Wingers (yes wingers) Brent Burns, Owen Nolan returning against Phoenix; Gaborik contract still on table? “No comment,” says GM; Voices: Bob Kurtz; Carney retires
Posted on November 12th, 2008 – 9:27 AMBy Michael Russo
It appears as if the AMA Line, which like the American Medical Association I named them after came to the injury-riddled Wild’s rescue the first month, is no more.
Coach Jacques Lemaire scrambled all his forward lines today, and that meant the line of Andrew Brunette-Mikko Koivu-Antti Miettinen landed on three different lines. Koivu skated with Nolan and Bouchard, and Brunette and Eric Belanger skated with a right wing named Brent Burns.
Burns is ambidextrous.
Lemaire is trying to spread the offense around, especially considering guys like Miettinen have dried up. And Burns offers an offensive threat down low. He’ll probably play lots of shifts at defensemen too, but Lemaire said Burns’ returns gives the option of playing him at two positions.
Burns had no problem with that. He just wants to play after missing four games with the contagious “upper body” injury.
(By the way, I’ve written before about Burns’ love of reading. In fact, I’ve put a list in the paper before of Burns recommendations. Add this to the Brent Burns Book Club. He was three-quarters the way through a book that’s bigger than any one I’ve ever read, but he loves it: The Shelters of Stone, by Jean. M. Auel).
Burns was great talking about the retired Carney today. He told some funny stories, like when Carney used to sing Sponge Bob on the bench.
As for Gaborik, he didn’t practice. Doug Risebrough made it sound like Gaborik is a ways away from playing.
Asked if Gaborik’s contract offer is even on the table anymore, Risebrough declined to comment. But one would have to think it isn’t. Remember when Gaborik was being offered long-term deals from the Wild, the team felt his abdominal problems were in the past. After all, he missed five games all of last season. Now he’ll be at 12 and counting.
Gaborik’s injury complicates everything — the team’s willingness to sign him, the team’s ability to trade him, other team’s willingness to either trade for him or sign him as a free agent.
By the way, Risebrough also declined to comment when I asked him when the team needs to get going on trying to sign Niklas Backstrom, who also can become a free agent next summer.
I turned on NHL on the Fly on NHL Network to watch the Red Wings-Penguins highlights this morning to see what I missed after I turned off the game (mistake), and I saw the preview that Bob Kurtz, the Wild’s radio play-by-play voice, will be featured Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. on the show, Voices.
Cameras followed Kurtz around a few weeks ago. Kurtz talks extensively about some of his great goal calls, like during the 2003 playoff run and Marian Gaborik’s five-goal extravaganza last season.
Speaking of goals, check out the highlight’s from last night’s Penguins’ comeback. Jordan Staal hoisted the Penguins onto his back en route to a truly dominant hat trick — not to mention his steal of Pavel Datsyuk to set up the overtime winner.
Also, here is the Keith Carney retirement story. It was a pleasure getting to cover Carney. Just a class act. He was also the most secretively funny players I’ve ever covered. As Brent Burns said in a story I once wrote, “He’s a bigger goofball than me!”
Ok, that’s pushing it. Here is my game story from Carney’s last NHL goal. He became the oldest defenseman in NHL history, at age 38, to score a playoff overtime winner.
Wild 3, Colorado 2 (OT);
BEST-OF-SEVEN SERIES TIED 1-1;
Bolt from the blue Carney’s 2nd goal of year aptly timed
BYLINE: MICHAEL RUSSO, STAFF WRITER
SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 1C
LENGTH: 749 words
Turns out Keith Carney lied to his 23-year-old protege Brent Burns before Friday’s game.
Each night after Burns feeds Carney one-time passes during warmups, the 38-year-old Wild blueliner skates up to Burns and says, “Eww, I’ve got a shooter tonight.”
“Tonight he says, `This stick doesn’t have a shot in it. It’s just a passer tonight,’” Burns said, smiling ear-to-ear. “And then he blasts in the winner. That was awesome!”
