Thursday’s skate update; Backstrom ticked, Koivu mischievous, Gaborik progressing
Posted on December 11th, 2008 – 2:06 PMBy Michael Russo
Good afternoon back in the Cities. Phoenix didn’t skate this morning after playing last night in Dallas.
Wild has a little fire in its bellies heading into tonight’s game against Phoenix. A win would set a Wild record for consecutive victories against an opponent (10).
Wild had an optional skate this morning. Every player participated, which says a lot. Niklas Backstrom — 8-0 lifetime against the Coyoats as they like to be pronounced –lost his mind at one point in the skate, slamming his stick into the glass behind him, then spiking a water bottle alongside the bench.
I cautiously tip-toed over to him and nervously asked, “Mr. Fernandez — uh, I mean Backstrom –what the heck happened?”
The Wild was doing a 3-on-1 drill, which isn’t fun for any goalie. He got upset because instead of shooting the puck on net and driving for rebounds, the forwards were making that last-second goal mouth pass for backdoor tap-ins. He found himself cheating for the pass, which he didn’t think was a good thing on the morning of a game. He basically felt it shouldn’t be a game-day skate drill.
He was well-cooled down when I was talking to him, so I didn’t feel it necessary to duck for cover.
Also, I got some funny stuff from Mikko Koivu, who is a bit of a buzz-saw in practice. With a naughty smile on his face, Koivu loves to go after guys in practice. He’ll cross-check them to the ice, slash them in the wrists, hit them from behind, stick his stick under their visors. It’s just Mikko being Mikko — competitive even in practice. But he does it kiddingly. Really funny quotes between Koivu and Nick Schultz.
Here’s a taste: “Schultzie’s an easy target. I love the way he gets rattled when I smoke him into the boards.”
Marian Gaborik had his hardest skate since his return. He came off the ice after even Colton Gillies and Craig Weller. Gaborik’s face and neck were as red as Cozmo Kramer when he used butter to sun-tan and fell asleep on the roof of his apartment building (that Seinfeld episode was on last night and fresh in my mind).
Jacques Lemaire said he knows there will come a time when Gaborik will walk into his office and exclaim, “I’m ready.” That’s when he’ll play. Gaborik said it’s coming, but he’s definitely not there yet. And with, as he described “the awkward start times” in L.A. and Anaheim, he doubts it’ll come on this trip even with a practice tomorrow in California.
In other words, because of the 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. starts Pacific Time, there will be no game-day skates, so it wouldn’t be very bright of Gaborik to return without any semblance of a warmup.
Lemaire wouldn’t say whom the scratch would be tonight — Gillies or Weller. I think it’ll be Gillies playing. He played well in this building last time Minnesota was here, and Lemaire said he’s very happy with Gillies’ practices lately. That would be a shame for Weller. If he’s scratched, it’ll be the third straight game he hasn’t played against his former team.
That’s it for now. I’ll be on KFAN in 15 minutes and Hockey Night in Canada radio on SIRIUS tonight at 5 CT.
A look ahead to the rest of the week. I’ve got a good Koivu feature in the works (not sure of a run date yet, possibly Saturday) and I just sat down with Doug Risebrough for a Sunday column on the uncertain economics of the game (and the world, for the matter).
Risebrough said there were lots of Wild fans on his flight out here this morning.
Talk to you again before the game.
130 Responses to "Thursday’s skate update; Backstrom ticked, Koivu mischievous, Gaborik progressing"
I’ve never played at the Pro level obviously, but I always HATED it in high school when we would do 3-1 and 2-0 drills.
They don’t do anything but teach a goalie to “cheat” instead of anticipate and react.
Maybe the purpose of the drill isn’t to teach the goalie something, but rather to teach the skaters something.
How many 3 on 1 situations are there in the NHL really? Why not practice the 2-1, 3-2… 1-0…
Ah well. I’m not the coach. I won’t second guess. All I can say is keep up the good work Backs. You are a freakin wall.
Yeah, but Goody, you don’t want to screw up the goalie’s head in the process. They can do those drills on a non-game day.
What a save by Moog!
Buddha, not many. Though, maybe the purpose isn’t to teach them what to do in a 3 on 1 situation, but rather to teach them to look for the open man without feeling as much pressure as they would if it were 3-2.
