Wild 2, Pittsburgh 1 (shootout)
Posted on November 18th, 2008 – 5:41 PMBy Michael Russo
“Russo Radio” comes again Wednesday night at 6 pm on KSTP, 1500-am. Get some good questions ready and call in.
I don’t see what all this hype about Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby is about. Or maybe the Wild’s just that good defensively and Niklas Backstrom (THE UNSIGNED NIKLAS BACKSTROM) is downright in the zone right now.
Needless to say, this was one of the biggest wins of the season for the Wild.
I won’t insult your intelligence and say the Wild was superb tonight. This team right now couldn’t shoot a puck in the Mississippi River from the Hennepin Bridge (and they didn’t actually score a goal in 65 minutes tonight), but defensively, this team is sick (31 goals allowed in 16 games, four allowed on the penalty kill).
Of course, it starts with the goalie, and coach Jacques Lemaire sang Backstrom’s praises tonight because he was not happy with the way the Wild started, with the way the Penguins won “all the battles” early, with the way the Wild’s got absolutely no prayer of scoring these days. The Wild has scored 39 goals this year (not including the three goals in the standings awarded for shootouts).
To give you a Lemaire taste: (“Our game now, it seems like it’s defense. At a time it’s going to get tougher if we don’t score. We can’t rely on the power play all the time to score. Defensively we did well. But I’d like to get Crosby and Malkin so we can get some offense.”)
Of course, tonight, Crosby was held pointless, as was Malkin, who’s 13-game point streak ended. Of course, it wasn’t helped by his disappearance from the ice late in the second period after he was nailed in the teeth by a puck. Crosby and Malkin each had one shot. The Penguins’ six-game win streak, one in which they scored four or more goals in all six games, ended.
Marek Zidlicky scored another shootout winner, and Backstrom stopped all three Pittsburgh shooters (including Sid the Kid) to improve to 8 for 8 in shootouts and 3-0 this season. The same Backstrom who used to be helpless in shootouts, by the way.
Defensively, Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger and Kim Johnsson were pretty awesome tonight. On that OT kill, Koivu and Belanger just outworked the Pens. Belanger is so skilled defensively, the way he shrewdly lifts sticks to foil chances, the way he angles his stick to intentionally deflect shots in the crowd.
Johnsson played 29:56. The scouts, whom I was sitting next to tonight, were absolutely raving about Johnsson. This one scout I know quite well, who works for a team that really needs a mobile defenseman, in particular was going on and on about Johnsson to me.
The Wild’s only goal tonight was Mikko Koivu, but he didn’t actually score it. Michael Zigomanis won a draw, it took a bad bounce and squeezed through Dany Sabourin’s pads.
Matt Cooke scored 10 seconds later. By the way, when Cooke actually plays hockey and doesn’t try to dislocate heads from bodies, he’s actually a good player. By the way, also, there’s few better individual rivalries than Cooke vs. Nick Schultz. Those two don’t like each other.
Linesman Steve Miller left this game with a “lower body” injury. OK, bad joke. I hope the guy’s all right because it looked bad, like a knee, and I’m pals with linesman Pierre Racicot, who tore his ACL a few years ago. NHL Director of Officiating Steve Walkom was at the game and he said he’d email me when he’s got an update on Miller.
OK, this was a great trip to Pittsburgh. Always nice to be back in the East since I know just about every scout and everybody in the Penguins’ front office.
Flying back to Minny in the morning and Stensaas is on tomorrow. I’ll let you know after I land whether Mojzis cleared waivers.
————————————————————–
Good evening from the Mellon Arena press box. Milestone tonight. I forgot a tie for this game. First time since I’ve been in Minnesota.
Did I tell you how much I can’t wait till that new arena is built? This place is getting pretty decrepit.
Warmups beginning. Craig Weller and Tomas Mojzis are next to me, so they’re scratched. And Derek Boogaard isn’t on the ice, so right as always 
Nik Backstrom in the cage. Nolan Schaefer backing him up. And hey, against Pittsburgh, there’s always a chance he makes his Wild debut. Sorry, but it’s true.
Lemaire joked this morning that as the saying goes, you only need one goalie.
Asked jokingly if he’s worried about playing Pascal Dupuis tonight, Lemaire said this morning he’s not first on the list.
Dupuis was looking forward to last year’s Wild-Thrashers game March 7, but Atlanta traded him to Pittsburgh with Marian Hossa on Feb. 26, so he never got to play the Wild.
James Sheppard’s father and sister are at tonight’s game. They were in the process of riving Sheppard’s car from Nova Scotia back to the Twin Cities for him. They left Sunday and decided to make a last-second detour and drive to Pittsburgh. Not a short trip. From start to finish, it’ll be over 2000 miles.
They’re supposed to be interviewed by Bob Harwood on Versus tonight.
Just dawned on me, Mellon Arena has the same exact scoreboard as Rexall Place.
Boy, I’m a wealth of info tonight, eh?
Ok, enjoy the game.
FYI, classy move by Brunette, but during the first TV timeout, he went to the referee, who then went to the scorer’s table to have the goal changed to Koivu. It didn’t touch either’s stick, so technically, Brunette could have kept the goal. For Koivu, it was his third.
411 Responses to "Wild 2, Pittsburgh 1 (shootout)"
first
Alright Wild, let’s play them tight and get some even strength goals.
Just ditch me, Russo. It’s fine I don’t care.
Sorry KipA…Blame Phil Bourque and Darren Elliot. I got to talking to them all warmup…That hanging thing you’re sitting in also scares me. That is steep man.
Welcome Viking fans
KiPA: Just look for the guy in the glasses with no tie on in the press box.
All: I left a few tickets for the rest of you whom are tempted to go to the Blues’ 3rd Annual ‘All You Can Eat’ game in St. Louis on Sunday, March 15th vs. the Wild. Lower level seats $25 plus fees…
kj: Gotcha covered on March 15th…
The ole 29er gets a free pass. And c’mon, what’s wrong with an unstable precipice hanging way above the ground that theoretically could collapse at any time? Be a man!
I’m just worried about the rest of the building if your overhang says, ‘See ya,’ KiPA…
The rest of the building will be the least of my concerns at that point, WRT.
I must admit I was a little worried what mightve happened had the Pens won last season.
Besides, Michael, is the press box that much better? You’ll probably pass up that free drink I offered too.
Knock on the Igloo roof for me, will ya, KiPA?
Back between periods (computer not in same room as TV set).
Go Wild!
I’m sick of the announcers already.
Zig… seriously… let it go.
LOL KiPA. I didn’t realize you were risking life and limb for this game.
YAY Hockey!!!
yeah, big “attaboy” goes out to KiPA for risking life and limb tonight. KiPA: you’re wearing a Wild jersey, right?
