Wild 4, Phoenix 0
Posted on November 13th, 2008 – 6:55 PMBy Michael Russo
That’s nine in a row against Phoenix, tying a franchise record for longest winning streak against one opponent (Chicago).
This one wasn’t even close. Even when it was scoreless, it just felt like the Wild had firm control and it was just a matter of time.
Wayne Gretzky called it a “good, old fashioned butt-kicking.” Said it was like an “NHL group versus a junior team.” Said “4-0 was flattering.”
As KFAN’s Brandon Mileski reminded me in the elevator after the game, the last time the Wild was in this building, it was booed off the ice thanks to an 0-for-10 power play. The Wild went 1-for-11 on the road trip, meaning it was in a 1-for-21 drought, or to go further, 5-for-43 drought.
Tonight, it went 4-for-7.
Marek Zidlicky, the dynamic offensive defenseman from Nashville, is finally looking dynamic. He had two assists two games ago in Colorado, and tonight, had two goals and one assist. The cool story? I always assumed his lack of comfort in the early going had to do with rustiness from his training camp ankle injury and a new system.
But it turns out his wife and 3-year-old son didn’t arrive in the Twin Cities until Monday, meaning in an unfamiliar place with no friends other than his teammates, Zidlicky had nobody to lean on. Tonight was wife Karina’s and son Adam’s first game at the X, and after his two 5-on-3 goals, Zidlicky pointed to them in the crowd and blew a kiss (thanks to sidekick Brian Stensaas, I knew to ask about this because I didn’t notice at first).
I like Zidlicky’s killer attitude, too. I’ve noticed it throughout my career covering him, but tonight, he said after the game every single time you get a 5-on-3, you have to score. Sounds simple. Sounds obvious. But often when the Wild gets a two-man advantage, it doens’t seem it has that attitude. Zidlicky looked like he tried to rip the back of the net when he took his six shots tonight.
Eric Belanger had a goal and an assist. Andrew Brunette scored his sixth goal — tying him with Antti Miettinen for the team lead. Owen Nolan returned and had two assists.
And Niklas Backstrom is just a Coyotes killer…8-0, three shutouts, 1.13 goals against average and .962 save percentage.
The Wild’s NHL-best penalty kill went 6-for-6. The Wild has allowed four power-play goals in 14 games this year, one at home.
Couple other story lines I’ll probably get more into in the coming days:
1. Coaches made a couple last-second power-play adjustments. They moved their pointmen wider (very obvious) in an attempt to get more shots through traffic because so many shots have been blocked lately.
2. Lemaire said Brent Burns may have to get used to playing forward for the time being. It gives the Wild three scoring lines, in Lemaire’s opinion.
3. Lemaire raved about the play of Benoit Pouliot, especially defensively. Said he looked like Mikko Koivu in the Wild end.
4. Cal Clutterbuck continued a San Antonio-Houston rivalry with Keith Yandle by getting into his first NHL fight. The 20-year-old did quite well, but he infuriated the “Great One,” who was spitting mad that Clutterbuck fought with a visor. That’s permitted as long as you don’t instigate the fight.
Talk to you after tomorrow’s practice.
485 Responses to "Wild 4, Phoenix 0"
word, Russo. Thanks for checking in.
Clean thread for the game!
Go Wild!
win one for Lori!
Woot! Let’s go Wild!
Sup Nick? Any specials going tonight?
Burns is my pick to click tonight.
Boogie is in. maybe Carcillo want’s a piece?
Looks like SHep, Mittens and SRV will get Olli duty tonight.
Phoenix picked up McGrattan. They have been know to make trouble. Funny fights… Totally off-balance until Boogaard gets one through. Burns @ forward. Gotta love it. BOth for the team, and for my FH team…
Dear Lord… Mittens all the way down to the fourth line. That hurts the fantasy team a bit…
let’s see, Austin…how about SoCo and lime shots for $1 in the first period, $2 in the second and $3 in the third.
$2 domestic bottles untl the Wild score, $4 after that
I’ll take a Fat Tire NiNY. $2 is a bargain!
wow…Bolts up 2-0 on Habs in 1st!
sorry, on the Wings, not the habs.
Burns. Backhand. Bad.
Boogey with the STEAL! Atta boy DB!
Jovo cop looked like he tried to check a brick wall.
Like running into a brick wall Jovie…
The boys look good so far. Just need to put the biscut in the basket.
Nick, I will take two of the special shots.
Wow. Boogie with the STEAL! Too bad his breakout speed in non-existient.
Wow, it’s in HD for the MN feed!
Yeah, tree. This is Mr. Conduct’s request. Not a big holiday guy but he loves having the tree up.
Wow, how about Boogie picking that guy’s pocket?
Nice Rouge… great minds, eh?
I’m all for the nice scent of pine, but won’t it be bare by the time Santa comes if you get it up now?
NiNY: cool saulte to Lori at the start of the post. Classy.
What’s at the bar? I’m working then driving home… Bob, Tom & Kevin time will have to wait until after this deadline. Count me in for the 2nd & third periods.
Wow, it’s in HD for the MN feed!
WHAT!? Ours isn’t in HD 
The Habs game is HD here…
“…Santa comes if you get it up now?”
*choking* um… what?
with that two color scheme, Bryz’s pads look like double-wides.
Buddha’s mind is in the gutter…. cool.
Oh, it’s fake, Nick. Not putting a real tree on hardwood.
I choked on that, too, Buddha.
Uh oh, Cal getting in there. Not a fan of his new mouth guard…
Terhaar kills Greenlay’s only decent line in the last 5 years. Hilarious.
ATX, I’m on DTV.
Ohhh, The Chance to Dance!!!! I’m SO there!
Month and a half and I’m still forgetting Shep isn’t 15…
They’re taping “Call of the Wild” on my birthday. Hards is the player. I’m trying to decide if I want to go.
Burns loves that slap shot from the bottom of the circle. Its gotta be a little scary for the defender!
Gretzky looks old.
Oblivion… I still see numbers and go “Who the hell is _____?”
I’m just glad that Nolan isn’t Simon.
Booooo…
Naughty Mittens.
Great PK.
Bryz thought that went in.
Boooo…
RG he definiyely did.
DOH, Clutterbuck.
Were they just BOOING Cal???
So when OJ’s contract runs up, do you think he will consider a FA signing in Minnesota since, the way it sounds, we showed quite a bit of interest in him at least two seperate times?
I’m just booing in general… How cool was Koivu’s little stick handling from his knees.
I meant the crowd, RG.
Okay, back to the tree. Ugh.
We had to run to the grocery store and they had chocolate pucks. It was kind creepy actually.
OJ come here? Yeah… doubt it. Not that I have a reason, just don’t have any faith in DR signing anyone anymore.
Bouchard needs to start producing. Hopefully pairing him with Koivu will give him a bump but he’s gotta adjust his game.
I hate the faceoff.
hey! It’s time for Sound Off on FSN! I’m going for a drink.
booing the call no the player. why no real tree on hardwood? i do it. something i should know?
Face Off makes me as close to suicidal as I ever get.
Wow, I thought Greenlay was gonna pop a vessel.
I dont know Buddha. If OJ is interested in coming here, ‘NC’ Risebrough wouldnt have to work that hard to sign him. OJ is considered a top defensive centerman in the league, and this is the “stereotypical” defensive system. Why wouldn’t he want to come here? It’s not like the system would scare him off.
Someone tell Mikko to get on the phone and do his best salesman impression on a fellow countryman.
Our shot total in that period is only a few less than we had in entire games last year.
Ah, okay G*. See, that’s the problem with booing. Very non-specific.
It’s not a rule (tree on hardwood). I just don’t want the risk of exposure to water. Plus, our living room is on the second floor so it would just be a PITA to drag a big tree up.
has it been mentioned that Shane Doan looks a little bit like Keanu Reeves?
SHOOT THE FREAKIN’ PUCK BUTCH YOU WUSS!
Shoot the puck!!!!
He totally does Nick. Nom.
FTLOG, BUTCH! SHOOOT IT YOURSELF!!!
Yep… Butch should have shot it…
Butch would wait for Backstrom to come down the ice and take the shot even if he was on a break away!
Tell us how it is as a goaltender, ya hoser… I may have to switch to the Phoenix feed.
last season, this was totally the kind of game the Wild played well in the first, gave up the first goal and then spun their wheels.
Good yob, bennyboy!
Alright boys, put one in!
nice long 5:3 coming up…gotta convert!
Alright! 5 on 3, let’s go!
You said it NiNY, time to CAPITALIZE!!!
mmmmmmm Christmas beer in early November, pizza getting delivered, hockey on….aside from that no sleep thing I’ve completely flipped a 180! 
ZIDS!
Did Bruno tip that? GOOOOAAL!
ZIDLICKY!!!!!!
LICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
still have a PP too!
Wow, those Wild fans looked really enthused.
We want another one, just like the other one!
Wow Lemmi, Tami and I are doing the EXACT same thing. Sam Adams Winter Pack, Pizza delivered, and Hockey on TV! Woo!
Wooooo!!!! Licky!!!
Boston is crushing Montreal. I think Manny started that game.
Simple Mister Rogue Gopher- Mister Know it all spoke of this in a previous post. Two players on the Wild have high offensive aptitude. PMB and Marion Gaborik- Those two guys should have a chance to play together with this years roster. I think they both need each other
WOOO! Go Benny!
I think Gabby needs a working groin more than anything right now, MKiA
Cal’s getting under this team’s skin for sure. Did last time, too.
man…that’s pretty soft.
Wow… Koivu? really? Lame..
