Sunday practice
Posted on October 26th, 2008 – 3:02 PMBy Brian Stensaas
Good snowy Sunday to you all. Doesn’t this wintery mix just scream hockey? I know none of it is sticking to the ground, but some of the 74,863 political signs in my neighborhood have a light coating on them. You can sort of see it on the rooftops, too. Just another sign that the outdoor rinks will be flooded soon enough, and we’ll all be able to get out there and show off our skills. Or in my case, lack of it. The best I ever got was as a fourth-line centerman on my Bantam team - but I still love to skate.
Speaking of skating, there wasn’t a whole bunch of it at today’s practice. The day after a game, and with another on the horizon Monday, it was pretty low-key. Mostly, the team worked on tip drills - both in at close range and from the slot.
A few bodies missing out there, including Bouchard, Burns, Johnsson and Brunette. Miettinen and Koivu had short days, too. Just a little bit of a break. Nothing serious or alarming that we know of. And I was told there are no injuries to report, other than Gaborik who is still on IR with a “lower body” injury.
As he’s done in a couple of practices before Tomas Mojzis skated as a forward, sharing a line Sunday with James Sheppard and Cal Clutterbuck. The other pairings were:
Veilleux-Belanger-Nolan
Gillies-Koivu-Miettinen
Boogaard-Pouliot-Weller
I didn’t actually see Don Fuller today, but it was remarked that he’s looking much better after taking a puck to the head last night - hours after telling Russo he’d never been hit in eight seasons on the Wild bench. I guess it wouldn’t take much to look better after the incident, either. Someone today said it looked last night like Fuller had an elbow coming out of his head. Ouch.
And who would have thought a Regina, Saskatchewan guy would be a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan? But Josh Harding sure cares about “America’s Team.”
I can’t repeat most of what he said, but let’s just say he was none too thrilled when he saw Dallas was down 6-3 to Tampa Bay earlier this afternoon. Wonder what he thinks of the nailbiter end result …
Full report from Russo coming tomorrow. The Blackhawks are in town. Puck drops shortly after 7pm.
98 Responses to "Sunday practice"
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Mister Know it all carried this post over from the last rant. Lucky thinks that a team with JL as coach, and a JL coach with JL players, cant win the cup. Lucky your completely wrong, this year they are as much of a cup contender as any of the teams that you percieve as elite. The Wilds defense and goaltending are the best in the league when playing well. Get real Wild ranters they are a contender this year
Last post that Lucky bashed
I, Mister Know it all watched the game last night in person and I did miss Gaborik, Deres no Doubt ! You can see in the game where he would be able to help out last night. You can also see that Mikko Koivou is a superstar by the way.
I understand the rational of both sides and I have offered free tips for both sides to resolve the problem but both sides have failed to accept Mister Know it alls suggestions.
The Wild need a sniper in return for Gaborik right now. The Wild are a cup contender, and anyone that cant see that this year is more on the loopy side of the spectrum. JL has his players this year - deres no doubt !
He does need a gabby in the line up or his replacement this year.
In a way not having Gabby playing against teams like Vancouver- Edmonton- Duckies- Calgary would be easier becasue they can focus on playing the game and not defending him.
They need something done with Gabby- either him in the line up or his replacement otherwise an L in regulation will be happening soon
Brian- thanks for the updates.
two quick questions-
Who takes care of the trainer? Is there more than one assistant?
Will Don Fuller have a Russo karma payback in the works? Just curious.
I think with Ghost’s (or UM, whatever you prefer) injury history, he might be out of luck when it comes to contract term.
He’s probably going to have to settle for less $$$ to get more years.
Given the history (and no, I am not privy to any insider info) what if the spin from UM and $alcer is true? That 8 mil a year for 10 years hadn’t been offered. What if DR is playing the same contract game as occurred last year with Rol$ton?
How would everyone’s perception of the UM mess change?
What if the deal is like 7.9 mil for 4 or 5 years? Or less term?
We keep assuming that DR is ‘doing the right thing’ in negotiation, but with a player going into their UFA status, how many has he re-inked?
kj-
I don’t know. I can’t believe that Russo et all would report the 8 mil area without some kind of justification.
I also really hope DR and crew are not offering the range you suggest. That would blow up in thier faces, and I hope they know that.
