Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks (UPDATED)
Posted on October 27th, 2008 – 2:19 PMBy Michael Russo
Car is good as new.
They just don’t make drivers’ door mirrors as strong as they used to. It was no match for that bank ATM pole 
Call it an expensive mistake — more mula than that check I was depositing, I’ll tell you.
Soooooo, on the way back to the arena from the car dealership, I got a call from a journalism professor from the great state of Illinois who’s writing a college sportswriting textbook. He interviewed me for awhile on “How to be a Hockey Writer.” I realized during the call, there’s actually a lot to this gig. I was giving him tidbits I didn’t even realize I consciously do during a day, game, week, etc.
So my words will be teaching sports journalists for generations upon generations, so apologies in advance.
I also learned during that call, as did my now sore throat, that I like to hear myself speak. Speaking of that, if you don’t get enough of me on here or in the newspaper or startribune.com/wild, “Russo Radio,” will be coming to the Matt Thomas Show on KSTP (1500-AM) on Wednesdays from 6-6:30 p.m.
There will be some weeks it’ll be Tuesday or Thursday, but I’ll let you know when we’re forced to revise the schedule due to my travel or other conflicts, like Twins spring training games, etc.
I will also continue to be heard occasionally on Chad Hartman’s show on KFAN (1130-AM).
I know, I’m tired of myselF, too.
Oh, there’s a game tonight, as the circling Zamboni just reminded me.
Colton Gillies thought he was back in, so somebody will have to come out for him.
Jacques was not happy with the start of the skate this morning, but he said it got better toward the middle:
“I didn’t like the start of the practice. But as it went on it got better. Hopefully we’ll have a better start tonight.
“They go on the ice. We do optionals for certain guys. Sometimes you think you’re doing the right thing, and sometimes when they hear optional, it’s ‘oh, we don’t have to to bear down today. It’ll be fun.’ They just want to play with pucks and fool around. We go on, we want things to be serious all the time.
“I like the kids to go on the ice because they don’t know what to do during the day. It cuts the day in half. You’ve got to keeep them busy so they don’t think too much. Get them out of bed, get them out of the house. Otherwise they could stay on the couch watching TV. It’s good for them to come here, shoot a few pucks.
“I mentioned today to the whole group, ‘Bruno (Andrew Brunette) works harder now than when he did when he was here the first time.’ It’s funny. He works harder in practices and harder in games.’
On another note, how about this: So Travis Green, the assistant athletic trainer, gets five stitches from a stick against Buffalo. Against Columbus, head trainer Don Fuller takes a puck to the melon. That same night, Houston Aeros
equipment manager Mark Kincher took a puck to the head and got stitches around his eye.
As somebody said to me, “Serendipity.”
That’s it. I’m staying in the press box.
58 Responses to "Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks (UPDATED)"
Instead of “food”, we’ll refer to this as a “light snack”.
Matt Cooke Sux…
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.
AiH - if the Wild were to trade Harding, who comes up and how do you feel about Schaefer or Brust’s ability to serve as a solid backup (i.e. playing a bit more than backups in VAN, CGY or NJ play)?
Yeah, I’m on the edge of my seat to see how the goalie situation works out. This is Schaef’s last year on his contract. Barry got 2 years this summer. Dimples looked like crap in pre-season and seems to be pretty average so far with the Blades. It’s early yet and goalies are weird, but I’ll admit my impatient side is antsy.
Gillies in, huh? Better not scratch Cal, mister!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
AiH
I have been thinking about this lately too. If Backstrom keeps playing like he has so far, I think you have to try and sign him as a first priority. He obviously came prepared for this season. He seems to have more focus than last year, and he has addressed the breakaway/shootout deficiency he seemed to have last year.
Harding will have to prove himself in the 15-20? or so games he gets. Hopefully he can show that he has matured enough to be a solid #2. Last season I don’t think he was there. If he doesn’t, I think you let him go to free agency. If he does prove himself, sign him if you can, but I think we have other solid options in Houston if we can’t.
and he has addressed the breakaway/shootout deficiency he seemed to have last year.
Knock on wood
Wait until the next long road trip, when a few ex-Wild who have played with Backstrom (Fedoruk, Demitra if he’s healthy, which is doubtful) then let’s see if he has adressed the shootout deficiency…
Any word on who’s starting in goal for Chicago?
