It’s official: Gaborik on active roster, Burns on D, Wild outside of the top-eight, Iginla makes flight
Posted on December 17th, 2008 – 10:28 AMBy Michael Russo
Here’s Washington’s game highlights last night. Click Ovechkin’s overtime winner on the right with 11 ticks left. Look at that shot, how nothing’s happening and then, game over. The coolest part is how he shoots and celebrates in one motion.
FSN’s pregame question for its panel tonight should be: Who’s going to score the tying goal?
Because …
Bad news if you’re a Wild fan: Jarome Iginla made the Flames’ charter to Minneapolis last night from St. Louis. Hey, there was always an outside chance he’d miss the bus or something. But alas, Iginla is here, which means the Wild is already down 1-0.
I know Iginla made it because I walked past him as he entered the building, and he was as nice as ever, which is the worst kind news for the Wild. Probably has something to do with his four-point night last night. Oh, and the fact that Iginla’s in a good mood every time he faces the Wild for good reason.
Bad news 2: Miikka Kiprusoff is here as well.
Bad news 3: Dion Phaneuf already has his scowl on. I’m not kidding. It’s not just an on-ice persona with Phaneuf. It’s an all-day thing. I nearly ran head-on into the most intimidating defenseman in the West as we both turned the corner this morning. Even in a black pin-stripe suit and black top hat (not kidding), Phaneuf had this look on his face that said, “Watch it hockey writer or I’ll treat you like Sean Avery in a dark alley.”
The good news for the Wild, which as I predicted in my Monday game story would be out of the playoff top-eight by the time it next played, is Marian Gaborik is officially back. The Wild activated him this morning. And he’ll even get to dictate his ice time tonight. Took him eight years, but Jacques Lemaire told him before today’s skate that he needs to be communicative tonight. In other words, tell Jacques how he’s feeling, and if he’s feeling good, he’ll get more and more ice time.
I asked Gaborik if he gets to pick his linemates, too. Nope. He’ll start with Sheppard and Veilleux tonight. Incidentally, I’m pretty positive that was Gaborik’s line against Atlanta and Boston in his only two previous games this season.
Brent Burns moves back to defense, and Jacques still maintains that long-term he’d make a bigger impact on the lineup as a forward. I’m done arguing this point, but I will say this: I don’t think Burns will be playing wing in the 2010 Olympics for the country north of us.
Lemaire said the toughest move was removing Erik Reitz from the lineup. He adds a physical element that no other blue-liner adds in my humble opinion, but Reitz is the odd guy out. Although, even though Marc-Andre Bergeron leads the Wild’s blue-liners in points, he needs to improve his defensive game or I have a feeling who will be out if Lemaire suddenly wants to start playing Reitz.
Colton Gillies is the lone forward scratch.
I think I know what Owen Nolan’s injury is, but I’m not going to speculate because I’m not positive. But the former Flames forward said he’s “getting better everyday.” But he’s not even skating on his own yet, so he’ll be out most likely until after the Christmas break at least (that’s me talking, not the Wild).
OK, that’s it for now. “Russo Radio” comes again to KSTP (1500-a.m.) tonight at 6, so call in and take part.
By the way, the next two Russo Radio’s on KSTP after tonight take place on Tuesdays (Dec. 23 and Dec. 30).
That’s it for now. Remember, roster freeze begins Friday at midnight to Dec. 27 at midnight.
Here’s a look at the West All-Star tabulations so far:
XM NHL All-Star Fan Balloting Presented by 2K Sports
Western Conference
(as of 12/17/08, 7 a.m. ET)
Forwards
Player Team Votes
1. Patrick Kane Chicago 341,242
2. Marian Hossa Detroit 314,414
3. Ryan Getzlaf Anaheim 309,127
4. Jarome Iginla Calgary 306,053
5. Pavel Datsyuk Detroit 299,121
6. Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 291,519
9. Mikko Koivu Minnesota 144,102
16. Marian Gaborik Minnesota 62,223
Defensemen
1. Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 437,108
2. Dion Phaneuf Calgary 369,171
3. Brian Campbell Chicago 284,663
4. Scott Niedermayer Anaheim 251,859
5. Chris Pronger Anaheim 245,404
11. Brent Burns Minnesota 77,018
Goaltenders
1. Roberto Luongo Vancouver 369,386
2. J.S. Giguere Anaheim 227,568
3. Evgeni Nabokov San Jose 184,017
5. Niklas Backstrom Minnesota 108,416
232 Responses to "It’s official: Gaborik on active roster, Burns on D, Wild outside of the top-eight, Iginla makes flight"
Der’s no doubt we have to put the puck in the net!
Hopefully Gho$t can help with that.
If he dissapears I’m sure the fans will let him know about it.
Am I the only one who thinks Reitz should be in, and Zidlicky should be out?
Zids is OK… Marc-Andre is my goat these days… not terrible, but a little soft.
I like Reitz but I’m not hoping on the Reitz wagon at the expense of Zidlicky. We need goals. I don’t care if they come from Harding or Backstrom. They are, although not in great amounts, coming from Zidlicky, and not Reitz. I know Zids hasn’t looked the best defensively, but hey, that’s why JL pairs him with Skoula, wink.
Keep Zidlicky in, take out Skoula or Johnsson
I think Zid and MAB could each use a game in the popcorn palace. Neither need to spend Numellin-esque time in there, but a game to focus on avoiding the lapses on defence (MAB) and horribly lazy penalties (Zid)
Too bad for Reitz, I feel he has earned a roster spot. Things get even more complicated when Foster gets back.
I dunno about Reitz being in and Zidlicky being out. We need offense right now. Zidlicky is more of an offensive d man . Also we have Burnsy back at D so hopefully we won’t need to worry about giving up 5 goals. And hoepfully Gabby can light the lamp too!
Well Sundin said money is not going to be the deciding factor.
He might take a contract small enough from the Rangers that all they’ll have to do is send a couple guys down to the AHL or move a small contract like Prucha.
He probably likes the idea of playing with his Gold Medal mates, Lundqvist and Naslund.
Skoula has been fine all year and does not deserve to sit. Kimmy could spend a game up top too, but it’ll never happen
Let’s go Gaby
*clap . . clap . . clap clap clap*
Let’s go Gaby
Poor Reitzy.
Of all teams Sundin finalized down to, I think the Rangers have the best shot at the cup this year.