As for would it change my opinion on UM… no it wouldn’t. The line about “If they would give me what I am asking for…” really locked him in with that title for good with me.
I don’t care if you think you are worth 10 mil per, and I really don’t care if some stupid GM will give it to you, but I lose respect quickly when you say things like that. Makes him sound money hungry and conceited.
Last post for now, I promise…
With Rolston, DR screwed up becuase the production was there for a reasonable amount. I think he knew Rolston would get 5 per, but didn’t want the risk.
Judging by the outcome thus far, maybe he was right. Maybe not. That will play out, but he had the production to justify 5 per.
I guess I just don’t know what to think about it anymore.
I am going to let UM and DR and $alcer do the talking from now on.
UM should get himself off IR so everyone in the NHL can see how ’special’ he is.
We do know from Gaborik’s agent that he has not asked for or want $100 million - 10 years.
It doesn’t rule out that he might want $10 million yr for 7 years — just not $10 million/yr for 10 years.
And according to the Pio, Gaborik’s agent didn’t deny that they received a $80 million - 10 year deal.
If you read both Russo’s article and Shipley’s articles, Gaborik’s agent denied several rumored contract numbers.
He does not offer what Gaborik wants just what was false floating out there.
I understand your not knowing anymore kj. Both sides are playing the media game. DR is letting the media use the numbers floating already, and Salcer is denying some numbers but not others.
No one is willing to just say what they want. This is something somebody already brought up… someone on here, or maybe it was on Puck Daddy. Just wish the two sides would come out iin the public and say here’s what we want, the others saying, this is what we offered.
Not that fans and media are entitled to the info, but when both sides are talking about how the public is blowing it out of proportion, it would do more than settle it down, and both sides could use public opinion at least as a barometer to see if they are being reasonable.
So far, at least this season, UM has not produced. Since part of a veterans’ potentail contract is based on past performance, every day UM stays on IR is OK with WRT, because every day he is on IR means he will have that much less production, and that much more doubt placed in the minds of potential suitors.
At least kj had the right idea about $$$alcer…
Exactly why I wondered sunshine.
According to nhlnumbers, UM is 28th in cap hit this year, but his actual salary (7.5 mil) is a 3 way tie for 10th, with the other two players being Kovalchuk and Chara.
I’d trade UM for one of those guys, straight up… 
I am at O’Hare airport delayed a couple hours and I just had an epiphany: I no longer care what happens. The team is 5-0-1 without Gaby. Can’t get much better than that. I just want them to do well - I don’t care who wears the sweaters. If they had started off 0-6 it would be different..but they didn’t. I am over Gaby, Salcer and DR for that matter.
I’m with you NiNY. I have said a few times now I would trade him for a coffee maker and some pucks at this point. My point has been proven. They can play without the guy. He’s good, but he is not the team.
They have shown that. Now it’s time to get something for him and let the guys move on.
NiNY = VoR (Voice of Reason)…
I think the only thing I am tired of hearing about more than UM is Sundin. Go play in Europe. You’re old and washed up. If you can’t decide if you want to play or not, go away. Take Sir Flops alot, Niederloser, and the rest of the too old to play 82 games crowd with you.
I don;t want players to be able to take half the year off and still come back. It is irritating.
Anyone post this yet?
Bucci’s weekly blog. In the mailbag is a section about UM and if he ends up with KiPA out in Pitt.
I love this line the most:
“…other issues include: (1) Would Gaborik take a little less — $7 million instead of $8.5-9 million a season — to play with Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin? Considering his past actions, one would think not…”
As Larry Brooks, NY POST hockey columnist wrote about UM:
“Good luck to you, young man.
Enjoy your time in Russia.”
Willie Mitchell in a fight with Iginla
Hey Kevin, if you are out there… I counter offered your trade in FF. check it out.
Looking at it. If the backs are pretty even, why do you care which one you get? 
Just joshing you.
I’ve always wanted #10 on my team but I’ve always thought we’d be fine without him and not an instant 3 year rebuild.
my take is #10 is fine with an 8.5 per deal, just not here. I know this will get deep breaths undies in a bunch because “we can’t sign top talent” but I don’t think that will keep us from being a contender. Look at the last 5 cup winners. detroit, anaheim, carolina, tampa, new jersey. how many top 5 players in the league can you name from those teams? how many players from carolina can you name? I’m not sold that star power, and I mean real star power, the 8+ mil per season star power, wins you cups.
