Wild 3, Colorado 1; Tucker goes after Schultz’s knees premeditated, Schultz claims
Posted on November 6th, 2008 – 8:01 PMBy Michael Russo
During the preseason, I either wrote or said on the radio that “Darcy Tucker will make Matt Cooke look like a saint.”
After watching his act for years when I covered the East, I know him well and he continues to try to not just hurt guys, but affect their careers. He just can’t help himself.
Latest incident in which he showed a total lack of care in the world for one of his opponents?
Late in the second period, Tucker and defenseman Nick Schultz clashed deep in the Wild’s zone. After the pushing match, the two lined up next to each other on a faceoff and Tucker began screaming at him as the Wild was on a penalty kill. Schultz was called off the ice on a line change and as he skated by, Tucker continued barking at him.
Then, 6:33 into the third, in a despicable act but one he’s done often in his career, Tucker came in way late on Schultz, bent down and went right for the knees. He was called for clipping.
I got Schultz alone in the locker room, and he was still fuming. Here’s his comments:
“My concern is at the end of the second, he tells me he’s going to come and take out my knees, and then he actually does it. It says everything you need to know about that guy.
“In the game right now, we’re lacking respect for each other and to go and do something like that I think is not respecting one of the guys you’re playing against.
“He’s been that type of player his whole career, and you don’t need that in the game. It’s something we’re trying to get away from — hits to the head and taking out guys knees. It’s just a gutless play.”
The NHL should investigate this now and act now. It shouldn’t wait for an injury to take place to discipline Tucker. The Wild and Avs play five more times, and regardless of whether or not Schultz got hurt, the replay is clear. Tucker, who’s got a history of this type of play (ask Michael Peca), went for the knees.
He should face supplemental discipline now instead of next time when just maybe he gets Schultz right and he can no longer walk for the next four to six months.
Enough on that.
As for the game, the Wild took advantage of a fragile team early, jumping out to a 3-0 lead to improve to 5-2 on the road.
However, the Wild gave Colorado, which has lost five in a row, life by taking four straight penalties and six for the game. But Niklas Backstrom was brilliant with 35 saves and saved the Wild’s hide over and over again.
You have to give Colorado credit for coming at em hard the last two periods.
As you’ll read, Jacques Lemaire gushed over his goalie, which I remind you can still become an unrestricted free agenct next summer unless the Wild acts.
Marek Zidlicky was solid with two assists, and other than one midhap where he turned the puck over to Ryan Smyth in front of the net, was strong on the PK. Pierre-Marc Bouchard attacked the net like Lemaire asked this morning, Benoit Pouliot scored again, as did Andrew Brunette in Game 800 of his NHL career (83rd on the active player list).
That’s it. Early flight to Vancouver tomorrow.
>
By the way, here’s something funny, but the Wild’s excited the presidential campaign’s over.
It adds one extra 737 into the fleet owned by Swift Aviation, the Wild’s charter company. Republican candidate John McCain had been solely using one of Swift’s planes. That meant with one less plane, Swift had often sent other company’s planes to pick up the Wild.
Unfortunately though, this won’t help the Wild this weekend. The Wild wanted to change its Vancouver return from Sunday morning to Saturday night, but because McCain’s plane won’t yet be refurbished, the Wild will have to spend the night.
433 Responses to "Wild 3, Colorado 1; Tucker goes after Schultz’s knees premeditated, Schultz claims"
Let’s go Wild!
With regards to the Wild and re-building. If the Wild keep Gillies while he is producing no results. You are saying that the Wild feel that it is better to have Gillies be developed with the team eventhough other players are more deserving of of a position then he is.
As soon as Gaby, Burns and others are back, they will look to send Clutterbuck back to Houston
If Gillies is so mature, why cant he show he can get results in Houston first before he plays with the big team.
Is it fair to send Clutterbuck back to Houston in favor of playing and developing Gillies ? And yes Danny Irmen is an effective player that you are aware of when he is on the ice, and at the moment he could help the Wild win more then Gillies could
How would you like to be a player on the Wild entering training camp trying to make the team…… Pause and really jump into the players shoes…. You there……
The first thing you learn is that one of the players you are competing with is roommates with a starting player Brent Burns, likely set up by the management of the team you want a position on…… Do you have yourself in that players shoes
You outplay Gillies in training camp and you know it. Your sent down to the minors and now you look at the stats and see that Gillies is not producing
How would you feel ?
Woohoo! Two computers tonight!
formal greetings, Austins…
who else is here?
I think it’s just us for now, Nick.
PMB!
Wooo! Butch!
Oh no… I’m here.
That’s my boy!! And on his own rebound!
Hey it looks like the goaltending optional thing is a GO for the avs.
Salutations Nick.
KiPA- Want him back?
Butchy shot on goal! See how it works, squirt?!
I’m here..burnin that midnight oil again. How we doin? I’m guessing 1-0 thanks to Butch.
Mittens should have had that one.
Hey now ms.conduct, you be nice to my boy.
Can’t believe Mittens missed a wide open net there…
The boys look like they have their legs tonight…Nice effort by P-Marc.
indeed ss6. Butch shot and picked up his own rebound to knock it in.
Sorry WATX. He’s been on my last nerve since Dallas.
Ohh, btches, don’t gang up on Kolanos.
GOAL!! BENNY!
Poolboy!!!
Goaltending optional… right?
they are slinging that puck around like crazy here.
Benny!
Poolboy on the PP! Wee!
Sweet power play passing. That’s the best they’ve had all season.
So…first of 24 division games tonight. What sort of record will it take in those games to be a serious contender for the division title? 17-7? Would 15-9 be enough? Discuss amongst yourselves.
Go Pouly.
For the record: I would rather listen to Terhaar than Mike Haynes.
Just typing that makes me all itchy.
I hope Poublahblah isn’t making PP in the pool!?! 
I’m with msC. Butchy can get on a gals last nerve. He can be so frustrateing to watch him stick handle and stick handle then get knocked of the puck like he’s not even there. Shoot the damn thing already!!!!
rant over…..
Thanx AustinTX
Win for Weller!
Oh, that felt good. Lappy sucks…
Boy I hate Lappy. Beat his ass Weller!
Is Boogy in the lineup?
I must just have really patient nerves. Probably from living with ATX.
Terhaar is not the problem with that duo….
So Ian does drop purse with capable opponents… Wish Weller would have put fist through face there. Put atleast he got a couple good pokes in.
MNinAl, I have not seen him yet…
Missed 2 goals and a fight, I gotta get outta here. Is it 9:00pm yet?
Yes he is. I think he got a SOG too.
On a line with Weller and Pool Boy.
Where’s Bandgeek? She’d have the “Boogie Report”.
How did Bruno get the black eye?
Now that’s what Weller is here for!
Or a shot at goal.
Lappy is one of those guys that you hate to play against - buy you’d love on your team. The simple fact that that was his 6th fight this season is endearing to me.
NiNy, I’m with you. Until that day comes, I want to see everyone take a shot at him first. Make him remember that he can take his weaselly Matt Cooke attitude somewhere else.
I know NiNY… But currently we are playing against him as we always have so I hate him.
I hate him less than Cooke or Burroughs though.
Slap shot… yes it is. Tell them I told you you could go.
Someone teach Skoula how to lift the puck. Please.
big save from Backs there…another PK though
I can’t believe the Pepsi Center advertises Crocs on their boards. Who the Eff wears Crocs? LAME
Dickie: unlike Cooke and, to a lesser extent, Burrows, Ian will obviously drop ‘em. For that alone I respect him more than those two clowns.
MAB… another penalty.
I have my MN Wild Crocs on right now. I don’t wear them in public though… Got them for Xmas last year.
Cardiff, watchout with that kind of talk… Greenstar will get ya! 
Thanks Buddha. Do I have to rub your belly or something like that??
I agree, Lappy is stuck between aggitator and middleweight enforcer. He just enraged me last year and I haven’t gotten over it yet.
He’s no cheap ass punk like a Cooke or a Ruutu or a Burrows.
Doesn’t mean I can’t hate him though.
Is it just me or are these Colorado announcers being much more complimentary of the Wild than normal?
No way, some people on here wear them? I thought they were only for women and gardening?? LOL!
mittens?! Dammit brah…
Alright… need to stop this. And quick.