Maybe JL wanted to ensure that each triplet got a good chance on goal - to boost confidence, get them shooting, whatever.
Colton Gilles.. Russo - it’s time for some reporting on him. Why is he not playing? Why is he still at the big club? If he isn’t good enough to skate in a game, what is the point of keeping him on the roster? If you say we need goals, why keep a goal scorer in the press box? What are Jacques and Dougie doing to this kid’s mind?
Jerry: Why are you buttering your face?
Kramer: I’m shaving with it.
Jerry: Oh Moses smell the roses.
Kramer: Jerry, it’s vastly superior to any commercial shaving cream. Now feel
my face.
Jerry: No.
Kramer: Feel it.
Jerry: I don’t want to.
Kramer: Feel it. Feel it.
Jerry (places two slices of bread against Kramer’s face): That is close.
Kramer takes the bread and eats it as he walks out of Jerry’s apartment.
So we’re teaching the skaters to approach with overwhelming advantage and make extra passes because there’s room? Seems like the exact opposite thing that we need to work on.
I know its all in good fun but stick under the visor - umm….doesn’t sound like good fun, especially after the Skoua/Harding incident. I don’t even want to think about that.
PMB 1st season - age 18 - 50 games.
Koivu 1st season - age 22 - 64 games.
Burns 1st season - age 18 - 36 games.
Gillies 1st season - age 19 - 38 games projected.
Sheppard should have had less than his 78, but poor roster building left us thin centered. Feels familiar.
So I guess the part of Russo’s article last week about the Wild and Gaborik needing to create a market for a trade to go down, may have gotten him off the simulator and onto the ice. That and the conclusion that the T’wolves still aren’t watchable.
“Naughty Mikko.”
Santa won’t like reading about that.
Hormel,
Why is he not playing? They’re completely healthy except for Nolan.
Why is he still at the big club? Because if you send him back to junior, you lose a year of his contract.
If he isn’t good enough to skate in a game, what is the point of keeping him on the roster? Because they committed to keeping him, so he’s here. You can’t send him to the minors. They should have sent him to the world junior tourney to restore some confidence, but Risebrough didn’t want to do that. And trust me, Gillies didn’t want to go either.
If you say we need goals, why keep a goal scorer in the press box? Colton Gillies is not a goal scorer. Never has been.
What are Jacques and Dougie doing to this kid’s mind? They explained to him before the season that this was going to be the way it was if he stayed here. Lots of practice, lots of sitting next to the beat writers in the press box.
No reporting necessary, but thanks.
Hey Russo, thanks for adding some clarity to the WJC issue. I didn’t realize that Gilles wasn’t exactly that high on the idea either. Kudos to Doug for playing the “bad cop” role and getting the kid out of it.
Ba-da-da-bing. Thank you Michael.
someone got told. Ouch.
No reporting necessary, but thanks.
PWNED!!
You can’t send him to the minors.
Alert MKIA
And trust me, Gillies didn’t want to go either.
Alert Blades Fan
Thank you Russo.
A near whacking
Michael Russo says:
December 11th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hormel,
Why is he not playing? They’re completely healthy except for Nolan.
not a valid argument Mike. If they need cap space so bad that they have 1 extra player, there is no reason to keep a 875K guy on the roster over a 500K guy like Kolanos. What you and the front office don’t seem to get is that regardless if Gillies is in junior and they lose that year, or he is on the roster and never playing, the team is getting the same end result from Gillies and that is exactly 0 points out of him. It would be much better for his development, regardless of what the clueless Risebrough, and no longer competent Lemaire think. Either way his contract is being wasted so he might as well be in junior actually getting playing time.
Why is he still at the big club? Because if you send him back to junior, you lose a year of his contract.
like I said above, so what. The end result is the same either way, the Wild are getting no production out of Colton. It would be better for his career to actually get playing time.
Everyone,
Gillies is here to stay!
Do you want him skating against Schultz everyday in practice or an 18 year old who will never play in the NHL?
I’ll take the everyday NHL experience.
Dan, it isn’t about what the team gets out of Gillies. It’s about what Gillies gets out of the team.
You differ in your opinion of what’s better for his development, and that’s fine. But you make it sound like the Wild are just shelving him and eating his contract, which is not true.
Either way his contract is being wasted so he might as well be in junior actually getting playing time.