Playoff overtime goals often come from unlikely sources, and Carney, one of the unlikeliest of sources, may have saved the Wild’s season Friday night by scoring 1 minute, 14 seconds into overtime to lift the Wild to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.
The goal — Carney’s third in 87 career playoff games and first since April 24, 1999 — evened the best-of-seven quarterfinals at one game apiece with Game 3 coming Monday in Denver.
“Ahh, feels good,” said Carney.
“It was a must-win for us, and it feels good to get the win and hopefully now we can keep this momentum,” the soft-spoken defenseman added. “We knew we had to win tonight.”
Of course, it certainly got hairy there for a few moments.
Peter Forsberg’s late first-period goal held up until Pavol Demitra’s power-play goal early in the third period.
Then, the Wild thought it secured a dramatic victory when Mikko Koivu’s 54-foot fluttering slapshot soared by Jose Theodore, who had been tremendous, with 1:51 left in regulation. But just 42 seconds later, defenseman Kim Johnsson was called for hooking Ryan Smyth.
“I never touched him. I lifted his stick. That’s all I did,” Johnsson said. “I think that’s legal still — I hope.”
The Avalanche pulled Theodore for an extra attacker, and Milan Hejduk stunned the overstuffed crowd by redirecting John-Michael Liles’ point shot with 43.8 seconds left for a 2-2 tie.
“But we’ve got plenty of veteran guys in here that all stepped up and said, `Stay composed, boys. Continue to do what we’re doing. We’ll be just fine,’” said Brian Rolston.
Just over a minute left in OT, Mikko Koivu cycled the puck in the corner with Joe Sakic on his tail. He backhanded it to Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who tried to throw the puck into the crease for Rolston.
But defenseman Ruslan Salei’s quick clear hit the half-wall. Carney, with Rolston at the goal mouth, stepped into the puck and one-timed it off Salei’s skate and by Theodore for the winner.
“It went through my aura,” Rolston said with a wink. “Let’s face it, we got a nice bounce, but that’s how overtime goals in the playoffs are scored — wraparounds, off skates and things like that.”
Told it was Carney’s first playoff goal since 1999, Burns said, “I was 14. I was probably watching.”
The Wild pressured Theodore all game. Koivu and Marian Gaborik hit the post 10 seconds apart in the second period.
The Avalanche also blocked 23 shots, so it was almost fitting that Carney’s shot deflected in off Salei’s skate. Also, it’s almost comical that after all the pucks thrown at the net, Koivu scored from just inside the blue line after Bouchard caused a neutral-zone turnover.
“Sometimes it’s tough to find a way to get the puck to the net,” Koivu said. “Sometimes you need the lucky bounce. You just have to work for it and believe you’ll get it.”
Added Rolston: “This is going to be a tough series here. It’s going to be a dogfight right to the end. But we feel good about this team. It was a nice win for us but there is a lot ahead of us.”
By the way, any doubt Brian Burke ends up with pal Ron Wilson in Toronto?
187 Responses to "Wingers (yes wingers) Brent Burns, Owen Nolan returning against Phoenix; Gaborik contract still on table? “No comment,” says GM; Voices: Bob Kurtz; Carney retires"
Mmmmm Brunch! I really do enjoy the way Kurtz and company call games.
IMO Listening to hockey over the radio is tops with baseball a close second.
The Pittsburgh/Detroit game last night was awesome to watch! A back and forth game with a ton of goals and star power.
Jordan Staal was an absolute beast last night! He was a man on a mission in the third and it just makes you wonder how in the world Pittsburgh is going to keep all those young star players?
Anytime someone beats the Wings I am very happy, even if it was the Pens. Yes.
Of course Jordan Staal had a great game last night, I dropped him off my fantasy hockey team the day before.
Damn him.
Let the Wild/Penguins trade rumors start to fly again. I’m sure everyone will suggest again how great sending Gaborik to Pittsburgh for a package centered around Staal would be. Another certain trade rumor guy had a hat trick up in Montreal as well.
Happy for Carns, class act all the way.