I am loving Backstrom’s play so far this year. He’s looking like a great goalie, always in the correct position, requiring him to move as little as possible. He’s also doing a better job of handling the straight shots.
If I were Wild, I would do one of two things.
(1)Resign Backstrom around mid-season at a 3-4 year deal in the 4.25-4.75 million/year range. Then, I would resign Harding to a 3-year deal around 1.5 million/year, since he’s still in the back-up stage of his career. As time goes on, you ramp up Harding’s play and Backstrom’s down, depending on how they are playing.
(2) Resign Backstrom for the above deal. Trade Harding if his trade value is somewhat high. Maybe package him with Gab, maybe not, depending on the offers you are getting. Then run with Backstrom playing 80 percent of the games, and hope Schaefer/Bust can make the jump. If Harding doesn’t have that high of a trade value, this route makes little sense.
If the wild can sign Backstrom to say a 4 year deal and convince harding he just needs to wait for his chance then they should do that. If Hards insists he needs a shot (it doesn’t seem like he’s that type of guy) then I think he should be dealt, he could bring in a scorer. Backstrom is exactly what you want in a goalie. He is rock solid and one of the most consistent in the league. How many times has he given up more then 4 goals in a game i bet you could count on one hand.
That 4.25-4.75 is the range that Manny was being paid by the Wild when he got dumped East. I think it is going to take North of 5 million per to get Backstrom to forego his UFA status, becuase if he has the kind of season we all think he will have, no doubt the suitors will be in the $6 million per range come July 1.
frosty - those are my thoughts on #2 as well and correct me if I am wrong sunshine, but there would not be a huge need for DR to extended a RFA backup goalie before next summer.
Yeah, Frosty, he seems more patient to me this year, letting the shooters make the first move and then getting on it. He’s been really impressive so far.
Both Houston goalies are making me nervous right now. Schaef had a bad game in Toronto yesterday, IMO, and didn’t look as sharp as he had in the earlier games. Hopefully it was just an off day because he has otherwise been incredible. At this point, I think he’d be a more solid back-up for Backstrom. And and he has a similar style to Backs, so the defense wouldn’t need to expect much different from him.
Though I think Brust is better coming cold off the bench. I think he likes the added pressure and kinda being in “save the day” mode.
Fedoruk? A threat to score on Backstrom? Fedoruk couldn’t score on a blow up santa with no goalie stick in between the pipes.
Hello all! I’ve been posting on KFAN’s site for about three years. Use to be decent. Now it’s full of morons. Decided this site looked like it had more knowledgable hockey fans. I hope I can add to that.
And I hope Mike isn’t bothered by my name.
And I hope Mike isn’t bothered by my name
puffy, he is referred to as ‘the Don’ around here. Just an FYI.
Gillies in, huh? Better not scratch Cal, mister!
We know; that’s your job right Ms. C?????
If Fridge is shooting in the shootout, I would imagine we are about 15 guys in and Boogie is the next shooter for us…
Weird, when I refreshed just now I could have been BNAG. When I refreshed again, it was back to me.
bandgeek: you have mail.
Same here kgoph, I could have been you
G* - nice link. Glad I finished lunch first
Week three wrapup posted for those in the Russoville league.
Also, Russo doesn’t like responding to my emails anymore. 
Also, Koivu better start putting points on the board again.
The goalie contract situation? One thing you can count on, DR will screw it up. I don’t have mush faith in DR after the contract mistakes he has made this last year.
“much faith”, that should say.
Also, Koivu better start putting points on the board again.
+1
Never mind about Koivu. I don’t have him in my lineup tonight. Wednesday though.
Hey guys - just a reminder: the Russoville Pub is closed tonight, because I’ll be upstairs at McGovern’s aroudn 5:30 before the game. Looking forward to meeting some Russoville peeps!
I’ll be in a green hat with WILD in red letters across the front. Or you can look for G*s Crocs (blue/tan).
go Wild!
Ms. C, love your pic on Yahoo’s Russoville FH. Very funny. If I was actually going to blog tonight while watching the game I may have volunteered to run the bar for you Russo (although since I don’t really drink alot of alcohol, the patrons would have to have kept it really simple for me.) But I am not so guess the bar stays closed.
fix your car? You’re the Don. I always assumed you received limo service 24/7.