Nick, PRETTY soft?? That was like a feather.
At the risk of ridicule, does anyone else notice that Johnsson seems more physical this year? Maybe it’s just me….
Lemi, I think Johnsson came on at the end of last year and has played a stronger game overall including physically.
Koivu is like Jesus on skates. What great puck control.
Wow.
Bandgeek- your birthday, Josh Harding. Sound promising. Go- it could be good! Backs & Harding were hysterical at a hockey unplugged.
BRUNO!!
That was awesome!!!
Woo Bruno! He’s on my Fantasy Team!!
Our PP is back.
Yeah!
Woooo!!! Bruno!!!! Ja Vohl, es ist sehr gut…. ooopps, my German side is showing.
Bela gets the 2nd assist on that one…he had some great play on that recent PK too. That’s a Lemaire-type player if I ever saw one.
That’s a goal that we all criticize for being to many passes if it doesn’t go in. But it did, so I love it.
Is it just me, or is Olden just dying to get a goal inthis game… he is all over Bryz.
good point, Rogue. Fine line between success and failure, eh?
Man, Koivu is so strong.
Burnsie going for the stick
Burns is going
can someone let me know what the score is? Thanks!
That’s a goal that we all criticize for being to many passes if it doesn’t go in. But it did, so I love it.
+1
I said that to the wife as soon as it happened.
2-0 good guys, sunshine
end of the second period
Bella over thought that one, but man was it a good chance.
That is twice Bella has done that. Tried to wait Bryz out and he waited too long.
Bryz played that breakaway perfectly.
I have seen a few careless high-sticking from Burns lately.
Belanger — what the heck? Go high, Bryz went down already. Darn it.
Stupid blog glitch, I was sunshine for a moment.
Austin, Bella tried to be fancy, he needed to just shoot. Silly Bella.
I was wondering what was going on Bandgeek!
doan plays hard. i dont know if burns high stick was exactly careless. it bounced off the cats stick.
Hey, someone is being me — The blog wants you all to be sunshines
MsC, hows the tree going?
I have seen other careless high-sticking from him. Its all inadvertent but it usually results in a PP for the opponent.
Time for third period scotch! Glenfiddich tonight.
will the real sunshine please come forward.
nice Rogue…I’m trying Tomatin for the first time. Decent.
I’ve looked at that NiNY, but never tried it.
I couldn’t resist for the price…pretty sugary, not too peaty, sort of a harsh finish though.
It’s all done, BG. Not the prettiest thing ever, and it was disappointing to have to turn down the a/c while I was doing it. Oh, I forgot to put the topper on it! I use the Aeros Santa hat we got a couple of years ago as the topper. 
Backs is having one of those quiet games where he’s just always in position and he might get a shutout out of it.
PP, lets get another one.
Atta boy Cal. Way to draw.
PPG!!! BELA!
ROGUE!
BELA!!!
I’m having H2O. Boring I know, but we’ve been uber busy at work (which is going well) and I’ve felt really dehydrated the last couple days, so water for me.
Gosh golly Cal, what the heck?
Bella!!!! Nice one.
That was pretty though.
IGoW and MAB with the helpers I think.
Bella!! Clutter Buck!! I love Hockey!
CAL!!!!
CAL! 2 for the takedown!
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I have to say I am worried for Cluts. He’s a little guy but he did well for himself.
“Back door and he buried it!”
Who says Terhaar sucks? That’s beautiful!!
WOOOOOO! YEAH BABY!!!!! THAT’S my boy!!!
He’s not big but he’s a smart physical player and has a good teacher in Boogie for moments like that.
Looks like Clutterbuck is taking fighting lessons from Boogie. Those short jabs are effective.
I heart Cal.
(In a totally manly way, of course.)
I’m stuck up in Fargo and just got back to my hotel. Is there something wrong with the FSN feed? I don’t have any commentating by Dumb & Dumber just the sounds of the game. Actually pretty sweet!
Is it just me, or did the blond behind JL age about 15 years?
man the Yotes have a TON of young talent. Not unlike Chicago.
No problems in Oregon BDS.
I may have to move to Fargo.
So I’m really blessed tonight, Uhh…?
BDS, D&D are pretty quiet here. We can hear them, but barely.
He fought that way in the AHL, too. Just BAMBAMBAM, dominate and get it over with.
MsC trees don’t have to be pretty, I’ve always liked trees with eclectic mismatch of ornaments more than an overly ‘organized’ tree.
Cal is just fun to watch sometimes isn’t he.
goodness, Skoula takes the hit to make the play behind our net! I’m not sure what I’m going to do with all the hate if Skoula keeps playing this well…
Just the sweet sound of the skates one the ice and the clacking of the puck on the sticks. All I’m missing is the scotch to make this one perfect.
Was it Steve Levy who used to call the games for ESPN? I always liked his play by play.
Hanzal is a big boy.
Pens in another barn burner, this time with Philly…4-4, heading to OT
I’ve really enjoyed tonights game. New D guys are stepping up. Cal dropping the gloves and Backs solid as ever.
I do miss PMB’s game he is very invisable on the ice. The guys sign a big contract and see what happens.
Has Burns played any shifts on D? I haven’t seen any but I thought it was JL’s intention to have him play both tonight.
we’re going to have to chip in and get KiPA some OTC anti-anxiety meds if this keeps up.
Ms.C, Clutterbuck is fun to watch. He may not produce points, be he is entertaining. And a pretty effective checker!
I don’t remember seeing him on D tonight, Rogue, but that’s far from conclusive.
NiNY - I agree on Skoula he has been solid taking the body not messing up.
I haven’t noticed any real shift on D for him RG, but I have seen him drop back and lend a hand a few times.
MIKKO! WOW…initiates the hit, and STILL keeps it in and then sets up a scoring chance!!
Rouge - Nope, only on Wng tonight.
Who was that in Koivu’s way?
MIKKO! WOW
That says it all doesn’t it? I think we will hear that phrase a lot this year.
BDS, I’m so jealous. That’s the way to watch hockey on tv.
I’m telling you, ATX, anybody who’s sick of hearing me talk about him maybe understands now why I do. He’s just the cat’s pajamas. He could never score for the rest of his career and he’d still be my favorite player in all of hockey.
NiNY - Just a quick Scotch suggestion, I just recently started to try Bowmore and can highly recommend them. Try the 10 or 12 yr.
Can we please sign Backs… like now please?
I agree ms C. I do get to listen to the commercials so it is not a perfect evening.
BDS: I know them well. May I commend you on your obviously excellent standards in taste?
Austin: PLUS FREAKIN’ ONE BROTHER!
So I’m thinking either Reids or Great Water before the game on the 20th. It’s my birthday dinner (a day late). I’ll have to see what the Mr thinks.
Plus his name is kick arse Ms. C!
ATX - I completely agree.
Koivu is absolutely my favorite player in hockey.
Tell you what, that play at the blue line by Mikko…100% reminded me of Forsberg in his prime. Just sick.
Crap!
Shazbot!
Come on keep the shoot out going.
Oh…Yeah lets get a shorty…
Damn what a great pass block… was that Kimmy J? Skoula?? Whoever it was, they saved a goal.
Also, Bryz thought that was behind him… he glanced back immediately.
Cluts rewarded with some PK time there…
Austin that’s at least the third time he’s done that tonight, right?
Band - I would pick Greatwater’s a bit better for the dining. Not that I have anything against Reids.
Bryz has had a rough go against Minny for a while.
Yeah I think so Nick. I know he has done two times… maybe three.
NiNY - You are correct on the Foppa observation. Exactly the way he would have played it. Body first and keep the puck.
oh, No(lan)!
that was close…Bruno with a great look there.
We have missed Nolan or a body around in front of the net.
Rogue: yeah, like since the playoffs two years ago… grrr…
Seroiusly… Bryz… just let Nolan put one in… he’s been try so hard.
I keep sneezing up glitter. I never want to see glittery stuff again, no glitter.
So wants everyone getting me for my birthday?
Wow. Backs NOT HAPPY.
Backs totally went after him!
NiNY - I’m sorry I missed your MN apperance. I actually attended the game but didn’t know you guys where meeting before the game. To much work and not enough bloging.
Who just plowed over backs? No penalty, What the F send out Boggie…..
is that the Porter that was at Michigan?
Reitz should have taken care of that immediately.
I guess that was the correct none call.
BDS: not to worry. There will be a next time.
Reitz just went on my Super Sissy punk ass wussy list
How did Mikko not put that one in?
Jordan: I would have liked to have seen Reitz drop there, but he would have had to go into the net, pull Backs off the guy and then start whaling on him. Hell, he might have gotten a 3rd man in for the business Backs was administering!
I don’t care if he was pushed, not pushed, in there chasing the puck… you HAVE to rip that damn guy’s head off.
Burns is looking pretty rusty. Nolan too.
Bryz had a great save on Mikko’s second shot.
Backs was so pissed there. Hoser should have been called for that crap, he didn’t even try to slow own or avoid Backs.
And that should have been what’s, not wants, everybody getting me for my birthday. My friend H. got me a new Wild t-shirt.
Wow. this is a CLINIC.
ZIDS!!
Good point NiNY. After I chilled out a bit, I I thought that Reitz might be thinking shutout. That or he just wanted to see Backs feed him some more blocker. GGGGGGOOOOOOOAAL!
WOW!!!!
YES!
btw, three shots by Butch on that PP so far.
This helps atone for the horrible PP against the Canadiens.
Huge game by Z.
Wooooooo!!!!!!!! LICKY!!!!!!
Bingo Bango. Zids!