While I do like Kurtz most of the time it is extremely annoying how he can just start chatting away for time on end DURING plays. Next thing you know something happens (like a goal) and he screams and I’m like what the heck just happened. I guess it is better than turning on a Twins game and there is a SEVERAL seconds pause while the announcers either wait for something to happen or to get their stuff together.
Oh well I guess we can’t have everything.
LOL I tried to write-in Skoula for the All Star Ballot and it won’t accept it.
explorertj - I agree. That sort of stuff is acceptable maybe even prefered on TV (as long as it isn’t D&D doing it) because you can still see what’s going on. I would LOVE it if D&D were gone and Kurtz/Reid did the TV instead.
that’s pretty funny, ms.c!
I can’t get the stupid All Star voting page to open. hmph. I can’t vote now OR often if the page won’t load!
Ms. C - try writting him in as Skouba and I’ll bet it’ll go through…
For you Gopher puck fans out there, Hagemo’s recovery/return updated here:
note the comments below that article: Hagemo has been cut from the Jackals.
“I would LOVE it if D&D were gone and Kurtz/Reid did the TV instead.”
I’ve never understood why Kurtz and Reid only cover radio and we are stuck listening to D&D and their awful shoot out and other pointless dribble. Watching Center Ice only makes it worse other announcers give you highlights from the minors and updates around the NHL. We have to listen to the goobers discuss their favorite NHL jerseys and what films were shot in the city we are currently playing in…
I guess I should just be happy we are able to watch almost all of our games! 
Actually none of the write-ins were working. I’ll try it in IE and see if it works better. But yeah, that site is pretty buggy. Took a couple of refreshes to get it working properly.
Why is former Wild whipping boy #1 (Kuba) not getting love from the voters? If they would simply take a gander at Eastern assist leaders, they would realize that Kuba looks like he is going to shatter all kinds of records this season. What an asset {{he writes as the sarcasm drips from his fingertips and onto the keyboard}}
KiPA, I’ve been reading this hockey blog, mostly related to the Pens, that’s pretty funny today, just in case it’s not already on your radar.
Yeah, that was pretty funny, Ms. C.
Burke out as GM of Anaheim.
Seriously, Kevin?
Off topic note, I just saw Schultz at Headwaters Cafe in Rivercentre. If you ever want a place to stake out and watch for wild players (like bird watching or something like that), that’s the place. So far I’ve randomly spotted Schultz, Burns and Risegrough on my lunch journeys over there.
Yep, I just saw it too and headed over here to say, Holy Cow!
Is anyone else excited to watch the Toronto media eat him alive? I mean if rumors are true that he really wants to be the GM.
I hate Brian Burke. Hate him. Wish he would go run a team in the KHL…
Wow…Delta is moving on.
If anyone can cement the Toronto tradition of mediocrity, it’s her…um…him.
Wow…Delta movin on…
Mediocrity to remain in Toronto!!!
Buddha - Careful for what you wish for…
My guess is he will eventually take the Leaf’s job or just concentrate on getting the US of A an Olympic gold.
sorry Buddha…my browser stole your name…damn Word Press!
He’d do well in Russia.
But really, don’t y’all want to Dump Dumpster Doug and put Burke in? Send Lemaire packing while we’re at it? Come on.
Send Lemaire packing while we’re at it?
I assume Marc Crawford would be available 
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
I’d be all for getting Burke in as GM. He knows how to get the job done, but sometimes steps on some toes.
I don’t like Burke, but he’d probably be an improvement over Risebrough.
And he’s just arrogant enough to fit in with the rest of management.
I’ll tell you what, as unctuous as he can be, I like what he did with Anaheim. I can’t imaginge any of his players ever feel that they don’t know where they stand with him at any given time - the same can not be said for DR, it would appear.
Yes, I also liked his Ducks except for this “what am I going to do now” saga. I also think he will do a great job for Team USA.
Wait a minute. Aren’t you all committing blasphemy here?
not me, KiPA, and actually not really anyone. There are many people that hang out here that don’t like Brian Burke the public personae, but I have never really seen anything other than (grudging, perhaps) admiration for his work.
