Calgary Flames 3, Wild 2 (OT); Nolan out through weekend; Must-see TV
Posted on December 17th, 2008 – 6:39 PMBy Michael Russo
The Wild got a point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t roll your eyes. That’s no small potatoes when you’re a team who’s last 13 losses have come in regulation. The Wild is making strides, folks! As Bill Murray said in What About Bob?, “Baby steps.”
“Baby step to four o’clock. … Baby step onto the elevator. I’m IN the elevator.”
A point’s better than no points I once learned in hockey writing school, and the Wild got back into the top-eight by a hair, although it’s five points ahead of 15th-place St. Louis. Who knew Saturday’s showdown would be so meaningful? We better clear space on 1A in the Strib.
I called it. Ask Russoville mayor Nick in New York. He had no faith and felt Marian Gaborik wouldn’t score. I did. 
The losing bet? I’ve just decided Nick’s got to cover next season’s game in Buffalo for me. That way, I don’t have to go to Buffalo!
I also guaranteed to columnist Patrick Reusse that Todd Bertuzzi would score a big goal tonight. Ice-cold players seem to often break out against the Wild (see Brendan Morrison as the most recent example), and the beloved Bertuzzi sure did tonight. After not scoring since Nov. 2, Bertuzzi got the OT winner on a sweet breakaway. Antti Miettinen blindly threw it to his point, where, uh, nobody was because Marek Zidlicky and Marc-Andre Bergeron, uh, pinched at the same time.
Zidlicky tried chasing the puck down, but Daymond Langkow, who earlier in the game scored a goal by having his pass deflect off Martin Skoula’s skate, dove and slid the puck to Bertuzzi. Backstrom couldn’t stop the puck, and then couldn’t stop Zidlicky and Bergeron, who nearly removed Backstrom’s lower body from his upper.
This came after Gaborik reminded the Team of 18,000 he can change games with one shot. Gaborik scored the tying goal with 4:43 left. In the end, the Wild still technically lost its sixth straight, but it at least got the point.
Gaborik heard the mix between cheers and jeers on his first shift. As predicted on “Russo Radio” tonight, if Gaborik scores, the fans would welcome him back — at least until he’s dealt. Gaborik joked afterward that before he became very popular again with the X crowd, the split was 70-30 cheering vs. jeering.
(Gaby, if it makes you feel better, Bertuzzi was booed a lot more and a lot louder).
Gaborik was rusty at times. He lost the puck a bunch, but he is a true game-breaker because of that lethal speed and shot of his. For instance, 51 seconds after Langkow’s goal, Gaborik set up Andrew Brunette’s 10th with a sick wrister that hand-cuffed Miikka Kiprusoff.
Mike Cammalleri, a potential free agent the Wild might want to go after next summer, set up the go-ahead goal late in the second. He beat Nick Schultz to a puck. His pass meant for Jarome Iginla deflected off Kim Johnsson’s stick right to Craig Conroy for a 2-1 Flames’ lead.
Iginla, by the way, didn’t have a point for only the 15th time in 44 career games vs. the Wild. Kiprusoff still got his 20th win against Minnesota — eight more than any other NHL goalie.
How good was Mikko Koivu tonight? Cal Clutterbuck also had a strong game and got shifts with Koivu and Gaborik when Lemaire felt the Flames started to push them around.
Speaking of pushing around, Derek Boogaard lifted Rene Bourque off the ice with a demolishing hit in the first period. Bourque, who was admiring his pass, got nailed, and the puck was nowhere near him. Should have been an interference penalty to say the least.
So the refs made up for the call by ignoring Andre Roy going after Boogaard and Cory Sarich and Kiprusoff punching Craig Weller repeatedly in the face. Weller got the lone penalty for interfering with Kipper.
On his next shift, Bourque blindsided Nick Schultz for what should have been a charge or interference call. Zippo. So Bourque and Schultz, who is Sarich’s brother-in-law, fought.
For much of the night, the Wild showed the TSN national audience in CanadIA just how, uh, it can’t score (now seven goals in six games). The Wild gets chances, but it rarely gets to the puck (see Dion Phaneuf, minus the top hat).
Brunette had two points and now has 184 points in his Wild career to move past Wes Walz for fourth all-time in Wild lore. Bad night for Walzie all around. Koivu got his 101st assist to move past Walz for fifth all-time.
The Wild is 1-4-1 in its past six against teams that played the night before. The Wild has given up the first goal in six consecutive games. The Wild has been blanked in six of the past seven first periods.
————————————————————————
I exchanged emails with Tom Lynn today. Owen Nolan (leg) is out through the weekend, meaning he’ll miss Friday’s game and Saturday’s game vs. the Islanders and St. Louis, respectively. Lynn said Nolan will be re-evaluated next week.
But with one game Tuesday vs. Carolina, like I said on the previous post, it’s likely Nolan’s out until at least after the break.
“Day In The Life: Nick Schultz” will debut on the NHL Network Thursday night at 6 p.m. The 30-minute episode follows Schultz for an entire game day on Dec. 5 when the Wild hosted the Vancouver Canucks. NHL Network will also re-air the show on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Here is the notebook I wrote on it a few weeks ago.
Funny thing: Ray Ferraro told me that Mike Greenlay is no longer in the Oilers’ record books. And of course, I told everyone, including FSN.
Before last night, Greenlay and Pokey Reddick were the only two Oilers goalies to give up four or more goals in the same game. Last night, Mathieu Garon gave up five and Dwayne Roloson four to Chicago.
Couple things Greener wanted to note when I relayed this to him: He had to face two Calgary 5-on-3’s with MacInnis and Suter firing away. And he also had an assist, a shorthanded pass to Mark Messier, who fed Craig MacTavish.
After the game, by the way, watch the FSN postgame. Ron Gardenhire, who has apparently never skated before, and Terry Steinbach will be going on the ice with Kevin Gorg.
Lastly, I had to trim this out of my notebook:
Defenseman Kurtis Foster continues to work his way back from a broken femur.
“I tried to hit Burns in practice and it showed me I’m not close,” Foster said. “When we hit, it dug into my [left] leg and there’s just not enough strength yet.
“But it’s getting better. I can take a couple quick steps now where I couldn’t before. And I ran on the treadmill at 7 mph the other day, which I couldn’t do before.”
As I told Foster after, I can barely walk on the treadmill at 4 mph. :)
I really must go. It’s after midnight, and believe it or not, I’m working two days in a row. Tiring, I know.
Talk to you after Thursday’s practice.
366 Responses to "Calgary Flames 3, Wild 2 (OT); Nolan out through weekend; Must-see TV"
Pokey Reddick… Helluva name. No Stylez though…
greenlay = horse’s a$$
I hope everyone is not expecting Gaborik to score a few goals tonight. He is not in game shape and I don’t think JL will give him more than 3rd line minutes.
It’s too bad Nolan’s out for this game.
Oh and here’s Eldon “Pokey” Reddick’s stats.
http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4499
Ouch, that Darby commercial was painful.