Excellent game boys. Excellent.
You’re off the hook, Rogue!
Shutout for Backs!
Win for the Wild!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!
ATX, I noticed that too. Glad to see butch putting it on.
Great game, very fun.
Backs with the shut out!
Helluva game. Wow.
Sign. Him. NOW!!!!
Yeah, NiNY- glad I didn’t jinx it!
Backs, Bella, Zids, Mikko…all could be stars tonight.
Mary Anne who?
Good call, Austin. Butch got the memo to start shooting the biscuit.
Woot! Shutout by Backs! He’s on my Fantasy Team!
Great game all around. It was an absolute CLINIC by the Wild. I am very saddened that Nolan didn’t get a goal though. He should have buried one of those chances.
Even if Burns and Nolan were rusty, it makes a big difference to have their ice time and take some pressure off the other guys.
And how about Zidlicky?! What a game!
I still say Butch has been invisable on the ice so far. Probably, IMO, the biggest disapointment this season.
Sweet victory! and not to have to listen to D&D makes it even better.
Way to go boys! Nice game. Now do that again in the 20th for my birthday ok.
BDS, bigger than Gaby?
BDS, bigger than Gaby?
We have a winner folks!! Nick, tell him what he’s won!!
Classy shout out by Zid
Naw, I’m not even counting him.
RogueGopher, you’ve won a year’s supply of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco treat!
RG, what did Zid say? CI cuts off right after the game.
Rogue: what, and to whom, did Zids shout?
YEAH!!!! I just got running water and a microwave! Rice-A-Roni will be perfect!!!
Sorry to be a party pooper, but I lost faith in Zidlicky a week ago and gave him the boot in my fantasy league. Way to prove me wrong
Darby’s hair almost looks normal tonight.
Zid just was interviewed by Gorg as the star and he turned and waved during his interviewed and said how awesome the fans are. It looked very genuine.
So Cal has been staying in a holiday express? I guess if a doctor is needed he can step in
Nick, Zids did a nice shout out to the fans during his interview with Gorg.
The gr8 one a bit upset with Cal? Sweet.
OK, what was Gretzky yelling about?
Wow, Gretzky was yelling at Cal after his fight, pretty funny.
man there are a lot of Buds fans in Rexall tonight. That really has to chafe those Grease fans.
do tell, do tell! (re: Gretzky)
That’s why I always stay there… HIE rocks! Another greatday tomorrow, folks.
The gr8 one a bit upset with Cal?
How so? I didn’t see anything unusual out of him…
It looked like he was talking about Cal’s mask but I don’t think he has one so I’m not sure what Gretzky’s deal was. But he was definitely pissed.
Gretzky was yelling at him for fighting with a visor on. Cal was yelling, “don’t worry, I stayed at a holiday inn express last night”
Cal was yelling back from the penalty box. I couldn’t read their lips but Cal was eating up with a little smirk on his face.
Since, I still don’t have sound I guess the gr8 one took offence to Cal, visor or face wash? It’s hard without sound….
Does Cal have a visor?
wait, did Cal initiate that fight? With a 3-0 lead? And Cal definitely undid his chin strap, then it looked like he THOUGHT about taking off the pot, but then noticed that yandle still had his on, so Cal kept it on.
Looks like he was pissed that he didn’t take his helmet off, has a visor on it. But Clutts said he said to the other guy to take his helmet off and he wouldn’t…
Gretzky was yelling at him for fighting with a visor on. Cal was yelling, “don’t worry, I stayed at a holiday inn express last night.
LOL!
um, apparently Breathe Rights just got to Canada.
Maybe NHL on the Fly will have it in their highlights but Gretzky was quite animated.
I have CI and I have been getting the post game coverage this season. Is anyone else?
an Neil Diamond, too, for that matter. But this Canadian Police Chase commercial is HI-larious.
Frustration by the Gr8 one. Not easy to take a schooling by the Wild.
RG, it’s hit or miss on our Cable CI feeds. We get it every once in awhile.
Atx- I see.
BDS- guess the Great One’s team failed their huge test, eh?
Backs sure have the Yotes number. I say this should now be DR’s new #1 signing goal. Get it done and send a message to the none mentional one.
RG - say he was right on about his concerns about the game. The Yotes has so much young talent it is hard not to like them, Jovo or not.
OK what is he saying.
I was basically entirely wrong about how this game would go. And I couldn’t be happier about that. The Wild came out strong from the opening face off, and never let off the gas pedal. Outstanding, team win!
Gretzky, “good old fashioned butt kicking.” “almost an NHL group against a junior team.”
I wish I could read lips better when Wayne went off on Cal
“If it wasn’t for Bryz it would have been 8 nothing.” “We got outclassed tonight.”
Where is Mkia? Didn’t he predict a yotes win and even puting a mythical honeybee on the game?
Gretzky was very disappointed.
I wish I could read lips better then Wayne went off on Cal.
Dominic Moore got WORKED by Stortini tonight. Took a moment to get back up - probably trying to figure out why no one was answering the damn phone - but came back to play.
Big time hit by Australopithecus Man, though.
Wow. Double statement.
Sorry, Richard! That was me. Stupid server.
Gretzky called his team a junior team compared to the Wild in his presser.
BDS, I agree, the yotes are an up and coming team with no real jerks. As NiNY said they’re a lot like Chicago.
Okay, I’m off for sleepy time, Wild fans.
Lori, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
G’night, all!
RG- Yep, I agree but the Hawks have a few more pests or punks on their team.
Nice one NiNY! I’m sure this was one Lori would be proud of.
JL was asked about Backs domination of PHO and he grinned and said, “he’s doing well.”
BDS, I agree, the yotes are an up and coming team with no real jerks. As NiNY said they’re a lot like Chicago.
Wait.. really? Carcillo? Seabiscut? Burish? Not Jerks??
It’s only 8 in Oregon, NiNY!
ATX, I just don’t loath them like so many others I do. I guess they do have their antagonizor’s though.
Anybody see Nick Schultz and his wife, Jessica on Twin Cities Live?
They were cute together. When I saw them, I pictured them as the Williams sisters for Halloween.
Their baby is cute and he was messy. They had pictures of him after feeding time. Applesauce or mashed food was all over him. Totally cute.
ATX - Good call, but I didn’t really notice them tonight. I actually have a soft spot for Carcillo for some reason but I’m sure that will not last long.
RG: Well, they aren’t the NUCKS, that’s for sure!
>>Anybody see Nick Schultz and his wife, Jessica on Twin Cities Live?<<
There is just something about a gal with a Canadian accent.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
here’s my opinion on clutterbuck…
1st period he hit morris, clean but morris didn’t like it. was barking at the ref about something. my answer to him would have been “play hockey son or take your gear off and get on the bus.”
after that it looked like the yotes were looking for him for some reason. I saw nothing out of the ordinary and nothing to get anyone worked up over.
3rd period, cal draws the interference call on mueller. bela scores, yotes pissed. as soon as cal lines up for face off, yandle decided they are going to lineup two wings on him and vacates his defensmen position. the linesman immediately signals it’s going down and as soon as the puck drops cal skates to him and drops them. cal man’d up and went to take his bonnet off but yandle, didn’t return the favor, which a real man would have done. so cal left it on although it came right off since he had unstrapped it. in the end, yandle did his best voros impression. maybe made some points in the room but certainly didn’t change any momentum.
FYI: Falcone, the Wild’s other big investor and MN native, testified in front of the House re: hedge funds.
That’s what I saw too G*
question for y’all to ponder.
the wild are up 3 rip with a 5 on 3 for basically the last 3 minutes of the game. Is is showing them up to be bombing away like we were? we could have passed it around the perimeter and ran out the clock. certainly for the minute or so of 2 man advantage.
i’m not saying it was right or wrong but looking to see what other think.
FYI: Falcone, the Wild’s other big investor and MN native, testified in front of the House re: hedge funds.
no offense to sunshine but why is this news?
in all the hockey games i’ve been to, i’ve never seen a d-man skate up on a center ice faceoff like that. i’ve seen wings change sides to lineup next to each other but never a d-man vacate his post.
its news and its Wild related. You read it and move on.
A few thoughts en route to the land of Nod…
JL, please, get Burns back to the blue line. He looke so out of place on the wing tonight it was almost painful…
Someone put an ‘In Memoriam’ for Lori on the scoreboard tonight, when they do the birthdays, etc., during the second period. I know you on FSN (or FSAZ) did not see it, but someone cared. Thank you.
If there was a ‘dud’ for the Wild tonight, it had to be…
Kevin Falness!
That’s right…He who rips the Don for his frequent Florida mentions blew one right out his you-know-where tonight during the post-game show, when doing a sponsored spot for the plus-minus tally they do during the post-game show. He said: “Everyone was even tonight.”
What?? You shut a team out 4-0 and everyone was just EVEN??
KF, you gotta lay off them heaters, man. They’re frying what little is left of your brain, big boy…
Scouting tomorrow: Columbus vs. Buffalo, 6 PM Central (MSG+, FSOhio)
G’nite…
Just got back from the game. Nice performance. Burns a little rusty but the team looked very solid on D and Zids and Bergeron were moving the puck well on the PP. Skoula played another very solid game as did KJ. Backs excellent as usual. And, yes Bowmore is a very solid choice.
What?? You shut a team out 4-0 and everyone was just EVEN??
if all goals were on the PP then they were all even.
its news and its Wild related
really? news? it’s like saying CL bought a new plane.