Because that worked so well for Benny and being with the big club set Burns and PMB back miles.
Dan, deal with it dude…Gillies is staying.
And have you seen Kolanos skate? You seem fixated on him. Maybe you should start campaigning for Erik Westrum, too.
The Don is all about putting people in their places today.
This likely will be my one and only post. While I love hockey, and enjoy watching the Wild and reading the “Don” as you call him, I’m a football guy. I’ve been reading these posts all season, and perhaps with the exception of that Dan guy, the knowledge and entertainment factor here is better than any other I’ve read. This leads me to the obvious conclusion that I’m just not worthy of posting regularly.
The reason for this post, and it’s probably old news — and certainly the same old, same old unwelcome topic — relates to Gaborik (sorry). The inside word I just heard is that his MRI has looked good for a couple weeks, yet he complained of stiffness and continued to pass on joining the team. Once the MRI comes back positive, most players suit up, but not the ghost. This may be bogus, but it sure seems consistent with what has been said on this blog in the past. All right, back to my quiet Vikings corner.
the TEAM isn’t the only ones with the fire in the belly today, eh?!
purpleguy: well your first post was pretty good. Stick around man, I’ll keep reading you, for one.
Must be the heat in Phoenix or something. Making Michael all cranky.
purpleguy, nice pull on the “ghost” refrence, you obvioulsy read this blog fairly often.
1. My sources tell me Gaborik was cleared to play awhile back!
2. The talk of a lower salary cap next year will really give Riseborough an excuse to stay on the cheap!
What, did they close the 5 Starbucks closest to the arena and the Don has to go 2 blocks to get his coffee????
And have you seen Kolanos skate? You seem fixated on him. Maybe you should start campaigning for Erik Westrum, too.
Another burn from the Don. He’s on a roll today folks.
He had to play the Westrum card, Danny Irmen would have pissed off to many loyal Russotans…
If his contracted is being “wasted”, then he should be with the Wild and learn from the NHL players. The Wild is paying his salary, after all.
Michael- thanks for carving up, I mean, policing the residents. We owe you a coffee or three. Looking forward to the Mikko article!
On Gilles:
Send him down to fight with minor league warriors that may never see past the junior level or keep him here to train at the highest level possible. It seemed to have work with PMB, Burns, Koivu, and it will work with Shep.
Don’t forget today’s Lesson:
Respect and Honor
MRI result saying that there is no tear in the muscle or its clear doesn’t mean that won’t be soreness. Because he has a history of groin injuries and relapses, the Wild and Gaborik should be cautious. We need him to be 100% healthy to play a good stretch of games and play them well for us to get a decent trade return.
Its all about getting a decent return in a trade now.
AustinTXwildfan says:
PWNED!!
+1 for usage, +5 for timing: The day after Comedy Central replayed the World of Warcraft episode of South Park!
Would have been way funnier though, BNAG.
Someone get Russo a cold drink and some relief from the burning desert sun…
Purpleguy deserves a look if you ask me. Michael Russo @ 3:40 = POTY candidate.
Wait… DR is on this road trip (See Micheals last line above)?
Negotiating with LA anyone?
Thanks Gun… you believe that I have never seen that episode? I have seen bits of it, but never the whole thing. I don’t play WoW, but I know plenty of peeps who do.
someone round up 15 virgins, a bucket of KFC and a venti latte to sacrifice so we can appease the Don. I don’t want all this bad juju bumming out the team man!
Great Episode! Top 10 SP of all time.
15 virgins? we’ll never hear from him again!
Man, I love it when the Don gets snarky, really I do.
Thanks Russo.
I Russo needs something to bring out his reporter hat on, he could try and figure out just why my fantasy teams suck so bad…
Or not.
Top 10 SP of all time.
At this time of the year its all about Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics for me. That one or Rainforest Schmainforest top my personal top ten list which has about 30 episodes on any given day 
Bebe’s boobs destroy society
Michael Russo says:
December 11th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Dan, deal with it dude…Gillies is staying.
