Late Monday hola; Lynn: Bergeron out “weeks” as opposed to “days”
Posted on December 22nd, 2008 – 5:03 PMBy Michael Russo
Good late afternoon almost evening here from briskly cold Minneapolis.
If you’re on Facebook, here’s the new Star Tribune Sports “fan page.”
Million things I’m juggling today, so sorry for the late update.
Assistant GM Tom Lynn said Marc-Andre Bergeron, who leads the Wild defensemen with 16 points, is out a matter of “weeks, not days,” due to a lower-body injury. He didn’t want to peg an exact time frame, but obviously it’ll be into the New Year. Defenseman Erik Reitz will take Bergeron’s spot in the lineup, and with Kurtis Foster still a ways from returning, you can bet this puts a halt on any possible trading of one of the Wild defensemen.
Center Eric Belanger, who spent a night last week in the hospital because he thought he was having a heart attack, actually had pneumonia. I’ll have more on this in tomorrow’s paper, but he practiced today and plans to play tomorrow against Carolina.
Right wing Owen Nolan will be reevaluated after the Christmas break, but Nolan is skating on his own now. Nolan’s injury coincided with the Wild’s turn for the worse. He’s missed seven consecutive games, and remember, Nolan was injured Dec. 5 in the first of the Wild’s six-game losing streak. Leading up to that game, the Wild’s power play was on fire and he had goals in four consecutive games.
Lynn also said Marian Gaborik will be managing his injury for at least a month. So he’ll be judging his own discomfort and decide when he needs to take a practice off or leave practice early. Lynn said that’s normal, and with only one back-to-back before Jan. 19-20 games, Lynn feels Gaborik should be fine to play every game (unless of course there’s an aggravation).
Speaking of Gaborik, I know from my email basket you all are up in arms about the Gaborik for Ilya Kovalchuk trade rumors. As I reported while we were in California, I was told the Wild and Thrashers were talking trade, and then suddenly, GM Don Waddell showed up and watched the Wild on back-to-back days. During the first intermission of the Ducks game, Waddell and GM Doug Risebrough were having a long, very significant-looking chat. In other words, this wasn’t your typical press box, “How’s your family doing?” conversation between GM’s.
I was told Friday by somebody that something was going on between Minnesota and Atlanta regarding Gaborik, but I haven’t reported it for two reasons: 1) I haven’t been able to confirm it internally with either team, and 2) The Thrashers acquiring Gaborik makes such little sense to me. They just dealt with the Marian Hossa circus last year, and I find it extremely hard to believe Gaborik would sign long-term in Atlanta.
The Thrashers are 11 points out of a playoff spot, so acquiring Gaborik would be, as one confidante put it, “a hail mary of epic proportions.”
But Waddell’s under immense pressure there, and maybe this would be his way of showing he’s not throwing the towel in this early.
As for the Kovalchuk part, he’s a true superstar but not exactly known as a “team guy.” But if it’s not Kovalchuk, I don’t know whom it would be. The Thrashers don’t have a lot of forwards that I think would interest the Wild other than Kovalchuk, and nobody I talk to thinks they’d trade Bryan Little.
Kovalchuk has one more year left on his deal, so boy, if this did go down, imagine a second straight headache of Kovalchuk extension talks, and then, perhaps, Kovalchuk trade rumors. If Gaborik’s Hossa The Sequel, then Kovalchuk could be Gaborik the Sequel. I just don’t see the Wild putting itself through that again.
One other minor detail, but Waddell told the Atlanta Journal Constitution a few weeks back that he’s not trading Kovalchuk. Of course, I’ve seen coaches fired days after public votes of confidence from a GM, so I don’t know how much stock should be put into Waddell’s comments.
Regardless, there’s a trade freeze until the 27th, Doug Risebrough’s in Palm Springs for the holiday and these type of trades aren’t easy to pull off.
Incidentally, the scouts I talked to in St. Louis say it’s clear Gaborik is still laboring and is not pushing 100 percent. Also, there were several scouts there, including one I talked to in my hotel lobby who were just in St. Louis to watch Niklas Backstrom. Scouts are beginning their look-at-this-summer’s-free-agent tour.
Couple other things:
– I talked to Hall of Famer Clark Gillies today about young Colton. Funny story here. I’ll probably throw it in my game notebook and tomorrow’s blog.
– There’s few funnier things than when Niklas Backstrom starts talking smack. I was shooting the breeze with Derek Boogaard today and Boogaard asks me if I thought his hit on Rene Bourque would make Don Cherry’s Coach’s Corner. Backstrom, eavesdropping while straightening up his stall, blurts out, “Yeah, because you finally hit a guy. Usually you just miss.” Boogaard’s reaction? “What are you talking about?” The two then had one funny back and forth. Backstrom said Boogaard hits nothing but glass a lot, and Boogaard said, “Yeah, but that scares the heck out of everybody, so that’s good.”