Go gaby, GO!!
I think I’d pay money to watch AND LISTEN TO Gardy skate for the first time.
did they really boo him during warm up?
Bertuzzi was on the ice also. It could have been for both.
I missed that Nick… I hope they did.
Rene Bourque is U.G.L.Y
And Reitz is sitting… Jesus.
Sorry Ms. C…
At least Burns was able to prevent the shot on goal when he bungled it up at the blue line.
Strong energy so far…
I didn’t hear any booing while Bruno was being interviewed during warmups.
Can we hold the puck in on the PP? Geez whiz.
this Winter Classic ad with Harry Caray (sp?) singing TMOTTBG is great IMO
Why isn’t this game in HD?
iiiieeeeee don’t think Roy really wants to bite that one off
Huge hit by Boogie. Wow!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGGGGEEYYYYYYY
That was me sunshine at 7:28 not 6GS.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Oh, there it is. Boogaard just needed to hit Bourque to get the HD to come on.
I hope all this energy results in the Wild getting the first goal it doesn’t do much if you can’t put the biscit in the basket.
Mute is your friend.
Borque is a sally
Um. Why is he beating up Schultzie?
Oh. Schultz made that choice. Okay.
Poor Schultz. Not a fighter. good for standing up for yourself, though.
With a name like Rene who do you think he is going to go after? The guy who doesn’t fight of course.
Come on Nick, slap him silly.
I have a feeling Mr. Borque may have to answer another bell in this one. Just a feeling…
I dunno B. I feel like they’re square now. He got some payback for the Boogie hit by tussling with a Wild player who doesn’t fight (but is perfectly capable of holding his own).
But who knows.
but I WANT him to get beat up Ms C… C’mon…
didja hear that ms.c? On TSN? Cal leads the NW division in hits right now.
That call seemed weak to me… but OK.
I agree with B, Ms C. I think he might get a visit from the Boogieman.
I have a bet with a coworker going on this game for a bottle of pop payable in January when I see him next on the out come of this game. He doesn’t watch hockey. I am really hoping that I lose this bet. He asked whether I thought we would win or lose. Not what I hoped would happen but what I thought would happen. He bet the bottle of pop on the opposite of what I said.
That looked like an elbow to Koivu.
Koivu got punched in the face with that hit, a nice calgary technique.
agreed Buddha…that must be why JL sent Boogey out to start it…you know, to even it up
Benny’s really just a big PMB… *sigh*
What a horrible powerplay, no control of the puck.
Alright. I’ll let you more experienced hockey people win that one.
And yes, Nick, he is. Except less likeable.
At least PMB can possess the puck for more than 2 seconds in the offensive zone. Pouliot just stands up tall, gets nudged, and watches the puck slide away.
The hit by Boogy was insane. That was crazy awesome. Anytime you can abuse a team coached by Mike Keenan its a good thing
*Bouchard has never looked so out of place.
*Lemaire should be fired between periods for not only putting Veilleux on the PP, not only putting the worst player in the league Boogaard on the PP, but for double shifting Super Groin. Is he trying to get him hurt?
*Boogaard deserved a charge, interference, or a board for his hit….pick one.
*It’s nice to hear the people in the X boo. The Wild can’t score 5 on 5 the way it is and the powerplay looked terrible.
Gardy! Gardy! Gardy!
Who fed the trolls.
I don’t think anyone did theo, I think they just showed up. Try not to feed them.
theo… pay no attention. That’s the resident troll. We have a boycott in place.
I’m the voice of reason while all these clowns act as if they know something when they clearly don’t.
Where has VOR been lately? Haven’t seen him around.
troll
Ferraro is particularly anti-Wild tonight. That’s fun. 
Is there someone at the game that can bid on the Boogie PJ’s for Bandgeek?
Ouch…
Hockey fights are just boring
Boogey is certainly making his presence felt tonight.
One punch and he’s done.
Way for Cal to draw that penalty. Nice hit by Clutterbuck as well.
There’s that “standing up for a teammate” after a clean hit thing you love so much Ms. C…
Kipper is on my fantasy hockey team but I will gladly take a lot of damage tonight on him for goals against
Would be nice if they’d shown what happened…
we look terrible through the NZ so far. Very few clean breaks into the Flames’ zone.
Jesus. I hope Cal lives through the game.
When what happened Ms C? What’d you miss?
I like the energy they are showing.
Nick in New York says:
December 17th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Ferraro is particularly anti-Wild tonight. That’s fun
TSN is so much better then the idiots on FSN. Plus, nothing I hate more then homer announcers. Chicken Parm just tells it like it is. Crap is crap no matter how you try to mask it. Wild are terrible and Chicken Parm is saying so.
MAB no stick… again…
BTW. I really have no genitals. I had them removed after molesting children.
Hit. The. Net. (please?)
Buddha, I missed whatever PO’d what’s his face there who went in the box for crosschecking Cal.
Man, what a chance for Cal there.
I wish they would give Boogaard some more minutes. Really making himself look good tonight.
can we trade Gaborik, Johnsson, and what would be our wasted 1st rounders for the next couple years for Phaneuf please.
I was reading John Buccigross’s article today and he said Niklas Backstrom (from the Wild) was from Sweden. Think Backs is pissed?
a nice clean hit on a teammate by Cal is what you missed ms.c
I wish they would promote Lemaire to GM too.
well, of course, KG…
I think at this point Backs might be used to it, might not like it but used to it.
Was a clean hit Ms. C. Shoulder to shoulder, open ice. Guy was all pissy for no reason.
Skoula scores!
Oh, wait…
Ah damn. Skoula.
(I don’t actually blame him, just couldn’t resist)
what a shock, it was Zidlicky and Skoula on defense. When will our idiot coach ever learn that not only are neither of them good apart, they’ll kill you together.
Now all you Russoville people who think I dont know it all can look at your tv screen and see what happened when gaby plays woth someone who can has some offensive talent with him. You get him more chances to score !
MIKKO!
Wow, we pulled back that fast?
bout time they put the KGB line together. 4 years too late.
BRUNO??
The Wild finally answer back like they’ve been answered on all season long!
BELA…everyone knows Butch doesn’t shoot bro!
Belanger is terrible. Why the hell didn’t he shoot !!!
That was a nice effort to get that tying goal. It looks like it gave them some spring in their step.
Started with Gaborik shooting at the net. Wow! We got a bounce go our way. Great work Koivuu, Gaborik, and Bruno.
good answer back.
way to go gaby, way to create the chance with a good shot.
Oh crap.
What are both Johnny and Schultz doing back there?
AGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
nice effort. schultz and johnsson caught behind their own net. blah.
Rasafrakin…
I’m running out of beer guys…
that’s good frontier jibberish, there, Buddha.
World’s weakest slash?
I’m running out of beer guys…
I only find I need one beer guy, as long as he brings enough beer.
JL probably listened to somebody tell him in the ppess box to get his head out of his ass. Now give him a try with PMB. Shep and Velliux please.