My kids wear crocs. They’re great for when they go to and from sports. No laces, easy to get on and off.
Backs… nice job on Smyth.
What’s with the penalties? Do they think we’ve won this thing already? Do we need a lesson on how there are 3 periods and not just the one?
Center Ice report….Pens had a 5-0 lead, just barely held on for a 5-4 win over the Oilers.
Wow, HUGE save by backs there.
Slapshot, nah, you don’t really have to. If it helps you get out of where ever you are though, feel free.
Dickie: definitely hate him. I’m in the same camp. The difference is that he does command some respect - even in hating him.
WildinATX: You might be right. McNab really isn’t that bad IMO. He’s sort of the Ron Jaworski of hockey - sounds like a moron, but actually says some interesting things.
WHAT A SAVE BY BACKS!!
Kevin, what is up with your Pens? Did they forget to finish the game?
I thought they were only for women and gardening?
LOL! That’s good stuff.
Loss for Edmonton.
You know, Peter Forsberg is an owner/founder of Crocs. LOTS of people were Crocs. The better half drug me from store to store looking for the “right” Crocs for “around the pool”. what a pain….
Zids and Skoula together on the kill. *gulp*
Backs is just…wow.
Nice save Backs!
I wear them as slippers. But lots of dudes wear Crocs in public. Not sure how you give them female status Cardiff. I think Mario Batali was the first person to wear the damn things in public. He is a large male.
I respectfully hate Lappy. That’s about the best way to put it.
Backs looks sharp… like Hanzo sharp.
reitz laid at least four hits there.
Boy Reitz is banging the bodies down there. Good job…
Dickie: agreed.
okay, first period over, I can drink beer! BRB
Well put, DD… that’s how I feel.
Yeaaaaa, I’m out. See ya tomorrow.
Where is MKiA and why isn’t he hear saying that the Wild would win the Cup if we trade Gabby for Leopold???
“I think Mario Batali was the first person to wear the damn things in public.”
I thought very briefly about pointing out that you are saying Crocs aren’t female while at the same time revealing knowledge of a chef on a cooking show, but Mario Batali is too damn awesome.
+1
Where is MKiA and why isn’t he hear saying that the Wild would win the Cup if we trade Gabby for Leopold???
LAWLZ!
NiNY — why couldn’t you have beer with the first period?
Laterz ss6!
Who knew?? My mom wears those damn things around and she’s 62 and gardens. Bright fricken orange. Brutal, but she’s 62, what can I say?
They don’t look bad on little kids though, but I just don’t see it with grown men that dress themselves.
Well, I just remember watching the Food Network and saying to myself, what are those weird orange things on his feet. Guess he doesn’t care though, probably hasn’t seen his feet in quite some time… I’m just sayin.
I don’t know what LAWLZ means…
Cardiff, I am with you on the Crocs discussion. I hate them.
WildinATX: it’s part of my superstition ritual for Wild games: no alcohol during the first period (note, only when I’m watching on TV.)
Giveaway by Zids sucked, but luckily, Backstrom is a machine.
Basically the Wild were doing well in that period, then I started watching, and they had 1 shot and 3 penalties. Maybe I need to stop watching…
Where are you from Cardiff? Grown men wear them all the time in public so either you are on the prison computer or come from a very remote village is my guess.
Hey Nick, are you going to be in MN for the holidays?
I’d be careful poking fun at an Iron Chef. He’ll turn the chairman loose to go all ninjitsu on your a$$.
Okay, I can leave work now. Lets see if I can make it home before the 2nd starts.
Austin: probably not until the new year. You guys heading up in December?
LOL. MIKA will be here soon. They have a nice little montage of Leopold with the rodents on right now…
Just because grown men wear them doesn’t make it right! I’m from here and we wear flip flops. Just my opinion, don’t take it personally!
Hatty for Wheeler tonight.
Ok, so done helping the Mr pack while watching the game on the little tv. Let me get some things out of the way.
PMB!!!!!!!
Poolboy!!!
Kick his a$$ Weller!!! Man Lappy’s a tool.
Ouch poor Kimmy, right in the family jewels.
What’s with the marck to the box boys? Get you heads back in the game….
I think that covered everything I yelled at the TV while packing up a lot of blaze orange.
Yeah, we will be up for Xmas. Going to the Carolina game. Just wondering which other out-of-towners were going to be around. I know at leat one other person said they were going to be in town and going to that game.
We looked good in the 1st until we decided to spend the rest of the period in the box. NiNY, went old school. Had a bit of the Teachers Highland Cream. Now into some red for my heart.
Is the game being broadcast in the cities?
wood: nice! 
I’m going light and easy tonight on account of I have no idea what time zone I’m in, and just a loose grasp on what day it is, whether it’s AM or PM, etc.
Channel 45. It is what it is.
Cardiff, I told you I don’t wear my MN Wild Crocs in public. So I don’t have any sort of devotion to them. Therefore, I am not taking your distaste for them personally.
If G* was here, it might be a different story.
Yes Nick, on 45.
thx Dickie…my old man thanks you, more specifically
Clutter vs. Foote is a win for the Wild.
Gonna say it again….. Lappy’s a tool.
Oh for crying out loud. We must stop taking these penalties!
WTF, is this a college hockey game? Penalty after penalty.
No problem NiNY, your old man is good chit.
Rasafrackin rootafruitin penalties
Damn it Mittens. That is twice.
Shortie would have been nice there.
I think we’re starting to see why they called him Antti “Missed-da-net-again” in Dallas.
Did Mick McGeough come out of retirement?
So, Pouliot/Butch/Kolanos on a line? Hmm.
In fairness, Mittens has hit the net many times so far this year. I wouldn’t jump ship on him yet.
Did they call him that in Dallas?
There’s Boogy.
Buddha: *singing* Our town is turning into shi….”
Revren!
I read in an article that they did. I can’t confirm that. He really does miss the net A LOT though. Not just tonight.
Anyone know anything about Andropov? 6 shifts only tonight… must have gotten hurt?
Nope DD no jumping ship, I don’t swim well. Just a smack on the hand, and he has to write 10 times “I will not take bad penalties.”
I think this announcer read the blog today. And all the articles we linked to.
Nick, Blazing Saddles FTW!
Sing it Nick!
How can Terhaar watch hockey night after night and still learn nothing about it? You know, like the players, the RULES…
Would the slap be considered slashing? I don’t know if you can correct bad behavior with bad behavior.
goal here wouldn’t suck
Please no singing, I’m not very good at singing. My name is Bandgeek, not Choirmonkey.
That is unfortunate. They should have had a goal.
Maybe the MLB should be giving Backs a Golden Glove award.
YEAH! BRUNO!!
BRUNO!!!!!
Didn’t miss twice. Bruno!
Woo! Bruno!
Well, he almost missed… But who cares? Goal!
um, what was Budaj doing there?? He sort of assed that puck into the net…
Budaj is a sieve.
Woot!
haha, that is too funny. He totally did ass it into the net.
The Mr asked what I wanted for Christmas. He said I couldn’t ask for another jersey, we already have enough he said.
KK’s got a helluva lotta hair.
Ask for memorabilia then BG. Maybe you could get a nice framed picture of the X for your living room.
Darcy F***ing Tucker…
Poop.
DAMN IT
Tucker…man, why oh why did it have to be Tucker??
Damnit, there goes my fantasy hockey SO. I say that everytime the first goal goes in on Backs…
I’d ask for game tickets…
Ahhh poop.
MAB late on the coverage, trying to get back on that speedster Darcy Tucker…
Uh oh, not a two goal lead!
If anyone scores for CO, it needs to be Stasny, not Tucker… dang it.
Running out of wall space DD, but I maybe able to come up with something along that line.
That Dudes name is Darcy? I thought Darcy was one of Barbie’s vapid friends.
PP coming up!
KK. Tuff guy.
Let’s go PP!
heheehe.
is it just me, or do the Avs show a lot of clips of them scoring on, hitting, or just looking good against the Wild in their promo spots??
Not just you.
Getting tickets from my sis, MsC.
grrr…come on guys! Brutal…
Wow… who’s on the power play?
sweet weeping Christ, Backstrom has been out of his mind tonight.
Eat that Lappy.
OUCH! What a shot. And thanks, Skoula, for missing the rebound.