Yeah, um, I was kidding. Wasn’t expecting agreement.
That said, I tend to agree with what y’all are saying. Just surprised at the level of agreement.
Oh okay. I must have confused the hatred of Burke the person with the hatred of him period.
I have yet to find anything I like about him.
While I will admit he has put together teams that win, which I guess is the ultimate result… I hate the way he does it. Put together teams that mug the other team so much that they can’t play anymore.
Brought people like Pronger and Bertuzzi into the league. Should be reason enough.
There are those that think DR is smug. Burke defines the word.
And it’s ok if you steal my name kj. Out of body experience are normal when dealing with elightenment.
Burke was the GM of the Islanders in 93??
Glad the story follows Bob Kurtz, because his sidekick would be an embarassment to the hockey broadcast community not to mention MN Hockey. Reid has no business in the broadcast booth, unless you like to listen to his dumb stories while the game is actually going on. Sorry Tom, but we can’t see the ice through the radio as well as you can sitting there…shut your mouth when the puck is in play eh?
It’s not like his Ducks teams didn’t have a good amount of upper echelon skill either.
OK screw Burke, his press conference just cut into the end of the Pens/Wings game on replay on NHL Network. A 5 year old is going to be short a promised thrilling comeback by the Pens - lame!
Oh that sucks 6GS!
BTW, the buffet has been replenished above.
Luckily the game did come back at the end as the press confernce did not run until the top of the hour.
Since DR is not discussing injuries for an injured team and he is not commenting at least on contract negotiations with pending UFAs, what is he doing at the office? Playing video games with Nordy?
Reporter: Doug what is the status of Gaboriks “lower body injury”?
Doug: No comment.
Reporter: Doug are you planning to offer a lower amount to Gaborik in terms of a contract since he has been hurt?
Doug: No comment.
Reporter: Doug what did you have for lunch today?
Doug: No Comment
Seriously? We the fans pay money to support a team we get no info on. I love me some Wild, but this is starting to get rediculous. Can we just start calling Doug “NC” instead of DR or Ballgame?
/ temper tantrum
Btw, Shelters of Stone is the fifth book of the series. The four before just as large
For regular KFAN listeners, DR is starting to sound like short-lived Viking executive Fran “no comment at this time” Foley.
Ruutu suspended for 2 games for elbow to head. Carbonneau mad it wasn’t longer as everyone knows what kind of player he is, according to Guy.
MsC- fabulous on the write-in candidate that didn’t take.
Lucky- +1 re:Kurtz/Reid. If the game is on tv, the sound gets turned down,then Bob, Tom and Kevin take over.
In DRs mind he thinks he is being prudent by saying no comment. I can see his no comment, makes people angry at him. If the Wild end up signing Gaby, I would say that DR should really lighten up and stop taking things so seriously.
If Gaby is traded, then his no comment has merit becasue we knew something was brewing that likely involved legal.
Hey, I finally got one to take! Tim Thomas.
Mister Know it all, I agree. He does come across as smug, but I think he thinks that from a public relations stand point he really does not matter.
What he may not understand is that he still can understand what the fans are looking for and try to feed them as much as possible. Not all people are made the same, and yes DR the key is people/fans
Here is another thought Lucy, guess what its not really that hard to guess the injury- Nolans is a shoulder seperation, gaby is groin, burns is back- That was hard
Lucy Alexander the third says:
November 12th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Here is another thought Lucy,
Talking to yourself, “Lucy?”
Discussing the system. Always a fun subject on the blog.
KiPA…MKiA always talks to himself.
Answers his posts too.
One would almost think he has no friends.