You see that JL would not play Gaby with Koivou and Bruenette until they were losing 1-0. How can Gaby get as many points as he could for this team if JL is going to play him with Mike Polich and Tom Younghans the whole game
we sure like to piss away momentum.
+1, I like it…
I dont agree with Burns at D. I am not convinced. Put him out with Gaby
what do you expect from this team? Gaborik was going to come back and they were suddenly going to learn how to play hockey and magically become the greatest team ever? they are what they are, a couple stars and a team of bargain bin extras.
Wow, did see Tortorella’s reaction there?
Can somebody please explain to me what that idiot means by a “true shot”? Is any SOG not a SOG. “A goaltender can read a “true shot”. WTF is that? Not too mention Terhaar calling Mittens by PMB’s name while he has the puck in the corner. Not just once, but twice. Terhaar (aka Dummy), Mittens, #20, right handed, PMB, #96, left handed.
Fire Terhaar and Greenlay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By far the worst hockey broadcasting duo.
What got Torts all worked up? NHL Network is blocked here in the Twin Cities.
BTW HGD, you can blame the first goal on Zids, not skating and picking up his man as usual. Same with MAB on the second. You guys see the replay from overhead? MAB and Brutezuzzi were even up in the CAL zone. MAB quit skating at the end, picks up about the weakest slashing call I’ve ever seen. MAB and Zids both need to have a seat in the press box for a couple games, bring back Reitz!!
Some of you seem to feel otherwise, but I think it is a competitive, enjoyable game.
outstanding shift from Gaby there.
This is probably the best game in the last week.
Nice to see opening with pressure. Kipper got a couple lucky pass breakups there.
I’m enjoying it IceMan. Would like to see the score reversed, but still…
POS composite sticks.
triple shifting Mikko here?!?
C-Buck is a freight train man…
How did you keep him in Houston so long Ms C? And how the heck did Pouliot get the call up first… other than being a center…
Shoot that Bruno, how is passing to the covered crashing man going to help?
why didn’t Bruno shoot that?? Had two guys going to the net…
Had to call that…
Clutterbuck got called up first last year. Pouliot only got called up because Belanger broke/bruised his toe.
nice play Mittens
uhh…Brent?
good to see Gaby on the PK and have some impact.
Didn’t know that sunshine. Good to know.
Seriously, just ice that puck, Burns.
Please no more penalites!!
Not to mention pouliot spent a year longer in the system as an ‘05 pick, cluts is ‘06.
Sunshine, they asked Torts whether he’d want Gaby on his team and he literally sat there with his mouth hanging open for 10 completely silent seconds trying to decide what to say. And then gave pretty much a No answer because of his injuries and his reputation for not having a great work ethic.
I dunno, Buddha, but I think it was for the best. He would have sat too much up there and he needed to be down here learning to adapt his game to the pros.
I have to say that I like the fact that PMB is at least attempting to get his nose dirty in this one.
This game will be tied with 4:30 left, making the call.
Gaby to Calgary for Iginla in my wildest dreams……
Into takes it strong to the hole…I like it man.
werry ah-grey-ess-uhv…
I love the Torts thing Ms C.
“Would you like Gaborik on your team?”
“Uh, yeah… no. We have Iginla. We’ll be fine, thanks for the offer though.”
Boogaard getting shifts in the 3rd has to feel like T-Jack getting starts again this season.
PMB Spin-o-turnover!
Spin-o-cough up there.
Bouchard is such a waste of money.
The 2nd look thing is annoying.
this team takes the zone with an astounding lack of authority right now.
Nick in New York says:
December 17th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Boogaard getting shifts in the 3rd has to feel like T-Jack getting starts again this season.
At least T Jack has some talent and makes himself useful. Boogaard should’ve got interference calls on both hits.
TSN just reported that Nolan’s out with a hammy
Gaborik with the tie!
WAY TO GO INTO on the TIED UP CALL!!!
GABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who said it the other day?
SHOW ME THE TRADE VALUE!
KGB !! KGB !! KGB !!
(4 years too late though)
OMG — Intobilion — Wow!
13 seconds off…my crystal ball needs polishing
Wow, such a quick release.
GABY!!!!!!!!
Wow… Into… what are the lotto numbers?
INTO: hold crap man.
That’s uncanny.
TRADE GABY! TRADE HIM NOW!!!
You just said it would be tied with 4:30 left, didn’t say when it would actually make that score. Let’s at least get a loser point out of this game if we can’t manage a win.
they just said that Gaby has 18 Pts in his last 11 GP against the Flames now.
I think Gillies is the only guy Gaby hasn’t been on a line with tonight.
these linesmen do not like Mikko.
Interesting how JL has had Cal out with Mikko and Gaby the first half of their shift, and the puts Bruno in for the rest of it.
finally a point.
Whooo!
A point!
Yes, we get a point in 6 games.
We got a point! WE ARE AWESOME!!!
I love dick.
ms.conduct says:
December 17th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Interesting how JL has had Cal out with Mikko and Gaby the first half of their shift, and the puts Bruno in for the rest of it.
Cal is tough and responsible in his own end, Brunette creates offense. Works good.
Who’s in a 4-way tie for 9th? Not us, that’s who.
I wonder if they call themselves fluffers?
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 17th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I love dick
you can steal my name and say whatever you want, I couldn’t care less, but that’s rather tasteless, especially for a newspaper site.
How many times is Pouliot going to attempt that same move?
MFer I can’t stand Pouliot. Get his lazy butt off the frigging ice, JL!
That just looked so bad. Why would you show a guy getting his legs rubbed? The Mr kept yelling “happy ending! happy ending!”
Did I miss a huge amount in the first 2 periods while I was trying to get my Christmas shopping done before it snows again tomorrow night.
Pool Boy, only Gaby sorta gets away with that and they are even on to that move with him. You just can’t split the guys like that anymore.
funniest looking cycle ever there
If MAB’s was a slash how was that not a hook on Mikko? I hate how the rules change in overtime.
Hey Band, did you catch that they are auctioning off Boogie’s PJ top from the commercial tonight at the game?
Wow! This is such a great game!1
Mittens has apparently garnered all the offense his contract requires of him already this season.
I sure hope I covered my tracks with that last post. I don’t want anyone to know the truth.
As if I didn’t hate Bertuzzi enough.
6 straight losses, 7 of 8, this team rocks !! ugh.
I hate Bertuzzi.
*sigh*
Sad ending, though.
Zids, MAB, press box, need we say more???
Frick
That RogueGopher comment was mine. Well, I get a pop in Jan. Was really hoping to lose that bet.
awwwwwwwww f88k.
You shizzen me RG?! Damn I wish I’d been there.
Mother Smurfer not Bert. Anyone but Bert.
Wooo loser point!
Not kidding Band, they said that you could have a friend at the game make bids for you. I tried seeing if anyone was there for you.
Zids skating too lazy there. He should have hustled back.