Boogaard’s brother, Aaron Boogaard, who plays for Wilkes-Barre, is in town for the holidays. His dad’s coming too for a big Boogaard family reunion.
Boogaard leads the Wild with a plus-5, by the way.
– Apparently the Wild’s trying to reinvent Brent Burns’ shot. Assistant coaches Matt Shaw and Mike Ramsey worked with Burns for a long time after practice with his shots from the point. Belanger said his one-timer looks “funny” now because you shoot different as a forward than a defenseman. Shaw was out there with a video camera and a laptop to show Burns how he’s shooting.
Lemaire said Burns is doing too much on the ice. More on that in tomorrow’s paper.
– Oh, and Lemaire went on an entertaining rant today about the holidays. He’s not happy he’s not allowed to practice on the 24th and 25th, and that there are no games in the NHL.
“You know, the holidays, I don’t like the holidays – in this game, never did,” Lemaire said. “I know it’s a nice time to spend with the family and all that, but the holidays are killers for certain teams. Other teams, when you have a lot of potential on your team, you can be half-good as you can and you still win. But a team like us, we’ve got to play like it’s a playoff game and it’s hard to be there during these days. You’ve got people at home, you’ve got family, you’ve got friends, go to bed a little later, get up a little earlier, don’t get the proper rest, eat too much, shop too much.”
Then he looks at me and goes: “You know, shopping can kill you. I’ve tried to tell my wife, ‘Shopping kills you.’ She said, ‘No, I feel good when I go shopping.’”
Bye Bye. Talk to you tomorrow.
178 Responses to "Late Monday hola; Lynn: Bergeron out “weeks” as opposed to “days”"
How much time does Kovalchuk have left on his contract? Seems like a strange deal.
Jonsey, great point…forgot to address that…i just threw that into the blog.
Kovy has another year to his contract so will end summer of 2010.
Russo, interesting that you say Gaby wouldn’t sign in Atlanta - what in your opinion is he looking for? More than just money and length of contract?
Jonsey says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
How much time does Kovalchuk have left on his contract? Seems like a strange deal
cap hit is 6.4M this year and next.
his hit the rest of the year as of today is $3,825,920
Anyone else feel like writing the wrapup in the russoville hockey league? Send me an email if so. I don’t feel like it. 
alexjack says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Russo, interesting that you say Gaby wouldn’t sign in Atlanta - what in your opinion is he looking for? More than just money and length of contract?
location. location. location.
Kings will have about 30M of cap space after this season. Plenty of room for Gaborik, Hossa, and Backstrom.
Personal attacks now, Greenstar?
i’m not the one who started with the backhanded rip on logic and reasoning.
if you don’t like that i think it logical, yet highly unlikely, that atlanta would make a deal like that, fine. but to say without saying that i’m illogical and unreasonable then that’s what you get.
Kings will have about 30M of cap space after this season
so will atlanta. with kovalchuk they have 10 players signed for 20 mil or so.
KiPA, my wrap-up would be something along the lines of, “Ms. Conduct continues to suck. The rest of you can go to hell.”
Maybe Waddell was advising Riser on how to deal with this pickle he’s in, seeing as how there’s quite a lot in common with his Hossa issues last year and Gaby issues this year.
Or maybe they were saying, “Russo’s watching. Look serious and intense but tell me how your golf game is going.”
Hey, at least I don’t have to a) feel bad for Reitzy or b) hate MAB for a while.
So you assume her comment was directed at you? My, aren’t we self-centered.
But whatever, dude. Happy f-ing holidays.
Doesn’t Atlanta have fewer cap restraints next season than any other team if they trade Kovalchuk away? I saw a figure of 10 players, $26 Million under contract for 2009-10. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong…
Inquiring mind wants to know:
Will there be Florida sunshine for the Don this holiday??
“Hey, at least I don’t have to a) feel bad for Reitzy or b) hate MAB for a while.”
I am glad beyond glad Reitz is in. Add the contempt for Kuba I had to the deep and utter lack of confidence I have for Skoula, and you get my feelings for MAB.
“Defenseman Erik Reitz will take Bergeron’s spot in the lineup, and with Kurtis Foster still a ways from returning, you can bet this puts a halt on any possible trading of one of the Wild defensemen.”
Ms. C… who is the likely replacement should another Dman go down? In other words, who is the next call up for D?
Wild Road Tripper says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Doesn’t Atlanta have fewer cap restraints next season than any other team if they trade Kovalchuk away? I saw a figure of 10 players, $26 Million under contract for 2009-10. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong…
they are in the same boat as the Wild, nobody wants to play there, but it’s because they suck while the Wild problem is the head coach and his terrible style are unliked.