PS: I still don’t have an email from you.
High praise for Goligoski from Keith Jones…
OMG, are you up in that shelf next to the roof, Kevin??? Like the goddamn international space station up there!
those baby blues are pretty sweet.
uh oh…early indications are bad Marty…way to reach, miss, and then emerge from behind the net sans puck
nickle defense on for the Wild.
Those blues make our whites look lame.
This game needs some Clutterbuck.
Boys are REALLY bad behind their own net right now.
Reitz and Skoula draw the Malkin line…I’d say JL feels Reitz has arrived.
Going to be a long, long game.
They are NOT moving their feet. Hopefully they’ll pick it up.
so, do you think KiPA’s sitting there telling everyone around him that he’s tight with all these Wild fans on the world wide web…??
Haha, Sheppard wasn’t even close on that opening face off.
After watching the first few minutes if no one from the Wild organization retires after tonight’s game I’m going to call it a moral victory.
I almost hope that this is the most boring, low scoring game that Pens have seen in a long while (sorry KiPA), that will mean the boys are shutting the Pens down.
here’s a song that just doesn’t translate to organ.
ooh!! Versus is going to show us the Backs pre-game ghost march!!
Nasty Shep! I like.
Yeah I’m sitting way up. Good seats actually.
this WM commercial kills me. I keep expecting the driver to screech “George? Can I pet the rabbits?!”
I figured out why the NHL has so much trouble selling the game: Versus has this constant stream of CRAP appearing on the bottom of the screen during play!
Jesus, Pouly. Watch where you’re passing son.
We’re 16 games into this season, and I still don’t know what to think about this team. You can make the argument that they’re 10-4-1 despite several injuries, including one to their superstar, so they must be pretty good.
I think you can also make the argument that they’ve played the softest part of their schedule, and they’re just surviving because of great goaltending and a few lucky breaks.
I’m still not sure which view is correct, but I’m looking at this game for some guidance.
GOAL!
The knuckle puck!!!!
GOAL! Man, I feel bad for Sabourin though… that’s an ugly one.
of course it had to be Cooke.
Hmmmm…
Was that Bruno’s?
Fudging Matt Cooke…
not one word, KiPA
Ah, fudge! And Cookie no less.
didn’t the Flames just have an own goal off a face off a couple weeks ago too?
Probably, knowing Kipper.
Burns really CAN do everything…just won a draw against STK
IJ with the FOW!
Burns should have stood up and popped that guy.
world class x-check on Burns by Scuderi there (but if they don’t call it, it’s the right play.)
Yes he can Nick, he can also do an interview without his shirt on and not be gross… sorry, girly moment.
Eh, if they want to shove our big boys on top of their goalie, more power to ‘em.
yeah….*awkward*….that’s all you, Band!
what a play by Kimmy! Kept Geno tied up, and then the little kick to move the puck
Damn, Staal is strong.
Staal was a monster on that attempt.
settle down, Darren…”how do you categorize Jordan Stall?!?!” Like, ohmigod!
He’s not a giant, for the love of God.
Sorry, “Staal”
Nice shift by my guy there.
It’s my birthday tomorrow, I’m allowed girly moments.
Burnsie is cool.
Matt Cookie is the devil.
you’re wearing a Wild jersey, right?
he has that same pen’s jersey he had on at the beginning of the season…the one with #10 on the back.
i was about to shout at reitz for falling down on that goal but it looked like cooke kicked his leg out. can’t bark at him for that.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
They should put a blur over Bruno when he’s skating. I just cringe every time I see him hustling down the ice. Love what he brings but man. I can’t get over his skating.
They should put a blur over Bruno when he’s skating.
LMAO!
He was slow when he was young MsC. It’s just how Bruno is.
Woo! Way to draw it, baby!
Attaboy Cal.
Cal drawing the minor…
On Letang too. Even better.
BACKS!!
time for a drinkey-poo…
Yeah, I’ll take a beer after a period like that. And a cigarette.
That was an adventurous first period.
Was it Cooke that scored earlier? That’s gotta piss some people off.
Have one for me also Nick, I’ve been ill so no drinkey-poo’s for me till my tummy’s all better.
Wallshot: yes it was. And yes, it probably did.
Happy Birthday Bandgeek. I hope the Wild win this one for you.
Thank you theo. I’m trying to talk the Mr into getting me an ice cream cake tomorrow.
Is it wrong I want gouge Matt Cooke’s eyes out with a spoon?
Goal credited to Koivu.
Thank you Sabourin for that misplay.
Man. Apparently I’m drunk. I bench the ‘Bulin wall and played Kipper. Dumb.
Gill helped out too, sunshine.
BG, I would use a pithfork myself. Time for a drink. (O’douls amber)
Also, thanks to Gill for that most fortunate of goals.
I believe it was said best in the Kevin Costner version of Robin Hood (the guy that played Friar Tuck, and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham are the only good points of that movie).
“Why a spoon? why not a sword or a knife?”
“Because it’s dull you twit! It’ll hurt more!”
Not that your a twit theo, thats just the line from the movie.
Isn’t sweet that Sheppard’s dad and sister are driving his car to the Twin Cities? What a great family.
Is a thumb considered an upper body injury?
Gads. They still look like they’re playing at altitude.
What a giveaway and what a save by Backs!
Did i just see Butch shoot at the goal??
TGFB.
I really need Butch to start doing something.
Should get a freeze frame of that Ms. C… may not see it again for awhile.
NiNY- SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW!
no kidding, man. Seriously, it’s not even funny.
I now have proof that anyone can have a blog, my sisters new dog has a blog.
Is your finger nail supposed to be purple under it?
Backs playing very well tonight, glad to see this is becoming the norm for him.
Benny with the nice back check, good work behing our net.
WTF? Really?
Reitz takes Staal off for 5?! Win for Reitz!!
I’ll gladly trade Rietz for Staal for five minutes!
Take your lid off Staal!!
Yeah, for real? Staal and Reitz?
Almost insulting to give the five for “fighting”
That was weak but how about my Reitzy fight an actual Staal?
that, right there, was the difference between Burns and Butch. Burns with the rush, ends up with a SOG. Butch would have spun off and there would have been at least a 50% chance we lose control of the puck without even getting a shot at goal.
That and about a foot of height and 50 lbs…
wow…
DAM!N
ZOMG. Sabs got lucky there.
how about the old man giving up the body on the rebound too?!
Bella got denied!
Thats not ‘classy’, its honest and what teammates do. I’m not trying to minimize here but hockey players, in general, are good dudes, Sloviakians and many Eastern Europeans excluded, oops, did I say too much?
This commercial is really disturbing.
I’m changing my name.
The jeans commercial MsC? The Mr kept muttering “WTF? This is disturbing.”