>>i’m not saying it was right or wrong but looking to see what other think.<<
I was thinking the same thing, although it is an opportunity to fatten up individual scoring stats and work the bugs out of the PP. It is hard to tell the guys to back off that opportunity when they are required to be so disciplined most of the time. Sounds like there was some other yappin’ going on so I sense that maybe Jock-U wasn’t too worried about hurting the Great One’s feelings. Gretzky yapping about fighting etiquette is like Ronald McDonald lecturing on healthy eating. 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 hardly matters…..the Yotes will have moved on by tomorrow.
>>really? news? it’s like saying CL bought a new plane.<<
Odd. I find that both points fit the definition of “news”.
NiNY, +1 for the anthropological reference. I had to get a new keyboard, cause I spit coke on the old one.
WRT, I thought that Burnsie just looked rusty tonight. Had he not been rusty, I think the score might have been 6 - 0. I’m wondering if JL should keep him on the wing, because with Burns on the ice as a forward, the D can pinch more and get into the offensive flow more. You can use him as a rover, similar to how the Ducks have utilized Neidermeier, except Burnsie will splatter people too.
Anybody watch NHL Network’s Voices with Bob Kurtz. It was well done. I like this one and the one they did on the Sabres announcer.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
we’re going to have to chip in and get KiPA some OTC anti-anxiety meds if this keeps up.
Yes.
I’m totally cutting Koivu from my team…Pavelski’s two goals and assist sitting on the bench. Thanks Mikko! I know you’ll start scoring after I get rid of you, so everyone here better thank me.
WRT - I hate to defend a goofball like Falness, but in this case, he’s right. All four goals were PP, and those don’t count on plus-minus, so, yes, everyone was even tonight.
Fun night at the X, great to have a laugher for once, and a nice start to this stretch of games. Plus Calgary gets hammered, Edmonton gets hammered. Just a good night all around.
By the way, I suggest everyone check out Dany Sabourin’s save on Mike Richards in the shootout last night. Total robbery.
KiPA:
I added Pavelski to my team, too, a couple of weeks ago. I can’t remember who I dropped but Pavelski’s doing great. If he’s not scoring, at least he can get you points on FW and on shots.
I dropped MAB for Giradi and he gets a couple of PPAs tonight.
I am thinking of dropping Mittens. He’s been gone these last batch of games.
The league I’ve got Pavelski doesn’t have FW sadly. SOG though. I dropped him in another…dummy I am.
Quick question: What does INF stand for under GAA? Leighton played the whole game. Is it just a Yahoo! error?
I must admit I have no idea. Never seen that. INF would stand for infinite but that makes no sense, so I’ll assume it’s a Yahoo error and that it fixes itself Sunday if not before.
INF would stand for infinite but that makes no sense
i used to get that for my pitchers ERA and WHIP in the baseball league. indeed stands for infinite
Hey Russo,
Longtime reader, first time commenting. Just wanted say tell you I love the blog. Very imformative. To be honest, Im a little partial to the Pioneer Press (sorry) but you guys always have the best coverage of the Wild. Keep it up!
Ps. Whats with some of the readers using your comment section as a chatroom?
game was boring as hell. it was the perfect Jacques Lemaire game. get ahead and suffocate the opponent.
i am appalled that Backstrom wasn’t 1 of the 3 stars. the league needs to do something about awarding the 3 stars. in the grand scheme of things, the 3 stars doesn’t mean much, but if you get a shutout, there is no reason you shouldn’t be a star.
The reality of it is Backstrom is the Wild’s best player damn near every game and probably should have gotten at least a star every game he’s played this year other then the Dallas game.
good win…time to prepare for Columbus !!
G* did his best voros impression
Classic!
If they’ve been shooting all night on the PP, why would they switch it up to play catch for the final 3? Save the other team’s feelings? Puck possesion to try to preserve Backstrom’s shutout?
DR had better start working on a contract for Backstrom soon. Forget Gaborik, pull any offer off the table (should’ve been pulled already) and give some $$ to Backstrom!
I should clarify, G* didn’t do a Voros impression. G* posted that line.
Mr. Russo, do you know if the Wild plan on adding a third sweater? I would really like to see them bring back the forest green sweaters.
Vancouver’s new sweater with the ’stink and rink’ logo is terrible.
I’m still pumped from that game. Is that dorky?
Powerplay worked last night for one reason: passing! The Wild finally decided it was going to use some crisp, tape-2-tape passing with the man advantage and it worked. Harken back the Habs debacle. How many times did we have to watch Butch hold the puck at the blueline along the wall, waiting for something to happen. Bela’s goal last night was a thing of beauty as was Bruno’s. Crisp, efficient, tape-2-tape passing will do wonders for the powerplay efficiency percentage and last night was proof of that. Probably didn’t hurt that Mrs. Zids was back in the fold to give Marek the, ah-hem, “boost” he’s been looking for 
Mister Know it all made a bold prediction by thinking that Phoenix would win 3 to 2. I admit that two things, I did not think that the Coyotes would start that flat and I did not think that the Wild would play at the level they did. They looked like world beaters last night. The Coyotes were not ready to work
Mister Know it all is a hockey genius.
Last year Brent Burns was taughted as one of the best up and coming D men in the NHL. Mister know it all still made a prediction that he would be an elite power forward in the NHL. Hockey writers everywhere called Mister Know it all a “nin comm poop” This year they are seeing why Mister Know it all is a genius. The move to put Burns up front will stick !
WRT…they were all PP goals, no shorties so everyone was even. Both teams. There’s no justice in that since the Wild controlled the game.
Guess that’s what +/- in and of itself is a meaningless stat.
I did think Burns looked really rusty. He really botched 4 or 5 rushes by misplaying the puck. He’ll be better Saturday I am sure.
Burns is a hybrid player. Is he the Wild’s designated #3 goalie??? 
Deep…tape-2-tape passing is much easier 5 on 3…
With the kids that the Great One has on that roster, 4 rookies a year ago and 4 more rookies this year, I gotta believe he will be able to use it as a good teaching tool for them, that is, gotta be ready to play on the second of back-2-backs. Phoenix has been relatively poor for, well, ever, but I like what they are doing with the team. Loading up on talented young players and giving them plenty of ice time. It’s nice that the Wild is still able to stuff the Yotes’ faces into the couch cushions every time the teams play, but if I were a diehard Yotes fan, I would be more optimistic about the future than fans of a lot of other teams right now.
Thanks Peggy. That is nice of you to remember my arguments I had with local sports writers last year whom said Burns would never play Forward, and Mister know it all again made him is Bee -ach
MKiA. Peggy (Sue). Please.
You ARE a nincompoop…
And Burns has replaced Chuck Norris at the top of the universe.
Burns doesn’t play hockey. Hockey plays Burns.
kj: if you have the means, go back and watch that Montreal disaster. The passing with a 2-man advantage was non-existant. Butch would do his little spin moves by the wall, look for somebody to move their feet and then get knocked off the puck. The puck wasn’t moving at all on Oct. 30. The Wild went rock-10 on the PP and I don’t they had more than one or two legitimate scoring chances. The puck was moving last night and it has been a long time coming for a team that has been brutal of late with the extra skater.
if it is, then I’m a dork too, ms.c…
mkia: I feel compelling to point out that, when the two things you got wrong about a game are 1) how the home team would play and 2) how the road team would play, then you pretty much butchered the whole thing.
I will now sit back and wait for you to sign out as yourself, sign in as one of your other personalities and bash me, then sign out as that personality and sign in as another of your personalities and bash me, then sign out as that personality and sign in as ANOTHER of your personalities and bash me, and then sign out as that personality….
taughted
You have got to be kidding me.
Deep, you are correct on the Montreal PP disaster.
But, I think they (Coyotes) employed a more ‘passive’ kill. And, they had tired legs. Either that or the Wild gained possession in the zone quicker.
I can’t really determine whether it was the Wild’s PP prowess or the Coyotes ineffective PK that was the REAL story.
taughted = learned?
oops…that should have been:
taughted = learnded
Even I cannot type without coffee!
“Lemaire said Brent Burns may have to get used to playing forward for the time being. It gives the Wild three scoring lines, in Lemaire’s opinion.”
Yeah, thanks Jacques. Problem is… you put Mittens on the one non-scoring line. Great for fantasy hockey. Just thanks a lot for that.
I suspect Burns’ rustiness was the contributing factor in playing him at wing. Give him a few games at wing to get back in the swing of things and then he’ll be back on D again. Mishandling the puck as a wing is much less dangerous than mishandling the puck as a D.
They passed during the MTL game. They just weren’t crisp accurate passes. That leaves the recipient looking down or taking a second or two to control the puck. That time allows the other team to adjust and clog shooting and passing lanes.
It was pretty clear that Clutterbuck offered to take off his hat, but Yandle wouldn’t reciprocate. The Great One should shut the hell up.
kj: agreed that the Yotes’ penalty kill is just this side of horsesh!t, but it was just nice to see the Wild not only firing the puck around the offensive zone last night, but many to most of the passes were hitting teammates on the taped portion of their sticks.
Mr. Know it All won’t be allowed on the blog anymore if he keeps changing his name.
First warning was from my editor. Second warning is from me. There won’t be a third warning.
kj: I *think* he/she/they were going for touted but…just…wow…
I’m all for an honest typo (see my “compelling” above). But, when you clearly demonstrate that even Hukd on Fawnix failed you…yikes.
Pretty sure the Don just put a hit out on all but one of MKIA’s crew. Question is: which one survives? You’ve got some tough choices to make, Mr. BeavPegLucy.