And have you seen Kolanos skate? You seem fixated on him. Maybe you should start campaigning for Erik Westrum, too
That isn’t valid either. Kolanos scores goals, the Wild need goals, simple as that. Westurm wasn’t any good at the NHL level, Kolanos has had good stretches in the league. Also, Kolanos is a hell of a lot better option at this current point then Boogaard, Weller, Clutterbuck, Gillies, Sheppard, Veilleux, and Bouchard. You can rip on Krys’ skating all you want, but skating skill doesn’t directly relate to goals scored. Chris Pronger is one of the best offensive defensemen in the league and can’t skate worth a damn. Bottom line, Wild need goals, Kolanos provides them.
Kolanos has had good stretches in the league.
Which one of his 18 NHL goals since 2001-02 was your favorite? Since scoring 11 in 2001-02 I would say he has cooled off just a little bit. But if you are right and I am wrong you would think another GM would have seen it, wouldn’t you?
I can’t remember all the titles of the episodes, but the ones I couldn’t I tried to list the main point
1. Scott Tennernan eats his parents
2. World of Warcraft
3. Cartoon Wars
4. Christian Rock Band
5. The one where they say “Sh!t” like 200 times
6. Anime Warriors (butters gets a Chinese star to the eye)
7. Raisins
8. Sea People
9. Stupid Spoiled Wh*re
10. Ikama Gamesphere
Kolanos scores goals
IN HOUSTON. Don’t remember him burning it up on his previous visits here or in camp. I must be watching different games than the Omniscient Dan…
God, i really am gonna regret this.
In Dans defense, Bruno cant skate worth a damn either!
There i said it , put me in the box now.
Kolanos is going to have to get in JL’s good graces before he takes the spot of someone already with the team. I get the impression that he’s not good enough defensively for JL’s taste.
He actually does play some D (and in fact, last night, he was backchecking like a crazy man and I said, “Who says Kolanos doesn’t play D?” and my astute colleague said, “You?”… touché!) but even when he does, he’s clearly not a typical Wild player in the way he does it. He’s kind of a one-man show. It’s hard for me to explain. I’m assuming you’re not going to just “trust me” on the matter, but there it is anyway.
Talented guy but I’m just not convinced it translates like you want it to in the NHL.
I doubt there’s any good reason Kolanos hasn’t played more than 9 NHL games any year since 03-04. Maybe the Yotes were just too deep for him to crack a roster spot?
JEFFS468, two minutes for supporting a troll.
Six Goalie System says:
December 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Kolanos has had good stretches in the league.
Which one of his 18 NHL goals since 2001-02 was your favorite? Since scoring 11 in 2001-02 I would say he has cooled off just a little bit. But if you are right and I am wrong you would think another GM would have seen it, wouldn’t you?
Martin St. Louis went undrafted, so no.
He’s kind of a one-man show. It’s hard for me to explain.
That’s why JL doesn’t like his style. Remember the quote to Walz, “you don’t have to cover everyone, just the guy with the puck.”
Hmm… Dan… or an actual beat writer for an NHL team.
Whose opinion should I base my opinion on?
Dan… I will listen, and believe, anything Eklund says before I think you have one once of credibility or intelligence in your posts. Do you even watch the Wild? Kolanos scannot be groupped with Derek Boogaard. They are in the game for two different reasons. Boogey is not here to score goals, he is here to play physical. And you honestly think Kolanos is going to out perform PMB this year on the big squad? Are you kidding me?
Sorry BNAG
Dan gets the forearm shiver by the Don, and unfazed he goes right back to copying half the blog in each of his posts with his retort.
Why doesn’t Gillies want to go play on the world’s stage. I know he’s already been but I would think that would be a hell of a good time for a teenager (or a former hockey player who sits in a cube 10 hours of the day).
And BTW, not to disagree with an already testy Don, while Kolanos isn’t a pretty skater, he can haul and he’s strong on the puck while he’s doing it (unlike some offensive talents who can haul but cough it up if the D looks at them too hard).
unlike some offensive talents who can haul but cough it up if the D looks at them too hard.
*cough*Pouliot*cough*
ms.conduct says:
December 11th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Kolanos is going to have to get in JL’s good graces before he takes the spot of someone already with the team. I get the impression that he’s not good enough defensively for JL’s taste.
He actually does play some D (and in fact, last night, he was backchecking like a crazy man and I said, “Who says Kolanos doesn’t play D?” and my astute colleague said, “You?”… touché!) but even when he does, he’s clearly not a typical Wild player in the way he does it. He’s kind of a one-man show. It’s hard for me to explain. I’m assuming you’re not going to just “trust me” on the matter, but there it is anyway.