Atlanta would have about 30M of cap space as well if the deal was indeed Gaborik/Johnsson for Kovalchuk/Armstrong.
Buddha says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
“Hey, at least I don’t have to a) feel bad for Reitzy or b) hate MAB for a while.”
I am glad beyond glad Reitz is in. Add the contempt for Kuba I had to the deep and utter lack of confidence I have for Skoula, and you get my feelings for MAB.
“Defenseman Erik Reitz will take Bergeron’s spot in the lineup, and with Kurtis Foster still a ways from returning, you can bet this puts a halt on any possible trading of one of the Wild defensemen.”
Ms. C… who is the likely replacement should another Dman go down? In other words, who is the next call up for D?
Stoner or Scott probably.
Maybe Waddell was advising Riser on how to deal with this pickle he’s in, seeing as how there’s quite a lot in common with his Hossa issues last year and Gaby issues this year.
The most likely scenario. Good one, MsC!
unless the Wild can make a sweet deal for Gaborik, like using Gaborik towards getting both Kostitsyns, the Wild should really hold on to him and let him walk for nothing. Wild could use the extra cap space.
So you assume her comment was directed at you? My, aren’t we self-centered.
But whatever, dude. Happy f-ing holidays
no offense dude but it was right after you said why my scenario wouldn’t happen. and I was the only one talking about it. not self centered…just can connect the dots.
and i’m not sure what is so personal about suggesting sunshine is the judge and jury of what is logical.
Depends on which D-man they’re needing to replace. But I’d wager Scott since they obviously liked what he was showing in pre-season (and has looked greatly improved this season in Houston).
I think Noreau is still too green but will eventually be a very good smaller O-D. Just won’t be fully cooked this season, I don’t think. Stoner is a Reitz clone. If that’s what they want, he can do it, but I doubt that’s what they’ll want.
I saw a figure of 10 players, $26 Million under contract for 2009-10. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong…
no need to correct. kovalchuk cost 6.4m hainsey is next at 4.5m
*feels guilty for just pointing out just those guys because the Aeros defense is so damn good and they all play on the NHL team in my heart, except Mojzis*
Not to mention the legal/contract aspect, can you imagine Kovalchuk playing for Lemaire?! Pretty sure Ilya has not entered the defensive zone in his entire NHL career.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Maybe DR and Waddell in a huddle is because there is a multi-team trade possibility.
Atlanta moves Kovalchuk, Wild moves Gabby, and the third team ante’s like kind players and choices/prospects.
NjS019: Not to mention the legal/contract aspect, can you imagine Kovalchuk playing for Lemaire?! Pretty sure Ilya has not entered the defensive zone in his entire NHL career.
So what? Gaborik is also a ‘cherry picker’ like Kovalchuk is. Trading one cherry picker for another is acceptable, provided the cherry picker we get here wants to stay here.
Kovalchuk is a LOT more durable than Gaborik is. FWIW, I’d take my chances.
Yeah, Ilya has never been on a decent NHL team, ever, but he’s a combined -78!
The thing I like about Ilya is he plays more like AO then Marian. Ilya has that physical edge to him that Marian shies away from.
I think everyone is barking up the wrong tree with Kovalchuk. It’s Gaby for Todd White and Esposito. Win-win for everyone! 
Durable yeah, but well documented as a ‘bad lockerroom buy’, again, not that Gaby’s a treat, either way, very unlikely that this deal happens.
Wathing Schultzies ‘day in the life’ now, good stuff.
BTW, all of this lutefisk talk has made me feel shame. I’m Lutheran (or at least that’s how I was raised) but I’ve never even seen the stuff.
I don’t think I can find any here in California, either. Lutefisk road trip?
Maybe I need a new moniker. Lutefisk Roak Tripper! (Not to be mistaken for Wild Road Tripper of course)
Roak?
Stay away from the lutefisk, if you haven’t had it yet you’re incorrigable, don’t feal bad about that either.
I may be incorrigible and I don’t feel bad about it, but I’m going to eat lutefisk someday! I feel it’s my Lutheran duty.
There’s few funnier things than when Niklas Backstrom starts talking smack.
Nobody sees it coming from the Finn, and then, “Smack!” There is no known defense for the FinnSmack.
I got FinnSmack from some bad tuna once.
Pick your poison! I can appreciate the ‘right of passage’ mentality.
Pascal Dupuis scores!
He is one hairy dude…
Interesting point about Nolan being out coinciding with the skid coinciding with Russo’s observation of fragility after the St. Louis game.
I think one of the big reasons why he was brought on board was to be the boot up the team’s bum when they started sulking. I think he provides that (along with a bit of offense, too).
Although I find the Kim Johnsson C theory interesting as well. He was playing really well before he got that C slapped on his chest, and ever since he’s been pretty bad. Just an odd coincidence?