MsC & Nick, inside my brain I’m still wired from the game, but my body has told my brain in no uncertain terms “go back to bed you freakin’ hippie!” Too bad I have to work so that I can’t go back to bed. We need to finish decorating the mansion for Christmas tours (which begin next week)and also set up for a special event tomorrow. The list just keeps getting longer and longer. Oh and Nick to answer a question from your blog, Remy is a rat. What do I win?
Very happy about how the boys played last night. If they continue to play that way I’ll be even happier.
You’ve got some tough choices to make, Mr. BeavPegLucy.
I think Good old Wally is going down at the toll booth on 394. Funny stuff from the Toronto Sun:
Three new hockey-themed movies are showing (maybe) in a theatre near you:
Slumdog Millionaire
A member of the Minnesota Wild (Marian Gaborik) is treated harshly by fans after being embroiled in a contract dispute. He then refuses to play, claiming he has a lower-wallet injury. Alexei Yashin makes his directorial debut
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2008/11/13/7403816.html
Even with Nolan being rusty out there he had a good game, great to see him back (and is under-appreciated) here is why: (IF you are lucky enough to be at the X for a game, watch him for a while) - Nolan is extremely smart without the puck, something we missed in Parrish. Nolan seems to have a sense for where to be and when. He created turnovers as a result, he sets himself up for one-timers and ‘garbage goals’ or at least attempts, creates a lot of chances for the Wild in doing this - this results in the opposing team defense paying much more attention to him as well, drawing defenders away from other Wild players. I was skeptical at first when they added him in the offseason, but glad to see him in there now. He has a definite skill for being in the right place at the right time and creating havoc for the defenders around the other team’s net.
Russo, if you’re out there, I’d love to know for sure if Cal skated the last shift without a helmet as a “nod” to Gretz’s fit about leaving his lid on to fight.
I think MKiA/GOW/Beav/Peggy/etc forgot that we are in the 21st century and just because you change your name on a Blog, there’s ways Big Brother can determine its you -
IP address:
Every machine on the Internet has a unique identifying number, called an IP Address. It is the numerical sequence that serves as an identifier for an Internet server.
Go get ‘em Don!
Connor…Nolan’s pass across to Belanger was exactly what you are talking about.
If he would have done it on purpose, he would have been whistled for a misconduct penalty. Players are not allowed to start a shift without the lid. If the lid comes off during the course of play, the player is allowed to finish his shift. I believe it came off during a “skirmish” along the wall during his shift. Just hope there was no “yelling” back from Clutterskate, towards The Great One. Cal needs to log a few more NHL minutes before he starts firin’ lip at The Great One. Thought Cal played another solid game, however.
The Don has bigger stuff to worry about, like getting my question answered.
Oh okay, DB. I didn’t see the skirmish and didn’t record the game to go back and look. It just sounds like something he’d do. Cheeky monkey…
I’m sort of with Deep on that last point. If Cooke, or Ruutu, or Burrows had yapped at Lemaire like that we’d be all over him.
I like Cal’s willing to hit anything not in IRR, and I respect that he dropped the purse when challenged - you all know I’m a Cal fan.
But sometimes you show the Gods some respect.
I like *that* Cal’s willing to hit anything…
Cal’s lid got knocked off. I caught it as it was sliding towards one of the linesmen. He picked it up and gave it to the guys in the penalty box with their colection of broken sticks.
I gotta say watching last nights game in HD was very sweet…why are so many fsn games not in HD? Great job last night guys! Zidlicky was outstanding keep it up…anyone still missing rolston???
Yeah, but would Lemaire have yapped at them in the first place? Isn’t that the Great One yapped then Cluts yapped?
Lemaire tends to tighten his mouth everytime there is a fight and shrugs it off unless of course, it came at an opportune time like when we are down only a goal and time is limited.
He didn’t yap back at Gretz though, did he? Damn. I wish NHLN would replay the game today. I agree, if he did, he shouldn’t have, but I didn’t see him do it.
Alright Russ, thanks for the confirmation.
I’m glad we are starting to learn more about Zidlicky as the season progresses, and I’m talking more about off the ice than on it. He seems like a great guy, and I’m sure he will be loved here however long his tenure.
Have to go back and look but someone posted that Cluts yapped back while he was in the box.
Also, anyone noticed last night that Gorg said that Zidlicky didn’t stop for interviews during intermissions and they had to force him to stay at the end of the game to interview him?
Yes, Gorg made sure that everyone was aware of that. I’m sure it was just a miscommunication.
Looked to me like he just JETTED to the box and sat down. No yapping for as long as I saw the camera on him. And if Gretz was yapping beyond the next puck drop after the fight, he’s a tool for letting a little rookie get under his skin.
Was anybody at the game and saw first hand what went down?
Gorg is a dolt, plain and simple. As far as The Great One goes, it is my belief that he has earned the right to yap at whomever about whatever he would like. You can’t do for hockey what this man has done and not be afforded carte’ blanche’ in terms of what you say. Over the years, as high profile as this Man has been for the game of hockey, the times he has spoken and sounded foolish are few and far between. A little frustration was no doubt (JL accent) present towards the end of last night’s beat down. What was nice is that he didn’t sugarcoat the game. Flat out said it should have been a 7 or 8-rip final. His boys got outplayed from the “Let’s Play Hockey” until the final horn and owned up to that. With that many “kids” on the roster, it is bound to happen again to the Yotes. Will be interesting how the game goes on Dec. 11 in Phoenix because the Wild will again be coming off a 4-day layoff.
Gorg is a dolt.
Cal let some words fly back at the Great One after he was sitting in the Box.
I believe Wayne’s initial words were “You got a visor my boy - take it off” Then there were some explatives and some hand gestures across his face imulating the visor, then the camera panned to Cal and he had a smirk and at first said “I tried and he wouldn’t” or something to that affect. I can’t find a video or anything though
Go get ‘em Don!
the don never gets anyone, he has capos for that.
I don’t see lemaire yapping at any opposing players. at least i don’t think he has.
if the great one wants to start something, i think cal has a right to give a little back.
Fair enough DB. Can’t say I 100% agree about the carte blanche but I do respect his forthrightness after the game. That said, I also don’t make much of a claim to objectivity when it comes to Cal. I try, but mostly fail.
I just notice that the Yotes have been more susceptible to Cal’s agitating than any other team the Wild has played so far. Maybe if the coach isn’t busting a vein, the team takes it a little more in stride? Just a thought. Could just be because of the youthfulness of the Yotes squad.
Thanks for the replay, Gun. Though I gotta say, “I tried and he wouldn’t” isn’t yapping. That’s explaining. I’m sure Gretz didn’t see him unfasten his lid and gesture to take it off.
Ms.C
Wayne should have seen it. If you look at any of the YouTube clips of the fight, Cal unsnaps his chin strap and make a motion to take off the lid directly infront of the Dogs’ bench.
Ms.C
Wayne should have seen it. If you look at any of the YouTube clips of the fight, Cal unsnaps his chin strap and make a motion to take off the lid directly infront of the Dogs’ bench.
(I posted a link but its waiting for moderation)
Its yapping — they weren’t talking about the weather or the Great One’s tie.
I thought we were talking about Cal yapping (allegedly) after he got out of the box? If Gretz yapped at Cal in the box, then I agree Cal can yap back. Cal’s adrenaline level is out of this world at that point - and Gretz would know that (because Semenko would have told him) - so it’s reasonable for him to give back what he was getting from Wayne.
But I thought we were discussing this from ms.c:
“Russo, if you’re out there, I’d love to know for sure if Cal skated the last shift without a helmet as a “nod” to Gretz’s fit about leaving his lid on to fight.”
which would seem to have been taking it to the next level by Cal.
He’s being accused of something ridiculous! He’s defending himself. It’s not like he was going, “Yeah, well FU Gretz! I’ll leave my visor on if I wanna.” That’s yapping.
I’ve seen it Gun. (Okay, I’ve watched it about 10 times this morning…) But there was a lot going on and the motion was pretty quick and he was facing away from the bench. I’m trying to give Gretz the benefit of the doubt here because I know I’m right.
Nick, I think we cleared up that the lid got knocked off on that last in the course of play.
The kid is forever getting that thing knocked off. I think there’s a picture somewhere (oh Fred!) of his helmet in the net during a game last year in Houston. He may have gotten more helmets in the net than pucks… (Okay, not really)
“on that last SHIFT” I meant to say.
oh, okay. Well, for the record, I don’t have an issue with him yapping back in the box (and I do think it’s yapping, even if it’s in self-defense). If he starts the yapping then it’s different. And if he didn’t start it, but kept it up after the got out (including possibly playing without a pot on purpose) then I don’t like that.
Just my $0.02
If Clutterbuckets wants to jaw with The Great One, that’s fine, but he looks foolish doing it, unless The Great One calls him a Cooke or something. On the flip side, if some turd with like 17 minutes in the NHL, would start throwin’ lip at JL, I think it is safe to say that the turd in question would be summarily roasted in Russoville. I appreciate Cal’s energy and his willingness to hit anything and everything in an opposing sweater, but he looks foolish bad-sassing The Great One, at least at this point in his career.
taughted; touted
cut the guy/gal a break NiNY and be thankful for your MPA education.
but he looks foolish bad-sassing The Great One, at least at this point in his career.
i also think the great one looks the fool if he started the yapping. Coaches, all coaches, shouldn’t be yapping at opposing players.
The great one was a bit worked up last night. From where we sit, we can see right down the players bench. He was red face many time. Lots of yelling and pointing. Not really sure who it is always directed at, but he was not his normal calm self standing behind the players. I missed the “after” part of Cals fight. We were just laughing that after Cal got back up on his feet, that he was so amped up that he almost ran/sprinted to the box. The linesman had to hurry up to catch up to him.