The hell with defense. The Wild play way too much defense to begin with. However, Bouchard doesn’t play a lick of defense and isn’t any good when he isn’t able to ride Rolston’s coat tails. There is exactly 0 legit reasons why Kolanos is currently on this roster other then Lemaire is an idiot.
Which is another thing, I’m sick and tired of fans and press alike praising Lemaire. I couldn’t care less if he has 11 rings, 10 came as a player, and last I checked he ain’t playing any longer. He’s won 1 ring as a coach. Guess what, a lot of coaches have won a ring as a coach. I’m not impressed. I’m especially unimpressed considering all the time Jacques spent in New Jersey with the 2nd best goalie in league history. If you can’t win more then 1 title with some of the rosters he had, he simply isn’t that good.
And Lastly, Risebrough has been a terrible GM at all 3 stops. He needs to quit getting chances. Leipold needs to fire him and Jacques and bring in a coach and a GM that have a clue and know how the “new” NHL work because the two clowns running our squad don’t.
Professional sports is a business of winning titles, and the Wild aren’t remotely close to winning one, and will never have the chance as long as these two are here.
Maybe he sees it as a bit of a failure on his part, Puter? Maybe he and Shep should both get back down in Darby’s Basement…
IIRC, Kolanos really hasn’t played a full season until last year since that wicked concussion. I kinda think of him like a guy starting over. His past NHL experience doesn’t add to his case, nor does the lack of it detract from it. He’s gonna have to prove himself all over again.
Dan, Are you Kolanos’s mother? Ms. C. is it an off night in Houston. Is this you Kris?
You said it, Gun. Not me. 
Whatevz Dan. I realize you don’t like the reality of the situation, but I’m telling you what the reality is. JL doesn’t like the way KK plays. So until JL is desperately desperate, KK isn’t gonna get a chance. And when he does, he better stop being a maverick and play a team game.
It seems as though Kolanos has a pretty solid relationship with the coaches here (just judging by the fact they made him an A a few games ago) and he seems to be trying to play more of a team game under their tutelage, so maybe at some point he’ll get his chance in the Wild system and they’ll see something they like. It’s a long season.
Kolanos has had good stretches in the league.
Career: 117GP 18G 18A 36P -2+/-
Where is this “good stretch” you speak of Dan? You do know that anyone can use google and find stats on the guy right? Your argument is WEAK. Support with facts or stfu.
TheGunslinger says:
December 11th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hmm… Dan… or an actual beat writer for an NHL team.
Whose opinion should I base my opinion on?
Dan… I will listen, and believe, anything Eklund says before I think you have one once of credibility or intelligence in your posts. Do you even watch the Wild? Kolanos scannot be groupped with Derek Boogaard. They are in the game for two different reasons. Boogey is not here to score goals, he is here to play physical. And you honestly think Kolanos is going to out perform PMB this year on the big squad? Are you kidding me?
I watch every game and I’m uninspired to say the least. There is so little talent on this team considering they’ve had 9 drafts and a salary cap to even out the league. This team is literally, as it currently stands, with Burns at forward, and including Gaborik, 3 1st liners (Koivu, Gaborik, Burns), 6 3rd liners (Pouliot, Brunette, Bouchard, Belanger, Miettinen, Nolan), 3 4th liners (Gillies, Clutterbuck, Sheppard), and 2 guys that have no business being in the NHL (Boogaard and Weller).
On defense, they have 4 2nd line d-men (Zidlicky, Schultz, Bergeron, Johnsson) and 2 3rd line d-men (Reitz and Skoula)
What these doesn’t have is scorers and top end d-men. Burns is a top 10 d-man in the league playing out of position because the head coach apparently rather lose hockey games then win them.
Wild were 6-2 until Burns got moved up to forward and have gone 7-7 since, including 5-6 at home. If anyone should play forward, it should be Zidlicky, Johnsson, or Skoula for no other reason then they would no longer cost the Wild goals with their terrible defense.
whoops….What these doesn’t have is scorers and top end d-men
should be….What this team doesn’t have is scorers and top end d-men.
Nope, they’re playing Quad Cities here tonight. It’s definitely just Dan.