Yeah, he’s offensive alright, gils…
I just threw up in my mouth a little defending Skoula. Eeeeeeessshhh
Sucks for Reitz. Bench MAB.
Not going to say anything about UM. Just not going to.
Anyone see the story about Sir Flops-a-Lot? Wants to come back, but only in the playoffs…
What a _________.
I agree with you Misconduct. He does not deserve at all to sit. That problem will be a problem that is just beginning. He should play. Is Foster going to sit as well ? I dont like giving up on Burns at forward
Re: Rangers cap space
Time for MuN to create a 3 way trade that sends Gaby and Prucha to ATL and Gomez to the Wild 
Dare I say it (and hopefully not jinx anything…), but I feel Skoula is playing a heck of a lot better than Zids is defensively.
Granted he doesn’t have a cannon from the point, but he’s been moving the puck fairly well and hasn’t made many, if all, of his typical errors.
At this point I trust Reitz a lot more in our D zone than Zidlicky. He’s been a great physical force too, knocking people off the puck and disrupting cycles.
I’m really hoping having Gh0st in the line up will spark the team and get some offense going. It’ll be interesting to see how out of game shape he is. Hopefully he’ll atleast be a distraction out there.
I bet Reitz is okay. My guess is that, at the beginning of the season, he didn’t think he would play in all 82 games (injuries notwithstanding.)
Also, all you “Burns needs to get back on defense ASAFP” guys better be prepared for the idiots who will come on here and whine about all the mistakes he makes while he transitions back to that mentality.
Time to prove to the world that you’re worth whatever it is that you think you’re worth, Gaborik. And, for the love of God, don’t get broken again before we can ship you outta town.
Zids and Princess MAB will not sit (DR acquisitions dontcha know).
Although, I am puzzled ‘cuz Reitz is more physical - and the Flames aren’t exactly the 81 Oilers.
It will be nice to see IJ on the blueline. Where he can dominate. Again.
Are ATXs really going to be at the X tonight? Man, all this excitement has me jittery. Ok, maybe it’s the coffee…
Everyone is focusing on Gaborik’s return and how many games it will take to get up to speed. I wonder how many games Burns will need to adjust to playing defense again.
When you think about, two big roster moves have been made for tonight. It could leave the team feeling a little out of sync.
MKVL (Mister Knows Very Little) You’re really not serious about keeping IJ up front are you?
Why?
One of the (arguably) 6 best D men in the league and you think he needs more time up front?
Ugh.
kj - I get that way too….from the coffee
AiH - the team has been horribly out of synch in the past 5 games. maybe these moves will reverse the flow?
NiNY…a very good point about IJ. However, I think his rust will be more than offset by his being ‘comfortable’ back on D.
And if he looks bad tonight, I’ll be the first one to rant that he needs to make popcorn… 
Fair enough, Nick, but I still prefer him to either MAB or Zids. Reitz was an offensive d-man in Houston and has that puck moving capability, so it’s not like he’s pidgeon-holed into a SAH type role like if we were talking John Scott or someone. Never mind the immediate wussification of the bleuline without him…
Reitz may be okay with it but Ms. C isn’t. Just gonna make me even madder about all of the dumb things MAB and Zids do.
Having Burns back at D will help Johnsson, too. He’d likely get more rests between shifts and Burns can take some of the burden of his ice time.
I’m down with that, ms.c. I sure wouldn’t mind seeing some of that offensive d-man from him, that’s fer sure.
If I had to choose I would sit Queen MAB myself for any of the reasons already listed. But I think this is the move that ruffles the fewest feathers.
Bench Booo-ergeron. How many times is he going to turn the puck over to Iggy tonight? +/- 10??
Atleast Reitz brought a physical game amongst our blue-liners. With Burns up front, our D has been really soft.
I will say this about MAB though, he gets a lot of shots to the net. That is pretty tough to do from the blue line these days.
With Burns back at D, MAB gets less ES minutes regardless.
Count me in with the ‘please park MAB somewhere safe - like the press box’ camp. For an offensively-challenged team, having him on the blueline when every second in our own zone is an adventure just makes my skin crawl. Raw as he is, I’d much prefer Reitz in the lineup.
Not that this has anything to do with anything, but doesn’t MAB’s helmet seem about 4 sizes too big? Between that and his somewhat vertically challenged stature…he looks like a muppet out there…
All of our D should benefit from Burns taking over some of the burden.
MAB may get shots to the net, but it certainly looks to me like he allows more on our net. He has had more defensive lapses than Magnificent Marty had last year when people were clamoring for him to visit the popcorn palace. Plus with a more physical team like the Flamers, we need a little more physical lineup. I think I could knock him off his skates, and I can’t skate.
Clutterbuck or Weller in? Boogaard is a given.
it doesn’t make a difference, because they are going to lose anyway, but sitting Retiz in favor of Skoula or Johnsson is a terrible option.
whoops….Reitz
*resisting*
*resisting*
phew…okay. I’m good.
Hey Russo, any truth to the rumor Doug isn’t going to sign Backstrom because he intends to go with the cheaper option and sign Ray Emery, in the offseason?
Hey Dan,
You really like poking this board with a sharp stick sometimes, dont you?
Of course we would all agree it’s a dumb move….but there’s still over 1/2 a season to go…why stir this up now? Let DR get rid of Gabby, then see where the dust settles on our cap space. Then I’m all for you ranting if DR would be that dumb.
Dan/Cartman - you forgot to say “Skrew you guys, I am going to the Twins blogs”
Hold strong Nick… Hold strong…
Any word on if Kipper starts tonight after starting last night?
From the last thread: Aaron, I have to disagree with you about Lundqvist. I don’t know how often you see Rangers games, but he’s a tremendous goalie. However he’s not having as good a year this season I’ll grant you.
Also, the ‘v’ after the ‘q’ rolls off the tongue.
thanks Buddha…you know, you could help…grant me some kind of spiritual serenity or somesuch gobbledygook…
Backstrom won’t wait forever either.
My speculation is that DR is trying to swing a deal with involving Backstrom for a 25+ goal scorer. He probably feels that the only way to get that kind of player is through a trade. If he can swing Backs and Gaborik for 2 decent scorers and a pick or two, he will come out ahead.
He has Schaefer, Brust, and Khudobin in the pipeline. If the Wild continues to play a strong defensive game, a decent goalie can do the job.
