Burrows on Bouchard: “I don’t like him”; Tucker not suspended; Special night for Gillies?; Parrish on hat trick; “Demo” speaks
Posted on November 8th, 2008 – 4:39 PMBy Michael Russo
Wild at Vancouver:
Colton Gillies in. Krys Kolanos and Tomas Mojzis scratched.
I am famous. I made Adrian Dater’s blog on the Denver Post today. I might commission a few of you stronger fellows in Russoville to offer me protection the next time the Wild plays Colorado. Funny thing is I thought I was stronger on Tucker in my blog after the game the other night. Not to disagree with my friend, Adrian, but the big difference between Veilleux and Tucker is Veilleux was apologetic, said he’s not that type of player and has no history of such actions. Now Tucker on the other hand …
1. There was typical Vancouver-Minnesota angst down at the GM Place this morning. It’s always something when these two rivals meet. And this morning’s controversy didn’t even have Mikko Koivu and Mattias Ohlund involved.
Alex Burrows was asked about his running feud with little Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and he stayed consistent with what he said on Hockey Night in Canada’s After Hours two weeks ago. He hates the Wild’s Bouchard more than any opponent.
Burrows, one of the chief agitators in the NHL, said he plans to be in Bouchard’s face like always tonight and talk some smack. He said their feud goes back to the Quebec League, but Bouchard says he doesn’t even remember playing against Burrows back in junior.
Burrows said when the two skate together in the summers, he refuses to even pass Bouchard the puck. He said if the two were the only ones in a hallway together, he wouldn’t even acknowledge Bouchard.
Bouchard wanted no part of this stuff this morning. He tried to take the high road, but said Burrows is a cheap-shot artist and loves to talk a big game. We’ll see if they have any run-ins tonight. Remember, last season Bouchard actually fought Burrows (which I predicted months earlier, by the way) after Burrows speared him in the gut.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Wild can remain composed with Burrows tonight because his comments made their way around the Wild locker room, and Wild players weren’t happy. Stephane Veilleux said Bouchard is one of the most likeable players in the league and Burrows might be the only guy in history who doesn’t like Bouchard.
But I’ll tell you what, a lot of players dislike Burrows. Remember he’s the guy that slashed Brian Rolston during Burrows’ rookie year when Rolston was bleeding from the ear. Rolston went off after the game, saying, something like, what’s the guy been in the league five minutes?
2. Darcy Tucker was not punished for clipping Nick Schultz the other night. Clipping. Need I remind you the penalty was actually invented for Tucker after he low-bridged Mike Peca during the 2002 playoffs and tore the guy’s ACL and MCL.
Wild players were furious Tucker wasn’t punished. Derek Boogaard said that Tucker threatened to take out Schultz’s knees three times at the end of the second period with two linesmen and one referee right there. And then he actually attempts it, and the refs give him two for clipping instead of what it actually was — an intent to injure, which should have been a match penalty and suspension. That’s a ref clearly with no awareness of what’s going on in the game.
And then the league lets Tucker get away with it.
3. Colton Gillies is from the Lower Mainland of Vancouver, and he purchased 21 tickets for tonight. “Pretty penny,” he said.
However, Gillies doesn’t know yet if he’s playing. He was scratched in Colorado. Ironically, remember at the beginning of the road trip I did a big story on the friendship between Gillies and Phoenix rookie Kyle Turris? The Coyotes were here the other night and Wayne Gretzky scratched Turris, and he had 100-plus people in the stands.
Gillies is praying he’ll get to play. Jacques Lemaire did say he probably would make one lineup change tonight, and one has to think if that’s true, it’ll be Gillies and not Tomas Mojzis playing for Craig Weller or even Krys Kolanos, who was behind the play a lot in Colorado the other night.
Another outside possibility, although I doubt it, but maybe Mojzis plays for Marc-Andre Bergeron, who only played 6 1/2 minutes the other night and has been unable to move two players in the crease in the last two games, both of which have scored — Tucker and Mike Grier. But again, I tend to doubt that.
4. I spoke to Mark Parrish today about his hat trick last night in his Dallas debut. He was really excited and had a few interesting things to say, which I’ll squeeze into tomorrow’s paper. He gets right back at it tonight as the Stars are in San Jose. His ex-teammates were all excited for the popular Parrish. Many Wild players this morning were saying, “See what Parrish did last night?”