Yeah, BG
That looked like offsides to me
I like it Ms. C. I mean BSSR
BSSRT even
Sweet, Kimmy J laughing in Cooke’s face.
I figure rather than saying it umptymillion times, I’ll just change my name during games.
hey BSSRT: you meant offside, right? 
Butch has until Saturday to show me he is going to play this year. If not, he’s gettin dropped… Take that Butch!
PMB either was passing or he whiffed on the puck.
Yeah, the s was a typeos.
TMM for the Wild
It’s hard to type when you have an upper body injury. It’s even got that whole pulse thing going…
You don’t mind if I still call you MsC do you? It’s easier to type.
whoa…shoulda been a HS, no?
So we are on Versus next week against the Caps, too?
What’s up with the no-call hi-stick?
that’s affirmative, sunshine
uh-o
uh oh…Geno got clipped…hope he’s okay
Ouch, BG! Advil?
Of course, BG.
Uh oh. Broken Malkin.
Matt Cooke is in the lineup for Pittsburgh. Why isn’t Boogie playing?
puck or player?
Ah, he didn’t need those teeth anyway.
clipped by the puck.
Hey! Butch did good there, screening Geno from that puck.
MN in AL: Boogie wouldn’t go with Cooke - even if Cooke would go with Boogey. Different weight classes.
…well that, and Cooke’s a wuss.
Ouch, poor Malkin, don’t wish that on anyone… except maybe Cooke.
Kimmy with the two pad stack!!
HIT HIM GAOD DAMN IT!
OHH! Angry Finns!!!!
Hasn’t kicked in yet MsC. But the warm lap top is acting like a heating pad so it’s all good.
Wild are on Versus next Monday vs. Caps and following Monday vs. Avs (’Darcy Tucker Night.”)
Gotta go…the peach pie is waiting…
damn…just pulled a fruit fly out of my scotch…he was HAMMERED!
Not too be presumptious (sp) here, but what would you give up (Gaby included) to get Staal, Jordon that is???
Johnsson has been amazing.
KiPA you better be jumpin’ around… wait, maybe not a good idea in an arena that old.
LOL Nick.
I sense complacency from the white sweaters.
sunshine: +1…really, noticeably very good.
Don”t you dare touch my Mikko, you goon.
From where KiPA is, BG, if he jumps around too much he’ll become ice art…
Word on the street is that the Wild are looking at Gabr for Nik Antropov. Although he’s a big center, he’s not that good. Question in what can we really get for Gaby? He’s a ‘band-aid’ and a punk, F him.
I’m trying to decide if it’s complacency or just focus on defense and patience. They could be in that Lemaire Zen trance state…
just let it all out, Goalieguy…we’re going to get through this together…
I apologize to ‘goalieguy’, for some reason when I post things it comes up in his name…
So he jumps around very very carefully.
Stop being so sloppy boys!! It’s not gonna help at all.
just let it all out, NJS…
Did I mention that Johnsson has been amazing?
Pouly isn’t impressing me tonight.
Could be Nick (re: zen).
OMG, it’s female Sedinbots!!!
P.S. if you think ‘goalieguy’ sounded oddly intelligent, you now know why. Afterall, he’s a goalie, so beware.
OMG, it’s female Sedinbots!!!
POTD!!
End of two, and ‘da boys’ are still in it…
Good for ‘da boys’…
yeah my apologies…just been a while since i’ve been on here, had to capitalize on an opp
why doesn’t Braydon Coburn come up more often in talks about the best young defensemen in the game? He’s pretty sweet.
Since we at intermission, can I ask a silly question?
Why would OTT give up Spezza?
WRT: just thinking that too…I’ll take a 20 minute game - when we don’t have to “press”
Buddha: he just got called out by Hartsy…word is he hasn’t ever Put It All Together….they need a big shakeup, etc…
We haven’t been at our best in the third. If we can get a point here, it would be great. I would love to get 2, though.
I don’t know Buddha, maybe their smokin’ something good up there.
If it hasn’t been said
Burns with the rush, ends up with a SOG.
you mean shot. burns is less than 50% in hitting the net
Well, OK. If they want to give up Spezza so they can shake it up, they can send him to the Wild. No problem. 87 pts 2 years ago, 92 last year…
Dad in MN told me that Bruno was just on some outdoors show with Hrbek…did anyone see it? I can think of few things that would seem to be more fun than riding around in a boat with a cooler-full of brewskis with Bruno for a day.
Just don’t go into the ‘hockey prevent’ defense like they did against Columbus last game…
G*: point taken.
I hear that Spezza is ‘very unispired’ in OTT. Sure beats Nik Antropov.
BDS: What’s your label tonight? (I started with Dalwhinnie, and de-volved to the Grouse.)
so Staal takes a stick to the kisser, and decides to work off the aggression by dropping with Reitz. That’s a hockey player!
Disaster avoided. One of the zambonis made some disturbing sounds around the far blueline from the entrance but made it off without issue. Last season a zamboni broke down before the game, spilling its blood-like fluid in a huge streak stretching from center ice to the door.
I don’t think its just Spezza. Its the whole team. The only people scoring is the big 3. No secondary scoring. Questionable goal tending.
KiPA: how much salary does Mario have to defer for the Pens to be able to afford a new ‘Boni?
I’ve noticed someone posting with my name, though without the usual wit and insight!
Having said that, the 6:23 post WAS me, and while I’m still not sold on this team, I like what I’ve seen tonight. Now if we can avoid the sort of 3rd-period meltdown that took place in San Jose.
Also, I confess missing a couple of minutes to watch the Natalie Gulbus show, which is one channel up on Direct TV.
Come Wild, win this one for the gipper, I mean BG for her birthday.
Not enough room under the cap for a new one Nick.
Oh and send me an email. Don’t know why you didn’t get mine.
We just need a little more scoring and the team will be alright.
I wish the Advil would kick in. Although some of my other aches and pains from being ill have lessened, maybe there just wasn’t enough oomph to get the u.b.i. as well.
KiPA, that had to have looked like the Zamboni ran someone over. Ooooo… new Clue game!! It was Matt Cooke on the ice with a Zamboni, or Foppa with a skate in the locker room!
Orpik with three of the least effective checks you’ll ever see, on Bruno on that shift.
So it’s Cal’s 21st Birthday today, it’s my birthday tomorrow, and SRV’s was last Sunday. Representing the Scorpio’s!! Woo!!
Living dangerously on this PK
MAB just brutalized that guy
maybe Butch has a future as a ref?
uh oh….zebra down.
whew…I thought it was a wild player.
keep on a rockin’ me baby…keep on a rockin me ba-a-by….
Dr. Burns is there to help
Ouch, not good to try to clear the puck off the linesman’s hip.
nice whiff there from Schultzie…no bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin for HIM tomorrow night!!