Ouch. That slapper by MAB had to sting. And how did Skooba miss that… oh, I answered my own question. It’s Skoobs.
And wow, what a mental lapse on the PP here. Playing mostly D. Lame.
How did Tucker not get a penalty for his 2 hand slash on KK? It was right in front of the zebra.
Actually, Darcy was a Barbie knock-off and what my sad ass got as a kid. Stupid Darcy.
Interference MY BUTT.
Wow, Schultz saved a goal on that one BIG TIME.
Ohhhhh…. thanks for clearing that up for me MsC.
is it just me, or do the Avs show a lot of clips of them scoring on, hitting, or just looking good against the Wild in their promo spots??
+1 agreed
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
tell you what…I LOVE that Schultz just took him out there. That’s the kind of physical play that this defense has been missing for years….
Holy Backstrom Batman!
You’re welcome BG. Important stuff.
Tucker looks like he probably has fleas.
Wooo!!! Intermission means I get a bowl of ice cream.
Backs is a wall.
My bad Budda, they gave me your handle for the Darcy 2 hand slash comment.
Somebody need to put a fist in that guy’s mouth.
Wow, so Voros fought Smitty? WTF?
so, like, it’s my fatherly duty to raid my 4 year old daughter’s halloween candy, right? I mean, she doesn’t need all that candy, right? Right??
<a href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdAxMEw59-c”HILARIOUS!
Yes Nick. All that candy is not good for her, so it’s your duty to save her from it. Plus, you have to make sure it’s safe. By eating half of it.
From each according to their ability to each according to their need, NiNY.
What ever helps you sleep at night Nick, you just keep telling yourself that.
Absolutely, NiNY. Bad for her teeth. You are doing your fatherly duty protecting her health.
ms.conduct, who is Smitty? Mike Smith? The goalie?
Only if you send me some Smarties, Nick… Love those.
Yeah, ATX… The goalie. I can’t wait to see that.
Anyone else watching the Colorado stream? I am amused by some of the commercials.
Damn Ms.C, that will be a hilarious set of highlights for sure.
thanks for all the support, gang. Much appreciated! 
Skoula skates around 2 guys and then passes right to their d man. Awesome.
Weller is doing a little night.
Is Mikko playing D?
did Zids get clipped by a skate there at the end of that play?
I think Shep is taking passing lessons from PMB. He’s got some fancy passes.
Blake Wheeler had a hat trick tonight…we couldn’t have used him.
MsC, Weller could sit and pick his nose and I’d still love him tonight for the beat down he put on Lappy.
a bit of luck there…
Mikko is always playing D.
Who was that guy who said he’d rather have Jimmy Dowd than Shep… You here dummy?
Great, now we are going to have to trade Gabby for Wheeler…
Perhaps that is coloring my perspective a bit, BG.
Cal needs to put his lid on tighter.
^if you are, reply at your own risk. LOL…
Click on me to see the Voros v. Smith fight.
Tucker needs to be beat
What did Backs have for dinner? Glue?
hard to respect a goalie who throws on a skater without taking his FULL CAGE off…
Fantastic strength by SRV on that sequence.
That’s hilarious! Smitty was having NONE of Voros’ crowding the crease. But really, if you’re gonna drop the mitts, take your friggin’ goalie mask off.
What’s up with Foote and the elbows into SRV, and the ref just sits there?
Foote sure was giving SRV a full helping of his elbow.
OppenheimerFunds is ALL OVER this Avs’ broadcast.
so, in the last 40 minutes of clock time, we’ve taken 10 SOG??
Where was the other goalie? He should have been right in that scrum.
Budaj has a Harding-like ability for giving out juicy rebounds, it seems.
I think King Henrik has it in his contract that he doesn’t have to fight - it might mess up his hair.
Foote gets away with alot of crap too.
10 official SOG Nick, I always wonder how they count those things.
Yeah, huge rebound, too bad it was during a line change because it took us forever to get it in their zone.
I want to know what Voros was saying to Smith to make him go so ballistic. He was ALL OVER MoVo through that whole sequence! Hilarious!
Hmm. So does beer go with benedryl? I’m guessing not.
I can’t see Backs getting into a goalie fight either. Man, new NHL, we are losing alot of the fun.
man…we do not need to keep tempting fate like this!
It can MsC. Gotta be careful though. One time I drank on cold meds and started hallucinating that I was jumping rivers and crazy stuff like that. So, proceed at your own risk.
Opps. That was me not DD a few mins ago. Wish they’d figure this shizzle out.
I wonder if the Wild will start offering tickets to just the first period, since that’s the only one they actually play in.
When Sakic retires, the Avs are going to really suck.
Quit drinking on cold meds BG!
We just wanted the Oilers to feel good about themselves, that’s why we let them back in the game.
second time at least the puck has absolutely died going around the boards to Backs’ left in our zone…
Hmm. That doesn’t sound too good.
I see Kevin. That’s very nice of you.
Buddha, while that is a funny comment… I do not agree. This has been a pretty solid game for the most part by the Wild. Well, having Backs play like a cross between The Flash and Superman helps.
That ones all yours DD, I was talking about the SOG comment and you know it.
I know.
And yeah Buddha, maybe I could use Bouchard back.
The penalties are the biggest prolblem.
I know.
pretty nice pass there from Benny
Pool Boy has been looking better. Wonder if he is JLs “project” this year.
Wow, feels like we have been on a PK for 2 periods.
Yeah, Ben has had a good game, even away from the puck.
I’m happy to be wrong, if he keeps this up. JL must have promised him a pony or something…
I want a pony.
Band, maybe you can find one for about what a new sweater would go for??
Wow, I don’t think I have ever seen Johnsson work so hard as I did on that sequence right there. He was all over the place.
Worse than the spitting are the snot rockets. Grody hockey players. I sometimes wonder if they ever forget they’re not at the rink and just spit on the floor at home.
Do the Wild have an EN goal this year?
Darcy Tucker looks like he lives in a trailer park.
Good solid road win.
Wee! Wild wins put me in a good mood! Good job boys!
Nice win, boys….everyone owes Backstrom dinner!
Backs is the story. He’s got at least one of those two points!
I’ll take the win, but I’m glad Backstrom is on top of his game, because this could have easily gone the other way otherwise, IMO.
ok, I’m for bed. Nighty night all!
Night Nick!
Backs for Prez?? Damn, too late. Plus, he doesn’t qualify.
He was gooood tonight.
Woohoo!!! 2pts!!! Backs was the shizz!! Well, I gotta get up early again tomorrow, it’s been fun all. Hope you didn’t eat to much of your kids candy Nick, no need to give yourself a sugar high and a tummy ache.
Nighty night!!
Night Nick!
For all the complaints Skoula played another very solid game even if he did miss an open net as did Miettinen. Skoula has had a very good season so far.
That Wildfor9 post was actually me… ugh, stupid identity crisis…
Woodcock, I agree. Skoobs (other than the missed opprotunity) played a good game.
I wanted to say it earlier but I didn’t wanna jinx my goalie: There needed to be a big fat contract waiting in Backs’ locker after the game. And a really nice pen for him to sign by the X. And Pouliot’s pony (screw Pouliot).
Wow, this AVS announcer LOOOOOVEES Koivu.
Wow! Anyone else watching the AVS post game stuff?? That was the WORST promo by a player EVAR! Boy, I am glad the Wild don’t do stupid sheet like that.
Doens’t everyone, ATX?
Moved on to the STL/SJ game where they are obsessed with this very expressive little girl in the crowd who is very into her pizza. Less little girl, more BISHOP… Look at that guy! He’s like a transformer! Loike maybe he’s a futon who unfolds into a goalie or something…
I have the feeling that Backs is showing the organization exactly what they wanted to see in order to offer the contract. Unlike Gaby…
I should say offer the contract that Gaby wants. Clearly they have offered A contract.
WOO! HUGE SAVE
Boo. Tying goal.
Look at that guy! He’s like a transformer! Loike maybe he’s a futon who unfolds into a goalie or something…
That is hilarious Ms.C.
More than meets the eye, ATX….
Everyone gone?
i’m still here, if you have anything interesting to share. My computer is struggling with basic tasks though, like reloading the blog.
I’m here to KiPA… replacing my centers, one at a time.
I hate you more for taking Weber a minute before I did.
I mean seriously, how do you play center and not win a face off all night?