Who is the Flames back-up goalie anyways? The Wild hasn’t done great against back-ups this season so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the back-up play tonight.
My speculation is that DR is trying to swing a deal with involving Backstrom for a 25+ goal scorer. He probably feels that the only way to get that kind of player is through a trade. If he can swing Backs and Gaborik for 2 decent scorers and a pick or two, he will come out ahead.
With you on this but it would require Backs waiving the NTC or wating it out until Feb. 1, right? That’s a lot more weeks of Gaby Groin Watch
“Not that this has anything to do with anything, but doesn’t MAB’s helmet seem about 4 sizes too big? Between that and his somewhat vertically challenged stature…he looks like a muppet out there…”
I thought we’d established he looks like the Great Gazoo from the Flinstones. Gotta admit I like the Muppet reference.
ljmckay says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Hey Dan,
You really like poking this board with a sharp stick sometimes, dont you?
Of course we would all agree it’s a dumb move….but there’s still over 1/2 a season to go…why stir this up now? Let DR get rid of Gabby, then see where the dust settles on our cap space. Then I’m all for you ranting if DR would be that dumb
Why not rant now? Doug is as inept as they come. He’s never done a thing as GM in all the years he’s pretended to be one. He’s had 8 years to do something useful with this team, and yet, this team is no closer to a Cup then season 1.
Let’s assume due to the economy the cap goes down 2 million next year (the number Lou Nanne has given). With all the FAs coming up, Doug has 15M of cap space to use poorly once again. Then the following year, when the cap goes down another 6M (Lou Nanne’s number again), 14.25M comes off the books. If guys aren’t signed before the end of the season, there are a ton of great free agents this coming off season, but do you really trust Doug to bring anyone in considering he hasn’t done it in 8 previous seasons?
Seriously, with so many expiring contracts in the next 2 seasons, there is no better time then now to start over, admit Doug and Jacques have failed, and start fresh with new management that would have the great opportunity to put their stamp on this team right away.
RIK - doesn’t MAB’s helmet look a bit like a bicycle helmet? I yell at the teevee that when he grows up, we’ll get him a big boy bike.
NiNY - if you’re feeling as good as you sound this morning, you truly are my idol. And you MUST be Irish.
richard b says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Any word on if Kipper starts tonight after starting last night?
he’s listed as the likely starter from what I’ve seen.
sunshine says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Who is the Flames back-up goalie anyways? The Wild hasn’t done great against back-ups this season so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the back-up play tonight
Curtis McElhinney
Bummer about Reitz. I hope DR finds a way to make room in the line up for him in the near future. I have doubts about Foster making it back this year.
- Colorado COllege’s Curtis McElhinney has all of 3 starts for the Flames but yes, I would play him against us.
- Seriously, with so many expiring contracts in the next 2 seasons, there is no better time then now to start over, admit Doug and Jacques have failed, and start fresh with new management that would have the great opportunity to put their stamp on this team right away.
Are you available? We could use a guy that is right alomst 100% of the time. If you become GM, I will take over the Dan job in Russoville
6GS: We need Backs until Feb. 1st anyways. A deal can happen on 2/2/09.
I don’t think a deal is imminent by any stretch of the imagination for Backs or Gaborik for that matter but if DR doesn’t talk to Backs’ agent sometime in January, then its a strong chance that a trade is in the works.
Maybe this past FA period has taught DR that scorers like the Wild but don’t want to give up scoring.
I agree with you Brian… I think Fozzie will finish the season with the Aeros if anywhere. And with me going *GASP*CRINGE* every time he goes for an icing.
Rangers have no cap room. Be interesting to see how they shed payroll to make some $ avail
Won’t take much. Trade Petr Prucha and Dmitri Kalinin or Paul Mara for next to nothing and Sundin’s prorated salary would fit in quite well.
Steve R: I read on TSN or somewhere (not Ecklund’s site) that they can trade Prucha and send Korpikoski to the AHL, which allows them to pay Sundin a prorated $4.5 million. They don’t want to trade Drury or Gomez.
Steve R says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Rangers have no cap room. Be interesting to see how they shed payroll to make some $ avail
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=NYR
go to http://nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=NYR&season=0809
their numbers are more accurate.
sunshine says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Steve R: I read on TSN or somewhere (not Ecklund’s site) that they can trade Prucha and send Korpikoski to the AHL, which allows them to pay Sundin a prorated $4.5 million. They don’t want to trade Drury or Gomez
I wonder how many teams, with the economy terrible, and the cap likely to go down, would be willing to deal for Drury anyway. Drury isn’t worth the 7M cap hit the next 3 years in my opinion.
Princess MAB = Lord Dark Helmet from Spaceballs.
Dan…I like your thinking with expiring contracts and re-molding the team.
And, like you, I do not trust DR to do the molding.
So, the ball is in CL’s court.
My guess is he doesn’t blow it up and that he allows the very profitable Wild to continue to meander toward mediocrity.
Princess MAB = Lord Dark Helmet from Spaceballs.
And based on his stature, his Schwartz is clearly smaller
If the Wild continues to play a strong defensive game, a decent goalie can do the job.
You must be referring to the Wild’s reputation of being a strong defensive team.
They’ve been giving up way more shots this year and the GA is only where it is because of Backstrom’s stellar play.
And, the very, very good PK.
I am not sure why we would trade a goaltender when it is such a solid position right now.
MuN made a good case a few threads back on why there is no contract being discussed right now.
If we had an injury to any D, everything changes.
But, on the surface we have a glut of guys at that position.
To get something back you need to be willing to give up something some team wants.
If we assume Gabby won’t sigh, he plus draft choices, and a combination of DMen brings us what?
Get Kimberly Johnnson out, he plays horrible, Reitz plays the body better and is not scared to get into it with somebody. With Jarome “wild killer” Iginla coming to town, we need somebody that is not will to just let him walk in and take shots.
“Burns needs to get back on defense ASAFP” guys better be prepared for the idiots who will come on here and whine about all the mistakes he makes while he transitions back to that mentality.
i am exempting myself from inclusion of the “idiot” pool here as I may point out some obvious skoulas committed by god’s gift to d-men.
Good for Gaby! Hopefully he’ll score a hat trick Or a goal, honestly any offense tonight would be welcome
G* you’re exempted anyway. You’ve been among the most consistent at “keeping it real” on Burns since the advent of Russoville.