Is Bouchard in a big slump? I see him skating, but he doesn’t look the same. Has he done anything in the past few games? What’s up?
He needs to get a group rate with Foster on that sports psychologist to work on his fear of shooting on goal.
does anyone have access to the overnights for Versus? I’d like to know if the Wild draws less-than, equal-to, or better-than the other teams in the league.
AMA line back together
man Sykora with the yips there…2 for flinching TWICE in his own zone
Now Gorg is in on th Spezza talk. Says him or Heatly.
*shakes head*
not a big fan of that call.
WHAT. A. SAVE!!
wow what a stick save
If DR trades an injured Gaborik for a healthy Spezza OR Heatley, he should be knighted.
The Pens would be the draw tonight. Not the Wild
Nick, if DR doesn’t sign Backstrom, he should be lynched.
true, but the Pens are on Versus all the time, so a change in numbers would still indicate the Wild.
Fossie’s birthday in next Sunday the 24th. All sort of November babies.
I’m with you Nick. Blows my mind.
Wall: 100% agreed. But he’s said he’s going to wait until Gaby is resolved.
Let me re-state.
If DR trades an injured Gaborik for a healthy Spezza OR Heatley, then signs Backstrom, he should be knighted. And canonized (that’s gotta be good for three miracles, no?).
DR, SIGN BACKS NOW OR WE’LL GOUGE YOUR EYES OUT WITH A SPOON. DID I GET THAT RIGHT BG?
Ooops, the 24th is a Monday, my bad.
Shep has played a much better defensive game tonight.
Yes theo, you got it right, or close enough anyway.
Is Pouliot not able to hold a puck on his stick? I’ve been watching him, and its like he has to put his head down to watch the stick and his puck.
What a crazy night! Internet service was out but cable working.
Just a very solid defensive effort so far.
NiNY - Drink will be MacCallan’s 12 yr.
big save by Sabs.
nice BDS. Slainte mhath!
I really like the effort tonight, great D work against a very potent team, and if Mikko snipes that last one, we’d have two points. No matter what happens here, it’s a good night.
I agree about Shep. I just wish he could learn how to play offense. It’s frustrating watching him.
1 pt woo! OT baby.
The Mr thinks the igloo looks like a … never mind.
One point in the travel bag! Let’s get a quick one and snek out of town.
Backs have been great.
Get the second point, boys…
OK, charity points awarded, let’s do this.
Burnsy… too early!
pretty good game tonight. entertaining in an old school way. lots of battles along the boards.
TRACK MEET!
this will be trouble
Burnsie…dammit
Bad play Burns. Bad. Terrible.
Come on Burnsie!
sunshine, that was careless stick work
Nick +1
good thing about this is we can mame someone without penalty
Unreal.
hope Backs brought his big boy pads…
Un-f’ing-real.
I’ve never been so happy to see the Shoot out.
This should be interesting. Malkin, Crosby, Satan, Staal… hmmmm…
Poop. Now we have to do a shoot out.
for a team that is so offensively gifted, so i’ve heard about 500 times tonight, there 4 on 3 wasn’t all that impressive. granted it was at the end of the game but they are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo offensively gifted
at least you’re paying attention now, G*…
I wonder if Pouliot’s a little rattled playing Pittsburgh. That’s his team growing up and where he wanted to go.
Good job Backs.
Nice.
Wooo Zids!!
Okay, back to me now. Butch can spin and twirl all he wants now.
SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW! SIGN HIM NOW!
BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS! BACKS!
Woo!!! Go team! Go Zids!
Thank you Backs!!!!!! You da man!!
Oh yeah, Go Backs!
Yeah, the train continues 2pts in the bag.
Scotch for everyone!!!!!
Woo-Hoo!!!!!
That’s two points I really didn’t think the Wild would get when the schedule was announced!
ZOMG - DR is a moron for waiting.
Backstrom is the MVP of this team. Hands down.
Wow…Backs is a different man this year on shootouts. I take back everything I said the last year two years.
i suppose that was another 2 points stolen by backstrom
BACKSTROM = GOD
CL needs to make sure that guy has a contract with the Wild at the end of this year.
it’s good to be eddie
Told you not to fear our PP.
I can breathe again.
YES! Awesome. I wants Backs signed, and I want it NOW!
I have to admit, yesterday, I had written this one down as a loss. I prepared myself to get beat. I have to say I’m surprised as heck to see they won in a shootout. Unbelievable. They played a disciplined game and it showed.
KiPA - I just didn’t trust you man and I didn’t want to jinks the Boyz.
Nice defensive game all the way around by the boys. They new they couldn’t stay with Pittsburgh in a track meet and for the most part forced them to play their game.
was that a stupid question by harwood?
One other thing, and I didn’t read many of the comments above, but Russo was right about that being some crappy ice. It was impossible for anyone to get the puck to lay down all night.
Why is that G*, is it because that chick has … “huge tracts of land”? Are you jealous?
Nice play by the boys tonight, got a little sloppy in the 2nd but in the end we got the 2 pts. Happy birthday to Me, and SRV, and Cal, and Fossie. If they really want to give me a birthday present they could win again on Thursday.
The Wild have done it again> sign Backs and trade Gabby.
You expected a smart question?
After all, it’s on Versus…
“huge tracts of land”
if that is what you call it, sure.
and of course i’m jealous. Eddie gets paid to watch hockey
What did I tell you about Burns and careless high-sticking?
As most everyone has already commented, Backstrom was key tonight, he seems very composed in the net.
When he is in the “zone” he is like no other. Great defensive game tonight.
I would like to see Reitz head back south and Burns to head back to the blue line. Burns is very gifted, but he is a better defensman than winger.
Greg - I agree the bouncy pucks were driving me nuts all game. Like they didn’t keep them in the freezer or the ice was crap.
Ugghhh, it’s the disturbing pants commercial.
I suppose I should go get some laundry done and finish the dishes…
I would like to see Reitz head back south and Burns to head back to the blue line
reitz would more likely man the popcorn machine than head south.
He keeps this up and the Vezina is his.
Sunshine - You are correct. We all have to be in better control of our own stick. :;
Reitz was alright. It was Backs and our defense, specifically Johnsson, were just terrific.
Sounds good G*, but it’s time to end the Burns Winger experiment.
Skoula was good again tonight.
Sunshine…you didn’t like my comments about Skoula last game but he played well tonight. Got some shots, played well defensively, overall strong.
Cam: Your dislike for Skoula blinded you to his good work last game. You blamed him for a goal when he played Nash perfectly. It was his other teammates who had defensive lapses.
You blamed him automatically because of your intense dislike of him.
just got done watching the game on the bit of delay… all I have to say is: STEAL. Just a flat out Steal.