You are good at holding that grudge…
You either suck or you don’t take faceoffs. Who are you referring to?
Grudge will be gone if you give him to me.
WTF is with Calgary? 6 GA? Good lord.
Make an offer…
I said give him, not trade him. There’s a difference.
Christ. Seriously re: Calgary?
Anybody need a goalie who looks good in red?
Anybody need a goalie who looks good in red?
I thought you were married?
I look terrible in red!
Red is about all he looks good in, because in net… not so much.
The red glow of the light behind him, eh? Yeesh. That’s gotta get better right?
So… the plane. I was watching C-Span and one of the woman who rode on that plane said that she didn’t trust that plane at all. Like it was ready to break down and she was part of the traveling news corps.
Yikes.
Er, what plane, sunshine?
Oh dear, don’t say that! Maybe it was just the icky McCain vibe.
There is an icky McCain vibe when it comes to planes??? WTF?
Another thing, being a member of the traveling news corp does not make you an aeronautics engineer.
I’m out. Getting cranky. Stupid Ryan Torain… Lower body injuries…
During the preseason, I either wrote or said on the radio that “Darcy Tucker will make Matt Cooke look like a saint.”
After watching his act for years when I covered the East, I know him well and he continues to try to not just hurt guys, but affect their careers. He just can’t help himself.
Few players have such a lack of respect and regard for opponents than Tucker.
I totally agree, Russo. There are few people I wish major injuries on, but Tucker’s on that short list.
Speaking of Cooke, everyone here should be glad to hear he got pummeled in a “fight” tonight (though he got 2 minutes and the other guy got 7, so the Pens got a 5-minute PP out of it.)
One of the planes that the Wild uses was rented out to the McCain campaign. Russo mentioned it above. She said that she was worried because it didn’t feel safe. I am sure the plane was fine but she was concerned.
It’d be difficult to quantify this, but why didn’t it feel safe? Because McCain used it?
Oh boy. Nabokov wins the shootout and stays down on the ice and the players all called for the trainer.
No, no, no. The plane just didn’t feel safe, something about things falling from the ceiling and such. She didn’t go into much detail other than to say that she didn’t feel safe on the plane.
It just made me worry about the guys. That’s all.
Okay, well if things were falling, that I can understand.
Anyone else notice Bergeron only had 6+ minutes tonight? If that stat is right, does that mean he is finally in the dog house?
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Woo! Go Russo! I love it when he busts out with an actual rant. Especially one so well deserved.
All I can say is… sometimes the instigator penalty is worth it. Boogie should have ripped the hide off that bum.
I wondered why when the bench was panned in the third Boogie had the “must hurt dill hole hoser” look on his face. Must have been for Darcy the Barbie wanna be. That look is usually reserved for Matt Cooke (tool), Brad May (a$$ face), or any of the players in Vancouver. JL should have let him off the leash since the game became tight so he wouldn’t be getting ice time any way. … Did any of that make sense? New rule for Bandgeek, no typing before breakfast.
Nice win from the Wild. Opportunistic Benny.
Wasn’t there a movie about him? Darcy Tucker Must Die?
>He should face supplemental discipline
Supplemental discipline = Boogaard’s fist
It is now time for Boogaard to send a message. Dec. 1 is only a few weeks away and when that game comes, Boogaard needs to not worry about getting a minor, double-minor, major, game-misconduct, whatever, and grab Tucker and start throwin’ haymakers. Doesn’t matter that Tucker barely comes up to Boogey’s waist. Doesn’t matter that Tucker is gonna want no part of Boogey. If Tucker is gonna show so little respect to his fellow NHLers, it is time for the fellow NHLers to stop showing respect to Tucker. Jawing at him during a faceoff is fine, but time has come for Boogey to to show that if there are players in the League that are gonna risk serious injury on Wild players, those same players are gonna have to answer up. The Wild did an absolutely pathetic job of this last year when Franshise was downed, let’s hope the same mistake does not happen two years in a row.
Plane:
My guess is that the interior of the plane was remodeled (think Air Force 1 but not as nice)(Russo hints at this above) for the McCain Campaign. My guess is they did this quickly and on the cheap. My guess is that there is nothing wrong with the airworthyness of the plane, but just the interior fit and finish wasn’t as nice as the reporter would have liked.
Deep, I agree. Boogaard has got to hit the ice as soon as Tucker does and ‘have a little chat’ with him.
Russoville, along with many outside of it, know that Franchise is arguably the Wild’s best player. But, in terms of team MVP, that honor goes to Backs. he showed it again last night. The second half of the game was a shooting gallery from close range and Backs simply stood on his head…again. Franchise seemingly has the respect of the entire lockerroom, and rightfully so, but this team goes nowhere real fast with Backs. It would behoove Ballgame to get this guy locked up now and not expect to win a bidding war come July 1.
Smith vs Voros:
Why was Smith not given an instigator? A skater who starts a fight while wearing a visor/mask is given and instigator, why not a goalie?
Voros didn’t throw any, but what’s he gonna do? Smith is wearing a full cage and goalie gear. His goalie gear protects him from 100mph slappers - yeah, he’s gonna feel a punch.
Someone asked where Lundquist (sp?) was in all of that. He was on the bench. Smith gets a delayed penalty (slash on Voros) early, Lundquist goes off for the extra attacker.
Props to Voros for holding his temper after the slash. That looked like it really hurt!
“..this team goes nowwhere real fast withOUT backs.”
sorry ’bout that, still fuming over the whole Tucker thing.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Boogie whoop up on Drac the Farce, but he will skate away faster than Matt Cooke ever did.
What I would love even move is for Schultzie to run him once and kick his a$$.
The Tucker thing will work itself out on the ice, probably by Weller or Nolan. Boogie is a heavyweight, and Tucker is a lightweight, but trust me, somebody will make him answer for deliberately going for Nick’s knees. Especially when he warned him he was going to do it! Russo is right in that this is Tucker’s MO since day one in the league. There is NO PLACE in the game for cheap shot artists like him…he is an embarassment to his team, just like Avery in Dallas.
cooke couldnt skate away fast enough yesterday and got a pretty good beat down.
Ulfie: don’t hold your breath. If you recall, after Franchise was sidelined for 25 games with the chop to the leg on Nov. 16, the Wild did absolutely nothing just 5 days later when the Nucks came back to the “X”. I understand the Wild is not a “physical” team by any stretch of the imagination, but there comes a time when you simply send a message that the Tucker-esque crap is not going to fly. Forget whatever penalty may arise from it, whether it’s a double-minor or major or whatever, Boogey needs to get Tucker in the corner and send about 5-7 haymakers to the guy’s face.
Nice IT department, there Strib. I am not aj and have never really aspired to be her.
Thanks for trying KiPA but still can’t post from my cell.
Smith vs Voros: 1. Kudos to Voros, 2: make Smith serve his penalty at that point and put in the back up goalie
Tucker: 1. Anyone else catch D&D calling his clipping penalty a TRIPPING penalty, 2. I agree with Russo that it needs to dealt with by the league since it was deliberate and premeditated, 3: Since Boogie never took Matt Cooke (as much as we all would have liked him too), I really don’t see him taking Tucker.
Backs: He is the goalie I wished he could be this year. He is playing so well and seems to have worked on the areas that really needed improvement. Let’s get him locked up. This is the first year I am willing to say that. I still like the Backs/Hards combo. It is really hard to find two goalies who actually get along and don’t mind sharing the position when one has a bad game or needs a break. We have that, let’s not ruin it.
Deep - I couldn’t agree more. Boogie is our enforcer, ie he is supposed to strike fear into the opponents thus mitigating garbage like that. He currently isn’t doing this. The problem is the league is onto Boogie. They know he isn’t a cheap player and won’t do anything stupid like pounding Tucker’s face in. He waits for the heavyweight match and does the respectful thing. Its time Boogie makes an example out of someone and who better than Darcy. I’ll gaurantee that if Ian or Darcy get jumped by Boogie they will be a little less apt to be playing like that. Its time for Boogie to do his job. And credit to Weller for getting a couple good licks in last night. I wouldn’t mind watching Burns break either of their faces either…..
Deep’s right, Tucker needs a beatdown. I don’t really care who delivers it.
The thing with Franchise was not pre-meditated and at the time who knew it would have broken the leg? Someone should have jumped Ohlund immediately, but I’d guess many of the guys on the ice thought maybe Koivu would have.