And honestly, I can see where there would be frustration. Hell, people were desperate for Pouliot to come up and he wasn’t even among the top scorers on a team that couldn’t score to save its life. So when a big, talented guy like Kolanos is “wasting away” in the minors getting boatloads of goals, I get the frustration. But the bottom line is that the guy isn’t the answer to the Wild’s problems. Not even close.
ms.conduct says:
December 11th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Nope, they’re playing Quad Cities here tonight. It’s definitely just Dan.
And honestly, I can see where there would be frustration. Hell, people were desperate for Pouliot to come up and he wasn’t even among the top scorers on a team that couldn’t score to save its life. So when a big, talented guy like Kolanos is “wasting away” in the minors getting boatloads of goals, I get the frustration. But the bottom line is that the guy isn’t the answer to the Wild’s problems. Not even close
I didn’t say he was the answer. What I said is he’s a fix. The Wild are in short supply of goals. Nobody on the current roster outside of Koivu can score any, at least not in any situation that isn’t the powerplay. Kolanos has a goal scorers touch. Furthermore, isn’t it reasonable to expect Kolanos to get a fair shake when they gave a bum like Diagle such a great opportunity to succeed? Kolanos scores goals, the Wild need goals, it doesn’t get any more obvious then that, other then Bouchard needs to be dealt before his value is nothing.
I’m a little late to the conversation, but my three favorite South Park episodes are 1.the special olympics episode derrrr 2.the homeless invason 3.Kyle’s mom’s a big fat b@#ch. Three classics in my opinion, whatever that’s worth.
Dayum, I sure missed a ton of fun this afternoon!
Dan, If this team is so talentless then JL must be a genius to have done what he has done with them. And, Kolanos is like the guy who hits home runs in Triple A but can’t crack the majors.
Okay Dan.
Bouchard needs to be dealt before his value is nothing.
You do realize that PMB has a verbal no trade clause… and that a verbal contract is binding. As well as the fact that if DR traded him before his two years are up on said no trade clause, that he would lose the trust of other players in a similar situation.
Your comment about Daigle holds no weight either. He was on the team in for the first two years and that was it. The Wild was an expansion team, meaning they basically get the scraps from around the league. How many other no-name third-tier players played for the Wild? Plenty, because the squad had no choice. Comparing Daigle to KK is stupid to say the least.
And now.. for the final word. Mine.
Kolanos is not NHL material. He’s a one-dimensional player, JL can see that, I can see that and so can others.
Goals in the AHL do not means said player will score goals like boatloads in the NHL. It’s a different game, at a different speed.
Dan, whilst you are treading on thin ice calling out The Don, you did segue into what I would call personal frustration and disagreement with the system the Wild play, and the team strategy, from a front-office standpoint. You’re not alone. Offense is fun to watch, and we’d all love it if the Wild were putting in 4.3 goals/game. However that’s not the style of play JL coaches. It works great when you have a fast, agile squad and a goaltender that can stand on his head. Ok, maybe we have that, but we aren’t tooled for pure offense. Not many are anymore.
However, one player isn’t going to be a cure-all for goals. It’s a team effort, always was, always will be. There are players who are not pulling their weight right now - Brunette, Mittens, and Shep need to step up. Pouliot too. One key center isn’t going to mean an extra 2 goals/game - it takes the right players at the right time executing. The team hasn’t done that effectively, as evidenced by their recent inconsistent play in the last 10-15 games.
My bet for the scratch tonight: Pouliot. $20 says he’s the guy.
but we aren’t tooled for pure offense. Not many are anymore
And the one team that eveyone thought was tooled for Pure Offense is the worst team in the league… Tampa Bay.
I am tooled for Pure Offense.
Or perhaps I am just tooled.
Either way works.
lol toivo!
But true, ATX… The real offensive teams - Pit, Ottawa, & TB.
Then look at good defensive teams. SJ, NJ, Mon. All doin well.
AustinTXwildfan says:
December 11th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Bouchard needs to be dealt before his value is nothing.
You do realize that PMB has a verbal no trade clause… and that a verbal contract is binding
no such thing. if it isn’t in writing it doesn’t count.
Anybody hear Russo on HNIC Radio? If so, a recap would be appreciated especially if he touched on the Kolanos/Westrum comparison
I’ll take that bet MuN… I think Gillies sits.
*snicker* Yorb…
Michael up North says:
December 11th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
And now.. for the final word. Mine.