I like the new blog poster’s name. Frightening if there actually was a twin of myself.
And Kevin, I am WAY, WAY behind on returning emails at the moment, honestly, because I got flooded with Gaborik emails and none of them are easy one line answers. I only see one waiting from you, so if there were more, re-send.
But I’ll try to get to these emails, but I don’t know when because this week is going to be beyond hectic with the travel and games, etc, and many stories I’m working on.
Don, shouldn’t Stencils have taken your car in for you? #2 would have last year…
Nah, there was just the one, Don. I’d sent it a while ago, but didn’t realize just how much Gaborik stuff you’re getting. I just thought you didn’t like me anymore. I can understand being busy though, so no rush.
(Well, as long as you get to it before the Wild go to Pittsburgh; it’s related to that.)
Little nugget from the NHL media department about our former whipping boy:
Ottawa’s Filip Kuba is the first defenseman in NHL history with assists in each of his team’s first eight games of a season, breaking the record of seven games set by Brad Park with the Bruins in 1981–82.
Deep: Now look at Ottawa’s record…and tell me that the Kuba mark is still impressive??
‘Brad Sad’, as my brother used to call him, was pretty well washed up by ‘81-82…
Ottawa sucks, and Kuba is just another cog in the wheel of suck-ability…another Sens’ ‘D’ who can’t really play ‘D’…
P.S.: Anyone else look at the masthead of the Rants today? The Don now has a radio gig!!
Hopefully he won’t be enticed to tred down the path of Jeff “Puffy, now up-in-Smoke” Dubay…
Hey, anyone see the play of the night from Saturday?
It’s still up on Hockeybuzz.
When Gaborik can do what Hossa can do, I’ll be the first to hand him the money.
Until then, that was an amazing freaking goal!
P.S.: Anyone else look at the masthead of the Rants today? The Don now has a radio gig!!
I didn’t notice that. Alright!! ‘Bout time we we get to hear from him more than every other week when he was on with Sid Jr. Wonder how long his segment is?
A few thoughts…
I wonder how the chemistry is this year vs last year. 07-08 team was pretty much the exact same as 06-07. I think the new faces help (not that I am a Weller fan yet) but a 20-25% change over each year seems about right.
For as strong of a defensive team we are, I rarely see our D or Forwards ever take a shot (Hit) at someone when they hang themselves out. Other teams seem to do this a lot more often. It is a gamble at times, but even when we outnumber them we seem to back in to our zone really far. Maybe cause of giving up 3rd period leads? Even if it is not a huge hit a little more pressure at the Wild blue line would cause more offsides and problems for the other team. I think it is the root of the going into the “Shell” problem.
Not going to complain about a 2 GA/G average though (as long as we average 3.17 G/G) Score three give up two got us to the state tourney in high school back in the day.
Good luck with the new radio gig, Mr. Russo. Did you make sure no one left some crack in your car while they were working on it? Sorry, that was bad!
Nick, swing by suite 72 between periods if you have the chance (main level on the north side, by the philly cheese steak stand, at least it was last year).
“Russo Radio,” will be coming to the Matt Thomas Show on KSTP (1500-AM) on Wednesdays from 6-6:30 p.m.
- Cool - can a guest apperance on Sid Cast be that far behind
- Prediction - the first call you take will be about the Wild needing more MN players and Russoville will be asking itself if that caller is the real MKIA!
Who would want to be on Sid-cast? Doesn’t he still broadcast that from the corner booth at Murray’s?
And yes, we should line up some calls, but let’s leave the Gaborik BS out of it for now.
We can fight about that here.
On occasion I’ve heard Russo make an appearance on Hockey Night in Canada radio, but I can’t ever remember him plugging those interviews. So maybe he is getting tired of himself?
Russo - in case you’re worried about those of us in the States not having access to HNIC Radio, it is on Sirius Ch 122 so some of us will be able to tune in. So feel free to plug away.
Don’t know if anyone posted these, if so I apologize. More takes on UM.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3666852
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/mc/comments/what_is_marian_gaboriks_market_value/
Glad to hear Kinch is okay. Never heard anything further after he took that puck to the face.
From the Toronto Sun - Dealing Gaby Won’t Be Easy - Perspective from an NHL Executive
The Minnesota Wild has had enough and wants to move star winger Marian Gaborik.