Thought someone did end up eventually fighting Ohlund and he went willingly, knowing he had to pay for it. Plus Koivu had that sweet goal with the WOOOOO at the Vancouver bench on his first game back against them.
BTW, I also seem to remember the Wild was on the PK and Koivu was attempting to develop a shorthanded opportunity. Were the other guys changing and maybe didn’t see it?
Am I mistaken and remembering it wrong?
Even though nobody on the Wild retaliated for the attack on Franchise last year I am starting to think that maybe that is the new norm. I sit right next to an Avs fan here at work (it’s worse then you can imagine) and we both figured that Stephane “the kissing bandit” Veilleux would have to answer for the run he made at Paul Statsny in Game 4 of last year’s playoff. Game’s 5 and 6 would have been too important to send a message so the first time Veilleux was at the Pepsi Center seemed like a logical time to get “payback”.
Perhaps the Avs are “soft” or maybe Tucker forgot who the Avs were supposed to be mad at and picked a fight with Shultz instead?
- For me, last night’s W was the dividend of the moral victory in San Jose
- DB, on the response to Tucker I could not agree more - instigator, schminstigator - take the penalty minutes in the 1st and move on. Like VAN last year, this game will also be played at home so let’s not make the same mistake twice.
Tom, I thought SRV DID go with someone during the playoffs for that Stastny thing.
And my condolences for being stuck next to an Avs fan.
Thanks for the condolences Ms. C.
Perhaps SRV did go with someone but I couldn’t remember it. Also, there are times that I get fed bad information from my co-worker (imagine that). Perhaps the instigator rule should be eliminated from the work place as well???
kgopher: When Franchise did come back last year on Jan 21 after missing 28 games and got that goal in Couver, that Rick Flair-esque “Woooooooo”, was priceless. Wish some enterprising photographer would turn that shot of him skating by the Nux bench doing the “Woooo” into a poster. They could put it up in the lower-level concourse at the “X”. That said, while the goal was nice and the reaction was better, it would have better served the Wild had somebody, prior to the Jan 21 game, grabbed Ohlund by the scruff of the neck and administered a barage of rights to the lower portion of his jawline. Would never hope/wish injury on any player, except of course Matt Cooke and now Darcy “you mother” Tucker, but here’s hopin’ Boogey/Weller, etc, etc, is able to get hold of the little wet fart of a human turd on Dec. 1 and let’s it be known in no uncertain terms that taking runs at our players’ knees is something that will not be tolerated.
Here’s the video of Tucker taking out Peca’s knees.
Yeah, Tom, here’s the article about it:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/17879944.html
Deep…nice.
Old Mother Tucker.
Thanks Ms. C, I stand corrected…
On a different subject, does anyone who gets the NHL Network on DirecTV channel 215 know if we will get the HNIC feed of the Vancouver game on Saturday as scheduled or will that channel be blacked out here in MN since Dumb and Dumber are calling the game on FSN?
[…] to Shultz, it was at this point that Tucker told him he was going to come and take out his knees. Then, true to his word, in the third period, Darcy reached deep into his old playbook and pulled […]
Wow, it seems even the Avs fans think Tucker deserves a suspension for the hit.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2008/11/06/will-tucker-be-suspended/
No dice Tom - I am fairly sure blackouts apply to cable and the dish 
Goody: nice link. Good to see that Avs fans are being the homers they could be expected to be. They must realize, as the street walkers on East Lake Street say, “A prick is a prick is a prick”.
“but here’s hopin’ Boogey/Weller, etc, etc, is able to get hold of the little wet fart of a human turd on Dec. 1″
That’s funny stuff…and I couldn’t agree more.
Weller earned his keep by keeping Ian in check with a couple knuckle sandwiches. Lepue~ is just bitter his name is Ian. Wow, Tucker makes Ian look like a prince. I don’t care who beats Tucker down, but it needs to be done.
Glad to see all the love for Benoit. He’s a little sloppy sometimes and his breezers look like he’s wearing a barrel, but he provides and offensive spark/excitement that few others do.
Hate both Tucker and Laperriere, but at least I have some respect for Lap. He is a fan favorite over there in Denver, and from Goody’s link, it looks like their fans want nothing to do with Tucker.
I hope there will be a suspension, but I doubt it. This adds fuel to the fire when facing the Avs for the rest of the season though.
It is very telling that even Avs fans won’t stand up for him… gotta be pretty low for that to happen.
I don’t mind “tough” players. Guys like Phaneuf, who will try to crush you directly through the wall and into row 4, but who also are willing to toss the paws if neccessary. Guys like Tucker, Cooke, Avery, Rhuutu, etc, simply need to be weeded out with a barage of enforcement alongside the head. You hear talking heads on TV speak about how “if he’s on your team the fans love him, but if he plays for the other team, you hate him.” I disagree. Guys like Tucker, etc, are pr!cks and will always be pr!cks, regardless what sweater they are wearing.
Lamest and Stupidest NHL team teaser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr_z0DzzJYQ
aired prior to the Panters vs. Wild game. Seriously, let’s just relocate the Panthers now.
That is pretty bad sunshine.
If that is their mascot though it is better then the FUGLY thing we have named Nordy.
Do you think that “The Don” will be upset that his Sunday column about the NHL Injury Disclosure Rules has been scooped by both Brian Murphy across the river and Jim Kelley on CNNSI?
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10922325
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jim_kelley/11/06/injury.disclosure/index.html?eref=T1
Another good performance from Reitz on the blueline. He is answering the call when needed, and I think his play has been very consistent. Also, I like this mean-streak he has going on
Yeah, Richard, I’m really happy with how he’s progressing up there. That’s how he played in Houston and I missed that out of him. I guess he’s finally confident and comfortable enough to play his game now. As long as he keeps the boneheaded plays mostly at bay, I’m delighted.
Just saw the Cooke-Peckham video. For a cheap shot artist Cooke certainly won’t fight–just play dirty.
OK, I’ll put in my two cents on Tucker.
Boogey will not go with him, not because he doesn’t want to, but because Tucker won’t go with him, no way, no how. Boogey is not going to jump him either, not his style.
It will have to be Weller, or Nolan like someone said up above. Unless of course one of the other guys wants to handle it, but that too is doubtful. Burns is going to be coming back from IR, going to be staying away from the fights.
Schultz could do it, but Shultzie is not the greatest thrower in the league.
Personally, I’d love it to be Nolan. That guy is one tough mother.
Oh, and Voros should have ripped Smith’s helmet off and pounded him into the ice. Goalies (speaking as a former goalie) need to know their place, and watch the stick work. They are hockey players too, and should be ready to take their beating should they decide to act like children.
/rant.
Reopen that rant for a moment…
Who’s going to suspend Tucker? Colin Campbell? The same guy who gave Ohlund a four game suspension for hatcheting Mikko?
The same Colin Campbell who gave Pronger what 2 games for stomping a guys foot?
Yeah right. The NHL won’t suspend Tucker. They love the agitators and the role they play, otherwise they would do something about them. Avery, Ott, Cooke, Tucker, Rutuu. All of them should be gone, but they aren’t because the NHL tells the refs to protect them. They do thier deed, then run to the nearest zebra and hide.
Get the zebras to push them away, let the heavyweights break their pretty little sissy ass noses and then see if they do it again.
Screw Campbell. He’s the biggest sissy of them all… “Oh I can’t suspend him for that… what kind of message would I send then when Pronger does it and I don’t suspend him because he’s a star?”
Whatever. Suspension. No way.
What Peckham did to Cooke is EXACTLY what Boogie needs to do. Come flying in, gloves dropped and just start throwing ‘em. They don’t have to have a nice chat and cup of freaking tea before they square off.
Buddha - to me this is a different type of incident. When a crapbag like Tucker tries to take out one of your top-notch players (clearly with intent to injure) he gives up the right to have a choice if he wants to dance or not. Everyone in this league isn’t going to act like May, and pay his dues when they know they have it coming.
Exactly the point Buddha - Whats going to happen to Boogie if he jumps Tucker and pounds his face in. Worst case 4 games, but not likely given Campbells ridiculous track record.
Granted the league will look at Boogie differently but still, he has no suspensions on the books.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Boogie do it… but he won’t. Like I said, not his style. He’s old school. Has to be an accepted fight. Honorable.