Plus, as Head Coach of Russoville, that’s your job.
i am exempting myself from inclusion of the “idiot” pool here as I may point out some obvious skoulas committed by god’s gift to d-men.
Why start now???
Plus, as Head Coach of Russoville, that’s your job.
Whatever happened to the Russoville Curmudgeon smuggla???
kj: he moved to greater Philly. Drops by every now and then. Still crusty, God love ‘im.
MAB is needed for his shot on the powerplay. Thats why he wont sit. Same with Zidlicky.
If there’s no injuries, one of the D-men will go in a trade for a scorer.
My money is (and has been) on Kimmy. Unfortunately, his performance in December has really hurt his trade value.
Just like with Gaby, we waited too long to pull the trigger on a deal before a player went back to their old ways.
So… no one else has noticed this yet?
Nick in New York becomes NiNY…
Kevin in PA becomes KiPA…
so… Dan in Minnesota is…
DiM
Nice. It works so well when they make it easy.
Lines?
I hope it’s:
Pouliot-Belanger-Gab
Bruno-Koivu-Mittens
Veilleux-Sheppard-Bouchard
Boogy-Gillies-Clutter
But it’s not going to happen.
Does this team even do set lines anymore? Or ever? Gab will probably start with Veilleux and Shep, but he’ll get some time with Koivu and Brunette later on in the game.
It’s believed the Rangers are Sundin’s No.1 choice to sign with, with the Vancouver Canucks being the backup plan.
According to the New York Post, the Rangers are looking to make moves and could waive or trade Petr Prucha, Dan Fritsche and Aaron Voros, which would give the team a roughly $2.4 million in available cap space
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/nyr081217.html
you mean he isn’t at the end of the bar?? who have i been carefully walking past all this time?
just so everyone knows, I love burns. i think he is a fine D man. I also think he was overly eager to jump into the offensive rush this year in his limited game on the blue line.
one must learn to walk before one runs
puckster says:
December 17th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Lines?
I hope it’s:
Pouliot-Belanger-Gab
Bruno-Koivu-Mittens
Veilleux-Sheppard-Bouchard
Boogy-Gillies-Clutter
But it’s not going to happen.
who cares what the lines are. this team can’t score 5 on 5 with or without Gaborik. The powerplay is all that matters.
This is the more interesting rumor I have seen about NY adding Mats is the one over on Puck Daddy:
After two days of Peter Forsberg’s potential resurrection for another quarter-season of NHL hockey, the Denver Post reports from “people in the know” that the New York Rangers “may well trade” Chris Drury to make room for Mats Sundin. And if the Rangers can get him to waive his NTC, send him through waivers and pick up only half his salary, then perhaps Colorado might be a suitable destination for him.
Minus the Colorado part, does anyone actually think the Rangers would place Drury on waivers? He has trade potential, at least high picks! No way this happens.
Burns should be ok and he will become a top D but let’s remember he does have the occasional bonehead play and may do so again as he hasn’t played back there for a while. Reitz has played well lately but let’s not go overboard on him yet because he has also had some shaky games. KJ has played poorly lately but previously played very well and still has trade value because he does move the puck well.
GreenStar says:
December 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
you mean he isn’t at the end of the bar?? who have i been carefully walking past all this time?
just so everyone knows, I love burns. i think he is a fine D man. I also think he was overly eager to jump into the offensive rush this year in his limited game on the blue line.
one must learn to walk before one runs
Wild 15-13-1
Burns at defense: 7-4-1
Burns at forward: 6-9
BTW… Dater is an idiot.
All this bagging on Bergeron and not Zidlicky is ridiculous. Seriously, watch the games and you will see that Bergeron coughs up the puck and turns it over less frequently than either Johnsson or Zidlicky.
Nice Buddha.
Mmm, I’m down in my office where my gear lives. Love the musty chest protector smell.
Speaking of which… Goalies, do you wash the little terry cloth sweatband in your mask when you do your other hockey laundry? I think of all my gear, that’s my favorite detail. What a godsend to not have sweat pouring down my face for a change. Why don’t player lids have that?
I’m itching to play again. Dreamed about it all night.
Update on top, looks like Gillies is out.
Russo, Iginla is always a class act, but please take a cheap shot to his knee or something.
And if the Rangers can get him to waive his NTC, send him through waivers and pick up only half his salary, then perhaps Colorado might be a suitable destination for him.
How does that work exactly? Would the team be paying half just this year, or would the Rangers have to cover half the contract the entire length of the contract?
Bozak says:
December 17th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
All this bagging on Bergeron and not Zidlicky is ridiculous. Seriously, watch the games and you will see that Bergeron coughs up the puck and turns it over less frequently than either Johnsson or Zidlicky.
+1
Goaltenders
1. Roberto Luongo Vancouver 369,386
2. J.S. Giguere Anaheim 227,568
3. Evgeni Nabokov San Jose 184,017
5. Niklas Backstrom Minnesota 108,416
absolute joke. apparently voters don’t actually pay attention to the games. fans shouldn’t get to vote for any all star game anyway. it shouldn’t be a popularity contest. it should be a game between the best of the best that year.
My perception only but the ratio of cough ups to ice time, I think MAB exceeds Johnsson. I can’t say the same for Zidlicky.
Dion is a vampire. It’s true. Might want to get a neck protector, Russo…
I’m glad Lemaire feels bad about keeping Reitz out. I hope Zids can’t even look him in the eyes. *grrrr*
It’s not just turnovers. It’d dumb penalties at bad times that also irritate me with those two.
Even in a black pin-stripe suit and black top hat (not kidding)
I’d bet he looks a lot like Snidely Whiplash when dressed like that.
I too am disappointed to see REITZ ride the pine, especially since I think his physical style is needed against the Flamers. However, with our current streak of goal scoring inepnitude (sp?) we need to keep the D-men with the big guns (Zids & MAB) in the lineup.
Quite honestly, I think it would be best to let Nick Schultz make popcorn for a game or two, as he seems about 75% as good as he was the last few years. I thought the appendix was a useless organ?
Anyone expecting Burnsie to go back to the blue line and play stellar D, is mistaken. It will take him 2-3 games to get his flow back, but in the end, I think his stick handling will benefit from this forward experiment.
and now on to Gabby
I DO NOT want to cheer for UNcle Money Bags, but I am not ready to boo him, since it appears it was a legit injury. But, you can bet that after 5 games he isn’t contributing offensively, I will start to boo his, glass-like, suckhole playing, me-first, greedy azz.