Can’t expect offensive d-men to be skating hard back, both Zids and MAb ae ofensive liabilities, no two ways about it.
Overall a better effort.
One point better than none.
This team still doesn’t appear to be able/willing to impose their will on a game.
One game NiNY, one better game that is, than the last five. They looked way better tonight, just never seem to be shooting when they should, or get enough traffic out front.
Probably for the best, the Mr already thinks my “obsession” with Boogie (and the little curls sticking out of the back of his helmet the last few games) is bordering on creepy. Imagine it would only get worse if I had the pj top.
Nice to have Ghost back, even if he’s a goner. Team seemed to have a little more jump tonight
A few things to say here…
1. Damn Minnesota is cold!!
2. Great game tonight overall.
3. Gaby scored, and I totally called it earlier today (OMG into on the tie call btw, wow).
4. Boogs can hit HARD.
5. We will win the next game.
That is all. Gotta go! Not much time to chat while with the inlaws! Laterz!
My Mr. has to put up with a goalie obsession so I hear you.
The 2008-09 version of the Wild just does not have it.
Glad we got the point. Gaby was everything we could have asked for short of a 5 goal night. But he won’t ever be enough for this roster. We need some big changes or a big overachievers.
Need to get JL’s ego and constant line changing out of the equation. I understand his system works, to an extent, but I think that if these lines would stay together more, offense may very well improve. Big changes, not really, just need one more bonified threat, along with a smaller overachiever, and get rid of the deadbeats like MAB and Zids
Poor Gardy just does not look natural on skates. This is funny stuff.
*insert obnoxious tirade about Zids and MAB*
*no really… very very obnoxious and over the top*
*and irrational*
*like “somebody forgot their meds” irrational*
The one positive to come out of this loss is that I had forgotten how much of a spark Marianne brings to the offense. His trade value rose 500 basis points tonight. In fact if I thought he’d re-sign, I’d like to have him back next year.
Now I just hope we can get a 25 goal scoring power forward, a solid prospect centerman and a 2nd round pick at the trade deadline.
Did he really lift the puck on his shot? I’ve been playing hockey for 6 months and can’t do that. I call shenanigans…
With a healthy Gabby and a couple of our youngsters stepping up (Sheppard seems to have a pulse again, Benoit seems to have taken a step backward) I think this team can contend, without Gabby this team is on the bubble.
MsC do we really need shenanigans? Do we really need to break out the pitch forks and torches? Isn’t it a little cold for that? I think it’s only like 5 degrees out right now.
It’s perfect shenanigan weather here, BG.
The team is a playoff team, where in there remains to be seen. With Gaborik the rest of the year, I would say division champs. But that’s probably not going to happen, so we’ll see what immediate return he brings. Whatever it is, 6th seed or better should be theirs.
Once playoffs start, anything goes, but definitely not a favorite. If only we had some depth production (and solid D, where did that go?) we could be powerful.
I’m not crazy about stepping on one of your predictions on this night, Into, and I do hope you’re right about them being a playoff team.
But they’re sure fighting it lately.
Berglicky sent our solid D packing.
Bertuzzi had more gas in his tank than he has had for several years.
No justice, for him to get GW goal, only worse if it was Matt Cooke.
NiNY, a losing streak will do that to a team. Every mistake ends up on the score board.
Frustrating for all. They will come out of it. I think they are a more complete team than they were last year whether they compile as many points, who knows.
It’s frickin’ freezing here Mr Bigglesworth…. I mean, MsC. No shenanigans here, just the extra blankies tonight. I’m off to bed. Later!
I know its hard to believe but PMB was the shot leader tonight with 5 followed by Gaborik and Veilleux with 4.
And here’s my game rating tonight, based on the keys I have been looking for:
(all ratings 1-10, 10 being best effort)
Getting to loose pucks: 6 Flames still manage to out-hustle them from time to time consistently.
Shots on net: 8
Haven’t seen the box score yet, but I’d guess it’s just about 30. That’s respectable.
Making plays: 3
Probably why we’re not getting more goals. See if this sounds familiar… Rush up ice, pass onto the wing at the red line, chip it in and 1 guy chases, while 3 change.
Then this… rush up ice, pass to guy along boards who skates in over the blue line and gets run into the boards while 3 guys behind him skate in circles and 2 defenders are on the loose puck.
Plain and simple, there’s no sustained rush into the offensive zone - everything is pretty much along the boards, and we lose the puck down low. Part of the problem is you have 4 guys gliding or standing still watching the puck carrier - and once he’s in the offensive zone, there’s no one for him to be able to move the puck to. Other teams have keyed on the fact that standing up at the blue line and/or riding our guys into the boards will cause them to cough it up. Fewer sustained rushes, fewer real good scoring chances.
There’s another aspect of this, like when we do get a couple guys over the blue line with speed, the shot is from the outside, and we don’t get any second chance opportunities. 50% of the shots miss the net or they’re pushed off cross-ice into the corner, when a defender corrals them and begins a rush the other way. So, you get your shot, but it’s a weak one, and not a lot of opportunity to get a rebound unless the goaltender is soft with the puck.
Penalties: 8
Anyone notice Zidlicky didn’t take his usual 2 tonight? Penalties were about even, finally.
Intensity: 7
Much more jump in their step, and a few guys were flying! It was a far better effort than we saw in the 2nd and 3rd in Anaheim, and that was better than the previous 4 games.
Starting to look like an NHL team again.
Best performances? Clutterbuck. Hands down.
Side note on Gaborik, I didn’t think he’d get the kind of ice time he did, and his 2 points were key in getting the regulation tie. Hopefully he can keep this up, we need his offense to win games, and his production to boost his value.
Remember: The more he scores, the more we get in return! 
SRV has had lots of criticism from posters lately. I watched him more carefully tonight. He does what he is expected to do.
Puterschmidt, no question that Gabby is talented. I hope he continues to play like that. Maybe just getting back on the ice changes his disposition.
But, if he does not want to be here, then I still want him gone.
Intoblivion says:
December 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The team is a playoff team, where in there remains to be seen. With Gaborik the rest of the year, I would say division champs. But that’s probably not going to happen, so we’ll see what immediate return he brings. Whatever it is, 6th seed or better should be theirs.
Once playoffs start, anything goes, but definitely not a favorite. If only we had some depth production (and solid D, where did that go?) we could be powerful.
This team will have to learn how to score, learn to play without Gaborik, and somehow manage not to completely fall apart on the road to make the playoffs.
From February 22-April 7, the Wild play 16 of 22 on the road.
The SRV shots are more surprising than PMB. He actually did a good job shooting tonight.
Man, I love love love these Kings third jerseys. I dunno what it is about them.
It doesn’t matter if Gaborik wants to be here anymore. He’s done and gone. I think the Wild can’t take his injuries anymore and just want to get the best return they can get for Gaborik.
So now, its for Gaborik to stay healthy and the Wild to insure that he stays healthy and score some big goals.
hey Cartman!
