Wild 4, St. Louis Blues 0 to take over Northwest Division lead; Gillies to world junior tournament?
Posted on December 3rd, 2008 – 6:46 PMBy Michael Russo
As Andrew Brunette quipped, “A little bit of a tease last game and tonight we got back to the way we normally play.”
Before I get started, here might be the hockey picture of the year by photographer Carlos Gonzalez of the famed Derek Boogaard car ride blog (Carlos and I drove from Minot, N.D., to Regina, Sask., two summers ago for the Boogey Fight Camp; disappointedly, for some reason the photos are no longer on the blog, which is what made the blog really funny).
Well, obviously this Wild victory was quite the turnaround from last game, but it was not shocking. Last game’s atrocious Wild defensive performance was the biggest aberration since I went 4 for 4 and raced (OK, waddled) around third for the winning run in Camp Coleman’s intracamp showdown with Blue Ridge in 1989 (yes, it’s sad, but it’s my biggest athletic achievement, so just let me revel in the glory. And me scoring a winning run is a big deal because I was a power hitter who once ran the 100-meter dash in 3 minutes and 22 seconds). 
The Wild’s one of the best defensive teams in the league. I just think the embarrassing loss can simply be explained by the six defensemen getting together the night before and chowing down the turkey in everybody’s fridge. Hey, it happens. They were hungry.
But Wednesday was more like the Wild. It was pretty spotless in its own zone, and after a nothing-at-all-is-happening first period, the Wild eventually struck in the second and ran away from there.
Niklas Backstrom, one game after getting torched for six goals in two periods, shut out the Blues for his 12th career blanking, and 10th at Xcel Energy Center, which puts Backstrom one home shutout short of Dwayne Roloson’s team record.
Brunette scored his 200th goal. Eric Belanger had an assist and scored his 100th goal (the winner) and was funny about it. The humor doesn’t really translate in print. For it to be funny, you needed to see Belanger’s deadpan facial expression and hear the French accent.
But he said, “I didn’t even know until 98. I think my dad told me. He said, ‘you’re at 98’and I said, ‘oh, great.’”
Marek Zidlicky scored a goal and an assist. Marc-Andre Bergeron had two assists for his third multi-assist game in his past six. Pierre-Marc Bouchard had an assist for six points in three games. And Mikko Koivu had an assist to extend his point streak to a career-high six games (10 points).
OHHHHH, AND ANTTI MIETTINEN SCORED!!! I said on a radio show a couple days ago north of the border that the next time Miettinen scored, it would be by accident, and did I get that prediction right! He was on a breakaway with an empty net and Carlo Colaiacovo tripped him from behind. Referee Paul Devorski (the best ref in the league) awarded Miettinen with the goal, his first since Oct. 27, to snap a 16-game drought.
Here’s something for you: When you’re awarded a goal, you don’t get a shot, so technically, you can score a goal without getting a shot. But, assists are awarded, so Belanger got an assist for the Miettinen goal. I’m sure nobody knew that except for “sunshine.”
Blues coach Andy Murray certainly wanted to spoil this shutout. He pulled his goalie down 3-0 with 2:44 left, and Miettinen’s awarded goal didn’t come until 28 ticks left. The Wild just couldn’t score with the empty net. It was kind of like the Wild’s employee hockey game today that was played with no goalies!
I’m on a roll. It must be the coffee, which is at about a baker’s dozen today.
What else about the game? Oh, the Wild’s power play. It’s 10 for its last 20 over three games, the most power-play goals the Wild’s ever scored in a three-game stretch. It’s ranked second in the NHL at 26.6 percent.
Here’s a good one from Wild PR guru Ryan Stanzel. Eleven of Marek Zidlicky’s last 12 goals dating to Nov. 2006 are on the power play.
The Wild is 12-3-1 in its past 16 against St. Louis and is 9-3-4 against the Blues at home. Also, the Wild’s 37 shots tonight were a season-high.
Cal Clutterbuck was indeed back in. Craig Weller and Colton Gillies were scratched.
Speaking of Gillies (I made you wait long enough), I talked to Tommy Thompson, the Wild’s co-assistant GM so to speak, this afternoon.
Last week, I reported that the Wild had not yet talked about whether Gillies should play in the world junior tournament but that Canada wanted him. Last month, Canada head scout Al Murray made that clear to Thompson.
This afternoon, Thompson said the Wild has begun internal discussions on whether it should release Gillies next week to Team Canada (Canada can add players to its 38-player selection camp roster. Camp begins Dec. 11).
Thompson told me, “It’s Doug’s call,” so there is no doubt this is something the Wild is at least considering. Doug, being Risebrough, obviously. Gillies, who won gold with Canada last year, has been scratched in 10 of the last 13 games and 12 times this season. If he’s not playing or making an impact, this is something to consider for the Wild.
From 2002-04, the Wild let Nick Schultz, Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Brent Burns play, respectively. The Wild didn’t let James Sheppard go last season because Wes Walz retired and Mikko Koivu broke his leg.
Tyler Cuma, by the way, the Wild’s first round-pick from June, was invited to Canada’s selection camp.
By the way, here’s Jacques Lemaire on Sheppard’s 9 minutes of ice time last game: “When I’m happy, the guy plays. If he doesn’t play, there’s something. He’s injured, got a headache, got a sore foot or I don’t like what he’s doing. If he’s not injured, then there’s something else. And he’s not injured!”
Benoit Pouliot’s moved to the second line tonight and Sheppard dropped to the fourth.
OK, I’m tired. I’ve been in this arena since 10 a.m. It’s 11:20 p.m. I must depart.
303 Responses to "Wild 4, St. Louis Blues 0 to take over Northwest Division lead; Gillies to world junior tournament?"
I’m looking for something like the following from the boys tonight:
< 20 shots against
< 10 scoring chances against
2 goals for
yeah. stupid sign nite
G*: do tell!
After the All-Star rosters are final, I’d like to see who makes it that wasn’t voted in by the fans and where those players ranked in the fan voting.
For instance, Osgood. Not making it.
Woo-hoo
Let’s not choke tonite please. I don’t wanna explain that when the Mrs gets home from work
which Viking just did the LPH chant?
D&D have been reading the blog again.
Nick I think I read somewhere it was Jerry Burns.
I’ve heard of taking the hit to make the play, but Burnsie just took himself out to get the shot off…that’s…dedication?!
nice…MiG…thanks.
Great…so we can expect a lot of rushes right up the middle all night long then?
Super.
This might be a long game…
Nick, you still tending the bar?
sure, man. What can I get ya?
