Parking difficulty around Xcel Friday
Posted on November 27th, 2008 – 10:19 AMBy Michael Russo
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I’m planning on this being the only blog today unless something massive happens at practice, so really eat this up and enjoy.
By the way, Stensaas is covering tomorrow’s Wes Walz extravaganza as I head to Nashville Friday afternoon for Saturday’s game there. I talked to Walz on Tuesday for a story to run Friday.
From last Dec. 4, here again are some of your Walz memories we ran in the Star Tribune.
FYI, the Lightning called up local boy Matt Smaby. It’s not known if he’ll play yet.
As released by the Wild ands Xcel Energy Center, patrons attending the X on Friday should allow extra time and use alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion and parking problems. Heavier traffic is expected due to the game and the Hmong New Year.
Shuttle service will be available from 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. for anyone attending the game or Hmong New Year. The shuttle pick-up will be at the parking lot located at 390 East Kellogg Blvd. in St. Paul. Shuttle drop-off will be on 5th Street between the Ordway and Roy Wilkins Auditorium on Friday.
For more information on parking in downtown Saint Paul, patrons should refer to http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/GettingHere/Parking.jsp or http://www.rivercentre.org/parking/ to find Park Smart! Maps, designed to offer alternate routes to the most convenient parking locations for events in Saint Paul.
71 Responses to "Parking difficulty around Xcel Friday"
A Happy Thanksgiving to all of you turkeys in Russoville. (Even Mr. Knows Not Much.)
Michael: You actually wanted to go to Nashville early? Or are you going via West Palm Beach? 
Remember, only approved leftovers are allowed past TSA screeners. Pumpkin pie slices will be confiscated (Burp!)
Happy Thanksgiving one and all. Except any CaNuckleheads that may swing by today, you can shove off.
I think for just today I am going to hang up my critic hat and just be thankful we have hockey. Me and Bucci. I may just read that post a few times today too.
Later all. Go eat some turkey and fall asleep happy.
As promised, my review:
I have to wholeheartedly disagree with the notion the Wild “should” have won this game. From my perspective, they did the things they needed to do to lose.
Part of the responsibility is the coaching staff, and part of it is the players. The officials don’t deserve any blame for this at all - they made the calls on the ice, and they did the best they could. Did they make mistakes? Maybe, but that’s life and you can’t go blaming the officiating for the outcome.
On to why the Wild continue to lose, and blow leads.
1. They are consistently beaten to the loose pucks, in both ends of the ice. This is resulting in another team controlling the play in the defensive zone, and gives them extra scoring chances because the Wild do not challenge enough when 5 on 5. It was apparent again last nite, as in earlier games. The wingers stay too low in the zone, but don’t come down far enough to help out, and they don’t challenge the D at all. The 5-man defensive screen will eventually yield a hole, and it will be costly.
They are beaten at the other end as well, despite the typical strong side umbrella they play in the offensive zone. They are challenged along the boards constantly, and have great difficulty in moving the puck around to an open man with 3 guys along the boards, it’s an easy kick out for the other team to get it out of the zone, as any change in possession causes the Wild to retreat in a big hurry. Sustained offensive pressure only comes when they can pin in a team who’s tired, or getting outworked for a short period.
When you can’t get to the loose pucks and control them, you aren’t going to get very many quality shots on goal. Therefore, the current shots are blocked, weak, or off-target.
2. Work ethic. The Wild clearly lack that ethic of giving 100% every shift, with a few notable exceptions. Clutterbuck and Zids are the 2 players I can say have consistently shown the same high level of effort at all times on the ice. Some others seem to be in neutral, and others seem to vacillate up and down. Even Koivu isn’t 100% all the time to me.
For a good example, someone find the video from the Wild game in Detroit last spring where they outplayed the Wings for 55 minutes before getting tied up with a few minutes left. Forget the outcome - that game was a textbook demonstration of how to go out and control a game and give yourself the best chance of winning. They outplayed the #1 team in the league for almost the whole game. The work ethic and skating in that game was awesome.