Is tonight the night that Boogie finally gets a goal? He has had more close chances this year, than in the last couple years, I think he might actually do it.
Of course 10 seconds later Iginla will score to even things up again.
Even in a black pin-stripe suit and black top hat (not kidding)
if there was any time to whip out your cell phone and take a pic Russo, there it was.
Dampland says:
December 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Is tonight the night that Boogie finally gets a goal? He has had more close chances this year, than in the last couple years, I think he might actually do it.
who cares. he doesn’t even belong on the ice. I’d much rather see Boogaard and Gillies be scratched and Burns at forward on a line with Gaborik then Reitz sitting so the no talent Boogaard can have his 4 minutes of ice time.
KJ has played poorly lately but previously played very well
Has woodcock been out to see the band?
apparently voters don’t actually pay attention to the games
You’re just realizing that now? Seriously?
on booing Gaborik: I still don’t see how his presence isn’t strictly additive either in the short-term as he plays and hopefully plays well which would help or in the long-term as getting healthy and back on the ice will hopefully expedite the resolution of the drama around his contract situation.
I personally don’t buy into the “he was holding himself out” or “they were holding him out” theory, so I find it hard to boo a guy for being injured, or even injury prone.
Nick Nick Nick… Logic? Really? At a time like this?
oh…sorry, ms.c…was that uncouth of me? 
BNAG, ????
ms.c: I wash that thing whenever it fails the 5-foot test.
^keep you minds out of the gutters, people….
Hey Dan, Dan in MN, Hockey Guru Dan, Dandy Dan, Dandalicious or whatever else you want to call yourself today; they miss you over on the Twins blog. Go piss and moan about Punto and profess that Wiggy is the answers to all of their troubles. Complain about Billy-ball while you’re at it. In short, give it a rest and go piss and moan somewhere else, the show is getting old.
Sorry wood, I knew you meant Kimmy, but I laughed when I read it.
Michael- thank you for your effort, wit, & information!
NiNY - is that the “if you can smell it farther than 5 feet” test?
If Gaby doesn’t score at least three tonight I’m gonna throw my shoe!
Ray Emory? That’s a good way to burn out the ol’ Minn Kota!
Beadwench at 1:09 was me…
Did Skoula show MAB how to get on the server?
And you wonder why Gabby wants to leave? Plays with Shep and SRV
Look around the league and see all the big names and who they play with in comparison to Gabby…what a joke…makes me laugh at least
you got it, TheGun.
Fernandez back in net next year?
that make anyone happy?
didn’t Russo put the kibosh on posting under more than one name?
Nick… how about booing him for “the comment?”
Nick, I think I need more info. Temperature at which the test is performed? Relative humidity? Air movement?
Gaborik isn’t ready to play top line minutes. Even if he was ready, Lemaire says he can do it all by himself (and he can sometimes).
With Gaborik + whomever, it gives the Wild 3 good lines. I’d rather see Pouliot-Shep-Gaborik myself but that will likely come sooner rather than later.
Goody: any, any and any.
If it reeks from that far away, it goes in the wash.
SGS from this am: Re: Rangers cap space
Time for MuN to create a 3 way trade that sends Gaby and Prucha to ATL and Gomez to the Wild
heh! Um…well… Ok, here goes.
If the Blueshirts land Sundin, Prucha is rumored to be the guy to go.
Unless someone’s willing to give up something for him, the Rangers will release him, and he’ll have to clear waivers. With his salary, chances are pretty good no one is going to claim him off waivers, given his 1.6M salary, and the fact he’s an RFA at the end of the year. I’m sure teams would want to just sign him LT now, rather than deal with the off-season market, for an out-of-market guy.
So Prucha doesn’t figure much into the deal.
However 1.6M isn’t enough to shed, unless Mats wants to take a rather small contract. They need to shed close to 3M. If they dumped Gomez, they save about 3.6M on this year. But do they want to dump Gomez? Probably not. He’s 22pts in 29 games, he’s not bad, but not worth 10M this year.
But the point of this exercise was to see if we could land Gomez here, and send Gaborik somewhere.
So, to get Gomez, they’re gonna want something of value, and something they can use for the future, in say, 2-3 years. Like Tyler Cuma and James Sheppard. Yeah, really. I’m sure they’d deal off the cap space and a top 5 scorer for some young prospects and a draft pick. Cuma, Shep, and our #1 this year, probably.
As for the real-life plausibility of this scenario, I’ll leave it to DB to tell us all what he thinks DR would do to get this deal done.
In the meantime, since the freeze comes up on Friday, the Gaborik situation is getting dicey. I now doubt he’ll be dealt before the break, but I would expect him to be gone to Toronto before new year’s eve, giving us more reason to celebrate.
However, if Vancouver does indeed lose the Sundin sweepstakes - they are going to be VERY aggressive at acquiring some additional scoring, and D help, as well as trading Ohlund before the deadline. They will make offers for Gaborik, for sure. If they offer the trade equivalent of the contract they offered to Sundin, would you be bitter about trading him to a division rival?
What if you got Bernier, and their #1 picks this year and next without having to give up a conditional pick?
Yet, unless that sort of deal is put forth, I still see him in Toronto, and I see us with a few more roleplayers, and one less defenseman before long as well.
What’s “the comment”? Please refresh my memory.
I’m guessing the ‘if they payed me what I wanted we wouldn’t be having this conversation’ comment.
Oh crap! Our Cartman was here and I missed it!
Gotta go read up on what Eric, er.. I mean Dan said.
Buddha: All I’d say is that it will be hard to be clear about what you’re booing him for in that case.
Hey did any of ya out there with center ice, catch all the fights last night? Holy smokes everytime I changed to another game it was heavyweight haymaker bonanza! I saw neon dion get totally clocked with a clean check that had to of rocked his world,made him start wearing a top hat mabey?
jesus,allah,buddah! please can marian have another 5 goal game tonightish?
sunshine:
“Obviously, if they offered me what I want we wouldn’t be talking about it.”
Interesting Nick. I just couldn’t believe how dripping wet that thing was when I got home. I couldn’t bear to not wash it… more to the point, I couldn’t bear to leave something that wet to air dry. At least it’s easy to replace if it wears out fast from the washing.