5. Talked with Pavol Demitra this morning. He’s close to returning from a rib injury but won’t play tonight. He was disappointed. He was very friendly and said Jacques Lemaire treated him incredibly. He said his biggest frustration in Minnesota was not playing center, but being switched from line to line. He was also good talking about Marian Gaborik’s situation and said the Wild should just sign him.
I’ll squeeze some Demitra stuff in tomorrow’s paper, but I may need to hold some stuff for Monday as it’s doubtful the Wild practices Sunday because it doesn’t even leave Vancouver until the morning.
Ok, that’s it from here. Must write. Tonight’s the Wild’s first Hockey Night in Canada game of the new season. Talk to you later.
200 Responses to "Burrows on Bouchard: “I don’t like him”; Tucker not suspended; Special night for Gillies?; Parrish on hat trick; “Demo” speaks"
Typical NHL not to do anything about Tucker. When the next serious injury occurs what will they do then? The X should reverberate with “Kill Tucker” when he comes to town. Maybe Nolan or Weller will clobber him.
That was a beefy post.
Talk about an early supper, Michael, …lots of news in that post…
Darcy Tucker will get his, especially after today’s ruling by the League office. If he survives to Dec. 1, someone will get him. Somehow, someway, but he will be hunted down. Now, if the League office wishes to look the other way again, that would be all right with me…
Alex Burrows is a punk. No other, kinder, gentler way to put it. He’s just a punk that can’t handle the fact that his buddy, Bouchard, is a much better, more well-rounded, better paid hockey player than he is. Too bad, Alex. Deal with it, man up, and quit threatening (unless it’s John Garrett, Canucks’ color man and former Fighting Saints goalie. Go beat HIM up if you want. We might respect you for that.)
Where was Mark Parrish when he was supposed to be doing that here in Minnesota? Three goals vs. Phoenix? Where the heck was THAT?
And a word for Pavol Demitra: You quit on the team during the stretch drive, pal. Why don’t you just admit that, since you didn’t get your way and play with Gaby all the time, you just shut it down the last 4-6 weeks of the season?
IMO, Demitra and the Canucks deserve each other. Underachieving forward on an underachieving team…
That WAS beefy! Someone give the man a Pulitzer!
What kinda clown hates Butch more than anybody else in the league? A league with Brad May in it. Sheesh.
I’ll keep an eye out for you, Nick. Have a great time!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Normally, as I understand it, Lemaire does put in players if its known that they are playing in their hometown or if his parents’ are in the stands. He understands the importance of it and that the player might have extra incentive/urgency to score a goal.
However, with so many players out, I don’t know if Lemaire would play him. Gillies is just as good as Weller.
No Center Ice tonight? I can’t find it on mine.
Its on the NHL Network and FSN
Ahhh, thanks.
I love the Canucks and Wild games. I was at the game with the big fight. My sister, who is a hockey newbie, was hoping for a big fight and she got her money’s worth.
It was crazy that night.
the wild knew what they were getting when they signed parrish.he has never been known for his skating,and that is what the wild do.he needs to be around playmakers,and there is only one bouchard on the team.he never was a good fit here.i hope he does well in dallas,just not against the wild
But fighting is bad, sunshine… You both should have averted your eyes. 
I like the Nucks games, too. Nice little line-up on HNIC, though I’ll be watching the Aeros during the Habs/Leafs game. In fact, I should probably check on when that’s gonna start.
Does anyone remember the Vielleux hit on Stasny last year? I don’t. I’d like to see how dirty that was to add perspective. Like the Don said we gotta get his back.
Wait, so there’s no score in the Toronto-Montreal game? Frickin Yahoo and ESPN say it’s 4-0.
Okay, now Toronto just scored.
We’ve got your back Russo. You just pick up the plane ticket to Denver!
Good for Parrish. Class guy, hope Dallas works out for him.
Darcy is vindicated! I love watching you Mild fans get all in a tizzy over the injustice of the NHL. You know, Minnesota rejected the NHL before, maybe you ought to just sell the team to the Blackberry guy and go back to whining about the Gophers and the high school tournament. The rest of the league drafts those players anyway.