Man, I love love love these Kings third jerseys. I dunno what it is about them.
It’s the 70’s!
Dan, is you’re middle name Capt. Obvious, or are you related to Kevin Falness?
I guess it is sort of the retroness of them that is appealing to me. I hate logos that look “new”… (Sorry Wild)
From wild.com re: Bruno’s goal
[ A couple of intermission notes from PR guru Aaron Sickman. First, Andrew Brunette says the goal is definitely his. Second, Derek Boogaard’s jersey got ripped, apparently during that fight with Andre Roy. He put the second one on while on the bench, and it apparently made quite the noise while stretching the fabric. ]
Michael, Friday’s game on in HD or what? I’ll bring the beer
Gosh, Valiquette’s blocker looks so comfortable. Mine’s so cruddy.
Ah, no.. It’s on 45 I think. I’ll check though
But they’re sure fighting it lately
and this is what it is i believe. fighting it.
bandgeek, if not mentioned there was a silent auction for a derek boogaard nightshirt. I didn’t notice if it was “game” worn or not.
for a stretch tonight, no one was willing to drive the net. we’d gain the zone and stop, look to pass. it’d be nice to mix it up sometimes.
from my angle, which was close to what belanger had, he had more net than a tuna boat captain to shoot at, on his 2 on 1 with pmb. i don’t know if he even looked at it.
i swear chuck norris was invisible tonight. i rarely noticed him.
didn’t seem like the boys were intimidated like they usually are vs the flamers. good sign.
And with that, I’m off. Way tired.
Hello agin folks… one more thing I have decided to share… there are few things better in this world than sitting outside in a hot tub when its -4 degrees and having a nice frosty brew to sip on. That is why MN is awesome.
Anywho… good game tonight, hopefully the boys keep the intensity up for the game next Tuesday! See you all at McGovern’s before that game!!
Oh, and Iggy didn’t get a goal tonight… what gives? Usually he is good for 1, if not 2 against the Wild.
ATX… get out of the hot tub, roll around in the snow, and then get back in.
NICE!
Wow, sick PS goal by Rozsival.
Hey, does anybody know downtown Minneapolis? Do the even streets go East?
That is why MN is awesome.
Unless you don’t have a hot tub and then it’s just effing cold. 
I can’t figure why my neighbor has a hot tub. I think they’ve used it about 3 times in 5 years. I think they just like to spend money.
Even streets go East because 6th street takes you to Highway 94E and 3rd street takes you to 394.
If that is east…I am not very good with directions.
Isn’t that what Google is for?
Unless you don’t have a hot tub and then it’s just effing cold.
That is a very fair point.
Hot tubs in TX are pretty much pointless for sure.
Buddha, I have yet to do that… I should do it at some point.. I think it’s supposed to snow more tomorrow right.
Back to hockey… I was really not sure how I would react to Gaby coming back, but the team responded very well IMO. I really do love watching that guy play. He may be a primadonna, money hungery whore, but he is fun to watch… offensively that is.
Anybody else notice that Iginla was neutralized tonight? Mostly by Koivu?
Wild in ATX, I would say the streets in Minneapolis go east and west and the avenues go north and south. There are exceptions.
Marc Staal was better looking yesterday. What the hell is that about?
Damn. Aeros lost in the shoot out again, but this time they put a cold Schaefer in for the SO. This time it was because our guys couldn’t score. Like parent team, like farm team…
Wild in ATX, I would say the streets in Minneapolis go east and west and the avenues go north and south. There are exceptions.
I am picking up your sarcasm….
Anybody else notice that Iginla was neutralized tonight? Mostly by Koivu?
And yes… I commented on that eariler.
fatboy, it is on 45, I am sure.
From February 22-April 7, the Wild play 16 of 22 on the road
How many of those games are actual road games and how many are home Dan?
I’m about as fed up with the Gaborik situation as everyone else but man, how are the Wild ever going to replace what a healthy Gaborik brings to this team. One other point. Do you think that Gretzky yells at Phaneuf for wearing a visor after he takes out a few Yotes when they play?
Try again:
From February 22-April 7, the Wild play 16 of 22 on the road
How many of those games are actual road games and how many are home games played on the road Dan?
Yeah… but did he fly to Slovakia with all kinds of wonderful graphs and charts?
bandgeek, if not mentioned there was a silent auction for a derek boogaard nightshirt. I didn’t notice if it was “game” worn or not.
Comic gold!
Okay, I am out for the night. Cheers everyone! Maybe we will see you at the Isles game on Friday (thinking about getting some sclaped tix). Night!
ATX… even streets run East, yes. Odds, run West.
Google Maps shows arrows…
SGS - Nice call on the road games.
Just returned from the X and it was a pretty entertaining game for a lose. I didn’t hear much booing of Gaby especially not after his goal. I second everyones opinion that they are just trying a bit too hard and every mistake ends up costing them.
Mark my words there will be plenty of takers in the Gaby sweepstakes if he continues to play this way. Not seeing him for so long makes one forget what a game changer he can be.
ATX - I have 2 tickets to sell in Sec. 201 - email me at sixgoaliesystem@comcast.net if you want them - I could get them to you at a bar before the game.
Man, they have to fix this, I almost posted as Sunshine…
Not many boos for Gabby tonight. Even when he first took the ice. I would say more cheers. No idea if it has anything to do with lack of O lately. People like O.
It was cocky by the arena people to give an extended shot of Gabby on the jumbo after his goal. No boos, as I expected. It was even more cocky to put Boogies hit into the “power hits” segment during the commercial break.
In an ironic twist of fate when I saw Jarome “Chuck” Iginla on the ice I saw Skoula all over him D-in him up. Must say though, I expected him to score at the end. So I actively sought him out.
I’m with G*, half the net for Bela, could have shot a dump truck through there. I was disappointed with Bela’s game tonight out of anybody. He just wasn’t in sync.
I don’t know why Rene Borque went after Shultzie so hard, but he went after him hard like Shultzie owed him money or stole his girl. Any reasoning behind that reported?
I loved it every time Clutter checked Bertuzzi and Mrs. Cuthbert or Mrs. Former Avery’s sloppy seconds. All clean hits.
Roy’s back was to me when I saw what I thought was Boogie bringing the hammer down, so I didn’t know if it was flush. But my beer guy said it was a good finish. He also told me to turn around to point out some unnatural “lungs” on a blond. You gotta love a good beer vendor…
I came to the game hoping for just a point and we got it although it was $hitty at the end. Sometimes it only takes a little bit to break a slump and turn it into a complete reversal.
Finally, if Gabby wants to leave he will leave. If he leaves I wish him well. None of this, if he wants to stay here I like him, if he wants to go I hate him crap from me. Meanwhile, I will enjoy watching him play in person while I can.
By the way, the streets in Minneapolis run east. They go to St. Paul. The better side of the river.