Actually, trading the injury-prone Gaborik might prove to be a difficult task for Wild general manager Doug Risebrough, an NHL executive told Sun Media recently.
“These are the kinds of trades, with the salary cap in place, that you’re going to have a tough time making because there are only so many teams that can afford to take on a player who is going to demand a salary in the $8-to $10-million US range,” the executive said.
“It used to be that when your team had problems, you would just spend more money. Well, you can’t do that any more. There is a limited market for a guy like Gaborik. It’s easy to sit there and say you’re going to trade the guy. It’s a lot harder to make the actual move.”
Risebrough, who doesn’t have a great history in the trade-making department, is believed to have spoken with Montreal and Vancouver about Gaborik.
“This is going to be interesting to watch because we’re not talking about a guy a team can build itself around. (Gaborik) gets hurt a lot,” he said.
Interesting… now my name comes up as geo…
This is very odd to me, how I end up getting someone else’s email and info on my computer. Strong seciruty risk there.
Russo… you may want to get IT involved. Don’t want someone getting their hands on someone else’s info trhough your site.
Ryan Jones stat line so far:
6 games played
2 goals
2 assists
Zidlicky better become the next Paul Coffey, or I say we march on the Xcel center with pitch forks and demand Riseborough resignation, or else…
Ryan Jones would be in Houston if was still with the Wild organization. So an AHLer was traded for a top line NHLer.
If you want to argue long term value then that is a different conversation. But I’ll take Zidlicky over a guy that at best might see some time on the vaunted Boogaard/Weller line.
You people aren’t superstitious are you? You talk about how great Backstrom is on game day? Just before a game? He’s going to get lit up like a Xmas tree. Hockey players are a superstitious bunch. I’d change the subject.
MNiAL,
How about Saturday night and FSN’s Telly saying “The Wild are pitching a SHUT OUT going in to the 3rd.” I looked at my girlfriend and said why is this guy covering hockey?
So, I come home from work, and flip on the TV to see if VS had a game, having forgotten it was the Wild. When I saw it was them, in HD no less, I literaly screamed like a little girl.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
“Ryan Jones would be in Houston if was still with the Wild organization. So an AHLer was traded for a top line NHLer.
If you want to argue long term value then that is a different conversation.”
I’m arguing short term/mid term/long term. A 22 year old power forward vs an older D man? I’ll take a young, skilled power forward over the 11th D man acquisition of the off season. A player like Jones is exactly what this team has always lacked. If we had another Jones/Koivu type maybe we wouldn’t look like B Midgets when the Varsity (Ducks, San Jose, etc.) comes to town.
And I’m not sure why you think Jones couldn’t crack this lineup. F’ing Clutterbuck, Weller, Gilles and dare I say Sheppard were able to find a spot.
I’m not saying the Wild don’t look promising so far, but the Red Wings they ain’t.
Jones looked like an AHLer in Houston, but he’s a solid hockey player who is in the right place at the right time. Much like Ward was going to Nashville, too, and finally cracking an NHL lineup. I’m still okay with that trade, though I agree that Jones is a good guy and I’d be very happy to have him on my team still. His and Ward’s move to Nashville have certainly endeared me to that team.
I’m happy you’re o.k. with the name, Mike. Spur of the moment kinda thing. Had to come up with a name quick, and that just popped into my head. Speaking of things ‘popping into heads’, trainer Don Fuller was back to his usual self last night and looked fully recovered from taking a puck to the noggin in Saturdays game. Great to see, because Donnie is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. As far as on air people go, Telly does have a long way to go if he hopes to continue covering hockey. But on the ‘glass half full’ side, he is far superior to the woman working last nights game for Versus. Don’t get me wrong, I could look at her all night long (and in the morning when we woke up…if she was into older, short balding guys). Let me sum it up for you; Game is 10 seconds from being over, she is behind the Wild bench about to jump out and get a post game with Mikko from the bench. Suddenly, she realizes something is missing. She tears back down the tunnel and returns as the horn is sounding. This time, she has her microphone. I’m guessing not a Rhodes Scholar. But hey, not everyone can be lucky and have my looks! Later. Note to Russo: You know who I am. Last Saturday night. Tom Reids.