House special please!
sure thing…
*slides drink down the bar to Mr. Bandgeek*
dang-it Mason
is it just me, or is Zids getting thrown in the box a lot lately?
definitely seems to be, Mr.B.
WOW…what a save that was!
I’ve noticed Butch hustling or playing physically at least twice already. I like that a lot.
If the boys keep playing like this in the next 2 periods, we will be alright. We did have a couple of give-a-ways in the 1st.
It’s funny how when you start the game about 10 minutes late, it’s impossible to catch up before the first intermission. Greetings Everyone.
Way to look out for our boy there Nick. Butch has really stepped his game up lately. I am glad people are noticing.
Watching the Blues feed. I haven’t cringed once. How’s Cal doing? I’ve really mostly just been listening.
Nick, I got the thighboard issue fixed. Woot!
Back to playing carpet goalie…
I make it a habit to NOT watch the broadcast between periods when I am unfortunate enough to have to watch the home games from the couch. But, for some reason I just watched the “faceoff” nonesense between Greenlay and Gorg. Has there ever been a “skit” put together that has been worse than what these two clowns perpetrate on the viewing masses? My God. I had to listen to the short fat guy spew on and on about how Avery needed to be banned from the League for life for what he said about former girlfriends. My sympathies for those of you have suffered through this level of drivel in the past and my sympathies to those who will unwittingly suffer through that level of drivel in the future. For an organization that prides itself on “doing it the right way”, it is painful that it has not been able to find at least competent broadcasters for it’s television schedule. Sad, sad, sad.
Kinda quiet in here tonight…
Nick: I think the light came on for PMB. He is playing like we thought he could.
DB — we just watched the “faceoff” for the first time this season too. The Mr. wanted to for some strange reason.
yeah, Face Off is not better in HD. Too bad.
Man, that was close
Keep it up
DB: Right on. They make fools of themselves every game.
Had Mikko scored there we’d have been talking about that goal for years.
Man, Koivu’s little stop move is sick. He undersses people with that move all the time.
I would imagine the Faceoff is WORSE in HD!
Maybe someday I’ll know (dear Santa….)
ms.c: what was the fix you came up with?
big save by Backs!
Greeeeat save there on the two on one.
Thanks Backstrom
Unreal.
baby just screaming, nothing making her happy. Nothing. Car ride, toys, bottle, food, new diaper… nothing.
She turns her head, sees the hockey game on TV. Not a peep since.
I love how IGoW skated by like a shark at the end of that little scrum. Like, “I’ll let the kids get their jollies here, but just make sure everyone keeps his head on.”
Atta boy, Buddha. Now all you have to do is get your wife to start turning on the game as a pacifying method and you’re in like Flynn!
I think you have a hockey fan on your hands, Buddha. Good taste at a very young age!
Captain getting a little feisty there…good to see.
Suppose Johnsson read all those comments about him being a sissy?
I’m not crazy about that guy getting behind Kimmy on that play.
That’s how a C is supposed to act. Nice job by Yawnson to clear fools out in front of Backs.
Is Steen even dressed for this game for St. Louis? I’ve heard Coliacovo’s name once and that’s it.
May have to order CI after all…
Refresh my memory Nick, what is IGoW again?
HAHA…that was a brilliant blow off by Mikko there!
Unbelievable goal.
Wow… Koive was like “Get the eff away from me you tool” funny!
Gooooaaaalll!! Awesome.
WOO HOO!!
BELLA!!!
Great goal by Belanger. He should do that more on his future breakaways.
how bad does Mason want that one back?!
Austin: Irish God of War.
sunshine lives!
that last save there by Backs was the kind of scrambling save we used to scream at him for not having.
Did they just say Skoula’s been here for 4 seasons?
Damn, I’m buyin’ a #41 jersey, just to annoy the haters
Hello Sunshine!
I like the way Shep looked with Brunette out there with him. He should do that more often.
When the Wild play like this I get goosebumbs.
Wow, that line on the Blues was 100% GASSED. Can’t believe they didn’t score there. Great pressure, everything was working great… except the scoring part. I won’t complain though.
Yes.
Zids likes to stay below the hash marks for long periods of time. I was nervous about a breakaway or 2-on-1.
Oh and, Danke (sp?) Nick for the IGoW thing.
Blue’s D depth could be scary in a couple years. I’m jealous.
Burns is struggling at forward, seems to take another step backward every game.
Johnsson gave his man a pop in front of the net while 1 on 1 with him, I said I’d give him props if he did that, so props.
Everyone who misses the net high and wide so it rings right out of the zone should be skating in practice. I know they said shoot it high, but that’s not a scoring shot, just get it on net.
ain’t no thang, Austin.
Bela really has become a rich man’s Todd White and a poor man’s Wes Walz on this team. And he seems like a good quote too. Didn’t someone say he was hilarious at the Call of the Wild he did?
Wow, that was a super quick wrister from Kimmy J. Maybe he should shoot more…
Steen sighting!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Anyone else not very comfortable with this game where it is right now?
Nick, I don’t like the score a lot… but if the Wild keep playing like they did in the second, we should come out on top.
Ummm, I’m not…..
Another round?
ah eff it, I’m going to get another scotch…that will help.
Nick, do you like Burbon?
here you go Mr.B
Austin: I’m really more of a scotch guy. I haven’t gotten into the bourbon yet.
Foster’s wife is a hottie.
I want Fossie back *tear*
there were dumb tires plus signs on our seats. u must have seen them. should have known the game would be like this after monday. tight not taking chances
I get very nervouse seeing MAB and Zids on the ice at the same time unless it is on a PP.
MAB is particularily making me nervous this game. He throws the puck away too quickly.
Also - did anyone else see Skoula almost put the puck in his own net. He came from behind the net, stopped, and almost lost the puck and ended up pinning the it against the side of the net - very near the post.
Yeah Fosters wife in that tight top is looking good!
Well, if you wanna give some a try I recommend Blanton’s. A friend of mine from KY got me into it. Tasty stuff.
What Scotch do ya got Nick?
I don’t know much about em
But I can BBQ up a storm
Compared to what we had to watch on Monday, this is the kind of tight we have becomed used to. The kind of tight that makes your a$$hole pucker up to the size of a decimal point during the last five minutes of the game, kind of tight. Expect lots of stress over the final 300 seconds of the game.
I’m drinking Tomatin 12 year tonight. It’s a single, but I think of it as a blend because it’s so cheap. But it’s at least as good as Famous Grouse and better than Dewars (both blends). I have about 9 singles on the bar, but I only have a finger of good single before I switch to blend or maybe this Tomatin for value’s sake.