Ha did you guys catch Gardy busting on LaPanta for “having his hair glued to his head so it doesn’t fly around” obviously talking about LaPanta’s terrible toupee. Bust out laughing I TIVOed the game and it was PRICELESS…
All that and I don’t even equal 1/10 of a MuN post… Wow.
I don’t care what Gabby does. I wouldn’t expect a 25+ goal power forward a #1 and a prospect. His lower body parts put that right up there with Santa and the Tooth Fairy and that Mark Parrish is an “offensive asset”.
As I recall, Bourque checked Schultz hard near the front of the net. Schultz didn’t like it and hit him. Then the gloves were dropped.
Why the check so hard? It was a few minutes after the big Boogie hit and I think Bourque just wanted to hit someone hard as revenge. Schultz was in primed position to be checked hard.
That is pretty much what I thought. He just wanted to pick somebody. But I saw Schultz skating backwards and get hit from behind which caused me and the guy I was at the game with to wonder why that wasn’t called. Then there was more action and Bouque came after Schultz again and hit him and Schultz hit him again almost as it to say, “what gives?”, then the gloves were dropped. Bourque came out of nowhere for the second one.
Were you at the game? Maybe it looked different on TV.
No, that’s what it looked like on TV. Rene’s hit looked to be shoulder to shoulder, maybe slightly from behind but not blatant enough.
I have to view tape again. I was too worried about Schultz being that he’s not a very good fighter.
Anyhow, the moral to that story is that I was wondering if there was some score to settle or if Bourque just picked out Schultz to drop them with because he seriously went after Schultz. It had absolutely nothing to do with Schultz hitting him back.
And my other suspicion was that Bourque was mad and picked a non-fighter to pick a fight with. And he picked it aggressively. I give cred to Schultzie for giving it a go. Even though he basically didn’t have a choice.
definitely your 12:12am post.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Great, so we’re back to one scoring line. Yipee.
How’d Burns do on D?
Michael- awesome coverage and thanks for including the trimmed items in the blog.
I agree with the posted comments on picking a fight with Schultz… he fights as often as I dive into a mosh pit.
Goody- coach JL liked Burns play at D- long stick and all (post game comments) and the Don’s updated blog has the covered.
Don’s updated blog has the covered.
I’m not seeing it.
Even streets go East because 6th street takes you to Highway 94E and 3rd street takes you to 394
but 94 runs north and south in mpls so how can it run east?
In my part of the hood, my house faces north and I live on an aveneue.
DB’s hit was awesome but a step late. I thought weller was helped into the crease at which point kipper helped himself to some exercise. then schultz bumped a guy off the puck, as he retreated to the front of the net he was blindsided out of nowhere. then renae circles back and hovers over him. it was in the other end so i may have missed something.
Roy needed to be prodded into dropping them with DB and I guess he had good reason to be apprehensive.
Dickie: Mark Parrish scored 35 goals in two seasons with the Wild. For a team that is so offensively anemic as the Wild, 35 goals in two seasons is almost an all-star for this team offensively. Obviously Parrish’s 35 goals in 2 seasons may not mean a lot to many other teams in the League, but when goals are so scarce around here, 35 in two seasons from one player doesn’t seem that bad.
G*: agreed on Boogie’s hit. Splattered him good, but considering the history of the refs towards Boogie, it was a small miracle that he was not called for boarding, charging, interference, etc, and then assessed a 10-minute misconduct for being huge.
Into…I am not as prescient as you, but when I saw Zids and Princess MAB on the ice together in OT I said.
“Oh No. Bergeron and Zidlicky are out together. This can’t be good.”
And then boom…Bert sent everyone home unhappy. Including me.
Green*…IJ didn’t dominate…yet. But he looked good.
Gho$t is looking for redemption (and a fat contract). If he keeps a 2 ppg pace up for the rest of the year, he’ll get it.
PMB Spin-o-turnover! We said the exact same thing at the exact same time NiNY…
I don’t know who said it but +1 for the ‘great, now we have 1 scoring line’ post.
Buddha - in case it wasnt brought up already, congrats on being mentioned on Puck Daddy!
Six Goalie System, I sent you an email about the tix.
Key things for me at the game last night.
First things first: By a show of hands, who here would rather have Bruno on this team than Huggy Bear? I will explain this later
Second: Marian better be giving a part of his 9 mil contract next year to Bruno. He worked is @$$ off behind the net to get that puck to Gaby for his first goal back (Trade Rumors should begin…. NOW)
Third: Although Boogies hit on Borque (sp?) was late, as a person sitting 2 panes of glass over and 5 rows up… BEST. HIT. EVER.
Fourth: Good shodowing on J-Chuck NorrIginla. He was relatively quiet all night.
Last: It HAD to be MAB and Zids… and it HAD to be Bertuzzi? Ugh…
So, Burns had 24:09 on the ice (highest among the D), even +/-, 2 shots, and 1 takeaway. Playing wing for so many games must not have had too big of an effect.
Green*…IJ didn’t dominate…yet. But he looked good.
i concur
DB’s hit was a step late but they seem to be letting that go lately, unless the player you hit looks dead afterwords. if instead of struggling to get up, renae decided to lay lifeless on the ice DB would be looking at 10 to 15 games. A lot of comparisons could be drawn between DB’s hit to downie on macammond last year.
Gun:
I appreciate the work Bruno can do down low, but this team is in such dire need of finishers, that I would take the 30-goal scorer, although Bruno is more than effective behind the net.
G*: Did Downie leave his feet when he buried Mac last year? I don’t recall, but from my seat it didn’t look like Boogie left his feet. It was late, but it didn’t look like he left his feet.
Two days until I fly home.
Three days until outdoor ice skating.
Five days until the Canes game at the X.
Good times are near.
Let’s go Gaby.
Other than it being a step late, Flames fans didn’t seem to think it was a bad hit.
Russo: you drive a hard bargain, but I accept your terms.
Burns had a really bad turnover trying to come out from behind his own net. It led to a great scoring chance. If it was Skoula there would have been a hundred posts about it by now.
And the same thing almost happened again later in the game. That is probably some rust. But in general he was quite solid for his first game back at D.
NiNY: It wasn’t a bad hit. Clean, hard, elbows/stick down. Just a smidge tardy. That is probably the last time Borque (?) admires a pass along the boards.
I didn’t think downie left his feet, if he did it wasn’t until after the hit. DB didn’t leave his feet. OTH, burrows leaves his feet and draws a 7 minute power play. davison smashes nicol 3 steps late and almost ends up in the bench after the hit.
I firmly believe if Renae stayed lifeless on the ice, an arm would have went up and DB would be out for 10+.
the League and refs, react to the result. koivu gets his leg broken but hobbles off, slap on wrist. macammond looked dead, downie gets a quarter season taken away.
that’s all i’m saying.
G* +1
Although it was a tough game, physically speaking, and the fact that NayNay didn’t flop like a crappie on frozen Lake Minnetonka, I was still stunned that Boogie didn’t get called for something.
Green* ++1
So, we got a point.
At least we got that goin’ for us.