Players were rushing to get to loose pucks, making plays - smart plays, and playing heads-up hockey. They pressured the opposition, and played solid D all game. They got chances, and some really good ones. That’s the way you need to play always. That’s the way the better teams in the league play. Look what SJ did to us in the 3rd period a few games ago. They worked hard for 20 mins, and their effort was better than ours for 60. Result? Sharks won the game.
3. Resting on a lead. As I’ve said, this group has less defensive focus than last year’s team. They have shown they cannot fall back into the shell to shut down another team. It isn’t working, and unless some players start stepping up and giving more on the ice, the trend will continue.
The only thing that’s keeping this team from the cellar of the division is Backstrom. Were we to have an average goaltender between the pipes, we’d be down another 6-8 points in the standings.
At some point either the players need to respond to JL, or someone needs to step up and take some charge. Koivu might or might not be a good C right now, but he seems to be a “lead by example” kind of guy. I guess I don’t know him, so I can only comment on my perception, but he’s also not putting forth 100% either. 95% maybe, but I’ve seen him do more. Someone is going to need to light a fire under some feet. Cluts, Zid, Koivu, and Burns can’t do it alone. They’ve put forth the best on-ice effort each shift, but 2 of em have been taking some needless penalties.
I could go on, but I’m pretty much done.
Michael from up North- Some teams are built very good for regular season play like Detroit and San Jose. If the Wild have a sniper like Gaby heading into the playoffs, Kurtis Foster on the blueline,Burns playing forward along with what is there now on the team, I think the playoffs will be good for this team. They have a nice looking playoff roster in the making, and not all the teams can say that. Dont put the cup past this team this year Michael! I also think DR will sign someone before the trade deadline, and maybe that would be a center for Gaby
This team could do it this year.
I wish to say Happy thanksgiving to all of my Posse here on this rant page. Daniel is the latest member of my posse. I want him to learn one thing though- Dont judge the minute by the hour- Dallas was lucky last night and that is how the puck bounces some times
Michael from up North- Some teams are built very good for regular season play like Detroit and San Jose. If the Wild have a sniper like Gaby heading into the playoffs, Kurtis Foster on the blueline,Burns playing forward along with what is there now on the team, I think the playoffs will be good for this team. They have a nice looking playoff roster in the making, and not all the teams can say that. Dont put the cup past this team this year Michael! I also think DR will sign someone before the trade deadline, and maybe that would be a center for Gaby
This team could do it this year.
I wish to say Happy thanksgiving to all of my Posse here on this rant page. Daniel is the latest member of my posse. I want him to learn one thing though- Dont judge the minute by the hour- Dallas was lucky last night and that is how the puck bounces some times
Heh. I was just looking at my FH stats so far this week and see that all 3 of my opponents have Malkin in their line-ups. Sheesh. What’d I do to deserve that?
Ms. C- It is all your fault. That’s what you did. Everything is your fault.
Right? You’d think I was microwaving puppies or something for that kind of punishment.
Oh and Happy Thanksgiving.
MKIA, it’s got much less to do with whether we have “x” player or “y” player on the roster, then whether the players are performing as they should on the ice.
You can have a superb team on paper, but on ice they can’t do the job because they aren’t performing (i.e. Rangers from 1995-2007). It doesn’t matter that you can pack a lineup with good offensive and defensive players… if they don’t play to their potential, they’re not going to get it done.
There are teams in this league that plod along and try to win games, and there are teams that go out and do what they have to do to win. The Wild isn’t one of those teams. Yes, Lemaire gets more out of his lineup and players than others would, and the system helps keep the games close. However, you do not see the same energy level on the ice by this team as you do with some others.
Not every team is going to play 100% every night, however some come close. Boston’s been playing amazing lately, and they have a slew of wins to show for it. Why? Watch them. They consistently out-hustle their opponents and make the most of their chances.
I could take an entire game tape and start making arrows and circles in Premiere to show what I’m talking about…. but if you care to try something, do this next game:
Get a pad of paper, and draw a line down the middle. Each time there’s a loose puck, note who gets it. Put an X or whatever on one side if the Wild gets it, and on the other if the other team gets it.
Then, to add to the study, if the team that gets the puck controls the play afterward, circle that mark.