Kevin, honestly CJ’s schedule looks better down the stretch
So my ears are still ringing from the last few hours with my nieces and nephews at the 3rd birthday party for one of the nieces. It’s to bad there was no hockey to come home to watch. Thanks for the low down Stencils.
What do you say to throwing Hines in there?
And Slaton’s schedule is why I wanted to get rid of him.
My thinking on getting Hines is I wasn’t planning on giving up two WRs to get one.
Hines instead of Lewis? I say that would be giving up my two best recievers. I can’t do that. I will give you any of my RB’s though. Even Brown.
Well, Plax isn’t fantastic or anyhting. You would still have Washington, Walter, Housh, and Larry Fitzgerald. And IMO, Housh and L.Fit would be a pretty good 1 2 combo.
Alright, no worries. And actually it would’ve been “additionally” not “instead of.” But I understand your reluctance. Fitz is better than Plax, but Plax is pretty good himself despite the recent tough times.
I’ll accept the deal as is. Can’t til tomorrow though.
I think L.Fitz has already had his bye week too, so there are no worries there.
Sorry to drag FF talk onto the blog everyone, but this is the easiest way to get ahold of Kevin!
Sounds good to me. Thanks kev!
Plax not that fantastic? He’s averaged 11 TDs the last two seasons.
Washington’s a “one big play a game maybe” guy and Walter can’t decide if he’s good or sucky. And Cincy sucks. But I think I was getting greedy with asking for Ward too.
Easiest way? Have you considered getting your wife to email me?
That is a fair point Kev. Actually I think I have your email too now that you mention it. As far as Ward goes, he is probably my faviorite second favorite reciver. I LOVE L.Fitz. Parting with him is difficult, but I need to improve my team a little bit.
Johnson will do that for you. Watch out for LenDale White though…dude’s been killing me. I love Fitz too (this’ll be threee of five leagues I have him in) but I hate owning him because of Anquan Boldin (who caught two TDs today; granted Fitz had 100+).
I love Ward too, that’s why I tried poaching him from you.
Now do me a favor and abuse your commissioner powers to put Westbrook in my lineup instead of Slaton. I swear, that’s the LAST time I play someone against Cincy because “Cincy’s defense sucks.”
haha! I can’t do that for you dude. I feel your pain though. i had the bright idea of sitting Eli Manning in favor of O’Sullivan because he was plaing Seattle. Needless to say, I got hosed. Even with Eli in I would have lost, so it’s not too bad I guess.
Well I’d be up on sunshine by like 13 points with Johnson going against Wayne. Now I have to hope Tennessee’s supposedly tough defense shuts down Wayne while Johnson goes off. This’ll be one of the stupider losses in my fantasy career.
Oh, and until the final minutes of the Giants-Steelers game, I was slated to lose by 0.14 points. I had Cincy’s QB in because my only other ones were on byes (we start two in this league) and I didn’t want a zero. Well, he ended up with a minus-0.8. A zero would’ve won the game for me…until the Giants got a gift safety, a sack and an INT. So I lost by six. Despite scoring 117 points, second-most in the league. I have the league’s best offense and I’m 4-4. I had a rare good week from LT and Seattle’s D and lost. Bastards.
F— fantasy sports.
(On the bright side, I had a great hockey week, which included beating sunshine…so I guess it’s only fair she beats me in football.)
F— fantasy sports.
Amen to that. It frusturates me to no end. No matter how much I research the matchups and all that noise, I always end up making the wrong choice. That is why I rarely offer tades and whatnot. I am always afraid of making a huge mistake.
I have trouble establishing value for value. Like what caliber running back to offer for a quarterback, or a forward for a defenseman? What I think I know is I pulled off a steal in one league when I traded Marek Svatos for Chris Pronger.
I really think we should have kept Rolston and dealt Gabby (as much as it pains me to say that). he’s been amazing for us but the writing was on the wall that sooner or later we’d finally figure out his injuries are more of a pattern than a fluke, his me-first attitude has gotten hurt the team more than it has helped, and his absence from the playoffs didn’t exactly help his case either; the fact he wants so much money when Rolston - whose awesome character/leadership and only slightly less production - was signed for a reasonable 5-6 mil makes this a bad situation.