As for licky and Gorg, after they did the 3 starts (which was messed up), Gorg comes charging out of the tunnel to grab licky before he has a chance to get off the ice. Nice to see him give a honest props to the fans.
As for the mix up, they show the players signing the pucks before they anounce the 3 stars. MAB, Koivu and licky were all signing pucks. Then they call Bella as the 3rd star (of course he is not around), Mikko gets 2, and Licky gets 1 and throw out 2 pucks. It would be interesting to see who actually signed those pucks.
I don’t think Cluts or The Great One crossed the line. Its amusing that it happened.
SRV woodchucking at McLeod while funny did cross the line.
As for licky and Gorg, after they did the 3 starts (which was messed up), Gorg comes charging out of the tunnel to grab licky before he has a chance to get off the ice. Nice to see him give a honest props to the fans
I missed this whole thing - is there video?
Backs didn’t get a star last night?
sunshine: that’s right… and he’s got Wally Shaver to blame for it.
The Great One sees a 20-year-old kid like Cluttersnakes, who has been in the League for about 20 minutes, fighting with a visor on. Considering the frustration level that was apparent at that point of the night on the side of the Yotes’, I have no problem with it. I would doubt you would have seen or heard anything from the bench if it would have been a 10-year veteran. Since it was a 20-year-old who has done nothing to this point, I think may be one of the reasons The Great One told him to lose the visor if he wants to fight.
Sunshine: Backstop was the #2 star last night, between Pavelski and STK.
At least the NHL honored him if the people at Let’s Play Hockey won’t.
My PC has been broke and so I have been out of the loop for a month and do not know what attitudes are.
Odd when a goalie can’t get a star of the game for a shutout!
Interesting that we are not missing Gaborik and that the young guys seem to be doing just enough to be forging a better team identity.
Nice to see Backstop get the blank, but I doubt he even had to shower after the game. The Yotes put zero pressure on him all night. Arguably the best all-around effort through 14 games for the Wild. With the BJs out east tonight, would hope the team can come back with the same kind of effort against what could be a bit of a sluggish Jackets’ squad.
IceMan: The game last night notwithstanding, the Wild had scored 19 goals in the previous 10 games. I would hardly think that qualifies as “not missing him” in regards to Gaby. Regardless of which side you may take on this whole contract mess, the fact remains that when Gaby comes back healthy, that will exponentially raise the level of this team’s offensive capabilities, put more pressure on opposing defensive units and create more opportunities for other members of the Wild in the offensive zone.
While I do think Clutterbuck should have lost the lid, I don’t blame him for leaving it on if the other dude’s not going to drop his. Not like it made much difference as it was off with the first punch anyway.
That should tell everyone how dominant the Wild win was last night, that the topic de jour is whether or not Clutteredmess should have or should have not kept the lid on or his mouth shut. Nice win.
Indeed. The dominance of the team isn’t remotely a question. Can we play the Yotes every game?
did anyone notice what/if Boogaard did to limit his minutes to 2:13? I thought he looked pretty good on that early shift where he picked that puck out of the air at the point and almost made it all the way to the center red line before they caught up to him…
also, you want dominance check out these faceoff winning percentages for the game:
Mikko 63%
Nolan 75%
Bela 67%
Shep 67%
Pouliot 55%
It was a good overall game, though it seemed like BP and KimJ were asleep for the first period or so… BP was doing a lot of coasting and reaching instead of skating - odd I thought considering the effort he had been putting forth in previous games.
Nick, 2:13 of ice time was a little odd even for Boogaard, especially in a blow out kind of game. Maybe he was shaken a bit after ramming over that one Yotes defensemen (his name I can’t remember now) after he stole the puck and brought it into the zone?
According to Terhaar and Greenlay though, we’ve got a baby Boogaard in Clutterbuck now.
Mr. Know it All won’t be allowed on the blog anymore if he keeps changing his name.
First warning was from my editor. Second warning is from me. There won’t be a third warning
I think I love you. I really do.
Yeah, I cringed at that baby boogie comment… Don’t go expecting him to do this often.
Conner, he was coasting a bit in the first but made up for it later, I thought.
Was surprised Boogie didn’t get more ice, too, after that slick play. I mean, he looked like a hockey player on that move!
Wow, I didn’t even see that from Russo. Sweet.
The Marian Gaborik watch: Twelve games missed with the now ubiquitous “lower body injury,” no return date in sight and no chance of Minnesota Wild general manager Doug Risebrough to trade the rights of the pending unrestricted free agent until he gets back in the line-up and starts to play again. Given Gaborik’s history of groin and stomach pulls, caveat emptor will be the prevailing philosophy for any team interested in his rights. And yes, Los Angeles is still one of them.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081114.wsptduha1114/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
I am new to this blog. I just want to say this is the best blog in hockey. I am a northern minnesota guy who just loves hockey. You gals and guys are the best.
Let me stipulate up front that Wayne as a player deserves tons of respect, greatest player ever, etc., etc., etc.
Having said that, if you see the ‘Yotes much on Center Ice (which I tend to do…I’m a late-night guy and they’re often one of the late games), Wayne as a coach is one whiny bee-otch. Every time a call doesn’t go his way he gives the refs this pained how-can-you-screw-me-over-like-this expression. Not once in a while, but half a dozen times a game. He screams, he whines and then he uses this condescending shoulder shrug that seems to say “I guess you’re just stupid for not bowing down to me.”
So if our boy Cal wants to yap back a little, I’ve got no problem with that. Unless you’re prepared to come back on the ice and do that magic you do (did), Gretz, shut up.
Wayne as a coach is one whiny bee-otch. Every time a call doesn’t go his way he gives the refs this pained how-can-you-screw-me-over-like-this expression. Not once in a while, but half a dozen times a game. He screams, he whines and then he uses this condescending shoulder shrug that seems to say “I guess you’re just stupid for not bowing down to me.”
+1
So if our boy Cal wants to yap back a little, I’ve got no problem with that. Unless you’re prepared to come back on the ice and do that magic you do (did), Gretz, shut up.
-1
You know who else yaps? Cooke, Ruutu, Burrows. Now you guys are supporting a guy like that. He’s taken the first step towards the dark side.
Join us, Clutterbuck, and together we will rule the NHL as cheapshot artist and agitator.
I don’t know FSN showed us the full story last night but from what I saw the Great One just blew his stack when Cal fought with a visor on. You can see they both lined up off the face off dropped the gloves and Cal unsnapped his lid but the other kid did not so Cal didn’t remove it. They showed in the post game wrap up that Gretzky was leaning over the bench and screaming at the penalty box. He was actually beat red in the face and waiving his hand over his face motioning the “visor”. Cal just seemed to be laughing while he jawed back at him. Didn’t appear to me that Cal was taunting anyone or starting the show. I can’t believe Gretzky would let a 20 year old kid get to him like that. What’s next going to ask Craig MacTavish how to deal with mascots when the taunt you?
Goalieguy, I dont watch many Yotes games so I can’t comment on what you said directly. However, Gretzky seemed very humble in the loss when he was interviewed after the game. He probably brings the same passion for playing behind the bench from his playing days.
He’s taken the first step towards the dark side.
Yes, he has to be careful - can any Aeros fans comment on if Cutter and Buck ever stooped to the Cooke/Ruutu/ Burrows level last year?
But the dark side has cookies, Kevin.
Cal’s not a cheapshot artist and if he was gonna be one, he’d already be one. I don’t think it’s a slippery slope. He’s actually getting less “sketchy” as he moves up in his career.
Cal Clutterbuck
Right Wing - MIN
BIRTHDATE: Nov 18, 1987 (AGE 20)
So cheapshot artists start really young, eh? They don’t evolve upon reaching the big level when they realize that’s the way to succeed?
Ok. There are 2 unwritten rules, and one written one, plain and simple:
1. You don’t fight with a visor.
and
2. If you wear a visor and wanna fight, you take your lid off.
The written rule is if you instigate a fight with a visor on, you face a fine, a suspension, and the coach gets a fine as well.
Did Cal instigate? Dunno, I was in the kitchen for the fight.
6GS, it depends on your tolerances, I guess. You guys will just have to see for yourselves. I wouldn’t be this continuously and completely bonkers about a guy who I didn’t feel was, above all, completely serious about hockey and a total team guy.
Don’t argue with me, Kevin. I’ll take you down…
And BTW, you think Lemaire is putting up with a cheapshot artist? I don’t think so and he knows it. I think the respect of his teammates is important to him precisely because he pizzes everyone off so bad, he needs the support of his team to pull it off.
So what exactly has Clutterbuck done to deserve the cheapshot artist talk? He threw with a guy who wanted to go, didn’t drop the lid b/c the other guy wouldn’t and allegedly jawed at the coach from the penalty box.
It’s not like he slashed a guy on the top of his foot and then ran for the bench (Cooke), sucker punched a guy known to not be a fighter (May), speared one of the smallest guys in the league (Burrows), stomped on a guy’s leg (Pronger/Simon)…
I suspect KiPA’s just ruffling feathers to keep the conversation going.
Well I’m just partially razzing you, Ms. C, though I am in total agreement with - I think it was DB - who said if anyone was yapping off at Lemaire, he’d be declared a goon and dirtbag and other assorted things regardless of his actual history.
Amazing what the right colored jersey can do, right?
because he pizzes everyone off so bad
Wait, isn’t that what an agitator does?