By controlling the play, I mean actually making a pass, or moving the puck to a teammate that can actually start forward progress. It doesn’t mean a scoring chance, or a shot - just control.
I do this mentally whenever I watch a game, and time and time again I’m noting far more checkmarks in the opponent’s column, and quite a few of those would get circled.
Putting the Ghost and Foster and a pickup into the lineup isn’t going to solve that.
Michael up North- Great observations, Very well said!!
Michael up North,
This may all be true what you are saying. I look at the big picture. I look at the team when they are playing good. Long season
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
No rest for Thanksgiving. The boys were on the ice. Saw Lemaire’s interview after practice.
Turkey dinner was tasty and low key but I wish they made cranberry flavored Robitussin… *cough*hack*cough*
You have a cold too MsC. Hope your feelin’ better soon. I hope I feel better soon. Ate way to much. Hope you all had good Thanksgivings.
I dunno what I have. Coughing for 2 weeks and nothing else. Guess I should be grateful but man, I’m sick of coughing.
HOOK ‘EM HORNS!!!
What is the attraction that some have for getting up at the a$$ crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving, to push and shove and fight over a DVD player that will break before next Thanksgiving?
Last time I coughed that long MsC, I went into the doctor and it turned out I had a minor case of bronchitis. Hope yours is just a cold. Feel better soon.
My $9.99 DVD player, I bought three years at the crack of dawn is great.
My 55 year-old father who scoffed at Black Friday sales has gotten into the spirit of things. He is aiming to be at Menards by 6 am.
I think this year’s sales aren’t that exciting. Not enough electronic stuff that I want.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Go Wild.
As some one who had to work those early morning sales for many many many many years, I just don’t understand the appeal. Oh well, someone else can have my spot in the parking lot for them.
I was not in agreement with the article Russo wrote on Melrose being fired. I have been in business long enough to know that the whole story was not told.
I dont know Melrose, but I am providing a link of a story that provides another point of view that digs a little deeper
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2008/nov/26/nhl-hockey-barry-melrose-tampa-bay-lightning
Please don’t post things as me. Please make sure your checking the name and info before you hit Submit.
I agree with this statement from your article Bandgeek. This is my point to Russo after he wrote the article on the firing of Melrose. Read this statement all
As a coach Melrose is now virtually unemployable, and the reason for this is because his employers made him look foolish. Of course, in time the coach who now isn’t a coach might well have made a fool of himself, although that we’ll never know. But by being robbed of the chance of messing it all up himself – or maybe even succeeding – Melrose has been treated shabbily. The man deserves better.
It was not my article. I did not post that link. I don’t care about Melrose. Do not post as me. There can be only one [Bandgeek].
Sorry Bandgeek. Mister Know it all thought you see eye to eye with him on the Melrose firing
I think it’s pretty obvious it wasn’t you, BG. 
Yeah, the coughing is very much like the bronchitis I had a couple of years ago but MUCH less severe. I was laid up for 2 weeks at Mr. Conduct’s apt. in NYC. Couldn’t even walk down the block without doubling over coughing. But that was the last time I saw falling snow… beautiful.
Really wish I’d picked up a new defense for my FF team this week. Stupid Cardinals.
Like I said… There can be only one [Bandgeek].
I’m off to bed early, tomorrow promises to be interesting and overly busy at work. And I’m exhausted after a day spent with my sisters boys. Hope everyone had a good Turkey Day!
Ms. C: At least you didn’t bench Westbrook (3 first-half TDs) in a league where you’re not yet in the playoffs, like I did.
Oops. And you’re my Fantasy guru?
Mr. C wants to go to Best Buy in the morning. Yeesh. But we’re mostly just returning something. This is, of course, AFTER I pick up my goalie mask at the post office. Woohoo!
Well, I hate these Thursday games. I thought the guy was hurt and wouldn’t play much.
Plus I have Reggie Bush and Thomas Jones to play instead, so I had healthier options. I still have a two-game lead on two teams left to make the playoffs, so I can afford a f— up.
NHL news: Jokinen out two weeks, Burke agrees to become Toronto GM.
Ah, fudge re: Jokinen. Better go check my rosters.