But, we all know he has his imaginary ones. Remember, if those ‘voices’ come back again, I always supported you… 
Wow, heck of a game in Buffalo…
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
I am sorry, I wrote that email when I was in a hurry. Your right though I sounded a little silly talking about myself that way…. hehehe. I dont know Mister Know it all but I would like to
I recall reading an article awhile back that made a very good case for Burke being little more than a savvy opportunist. While the Ducks may have won the Cup, it was only in his second year. He brought in Pronger and Niedermayer. You can’t argue with that except Pronger’s wife served CP up on a silver platter for BB. People writing the article made a very good case that most of the credit for building the young/strong foundation should have gone to Andy Murray. The same argument was made for the success of the Canucks. Another Bettman buddy Ivy League cake eater from Edina livin’ large on the It’s not who you know, its who you b/0w mission statement. He’ll be a nice fit in Toronto.
Not sure if this has been posted yet but heres a pretty funny article from the pio:
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10958935?nclick_check=1
Deuce by Definition has Nick’s culinary exploits up on his blog. Pretty funny. And, yes, Russo, the boys are going to have a field day with that one…
Fridge throwing down with Boll in the Yotes/BJ tilt.
Damn. PHX is killing ‘em. I like that they’re playing a back to back with the Wild though. Tired Coyotes…
Tired Coyotes = road kill.
Maybe Schultz can fix up a snack.
ms.c: you’re on to my “system”
kj: notice how many times he managed to squeeze in “no, I’m just a grill guy”…like he KNOWS he’s going to take heat for that spot all season and he’s trying to save his man card…
just noticed we all get the BJs on the second night of their own B2B. This next stretch is so big for us, getting these teams “tired” is a good bonus.
NiNY…I was just going to add:
On the grill…
They’re interviewing Pierre Pilote during the intermission at the ‘Hawks game. Man, I could listen to those old school guys tell hockey stories all day long.
Dere’s no doubt NiNY.
It was even better listening to the old-schoolers while they were still wily veterans…
Mr. Pilote is sharp as a tack, too. I guess he’s only 76 but he was joking with Eddie O and everything.
Sweet Yahweh!
From Mr. Pilote’s bio at legendsofhockey.net:
“Pilote also became renowned as a tough guy who should be avoided, a reputation enhanced when he knocked both Henri and Maurice Richard out cold during the same mix-up.”
NHL.com should reshoot their commercial with Barry Melrose.
Carrie Milbanks: “Hey Barry, watcha doin’?”
Barry Melrose: “What am I doing? I’M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WIN A GOD DAMN GAME AND SAVE MY JOB LADY!”
CM: “Um… well let me so you the new NHL.com.”
BM: “Unless it’s disclosing the other teams injuries save it! I have a roster full of talented players and I can’t even beat the freaking Panthers… We’re taking our seen Stamkos slogan and really putting it on a milk carton! Has anyone seen Stamkos? He keeps vanishing when I send him on the ice.”
What a pansy Gabby is. We are gonna be forced to keep him this yr and hope he plays enough to help us. MAYBE we can get something for him at the deadline but he’s not signing here and might not get what he thinks he’s worth anywhere. He’s just hurt too much to spend $80-100 mil.
pretty good, lucky!
Okay, that video was pretty funny. His wife seems really nice, but Nick seemed less than enthused until it came time to start eating. You’d think he’s a hockey player or something, eh?
I especially like how he went full-on kabob with that tenderloin and speared it all the way through. Unsoft hands indeed.
Cool. Looks like I’ve nailed down a good deal on a used glove and blocker. GearQuest 2008 continues to pants…
ms.c: I like the pants that come with attachable knee pads.
Seriously though what is going on with the TB? They don’t have much going for them.
HA! Lucky FTW!
Luongo Watch resumes now.
New trade proposal. UM to let’s say… the Kings for a fourth round pick, a basket of pucks, and a Kopitar autograph. Figure the fourth rounder for the right to negotiate with him, the puck for long term low risk value, and the autograph for high risk future value.
Anyone?
SHUT OUT!
SHUT OUT!
MacBeth!
SHUT OUT!
MacBeth!
Noonan!
SHUT OUT!
Thanks for the tip, Nick.
