. No way he’d have played all 4 games if the frontliners were healthy.
KiPA- I figured I would have heard something about the Ovechkin / Malkin thing before seeing it in the Beaver County Times…
As for the conversation last night, I guess I was assuming Shep was on the 4th line and Pouls was up on #2. I, unlike some on here, will admit when I was wrong, and I was wrong.
Congrats on the goal Ms. C. It feels good doesn’t it? Maybe you and Boogey should go celebrate.
Ms. C: Commodore has been ripping teams off since he left Calgary. Carolina, Ottawa, now Columbus…the poster child for veteran under-achievement. (The picture is big-time sick, BTW)…
B-b-b-Benny needs to have Marty S. show him how to run the press box popcorn machine…I like kj’s take on Benny: Million dollar talent, ten-cent head…
To be fair to the Beaver County Times, Mark Madden is the most vocal hockey supporter in southwestern PA (very vocal…so vocal in fact ESPN Radio fired him from the local affiliate over repeated inflammatory and dumb-ass remarks; the Penguins radio station just hired him recently because despite his a$$hole demeanor, Pittsburghers love him. Well, most do. Not me.)
And I guess you’re right in one respect in that the Malkin-Ovechkin feud hasn’t exactly been publicized, but there were hints in that epic game last January when they dueled on the ice (think both had two goals, nice ones) that included some big hits, including the one by Malkin that Madden referenced.
Something happened since then though…Thursday was the first time that it had the makings of being personal. In January it just seemed to be a superstar vs. superstar with Crosby out.
Out of curiosity, why do you guys call him B-B-B-Benny? I’m semi-amused by all these nicknames (often derisive, no?) you guys give your players.
I was looking out the window a moment ago and saw an albino squirrel. Creepy mother smurfer.
All the million dollar talent in the world won’t help if your ten cent head doesn’t allow you the neurons to be able to use that talent.
Benny and the Jets…
Elton John…
Band, albino squirrels are kind of freaky. Ever seen an all black one? Strange, but not as freaky as the albino ones.
Benny goes to MTL with Gaborik??? Money problems for MTL though. 6.333 and 1.7 goes to them and they send us 1.7? Does not compute.
Not an Elton John fan, but gotcha.
[…] NHL: Risebrough is offering Gaborik around the NHL. 10:10am - Monday, October 20th, 2008 by Inside Pittsburgh Sports News Wire Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough is without a doubt offering Marian Gaborik around the NHL. Many teams including the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers would love to move on Gaborik but currently don’t have the cap space. Six teams including the Wild’s division rival the Vancouver Canucks have expressed an interest in Gaborik. The GM meetings are on Thursday October 23rd and expect talks to heat up with potential trade partners Source: Star Tribune […]
Nope Goody I’ve not seen an all black one, we have some in the yard at the p.t.j. that are almost completely black and they just look exotic, we call them Fernando and Raoul. Albino ones just look like rats with bushy tails, yuck.
Marian Gaborik is a superstar. Although it’s now looking like we’re going to deal him, we have to get equal value. Higgins is a good player, but he’s no superstar. Risebrough…you better get something close to the value of a superstar. If Higgins is involved, we need to get someone else….mabye Saku Koivu in the deal.
Who do you think Gaborik should be traded for, Mark? Someone “close to a superstar…” I don’t consider Higgins or Saku Koivu in that vein.
KiPA…B-B-B-Benny is kinda like Geno.
Or NBC.
Just a way to refer to a player in a nonsensical way.
As opposed to calling them a Skoula which refers to their nonsensical play.
Who was Burns paired with mostly last season?
It seems he’s not shown his offensive game much so far. Can that be credited to being paired with Skoula? Or is it the high ice time and him wanting to conserve his energy?
Goody: You try skating next to an albatross like Skoula. Your offensive production would go down, also, if you have to constantly worry about the guy next to you not doing his job.
Bandgeek? Get my e-mail yesterday?
WRT, that’s what I was thinking. I just couldn’t remember if he was paired with Skoula last year too. If he had been, then I’d think Skoula wouldn’t necessarily be the cause.
It’s still quite early in the season. I have no doubt Burns will have many chances to show some offense.
Weird, but while you were posting your comment WRT I was replying to your e-mail. If you haven’t gotten it yet you should soon.
Well I’m off to clean the bathroom, oh joy.
If Skoula is such a dog, how is it that he has managed to stay in the league so long and more importantly, seems to have the respect of his teammates? I have seen the screw ups and I know he isn’t as physical as his size should allow him to be or as graceful as we would like. There are only a very few elite defenseman who log his minutes that don’t make mistakes along the way if you watch them as closely as everyone scrutinizes Skoula. Given the choice between the judgment of fans and JL, I think I will tend to trust Jac-u (as that Harry Caray knock-off used to refer to Jacque Jones).
Glad to see all the “game changer” BS subside and we are back to the normal Gabby rumor-mill.
Stoned, it’s that when Skoula f’s up, he does it spectacularly. Some players f up and pinch when they shouldn’t, some players go for the hit and get out of position… Skoula trips over the blue line, Skoula stops and falls down while carrying the puck near his own net…
Every team needs a goat - Skoula is ours. Also, who knows what he’s like in practice or in the room. Maybe he works hard and plays phenomenally in practice. What his coach/teammates think is not purely due to game performance as the fans’ opinion is.