Wild need to go hard after that POS Tucker. Take the fine, penalty, etc., but just beat the crap out of him in the next game. Not once, but twice. If they do not do this, then they basically deserve this type of play, as they are accepting it, if not inviting it.
Honorable to who? His opponent? What about his own teammates? Its his role to make sure that doesn’t happen, and if it does it needs to be dealt with. I agree with you that its not his style, and for 95% of the time it shouldn’t be. But that 5% of the time could sure scare the crap right out of crap bags like Tucker.
MLB, judging from the nickname you chose, I’m guessing you are a casual fan.
Go read “The Code” and come back and talk to me about honorable to who. To his opponent, yes. And to the game.
To his teammates? Yes. But they know it’s not his role too. It will be handled. If Tucker wants to be a man about it (doubtful) then it will be Boogie. If he doesn’t, then one of the other guys will have to handle it.
Boogie knows his role. Better than most in the NHL, and much better than you or I do. If he is only honorable 95% of the time, he loses the respect of other heavy weights, and he is no longer a threat to the other team, he becomes a joke on level with Tucker.
This is below Boogie’s level. Like launching a nuke to react to a machine gun.
Target is right. Its no coincidence that the Wild continually have problems with the “instigators” of the league. We simply do not deal with them.
I tend to agree with Buddha that Boogie isn’t gonna jump a guy, and I think we should all be grateful that he plays by the code and has the respect of his peers as a result.
But Weller can take him just fine. That’s why we have that guy. I haven’t looked at their relative sizes, but Weller’s a pretty big boy.
Don’t underestimate my knowledge of the game. I am well aware of the code and all the bullcrap that goes with it. The question was rhetorical.
My point is simple. Tucker follows no code, he needs to be dealt with. His own fans, his own city won’t defend him. Stop living in the past with the stupid code. Maybe the code needs to be revised to state if a instigator intends to injure a player he has to be dealt with.
The instigator is a plague in the league, and needs to be stopped. If Campbell won’t do it, who will? I doubt Weller is really going to scare Tucker, and will have no impact.
Boogie would be defending the core values of the NHL by letting it be known that type of play is unacceptable. Plain and simple.
Ms. conduct I understand he won’t do it, I’m simply saying he should. Weller barely handled Lappy. Next your going to tell me Voros was a good scrapper too..
The stupid code? Wow. Go back to baseball buddy.
The guys who follow no code need to be dealt with, yes, but not by the guys that do. Sorry. If you don’t like it, basketball needs more fans too.
Well, the RULES of the NHL do not jive with the “core values” of the NHL… I think they’re the core values of hockey, but not the NHL. But I realize I’m verging on a tangential, semantic argument there…
If I’m being honest? Sure, there’s part of me that wants Boogie to just let loose on the guy, and who cares if *ucker never drops his mitts and who cares what the fines and suspensions are.
But there’s another part of me that feels as sick to my stomach about him doing that as I feel about *ucker’s threat/follow-through. Maybe that makes me a weenie or something but it’s how I feel.
Bottom line, if the league is gonna take the power away from the players to police the game, they need to step up and take action. I don’t think they will, but they certainly should.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdc201C9a78&feature=related
This is the proper response to a cheap shot to one of your key players.
Yeah, the code is the issue here. If progressively more people aren’t following it, something needs to change. Please explain to me what the code is doing for the league if doesn’t address agitators? The code discusses enforcers and heavyweights aka a dying breed. The code is supposed to protect the integrity of the game. Which to me, (not a casual fan, btw) is not being protected.
So in your mind who would deal with Tucker? What player on the Wild does not follow the “code”? By your statements you think nothing should happen to him..I’m pretty sure the code doesn’t spell out who gets to fight Darcy Tucker.
Lamest and Stupidest NHL team teaser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr_z0DzzJYQ
aired prior to the Panters vs. Wild game. Seriously, let’s just relocate the Panthers now.
/facepalm
/agree
Yes, yes it was…
And don’t forget what happend to the original agitator, Mr. Claude Lemieux. He got the everliving crap kicked out of him by McCarty aka an enforcer.
Here’s my question: what exactly will pummeling Tucker do? Is it going to change his behavior? Is it going to show the Wild is “tough” and “won’t take it?” It’s not like Tucker hasn’t been at the receiving end of a fight before.
<a href=”http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/07/woman-stricken-at-chicago-game-dies-mother-died-in-1986-under-similar-circumstances/”This is freaky.
Dammit.
Ask Claude if he going to check Draper into the boards again. Thats what it is going to do. Fear, plain and simple. Sure Tucker has gotten the crap beat out of him before, but not here, and not by Boogie.
Changing the subject briefly:
Three weeks after the death of top prospect Alexei Cherepanov, the New York Rangers are seeking a compensatory pick in the second round of the 2009 NHL draft, saying “with all due respect to Alexei’s family and his memory, he is technically eligible to be drafted again next year,” the New York Post has reported.
*ucker isn’t gonna change but maybe it makes him think twice when there’s a consequence for his actions.
Just based on what I’ve read about enforcers and their mentality, I wonder if Boogie isn’t a little pissed that Nick didn’t clue him in to the situation. From what I’ve read, these guys really do take the burden of protection on their shoulders pretty seriously and but they can’t deal with what they don’t know about.
I think Lemieux would check Draper into the boards again. Fear? Please. Those types of guys don’t change. If they did change, they wouldn’t keep acting they way they do.
Apparently your lack of knowledge of the game follows only your lack of ability to read English.
The cide does spell it out. Quite clearly. Boogie asks him to go. If he doesn’t, someone like Weller does it. The code is followed, if Tucker won’t man up, then the code says one of the lesser brawlers does the dirty work.
Seriously, I think I said that. Simple English.
I also never said that nothing should happen, unless you can point out which statement I made that says that. I wish he would drop with Boogie and let him have at it. Won’t happen. I never said it shouldn’t, I said it won’t. Again, simple English.
Weller or Nolan will be left to deal with Tucker. Though knowing him, he won’t man up against them either. The Wild players are smart enough, and have enough love of the game that if he continues to turtle, they will not jump him.
You want that, call Bertuzzi, maybe he can come and break his neck. That suit your need? No one on the Wild is going to do that.
I guarantee no one in the locker room, including Schultz wants anyone to jump the guy. Schultz likely wants the league to do something about it. They won’t, but he can still want them to.
I won’t debate the code with you. If you have ever played the game past a peewee level, you know it, and you know its purpose, and would never call it stupid. Without it, people get hurt a lot more often than with only a couple idiots like Tucker out there. Without it, there would be teams full of Tucker-like players.
I agree with KiPA. He’ll keep doing it. Once an Avs player goes down to a retaliation cheap shot by another non-code player, then the situation might be handled in house.
And I don’t think Claude is going to check anyone again. He is too old, and his comeback bid failed. And if he is the original agitator… you have a lot of reading to do.
If he were playing, guarantee he goes after who ever he wants to. He still has to play. Still has to finish his checks.
The solution is what won’t happen: the league has to step in and suspend him.
MLB, guys like you are not welcomed here. Why? Because you are intelligent and have something new and refreshing to add to this forum. In contrast, this blog is dominated 24/7 by the same 10 posers, er, posters who spend all their time in this online hockey world where they and their anonymous eFriends get to pretend that they know everything there is to know about the game of hockey. No doubt from the oodles of experience they have from watching it on their couch. Yup. It’s a new day, but the same old village idiots are still hanging around Russoville.
Original agitator = Kenny ‘the Rat’ Linseman
Pummel Tucker if you want. I won’t deny he deserves it. I just think the only thing that’ll happen is it gives the Avs a five-minute major power play, and next game, Tucker will be right back at his antics. ’tis my opinion and others are entitled to theirs.
Unless Boogard actually knocks Tucker’s head clean off, then I don’t think Tucker’s antics will continue.
You keep living in your narrow minded world Buddha. Good for you. I’m happy for you.
If you can read between the lines, which you can’t do, you would understand what I am saying. I’ll trying spelling it out for you.
The league needs the code, but like any living breathing set of written or unwritten rules in an organization it needs to be adapted to the times. And yes in this generation of hockey, you old fart, Claude was one of the originators of the new instigator role.