Avs power play first up
I think mine are CCM Vectors. They’re awesome. I’ve had three pairs of pants before these, and these are by far the most comfotable and functional.
wow…on the PK, a redirected shot right on and it hit Bobby Lou. Some guys get all the breaks.
Sheesh, can’t they get this game in HD? Sucks to watch the late game in SD after watching HD all evening.
And yeah, Nick, I SURE HOPE LUUUUUUU’S SHUTOUT STREAK HOLDS!!!! Woo! Go Nucks! Go LUUUU!
Buddha, I’d rather have a Dustin Brown autograph. And maybe one of their new third jerseys. Or is that asking too much?
took the Nux 6:10 to register their first SOG. Not really helping your goalie there boyz.
but that’s cool ’cause he’s still got a SHUTOUT going!
Yeah I have to watch this Nuks game. Bobby Lu is playing insane.
I doubt Gaby would work but I would love to figure out a way to pry Bobby Ryan away from the Ducks. I really like that kid.
Yep, keep talking about that streak, announcer boyz! There’s NO WAY Luongo doesn’t extend the streak to 4.
you know, if it was any other team but the Couv, I’d love those unis. Maybe I just miss the Whalers.
right on, ms.c! IT’S A LOCK! Avs might as well not even take any shots. Bobby Louuuu’s got ‘em all!
So much hate.
(but I do have the under at 5.5 in my mythical betting account on this game)
I am not fond of those unis at all. When I see one, I just picture the braineater twins in it and.. blech. What do you think of LUUUUU’s new gear? I think I liked his stuff last year better.
Okay, that “grandpa look at my mountain” commercial freaks me out. I always thing he’s gonna have some kind of post-traumatic stress reaction and flip out.
you rooting for four, KiPA? Or just not in a hatin’ mood?
I don’t think a puck is ever going to get past LUUUUU again.
I don’t hate Luongo or the Canucks. In fact I think it’d be neat if Luongo got to play on a real NHL team once in his career.
I don’t remember his kit from last season, ms.c.
Despite our recent conversations to the contrary, I’m not really a gear slut. White or mostly-white pads are all the rage now - KiPA can probably tell you more about that than I can.
well played, KiPA. I almost missed it, in fact.
(He did play for Team Canada already, didn’t he? I have to imagine he’ll get that honoUr in 2010 as well, no?)
Yeah, I’ve noticed that. Schaefer went solid white this season, too. Makes pretty good sense to me, but I hate the scuff marks.
Burrows is such a chit. And if I were an Av and on the ice, I would have had to have a talk with him about skating up on my goalie like that so far after the play.
OK, I know we are discussing Luongo, and I really don’t mean to hit the homeristic panic button, but what does it say that they would rather move Burns off the D and onto the wing?
Is there really no one they have in Houston to fill that role so our best dman can keep doing his job? I know he was drafted at wing, but they moved him back to the blue line and he became the stud he is today. Why fix it if it ain’t broke? (Or is something broke?)
That wasn’t answering you, Buddha… Just saw that come across my Reader.
Oh, but now that I read your question, the answer is still no. You have Kolanos. He’s the best we’ve got. Locke and Schultz can’t find the net. Hamilton is injured. Olvecky is injured.
that’s cool, Buddha. The only thing we’re discussing about Bobby Lou is that HE STILL HAS A SHUTOUT GOING!
…sorry, we still have Kimmy, Chef Schultz, Skoula, MAB and Zidlicky, plus Reitz and Moisty to fill out the top six. I’d say Burnsies a better forward than several of our so-called top six (well, maybe nine) and you know JL loves that BB will be defensively responsible as a forward. I can see it, is what I’m saying, I guess.
And BTW…. gentlemen…. if you’re not going to use Kolanos…. SEND HIM BACK!!!!!
Bobby Lou with the shutout streak intact through another 20 minutes baby! This guy’s unstoppable! Bionic Bobby!
HEY!! Guess who failed to start Vokoun tonight?
grr…
I just don’t see moving your #1 dman into a maybe top 6 forward spot.