I don’t think Clutterbuck is a cheapshot artist (at least he hasn’t shown me that he is yet). There is a big difference between checking guys and talking some smack (which it seems like C-Buck does), rather than talking smack and spearing/slashing/taking out the knees and then running away with your tail between your legs (like Rutuu, Cooke, etc).
My two cents.
I suspect KiPA’s just ruffling feathers to keep the conversation going.
Sort of. I’ll have to go back to what I said before, but I didn’t mean to imply I was calling Clutterbuck a cheapshot artist. I half-joked that he took the first step towards becoming what this board hates most, guys like Ruutu and Cooke.
People want to put him in a box with those other guys, Goody. It won’t work. He’s just his own player who has his own unique game.
The path to the Dark Side is the easier path for those less talented.
Pain, suffering, death await those who pursue it.
I have forseen it.
KiPA, there’d be a big difference though. Lemaire wouldn’t be up on the boards yapping at an opposing player. If he was, I for one would say he deserved getting yapped back at.
Totally agree, Goody. Gretzky, for all he’s done for the game, shouldn’t have been mouthing off to him. I’d allow for one “take your visor off, kid” but with what it sounds like Gretzky was doing, especially the gesturing, that stuff was overboard.
Not sure if anybody saw this on ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/index
Go to the poll question, are the MN Wild contendors or pretenders… Apparently the world dosen’t believe we are for real… well… except for us and the Dakotas… Interesting.
I never said he wasn’t an agitator, KiPA. He absolutely is. One of the best, IMO, and yeah, the right jersey color is the only way to love an agitator.
ATX nailed it. He doesn’t try to hurt guys. Just make ‘em mad and keep them rattled and looking over their shoulders. And yeah, he runs his mouth. Whatever. The madder the opponent gets at him, the happier he is. Because if they’re chasing him, they’re not playing their best hockey.
BTW, would anyone here be suprised if it were reported (no, I’ve not seen this anywhere, it’s all in my imagination… where was I?
Oh! Would anyone be suprised if we found out Boogaard had a little talk with C-buck about the incident? I wouldn’t.
What do you mean, Goody? What kind of talk?
Until C-Buck does something stupid (stomping/spearing etc) I like him. Once he starts acting Burrowsish, he is on my sheet leest.
Ms. C: k, deleted what I was going to write. But as long as we’re on board that Clutterbuck’s turning into or is an agitator, that’s fine.
Ms. C I will trust in your enthusiasm for C-Buck that he will not end up on the dark side of the NHL. At least we know already that he doesn’t own a Cooke autographed turtle shell
If he runs around, (he does) turtles, (sometimes) and wears a visor, he is well on his way to being an annoyance. For the other team…
Totally agree with KiPA. It’s hard to be objective sometimes, but if C-Buck played for somebody else I wouldn’t be too pleased with his antics. I think the bottom line is that he shouldn’t be physical without having to answer for it. He shouldn’t wear a visor if fighting’s part of his game.
All this being said: I love the kid. He plays for us…
Guys, if he ever starts doing stuff to embarrass the team or the organization, I’ll absolutely call him on it.
I’d love to sit down with the guy and talk about his game. Off the record. I’d love to know how much he looks around the league and how he’s made decisions about where his “boundaries” are based on what he sees other guys doing, or how much of that is just part of his make-up.
Yandle got whooped. He was never in any position to even land a punch. Visor or not, Cal dominated that fight from the beginning. The visor didn’t make a difference. Right off the bat, Cal grabbed Yandle, turned him, and punched him in the ear 2 or 3 times. When Yandle’s helmet came off, Cal punched Keith in the back of the head another 3 times. Yandle couldn’t get a punch in if he tried. Gretzky is a whiny bastard that fought once in his career. Gretzky can piss off. Cal did what he needed to do.
What irritates me is that Cal is credited with 41 hits (should be at least twice that) and the next closest Wild player has 19 (Burns and Reitz). How about Lemaire actually get his team to hit. Last I checked hockey is a physical game and the Wild seem scared to hit. A guy like Nick Schultz who offers no offensive contribution to this team should be be lining guys up and playing more like Mike Komisarek and less like Nick Schultz. If you aren’t going to score, block a ton of shots and hit anything that gets near you.
Ms. C, just that I wouldn’t be suprised if Boogaard says/said to C-buck something along the lines of “Nice fight kid. Way to work those jersey jabs. Though next time drop the shield if there’s time.”
Nothing too serious, just a brief mention as he leaves the room or something.
This is the same Dan that was talking about how fighting is worthless? You want our guys to play like Komisarek? Really?
Not sure if anybody saw this on ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/index
Go to the poll question, are the MN Wild contendors or pretenders… Apparently the world dosen’t believe we are for real… well… except for us and the Dakotas… Interesting.
ESPN still covers hockey? I has just at lunch and saw the same hightlights of the Jets/Pats game 4 times. Not one second of hockey highlights from last night.
The worldwide leader in what we want you to see…..
Ms. C: I want to clarify something. In my initial post, I said Clutterbuck has become an agitator in the mold of (but not exactly like) Ruutu and Cooke, and agitators have long owned a rather emphatic disrespect and dislike on this board. But things are different now that you guys have one.
That’s why I said the dark side came into play. The part about cheap shots? That was the joking part.
Jordan says:
November 14th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
This is the same Dan that was talking about how fighting is worthless? You want our guys to play like Komisarek? Really?
as long as fighting is still allowed in the NHL, and as long as Nick isn’t going to add any offense to this team, then yes, I want him to play exactly like Komisarek. Nick needs to give up his body nightly to block shots and hit anything near him. Nick’s a defensive defenseman, maybe he should play like it.
First, if anyone has the email address to Greenlay, please send him a note to remind him he is not to speak during the broadcasts of the Wild games. That remark about “baby Boogaard” was arguably the dumbest thing I have ever had the misforture to listen to. And this coming from a color analyst who states dumb things about as often as he opens his mouth. Secondly, I agree with the folks about the visor and Cluttersnacks, that if he wants to run around and hit everything, that is great. But, if he starts to find himself in more and more scrapes with opposing players, the visor has to go.
I agree with Jordan, C-Buck should ditch the visor.
BoogieNeedsAGoal says:
November 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Not sure if anybody saw this on ESPN.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/index
Go to the poll question, are the MN Wild contendors or pretenders… Apparently the world dosen’t believe we are for real… well… except for us and the Dakotas… Interesting.
I know the Wild aren’t a contender for the Cup. There is no question about it. They are 2-3 scorers away from having any chance.
Boogieneedsagoal: Funny stuff. I was at Lifetime for an hour on the treadmill. They had ESPN on the tv and I watched roughly 45 minutes of highlights. Not only did they not show any NHL highlights, there was a 5-minute segment about some UFC bout between some Couture guy and something called a Lesnar. They even had a 4-person panel “breaking down” the bout. Unreal….
Clusterbuck, as entertaining as he is, is an agitator. How many points does he have? Yes, he brings a physical presence and he hits anything with a pulse, but he brings no offensive talent with him.
Granted I haven’t seen him in the minors and have only seen the limited amount of him with the Wild; but he has no points, few shots. I don’t know where I was going with this, just sort of wondering what value he brings?
Deep Breath says:
November 14th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
First, if anyone has the email address to Greenlay, please send him a note to remind him he is not to speak during the broadcasts of the Wild games. That remark about “baby Boogaard” was arguably the dumbest thing I have ever had the misforture to listen to. And this coming from a color analyst who states dumb things about as often as he opens his mouth. Secondly, I agree with the folks about the visor and Cluttersnacks, that if he wants to run around and hit everything, that is great. But, if he starts to find himself in more and more scrapes with opposing players, the visor has to go.
1. There aren’t a big number of straight face punches during NHL fights, at least not what I’ve seen. The visor isn’t an issue. Cal wants to protect his eyes from flying pucks and the majority of sticks, can’t blame him there.
2. Cal won that fight decisively. Calling him baby Boogaard is disrespectful since the majority of Boogaard’s fights end up in a draw. Boogaard is a completely overrated fighter. A couple of severe beatings to Fedoruk and everyone fears Boogaard? too funny. Cal is his own man and a true hockey player, Derek is a talentless scrub.
Deep Breath says:
November 14th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Boogieneedsagoal: Funny stuff. I was at Lifetime for an hour on the treadmill. They had ESPN on the tv and I watched roughly 45 minutes of highlights. Not only did they not show any NHL highlights, there was a 5-minute segment about some UFC bout between some Couture guy and something called a Lesnar. They even had a 4-person panel “breaking down” the bout. Unreal….
Brock should have his way with the old man tomorrow night. Will be a great fight for sure. MMA is a blast.
Somewhere Mike Greenlay just grinned to himself thinking about how funny his comment about how Cal was a baby Boogaard last night. I’m sure you all can picture in your heads the Greenlay grin that I’m talking about
Ride says:
November 14th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Clusterbuck, as entertaining as he is, is an agitator. How many points does he have? Yes, he brings a physical presence and he hits anything with a pulse, but he brings no offensive talent with him.
Granted I haven’t seen him in the minors and have only seen the limited amount of him with the Wild; but he has no points, few shots. I don’t know where I was going with this, just sort of wondering what value he brings?
Cal can score. However, in “Lemaire Hockey” nobody scores, so don’t single out young Mr. Clutterbuck.
Looks like NJ and Rhode Island think we are contenders as well
Its also funny to see Colorado thinks we arent contenders
Maybe, Goody. (Re: Boogie)
So, why is Yandle not getting more chit for declining to drop HIS lid after Cal gestured for it? Visor schmisor! I think the “unwritten rule” for agreed-upon fights like this is that both guys should shed the lid regardless. Nothing cool about broken fingers.