Well it’s settled then…. I’ll bring the Burbon, Nick will bring the Scotch, and Mr.Bandgeek will fire up the grill. Sounds like a plan to me.
I don’t have a problem with tight, I just feel like this is a much more fragile game than other tight games we’ve played. I guess seeing them score 5 and lose will do that to you…
If there is ever a Cluts-PMB-Bella combo, can I pre-emptively dub this line the Lolli-Pop Guild Line?
The only forwards on the team under 6 feet.
Makes sense, once the senses are a little numb, switch to the cheaper stuff.
I need to go shopping…
With Briere out for 4-6 weeks with just a strained groin, should we be surprised that Gaby will miss 3 months with a torn groin? Seems like a lot of folks enjoy ripping Gaby for being a wuss, but how much do you think a hockey player can do with a torn groin? Especially one that has been shredded in the past. If a strain is a month and a half, we should expect a tear to be at least double that, which puts him back on the ice mid-January. Considering he was on the ice today, that may be a realistic return time.
Now, let’s see if the boys can salt this one away with an early goal in the period.
Marney just screwed Backs talking about the goose egg in the interview with Mason
Was just typing that up, TheGun!! WTF was that all about?!
Sorry about that. I didn’t realize the IT department had switched me to Mr. Bandgeek prior to posting that last scribbling. Apologies all around.
Tequila-Lime Tri-Tip, anyone? Charcoal and applewood smoked pulled pork?
I may give her a break since she just got back from popping a baby out and all… but still… come on lady!
Have I ever said that I am glad we got Nolan? I love the guy.
I think Pouls needed to pull the trigger there.
no excuses, TheGun…play like a champion!
ATX- Oh so many others were not and are not.
I’m with you. I’m glad he’s here.
Damnit Zidlicky!!! That was a gimmie! I saw it coming and he shanked it.
Zids needed to bury that one. Damn. I’m pleasantly surprised with Nolan too, Austin. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
All good, DB. I know you didn’t mean it
Too darn close!!
They have score on some of these chances.
BRUNO!!!
DB - I think we just call them both Sally Sore Sacs and move on.
WooO!!! Bruno!
BRUNO!
Yeah, Bruno!
Hi Gang have I missed anyhing…
Well, I guess they heard me.
Exactly why he was signed this off season, right there.
In tight, in position. Goal. Beautiful.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL
(Doing my best soccer announcer voice)
BDS: pour yourself a scotch and pull up a chair.
Buddha, I have always had a certain affinity for Nolan for some reason. We can be in the I like Nolan club all alone for all I care.
Does Zids play D at all?
That Zids is a pinching machine.
um…Zids’ backhander not as good as his forehander….
Thanks NiNY - I’ll do that as soon as the action ends.
Way to keep your composure Cluts!
Add C-Buck to my list of man loves. I love that he didn’t talk at all there… no smack talking, no talking back, just a Boogie-like smile and skate away. Beauty.
I have to agree with D&D: props to Cluts for keeping his cool there.
Zids!!
and BOOM goes the dynamite!
YES!
So my FSN went out for a few minutes. What happened?
Finally, Zids! He’s been a-knocking at the door.
Again! Thanks For the PP, Cal
Zids could be Jagr’s twin…they have the same mouth.
Yes. The Wild are rocking now.
This is more like it!! AWESOME! I love it when the team plays well!
I don’t like the O-zone penalty, Benny…
Sweet…pooring a Balvenie Doublewood and there goes Zids with the boomb from the blue line…
I would like to take a modicum of credit for saying the boys would salt the game away with an early goal in the third. I’ll gladly take two, however.
BDS: what do they getcha for a 750 of that Balvenie Doublewood out there? It’s a surprisingly good deal out here. Say, $60?
Thanks Devo!
OK, Greenlay is a moron.
“That was a push, not a cross check.”
Whatever. idiot.
You are right about that our C could just as well been sent to the sin bin.
You know why the Wild announcers should be banned from sports? After Zids rifled in the powerplay marker to make it 3-rock, Terhaar states “Sometimes when you spend the money, it realy pays off.”
How is it possible that my 8-yr-old knows that the Wild gave up Jones and a 2nd rounder to get Zidlicky.
This is on the same level of incompetence as what I had to watch during the 1st period intermission.
Bruno was like 5 feet offside there! LOL…
NiNY- It’s not that bad at all around $35 at Sam’s Club. I do most of my regular buying there always good prices but limited line-up so to say.
Preachin’ to the choir, Deep. Preachin’ to the choir.
whoa…holy shnikes…that’s a sick deal. I’m going to have to see if BJ’s (no jokes, that’s what it’s called out here) sells booze.
SHOOT THE PUCK!
Wow. What a setup by Bruno there… beautiful. Too bad it didn’t result in the goal horn sounding. Mason was beat hard.
Well, Powers from the Pio wrote the same thing about Zids being obtained via FA in his article/column, which then was repeated by Engblom on Versus. He quoted Powers word for word re: Zids that’s why I know he used Powers’ article.
It was embarrassing let me tell ya.
BDS, I don’t drink Scotch, but I may have to start at prices like that… I wonder if CostCo sells em’ at that price…
ATX - I think they do at least up here. It all depends on the local state laws.
Yeah, I might have to get a Sam’s or Costco membership now….
Sorry - Sunshine! That was me, BDS.
Mr Band - You don’t have to at least not in MN.
You know, after seeing that Mikko shot on GS Giguere before every commercial break, I relized there is one reason I miss Rolston on this team: no more highlights of the slapper he took from the half wall that the goalie basically ducked so it wouldn’t hit him in the head, and it went in the net.
Can’t remember who it was though.
these Gopher football ads kill me. The passion of Gopher football?!? Are you freakin’ kidding me? I mean, other than random Iowan strangers knockin’ boots in the restrooms, there ain’t no freakin’ passion involved with Gopher football.
The liqour part is open to the public at both Sam’s and Costco
TheGun: that was Giguere too.
Nice save by Backs.
Holy smokes, that was close!
And yes, that was JSG that ducked. And then threw a temper tantrum when he was pulled. I think that was in the same game, at least.
NiNY - thanks!
WildinATX: it was.
We need to settle down right now.
Thanks BDS, didn’t know that.
Yeah BDS, CostCo does sell booze (so the wife tells me). I will definitely check it out.
Ans I agree Nick. the Blues are sniffin’ for a goal right now big time.
Man, I would love someone to run up and pull on Lapanta’s hair. It has to be a piece!
Wow, early empty net. Hold em off boys!