BACKS IS THEE MAN!
Props to you guys for the two points but I thought we couldve played better. The Wild did play strong defensively but those were some wasted PPs - credit to the PKers but we did a solid job of blowing some of them. This team needs more selfish players who will f-ing shoot and not just try razzle dazzle crap.
Were way too cute far too many times trying to get the puck out of our zone and failed most of the time. Ugh.
But good game and we’ll see you in the finals.
(Goes without saying great game by Backstrom.)
They gave Backs #1 star. Our guys wouldn’t give it to him but at least another arena is acknowledging his strong game.
Cooke #2
Koivu #3
Sunshine - You’re right on both counts. I thought Johnnson was fantastic tonight, and Skoula is having a terrific year. It’s hard to sit in the X and listen to knuckleheads criticize Skoula when he’s playing at a very high level.
Skoula has his brainfarts, don’t get me wrong, but he has been playing really good so far.
The game to scratch boogey-why this one for f sake. Lemaire and bettman are invloved in something here. Boogey should have been in to fight godard. The fans want to see it-they pay to see it.
I am going to get killed for saying this but Johnsson for December Captain.
Dunno about you fitz but I paid to see the Penguins win not a fight.
Great Game…the entire team played well. Even you Skoula skeptics will have to admit, he played an excellent game. So did Belanger. And lastly, Butch had an awesome game.
fitz… going to have to call BS on this one.
We don’t pay to see the fights. At least, not most fans. …Not “real” fans G* ;)… Fights are good, but they have their place. What did Godard do to deserve a beating?
For that matter, did someone in Pitt wrong you somehow? Did they wrong the Wild somehow?
Boogey isn’t going to fight just to fight…
*choking*
Skoula… played… *ack* well…
Goalie Guy, don’t be confused about how well the Wild are doing. They have not had their most prolific scorer in the game and yet they are leading the division.
JL has the team buying into his D system while tinkering to find goals.
A trade will help the team, but they will be better when it is needed against stiffer competition.
Strong D is always an asset to a team.
Last year, Backstrom was psyching himself out on shootouts and outguessing himself against opponents.
This year his confidence is building and he is there to react to their shots.
Johnsson is not a bad choice for December Sunshine.
I think Skoula’s strong play proves what some seemingly minor changes to a team roster can do.
He gets to play against lower lines and so he is not playing over his ability. I have a soft spot for him, not because of his talent level but because he perseveres in spite of so much abuse from fans.
I beieve I heard Godard’s name called once the entire game. After that I have no idea where he went.
I agree with those who say you are off course Fitz.
So… the update above… not sure how long it was there, but Bruno must owe Mikko for something, eh?
Interesting they can just ask to have the scoring changed.
I will give huge props to Backstrom because he spent the entire Summer improving on his biggest weakness and now just seems to be full of confidence. Thanks for stealing this one for us Backs!
Posted it this afternoon and it seems true: stay out of the box and you have a chance to steal at least one point in this game. Arguably the team’s best “road” effort in a long while, considering the opponent and the roll the Pens had been on. Backstop continues to show why he is unquestionably the team’s MVP. Franchise is solid in both zones, Ingelwood Jack is a top blue-liner and can make the switch to forward, but the Wild goes nowhere, and it gets there real, real quick, if Backstop isn’t in the blue paint. Hopefully Ballgame has CL’s checkbook at the ready to get this kid signed prior to the drop-dead date. Outstanding road effort, boys, now follow it up with an assault on the you-know-what’s Thursday night!!!
Correct me if I am wrong but didn’t we trade for Jones and a 2nd rounder for Zidlicky? Engblom said we signed him as a FA.
You know where he got that info from: Tom Powers’ article on Zidlicky. I know this because Engblom also quoted from the article about the Wild playing zone defense vs. the Pred’s man-on-man defensive coverage. Powers also wrote that Zidlicky was a FA.
Buddha: you can’t get goals changed. Its reviewed and then its changed by the goalie judges or other judges.
Sorry,I’m too impatient to look through 300 posts, but what caused the Reitz/Staal tilt? I thought for sure Cooke would be involved in any fight, but I never expected Staal.
sign backstrom…soon very soon
reitz got his stick up on staal
I hope you’re right IceMan, and normally I’m an optimistic guy, but I’m still concerned that we about 28th in the league in scoring, and that we’ve had the benefit of a pretty soft schedule so far.
Against the top 8 teams in each conference, we’re only 3-3-1, and without several remarkable games by Backstrom, we’d be in much worse shape. I don’t want to sound too negative, I just need to see us beat an Anaheim, San Jose, Detroit, Montreal, NYR or Vancouver before I get too excited.
Sorry, Buddha. I didn’t realize that since neither Koivu nor Brunette touched the puck, the goal could have gone to either one. I missed that interview.
I now understand the point you were making.
Hrbek special with Bruno on FSN-N right now
That guy playing goalie in the SOs …. what has he done with the real Niklas Backstrom?
Amazing to me how Backs has improved so dramatically in the SO this season. Looks like a completely different goalie. I think this is the 3rd SO for the Wild - has he been scored on yet?
So Russo - can you tell us when they do the Shoot Out during practice and they bet on who scores - do the guys still bet on the shooter?
Not sure it has been mentioned but there is an update by the Don above.
Russo - in the replay I saw it looked like it was the puck hitting Malkin in the mouth not PMB’s butt end, but I could be wrong or there could have been another incident I missed.
It was the puck and not PMB or the Pens would have gotten a 4 minute penalty. There was lots of blood.
Hey Russo it was the puck that CLEARLY hit Malkin not PMB’s stick! Otherwise great job as usual.
He must have missed the replays or he would have known its the puck. People mistakes all the time.
The Avs are having the kind of game we usually have in Calgary…The Flames are outshooting them 43-16 but Budaj’s insane and it’s 1-1….the puck never leaves the Av zone.
Poor Bruno — he didn’t catch a fish or got to go to a lake or river where there is good fishing. Just to the Mississippi River only — come on, Hrbie, you gipped Bruno.
I know it could have been time issues but still….
Brilliant defensive game tonight. Exactly how the Wild have to approach a game against a team like Pittsburgh. Not without problems, but I don’t think we should complain too long about two points in Pit.
Johnsson was very good tonight as was Koivu. And of course, SIGN BACKS!!!!
Bouchard hit malkin, I thought it was the puck?
I thought Malkin got hit by the puck… not PMBs stick as implied by Russo. What really happened there?
Very nice of Bruno to help my fantasy team like that. Yay Mikko!
For those who care, my seats are basically right over the corner where Malkin got that puck in the face; I had a real good look at it.
