Wild 3, Carolina 2; Gaborik being held out next two games
Posted on December 23rd, 2008 – 6:39 PMBy Michael Russo
After tonight’s game, assistant GM Tom Lynn announced that the Wild will hold out Marian Gaborik Sunday vs. Chicago and Monday vs. Calgary.
“Marian’s going to take the Christmas break off and it looks like we’re not going to play him in the two games back-to-back. We’re doing this, not him,” Lynn said. “When he played back-to-back the other day, he got very sore. We were thinking of playing him in one game and not the other, but [GM] Doug [Risebrough] made the decision that he’s going to make [Gaborik] rest for four days and hold him out. Hopefully he’ll be back full-time after that.”
This does seem awfully suspicious.
First of all, the Wild is clinging to eighth in the West. To sit its best scorer in back-to-back games against two quality teams seems a little strange. As has been reported on here, GM Doug Risebrough is, according to sources, conducting trade talks, and as I mentioned yesterday, somebody knowledgeable told me the Atlanta Thrashers have interest in Gaborik.
The holiday roster freeze ends at midnight Saturday (technically 12:01 am Sunday), so by sitting Gaborik, you could be ensuring he doesn’t get injured, either in the games, or in practice Friday or Saturday.
(Also, if Gaborik isn’t going to be on the ice Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, you think he’s playing New Year’s Eve (Wednesday) against San Jose?)
I asked Lynn if he’s willing to state on the record that “you’re not holding Gaborik out to trade him,” (you’re, meaning the Wild) and Lynn answered, “I would say 100 percent I’m not holding him out for a trade.”
I didn’t hear the “I’m” until I played back the tape, so I don’t know if Tom was playing a semantics game.
I asked to get Gaborik again after the original post-game scrum. Gaborik and Lynn had a five-minute conversation in the player’s lounge before Gaborik emerged to talk with me. Gaborik told me that he’s been concerned that he’s not playing at 100 percent (which I wrote last Friday) and that Risebrough’s decision was to hold him out both of the next two games.
He said he was OK with the team’s decision. I asked him if he believed there were no other ulterior motives, like trading him, and he said, “I don’t think that’s the issue.”
Again, this just seems awfully suspicious for a team in the position the Wild’s in. Of course, the other way to look at this is, if he is experiencing soreness and there’s a chance he’s close to a setback, that would be disastrous for both sides. The Wild needs Gaborik healthy to 1) win and 2) to be blunt, trade him; and Gaborik needs to be healthy to reestablish his standing as an elite free agent this summer.
As I wrote the other day, there’s no doubt at the very least Gaborik is still in some discomfort, so as Jacques Lemaire loves to say, “Time will tell.”
I wrote this real quick after the game, so I may take a look before my flight out of dodge Wednesday and tweak a bit.
As for the game, yes there was one. The Wild, which won because of a two-pronged penalty kill (scoring and defending), spotted the Canes a 2-0 lead before Lemaire finally put together Mikko Koivu and Gaborik. The spark was tremendous as the Wild rallied for three goals in the second to take a 3-2 lead into the third.
First, Gaborik made Tuomo Ruutu look like he was saying Ole! in the neutral zone. Gaborik fed Koivu, who drove the net on his backhand and put the puck right on Cal Clutterbuck’s stick. Clutterbuck had some funny things to say about the goal.
Then, Gaborik, on a power play, had a pass to Koivu deflect into the air off Tim Gleason’s stick. Koivu settled the bouncing puck and fed Gaborik for the tying goal. Then, Stephane Veilleux scored his second career shorthanded goal with 1:42 left in the second and the Wild’s first since Nov. 20 for the eventual winner.
It was the winner because of an exceptional job of penalty killing in the third. Krys Kolanos clipped Gleason after a check for a double minor, then Antti Miettinen compounded things by hooking Ray Whitney. The fans and Jacques felt Whitney dove, but regardless, hooking him from behind wasn’t the brightest.