Goody- Burnsy played beside Carney most of last year. Besides the Yoda factor, Carney was also a stay at home kind of guy. I think being paired with Skou dog, he has to worry more about covering his back side…
SotB- Skoula has been in the league this long because he is cheap, and is a warm body that doesn’t screw up every single play (though it seems that way). D-men coming from the AHL and below make even more istakes, which is bad…
The joke is that he has pics of someone in a skirt or something, but I think it just has to do with the fact that he is a vet, and is cheap.
I wish they would pair Schultz and Burns and see what happens. They have tried it in the past, but only for short times. I know they are the two best on the team, but they are also the future of the blue line for the team. Would be good to see Schultz being the Rafalski to Burnsy’s Lidstrom.
Well I’m back in Houston so I thought I would check in. I think it is hilarious how Lemaire is reacting when asked about the kiddos.
At the same time it is alarming to see him act this way so early in the season. Has his patience with young players finally wore thin? He is a developmental coach, he should know what to say to Pouliot et al. Instead he picks his teeth and throws his arms up in the air.
P.S. Higgins and McDonagh for Gaborik seems like a nice little deal. Especially at this point in the season with him injured and Montreal still facing the fact Gaby might bolt in free agency. Sure, you might get more at the deadline with teams bidding. Or you might get less if injuries plague this season.
Toss in that late 1st rounder the Habs will likely earn and put a bow on this package.
I could be wrong but I think Higgins is a center as well.
I’m way behind, but hey Mizz Sea, thanks so much for that photo of Mike Commodore. It really made my morning. /sarcasm
I might have choked on my Cheerios a bit there, but I can’t actually eat Cheerios.
As has been stated before, Higgins/McDonagh for Gabby won’t work because of the Cap issues. Montreal would need another dance partner or they would have to unload some veteran salary to make it work. At this point, Ballgame is better off holding out until the deadline and hoping Gaby can stay on the ice that long.
Agree, Aaron. Imagine how KC & Co. must have been feeling? At least they HAVE other scorers in Minny. What did we have? Bubkis is what.
Sounds like maybe Clutterbuck isn’t included in the ranting because he’s not making many mistakes? *protective Mama Bear*
You’re welcome, Wall.
Aaron, my guess is that JL feels he’s tried to get through to Pouliot but for some reason it isn’t sinking in. By “I don’t know what to say” maybe he means “I don’t know what else to say”???
As has been stated before, Higgins/McDonagh for Gabby won’t work because of the Cap issues
then how did the ducks get niedermeyer back on their squad last year? oh yeah, they dealt macdonald. like the don said, good GM’s can figure out how to work out the cap issues if they wantt to get a deal done.
Goody- I understand what you’re getting at. But Pouliot has been with the team for just a handful of games. He apparently had a good training camp a year ago then played a couple games down the stretch last season. This training camp he “earned” a spot and after 4 games JL says, “I quit with this guy.”
Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I could understand him throwing up his hands at the end of the season or half way through the current season. But after just a handful of games and a couple training camps?
I miss Cal Clutterbuck in Houston but the Aeros are off to a 4-0 start. Like father like son I guess?
I bet the Habs could do something with Robert Lang to make the Gaborik cap hit work out. Trust me, if the Habs really want Gaby and get a good deal, they’ll find a way to make the cap work.
Aaron, also to be considered is maybe JL’s comments are planned, intended to provoke a reaction in Pouliot - much like calling out Gaborik last year. JL does have a history of making media statements in an attemt to motivate his players.
Green*…yeah, any GM can make 2 deals.
Oh…MOST GMs can.
AiH…Pooh-bla-bla had his spot given to him by DR. I think that is where JLs frustration ultimately lies.
Green*:
They have to make two moves at once to fit Gaborik. There doesn’t seem to be other rumors about the other guys moving.
I miss him, too… though part of me hopes he stays up at least through the Dallas game next week so I can see him there.
Backstrom is the second star of the week.
Perhaps the situation with Pouliot is a matter of JL not wanting to call the guy to the table in the media. All we know is Lemaire is unhappy with him but not the why.
At this point, all the kids are warm bodies. We simply do not have any other options. Pouliot will probably sit next game if the team has alternatives.
Goody:
The reason why calling out Gaborik works is that he himself realizes that he wasn’t working hard enough or doing things wrong. After Lemaire’s, remarks, Gaborik turned it around. Pouliot does not seem to realize what his mistakes are. He continues to make them over and over. Or he isn’t working as hard.
Against Tampa Bay, there was a couple of times where the opponent dumped in the puck in the corner and Pouliot was closer to the puck than our defensemen. He let the defensemen go into the corner while he stood in the center of the offensive zone. One time, I think Schultz gave him a lok before going into the corner to fight for the puck. He could have saved a play and gotten the puck out of the zone instead of waiting for the defensemen.
LUNCH
FOOD
Food
It’s to early in the season to make a big deal of the start by Shep, Gillies, and Pouliot. It’s good reading about JL theatrics, but this is a non-issue until after the first 20 games are played (maybe 9 games for Gillies).
The Montreal trade rumors are interesting, but this appears to a lot of smoke with little fire. Gaby is hurt and both teams are winning, so why shake up the roster. If you think that a Gaby trade will happen before December, look at the teams that are off to a slow start.
I really don’t see the Wild taking a goalie back in a trade for Gabby.
1. Any Wild goalie will compete for the Vezina. That’s the whole point of the defensive-center style. We don’t need a potential #1 goalie as our #2. 2. If Gabby goes, the Wild need another goal-scorer, not just another center.