Down by 3 in a game where your team has been out played… pull the goalie?
What?
I’m sort of irrationally amused by that comment, TheGun
Down by 3, pull your goalie?
I want what he’s smokin’
Free goal available at the other end.
I think originally they had the advantage by who was on the ice. If you can bottle up Cluts, Veilleux, Nolan, Reitz, and I didnt see the other D, they have a good chance to tire them out
Backstrom wants a goal…
Penalty shot
HA! PS for Mittens!
That could have been a Penalty Shot… haha.. it is!
Buddha’s comment was me…
Goal …?
WHAT!!!
Throw your mittens, Wild fans!! WOO HOO!!
GOOOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!!
Sweet goal Mittens.
HAHAHAH!! That is AWESOME! I don’t think I have ever seen that before!
What is this never seen that one before and I’ve only had one glass of scotch..
Color me relieved!
Solid win.
You learn something new every day…
Great game boys! Played all 60 mins for sure on that one. Way to bounce back from that crap game vs COL.
How it that for D!! Back on track,yeah!
ahh…. what just happened…. How did Antti get a goal but not get one…. lol
The defensive corps got their brains back tonight. Forwards were helpful tonight in getting back. A great game. A great win.
A great defensive game, AND we scored more than 3 goals? Man the writers on the East Coast, and at ESPN must not know what to say today…
They can say we didn’t score more than 3 goals…kind of
Great news for my fantasy team there too! I had Backs in for that stinker vs COL, now he comes out and gets me a SO. Awesome.
Grease up 2-0 on the Stars after one.
I must say that Belanger has been a good suprise this season after disapearing the last half of last season.
Excellent bounceback game from Monday’s debacle, but it came against a truly awful team which has been riddled (not Troy) with injuries. Friday’s game against the hated Nux will be another chance for the Wild to tighten things up. Do enjoy the way the boys have figured out how to place the puck in the other team’s net, at least as of late.
Put me down as never seeing that situation with Mittens’ goal before either. Weird.
Does that count as a penalty shot goal or a normal empty netter?
Jesus…Darryl Reaugh just called Sheldon Souray “Studly Wonderbomb”. I’m going to be sick.
good question Mr.B.
Also, feel it bears repeating that the play-by-play guy for the team seemingly doesn’t know that the Wild did not sign Zids as a UFA. That, my fellow Russovillians, is a sad, sad, sad commentary to what we as loyal, borderline lunatic, fans of this organization have been subjected to, time and time again by the truly amateurism that is on display each and every time a television broadcast of this team is put into motion.
My guess is it will go down as an EN, but sine I was not even aware of this rule it is a guess.
NHL on the Fly has us on
DB - I spent a night up in Fargo last month and the FSN feed must have been interupted becasue I just had the sweet sound of skates and sticks no D&D. It was a sweet evening….
Dallas is not a good defensive team right now.
3-0 Grease in the second
Well folks - have a great night! I am going to go watch me some Victoria Secret Fashion Show now
before i leave… WTF!
Nordy on the FSN post show?!?
Dan’s trying to get leverage on Gorg now?
NiNY: The day of the first Wild/Stars game this year, I posted how I had watched the Stars a few times this year and how god awful they had looked. Just brutal. They proceed to go out and give our boys a sound schooling. Then, I watch a couple more of their games leading up to last Wednesday’s game and again, the Stars look like a team that couldn’t beat their own meat. Then, of course, the Wild collapse and cough up a 3-1 lead. Watch the Stars a little tonight, and once again it is a JV team on the ice with the varsity. The Stars just seem to be a team that has the Wild’s number because the boys from Texas are simply an awful squad this year. Wouldn’t be shocked to see the Grease knock in a half-dozen tonight.
Sounds like the Wild played great tonight! Wish I could have seen it. They always seem to do well when I’m not watching.
A little ridiculous that the ‘Canes would fire Peter Laviolette and replace him with Paul Maurice, whom was fired in 2003 and replaced with…..wait for it…Laviolette.
I missed most of the game, too. And then it was raining while I was at dinner. Hopefully I can watch most of it still, even if the satellite jacked it up.
They always seem to do well when I’m not watching.
Uh oh… you know what that means don’t you?
Looks like Mitten’s goal is counted as an EN. Weird rule, I like it.
did someone say marney was on the TV? be still my heart.
i’d recommend costco to anyone. love that place. next time i’m there i’ll price the scotch.
did someone say marney was on the TV? be still my heart.
IN HD EVEN! She looked pretty damn good I must say… especially since she just had a baby and all.
I was wondering when you would ask us that G*.
Scotch pricing would be good maybe I have to make the trek across town.
We just joined Costco last week since they opened one near us, and it was a revelation. I just walked around with my mouth gaped open marveling at the wonders. The NY strips and chicken breasts we got were so big, DH and I could split them. And they were a steal! I didn’t even go in the booze part of the store and I think we missed a few sections, but man, what a cool place. And I won’t have to buy toilet paper now until 2009. I can’t even express how happy that makes me.
So I just checked my fantasy hockey team for the Russoville league… and I can’t help but gloat a little about this… After Backs horrible outing against the AVS I ended up with these stats for this evening:
G Niklas Backstrom WIN:1 GAA:0.00 SVS:22 SV%:1.000 SO:1
G Alex Auld WIN:1 GAA:1.00 SVS:22 SV%:.957
Awesome.
Oh yeah… and my totals for the night were: WINS:2 GAA:0.50 SVS:44 SV%:.978 SO:1
Here’s hoping the Dead Wings can pound the Nux to the tune of 4-1 tomorrow night and our boys can remain air-tight on Friday.
IN HD EVEN! She looked pretty damn good I must say
I’ve been saying that since day one.
I thought she was gone forever. Might need to start the DVR for the FSN tele’s.
the milk price alone covers my membership fee. monster energy at $28 a case is nice too. Pistachio’s at like $2 per lb. I haven’t bought kitchen garbage bags in maybe 2 years.
Costco almost always has samples too. dig that.
Yeah G*, I always thought she looked nice but in HD you dan really see how hot she really is.
Costco is a marvel of a place. I do love the free samples. It just sux that everyone and their mother is in the place and the lines are a mile long.
Buddha, this one’s for you:
Much better game. Much better in all areas, and far fewer lapses. The key areas I was looking for:
1. Winning the races to the puck. With the exception of a few minutes near the end of the 2nd, and the midpoint of the 3rd, we won as many as we lost. I’d like to see this improve a bit. One point of note, Burns was especially aggressive in going to get pucks dumped into the Blues’ zone. He gets the nod as the poster child others can learn by for that one.