Only one gear mystery left… the velcro crotch flap just below the laces on my pants. What the hell is that for?
Exactly goody…
Oh… that comment.
Boo if you want to. I am going to be praying for a win.
Max- Don’t ask me for that… I have no real power. Only the power to help people help themselves…
Help me, help you!
“Only one gear mystery left… the velcro crotch flap just below the laces on my pants. What the hell is that for?”
Let’s just say hockey is still a sport dominated by men… who may just need to relieve themselves without removing their gear.
I’ve always supported players going out to get as much as they can because they have a short earning period as a professional athlete. GMs trade players left and right without disregard too so players should look out for their best interests.
Oh AWESOME… you have to see this.
I won’t be booing him. I won’t be there. I am begrudgingly joining the group of “I hope he does well so they can trade his sorry butt”
I think they can win tonight. Generally play well against the Flames at home.
No! There’s no hole, Buddha! It’s just a pointless flap. I was thinking maybe to hold the jersey down in front if there was velcro at the front of the jersey? But it seems a bit low for that.
And how would you pee around your jock anyway? Never mind. If there is a way, I don’t wanna know.
ms.c: yeah, I think you can safely go ahead and excise that flap from your kit.
ms.c: Pierre-Marc Boogaard looks pretty normal, actually.
Ms. C: I think some guys, or should I say people, put their protective cup inside that flap. If it’s the same type of thing that’s on my breezers. Haven’t checked out goalie equipment in awhile because it always smells so bad. But my goalie brings beer to the games so we let him sit in the locker room. And I’ve always operated under the “don’t wash it unless it has blood on it” rule, and even then you’re goal isn’t to wash the blood out, it’s just to kill the bad guys in the blood.
sunshine says:
December 17th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I’ve always supported players going out to get as much as they can because they have a short earning period as a professional athlete. GMs trade players left and right without disregard too so players should look out for their best interests.
not in Minnesota. They hold on to players til they are no longer any use to the team and then try and get the world for them via trade.
Only the Vikings actually make an effort in this state. The other 2 1/4 teams don’t seem to care because they aren’t about winning, they are about the bottom line only.
Oh, it doesn’t bother me. Just a curiosity really. Like putting together a cabinet from IKEA and finding an extra screw… it’s like, what am I missing here?
Pierre-Marc Boogaard looks remarkably like Matt Kassian…
It’s not big enough to put a cup in. It’s only about 2 x 1.5 inches. It’s like the flap on player jocks that have the compression shorts and there’s a flap to hold your socks up. It’s like that but just a smidge bigger.
Dan says:
December 17th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Hey Russo, any truth to the rumor Doug isn’t going to sign Backstrom because he intends to go with the cheaper option and sign Ray Emery, in the offseason?
Dan, it’s not called a rumor when you’re the only one talking about it. The proper term is “speculation”, as in “you have speculated poorly”
oh jeez I love this one…Sorry guys, I can’t resist!
Why not rant now? Doug is as inept as they come. He’s never done a thing as GM in all the years he’s pretended to be one. Yada yada yada, yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada. Yada yada, bs yada.
Let’s assume due to the economy the cap goes down 2 million next year, blah blah, yada yada yada, blah blah. Blah, yada bs blah, I have no idea what I’m taking about yada yada yada.
Seriously, with so many expiring contracts in the next 2 seasons, there is no better time then now to start over, admit Doug and Jacques have failed, and start fresh with new management that would have the great opportunity to put their stamp on this team right away.
The economic conditions will affect every team the same, with the exception of the Canadian teams which must also deal with the exchange rate. Proper foresight would include prudence in uncertain times, and not overextending yourself on long contracts at this juncture. If fact, if I were the team CFO, I would be advising heavy restraint on committing any money toward the future right now. If you don’t like that approach, I’m sure the team will take your donation in the form of a personal check.
I wonder how many teams, with the economy terrible, and the cap likely to go down, would be willing to deal for Drury anyway. Drury isn’t worth the 7M cap hit the next 3 years in my opinion.
Who gave you this idea? It’s certainly not one of your own, considering it’s a correct assumption.
And an aside from Buddha: so… Dan in Minnesota is…
DiM
ROFL ^5!
back to DiM: Wild 15-13-1
Burns at defense: 7-4-1
Burns at forward: 6-9
Um. Posting incorrect stats on purpose is dumb. Posting them because you didn’t check is ignorance.
Burns missed 4 games due to injury. He’s only played 25 games. 7+4+1+6+9=27. Tsk tsk.
Anyway, I need some more coffee, so I’ll be back later for an encore!
ms.c: inside or outside the laces?
I’m sorry. I’ve derailed Russoville with my velcro flap.
Carry on with booing Gaby and hating Riser…
Dan says:
Hey Russo, any truth to the rumor Doug isn’t going to sign Backstrom because he intends to go with the cheaper option and sign Ray Emery, in the offseason?
Dan, it’s not called a rumor when you’re the only one talking about it. The proper term is “speculation”, as in “you have speculated poorly”
oh jeez I love this one…Sorry guys, I can’t resist!
Why not rant now? Doug is as inept as they come. He’s never done a thing as GM in all the years he’s pretended to be one. Yada yada yada, yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada. Yada yada, bs yada.
Let’s assume due to the economy the cap goes down 2 million next year, blah blah, yada yada yada, blah blah. Blah, yada bs blah, I have no idea what I’m taking about yada yada yada.
Seriously, with so many expiring contracts in the next 2 seasons, there is no better time then now to start over, admit Doug and Jacques have failed, and start fresh with new management that would have the great opportunity to put their stamp on this team right away.
The economic conditions will affect every team the same, with the exception of the Canadian teams which must also deal with the exchange rate. Proper foresight would include prudence in uncertain times, and not overextending yourself on long contracts at this juncture. If fact, if I were the team CFO, I would be advising heavy restraint on committing any money toward the future right now. If you don’t like that approach, I’m sure the team will take your donation in the form of a personal check.
I wonder how many teams, with the economy terrible, and the cap likely to go down, would be willing to deal for Drury anyway. Drury isn’t worth the 7M cap hit the next 3 years in my opinion.
Who gave you this idea? It’s certainly not one of your own, considering it’s a correct assumption.