Wow you’re a tool…talking smack over the internet. I’m totally impressed.
Vindicated, your a idiot. Maybe you and Dater and can meet up with me and Russo sometime?
DaK, go back to surfing for kiddie porn.
I like Daves a killer Russoville regulars. Yes Yes Yes The Wild think no player playing hockey in the state of Minnesota can produce hockey results if they play NHL hockey at home. It should be absolutely humiliating for the home town crowd to not have the Wild have just 1 player born in the state of Minnesota in the WHOLE SYSTEM ! I am not telling anybody to fire DR but he has done a horrible job in that area
I dont agree with Daves a killer about his thinking that Wild fans are a bunch of sissies. Dave, you know Darcy and Ian are the agigtators that are the sissies. Our squad has folks you can fight with. JL plays the game honest, and I like that. I would not like the Wild if they had players like Darcy, Ian, and Mcleod running players and chirping. Just play hockey and play physical, if you need to agigtate to be effective ?? Your not playing honest hockey
Kevin, I just flipped to the Pens game… and Staal just scored. I am good luck.
Dave’s a Killer says
“go back to whining about the Gophers and the high school tournament. The rest of the league drafts those players anyway ”
Signed Daves a Killer
Is there some kinda short bus special going on in Russoville tonight?
Ohhh, we’re playing Vancouver. Duh.
Go Habs go!! Why do I feel such abject hatred for the Leafs?…. oh wait, I remember now. It’s actually very petty of me to hate a team because a hoser of an Ex from high school loved them with a firey passion.
Woooo Saku!!!
When I was the GM of the North Stars I always drafted Minnesota born players Daves a Killer. You cant say I did not draft Minnesota players
HA… short bus… ha ha ha… quit making me laugh MsC, my tummy hurts already.
If Boogey knew about the threat at the end of the second, then why didn’t he or Weller do something about it after the threat was acted on? Isn’t that part of their job description? I certainly was under the impression it was.
I never have thought that the Wild were not drafting Minnesota born players. Is that true and why ?
Thanks
Kind of hard for Boogie to do anything about anything if he’s not given shifts. Also JL keeps a short leash on his boys.
Poor Nick is watching a REALLY boring game in Rochester.
MsC what are you talking about?
GEO: A dumb fish takes the bait and a smart fish does not
NiNY went to the Aeros game in Rochester tonight. I’m watching online and it’s dreadful. Roch is a bad bad team (1-10 for the season) and the Aeros are playing down to their level. 0-0. Blech. It would be embarrassing to lose to this team.
Ohhhh!!!! Ok. Does sound painful. Poor Nick. Poor you. I’m watching Habs/Leafs since they are on NHLN. And also listening to the dog snore.
You know, if the Mild did move to Hamilton, there would be more hometown players. It’s nice to see Parrish land with the North Stars.
I’d rather be watching that game BG. But I gotta watch this one. Ugh. The ass-chewing these boys are gonna get tonight… yikes. Hope Constantine is in good voice…
If they are playing that bad you can be sure that KC will be chewing them a new one first chance he gets. Habs/Leafs not going so well either. Leafs are up 5-3.
Wow. 3-0 Amerks. Nick isn’t allowed to go to any more Aeros games.
Anybody notice the flowers the guys in Vancouver are wearing on FS North? What are they for?
Damn, Leafs skating well, and Price is sucking donkey. Leafs scored again.
So… watching Avs and Preds. Tucker’s skating well and getting decent ice time. I’m glad the conspiracy to suspend him and impugn his character was thwarted.
Habs/Leafs turned a little dirty. Kostitsyn (don’t remember which one) sent a guy into the end boards on icing and if the guy had hit harder or at a weird angle he could have ended up hurt like Fossie. One of the guys on the Leafs used the butt end of his stick and clipped Price in the unmentionables. Nasty nasty game.
Well, that was like a little trip to hell and back. Aeros remembered how to score with about 2 minutes left in the game. Potted 2 but with only 26 seconds left, it wasn’t nearly enough. It’s like last year’s team came to the future for a game.
Ugh, sounds like KC should be having some people skating drills over and over again.
At least it’s over. I may need some ice cream and chocolate syrup to get over it.