I’d sign up for that Facebook, Strib fan page thingy, but I don’t want Reusse cyberstalking me.
The team has been bad, too, since Kimmy got the C (or as I like to call it “when Mikko had the C ripped from his chest”), not just Kimmy.
Maybe, if the team goes the way of the captain, Cal should be wearing the C.
and toivo’s on fire today! Hi-oh!
I may be incorrigible and I don’t feel bad about it, but I’m going to eat lutefisk someday! I feel it’s my Lutheran duty.
LMAO
I got FinnSmack from some bad tuna once
You are not alone. FinnSmack does not discriminate among its victims.
why do I get the feeling ms.c’s sitting on a big, fat “I told you so” about the Mikko/C thing?
Too bad my fire is a little late to the party. Stupid west coast time difference…
Because you’re SMART like that, Nick!
I personally didn’t think the C made any difference, and I’m still not sure that it does, but dang if it hasn’t been like night and day since December started.
agreed, toivo. I still think it has more to do with Nolan’s absence than the lack of a C on Mikko’s sweater - sorry, ms.c.
C-Buck for captain?
I am, 100%.
Also, for all those who care, I have settled by jersey conundrum. I have a white Rolston jersey to be converted to a number 9 Koivu, and I have a blank red jersey to be made into a Clutterbuck masterpiece.
I wonder who gets that C come January.
nice, Buddha. Good calls.
FWIW: All my sweaters remain pure, beautiful, unadulterated NNOB.
We all know it won’t be Cal.
I’d put the following as potential candidates:
Mikko
Reggie
Bruno
Burns
Schultz
I’m gonna go with Reggie. Don’t know why. I was leaning Bruno, but what I know about Lemaire says Belanger.
FWIW2: I saw Yes Man so that none of you has to. (I know, I’m a giver.)
Four Christmases is not terrible…
But Yes Man….uh…no, man.
I sort of remember going to movies. Not since the daughter was really small and we could do the baby brigade night at the local movie house that did that sort of thing.
toivo: we used to go all the time. Then kids happened and it’s been four years since we’ve really been able to go. But we got ourselves a babysitter now and we’re just starting to stretch our legs and try out this thing called a Social Life that I hear the teenagers and people without children talking about.
it’s great, but there are some moments…like when the guy sitting behind us at the movie whispered to his date that he was going to the bathroom, I stood up and said “okay, I’ll take you, but lets go, quick like a bunny. Daddy doesn’t want to miss the whole movie…” awkward…
Babysitter? Social life? Are these English words?
Just kidding. Sort of.
And the bathroom thing… My daughter’s not even there yet, but I get that joke!
OK, time to go home. Be back at about 11pm MN time with more wit and FinnSmack!
And I’m bringing rum!
toivo says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Interesting point about Nolan being out coinciding with the skid coinciding with Russo’s observation of fragility after the St. Louis game.
I think it’s more of a coincidence then anything. Nolan offers very little these days. He works his butt off, and tries hard, but he isn’t nearly the player he use to be.
The Mr is very proud that my cookies made MsC’s blog.
but he isn’t nearly the player he use to be.
no but he does go to the net and is still respected by other teams. he will get the goals that you have to score in today’s NHL. not the reason for the downturn but i think a contributing factor
I just heard one of the Sabers players swear. Hehehe… I really need to get a good nights sleep, can you tell?
Any deal involving Gaborik for Kovalchuk would be a steal for Minnesota. Gaborik will never play enough in a season to be considered great. Kovalchuk could be a piece of the puzzle that help the Wild make the Cup Finals.
Trade Gaborik already!!!
Hossa probably has warned Gaborik off Atlanta and that’s why he won’t sign there. Remember when Gaborik tried to enlist Hossa for the Wild, DR said that Gaborik and Hossa met every morning for coffee. He could get traded there or maybe sign a one-year deal to pad his stats but I don’t think Gaborik will sign a long-term deal.
Nolan goes where most of the Wild players fear - going to front of the net. Against the Isles when the Wild were crashing the net, they were successful at getting goals. They didn’t do it against the Blues.
Hey the Wild and FSN just announced that they will show an Aeros game as part of Hockey Day MN. Its of course at 1:35 AM but its the Aeros.
It will be the Toronto Marlies vs, Aeros. The benefits of Tivo!
unless the Wild can make a sweet deal for Gaborik, like using Gaborik towards getting both Kostitsyns, the Wild should really hold on to him and let him walk for nothing. Wild could use the extra cap space.
Hard to disagree with you, Dano. The Wild have placed themselves in a worse position than the Twins were with Santana. Why would any team overpay in a trade, when they can not be assured of a long-term contract with petulant, Slovakian prima donna?
Well, don’t you think prospects and picks with no salary included are better than letting Gaborik walk for nothing?