At least we got that goin’ for us.
Which is nice.
AustinTXwildfan - you have mail.
DB: Sorry, I still think I would rather have Bruno. Rolston hasn’t produced this year. I understand he has injured, but he could have just as easily been injured here with a $5 Mil price tag, and think of the complaining Wild fans would have if that happened. Bruno is an iron man, he’s nothing if not consistent, and he sets up goals. Do we need finishers? Yes. Would I want to pay Rolston $5 a year to take slapshots on breakaways? No.
Sorry, I got in a heated argument with some @$$clown sitting next to me last night about this, right after he told me that because he was in the next section over (even though he was sitting next to me in the corner), his tickets were $11 cheaper. And he repeatedly asked me how my $11 more expensive view was.
Considering we’re paying Butch $4.5 mill a year, spending $5 mill a year on a legit 30-goal man seems like a bit of a bargain. Although, I would like to see Bruno, Franchise and Blur stay on the same line for a while, even if it does relegate us to 1 scoring line. I’d like to see the team use it’s offensive weapons in a way that gets the most out of them. Playing Blur on a line with Shepp and SRV makes little to no sense whatsoever.
Sorry, $4.1 mill for Butch.
Gun- Thanks. Always nice to get the nod from Wysh. Even if the bulk of the post was the pick from NHLol… but hey, you take what you can get, right?
NiNY - When do you run for re-elction for Mayor? I’ll not only vote for you, I’ll help with the campaign. I have helped on several in the real world… none of which were successful… so, you know, I have experience.
Jesus Gun… what an a-hole! This is why I don’t talk to strangers… the odds of them being douchebags is just too high.
Agreed on the lines there, DB. Yeah, we’re down to one scoring line but we have none otherwise, it seems.
Point taken on Belanger, but your points are much more considerate than the guy’s last night.
Gun:
Also, look at the games Huggy has played the last 11 years. He has been an iron man of his own. This year is an abberation compared to his career. I can also agree on the frustration of watching him take a slap shot in the shootouts, but scoring 30+ goals is still scoring 30+ goals. Whether you kick them in, they bounce off your backside or you finish a pretty 3-way passing play. 30-goal scorers on the Wild roster are gonna be reall hard to find by the end of the season.
Oh, and Gun, next time to see that wet fart of a human turd in the next aisle, tell him to move back to Vancouver
Deep, I get it on the one scoring line thing. IF they produce, keep them together, though it won’t keep me from longing for (dare I say it?) 2 scoring lines.
Ms.C, Mind if I use that (if I can remember it) when my kid’s old enough? “Kid, don’t talk to strangers -the odds of them being douchebags is just too high.”
The Gabby situation…
When we all speak here about it we speak from the point of view of a Wild fan “sign him” “trade him!” etc. but when looking at it from Gaborik’s side, I really don’t know why he would want to stay.
He is going to get a boat load of money no matter where he ends up playing. He is in the prime of his career and will soon be a free agent, allowed to choose where he wants to play. Sure he is going to be traded, but he will be able to decide whether or not to sign a long or short term deal and can therefore dictate where he will end up for the long term. He can decide to play for a contender, he can decide to play in a really nice city, he can decide to play for a team that has some of his good friends, he can attempt to find a team that has all of this. Why lock into a contract with the Wild for more of the same thing? He’s been here for 7 years, ya the Twin Cities are nice enough but we’re no LA or NY or Toronto, Montreal, etc. And really, I don’t think we are a team on the cusp. You can argue that the Wild have done quite well for themselves in the relatively short period of time they have existed, but we have a ways to go before we are pushing the elite teams in the league come playoff time. If I were in Gabby’s situation I do have to believe I would want to see what else is out there. And I do believe that is what he will do.
Goody: absolutely on the multilpe scoring lines, but we simply don’t have enough up front for two legit scoring lines. Breaking Blur off with Shepp and SRV to give the team “depth” is a misnomer. Roll with 1 legit line that has a chance to score every shift and hope the others can start to pull their weight a little bit. With Bruno’s ability along the wall, Franchise’s ability to do everything else and Blur’s ability to score from any point in the offensive zone, you would think that line could be more than effective.
DB- Not arguing with you, I promise, but the one scoring line thing does not seem to be working in Ottawa.
DB: I will have my chance on Jan 3rd. I have the same 2 seats from a season ticket holder friend, and he is also a season ticket holder.
I hate talking lines when JL is the coach. I really do. We could come up with the perfect solution and it wouldn’t last more than three shifts.
6GS, you have mail.
And he repeatedly asked me how my $11 more expensive view was.
Seriously, who does this? What a dick. I would have thrown my beer at him. Hmmm.. on second thought, that would be a waste of beer.
Green* ++1
now that is different than 1++ right? my C++ is rusty…
bruno not only sets up people, he will pot 20+ garbage goals
rolston would be really nice to have right now. but i don’t desire him.
it seems quite common to covet that which we don’t have over that which we do…
Yeah… nice first impression right? Maybe I was arguing with him just for the sake of arguing. I don’t know, but I don’t like him
I was hoping he wasn’t anyone on this blog
“That is probably the last time Borque admires a pass along the boards.”
And this is why Boogaard adds value (as long as he can do it without taking penalties). Fear and intimidation are part of the pro game. More so in the playoffs. When Boogie is doing his long sweep through the offensive zone chasing down the guy with the puck and the guy with the puck see’s the 6′8″ Mack truck coming at him AND the puck carrier knows that the Mack truck isn’t going to just poke check him with his stick (al a Sheppard & Skoula) the puck carrier starts to think more about getting his head crushed like a grape than making a good outlet pass. I like it. I like it alot.
Cripes, Jock had Boogie on the PP last night. Jock has either gone mad, or he’s a genius. Time will tell.
What? A Wild fan arguing for the sake of arguing? NEVER!
Maybe it was Dan sitting next to me…
Dan was on the blog last night but you never know, he might have whined hard enough that Ms. Cartman caved in and bought him a Blackberry
The hit was a little late but if you watch the replay on tsn.ca you will see he did not charge. There was no elbow, maybe a little boarding since Borque was about 2 feet away when Boogey clobbered him. You could tell Boogey was lining him up from when Borque curled around the left side of the net.
It took Boogey a little while to get his hand free in the fight and when he did, ROY paid. Earlier in that period I was watching through the binoculars from the penthouse seats and noticed Boogey asking, “Do you want to go?” and then he would point to the next guy, “Do you want to go?” It was quite hilarious.
It is too bad Schultz had to pay for it. Schultz fighting is like Skoula taking a slap shot.
It was a nice 1st goal by Skoula last night off his skate trying to defend.
On a positive note: Zids, Bergeron, Burns, and Johnsson looked good.
Why will PMB not shoot the puck and when he does, it is a bad shot?
Ripping on Dan is so last week anyways.
It is too bad Schultz had to pay for it. Schultz fighting is like Skoula taking a slap shot.
Watching Schultz fight is easier than watching Voros chest people to death last season….