And an aside from Buddha: so… Dan in Minnesota is…
DiM
ROFL
back to DiM:
Wild 15-13-1
Burns at defense: 7-4-1
Burns at forward: 6-9
Um. Posting incorrect stats on purpose is dumb. Posting them because you didn’t check is ignorance.
Burns missed 4 games due to injury. He’s only played 25 games. 7+4+1+6+9=27. Tsk tsk.
Anyway, I need some more coffee, so I’ll be back later for an encore!
oops, sorry guys. it didnt display the 1st time, so I reformatted it. My bad!
Ms.C, Those. Are. Hilarious.
Pierre-Marc Boogaard, great, PMB no longer works as a definitive acronym.
PMBc and PMBg I guess?
It’s on the outside of the pants, between the laces and where the knit/stretchy/crotch part of the pants starts. You can see it here between the two flap things at the top of the thigh.
Ms. C… I have no idea then… and yes, there is a way…
between the laces and where the knit/stretchy/crotch part of the pants starts. lolol! I think there IS a term for this part!!
MuN- glad you enjoyed the DiM comment…
ms.c: huh…and it’s just hanging there? I’d just leave it and see if you can get used to it.
MsC - you have some high tech breezers!
Shhhhh, Buddha! I don’t know how you guys walk around with those things.
Yeah, MuN… but this blog blocks that term.
There’s not really any getting used to it, Nick. I don’t even notice it. I was just curious.
But now I’m kinda on a mission. I should write to RBK and ask them what it is. 
Long term Burns would make a bigger impact at forward? I think Jacque needs to stop smoking Cracque.
Isn’t that what JS Giguere uses to get his chest protector to pop up like a wall?
Maybe it’s a tear-prone part of the pants and so it’s a little reinforcement, while still allowing easy access to the bottom eyes for lacing.
Or not.
I was kinda hung up on that, too, Freezer. Haven’t enjoyed Burnzie at forward much at all.
I think toivo’s on to something. That’d be my guess too.
That’s a thought, Toivo, but why make it an openable flap? Just reinforce it. It’s a good 2″ from the last lace holes.
That’s a thought, Aaron. The only thing I can figure is that it’s to attached some upper body thing to, either the front of the jersey or maybe a strap down from the c/a, but that seems like fancy stuff for the cheapest goalie pants RBK makes.
But you see what a mystery it is, right? I read too much Nancy Drew as a kid.
OK, if it’s below the laces then that nixes that. I’m going with it being some kind of cheater appendage then.
Friggin’ goalies…
Meanwhile, I’m counting the minutes until someone complains about this conversation.
I’m off to get some lunch so I’ll let it go, but I’ll be sure to report back when I figure out what it’s for.
LOL Toivo. I know. Goalies are a PITA…
I’m doing a heat check first chance I get tonight because of this conversation!
In warmups maybe. We don’t have our regular shlub anyway!
Gaborik Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, What’s the over/under on how many games Shirley plays before another injury of hackeysack/air hockey/pool/foosball variety puts him out yet again? Predictions? 10 games over here. Hope I’m wrong- but I don’t think so…
We need offense so keep zids and bergy in the lineup! Skoula or Reitz should be the odd man out!! Skoula is a -6 with only 2 pts….that’s pitiful!! People say skoula bashing was last year…but he is straight up bad!!
Uh oh, who let Demo use the computer?
I think, Knight, that it’s going to be actual hockey playing that hurts him. When’s the next time the team is on bad ice?
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
So, now that Shirley is actually going to grace us with his presence-how many games before he is out with yet again another injury? I say 10 games,max. Others predictions? Tonight could be an ugly night in Wild history. I don’t think we can stay with the Flamers. Hope I’m wrong but I am thinking we go down 5-1 and Iginla and Phadumph have their way all over the ice, like they 99% of the time do against us. Giving up 40 or more shots a game and getting pushed around (and not pushing back) against Flamers is not a good recipe.
Has woodcock been out to see the band?
BNAG + 1
+/- can’t be the basis for the whole argument to sit Skoula.
Take a look at how many times an opponent has scored while Zid is in the box. Now take a look at how many of those penalties in which we were scored upon were stupid penalties. Now who’s been bad???
Oops- I guess my first post finally showed up. My bad.
Gabby will be booed tonite. He deserves it. Hope his buddy Tobin and Ronny Salcer are in the house…
Ms. C- I am not sure. Whenever we next go to Fla. or the West coast…
He’ll stay healthy for the rest of the year.
We need him healthy to get something for him. I don’t know about you but I want a decent return in a trade for him.
Of course remember that this latest ‘lower body’ injury was most likely caused by the hackey sack/soccer thing and not actual hockey. Hopefully, he choose to not participate in any off ice ‘activities’ and his ‘lower body’ will not be re-injured.
So we can trade him… ’cause there’s no way he’s re-signing here.
I boo you Max.
Goody - never hurt yourself participating in a seemingly harmless activity?
Gho$t is already gone…
All the time AiH. But I’m not a proffesional athlete with a history of ‘lower body’ injuries.
I’m not faulting him for it, just that hopefully after turning down a lucrative contract, injuring himself, missing X games, and seeing his trade value plummet (reflective of his potential payday); he’ll have learned something.
I know I’ve learned plenty from injuries sustained during supposedly harmless activities.
I’m saying hopefully this latest injury isn’t an indication that playing hockey is going to be bad for his ‘lower body’ since it wasn’t sustained while playing hockey.
I feel like we Wild fans have let Backstrom down by not getting him higher in the AS vote. He deserves a slot on that roster and I think he’s close enough that the team should campaign a bit to get people to vote.
I’m not much of an activist, but there ya go.
For example, I once hurt my wrist attempting to open a jar for the Mrs. It took several weeks to heal.
I hope you learned a lesson, Goody - no more jar opening for you!
Those are fancy breezers.
I did… the Mrs is stronger than I am as she’s the one that got the jar open without injuring herself.
I’m sure Gaborik has Sona do all the manly work around the house.
Flames played last night? yep, Wild will lose for sure. they haven’t won a single game all season against a team that played the night before.
Goody, wrist injuries are a female dog. Took nearly 2 months before I could put weight on my wrists without pain after falling on them in hockey. Of course, that was hockey and not, uh, jar opening… but still, I sympathize with your plight.
chewly, you exaggerate. We have won at least 3 games against teams who played the night before. Phoenix, Columbus, Nashville (game 1) comes to mind immediately.