Nothing vs. picks and prospects…..hmmmm?
I keep seeing the adds, and web banners for the Wilds Fantasy Camp and all I can think is that it sucks I don’t have any “real” hockey experience. We didn’t get a girls team till it was to late for me. They need a beginners Fantasy Camp. Maybe if they did I’d finally be able to do a hockey stop with out my tush hitting the ice.
Hossa probably has warned Gaborik off Atlanta and that’s why he won’t sign there
agree. i think the slovakian mafia is plotting world domination and will be reunited somewhere warm with lots of cap space next season.
Hey bandgeek, I appreciate your willingness but perhaps you should strap on some blades, rip off the pom-poms and go to your local pond/rink for starters?
I’ll give you some lessons if nobody else will…
NiNY…’quick like a bunny’ is the youngest kj daughter’s favorite ‘hurry up’ saying. She’s 4.
And tougher than Gho$t… 
Green*… They’re not plotting anything to end up together on the same team - and that’s from an inside source in Slovakia.
They already are on the same team… the Slovakian National team.
Yeah BG…like Rob Schnieder always says:
“You cannnn DOOOOO eeet”
lol good point!
Actually, if they wanted to be on the same team, it would have been here, THIS YEAR - as DR would have signed Hossa, and they would have made Demitra an offer instead of Rolston. Coulda.. but it wasn’t in the plans. Hossa wants a cup badly, and he’s “national hero” status in Slovakia.
Boogaard leads the Wild with a plus-5, by the way.
The seventh sign!!!
Then he looks at me and goes: “You know, shopping can kill you. I’ve tried to tell my wife, ‘Shopping kills you.’ She said, ‘No, I feel good when I go shopping.’”
Love him or hate him, that man is funny.
Could it be possible that the Wild are going to give up some young talent for Kovalchuk? Gabby Koivu Kovalchuk line…sign me up!
I can skate NjS019 (and I used to do so WITH pom-poms) just not well. I just don’t have the required experience for the Fantasy Camp. No girls hockey till my senior year and by then I’d hurt myself cheering for hockey, and wasn’t allowed to skate for a period of time (stupid bum knee). I’m just lamenting the fact that you have to have playing experience to go to the darn thing.
“I’m Veruca Salt.”
“I thought that was a kind of wart.”
Johnny Depp is an excellent Willy Wonka.
Points, in order:
I’ll be proven right on Mikko and the C. And even if Nolan comes back at the same time, I’m still claiming the win.
Good job, Buddha on the jerseys. Have your cake and eat it, too!
Who the hell is Reggie?
BG, I still can’t hockey stop, but I get by in novice league. You should find a D/Novice league to play in and just go for it. You’ll be ready for next year.
Kolber looks so cold, her lips aren’t working right. I’m sure Joe Namath would like to help with that. If that isn’t my favorite sports broadcasting moment of all time, I dunno what is.
BG…obviously you’re watching it too…
MUMBLER!
(my 5 year old says that to me all the time)
kj, it’s one of my favorite movies. I never cared for the old one (found it kind creepy) but this version is cool.
BG-
Merry Xmas!
(Click on my name… doooooo iiiiitttt….)
Oh, and that’s great about the Aeros game, Sunshine! Though that’s going to be the first game back after a long road trip, so that’s always kind of a weird transition game.
Kick a$$!! Now my cookies are on 2 blogs. Does this make me famous?
You’re practically Mrs. Fields!
Martha Stewart beware!
I could kick Martha’s butt… except she probably knows how to make a festive holiday shiv now.
Come on Chicago! Dagnabbit!
Night all! I only have to work a half day tomorrow, but then I have to come home and wrap one last present, pack for me and the Mr, and the dogs and finish the lefse and make Christmas dinner for the Mr and I (sorry Austin, don’t think we will make it down to McG’s). Than I get to open pressies from the Mr. Watch a hockey game. So early to bed for me. Later!
ms.c: rooting for da Bearssss or the Pack on a Minnesota blog may be dangerous to your health. FYI.
Actually, I’m rooting AGAINST Green Bay, but that requires me to root FOR Chicago.
Reasons for Russo to understand why Gaby might consider a move to Atlanta
Open style of hockey in the East
Warm weather and Bikini Bottoms. He is single
He is a matter of business type of a guy. Meaning if he is paid good money, he may conduct business of playing hockey as just that
Atlanta does not have anything to lose
Warm weather and girls
Nick… if the Pack wins, the stupid Vikes win the Division. So cheering for the Pakc may be acceptable tonight. I think Ms. C is just spiteful though.
I could give a rip either way.
geez…how’s a guy supposed to catch the ball if it hits him right between the numbers?!