If Tucker gets to pick who he wants to fight, the impact is immediately diminished. I’m not asking for Boogie to jump him for no reason. It has to be in direct response to that type of play. This is where the code is stupid and falls short. Your protecting the guilty not the innocent.
YouGuysSuck - I couldn’t agree more.
Yo, haven’t read through this blog yet so someone may have already touched on this. Does anyone know what happened last night with Voros and Mike Smith? I hear Mike Smith pounded Voros but I can’t watch the video at work?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4HNBmOYx1w
Can someone break this down as to what happened? Curiosity is getting the best of me! Thx!
Would I like to see Boogey go nuts on Tucker? Maybe. Sure, even.
But it won’t happen.
Does that make Boogey “soft”? Please.
The NHL wants players to exhibit just enough of the tough guy attitude to tease fans along, but if they step over the line then the league will smack them down. It’s a double-standard, but it’s the way it is.
Taking pot shots at people who hang out here just because they don’t agree with you is unproductive. It’s also a bad way to earn some currency around here - which, judging by your complaining about lack of same is exactly what you’re looking for.
YouGuysSuck: you wanna talk some puck? Fine. Bring it. But if all you’re going to do is troll then don’t expect anything better in return. MLB: Buddha has given you solid, hockey-based reasons for his disagreement. You don’t have to agree with him, or even agree to disagree, but don’t sit there and pretend he’s just calling you bad names.
Ah the final arguement of the person who can’t defend his position. “Keep living in your narrow minded world.”
I will. No problem, I like it here. The ice is cold, the snow is fresh, and hockey is always on.
If you and YGS do not like the fact that people with more knowledge of the game and can defend their arguements like to debate the game in the same place every day or so, there are plenty of other places to go.
Bring all of the fresh ideas you want, but you best be able to defend them. Thats all we ask.
Old fart. Hee hee. That’s a good one. You make me smile.
jaM-
I wouldn’t say Smith pounded anyone. He slashed Voros hard, took a bad penalty. Then when Voros came back for “a chat,” Smith dropped his gloves, they exchanged maybe two slaps, and it was over. Smith never even bothered to take of his mask.
YGS-remember, you need to count Beaver/Mister Know it All/Good Old Wally as 1 person, so it really is only 7 people who post here.
Add in yourself (Mike, we know it’s you) and your 28 other personalities/screen names and now you’re looking at negative numbers.
My initial comment on this seems to have been lost in the “fracas” - but does anyone else think it’s odd Bergeron had less than 7 minutes last night?
Thx Budda! I figured it was alittle over exaggerated from what I heard.
MAB hasn’t been my favorite player so far this season, WildinSea. He’s either taking penalties, missing assignments on defense or missing the net with a shot from the point on the PP.
Buddha says:
November 7th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Personally, I’d love it to be Nolan. That guy is one tough mother.
Shut your mouth!
I’ve actually defended myself quite well. Please explain to me how I haven’t? What point what you like me to explain further?
I still haven’t heard an explanation from you other than, my screenname is MLB so I must know nothing about hockey, and the code says so, so we must do it.
You haven’t addressed any of my arguments, but thats fine I realize you can’t form logic.
WildInSeattle - since Reitz got some PK time it looks like JL trusts him more with the lead - MAB is going to have to be more effective with that awesome shot to stay out of the press box if Reitz continues to preform well.
Because MLB, you continue to say that Boogie should jump the guy, despite the fact that he ISN’T GOING TO. Why he isn’t going to is because of the code. Regardless of if you think it’s stupid (which shows your lack of knowledge of the game), it is what it is.
Boogie follows the code because it is his bread and butter. Without it, he is helping hold siding up in really high places for short people.
That’s the logic you are asking for. Boogie follows the code, thus he will not jump Tucker. Tucker does not follow the code, thus he will not fight Boogie. The code then dictates that Nolan or Weller will take care of the problem, thus we will need to wait and see if they do.
Your logic is this: The code is stupid, so Boogie should jump the guy. Throw tradition, something Boggie has a great deal of respect for, out the window because you want blood.
Why don’t you do this. Write something worth rading for a couple years, get a press pass, hop on a plane, and go interview Tucker. Look him in the face and tell him you want to go a couple rounds. See where that gets you.
Boogie is not going to fight him. Case closed. Tucker is not man enough, and Boogie is too smart, and too repsectful of the game.
Don’t know how much more logic you would like.
Goody:
SHAFT!
NiNY, I agree, MAB hasn’t impressed me much yet either, and he does seem to be a liability out there. That leads me to think his low minutes last night are due to the fact he may already be in the dog house.
I do feel like Zids is acclimating faster than MAB, though. He and Skoula were together on some of those PKs last night and obviously did fine.
YGS…I know you are but what am I?
Buddha says:
November 7th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Goody:
SHAFT!
I can dig it.
Glad someone picked up what I was trying for.
Besides, I assume everyone realizes this is what Tucker and others do. They play borderline “tough” hockey, occasionally (in some cases, more than occasionally) crossing the line into cheap hits. They don’t fight but they invite cheap shots done to them, whether it’s checking them from behind or pummeling them as people are suggesting Boogard do. They won’t fight back so they’ll make their opponent shorthanded, thus getting into their heads.
Teams could decide to start taking cheap shots at Tucker’s star teammates (run Stastny into the boards, which will then invite someone whacking Koivu’s leg again) but that’ll quickly send things into a downward spiral.
If these agitators are at least playing semi-clean (I didn’t get good looks at both Cooke’s hits last night, but the one at center ice seemed legit), there’s nothing you can do but play clean, physical hockey against them or their stars.
Once they cross the line into what Tucker did, the league has to step in. If Boogard (or anyone) decides to blindly jump him, all Tucker will do is turtle, then walk away grinning because Boogard gets a bunch of penalty minutes, Boogard’s teammates will be yapping at Tucker and not worrying about playing hockey, and he’ll continue to do what he does.
I’m not saying there’s a place in hockey for types like him (I’d be horribly contradictory if I said there wasn’t) but that’s what they do.
The angst should be directed to where it always should be: the league higher-ups for allowing them to play as dirty as they do.
In a pre-Halloween article, ESPN or Fox picked Boogey as the #1 scariest player in the NHL above Laraque and others. Can’t find the article however. Anyway, if Boogey’s presence doesn’t stop guys like Tucker, Cooke, et al, it gets a bit hard to justify his spot on the bench. If the Code says that all the heavyweights do is fight each other as an occasional side card to a game, what’s the point other than fan entertainment? Boogey doesn’t have to fight him, but he sure can run his sorry little punkin’ a$$ through the glass and into the 4-5th row or the goal post. There won’t be one Av there to stand up for him and it will slow Tucker down and make him think twice about cheap shots. Tough hockey is one thing, cheap, intent to injure shots can be controlled and discouraged with retaliation. If these guys are going to throw what they allege are “hip checks”, it would be nice if they learned to do it cleanly ala good ol’Curt Giles.
Kevin in PA is right. Russo should not let this story die. The more it is brought up the more the NHL will fllow it. The next game there will be no chape shots becuase the NHL is looking.
If I were a player I would tell the NHL that I am voting to re-open the CBA if the instagator rule is not removed. Becuase if there is no susspension for Tucker the league has no control over its players. We might as well go back tot the code because it appears it worked better at protecitng players then Colin Cambell.
Buddha - My logic is actually this. The code needs to be REVISED. You assume Tucker will enjoy and welcome getting the crap beat out of him by Boogie. How many times did Fridge fight Boogie after he broke his face? Its human nature. The point is the league isn’t fixing the problem, and the code isn’t fixing the problem, ie something is broken. You propose sending Nolan or Weller after him. Fine, great, but your letting Tucker pick his poison, which I wholeheartedly disagree with. Why should get to pick who is going to fight?
So let me repeat, the code is necessary but in its current state it is not doing what it was intened to do, ie keep players safe.
So let me ask you this, how is sending Weller or Nolan going to do anything differnt if you don’t think Boogie will have an impact on Tucker’s actions?
That is pretty bright comment about hoping on a plane, because that is relevant how? when did I ever say I want to go a couple rounds with Tucker? Hmm. your talking nonsense. And if Boogie breaks Tuckers face I’m pretty sure all the Avs will be coming at him and getting in their heads. We have seen that time and time again with Boogie. Go watch the Oiler games from a couple years back.