Kolanos is not NHL material. He’s a one-dimensional player, JL can see that, I can see that and so can others.
nice try, but both Bouchard and Gaborik are 1 demensional players.
woodcock says:
December 11th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Dan, If this team is so talentless then JL must be a genius to have done what he has done with them. And, Kolanos is like the guy who hits home runs in Triple A but can’t crack the majors
that would be a valid point if he actually was given a chance to succeed in the NHL. He’s played 13 more games then Sheppard and has 11 more points.
You never know what you have until the chance is given.
O, how I think I’m going into a hornet’s nest this weekend…
My wife and I start out our Road Trip season this weekend in Southern California as we attend both games (LA Saturday afternoon, then the ‘twilight’ game vs. Anaheim on Sunday.)
Michael Russo: love the savagery today. L-O-V-E IT. Stupidity must be dealt with. Thank you.
As for tonight vs. Phoenix; we have friends at this game, and we shall be looking for them (they stay in AZ for the Vikes-Cardinals on Sunday, across the street from the hockey game at U of PHX stadium…)
Kolanos? Short-term only, he’s not the long-term fix we need. (Sorry, Dan.) He may be a long-term solution, somewhere down the road, somewhere else. But not now, not here.
Ms. C: Are you all marooned in Houston with the 1/4 inch of snow??
no such thing. if it isn’t in writing it doesn’t count.
You obviously don’t know crap about law Dan. Verbal contracts do indeed exist. See below:
“Three Elements of a Verbal Contract
In order to be considered valid, a verbal contract must contain three elements: offer, acceptance, and consideration.
• Offer: The person making the offer in a verbal contract must communicate their intent to enter into a contract. A verbal contract is not considered valid if all parties do not agree to the terms of the offer. Also, verbal contracts are only valid for a specified period of time and not indefinitely.
• Acceptance: A verbal contract is not valid until the offer is accepted. The acceptance of a verbal contract occurs when the person to whom the contract is offered voluntarily indicates agreement to its terms and conditions.
• Consideration: In addition to an offer and acceptance, verbal contracts must contain consideration. This means that each side must give the other something of value for the agreement to be binding. In most verbal contracts, this is an exchange of money, such as a down payment. However, in some cases, it is not money but a promise that is exchanged.
Verbal Contract Law
Verbal contracts are a convenient and commonly used form of agreement between two parties. However, the main problem with a verbal contract is that if any problems should arise and there were no witnesses to the agreement, the case is reduced to one party’’s word against another’’s. Even if verbal contract law is followed, a verbal contract is often easily contested. ”
Seeing how the verbal no trade clause was reported on by many sources and everyone knows it exists between DR and PMB it would be interesting if DR broke his word.
I am just going to accept the fact that you live in your own little world and you apparently have taken THIS CLIP to heart. I refuse to argue with someone who does not deal in FACTS. Good day Dan… have fun being a miserable pile of negativity.
I bet Weller sits. If you scratch Pouliot who plays center?
I know it is fun to poke the trolls every now and again, but everyone realizes that Dan will never, ever agree with anyone, ever.
He argues with the Don, he argues with everyone on here. You could tell him the sky is blue and he would tell you it is more of a tealish color and JL is an idiot for thinking it is blue.
Anyone up for a Dan boycott? Let him post, just don’t respond? Anyone?
Dan
I’m with you. I’d much rather see Kolanos or a prospect play than waste a roster spot with a guy like Boogaard.
The guy is brutal,can’t stay on his feet & as of lately cannot win a fight!
Bouchard is a good player if he is surrounded with talent which he doesn’t have here. The biggest problem with this team is the lack of scouting & player developement. Houston is absolutly brutal!!!!
Buddha, I am in on that starting now. How did that email work out for you? Did I overload you with info? 
WRT, thankfully it melted in about 2 hours and was just a couple of slick spots on the deck this morning. Nutting but blue skies and rising temps today. Supposed to be 75 on Sunday, I think.
You must be enjoying the flip-flop weather, huh?
Do me a favor and don’t let any of those desert punks do anything unpleasant to my Cal… I know they’re not too fond of the little fella.
WRT, I’ll be at the Kings/Wild game on Saturday. Hope to see ya there!