They replayed it twice on NHL on the Fly and PMB’s stick never got above waist high on that play so it was clearly the puck. Russo was just blind or too busy talking to a scout to remember that play.
KiPA - So it was the puck that hit him and not the stick.
Not sharing beer with the Don?
Hear me out for a moment: For the Wild, does our defensive play go down when Gaborik or whichever scorer we get for him (assuming 25+ goal scorer)?
Because we lack scoring, we compensate with defensive play. What do folks think?
It was the puck; can’t remember if it hit someone’s stick first then hit Malkin or if it went straight at him.
And the Don blew me off.
I would say our defensive play would go down. Players getting a little lazy when they think they can just score more.
sunshine: I’d agree. The new guy (or Gaborik) will need to learn the system. That’ll cause a dip I think at least at first. If it’s Gaborik who returns, watch out for teammates trying to force him the puck so he can score and thus get out of the system. Might happen for the replacement too if he’s a big-name; maybe even if not.
Without top scorers you have to make sure you can score enough to win, which means keeping the other team’s goals down.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
The Don has Don Stuff to do, KiPA.
Maybe he’ll let me, the Austins, and AiH buy him a beer in March in Dallas though. There’s less hobnobbing to do there.
He said he was scared by the balcony though, Ms. C.
Goalieguy says: >>Also, I confess missing a couple of minutes to watch the Natalie Gulbus show, which is one channel up on Direct TV.<<
Try as I might, I just can’t nail down what kind of shaft she uses on her driver.
http://cdn.faniq.com/images/photos/photo_large/67/85067-74.jpg
I think you are right sunshine, that JL is smart enough to use the talents of the players he does have.
This year, his players are listening to him and not whining and so it is a much better team effort.
Except if Gaby were to return and be part of the team he would need to decide to play defense or the GA (team defense) would suffer.
Don Stuff all happens low to the ground, man.
By the way, want to talk about questionable Three Stars selections? Bryan McCabe scores two goals for the Panthers playing in Tampa Bay and does not receive a Three Stars selection.
Who does? Steven Stamkos, he of the one secondary assist, earns the No. 2 star. Granted he had nine shots but McCabe had two goals in a 4-3 win.
KiPA:
Russo blew you off? or were you just joking?
The reason I ask is that last year, we were a little bit better offensively but poor defensively. It could also be that we have better defensemen this year so our defense is just better overall. Since we did nothing on the forward front, our lack of scoring is more noticable.
That’s why he was in the press box, which is higher than my seats?
sunshine: Yes. To both. I’d emailed him and suggested he stop by if he had a chance and offered to buy him a drink after depending how quickly he finished with actual work, and he said he’d try to stop down if he could but he became busy with other things. So he did blow me off, but I’m joking in the particular phrase I use; he was talking to more important people than me so I’m just giving him a hard time.
No, the REAL Don Stuff. The Don Stuff he blew you off for. Lurking in the shadows, eavesdropping, etc. all happens in the basement.
Ice:
Gaby does play defense just not as consistently or strongly as say a Koivu or Belanger. He can’t be any worse than Sheppard or MAB with those blatant giveaways.
The scouts, whom I was sitting next to tonight, were absolutely raving about Johnsson.
Alert Dan.
So my attempts to trade Pascal Leclaire took a hit with his seven goals against, 12-save performance tonight.
Thanks for the pic, SOTB. When it’s a choice between that and two minutes of Versus commercials, she’s going to win every time.
Here’s what concerns me: We’ve scored only 23 5-on-5 goals in 16 games. Only Ottawa has scored fewer. I’m glad we’re winning, but you’re asking your defense and goalie to live right on the edge if that’s all your going to score. Can you play an entire season and win another division title with that recipe?
Maybe GG, but you’ll get nowhere in the playoffs.
This one scout I know quite well, who works for a team that really needs a mobile defenseman, in particular was going on and on about Johnsson to me.
Did I not include Johnsson in my trade prediction with Ottawa?
Nice touch on that, Russo! By the way, did you know that when you cover an event in an arena older than you are, no tie is required?
cuma article on nhl.com:
For those that missed it..
Gaborik + [Johnsson or MAB] + Conditional 1st round 2009 pick to Ottawa for Spezza + [Donovan or Ruutu].
The guys in the brackets might change, but you get the idea. I think it’ll be Donovan and Johnsson, though.
nice Cuma article.
Michael up North says:
November 19th, 2008 at 12:43 am
For those that missed it..
Gaborik + [Johnsson or MAB] + Conditional 1st round 2009 pick to Ottawa for Spezza + [Donovan or Ruutu].
The guys in the brackets might change, but you get the idea. I think it’ll be Donovan and Johnsson, though.
won’t work. Spezza and Donovan to Minnesota would give the Sens roughly 10.4M of cap space. However, Gaborik and Johnsson going the other way 11.2 million. Sens would still need to cut another 800K to make that work.
Spezza, Donovan, and Ruutu for Gaborik and Johnsson would work.
sunshine says:
November 18th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Hear me out for a moment: For the Wild, does our defensive play go down when Gaborik or whichever scorer we get for him (assuming 25+ goal scorer)?
Because we lack scoring, we compensate with defensive play. What do folks think?
I think Gaborik for a Koivu type player that scores a bit more. Spezza would work, but this year he has been way too pass friendly and hasn’t taken nearly enough shots.
Happy B-day Bandgeek! (it is today right?)
Lots of Nov. B-days. Hmmm, 11 minus 9 equals 2. Isn’t there a particular holiday in the second month? Around the 14th or so? Combine that with MN and/or Canadian weather in mid Feb… Just saying…
Would anyone care to explain why we’d look to trade Johnsson? He’s been in this system what 3 years? He was solid last year, solid so far this year.
If we’re looking to trade Gaborik + mobile D to OTT, why wouldn’t we try to send MAB or one of our ‘lesser’ D. I can understand looking to send a D as we’ve got Burns at wing to fill that spot. Also with Moses in Houston and Foster projected to return end of year (?) we’ve got plenty of D. But Johnsson?
I agree with Goody and also ask why wouldn’t OTT want to deepen their goaltending with Harding? Adding an assistant captain and a system devote to a deal to get rid of a problem (Gaby) seems like bad medicine.
Seriously, I would NOT trade Kimmy.
He has been dominant. I wouldn’t want to replace his minutes with Skoula, MAB or Zidlicky, would you?
Should be a fun weekend, eh?
WRT…you have mail.
Just reviewed the highlights. Looks like the Wild did have several very good offensive chances during the game. It isn’t like they are only playing D.
Item #1 on DR’s calendar for today should be call Backstrom’s agent with an offer! CL’s should be to call DR and ’suggest’ he start negotiations with Backstrom. I know he’s said he wants to be ‘hands off’, but with DR’s foot dragging history…
Spezza is the farthest thing from Koivu. He plays less defense than Gaborik.