Nope, it’s purely a FF situation. I wouldn’t even be watching the game (and it’s going so badly for me, I’m not really anyway) if the Super Bowl weren’t hanging on this. But it’s clear there’s no way I’m going to win. Hester’s gotten almost no play and GB has at least two interceptions. FUUUUDGE.
Commencing learning to appreciate Runner Up….
Commencing learning to appreciate Runner Up….
atta girl…NOW you sound like a Minnesota football fan. We’ve got more bridesmaid dresses than a David’s Bridal annual sale.
kj says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
BG…obviously you’re watching it too…
MUMBLER!
(my 5 year old says that to me all the time)
I watch that every other night as I go to sleep. Good backround noise. Great movie when I’m awake too!
New to Russoville. well, not really, just never responded.
buddha: i have a gaborik jersey with his name already removed. looking for a new name to put on it! or scramble gaborik’s name into something else. help would be appreciated.
what’s up NETminder1?
g-a-b-o-r-i-k doesn’t really scramble too well, eh?
I’m thinking you’re going to want to go with a whole new name/number combo.
Mister Know it all, what do you think JL is sayting here with this comment he made to JL ?
“I know it’s a nice time to spend with the family and all that, but the holidays are killers for certain teams. Other teams, when you have a lot of potential on your team, you can be half-good as you can and you still win. But a team like us, we’ve got to play like it’s a playoff game and it’s hard to be there during these days.
Anagram for Gaborik….. Brag I ok
Netminder… how about “Grab!” (flip the i to make the exclamation)
Can’t even tell you how much I want a new Wild t-shirt so I can use my Gaby one to dry off the dog after his baths. It’s criminal that there’s no Koivu one, but Burns will do. (But I want the retro Flyers Hextall shirt even more. I mean, Hextall! ZOMG, I’ll totally wear orange for that.)
I mean Russo, sorry guys
Captain America, I think that JL is trying to set the stage for his team. I think fans and players had expectations of what the teams results would be at this point. I think JL is thinking his team is better off taking the position of the underdog. I think they would play better also
Who the hell is Reggie?
Mr. October, Eric Belanger.
My nicknames never stick around here, but I do amuse myself with them anyway.
They broke Burns 
They broke Burns
You bastards!
My favorite part about the Strib’s new facebook page?
It has to be how when you click on Russo’s picture, it pulls up LaVelle E Neal’s bio.
Really has me wondering if Russo is real, or if maybe it is just a pen name that Neal uses in the baseball off-season.
The team did not exactly go into a spin. Just a mistake here and there but because they only have one Koivu there is not much opportunity to dig out a late goal if they let in a bad one.
My guess for Captain would be:
Mikko
Bruno
Belanger
Maybe in that order.
If you guys have Gaborik sweaters to re-name.. Just leave the #, but change the name on the back to “GHO$T”, then wear it proudly whether he’s here or not, knowing people will completely understand.
I think you just blew my mind, Mo.
Nicely played, Toivo.
Speaking of Reggie, tough week that guy had last week! Glad he’s on the mend. What a stud, playing through an NHL game with p-new-moan-ya. Geez louise!
Oh, a glass of chocolate milk would hit the spot.
Funny, when I mix up the letters G-a-b-o-r-i-k I get either
Uncle Moneybags
or
Gho$t
But, I went to Johnson so that might explain it.
If you really squint hard enough, G-a-b-o-r-i-k becomes “shredded weiner”. But you really have to squint hard.
Anyone (toivo) know a site where I can find conditional stats? What I mean is a stat like “Most penalty minutes since 2004″ or “face off wins in the playoffs”
“You know, the holidays, I don’t like the holidays – in this game, never did,” Lemaire said. “I know it’s a nice time to spend with the family and all that, but the holidays are killers…”
Drill Sargeant Jock at it again. Imagine this same message/sentiment every day for 82 games. Anyone who’s had a coach (or boss) like this knows that these types of leaders wear thin. This approach probably works in the minors and maybe even when a player is in his first couple years in the NHL but eventually I gotta beleive established players eventually tune out and go rogue on the coach, and the team. Get a little more creative Jock or ‘choose to spend more time with your family and pursue other interests’
“Apparently the Wild’s trying to reinvent Brent Burns’ shot.”
Hallelujah!!!
I was just telling someone the other day that we have to take Burns off the power play…his shot is killing us. Always high, always misses the net. He did have one nice low shot on a late power play Saturday. I think Bruno got a rebound chance off of it.
We should make all of or D watch tape of Phil Housley. Although Bergeron manages his shot pretty well on the PP.
g-a-b-o-r-i-k doesn’t really scramble too well, eh?
When I plugged it into an anagram generator it give you these options:
Oak Brig
Okra Big
A Gob Irk
A Bog Irk
Bark Go I
Ark Gob I
Ark Bog I
Ark Bi Go
Personally I would go with Bark Go I.