Ms. C…..searching around the net and found an Aero’s jersey for $24 if you’re a junior small/medium size….shoot me a e-mail at hanwadj@gmail.com and I’ll get ya the details!
Ms. C: I’m not out there — yet. Wish I was, tho. Looking forward to non-transcontinental-hauled salads. (!)
No flip-flops for me, either. But I’ll try not to let anyone not let Cal be Cal…
yorbington: Why not both games?? Can’t stand the O.C. or ?
I wanna be warm…
>>Professional sports is a business of winning titles<<
Here is where you separate the wack-job fans from business people. People don’t buy professional sports teams to win titles. That is just a perk that comes with having a whole lot of money that you want to turn into a whole lot more money. If some of you zealots would get a grip and realize this is just entertainment, your head wouldn’t pop off when things aren’t going just right. But that is so un-American isn’t it?
I think Dan and DB are really just guys that the Don hired to drum up interest on the board. Sound like a couple of unemployed cricket players in New Delhi who monitor the board and post provocative comments.
Oh, shoot! That last comment was from UM…I think…
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Martin Skoula’s slap shot was clocked at 33mph
Dan, you said this: “no such thing. if it isn’t in writing it doesn’t count.”
Legally, wanna bet? You should consult an attorney, or better yet - be one, before you say such things. You are flat out, 100% wrong with that statement.
Any verbal agreement is as binding as a written agreement in a court of law.
Enjoy
The hell with defense. The Wild play way too much defense to begin with.
I agree, i’d much rather sit through entertaining games like the one last week vs the aves.
Argh, ATX beat me to the punch!
+1 ATX
and on verbal agreements…
how many players will even think of signing with the wild after the wild break these verbal NTC’s? even if said player doesn’t want one, they still can’t trust the team.
Sorry MUN
I know I am going to get killed for saying this but Southern Cali is supposed to have one of the coldest weekends in the last 50 years coming up.
Just a heads up for WRT.
I know I am going to get killed for saying this but Southern Cali is supposed to have one of the coldest weekends in the last 50 years coming up.
So what… about 50 degrees??
High 45 Low 30s
Locals cannot handle any type of weather out here.
Actually, yorbington is correct. Lows in the low 40’s Saturday night. Br-r-r-r…we’ll be in light jackets (unzipped) and they’ll want to close schools because it’s too cold…
Thanks for the warning, yorbington!
Wrap the Pipes, OC!
This is the first West Coast trip where the Wild want Gabby to play. No ice problems.
45 is cold.
Well, the Avs will be with out Sakic even longer now.
Oh and Thanks Lemmi, but I can’t really wear jerseys to games anymore. My poor Wild Ms. Conduct jersey has seen one actual game of hockey so far. It’s heartbreaking!
I see a high of 49 and showers for me on Sunday.
At least it’s not Houston cold, though.
Toivo,
You are going to the Ducks game Sunday?
Not me. I’m a few hundred miles north of Anaheim.
Count your blessings, Toivo… I had to wear shoes that covered my toes today and yesterday. Brutal.
WRT.. Jackets? In the 40’s? I can see a long-sleeve shirt… but come on, man! Let’s not overdo it!
G* made the exact point that I was going to make re: the players will not trust management if any NTC, verbal or not, is violated. And verbal agreements can be binding. Just in case that hasn’t already been cleared up.
ATX-
I didn’t get an email… 
try again? please?
That’s weird… it didn’t come back to me either… someone just got a bunch of random stuff about Austin. Did you check your junk mail?
“unemployed cricket players in New Delhi who monitor the board and post provocative comments.”
+1
Got it ATX.
Thank you!
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel
Mister Know it all does not agree with you about Kolonis. The Wild do not need anymore slow sleds as the have one with Bruennete. I have told all the Russo nation that Corey Locke was brought to Minnesota to be a guy that could replace Walz if it worked out.
Daniel, they really miss Wes Walz on this team !
Daniel, I Mister kNow it all is going to ask you some questions
Questions to Daniel
(1) Did you see Boogies value in the Ducks game
(2) Why does Kolonis have more of a right for call up then does Locke- Locke has more points and is a better skater
Your right Mister Know it all. I looked on the top scorers in the AHL, and Corey Locke is 7th in scoring. I cant quite see what Danny is saying either
Why does Kolonis deserve better treatment then Locke Dan ?