MuN just doesn’t know what he’s talking about when talk about trading Johnsson.
Maybe we can initiate an email campaign to CL or DR calling for Backstrom’s re-signing to receive a higher priority ASAFP, similar to what Andy Dufresne did to get all those books for the Brooks Hatlen Memorial Library?
Happy Birthday Bandgeek!!!
You have to remember that in order to get, you have to give. Right now Gaby is an injury-prone sniper who has played all of 2 games this year. If folks think that Ott is simply gonna hand over Spezza for that, plus a mid-level D-man, you are smoking whatever got Dubay fired from KFAN. Right now, priority numero uno has got to be getting Backstop signed long-term. Then, figuring out the Gaby situation. Considering the current circumstances, you would think that Salcer and/or Gaby would realize that the high-end dollars just won’t be there come July 1 like they would have been had he been healthy this entire season and put 40+ in the net. That said, coupled with the team’s decent start, maybe getting Gaby to take a reasonable offer over 4 or 5 years isn’t out of the question. This team still needs offensive output. 39 goals in 16 games just isn’t going to cut it over an 82 game season if we want to see the Wild play meaningful games in mid-to-late May.
MIchael up north … I hope you are wrong because I like Kimmy’s contributions night after night.
Sunshine, I would rather have Shephard play defense than Gaby (even if the immediate results are worse) because Shephard has a better attitude.
KiPA, it seems like traditional hockey markets are much more fair in assigning Three Stars! Those places where hockey is struggling tend to pick their own to be able to hype the team.
I disagreed with Wally Shaver for not picking Backstrom (at the X) after he pitched a shutout … but maybe he saw something about the quality of saves that did not impress him.
Happy Birthday Band!
Great attitude but gives away the puck and no finishing. That’s settling for last place, my friend.
Ice Man - Shaver could only have been drunk to not give Backs a star after the shutout.
BG- Happy B-day. Enjoy it. Maybe Russoville will be nice to you today…
KiPA- Gotta give Stamkos the star. He is fragile. Wouldn’t want the NHL’s baby boy to have his feelings hurt. I mean, he did get an assist. That’s a really big deal.
*mopping up the sarcasm*
Maybe he’ll let me, the Austins, and AiH buy him a beer in March in Dallas though. There’s less hobnobbing to do there.
Are we going to make this happen? I called up the Stars to get tickets when single game seats went on sale but I was told they weren’t selling tickets to games that far out yet.
I with those who do not understand the Spezza rumor. Makes no sense to me to give up a healthy 90 point scorer for an injured 80 point scorer.
Looking at OTT’s roster, I really think they don’t even give the Wild the bag of pucks I want so bad, and to ask for an autograph from Spezza would probably get turned down.
I have every intention of going, Aaron. Though we’re not driving back that night like we did last time. Brutal.
Today is my birthday!
My boys won last night!
The dogs let me sleep in!
So far so good.
- Happy B-day Bandgeek
- Throwing this out there:
Let’s say Gaby comes back in a couple of weeks and begins to preform above his historical statistical averages and the team remains in first place in the division. Would you as a hardcore Wild fan be upset if DR keeps Gaby and the team wins at least a round in the playoffs? Granted it would put Doug Smugsborough to the test but with a good team and a chunk of cap space, he would be able to pursue at least some quality UFAs on July 1 or make a trade that brings on salary.
SGS-
This will surprise exactly no one on here, but yes, that would upset me. UM needs to go. All contract talks should be halted (as if they haven’t already), and he needs to go.
He is a cancer. KiPA said it earlier, he comes back, they will try to force him the puck rather than play the game they are playing now. He doesn’t provide another option in thier minds, he provides the only option.
His lack of desire to be on the team is palpable. First round win? Big deal.
He needs to trade UM, and sooner, not later. get whatever anyone is offering, and move on. Sign Backs, and look at the rest later.
As for July 1. DR has shown no ability to score a big name here, so my confidence is lacking a bit here.
I wonder if we’re not looking at a 1-year extension with Gaby.
Sign Backs!
Sign Lemaire and Staff(especially the goalie coach Mason).
Think about getting Gaborik a “lower body” replacement…then sign him too.
No way Gaby signs a 1-yr extension. If he doesn’t take whatever 4-5-yr deal Ballgame will or has offered, he and Salcer will take what they can get on the open market. Just don’t see any way imaginable that Gaby signs a 1-yr deal with the Wild. That’s not to say he wouldn’t do a 1-yr deal with another team, i.e. Hossa-esque, but not gonna happen with the Wild.
Nick, I think that’s a reasonable outcome, depending on how long he’s out, and it’s looking to be a pretty long time.
Are there odds on whether he’ll play before Christmas or not?
It would be wonderful to get a 1-year extension done but I can’t imagine Salcer or Gaborik signing that. Gaby could probably miss the entire season and still see at least one good offer come July.
ms. conduct - I made a couple calls and it appears single game tickets for the March 14 Wild/Stars game will go on sale sometime the first week of January.
I dunno, DB. I could see where if he misses half a season, he might see it as a chance to have a do-over. Though frankly, at that point, I’m not sure why the Wild would want to do that.
Dude!! My ears hurt. I was flipping through channels and Jessica Simpson is on some talk show singing country, She is such a horrible singer, I sing better in my shower. I think my ears are bleeding.
Sign Lemaire and Staff(especially the goalie coach Mason).
Don’t get me wrong, I like JL - he has done a phenomenal job with the talent he wad given when the team first started. But now, there is a large amount of talent on this team, and I really think people are not playing to the ability in this current system. The team has the Defense First mentality beaten in them so much, that I think they are afraid to use any form of “killer instinct”. Not in fear of being sat or called out, but in fear of being “that guy” who was too eager to jump into a play and got burned and the other team scored because of it.
I wouldn’t mind if Lemaire stayed, but I wouldn’t be mad if someone new stepped in either. JL is without a doubt a HOF coach, but unless he is willing to radically change his system, I think we are doomed to 3rd periods of being outshot and in our own zone the entire time, while our 5 guys play a “box +1″ to try and preserve a 1 goal victory.
Not sure if it has been mentioned yet but the Oilers scored 7 times on 19 shots last night against the Blue Jackets.
Anyone else see Pisani (sp?) break his ankle a couple nights ago? It was another one of those sick to my stomach Kurtis Foster moments.
- Funny - Since I could have just posted as Bandgeek, I saw the comment she had awaiting moderation.
- Since the Wild’s crack customer research staff is telling management that nobody cares about the injury details, I wonder what they are saying about how fans feel about Gaby?
- I would be cool with a 1 year deal but I dobt $alcer would be. Gaby, as always, is a mystery.