If our offseason had gone - sign rolston, trade gabby for a great d-man and a young gun I think we’d be in even better shape than we already are (stanley cup? why not); now i think we still have lots of holes (ie Defense, especially 3rd period) and meitenen (best. signing. ever) will eventually cool off a tad.
I love the wild, hope the keep it going, but gabby has to go and we need a lot for him to justify it
Yeah, I know that feeling too. A lot of people will go solely on how many fantasy points the players earn. It’s like Duece McAllister… I would like to trade him now because he will be playing more since Bush is out, but most people don’t want him because he has only got 30 points or so this season. It makes it tough. I may have to work out some trades in Hockey… by guys are not producing at all…. My team is in the cellar.
matt, the third period snooze button mashing has me very worried.
A lot of people will go solely on how many fantasy points the players earn
I use that as a guide but I know enough to determine whether the guy’s been hurt, what the team’s depth chart looks like now (i.e. will he play more or less), schedule, etc. so it’s hardly the only factor I use.
I agree Kevin. many things are involved. I really need to figure out what’s wrong with my FH team. I will hold out a few more weeks, but if it is still going poorly at that point I am going to have to work out some trades.
Oh and btw, WOOO!! I am going to the Wild game on Wednesday in Dallas!! It’s gonna be fun!
Your team sucks, that’s what. 
Apart from Zetterberg, Dumont, Stillman, Markov and Hainsey, you’ve gotten no offense (Ribeiro’s one game aside). Gaborik’s injury obviously is hurting (now that he’s on IR you can move him there on your team and pick up another), as are the slumps of Drury, Ribeiro and Horcoff. Carcillo’s not the player he was at the end of last season when he showed some scoring punch, and he appears more disciplined (I may cut him soon in another league).
Melrose is screwing you with Stamkos, and that whole team’s screwing you with Smith, who’s a good goalie getting no support. And DiPietro…you guys should be glad Gaborik is so much healthier than he is. That lifetime contract’s looking really brilliant right now.
Unfortunately I think you’re in a sell-low position, unless you send Zetterberg somewhere for two quality guys who are playing well (the Sedins?
Got to figure Drury, Ribeiro, and Horcoff will shape up eventually. The question is how long will it take?
I gotta go to bed… but I agree with all that Kevin. I really need Stamkos to start scoring as well.
Stamkos is getting cut in some of my leagues. Maybe you should consider that and pick up a hot hand and hope no one has the roster room to save Stamkos until (if) he starts scoring.
G’night.
Ah, no goals for Ms. C tonight. And man, I’m sore already. Ouch.
Tell me something good about my FF team. Whoever picked up Kevin Walter after I dropped him should be pretty happy, assuming he wasn’t on the bench.
Happy with his performance, Ms. C, but an idiotic decision means I’ll lose.
You were north of the 160 mark this week, so you get a W unless Mrs. Atx’s guys get 50 points tomorrow night (which I doubt).
Suh-weet! Thanks Kevin! I’ll be interested to see which of my decisions this week in particular paid off.
You’ll be happy with Brees again, and LT finally showed up for a game.
Yeah, I saw that LT had a good game. And that the Saints won in jolly old England.
Brian Burke is such a dick but he has a sense of humor about his dickness. Watching the NHLN special on the 08 draft.
Mr. Russo: Any way you can start an All Fantasy Sports blog so we can keep the 4-6 people on here from wasting our time with this? This blog used to be for all things Wild. Now its not even close.
Those of you that do post fantasy stuff on here, don’t take this personally. It was a serious question, not a hack on you.
Everybody but me must be sleeping in this morning.
Ok, so the other day I was listening to 93X and they were talking to Schultzie, he said him and his wife were going to be Sarena and Venus Williams for Halloween. I laughed so hard imagining Schultzie in a short tennis skirt I almost had to pull over.
LJD: The only thing you most likely have accomplished with your query to Mr. Russo is to ensure a substantial uptick in fantasy sports blogging. So, without further adu:
Sure was nice to see that stiff LT get over 100 yards and a score yesterday. You draft a guy #1 overall you expect a little more out of him. Luckily, I’ve got a loaded roster and have not been sunk this season by LT’s remarkably mediocre stats.