I’m with you Kevin… My point is, he’s an agitator. Period. Not in anybody’s mold. But you know I’ve expressed some concern even last season about how his particular game would be received by MN fans given the distaste for other agitators in the league. I think if he does start doing stuff, particularly with his stick or his skates, people will turn on him in a hurry. And they’re right to. But as long as he just keeps using the body, not hitting low, etc. he’ll be fine.
And frankly, I think any hockey players, goonie or otherwise, should wear a visor. You only get two eyes and you need them both to play hockey.
I wasn’t singling out, I was just stating that he has no points and does not look like someone who can bury the puck; from the limited sample I’ve seen. Boogaard has more points in less ice time.
I’m just curious as to the opinions of what value he brings.
lot’s of chatter about Bluttercuck, but nothing on Benoit Balls.
How did he look last night, or was he a scratch?
Yandle’s a dope. How’s that?
Your concern from last season rings a bell, Ms. C. But heretofore misplaced. Like I said before, the clothes make the man.
Benny was getting praise from Lemaire on his defensive play of all things. Looks like Benny is progressing well, can’t wait to see where he is after a full season
Dan: If Clutterpants is gonna go with this “agitator” role, he will more than likely get into scrapes that result in 5-minute majors. If a player is deemed to have instigated one of these “scrapes” and he wears a visor, there can be other penalties involved. If he wants to be a roughian, the visor has to go, otherwise he is on a quick boat to Cookedom.
I’d say even if B Pol is the same player after 82 games, he’s still worth re-signing. His contract is up after this season, no?
He is an RFA, so I would think it is likely we would resign him
First, let me say that I already mentioned Cal in reference to the Cookes, Ruutus and Burrowses of the league.
Second, while Cal’s game is certainly not the same as the PMBs of the world, I do NOT think he’s the same kind of player. Cal hits guys. That’s legit. I have not seen him engaging in the extracurricular - and extra-rule book - BS that those other guys earn our collective disdain for. Should that evidence materialize, I would have no problem changing my opinion. But there is a difference between an energy guy that skates around hitting everything in sight and an energy guy that skates around hitting, slashing, elbowing, eye-gouging, sucker punching and disrespecting everything in sight.
The second we make hitting out to be cheap play is the second this sport loses a lot of it’s appeal to me.
I wouldn’t worry about Clusterpuck and his visor. All it will take is JL getting fined once and he’ll have a little come to Jesus with the young man about it.
Enough about Clusterpuck, let’s move on to BJ’s tomorrow.
He played, OMG. Floated in the first period but picked it up later. JL was practically ready to have his babies after the game saying he looked like Mikko. (HERESY!)
Though I did have a little cheer when he hit someone HARD at one point.
Ride: Energy, toughness, hustle, keeps the other team looking over their shoulders and/or chasing him which distracts from their game. Yeah, he’s ultimately just a role player, but he’s the new exciting toy, so he’s the belle of the ball right now.
I’m already preparing myself for the day Riser won’t pay him the money he wants because he’s “just a role player” and he has to go to some other team. I’m just praying to God it’s not the Ducks or some other despicable team.
Interesting… apparently AK is at 100% pretender. Of course there were only 3 votes…
Deep Breath says:
November 14th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Dan: If Clutterpants is gonna go with this “agitator” role, he will more than likely get into scrapes that result in 5-minute majors. If a player is deemed to have instigated one of these “scrapes” and he wears a visor, there can be other penalties involved. If he wants to be a roughian, the visor has to go, otherwise he is on a quick boat to Cookedom.
it was Cal’s first NHL fight. I highly doubt Cal’s going to goon it up nightly. For one, he isn’t that big. Not many fighters are under 6 feet. Cal could kick Tootoo’s ass a few times though. Probably be a fun fight.
let’s move on to BJ’s tomorrow.
Who here can disagree with that
Who knows what kind of direction the Ducks will go now without Burke.
richard b: given their cap space situation, one direction would appear to be “cheaper”….
Who knows what kind of direction the Ducks will go now without Burke.
Who cares? If Delta goes to Toronto we won’t have to look a the smug jerk as often.
ms.conduct says:
I’m already preparing myself for the day Riser won’t pay him the money he wants because he’s “just a role player” and he has to go to some other team. I’m just praying to God it’s not the Ducks or some other despicable team.
1. Cal actually has an agent.
2. Cal is a player, Veilleux is nothing. Teams need checkers and Cal is one of the best. Veilleux serves no purpose to this team. He doesn’t score, he doesn’t check, his defense is very mediocre. Veilleux is easily replaceable, Cal simply isn’t.
Not I 6GS… not I….
BoogieNeedsAGoal says:
November 14th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Enough about Clusterpuck, let’s move on to BJ’s tomorrow.
Woohoo! BJ’s tomorrow! Hopefully we can get up and come into the game with lots of vigor! Especially as the BJ’s will be tired after the night before and it’ll be their third in four nights.
…or maybe “younger” considering they’re the second-oldest team in the league (behind the Red Wings)
I’m already preparing myself for the day Riser won’t pay him the money he wants because he’s “just a role player” and he has to go to some other team.
If it makes you feel better, that’s the attitude Ray Shero takes with role players. That’s why our Boogard (Laraque) is in Montreal. Shero didn’t want to pay him over $1M just to fight every now and then (it’s also why Ruutu, Adam Hall, Gary Roberts and maybe one or two others are gone).
Veilleux is easily replaceable, Cal simply isn’t.
Because he hits people? He’s the only guy in the league who does that?
I wasn’t only talking about SRV… there’s Voros, there’s Fridge… I’ll bet there are others in the history of the Wild that I wasn’t around for.
But Cluts is a youngster still so we have a few years before that happens, unless he turns into trade bait. I’ll cry for a week… the blog will go black… I’ll have to have a ceremony of some sort… it will be ugly.
With Burke out in Anaheim, and the lack of hockey knowledge in the area, the Ducks will evolve into a lacrosse team by next year and win the NLL cup.
how’s the blood pressure doing today, KiPA?
BJs tomorrow. I’ll have to record it. Bummer. But I’m getting free steak and good company in exchange, so I won’t complain.
Through the roof since I’m trying to tell you people you’ve become the very thing you hate by rooting for Clutterbuck, but you refuse to listen because “that stuff doesn’t happen in Minnesota.”
I’m kidding.
Actually I’m almost becoming numb to this sort of thing from the Pens. It happens every night.
But I’m getting free steak
say no more, ms.c. You’re clear.
All I know is that the force is strong in the young one.
Do or do not, there is no try.
I like Clutts. At least right now. Judging from fan reaction to Crazy Chris last season, I think it is safe to say that Wild fans won’t back a dirty player, regardless of the color of his sweater.
He avsolutely worked that guy last night, and his helmet was unsnapped, ready to be taken off, but the other guy didn’t show the respect, so Clutts didn’t either. He only had the thing on for about 10 seconds anyway.
Who is your favorite current Twin Cities play-by-play announcer?
Wild fans will not be shocked at the current results.
As for the Great One, it was frustration I’m guessing more than actually caring about the visor. He needed something to spout about, or he was going to blow.
He never mentioned it in any pressers, so I really don’t think he was too upset about it.
Bet his team got a good talking to today, though. If only there was actual media coverage in Phoenix, maybe we’d get a taste.
Playing devil’s advocate again, Buddha (someone here has to, right?), Simon is in a whole class by himself when it comes to dirty players.
Thanks for the insight MsC. I like his energy but like you said he’s just a role player that’s new.
I love hockey.
Exactlly Buddha, and besides those two had a history from their AHL days.
Food
ClutterBob Buckpants has played all of what, a dozen games in the League, and he’s already one of the best checkers? I know the Jonestown anniversary is less than a week away but that is going on kool-aid overload. Also, if Cal is gonna hit everything that moves, you can bet your sweet Bertuzzi that last night will not be his only fight. Regardless if it’s clean or not, hard checks and big hits have a way of leading to scrapes. I enjoy all of the enthusiasm for the young man, but I think it needs to be tempered a bit. Two words: Aaron Voros. A year ago he was gonna be the savior because he hit everything that moved, played with energy, dropped the gloves and even scored a few goals. Not saying that Clutterpucks won’t someday have a bust of hisself in the Hall of Fame, but as the moniker reads, I think it’s time we all took a deep breath.
“Cal is a player, Veilleux is nothing. Teams need checkers and Cal is one of the best. Veilleux serves no purpose to this team. He doesn’t score, he doesn’t check, his defense is very mediocre. Veilleux is easily replaceable, Cal simply isn’t.”
Dan, if you wrote this will operating a vehicle please pull over for the safety of those around you.
I was just about to write that Guttertruck is an un-refined version of Methane Vellieux. Beta Methane as it were. And you go off with your Cal is a juggernaut and Methane is a wet fart of a turd rant.
I will watch the games a little closer to see what I’m missing but the two are indistinguishable to my eye on ice.
I like them both and I’m sure Jock loves having a couple of gamers around, but to call Buttercluck irreplaceable just ain’t right.
Who is your favorite current Twin Cities play-by-play announcer?
Paul Allen??? It must be a generational thing where younger fans like those steroid laced funky white boy game calls. Do they urine test him?
I’d rather listen to classic replays of Hornung and McConnell or Ray Scott. In the days when the Vikes were running the Jerry Burns offense that Bill Walsh got credit for as the West Coast Offense.
There has to be a connection between a disastorous economy, a world where the USA is despised and Paul Allen is respected. We reap what we sew.