I’d be cutting Bergie’s minutes, too. I was liking him for about 2 games and then it’s been downhill ever since. He’s squirrely and isn’t getting enough of those big shots off to make up for his abysmal penalty proneness. Agree with 6GS that Reitz’s more reliable play has enabled Jacques to do that.
Stoned on the Breakaway - I completely agree with your comments. If Boogie is resorted to being a sideshow what is his purpose? To fight Shelley or Laraque twice a year. If he doesn’t do anything there is no point for him to be on the bench.
And why isn’t anyone talking about Foote taking a slash to PMB’s leg, last night? I thought that play was just as dirty. The trend of dirty intent to injure play is growing rapant around the league.
But its okay the code will save us.
I heard a comment from Sean “Botox” Avery the other day where he was saying that Bettman just doesn’t get it. If he wants to grow attendance he needs to add more “villians” to the mix. Bad guys get people all riled up and interested. Culturally, we have devolved to where “in your face” trash talking, humiliating your opponent and a general decline in sportsmanship is not only accepted, but embraced and promoted. Football and basketball have been the biggest culprits for a long time and I lost what little interest I had in them long ago. Hockey has been it for me, but as I watch youngsters like Avery and Cooke pollute the waters, it becomes more and more clear that in the drive to grow attendance and viewership, the NHL will go the way of the WWF. I don’t know how guys like Lemaire and Tremblay stand and watch this crap day in and day out. At least I can turn it off.
I have a problem with taking Schultz’ word on this episode. Speaking as a below average height person myself, maybe Schultz’ knees are too high? Ever think of that? Tucker only runs about 5′10” or so and Schultz is a big boy. Perhaps this is another classic case of height discrimination. Besides, he started the whole deal by popping Tucker in the gab in the scrum in front of the Minny net during the 2nd period and got Tucker chirping. The Wild are constantly whining about something. Props to Tucker for taking Schultz off his game. Now, we need better netminding and some scores.
Dave, So maybe tucker should have stayed standing up if he is such a small person. Also, being a below average hight person, he should not try to play like a big boy.
Dave, terrible logic. If that we the case shouldn’t PMB be breaking ankles of players?
Going for the knees in any sport is bogus and totally BUSH LEAGUE!!
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20082009/GS020187.HTM not even a “clip” he got a tripping penalty. And the AP listed Tucker as the third star of the game.
Plus, Schultz is a classy guy… Obama league.
Revsing the code would be more difficult than revising the Declaration of Independence.
It has been around for almost as long, too. The players in the league have played with the code in place since they were kids. It has been instilled in them as much as cross overs and skating backwards.
Then there are the people who don’t follow it. Those people end up making the league look like a joke. More so than even the Boogey / Shelley bout that was suggested.
To revise the code, you would need to rewrite history. Not sure you or I have the time for that. It’s just not something that can be changed.
As for hopping on a plane, I was suggesting (if you read the rest of it) that only the fans are calling for blood. Boogie has to face the guy again, has to face the rest of the league. You don’t. You and so many others out there think it is just so simple for Boogie to jump him and that settles it. It doesn’t. It only escalates it, and makes Boogie look bad.
If he jumps Tucker, the next time Weller pisses someone off, do they just jump Weller? Or do the heavy weights settle it, the way they have done it the entire history of the game?
the code does keep players safe. how many players are actually hurt by the idiots in the league each year? Now remove the cide, and it’s open season.
I’m with all of the calls to remove the instigator penalty. It’s stupid, and it gets in the way of the code working. It has led to these agitators being able to hurt people more than anything. That and the other rules like if you start a fight while another is already going on… blah blah blah.
I’m also all for Boogie going out and crushing Tucker five rows deep through the boards. I’m OK with Boogie going out and fighting Tucker, if Tucker will do it. He gets to choose his poison, only in regards to fighting a heavyweight. Again, it’s the code, and Boogie follows it. Like it or not.
Nolan beating Tucker would be just as satisfying for the blood thirsty out there, and it still follows the code. Nolan can also under the code grab him by the jersey and pummel him if he doesn’t answer the bell with Boogie.
Sending Weller or Nolan after Tucker will not do anything in regards to Tucker’s play. Nothing will. Not extra penalties, not a suspension, nothing. He won’t think twice about doing it again, because he has always played that way, and teams continue to pay him.
Only way to stop him and the others is to stop hiring them.
sorry for the length there all…
Don’t worry we didn’t read the whole thing–short attention spans.
The reason I’d like to see Boogey grab Darcy, that Mother Tucker, and lay a few rights to the side of his jaw is this: I don’t care if it “deters” him from doing it in the future. I don’t care if it costs the Wild a 5-min major, they are the league’s top penalty killers anyway. I harken back to a day a couple of years ago when young Todd Fedoruk thought he wanted a piece of the Boogeyman. He got to eat through a straw for 6 weeks and is now 1 hard check away from a telethon. Boogey puts a hard right in the correct location, and Darcy, that Mother Tucker, is on the sidelines for a good six weeks. Hard to be an agitator whilst sitting in the pressbox trying to remember one’s own name
We’ve all seen this 100 times, but it is worth another look:
re: DT clipping. The only other team I followed, mainly cause of Bruno, and the beat write does a good job with the blog. This topic is in the Avs blog.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/
write = writer (ooops)
Boogey puts a hard right in the correct location, and Darcy, that Mother Tucker, is on the sidelines for a good six weeks
Now that’s a cause I’ll heartily support.
I respect the feeling DB, and I would like to SEE it, but I don’t want it to happen. If Boogie grabs Tucker and caves his face in without Tucker even dropping the gloves, he’ll be almost as reviled as Bertuzzi. I know people already don’t like him, but I don’t want to see what happens when other agitators come to town and Boogie is suspended for 20+ games.
I’m with you DB… but the difference here is, Fridge wanted that fight. He picked it, wanted it, and got it. He didn’t run someone else, he didn’t hurt anyone (except himself), he picked a fight with Boogie and got what was coming.
You guys buy the plane ticket and I’ll fight him!
We could go completely WWF and have Chris Simon do a run-in chair-bashing when the refs aren’t looking.
Dave…that scoring change is all part of the NHL conspiricy to legitimize agitators and to destroy the code.
They DO want to be the WWE.
MLB…the code stopped being truly effective when the instigator rule was added. That gives turtles the ‘heart’ to mix it up and run without paying for their borderline play.
Even a ‘Rat’ like Linseman eventually had to pay for dirty plays before the instigator rule.
The code had it’s place in the NHL, and I think Boogaard is right to respect it.
But, do you bring a knife to a gunfight?
I know Fridge wanted that fight, for reasons unbeknown to all human understanding, but I just wanted to illustrate (with video) as to what can happen with the properly placed right hand. Also, I don’t want to see Boogey simply grab the Mother Tucker and go to town. But, puck is in the corner, a few players are in there scrappin’ around for it, all of a sudden a little pushing and shoving. *winking* It’s so hard to see who starts these things. Next thing you know, Darcy is being asked if he wants a cheeseburger shake or a pizza malt
Needless to say, the next Avs/Wild game (Monday, Dec. 1st, 7:00 PM, Versus) should bring with it a lot of hope…er, hype…
Plays like the third perod cheap shot run by Darcy Tucker are the reason the instigator rule should be eliminated. If the NHL really wanted to, Bettman the Cowardly could summarily eliminate the rule ‘for the good of the Game.’
Of course, that would mean Bettman actually listens to someone who isn’t a lawyer…
On my happy note for the day….checked out the FF team this AM after the broncos game. Jay Cutler - 24 completions, 447yds, 3tds, 1int, 47.78 FPs! and as far as FH goes, I hope no one ever tells Timmay Thomas or Miller that history has indicated that they are not supposed to get shutouts. sure helps the team when you have 3Ws, 3SOs, and a 0.00 GAA!
Thomas doesn’t have any shutouts this week.
and living in Boulder, as a half-hearted Broncos fan, sucks for the Torian kid, can anyone in Russoville run a football? You could probably get a job with the Broncos as a RB.
KiPA: last week he had 2….just referring to the season so far…
Dont look for anything to happen with Darcy Tucker. If he really wanted to go after someones knees he could have. The Wild will finish the checks and that is it.
Well you seemed to be referencing your team this week. Luongo’s the one with two shutouts.