2. Making plays. Uh.. we saw our old friend “Skouba” tonight. He looked hesitant, and wasn’t moving his feet very well. I’m wondering if he’s nursing a “lower-body” injury, as he just didn’t turn very quick, and wasn’t taking the body. MAB needs to stay more focused. A few mental lapses too many. Schultz had a few difficulties in playing the puck too. Not bad, but I noticed the D was a tad hesitant all-around, as if they were trying so hard not to commit costly turnovers, instead of just playing the puck naturally. Except Reitz. He was an all-out machine tonight. Great game he played - heads up hockey and sound positional D.
3. Shots on goal. Ya, got those. Mostly quality shots too. Good job getting them on net, too.
4. Avoiding the collapse. Best part of the game. The Blues turned it on for a bit, and they had us chasing in our own end. The bit of pressure put on behind the net coughed up the puck long enough to get it out, and even get a rush with Franchise and Mittens. They didn’t get a shot on goal, but that killed 20 seconds - and that was good. Keeping the pressure up and moving the puck out, and getting it deep. Note, Reitz made a great offensive blue-line play with 6mins left, when he couldn’t keep the puck in. Held it, then dumped it deep while they made a change.
All in all a much better effort infront of Backs, and he responded with a stellar performance. Now, key #5 (consistency) will be up for judgment on Friday.
Russo finds himself highly amusing tonight. Which is highly amusing to me. It was the catharsis earlier today, plus all that coffee, no doubt.
And that picture of the stick save is SICK. Just SICK.
Doug Johnson is a tough customer, this is the second time Backstrom has had a shutout lately and neither time was he #1 star. If memory serves he did not even get a star last time.
Belanger is doing great.
FSN did not bother to air JL’s remarks.
DB, the Stars cleaned Calgary’s clock last night too.
Green*…I thought Marney looked a little wide. Might have been sec 218 distance tho.
I got a free oil change (or 4) so i got that goin for me.
Good, totally expected win.
Something about the Wild gets Andy Murray’s dander up. I suppose losing 4-0 is as bad as 3-0 so you might as well give it a try. JL would never have done that - the Blues generated nothing on O.
Bedtime…long day tomorrow…
Give me a break! Zidlicky and Bergeron before Backstrom for the three stars?
He clearly doesn’t believe that a goalie is important.
Russo, Russo, Russo.
Keep it up.
Reitz is really impressing me. I’m proud of what he’s doing. (Watching the game finally.)
It’s late and I’m board. Normally, I’d be 2 hours into my sleep, but I’m flooding Deep Breath arena in the back yard tonight for the 8 & 4-yr-olds. Been running two hoses since 5:45 and I still have a couple hours to go. This Father of the Year thing can be a real drain on my sleep 
G-Star, I know we had the discussion last year, but it bears repeating: If you think Marney is attractive, you really need to upgrade your TV service.
Better effort by the lads tonight, after making me want to off myself Monday night.
Friday is a statement game. First place on the line, at home, with a team we’ve already lost to twice, playing their second straight night, without their top goalie. Lose a third game to them, and I’ll never believe we can win the division.
Scouring the web - unsuccessfully - for a list of awarded goals, to determine how often it happens. I’ve watched a lot of hockey at all levels for more than 30 years, and that’s only the second one I remember seeing in my life. Anyone know where I might find some data?
Dude. Let me know when it’s set and I’ll be there with my gear.
Water should be done by 2:30-3:00 this morning. Give it a day or two to set up and the boy will be out there working on his toe-drag after breakfast on Saturday.
On another, less meaningful note, Backstop was the #1 star for the night on NHL.com, which moves him into third place overall behind STK and Jerry Seinfeld’s long-lost brother (Bobby Lu).
I skate like a 4 year old in my goalie gear, so I’ll fit right in.
My 4-yr-old starts with her mini-mite team this Saturday and she skates like a 4-yr-old, which is to say, a little more than wobbly.
I’m crashing the party and bringing the rum.
Yeah, you haven’t seen me in my goalie gear. Okay, maybe it’s more like a 6 year old.
Add the rum and I’m back to 4.
When I drink rum I can skate like Ovechkin!
Hmm. I honestly think a shot of something before I play goal the first time would do more good than harm. Not sure it would turn me into Brodeur.
You would think more than 8 hours with 2 hoses would be enough water. Dam kids better be out there 8 days a week.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
call a doctor - that picture is SICK!
Again, Backs has added this element of being able to react to the broken play this season, and his save percentage is the better for it.
If the goalie’s performance metrics are:
Stop all the shots you should and some of the shots you shouldn’t
Then I think he’s STILL doing the former and is now doing the latter with much more regularity.
Russo- thanks for the Backy save of the year & tip of the hat to the photographer. Awesome photo.
you really need to upgrade your TV service
TV is just fine, thanks.
Re: Marne, maybe Green* is seeing the entire package. She seems like a really genuine person and without PMS.
I got a free oil change (or 4) so i got that goin for me.
The red team was robbed - there should have been a shoot out
So no one caught the swipe at sunshine up above?
Ouch. sunshine… you best apologize, we don’t need an angry Don running Russoville.
The picture is sweet. Backs is on fire, sans the last game, and I really do not understand how you don’t have seventeen different contract offers on the table right now.
Zidlicky’s goals come on the PP… hmmm… probably why they brought him in, yes?
I really do not understand how you don’t have seventeen different contract offers on the table right now.
Amen. If nothing else, wouldn’t signing Backs help define the Wild’s position on Gaborik in terms of cap space? So, DR says to Salsa “Well, because you guys were dicking around we had to take care of business with our other pending FAs. $5M to our star goalie - who, oh by the way, is playing and winning games for us - means we have that much less for your guy. I can probably still fit [insert offer] into the budget, but I’ve got to know right now if you guys even want to play ball here.”
On the other hand, maybe DR’s fear is that if he does that and Salsa tells him to start shopping Gaby that DR loses even more trade leverage if the other 29 GMs know he definitely can’t resign old Exploded Weiner.
The thing is, once you sit down and think about DR’s actual position, he really doesn’t have many good options.
Ballgame’s good options expired the moment the puck was dropped on Oct. 11 against the Bees. With any luck, which I wouldn’t count on, Gaby will rejoin the group sometime after the first of the year, will play a couple of months of decent hockey, which will allow Ballgame to get something for him at the deadline. Otherwise, we had best prepare ourselves for yet another offensive asset walking out the door with nothing coming back in return.