Just a reminder about today’s Russovlle meeting at McGovern’s… I feel that a few people here may have felt excluded from the festivities so I just wanted to say that EVERYONE in Russoville is invited, From the NiNY, Ms.C, kj, Toivo etc’s… all the way down to the MKiA, Dan, and Mike’s. Just wanted to put that out there. We will be upstairs around 4pm ish.
It’s obvious that during his time out to heal his shattered leg, that Fozzie spent lots of time explaining to IJ how to shoot the puck.
Also, for everyone who would like, I am almost done with the Russoville bunker. It is here that we shall hide from the world during the stretch of games from the 28th to the 8th…
Ouch.
As a Caps fan, I think Ilya for Gaby is a great idea. Gets Ilya out of the SE for one, and Gaby might only play against us 2 out of the 4 that we have against Atl this year. Kovy is a wee bit more durable than Gaby, I think the only time he missed last year was after the knee hit from that d-head Rutuu.
Also, for everyone who would like, I am almost done with the Russoville bunker. It is here that we shall hide from the world during the stretch of games from the 28th to the 8th…
Count me in - I will bring the Spam
I like Big Okra (and I cannot lie, you other brothers can’t deny…)
Kovy is a wee bit more durable than Gaby,
I see what you did there…
What I do where?
Kovy is a wee bit more durable than Gaby,
It’s like you were saying Kovy’s wee wee is more durable than Gaby’s. Maybe I just have the mind of a 12 year old.. I dunno.
Nice ATX… nice.
Steve… what’s the story with the goalie situation down there. You guys are killing my fantasy team… can you just put Johnson in and leave him there?
AustinTX, I wish I could claim that the pun was intentional, but it wasn’t so I can’t. It sucks when you have to explain my joke to me….
Buddha, Johnny keeps being given the chance to earn the #1 spot and keeps f-ing it up. Jose is untradable at this point and just plain sucks. Varlamov is the future keeper but just needs more seasoning in the AHL. Kid is going to be a good one. Give it another two months (of Johnny being inconsistant and Jose sucking) and I could see us dumping a goalie with Varlamov getting the nod as the go to guy. Or so I hope as goaltending is going to keep us from going deep until we do something about it.
I’ll see ya later on ATX…I need to go to the Hockey Lodge beforehand to pick up a couple of last-minute gifts.
Does anyone on here have a structured settlement or annuity that they need cash now?
I’m just curious, because I know a fair amount of people, and none of them do, but from the number of commercials I see about it, I figure there must be people running around all over with the need for cash from structured settlements…
Thanks Steve. That explains it. Doesn’t make me feel any better, but it explains it.
That bunker better have plenty of rations and working plumbing because it looks as though we may need it for the whole month of March. Holy challenges Batman!!
16 games, 12 on the road in 29 days and 4 back-2-backs on the road. Cripes!
Glad the Wild was able to position itself well in the West with a paper-soft schedule the first 3 months of the….uh, nevermind.
AustinTXwildfan says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
Personally I would go with Bark Go I.
—————————–
Makes total sense to me since he’s been nothing but a worthless damn dog all season so far.
Bark, bark, bark……….
It’s my money and I need it now!
Word kj, I made signs for the meeting and everything! Is it bad that I would A-OK with it if all my gifts came from the Hockey Lodge?
Sorry Steve, I just have the mind of a child sometimes.. I just can’t help it. To prove my point, I find “a href=”http://failblog.org/2008/10/12/sign-fail-9/”>THIS PICTURE to be HILARIOUS.
I picked up Johnson in the Russoville Fantasy Hockey Leauge… is it a wise move at this point? Is he still getting a majority of the starts?
My html failed… RETRY HERE
Buddha, there are much more astute folks on this site on your question than me. But, as it is a question for nearly everyone right now here is my opinion.
If your investment is like everyone elses right now a question is “how do you want to bet on the economy”?
I prefer to think it will eventually get better.
So, though I do not have much in the pot, and though I could use a cash infusion, I am leaving it sit so I do not lock them in at “all-time” lows.
If the economy begins to heal itself, the values will be back up.
If I am wrong, the value will be nil.
That sign made me laugh.
Johnny has 17 games to Theo’s 15, and is getting the start tonight. Smart move? Don’t know yet. The starting position is his to lose, but the team does seem to play better for him than Jose.
ATX…FAIL!
Almost as bad as pwned!!!!11
Thanks Steve, I will see what happens. My goalie situation has been jacked mainly because I drafted DiPietro… and it seems like there are a bunch of teams out there this season that can’t make up their mind who their starters are. It makes for pretty frustrating fantasy ownership… oh well.
I might not be on again at all today… so I will see some of you upstairs at McGovern’s anytime after 4pm this afternoon! Later!
AustinTX,
Scratch that, Johnny is out tonight sick and Theo is getting the start.