On PMB: at least Gaborik’s excuse all season has been that he was hurt - regardless of what he was doing when he got hurt.
Per THN, Zetterberg is believed to be seeking an extension in the 8 year, 8.25 Mil per range.
So if he signs in Detroit for this much, is that considered a hometown discount? I would think he or Hossa could get 9 mil per if they really wanted to this summer.
I’ve seen other teams use PMB’s blue line curl move, but they’re good at it. Somebody should explain to PMB about doing the same thing twice and expecting a different response.
Well since Detroit follows the Lindstrom Doctrine, I would say its not a discount.
I agree on the $9 million per.
Couldn’t watch the game last night, how did Gaby look?
Pretty good Steve. He coughed up the puck a few times, but had about 20 minutes of ice time looking like his old self.
He looked good to me, Steve. His hands fought with his feet at times, but his goal was vintage Gaby. A few more games like this, and we’ll be able to get something for him.
I agree with heather, he looked pretty good the whole game. Looked like he tired a bit quicker then his linemates but that is to be expected after such long lay off.
What was and has been frustrating with the wild during the loosing streak is that they don’t take the puck to the net, not even when they have the chance. In addition several times last night it was like they hesitated on which player should go after a loose puck. Then of course the calgary player would swoop in a pick it up.
The curle move patented by PMB seem to be contagious and are now being tried by others as well, just stop it! Now I understand you cannot go for the net all the time but the lack there of is so apparent.
I’m looking for an even better effort against the Islanders and a victory to go with it.
Steve R says:
December 18th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Couldn’t watch the game last night, how did Gaby look?
Koivu and Gaborik were outstanding, the rest of the team, not so much.
I would add that Bruno was pretty good himself. Curling aside, PMB looked like he had a little more zip to his game.
The other players just don’t know what the heck they are doing. They all look so lost.
I thought Boogie had a great game as well. Great hit on Bourque, a bit late but nothing unusual in todays NHL and a solid spanking of Roy.
just saw the preview of A Day in the Life of Nick Schultz on wild.com and his son is so cute.
I saw that, too, Sunshine and now I see why the guys were teasing him that it was going to be boring.
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Koivu and Gaborik were outstanding, the rest of the team, not so much.
Everyone make a note!
December 18, 2008 12:04pm Dan said something positive.
Of course the positive note was tempered by the stuff after the first comma…
On PMB: at least Gaborik’s excuse all season has been that he was hurt - regardless of what he was doing when he got hurt.
Exactly.
heather…perhaps PMB is insane?
Curling aside, PMB looked like he had a little more zip to his game.
I had slightly less impact on the game…
I am just not a fan of PMB.. he always plays around with the puck until he loses it, i agree that Gabby at least had a reason..
I really like gaborik..
If PMB is insane, it would explain a lot about him.
I wish i could have gone to the game last night…
Woohoo! We’re going to the game tomorrow night!
sunshine says:
December 18th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I would add that Bruno was pretty good himself. Curling aside, PMB looked like he had a little more zip to his game.
Bouchard turned over the puck quite a bit and was knocked off it quite often too. He also looked completely lost on the PP.
I prefer insane to just plain stupid.
I’m sorry, G*. I know I disagreed with you at the time of the Downie hit too, but…
Just saw the Boogaard hit on Bourque. I just don’t see how anyone could make the comparison with Downie’s hit.
this
vs.
this (click on the MN vs Cal highlights)
I’m just not seeing how the two hits are even close.
this
vs.
this (click on the MN vs Cal highlights)
I’m just not seeing the equivalence here.
stupid moderator
I’m being moderated too… Not sure what for.
I guess people on the road haven’t figured out THAT IT ISN’T SNOWING OUTSIDE ANYMORE.
ok….So who leaves when Nolan returns?
I posted links to videos of the Boogaard hit and the Downie hit.
In short,
Downie hit = textbook headhunting
Boogaard hit headhunting
Maybe late, but there was no run at the guy from the blue line or a launch at Bourque’s head. Had Boogaard done that you better believe Bourque would have been lying unconscious on the ice. Heck, Boogaard could kill a guy if he put a hit like Downey did on someone.
Blades, I think we have a full roster with Nolan right now, so I don’t think anyone moves. Weller would be the most likely guy to scratch though when he returns
Oops, should have used the other not equla operator.
Boogaard hit != headhunting
Nobody leaves when Nolan returns. Nolan is not on IR. Clutterbuck is in for Foster.
Now, if you are talking about who plays in the game — Boogaard most likely unless we are playing Anaheim and the Flames, then most likely Clutterbuck out and Boogie in.
Puck,
You are right on with the Gabby.
He was fun to watch while he was here, as was KJ. I will still be a fan of him, even if he wins the cup on another team.
I keep forgetting about Weller. Yeah, richard b is right. Weller.
with mosish gone from blue line we don’t have a roster problem i believe.
toivo, I think more than one link automatically triggers moderation - I’d guess it’s an anti-spam thing.
They should do a Day in the Life of Cal Clutterbuck, or Brent Burns. Either one would be great
Attention Russoville Capologists: this is from Dater and I am curious if this is within the rules - I will be disapointed if the Stars don’t have to suffer more for the bad contract they gave Avery.
The latest Rangers whispering I heard this morning is this: Rozsival to Dallas for Sean Avery, then the Rangers send Avery to the minors. That way, the Rangers remove a big salary off their books, the Stars rid themselves of the Avery headache and his salary, and the Rangers don’t have to have Avery’s salary on their salary cap for the year as long as he stays in the minors. They’d still have to pay him his $4 million-plus per year, but if he’s in the minors it wouldn’t count against the cap.
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2008/12/18/foppa-in-denver-but-hes-still-got-a-place-here-remember/
I have not been on this afternoon due to some xmas shopping… but all I gotta say is PMB had more SOG than any other Wild player last night.
I guess people on the road haven’t figured out THAT IT ISN’T SNOWING OUTSIDE ANYMORE.
Don’t get me started on that crap. People were just plain stupid on the road today.
Does the Rangers have soooo much money that they can absorb Avery’s contract?
Took me 35 minutes for a 5 mile commute at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Enough said
I think Rozsival is making like 5 mil per, so they could take on Avery’s contract even if they send him right to the minors.
Its still a waste of money to pay Avery $4 million to be in the minors. If it was for 1 year, okay, but for 3 additional years?
I was listening to Gorg on KFAN and he thinks its Gaborik for Kovalchuck. Gorg….um, Waddel knows he won’t get Gaborik to re-sign there so why would he trade for Gaborik to lose him in 4 months and lose whatever he gave up for him?
sunshine, it would be a waste of money to give Avery $5/hr to sell hot dogs in the concourse.
Sunshine - maybe in his mind, Waddel thinks he can get more for Gaby at the deadline than Kovulchuk… I dont agree, but its a possibility.
FOOD!
I take that back - forgot Ilya isnt a UFA until the end of next season.