On a side note, was flooding Deep Breath Arena until 2:45 this morning. Then, of course, it snowed a little bit, which means I will be out there for another hour or so today putting down a fresh skin layer of water.
Deep: the only thing I would say is that we don’t know if those good options expired because of DR’s inactivity/ego/idiocy or because Gaby wouldn’t play ball or because no one would trade anything for him. Keep in mind that Gaby’s weiner was un-exploded on 10/11. So DR still had every right to think he could command a good return for Gaby.
I think the threat of wiener explosion (Current threat level RED) diminished early trade options. Other GMs wanted to see him play a bit before buying into Oscar Meyer.
If he really did skate 45 minutes yesterday, it is a pretty good sign he will be back before Foster.
DR won’t get a player/prospect/pick anymore for Gho$t.
He’ll be lucky to get 2 out of 3, cuz 2 outta 3 ain’t bad.
I wonder if the F1 simulator has a Wienermobile???
DR should be able to get at least something for Gaborik (trade his rights to negotiation a-la Rolston to TB). Sure, it’d suck to only get a mid-round pick but it’s better than nothing right? I’d imagine some team would be willing to risk a mid-round pick even if Gaborik doesn’t play at all this season.
At this point all DR can do is let other teams know he’s open to trade and play up that in the past Gaborik has always returned from ‘lower-body’ injuries and played well after.
So how many spin-o-turnovers did PMB cough up last night? Sounds like he played pretty well.
Nick FTW at 8:51.
And yeah, Sunshine caught it, Buddha. That’s what matters. Pretty funny though.
Okay. Somebody make me get some work done before this crazy 11 a.m. Aeros game… Never did buy ear plugs. I’m gonna regret that. I should record a little of this game for my blog. It’s like that shrieking eel from The Princess Bride, except, but like 8,000 of them in a confined space, all shrieking at once. For 2 hours.
ms.c: not so big on the kids, eh? Or is it just kids in an enclosed space?
“You ARE the brute squad!”
I didn’t notice a spin-o-turnover (spinover?) last night.
If PMB did do it, it wasn’t the usual 3 on 1 the other way.
It did not help the options that Gaby missed time right away during camp with ‘lower body’ issues. How many times was he on the ice, including preseason and the first two games. Not much… just enough to remind every GM just how fragile Gaby’s nether regions really are.
Gaby didn’t make his position about returning to the team clear. DR didn’t close out last year with enough aggression… he should have had an idea about Gaby’s intention before draft night.
The good news is that, for the most part, the Wild are playing well. I can only imagine that we’ll have to wait for Gaby to come back, and hope he goes on a scoring tear when he comes back. Then we just have to hope that the Wild management suddenly become decisive. Either commit to signing the guy or trading the guy, and then get it done.
Oh, and sign Backs for goodness sake!
Ha! I think of that quote every time I see Boogie.
No, not big on kids even 1 on 1. They make me uncomfortable with their innocence. I’m afraid I’m gonna mess ‘em up.
Though it is strange and kinda nice to have a really vocal crowd. But it’s a high pitched kiddy kind of vocal. Piercing. The cool thing is that they’re REALLY hard on the other team, like when they’re coming on and off the ice. They just boo and razz the crap out of them. I did enjoy that.
NiNY: The instant Ballgame allowed Gaby to start the new season with the Wild without an extension, he had to have known about the monumental risk he was taking. He stated as much by saying he wanted the issue cleared up prior to the start of the season. Once the season was approaching, this thought better have been in Ballgame’s head: “Let’s see, Gaby and Salcer have indicated that want more than we are willing to offer; Gaby has a bit of a history with shredded weiner. Ergo, if I don’t move him now, for whatever I can get, I will be taking a humongus risk by putting Gaby out there in the final year of his deal. Because, if he does get hurt again, his trade value will be Zip; his value to the current team will be Zip and the team will still be on the hook for his multi millions of Cap space for this season. In addition, if he does get hurt and is out for an extended period of time, the more likely it will be that I cannot move him for ANYTHING, which means the team could lose yet another offensive asset without getting anything in return.”
This is the thought that Ballgame should have been having around the first of October. Some may say this is revisionist history, but this EXACT snenario was played out for days and days on this very blog back in late August and into September. So if members of Russoville could see this scenario playing out, how come the GM of the team could not?
Deep: I hear ya man. But if DR had traded Gaborik for a bag of Old Dutch chips at the beginning of October we would have CRUCIFIED him.
Without knowing otherwise you have to assume there was no reasonable market for Gaborik back then.
This is the thought that Ballgame should have been having around the first of October.
How do you know that he didn’t have that thought? If that’s your beef with him then you might as well put down that cross. You don’t know, and probably won’t ever know. So why get all worked up about it? Deep breath, my friend.
DB - It is all speculation but I think you pretty much are discribing the situation correctly. Where I differ is in the interpretation on what happend or what could have happend. Since, DR is the only one that actually knows, and his is not talking, this is speculation.
How do we know he didn’t try to make a deal with UM or tried to trade him prior to the start of the season? Just because you want to make something happen does mean it will. There are other parties involved in these situation.
My take is that DR is playing a game of roulette. Obviously, no team offered anything of real value prior to the season starting at least not anything that DR think still will not be on the table at the trade deadline. We all know how these GM’s and Owners work, there will be plenty of teams looking for UM’s services for a long SC run or fight to make the play offs.
Now if UM is still on the bench in February this plan will obviously missfire.
Let’s just wait and see.
DB - My response is waiting moderation. But it is in-line with NiNY’s.
Why would not the bad deal in October be on the table at the trade dead line as well? DR needs to play the GM’s and owners out east against each other to drive up UM’s price. Thinking being “I’m not going to let my competition get him when I can have him…”.
So why get all worked up about it?
deep seems to like to rehash this once a week.
I have no doubt that DR couldn’t justify trading #10 for the offers made available to him at that time and, while the injury risk was there, it was better to risk that and deal at deadline than trade for a half a bag of pringles. he was effed either way.
Now UM would have to be healthy for that to happen.
BDS: Because of Gaby continues to sit and plays little to none until the deadline, do you actually think there is a GM out there that will offer ANYTHING for him? And please spare me anybody who thinks that there weren’t teams interested in Gaby back in late August, when the discussions between Ballgame and Salcer began.
Also, of course Ballgame would have been roasted back in late September or early Oct for dealing Gaby for what people may deem “unequal value”. But, if the organization would drop the veil of secrecy about it and be up front with the ones paying the ticket prices, a lot of slack would be given.