Awww, my boys…
Um, is Gillies okay?
If a local network (FSN) doesn’t have the game in HD while a national network (NHL) does have the game in HD, the local network should lose their exclusive rights. The regional channels are being cheapskates by not paying the extra money needed to broadcast the game in HD.
It’s annoying to be one of the regions with a Fox Regional Network that doesn’t seem to broadcast many of their games in HD. The Wild don’t have a road game in HD until November 29–seriously.
Gillies looked like he was gonna yack. Poor kids probably really nervous…. friggin’ NHLN just cut out. I now have to watch Dumb and Dumber…. friggin FSN.
Wow, Butch shot on goal!
Ah, poor Reitzy.
Vegoe
The game is on the NHL network..
Amen at 9:08pm Vegoe. FSN is doing everyone a disservice by continually FORCING this blurry mess upon us. All games should be in HD now. This is beyond ridiculous. BILL ROBERTSON ARE YOU LISTENING???
Woo! Go Cal!
Jeff if you are in the FSN North coverage area you MUST watch their broadcast. The Hockey Night in Canada broadcast in crystal clear HD is not available. Inexcusable…
Guess who scores for Colorado.
*ucker?
well…that was…uh…fun…
sure hoping the varsity team delivers a better performance than the JV team just did…
Yup.
Yeah, Sorry Nick. I’m embarrassed for the team tonight. That was abysmal. Though that was a hell of a blue line save by Schaefer, eh?
Poor Gillies… all that family there and the Nucks score on his penalty time. *cringe*
looks like it’s just not my night…
Yup.
Damn. I think I had him on the bench tonight.
That shoulda happened about ten minutes ago. The Wild look tired…
Well, it’s still date night, right? Maybe there’s time… 
Why is a priest manning the penalty box?
Poop.
But freakin’ hilarious watching that guy just flail away at Boogie like a little kid throwing a tantrum.
ha…tell me they know how to shoot the puck, ms.c! Tell me KC knows what a power play is, why it’s valuable, and that it’s a good thing to take advantage of them.
Judging on this ONE game (as in, I know it’s not a meaningful sample):
Irmen: go ahead and sell that house in the Cities bro. You gotta SKATE to play in the NHL.
Scott: They’re sure trying to get you some big minutes, and you’re decent at hitting in the corners, but you can’t just let ‘em stand there in front!
Rosa: No. Just……no.
Honestly, it’s too frustrating right now.
THey’re booing Butch…how cute.
MAB is the new Skoula.
Wow, i don’t think I took a breath for the last 2 minutes
This game could be out of control. Vancouver has so much more aggression right now. Lets hope some serious adjustments are made during the intermission.
ho-kay…I can drink now.
I think I’m going to have to brave the dog park by myself in the morning. The dogs are driving me nuts. Man thats gonna be a cold trip just to get out some excess energy.
Rosy’s had a bunch of bad games lately. I dunno what’s going on with him.
But ditto on the other two. And the penalties. Good lord, those tall boys just rack ‘em up with those long, sloppy sticks.
Anyway, I’m just relieved they didn’t get the shutout. To be shut out by a 1-10 team is just too much to bear.
Dater is a joke.
Rogue: you asked about flowers: poppies for Rememberance Day.
NiNY: Do you have a no beer ’til the first is over rule?
Thanks Nick, I had given up.
Wow, that Otter/Pronger fight… Ott was looking a little “men in white coats” crazy there…
So where should I make the Mr take me to dinner before the game on the 20th? It’s my birthday celebration a day late that night.
Jordan: yes. Started last season when it worked for a couple games in a row. Pretty much gospel now for me. It’s sick - I know.
You’re such a goalie, Nick.
Last year, after Waltzie retired, we talked a lot about who the leader in the locker room would be. Consensus this year is that this is now officially Koivu’s team. I’d like to hear that Koivu is taking it to the guys on a night like this where they have turned up a bit too lethargic. This game could get out of hand fast if the Wild doesn’t match Van’s intensity.
Lets go boys!
I know, right? ;P
Well there’s a Jokinen goal, Ms. C.
Rogue: I think there’s a tie-in with the poppies, Rememberance Day and the poem the Habs have on the wall in their dressing room. I’ll see if I can find it for you.