Cool, Aaron. I got mine for the last game off Stubhub and got them for nearly half of face value. They were crap seats and I couldn’t see anything unless it was right in front of me, though. I’ll probably see if I can get anything remotely reasonable lower bowl between the blue lines, and if not, I’m heading upstairs.
Geez, what’s with all the concern about the 3-stars business. As if that counts for something! My understanding is that someone (not sure who) picks someone else to select the 3 who they thought played best. So what’s the big deal?
SGS - doubtless a 1 yr might be tendered by DR at some point (like late in the season if he can’t work a trade by the deadline). But, I don’t think he’d be doing that now. And only if Gaborik gets back on the ice. If he’s still out at the end of the season, I doubt he’d get an offer from DR and if he does get offers from other teams, doubtless they’d all be 1 yr not so much $$ offers.
Almost posted this under G* - luckily I caught it before I hit submit.
So we had a guy take a slapshot off the outside of his foot in the first period of our Adult league on Sunday. The league has a no slapshot policy, but apparently the Stripes thought it was a “wrist shot”.
Our guy went down, got up and hobbled to the bench. Come to find out yesterday that the bone from his pinky toe to his heel is snapped in half, and he is out for atleast 3 months.
I’m raging mad at the Refs right now. It’s not a penalty for taking a slapper, but the fact that this team got away with it at least 3 after the incident has me pretty irate. Anyone hear of a wrist shot breaking someones foot in an adult leage?
BTW, above when I posted Gaborik+ offenseive D man (like MAB) to OTT and was objecting to Johnsson, I wasn’t thinking we’d get Spezza in return.
Gunslinger, if there isn’t a penalty, what’s the ref gonna do? Ask them not to do it? What if they continue?
I’d say your captain should bring it up with the league and the league should discuss instituting a penalty (unsportsmanlike conduct?).
Goody - yeah I am going to write the league administrator today I think.
The guy doesn’t want to make it into a big deal, plus we all signed injury waivers, but its the Refs job to keep the players safe, especially in a league where full gear is no required. If a team continues to wind up, the Refs have to do something.
Oh man, that’s awful, TGS… poor guy.
Love to be a goalie in that league though.
Gunslinger,
I officiated US Hockey and Adult leagues during college(a while ago).
Most of us that officiated adults felt they could police themselves, but in this situation it doesn’t seem so.
I agree that something needs to be done. You could start by talking to the other teams Captain and then possibly take the matter up with the league.
Hope your teammate recovers quickly.
I am
In fact, one of their wind ups caught me on the arm right on a seam of my chest protector. I have a good size bruise right above the inside of my elbow. Time for a new one me-thinks!
Gunslinger - While I do agree with you, and you should push the issue (or your captain should), I have seen wrist shots break all kinds of bones. Bones in feet, ankles, hands, a wrist one time…
Takes a wicked shot, but they are out there, even in an adult league. Some of these guys (and gals) have nasty shots, just don’t have the other things it takes to be in an upper level league.
Cam - For the most part they can. But every once in a while, you run into one of those teams who really don’t care. Right now, if a team winds up, and shoots, the Refs blow the play dead, but that doesn’t do any good if that shot happens to hit someone.
I don’t know - I’m not a Ref, and I usually have a good relationship with the stripes on the ice (for some reason, they like goalies even if your team ticks them off), but these refs were not good in my opinion.
Buddha - in C-II level?
Another goalie in our midst! I didn’t know that. Ouch on the bruise. But hey, at least you can go around all week going, “Hey, look at my nasty bruise!”
Yeah, OK… maybe not.
Yeah look at my nasty bruise on my inner arm… right above my vein
Eh, it’s good to keep ‘em guessing.
December captains:
C - Brunette
A - Koivu
A - Belanger
I’m on the same boat as most thinking Koivu should be our permanent captain, but we know that’s not happening. Brunette has done thus far pretty much what we expected from him, and he is the definition of a leader. Belanger is not our most talented offensive player, but he his defense has been solid. I think the coaches award Belanger with the A next month for his consistency and hard work.
Ooo… bad place for a bruise. Unless your going for the heroin addict look.
Why do I have O’ Canada stuck in my head?
Food, snack… something.
Morning update:
Dan:
Getting back to you. You mentioned my forecasted trade with Ottawa doesn’t work. It doesn’t straight up, but it’s only short by .347M, which isn’t hard to fix. I’m sure it wouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Ice:
Agree with your previous statement that #5 is playing some good hockey - for once. That makes him easier to trade, since he’s never been worth his salary up until now. Plus, given his age, it would be prudent to move him now and free up some space for signing Backs and some of our other younger players. DR would have never been able to move him last year at his salary, but now he’s playing like he’s worth it - so I think now is the time to make the move.
Sunshine:
I see you didn’t like my comparison with Koivu lol! Well, I didn’t mean they are exactly the same style of players - but they both have that ability to dominate and control the play. Whereas Koivu plays better D, Spezza plays better O. He’s bigger and faster than Koivu, but they’re both playmakers. That’s my meaning.
Not that we should debate whether he’s as good or better than Koivu, the issue is that he would be replacing Gaborik’s production in the lineup. But he would give us the one thing we lack: A #1 center. Yeah, Mikko is the guy, so to speak, but JL loves to use him in so many different situations - and there’s only one of him. After that, we’re left with Shep, Belanger and B-B-Benny.
Going back to the comparison with Gaborik, here’s one thing that really struck me. Had to yank this quote from the Ottawa Sun, cause I can’t find it on TSN anymore.
Spezza’s response when asked about new coach Craig Hartsburg:
“We sat down at the beginning of the year, I told him, ‘If you don’t think I’m playing well, I want to know. I want to know, and I want you to challenge me. “
Now, would you ever have heard that from Gaborik? What a world of difference.
Not to mention, MuN, the cap hits need to be adjusted because Dan was assuming full year numbers. We’re roughly 20% or so into the season; the salaries would be prorated for cap purposes.
Sunshine, my comment about Shephard is not a recipe for losing unless you think Shephard won’t get better. If a guy has a good attitude, you can build with him and he contributes. Remember last year, most people on this board were willing to place him ahead of Koivu.
My .02 cents is that Gaby took himself away from the team. Wild is not perfect but we are winning. So, I do not see him a part of the team anymore.
There is no way for me to gauge how the team feels about him but if I was on the team I would be highly resentful. JL has hinted similar thoughts. So, I think it will be difficult for the team to put Gaby in a Wild uniform again.
Sunshine, in other words, I would rather have a guy on the ice who “can’t” than one who “won’t”.
A guy who won’t is useless, he is playing his own selfish game all the time. You can teach the guy who wants to.
HD, yeah.. Based on the # of days on the roster. I wasn’t gonna do the math on that lol!