Band: Assuming that most, if not all, members of the Wild organization read this blog, how many do you think will go as RIAC this Friday for their costume? I would pay top dollar to see Boogie walking around the Company halloween party in assless chaps.
Everybody but me must be sleeping in this morning.
or they have been at work for 3 hours…
DB, I would need a bib to catch the drool if Boogie walked around in assless chaps and you know it. Thanks for making my day.
G*, work schmerk, you and I both know some of us spend copious amount of time here instead of working. By the way, how are the Mr and I to know you this evening?
BG…one word…Grocs… 
kj so what your saying is I need to walk around looking at everyones feet when I get to McGovern’s? That won’t make me look weird at all. (note sarcasm)
DB, agreed on LT. About friggin’ time.
Good luck finding everyone at McGoverns, I’ll be at Alary’s pre-game.
G*- Ah yes, some of you were at work for three hours. Some of us got the best and longest night sleep since July.
Thank you very much.
crocs, throwback authentic home white, un-numbered. go upstairs, take left at top and walk straight back. should be in the tables by the windows. i’ll make sure have miller lite bottle on table.
it will be easier than at alarys
Deep Breath, you are probably correct. After reading your response, I realized I should have sent him an email instead.
Cool beans G*. Just so you know I’ll be in my Green Walz jersey and the Mr has decided to wear his white Jets jersey. That way if you see us before we see you it’ll be all good.
I should really try to get some things done around here. I’m sure I’ll be back later so say something interesting for me to read when I’m done cleaning the bathroom and stuff ok.
Band,
Something interesting.
Not that I need to be reminded that the Aeros are a minor league organization, but they went ahead and reminded me anyway. I was going over the pocket schedule today and noticed they have a home game listed as an away game on the schedule. In addition Friday Feb 24 is listed as a bobble head night, however, Feb 24 is a Tuesday and there is no game scheduled.
I miss Cal Clutterbuck.
December 13th is the Teddy Bear Toss game against the Hershey Bears - how appropriate. Hopefully they get whistled for a 2 minute minor penalty for too many Bears on the ice.
Sad attempt at a joke, eh?
Oh man, I LOVE the teddy bear toss!
80 games is a lot to keep up with, Aaron. Ditto re: Cal. Not sure I like Hamilton having to do so much fighting.
I would be jealous of y’alls little meetup tonight but I get to meet ATX and WATX on Wednesday so *neener*.
Man, I must have gotten slashed on my inner forearm last night. Big ol’ bruise and it hurts. Owie.
I just about caught Mark Hartigan in the head with my Teddy Bear last year. How terrible would it be to get shut out in the Teddy Bear game?
re: Slash
Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion.
Hey man, I always play through it.
The Bears are GOOD this year. Four of the top five scorers in the AHL are on that team… though I think it’s more offensively than defensively, so the Aeros should be able to get a few in. Hopefully by then the D will have gotten a grip on KC’s system and will be able to hold them off a bit. Schaef is about to fall out of the top 20 goalies if the team doesn’t get it together.
Based on last season I believe defense won’t be the Aeros problem. K.C. seems to run a tight little defensive system by blocking shots and filling gaps.
The Toronto game on Sunday was doomed to be rough. The Aeros were in Winnipeg to play the Manitoba Moose Friday and Saturday night. Then they had to play a game in Toronto the next day at 3pm against the Marlies. That is a tough task. But that is the travel schedule for a AHL team in the Western Conference. That being said, see Rule #76 above.
As for the Hershey Bears - apparently Bruce Boudreau wasn’t needed there? They are flying right now without him.
Yeah, and they get to do these 3-in-3s 15 times this season. Effing brutal. Worst schedule by far in the AHL. And yeah, I’m not worried about the D either, though those less familiar with the team are predicting a major FAILboat situation on D, which is ludicrous on a KC team. They’ll figure it out. Lots of new guys on the blue line who need some time to get used to things.
Where’d you end up deciding to sit this year?
Okay, obvi that wasn’t Mitch, that was me. Comments are still screwing up.