Yeah, thanks Kevin…. And Dats did what tonight?
Ok, I’m shutting down the computer and moving to the little tv. That way if I doze off (like I’m very close to doing thanks to my early start today) I’ll be in bed and not in danger of dumping the lap top on the floor. And Nick, you are, as MsC said, such a goalie.
Night all!
*shrug* Assists are important too, you know.
Personally, I would’ve benched Koivu.
the internet is awesome:
Bobby Lou got dinged.
Nighty night, BG.
Dats got an assist. I guess that’s something. I assists is the only category I’m winning this week in that league.
Oh hell Lou. Your noggin is just fine. Doesn’t look like he hit the bar or the ice.
a little drama from the man riding back-to-back shutouts. Would think he’d just want to focus on the game…
Yeah, I should have, Kevin. Homerism does one no favors in FH.
If you want to look on the bright side (or not so bright), you’d still be losing goals even with Ducky in the lineup.
Ducky?
Doesn’t Jokinen look like a duck to you?
Lets get one on the PP…
Hmm. I’ve noticed that he’s not hot, but didn’t think about him much after that.
Suck It, Ohlund!!! Huge drive to the net by Cal!
He looks like Mr. Clean.
Rogue did you see that link I left you above?
“MAB is the new Skoula”
Yes and Yes.
Someone pointed out the resemblance to me a number of years ago. So I often refer to him as Ducky.
Yeah, thanks NiNY.
Ugh. Those Sedins… Why’d there have to be two of them?
I like it when Johnnson jumps into the play like that.
Cal… 
because not even God is cheeky enough to have given Mrs. Sedin a third in that load.
BIG save there by Backs…Zids has to keep an eye on the whole slot there…
Backs is the reason this isn’t a 3-0 or 4-0 game right now.
MAB is a disaster out there in our zone. Brutal.
MAB is a disaster out there in our zone. Brutal.
Told ya…sure, he can boom a shot from the point, but…
Also, Ms. C, you have Ducky in your other lineup and you’re kicking my ass now.
Its all part of JL’s plot to take the pressure off his buddy Skoula: Find someone worse.
wow…what a save there on Butch
Oh yeah? I’ve been so concerned about this one team with the 3 good centers… Saturdays are always a tough call.
Yup.
I don’t think my team’s very good. I’ll be sinking in the standings over the next few weeks.
Gillies does not look NHL ready, I’m not saying he should be in juniors; but he is not NHL ready at all, He looks lost.
Jaysus! Bad night for both my teams.
Man, it looks like we’ve never played together.
Post.
Ahhh, skinny red savior!
Bella’s hurt, eh?
I thought I saw that too, ms.c…hope it’s not too bad
LOL Little tap there from Lou for Bruno. Funny.
love the little tap on the butt from Bobby Lou there.
ha…great minds, ms.c…
Doncha just love those “ah, it’s just hockey” moments? That bought me a little more time putting up with this game…
My FH team is sitting in first but I need Nabokov and Burns back soon…
looks like Mikko’s not doing his little swivel cheat move on the draws right now…has this been a trend all season?
No penalty on that??? Holy crap!
I love that from Koivu! But we don’t need Van to break his leg again! (knock on wood)
Oh never mind. Thought there was a stick involved in that.
Same, Ms. C. I was about to post he got away with one. But seeing it again from another angle…maybe a rough but that’d be a little on the harsh side.
I keep forgetting to breathe.
They’re certainly getting some chances, but Luongo’s been very strong.
WHAT A SAVE!!! I hate that guy right now.
FRIGGIN LUUUUUUU!
Okay. I’m gonna make like Nick and have a beer. This is too much.
Is he still overrated?
that’s the second sick save with the left pad this period.
I don’t recall saying he is over rated…
Not you, Nick, but it has been said on this board.
No way, the Northwest has some of the strongest goalies in the league.
Colt looked fried. Poor kid. He’s in over his head and should be in Houston.
*even though I know he can’t be in Houston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff-BRkQp9Ik
Hey if Tucker is the reason for the clipping penalty, why did Kasparitis get the penalty in 96-97 season?
no worries KiPA…I switched to scotch
DaK, How long have you been researching that?