Canucks leading Flames 2-1
MichaelUpNorth, the original Wild teams with Walz and Laaksonen were quick enough that they kept the opponents off balance. The team could protect its leads by being agressive on the puck but not taking chances.
This team does not have that element, as yet.
I have nearly finished John Gilbert’s new book about Herb Brooks. I highly recommend it. Lots on the 1980 Olympics.
It is flawlessly remembered and dispels many of the OIympics myths that have been created by the movie Miracle and other sources.
John Gilbert was a very knowledgeable and informed hockey writer of his time. He was then as good as Russo is now.
I seen this game coming for a while on the schedule as being a game that the Lightning will be jazzed up for. Lawton must be so excited to get a win here that he cant sleep. Look and see what is in store for the Wild tomorrow. Just happened to call up Steve Downie- official goon- Smaby is 6-5 and from MN…. I hope the Wild tear them up
TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled right wing Steve Downie and defenseman Matt Smaby from Norfolk of the American Hockey League, it was announced by Executive Vice President & General Manager Brian Lawton.
Downie, a 5-foot-10, 192-pound native of Newmarket, Ontario, was acquired in a trade with Philadelphia on November 7. He has skated in 10 AHL games with Philadelphia and Norfolk this season, tallying a goal, 12 assists and 51 penalty minutes. He played in six games with the Flyers this year, recording 11 penalty minutes. He has played in 38 career NHL games, all with Philadelphia, recording six goals and 12 points. He also has one career shorthanded goal and one game-winning goal.
The 21-year-old played in 190 career junior games with Windsor, Peterborough and Kitchener. He amassed 82 career goals and 234 points. He also appeared in 43 OHL playoff games, recording 18 goals and 53 points. Downie was originally drafted by Philadelphia in the first round, 29th overall, at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Smaby, a 6-5, 220-pound native of Minneapolis, has skated in 17 games with Norfolk this season, recording a goal, two assists and 22 penalty minutes. Selected in the second round, 41st overall by the Lightning at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Smaby made his NHL debut with the Lightning in 2007-08, skating in 14 games.
The 24-year-old has appeared in 141 career AHL games with Norfolk and Springfield, tallying four goals, 21 assists and 131 penalty minutes. Smaby played three seasons for the University of North Dakota (2003-04 through 2005-06), captaining teams that reached the NCAA Frozen Four in consecutive seasons.
Ms.Conduct - Ask your doctor to check for whooping cough. I had a similar dry, nagging, non-productive cough, with no other cold symptoms. I let it drag on for about three weeks, and finally talked to my doctor, who quickly diagnosed it as whooping cough. The Strib had a recent story here:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/34417204.html?elr=KArksUUUU
about an outbreak in Minnesota, Dakota County in particular.
The good news is that by the time it’s diagnosed, you’re alrady past the contagious stage.
The bad news is that there’s no real treatment for it. Cough syrup doesn’t help (apparently the virus causes small spasms in your throat that make you cough) and the only thing to do is let it runs its course, which can take 4-6 weeks.
If you’re coughing a lot, but not really producing any phlegm (except maybe a little clear stuff in the 2nd and 3rd weeks) there’s a chance that’s what you’re dealing with.
Search “whooping cough” at http://www.webmd.com and see if the symptoms match yours. My doc said it’s difficult to diagnose, because it sounds and feels like bronchitis or a bad cold, and there’s really nothing to do for it.
I’m on about week 5, and still have 2-3 bad coughing attacks a day, but they seem to be milder. Hope that’s not what you have, but it sounds like a possibility.
Re: coughing up the lead vs Dallas … there are lots of untested players on this team yet. I hate losing late leads but it is probably to be expected.
Lets just say I won’t continue to be as kind as I was today if JL can’t somehow change the current course within the next 8 to 10 games.
Flames beat the Canucks, 4-3.
Well, that win puts the Flames 2 points up of the Wild and 3 back of the Canucks.
So I went back and reviewed Neal’s second goal to see if his stick was above the crossbar when he batted that puck in. As clear as the two waived goals, Neal’s stick was below the crossbar. There was a stick that was above the crossbar but that belonged to a Wild player.