ATX- Like Ottawa. Auld played really well, Gerber was sucking. Then, as soon as Auld had one bad game… oh, better switch back.
Austin, in spirit I am there, man! Cheers!
Save me some lutefisk.
Buddha, those two stat questions you pose, I believe, would call for a visit to nhl.com and some cut and paste into a spreadsheet to get your answers. Don’t know of a site that gathers that kind of stuff across seasons like that. The problem with nhl.com is that they don’t have the complete data set available, you have to cut and paste something like 20 rows at a time. Maybe there’s someplace that has a complete data set in text format? Haven’t found that yet. Good luck!
hossa and gaborik are going to join demitra in vancouver next year… its too obvious
Why is it always the guy on the outside of the situation that sees a better way to mine the data?
How hard would it be to add a situational aspect to the NHL’s stat site? Combine a couple years… add one field to the parameters, that’s all it would take.
Ugh. Oh well.
Michael- thanks for the chuckle with Backstrom & Boogie. Those fabulous Finns! Do Mikko & Nik supply unexpected great quotes & quips?
I’ve become a game time decision tonight for the meet and greet. effin work.
I’ve become a game time decision tonight for the meet and greet. effin work.
That blows G*.
Work is overrated G*. Tell them you have “more important” plans.
toivo says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I think everyone is barking up the wrong tree with Kovalchuk. It’s Gaby for Todd White and Esposito. Win-win for everyone!
How in the hell would that be a win for the Wild? A stiff who sucked here before and a kid that’s in the QMJHL that doesn’t even put up as good of numbers as the super terrible Pierre-Marc Bouchard did.
It’s called sarcasm Dan….
I’m anti sarcasm.
Obviously
if I had a lawyer type sugar mama, i’d say that.
I’m anti sarcasm.
And anti intelligence?
Miettinen? Laaksonen?
Sorry to dive in late here but have been on the road for several days..
Toivo, years back you could get the best Lutefisk dinner in Minny at the old Millers restaurant in Two Harbors until he sold it, then retired, and the moron that bought it had a (cough, cough) suspicous fire that burnt it to the ground.
However, the last two or three years Royal Miller has been doing the famous Lutefisk dinners at the community Center during the month of December. Not sure but I think they are done for the year.
Can’t stand the stuff personally, (comparable to boiled shoes?) but I know Roy’s are the best Lute dinners in the State for a fact. Every old timer Wegian’, Swede and Finnlander come from all over to have them.
Austin, the Mr and are not going to make it tonight. To much to do and not enough time to do it in. Have a beer or two and think of us ok. I could really use some lunch, both of the food variety and the Russo variety. My short day at work was wonderful, even if the drive in this morning was h.e. double hockey sticks. To those of you going to the game tonight, the streets in downtown are terrible. You would think St. Paul would know to plow the streets not just throw a salt sand mix on it and hope for the best.
It’s cool BG, maybe next time!
Per the RSS feed on Wild.com, Weller and POULIOT are the scratches tonight.
How in the hell would that be a win for the Wild?
The triumphant return of Mighty Whitey doesn’t make you tingle? Not even a little?
- Per the RSS feed on Wild.com, Weller and POULIOT are the scratches tonight.
Remind me again how Jokinen the Lesser couldn’t help this team.
- ATXs: I am “doubtful” for tonight because if I work until game time I probably do not have to work Friday but glad I got to meet you two last week.
ATX, I’ve got one word for you: Añejo!
I’m glad Kolanos is getting some playing time, but I’m still a little iffy on why Pouliot of all candidates is sitting.
I get the feeling Pouliot’s relationship with Lemaire is like Parrish’s. Lemaire doesn’t like him for whatever reason, so he has to have three great practices in order to play.
Cool 6GS, it was definitely good to meet you as well. Those tickets were great!
I think we have 3 or 4 definites coming so it will be all good.
toivu what’s Añejo?
Food
Ugh. 45 minutes at the post office. Talk about wasted time, I felt like I was DR at the draft.
Ok, I’m not coming down tonight either. The roads suck up here in the North country, and the idea of driving down to W 7th and driving back up later isn’t all that appealing given I don’t have tix until Sunday.
Richard.. Pouliot needs another kick in the rear.
as opposed to a punch in the groin from the rear lol
Benny’s been pretty non-existent lately. When he is on the ice, I usually see him in one of 3 scenarios:
1. Taking the puck in the neutral zone, and trying to beat 3 guys by squeezing between them as if he were the wind. Well, he’s not being windy enough to pull it off, and it results in an offensive zone blue line turnover.
2. Chasing in the defensive zone. He’s not good along the boards as of late, and he should be so much better.
3. Leading a 3-man rush up the right side boards and dumping it in, and turning around to the bench.
+1 You nailed it.