Ballgame trades Gaby in Sepetmeber for a prospect and 2nd round pick. Then makes the following statement: “We were disappointed that we could not come to terms with Marion on a long term contract. Coupled with that fact and the risk the organization would be taking by letting him play out his final year, knowing his injury history, we feel that it is in the best interest of the organization that we had to make a deal now. The offers we may have recieved towards the trading deadline may have proven to be more valuable, but we felt that taking that kind of risk was simply to great for the best interest of the organization.”
Ballgame makes that statement the day the trade is announced and he would have been cut a great deal of slack. Not saying he wouldn’t have taken some heat, but it will pail in comparison to what the heat will be like if the current path of the Gaby situation plays itself out.
Deep, and then depending on how Gaborik’s season went DR would either be a genius or a moron at this point. If Gaborik were injured in game 2 for another team and out for 2 months, DR=genius. If Gaborik were having a record season for another team, DR=moron.
If nothing else, wouldn’t signing Backs help define the Wild’s position on Gaborik in terms of cap space?
I think this would be applicable if Gaborik had given some indication that he is interested in staying. He hasn’t. He’s not.
I’m with Jake, in that Risebrough should have had this figured out by draft day. He didn’t even start negotiating with him until much later, after things fell through with Rolston. Anyway, once draft day is gone, it’s not really a seller’s market again until the trade deadline. The Joe Thornton trade comes to mind.
DB - I hear your frustration, bro. All I’m saying is that we cannot change the past and all we can do is wait and see. Until DR talks we don’t know what deals where available or not in September. Let’s all pray to the Gr8 one that UM returns soon so we can get some sort of movement in this story.
There could be a slim silver lining to the fall out between DR and UM, come trade deadline other teams might be more interested in dealing for UM since the chance of him resigning with the Wild, ala Tkachuk in 07, should be slim and none.
How did the ice turn out? Future Huskies in training?
Stupid question maybe, but if I’m injured, getting paid to be on the team, I would sure as heck be supporting my teammates. Is there any indication that UM is, or are there rules against what he can do? Is he at games, watching practice, etc.?
A prospect and a 2nd? I don’t think I would have cut him much slack if he makes that deal. Maybe a very highly-regarded prospect and a first if the Wild aren’t getting any proven players in the deal.
And humor me since I haven’t been around much when I’m sure this has been flogged repeatedly, but the way Risebrough approached this was messed up. As I pointed out before, he didn’t even start to negotiate with Gaborik until well into the offseason. This while stating he didn’t want a Hossa-type situation. What was his contingency plan here?
“You ARE the brute squad!”
Bravo Nick. One of my all time favorite movies.
WTF people? Hindsight is 20-20 with regard to “what we would have gotten for Gaborik in August.”
We made an effort to sign him, it didn’t happen, so plan B. At least there is a plan B.
Plan B got hosed by his injury. Can’t do a thing about it - just have to wait it out.
There is, however, a Plan C possibility. We could sign him for much less, if there’s scant interest in his services come end of Feb, and not a stellar return in value, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to drop a new offer in Salcer’s lap: 5yrs/25M + performance bonuses?? 7/35??
Maybe at the last minute, he’d sign. If not, ship him off for whatever we get - and what we get is what we get.
I know for a bona-fide fact that Green* and DB are both gonna bemoan what DR gets for him tho
Hey GUNSLINGER
I saw your comments last night about Tony LaPanta’s hair.
IT IS REAL HAIR. I used to see him in person when I worked in his neighborhood. I can spot a rug a mile away, and Lapanta’s hair is Not a rug, it is all real.
But cheer up, Dumb and Dumber are still complete idiots
We could sign him for much less
No.
Mitch:
My understanding from news articles is that for the Wild, the injured player, depending on the injury, do attend the games either in the press box or working out in the gym and watching the game on tv.
Though, I get the sense that they try not to a bother or be a distraction to the healthy players.
My understanding from news articles is that for the Wild, the injured player, depending on the injury, do attend the games either in the press box or working out in the gym and watching the game on tv.
yeah, but how many of those articles were just a guy reporting what he was told by a third party?
I think at this point, the Wild and Gaborik have already gone their separate ways. The time to make offers or re-sign has long past.
The Wild trying to get Gaborik healthy enough to play him and salvage something in a trade deal. Gaborik trying to get health enough to play to earn his next contract.
Well, they were quotes from players so I guess its first person.
You guys are wasting your time trying to have a logical discussion about Gaby with DB. I gave up as the depth of his strategic planning and negotiating skills seem to have been developed trying to pick up drunk chicks between last call and closing time at Alary’s. It is like trying to explain the game of chess to someone who is maxed out playing checkers.
BDS: Ice took a beating due to the cover of snow we got early this morning. Plus, the temperature just wasn’t cold enough to get a solid freeze. Looks like the rink will be on hold until mid next week. Supposed to get down to zero middle of next week, which would do the trick. Maybe a future Huskie in training, but he has said that wants to be a Fighting Sioux.
I envy your backyard rink Deep Breath. The have begun the process of flooding at the rink closest to my house, but I’m not sure when that will be fully operational.
SotB:
trying to pick up drunk chicks between last call and closing time at Alary’s.
LOL, but it’s so damn easy!!!
It’s an a$$load of work, especially when you need to be doing it when it is 10 degrees outside, but the spawn really enjoys it so that makes the long hours (3 am last night) worth it.
Oh, and Michael Up North. It’’s 20-20 hindsight if it was being posted on this Blog in late august that Ballgame shouldn’t take a chance on another injury if Gaby isn’t resigned by the start of the season. I was posting that he had to move him for whatever he could before the season, so this very scenario did not play out. If Gaby didn’t have such a miserable injury history, then yes, you roll the dice and hope he stays healthy until the deadline. But his shredded groin history is why I had been saying 3 months ago that Ballgame couldn’t afford to take the risk.
sorry…”It’s NOT 20-20 hindsight”…..
Seriously though, I know there’s a lot of negative sentiment toward Marian, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that he can be a viable player when he’s healthy and playing. For that reason alone, you should not close the door to any possible outcome - including signing him.
I, like DR I assume, would not be willing to sign him for 8m/yr, and personally I wouldn’t do it for 7, or 6. But if he were willing to commit for a salary commensurate with his playing time and ability, then sure - I’d welcome him with open arms.
All I’m looking at is what would be best for the team. If you can have him at 4.5-5m/yr, plus some performance bonuses, and he plays 75 games and scores 90 pts and gets a 2M bonus - that’s a win for the organization, IMHO.
If he plays 45 games and gets 4.5M and scores 45 points, that’s a loss.