I get we have Schultzie, and Kimmy (still not sold on him), I am real weak on MAB and Skou dog, and Zidlicky, Moisty, and Reitz are still very unproven. Zids only because he was hurt, but still.
I see the logic from JL’s point of view. I just don’t like the idea of him playing forward just because.
Who, Nick? The Panthers?
KiPA: no, I have him on my team, but safely riding the pine tonight (behind Thomas and Theodore).
That’s awesome.
except that Anderson got the shutout for the Cats! YES!
Oops, Nick. Sorry about that.
Oh, well, never mind then.
That was my point, that Florida doesn’t start Vokoun anymore.
OK, now a FH question… anyone in either Yahoo league… I set my line up for the week, come back two days later, and half my line up is not the way I set it. Any ideas?
I have changed my password, so it isn’t hacked. Just frustrating to have to check it every single day just to be sure my guys are playing, after I already set it up.
lol…no, it’s all good. I’m a dope. I think KiPA was nicely telling me that Vokoun didn’t play - Craig Anderson did and HE got the shutout.
To be 100% honest MAB makes me cheer for Skoula. I’ve started cringing when I see MAB is in front of our net.
Did you make a roster move, Buddha, after setting your lineup? If you did, that resets it.
Weird Buddha. Are you sure you saved the changes the first time?
Why are the avs always scoring on the Wild in this ad? Hmph.
Lucky: +1. MAB is the new Skoula.
Another bummer (for my fantasy team): Theodore came on in place of an injured Brent Johnson after the first period, threw a 2-period shutout but didn’t get the win (or the SO) as Johnson left with a 3-1 lead.
Not that Skoula deserves to be harped on. He is playing some good hockey lately.
Word, Lucky. I want to like MAB, but man, he makes a lot of mistakes. He makes me squirm… in a bad way.
Wow, Luongo is so good.
At least Theodore gets to play again, Nick.
(Although Yahoo is often slow when awarding wins or shutouts, though Theodore shouldn’t get either.)
Anyone work at the airport? If so, please figure out a way for the Yotes to be delayed getting off their plane and onto the bus by, oh, 6 hours or so ought to do it. Thanks.
Wow. Penalty shot?
penalty shot awarded to Vancouver.
Oh and a hottie penalty shot…
At least Theodore gets to play again, Nick.
wait, what do you mean?
I get the feeling this game is about to get chippy.
if it does, it’s prime Lappy Breaks the Shutout territory.
I mean, haven’t you noticed Theodore hasn’t played since Nov. 1? Johnson’s made something like five straight starts.
Mike Haynes pronounces Kesler “kezzler”. Haynes makes Terhaar sound like Al Shaver to me.
KiPA- You see what the other Backstrom is doing since he was passed around and dropped?
Then again, on a line with AO and Semin, you have to figure something would happen.
yeah. Johnson’s been on a roll fo sho. In retrospect I am lucky I was dumb enough to start Theo over Vokoun in this game at all.
KiPA- Yeah… I noticed he hasn’t started. Dirty bas…
Stupid Federov getting hurt. He was centering the Alexes.
HEY MS.C! HOW MANY HAS BOBBY LU GIVEN UP SO FAR??
None, thank the hockey gods!
A nucks win is GUARANTEED!
NiNY: I know the Altitude guys are bad, but not THAT bad…
Let’s see what the boys bring tomorrow night vs. a fired-up but tired ‘Yotes team which blew thru Columbus like Pickett blew thru the Union Army in the War of Northern Aggression…
If I didn’t know better I’d say Luongo’s first name is Sidney.
Does anyone else think the BJ’s are going to let our previous match up boil over to Saturdays game? Even Nash was getting chippy with us.
“plays well enough to get traded or proves he’s worth signing long term. Because right now, he doesn’t appear to be worth either.” - Shipley
Hmmm… I think I said that about five days into this whole thing.
WRT- Were you channeling Dennis Miller there?
also well played, WRT. Very nice.
BTW: I just realized I get the Nux broadcast on TSN, so I don’t have to endure Haynes no mo.