I don’t think they sat back on their lead since going into the third, it was a one goal game. Whoever said it, they didn’t worked hard enough in the third.
Nashville trades Nick Tarnasky for Wade Belak. I say that we might see more Belak-Boogie fights.
enough about coughing up phlegm lets stop coughing up leads!
Sunshine: about the Boogaard-Belak fights…we won’t have to wait long. Wild play Nashville twice in the next 9 days…both games in Hillbilly Heaven…
…and then we don’t see the Preds ’til February.
Hopefully the Wild break out from the ‘November Nadir’ beginning today.
Well, that win puts the Flames 2 points up of the Wild and 3 back of the Canucks.
The Wild still has 3 games in hand on CGY and VAN - we need some positivity today to do a 180 on last year’s Black Friday game
6GS: Was that the bad BJ game? We got shutout, right?
NiNY…hard to believe there could some something called ‘the bad bj game’ but you’re right.
Keep yer heads up boys…Downie is back in the NHL.
kj: haha…I can see the picture on the box of the Bad BJ Game…candles, chocolate fondue, champagne, man, woman…braces….
LOL
Parker Bros.
Are you listening??? 
Old Man Winter: This roster is not loaded with untested players. Right now you could consider Cluttercheeks and Reitz as untested. Gillies has been making popcorn more often than not and Shepp went through an entire season, including playoffs already. The Wild has many issues, but being “untested” isn’t one of them.
NiNY: Correct. It’s hard to imagine a bad BJ game, but last year’s day after Turkey game was arguably the worst effort the team gave all season. They were beaten badly at times last year, but the effort that was given forth against a hideous BJ squad, was worth the chorus of boos that was showered down on the boys from the paying customers.
braces…
COMC!
Thanks Goalieguy. There’s a little phlegm but not much. The whooping cough symptoms seem a lot worse than what I have. Though the on and off fever for a week or so does ring a bell. I dunno. Either way, there’s nothing to take for it, so I’ll just ride it out. Since I can still work out and play hockey and stuff, it’s more annoying than anything.
Where is everyone on a game morning?
Please dont tell me you are all out shopping!
NiNY: Funniest thing I’ve read in a month. Enjoy your turkey sandwiches all.
Looks like everyone needs a hand breaking out of the tryptophan-induced haze of yesterday.
The Russoville Pub hereby offers a pre-game special:
Red Bull and vodka shots for $2 until game time.
Thanks nick, i’ll take 4 to go.
I’ve been writing a blog post and whacking myself in the head (just to make sure my mask works). That takes time.
“Grebeshkov was hit with a puck that deflected off his own stick during Wednesday night’s game. He suffered five broken teeth and two others that were pushed in, not too mention ten stitches to repair the hole in his bottom lip. Still it doesn’t look like he will miss any games for the Oilers.”
-From ESPN
And yet UM now can’t even skate. I think he has a real future in soccer.
Well, you don’t skate with your face, B.
Yeah, yeah, yeah…
Guy busted five teeth, stiches in his lip… had to have some kind of dental procedure, back on the ice. Not even a game missed.
Guy pulls a muscle and can’t skate. Man up.
Though apparently this guy thinks you play the puck with your face, so you never know, maybe skating is next on his list.
Can’t wait for afternoon hockey today.
Something to do before I have to wade into the big pool of crazy that is Black Friday.
I think it’s bigger than a pulled muscle. I think he’s torn something. Do I put the onus of making sure he takes care of his legs better to avoid such injuries? Yeah, but I also don’t agree that it’s a matter of manning up.
Maybe I don’t either… I think I just really like calling him a sissy.
Nice we have a “have you been clutterbucked?” banner on the glass
No I havn’t but I been koivued. Go Wild.
AWESOME Russ! 
Yay Cal!
And yeah, I know Buddha. Just feel like playing devil’s advocate today, I guess.
Sorry Mitch, that was me, obviously.
*biting tongue re: being Koivued*
This game is on FOUR channels on CI and NONE of them are HD. WTF?
Why for no pregame snack?
Stencils is subbing today. *spitball*
But it’s here now.