If his attitude causes problems in the locker room - and it affects the team - then regardless of what’s said above, he does need to go, and I’d wait for and equitable return as long as I can.
Personally, I think he’s a tool, as is DR.. But many people criticize DR because he didn’t do “this”, and doesn’t do “that”. I’m sure he’s got the same focus as I’m explaining, but in reality it might be harder to pull off, given the variables involved. I’m sure the intent is there, but we’ll have to live with whatever decision is made - but I’m sure he’s considering any and all possibilities. Rest assured.
DB.. response coming.. hang on.
Will you guys take Mojzis back and let him make popcorn for you again? Ugh.
that bad, eh, ms.c?
Ok.. This one’s for DB to reply to.
I agree with you, it’s not 20-20 if it was said in August, but that doesn’t make it right, either.
In August, there were 3 choices, and the following consequences for each:
1. Trade him. This avoids the issue with possible injury, as you point out, but at the same time it also reduces his value in a trade, since no one has seen him skate - and he had just had some hip surgery. Trading him before the season didn’t guarantee the bonanza in return we’d expect.
2. Sign him. DR could have ponied up whatever Salcer wanted for Gaby to sign. There existed the possibility that he wouldn’t sign, which leads back to #1 above. However to sign him over the summer brings into question whether it was a good move for the team. What-if he gets injured? What if he has to retire? These are things you have to consider before offering a long term contract to a player for such a huge amount of money. Would it have been good for the team to sign him for 10m/yr, then have him play 50 games a year? I think you’d agree it wouldn’t, then how easy would it be to trade a guy with a 10m cap hit? The Rangers know all to well with Gomez.
3. Wait it out. This is the safest plan of all - but takes the longest to play out, and injury could bit you in the rear (as it has), but you also know what you’ve got and you don’t make a huge mistake committing to something that might end up handicapping the team for years to come.
So what was the best move in August? #1 or #3, at this point, knowing what we know now. Trading him, could have gotten a return based on about 8m/yr - maybe. Singing him we’d be in the soup for 8-10m/yr for the next 7-10 years. Sitting on it, is where we are now, with his value declining, but we also didn’t make a mistake with him.
I’m just happy DR didn’t sign him for 80 mil. The guy isn’t worth that if he can’t play 80 games. Play 50 games, worth 5mil, perhaps. However that same reasoning works against us in the fact that other GM’s aren’t going to give us such high return value. Would it have been better to have sold him in August? Yeah, we’d quite possibly have a better return on him. But that’s akin to deciding when to sell your stock in the stock market. If you don’t sell today, it might be worth more tomorrow… or less. You take a chance, and make the best decision you can.
OT penalty for Unsportsmanlike conduct.
ms.c: ouch…was it in ANY WAY justifiable?
But we made it to the shootout and lost. Barry looks like Backs did in the SO last season. Ugh.
Didn’t see what he did, Nick. Couldn’t have been that bad, but then you’d hope it was pretty bad for them ot call it in OT.
^ good point.
he can be a viable player when he’s healthy
No argument there. I can’t help but think the Wild would be that much better (and they’ve been pretty good) with him in the lineup.
For that reason alone, you should not close the door to any possible outcome - including signing him.
Not. Gonna. Happen. Never was. The only way Gaborik was even going to consider staying is if he gets Ovechkin money. He’s not going to get Ovechkin money, nor should he. He’s not going to sign for $7MM, let along $5MM plus bonuses.
Hindsight or not, DR didn’t even START his sales pitch until mid-August. He basically gave himself a month to get a contract signed before training camp, and didn’t even consider the possibility of a draft-day trade, which would have been the most obvious time to do so. That is when all of the GMs are together and their “animal spirits” are excited. Once draft day has passed and free agent signing has been well under way, teams generally are much less likely to make a big move like that. Rosters have pretty much taken shape at that point, and most GMs are ready to see what they’ve got before making a major move like trading for Gaborik.
The hip surgery may have been a minor red flag, but I don’t think it would have scared anyone off in a big way. The track record for that procedure is pretty good.
Anyway, that is all. What’s undone is still undone, and now we sit and wait. Hope for the best, expect the worst. Lovely.
And that was an awesome post by SotB at 12:41.
Did I mention I brought rum?
toivo - This team does NOT get better with UM in the line up. Unless they make it clear to him, and to the team, that he is not the center of the team. We have discussed on here already, but UM comes back, and I see them trying to force him the puck, waiting for him to make things happen.
DB - Problem is that performance bonuses are still figured in the cap hit, so just because they say you only get 3 mil if you miss half the season, they still can’t use the money to sign someone else.
Ship him off. He is done here. My prediction for the rest of his career is that he will never play a full season and ends up hanging around some east coast team for the next three years and then disappears.
He will go down as one of the true disappointments in league history. So much talent, but his body could not keep up with it.
What’s with the UM talk today? Did something happen? Or is it Earth Day and we’re just recycling?
Recycling I thnk Ms. C. I tried to stay out of it as long as I could.
on the Gillies front….Pretty vague answer from the Minnesota Assistant GM! All that was said “its dougs call” and that they’ve begun internal discussions. Makes sence to discuss these matters internally rather than externally I guess :)! My guess is that they’ll let him practise a few more days with Minnesota before making a decision that will basically deside where Colton plays this season by the 11th. You would think, they would have their minds made up by now but perhaps they are waiting to see if they are healthy or not by the 11st instead of releasing him now. Keeping him around for insurance I guess.
Snack time.
Keeping him around for insurance I guess.
Bingo - if all is well next week, I think Colton is Team Canada bound.
This team does NOT get better with UM in the line up.
Yeah, I’m sure this one has been flogged to hamburger already. I see where you’re coming from and agree that given where we are at, he could just as easily be a cancer as a cure. My assumption of him making the team better is based on the hypothetical situation where he actually wants to be on the team, which I don’t think is true, so perhaps it’s a bit of a moot point. So let me re-phrase: He has shown himself to be a valuable player in the past. The team has often struggled in past seasons while he was hurt. For all of his warts, he’s still a very good hockey player. Given that, I think he could be valuable if he wants to be here.
And I suppose that’s maybe the biggest disappointment for me. The Wild have been pretty good so far. Certainly better than last season thus far if you ask me, and maybe even better than two seasons ago. That they’ve been able to play well and keep Gaborik from being a distraction is pretty impressive if you ask me. But then I can’t help but think that they’d be that much better if this thing had been resolved one way or another by now.
What’s with the UM talk today? Did something happen?
Sorry, part of it is just me catching up. I suppose the big news that he skated yesterday started the ball rolling, though.
a lot of smileys in this post.