So sorry for offending you, LJD (actually I’m not), but it’s not like we were interrupting any conversations about the Wild yesterday. If you didn’t notice, no one else seemed to be around to post anything. If you don’t like the comments about it, just don’t read it.
Yeah, I think we’re all more than willing to talk Wild and DO most of the time, but how many times can you debate Gaborik’s worth or who to trade him to or how awesome Mikko is or whether to re-sign Backs?
If there’s a Wild discussion you wish to have, just start it up, man. Don’t sit and bitch about how the rest of us aren’t conversing up to your standards. BE. THE. CHANGE.
Besides, when I talked about a potential Gaborik trade, I was getting railed on left and right by all the Sedin haters.
BOOOO SEDINS SUCK!!!!! BRAINEATERS!!!!!
I’m sad now. 
Due to scheduling conflicts and a recent illness, I will not be able to make the pre-game meet and greet at McGovern’s tonight. I (and my wife) will be attending the game, however. Hope to see you all there!
i’ll bring cardboard cutouts of skoula and the mascot and put them in your places.
Oh Kip, don’t be so sensitive, sugar. Smile! It’s Monday! Hmm. Maybe I should work on my pep talks.
I’m in 119 again this season. I only got the 15 game pack. Just going to the Aeros games when the Wild has the night off.
I got tired of trying to avoid the out of town scoreboard so I could go home and watch a taped Wild game.
Speaking of re-signing Backstrom, what is going to happen there? He is a guy that will get some very lucrative offers in the FA market. I agree with JL, might as well keep playing him while he is hot, but they also need to start evaluating Harding.
What do I think about re-signing Backstrom? The more Fins the better. Still wish the Wild could have signed Filpula to an offer sheet. I guess Eero Elo, or whatever his name is, will have to do.
Actually I’m off today for once, so I can actually enjoy a night of Center Ice…so Monday is good for me this week.
WRT - hope you’re feeling better and enjoy the game. It’s Suite 72 for the final time tonight, a career move has been made and I will no longer be employed by the owners of said suite.
By the way, if Buddha is out there, I could use an answer on that trade if possible.
G*: Bring your 8×10 color glossy of RIAC and set it on the table tonight to see if folks can get their plate of nachos and/or wings down while staring at it!
Green*: Geez, thanks buddy…replacing me and the Mrs. with Skoula and Nordy?
Now I really AM sick…
Speaking of re-signing Backstrom, what is going to happen there?
My kj View-Master indicates that Backs will sign an extension shortly after the Gaby situation is resolved. However, if DR decides to wait until the deadline, it could happen earlier. The schedule will eventually give Hards the chance to play his way into more starts which is good for the Wild because the Six Goalie System works best when there are two goalies to play it!
Wow. Peter Budaj was the NHL’s second star of the week. I’m stunned.
SGS: In terms of Backs, I think Ballgame has to be very careful as to not fall into the “Rolston” trap and simply assume that Nik will want to play here regardless. If he is allowed to test the UFA waters, you can bet your sweet Bertuzzi that a massive, massive contract will be offered up his way by a team looking to secure one of the premier goalies in the league (assuming he has a strong season, of course, which I think is safe to assume). If the Wild has ideas of retaining Backs long-term, it would behoove Ballgame to get that deal done and not let him sniff UFA food. I know that Backs is saying all the right things right now about loving the area, the stadium, the pets, etc, etc. But I have a feeling his thoughts may change when a team offers up $6 million a year+ for his services.
food
I’m curious how DR is going to handle Backstrom. With four young goaltenders in the system (Harding, Schaefer, Brust and Khudobin) it will be interesting how it is handled.
If Backstrom is resigned then do you trade Schaefer or Brust to make room for Khudobin with the Aeros? Do you resign Harding who will be a RFA?
I’m not sure what Schaefer’s and Brust’s contracts are, but I can’t imagine they would go out of their way to resign with the Wild organization if Backstrom and Harding are resigned.
It will be interesting to see how this one plays out. It would be great to see Backstrom/Harding turn into a Nabokov/Toskola scenario like San Jose had where the Wild could trade one for a big time draft pick or prospect.
Bandgeek: check your email.
Dude, the best practice is pickup hockey, and what better place to find local pickup games http://www.pickuphockeyfinder.com