But, needing my beauty rest more than I need to stay up to watch Bobby Lou ice YET ANOTHER SHUTOUT, I’m heading to bed.
Sweet dreams, Russoville.
So long Nick.
HEY BOBBY LOU:
Good luck with your SHUT OUT! Ur so awesome!!
SHUT OUT!
SHUT OUT!
MacBeth!
SHUT OUT!
MacBeth!
Noonan!
SHUT OUT!
Night Nick. I’ll make sure Booby Loo gets the blank.
Khabibulin just made one of the sickest saves you’ll ever see.
(And it was against a guy I have in three leagues! Dammit!)
And another guy I have in three leagues fails on a penalty shot in OT. Double dammit!
Mister Know it all is pointing out that Phoenix won last night. Look for the Coyotes to storm the Wild in the first period. Lets call the first period tomorrow night Phoneix 2 the Wild 0 and lets call the final Phoenix 3 and the Wild 2.
I am saying that the Will lose tomorrow night, and I am saying that if I was in Vegas I would lay the honeybee on the Coyotes. That is right KJ, no roadkill for the Wild tomorrow night !
The only way that the Wild win is if Backstrom plays in sane in the first period, and he shuts the Wiley Coyotes out. The key is the first period
FINAL 1 2 3 T
Phoenix 1 1 3 5
Columbus 0 0 2 2
Speaking of which, did y’all see Ribeiro’s shootout goal last night? Holy cow, that was sick.
Yeah, Ms. C, it was pretty neat.
WOW.
What?
This shootout in the Bos/Chi game… You don’t usually get every guy making a pretty creative move. Good stuff.
So, is the Luongo SHUT OUT still working?
I mean, a SHUT OUT is all he does. He so automatic with those SHUT OUTS that it is inconceivable that he would give up a SHUT OUT.
Yep, the SHUTOUT is still hanging in there. Don’t worry, Luuuuu is a wall. AVS-solutely nothing will get past him.
*rolls eyes* Enjoy the jinxing. I’m out for the night.
You know you love us, KiP. Nighty night.
WOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOOO?
Ah, I see. Never mind. Stastny. My guy. Nice.
Bobby Lu is the enemy
ms.c…
Is the SHUT OUT dead???
Nah. BoobyLoo is human again. This is good.
Wow, what a save.
It’s DEAD, KJ!!!
Nice.
Goobye Bobby Lou…
Russo-
Any idea when we might see Kurtis Foster back in the lineup? How’s his rehab coming along? Updates!! Please!
By the way, any doubt Brian Burke ends up with pal Ron Wilson in Toronto?
none here, Russo. Hopefully Fletch will get some props for putting enough duct tape on the important areas to keep that ship afloat in the interim.
In reference to Russo’s article… You just gotta love Burnsie. How many players today (especially at his talent level) are happy and excited to play no matter what position he’s asked to play?
I’m so sick of prima donna “professional” athletes that whine about things they are asked to do or always expecting to have things their own way.
What a great example Burns is not only for young fans but for his peers as well.
Wallshot: +1
I doubt that this will surprise anybody but I checked out the online clip of Chef Schultz at twincitieslive.com and all I can say is….”Jessica Schultz = Yeah, Baby!”
Eh, I think most pro athletes are probably somewhere in the middle, not prima donnas or “high on lifers” like Burnzie, who has unrivaled joie de vivre compared to most people, not just athletes.
Really, Tom? She’s cute but “yeah baby”?
Anyone actually living out their dream who isn’t “high on life” is a truly miserable person, imo.
Perhaps I am using the term “Yeah, Baby” incorrectly. To me she comes across as a “Classy Wife” with both good looks and the willingness to “run a home”. Obviously, I don’t know either of them but she comes across as being “capable” which I find adds to her attractiveness.
Perhaps I need a different term to describe women like this …. or better yet, perhaps I should just keep my comments to myself 
No offense taken and hopefully none generated.
By the way, I hate four days off without hockey as it gives too much time to think about other things.
just in time to save Tom, food is served above.