Dave: honestly. You’re embarassing yourself. Give it up. I saw you crowing to Dater about how hard you’re trying to stir us up. Lame.
I’m going for Glenfiddich right now.
that’s what I’m talking about, Rogue!
Its the third period rally scotch…
The nhl.com commercial with the Staal’s parents is pretty funny.
Uh oh. Is my Dos Equis gonna mess up the scotch rally? *cringe*
Ehhhh, jerky screen. Stop it!
nope…to each her own, ms.c. I personally can use some more hair on my chest…
That I can do without.
Lu needs to have another baby or something. Get his mind off hockey.
Nux will be playing the Lemaire for the forseeable future in this game.
notice how Boogey took the hit on the end boards there, but came away with the puck? Baby steps, big D, baby steps!
Crap.
I’m gonna say it: Pouliot’s having a fantastic game.
I thought you weren’t drinking the hard stuff, ms.c?!
Just kidding. I agree he’s been much more engaged.
Anybody see us coming back into this?
gotta get that out Shep…
As tired as I am, beer might as well be the hard stuff.
Rogue this is starting to look like one of those “moral victory” games JL seems to love so much
ms.c: the Amerks have Emmerson mostly as a doorman on their bench. As big as he is, crammed into the end of the bench, fumbling with the damn door…I almost felt bad for him.
Uh oh. Don’t poke the hornet’s nest, Nick.
Exactly NiNy, and it might be justified. This could easily be a 4-0 or 5-0 game but our defense has been solid. We’re just so short on offense right now.
oh I’ll poke the damn hornet’s nest if I damn well feel like it ms.c!
I hear you, Nick. I’m sure he’s up there because they play teams like Syracuse a lot. I’m not sure it’s worth it for the season they’re having.
This would be our chance to change momentum.
Nice work by Gillies to draw that.
Alrighty, poke away. Just not in the mood for the whining. Maybe I’ll be in the mood tomorrow.
they play teams like Syracuse
Dr. Hook McCracken? Andre “Poodle” Lussier? Ross “Mad Dog” Madison? Clarence “Screaming Buffalo” Swamptown?
Are we ragging our own power play?
good kill here, would have liked to at least set up in their zone one time in the 2 minutes.
AMA line looked good but there’s no depth!
Wow.
Sheesh, great chance there for Mittens.
that was a great chance…Bobby Lou equal to it.
faaaaaaahhhhhkkkkkk
Goddamn braineater.
Was that a good move by Backs?
Alright. I’m going to bed. This is too much heartache for one night.
Night, Ms. C.
Backs was playing the drag there, but it was a good goal.
night ms.c
Lu deserves a shutout.
Lets get one here boys.
Lu was a stud tonight.
(sigh)
and now we’re a point out of first place.
thank god we have 2 games in hand.
depressing night for Wild organization fans.
Get ‘em next time. Only November.
at least Mikko still has two working legs…
g’night gang.
Woke up from a nap just in time to see the shut out.
Ummm…. what was SRV thinking? We lost and might as well as get something in against Burrows. He was risking Lemaire’s wrath and $10K there.
Yep, probably an expected performance. Not great but nothing to panic over. But hey, Gophers won 6-2 over #5 New Hampshire, so I have that.
Night Nick.
Hi sunshine.
Oh well…Luongo is in a zone.
I remember talking to Gilles Meloche when he was on a hot streak. He said the puck was easy to follow ‘cuz it looked as big as a beach ball to him.
It probably looks like a medicine ball to Luongo.
Not the best effort by the Wild but certainly not the worst.
And is PMB deserving of the boos? That’s a first….Russo’s just got to ask him about that.
The Wild and the Canucks are equally matched and the difference was Luongo.
Fans are rarely rational when they decide to boo opposing players.
Lastly, good to see that Gillies played. Lemaire understands.
Goddamn braineater.
Best. Sister. Post. Ever.
Darn it… I should have started Hagman over Rick Nash.
just got home from the bar and I gotta say… Luongo stole that game. That toe save on Butch was the entire game. I really hate Bobby Lou. I wish he was back in FLA where he belongs.
I think the Wild worked pretty damn hard throughout the game, but they just couldn’t finish. Those damn Canuckleheads just kept blocking all the shots too… Jerky Treats.