For the record, I think that the Craque comment above was hilarious.
Ms. C: Smallest codpiece ever?
Alright… I dealt with a screaming, crying baby, fed same baby, prepared, scanned, convert to pdf and faxed some paperwork… come back, and we are still on the breezers?
I love it.
Everyone loves a good mystery, B.
Good time to be a caps fan.
Maybe I did order women’s pants, Jordan…
We’re gonna get this mystery solved one way or another, my friends.
AiH was correct. Sometime I really hate it that I have Google available at will. Did I really need to know this? Yes, I did!
Or I should say AiH was the closest to being correct. It’s a “belly pad” that connects, not the actual chest apparatus.
The Hockey News has an article, gifts for evey NHL team.
To the Wild they give:
“Minnesota Wild – A healthy Marian Gaborik, so they can trade him and move on with life.”
Nicely done toivo!
Best of luck Gabby, Thanks for all of the exciting hockey you have provided. Really hope you stick with the Wild.
Well hells bells!!! Nice work Toivo! I owe you a quality adult beverage for that find!
And I just looked in my pants (shut up) and it’s just like that. I hadn’t noticed the belly pad was attached with velcro at the bottom or I might have made that connection.
Though I have to say, it looks pretty damn silly to have it on the outside.
ugh, jacques wtf? burns mostly looks clueless and way out of his comfort zone up front, sure you could grind him down over the next couple of years and make him into an *alright* winger, but he’s already a *very good* d-man. further proof that JL’s “great hockey mind” spins a bit too much. jacques you are about to join JoPa in ‘the please just retire already’ club…
notice i find the idea of burns playing forward permanently so stupid i couldn’t even fit in a shot at dougie r.
Some people have heard about Prucha to Minnesota rumor. Probably won’t happen?
Uh.. what?
The only rumor on Prucha I’ve seen anywhere is him going to Nashville.
Show me another one, that’s not started by some tool on HFboards.
Prucha looks to me to be a guy with declining numbers, likely unhappy being in the NHL, adn wanting to “go home” soon.
Not sure the Wild need another sub 20 point winger.
MuN… but that where all the good rumors start, right?
Prucha = Kalus?
lol Buddha! Yeah, I guess so.. But I have a thought - to really be considered a “rumor”, I’d think someone “in the know” or with a source that “has real, knowledgeable information” about said rumor would have to have divulged some info about said rumor to be truly considered a “rumor”.
Did ya all follow me on that one?
Like, if I (who is not privy to any real info from anyone with the club, or the player, or the other club) suggested it, it’s not really a rumor, it’s my personal speculation.
But if say, Russo suggested it because someone in the organization mentioned to him something about it, then yes - that would be the start of a rumor. Rumors are unconfirmed, but they do have to have some merit and a tie-in to some party to the decision-making.
Not that Russo would ever do that without permission, but you get the drift.
Oh, and when you start the speculation yourself by asking if anyone has heard “the rumor”, and referring to your own speculation as a “rumor”, you’re just a tard suffering from delusions that you’re way more important and in-the-know than you are.
Kinda, Aaron.. But I think he’s got more talent. Prucha, that is.
Yeesh. I recall this summer when the Gaby-to-Rags rumors were floating, I asked my Rags fan friend who she’d give us for him and Prucha was her first answer. I knew right then, we didn’t want him.
Maybe it’s not gonna happen but a Rangers fan told me that.
Oh because Rangers fans know stuff. Heh. Just kidding. Love the Rags fans.
So, I’m trying to convince my parents to go to Shreveport for a Mud Bugs v. Brahmas match-up with me on Christmas Eve Eve. They don’t watch hockey and I kinda eat, sleep, and breathe hockey, so I’m trying to get them a little taste of it. Nothing like the Central Hockey League to whip them into a hockey-loving frenzy, right?
I dunno, Ms C.. Prucha sank us one game a few years ago with 2 goals. The kid has potential, but he’s the odd guy out now. But still, the kid had 30 goals in his rookie year, and he’s probably still got it in him. That was before Gomez and Drury and Zherdev showed up in NY though.
Considering his RFA status and 1.6M salary, he could be a decent pickup, but I’m not sure how good his D is.
I’d take a chance on him. Of course, it all depends on the asking price.
Actually toivo I think you were closer to being right calling it a cheater.
And I just looked in my pants
Last time I did that while at work… er, ok I’m gonna stop there.
Take it away Davey!
Oh dont lean on me man, cause you cant afford the ticket…
For 1.6M, pro-rated. Would cost us um.. 800k to see if the guy can score again.
And what to give up? I dunno. Maybe Rangers 1st, and Prucha for Pouliot?
Yeah, Aaron. Mine are a little different than pictured but that pad does hang down a good 3″ below the velcro spot. It would definitely stop a drifting puck, but it wouldn’t stop anything with any mustard on it.
They would probably have to trade Prucha for a draft pick. They can’t take any salary back. Kind of defeats the purpose of clearing cap space for Sundin.
but it wouldn’t stop anything with any mustard on it
Spoken like a true cheating goalie.
I think I need a little middle of the week beer action to celebrate the return of #10.
“Scoring for Minnesota, his 18th of the season and 5th of the game, Marion Gaborik, all by himself!”
Hey mister, the 12″ pads were cheaper and I still got the 11″.
But once a few 5 hole drifters get past me, you can bet I’ll be making that mod!
Nick Schultz has been in my dog house personally all year. His plus minus doesn’t show it because he is normally with our only scoring line.
So, I don’t know anything about James Duthie, but he called Mikko a “nice little player” on NHL Live today. So he’s officially going down as an idiot in my book. Nice little player… grr.
Wow. I just saw Martin Skoula smile.
I am perplexed as to what Jock-U is thinking with regards to IJ. You bring him up as a wing, convert him to defense where he develops into a future Norris candidate, plug a hole with him because the team is desperate for scoring and then proclaim he can make a bigger contribution at wing. Huh??
As much as I love IJ, it seems to me that he came into this season trying too hard to make the spectacular offensive play. Having watched him on wing, someone would have to explain to me what Jock-U is thinking.
Schultz has been MIA most of the year. I remember my coach telling me that when you don’t hear alot of noise about a defenseman, they are usually doing their job. Somehow I think Schultz bucks that saying.