Carolina snagged a two-minute 5-on-3, and Niklas Backstrom made six saves. On the first 90 seconds, Koivu, Brent Burns and Nick Schultz were out there and kept every shot to the outshot. There were no cross-slot one-timers or cross-crease, backdoor plays.
When the puck finally cleared after Koivu blocked a Joe Corvo blast, the crowd absolutely roared. It was unbelievable. The players all talked about it after the game. The quotes in the gamer are good.
Schultz actually brought up how the fans did this once before after a two-minute 5-on-3, and I think he’s referring to something I once put on the blog. Against Nashville a few years back, Vancouver’s Darcy Hordichuk, who played for the Preds, was sitting in the Strib seat next to me as a scratch and asked me why the heck I’d move from Florida to Minnesota. At that moment, the Xcel vibrated as the fans applauded a 5-on-3 kill. I remember saying to Darcy, “That’s why I moved here to cover hockey.”
It was pretty cool again tonight.
Anyways, the Wild’s back up to eighth in the West.
Backstrom had 35 saves and is 10-1-1 lifetime against the Southeast. The Wild is 9-1-1 against the East this year.
Gaborik and Bouchard started the game playing as linemates at even-strength. Took them seven years. Jacques pinned them with Carolina’s first goal by Rod Brind’Amour, and said after the game, that’ll be the last time they skate together.
Cal Clutterbuck had six hits. He now has 115, passing Stephane Veilleux’s team record of 113 set last year in just 29 games.
Nick Schultz is on a career-high-tying three-game point streak.
The Wild has given up the first goal in a franchise-record nine straight games.
OK, that’s it for now. The blog will be dormant the next two days as I hit the road for vacation. But trust me, I’ve got the Blackberry on.
Lastly, here’s the Benoit Pouliot notebook lead I had to chop out of tomorrow’s paper for the late Gaborik story:
Benoit Pouliot got the words no player wants to hear from Wild assistant coach Mario Tremblay Tuesday morning: “Don’t leave the ice with everyone else.”
“It’s the worst when they tell you, ‘You’ve got to stay longer’ in the morning skate,’” said Pouliot, 22, who hasn’t scored a goal since Nov. 15. “That means you’re not playing. When they told me that, it’s painful.”
With Eric Belanger healthy after missing two games with pneumonia and minor-leaguer Krys Kolanos still on recall, coach Jacques Lemaire was provided a rare opportunity to send a message to Pouliot, whom Lemaire feels is getting complacent.
Besides the lack of offense, he’s made poor decisions on the power play and is bumped off the puck easily.
“He needs to do the little things better … and the big things better,” Lemaire said. “He’s got the talent to make things happen. That’s what he doesn’t do right now.
“He’s probably as fast as [Marian Gaborik], [but] you wouldn’t know that. He uses it, but not all the time.”
At the very least, Pouliot was motivated by Tremblay’s skate.
“Mario gave a pretty good run there after practice,” Pouliot said. “I haven’t been playing my best hockey the past six, seven games, that’s for sure. I had a bad game against St. Louis and now I’m paying for it by not playing.
“It’s [Lemaire’s] decision, and I can’t change that unless I work hard. That’s what I’m going to try to do.”
257 Responses to "Wild 3, Carolina 2; Gaborik being held out next two games"
Yummy.
Maybe Paul Maurice has seen the Wild’s record against backups.
Maurice is on to us. Time to go to Plan B.
Dang it. I was hoping they wouldn’t notice…
The Mr let me open my Christmas presents. The dogs got me a wild hat with a poofball on top and Zack and Miri soundtrack and the Mr got me a Habs hat and sweatshirt and a new frying pan, and Santa brought me books and a candy cane. And the Mr got a N* long sleeve shirt and 2 Foo Fighters CD’s and a Gopher tin sign and a hockey stick (which was a bizznitch to wrap). Yippy!
Jacques a moron. What the hell does he expect from Pouliot when he’s stuck playing with scrubs that don’t belong in the NHL anyway?? Does he really expect a ton of goals from a guy on a line with Boogaard and Veilleux??
FIRE JACQUES !!!!
Nice BG! Hockey stuff all around. I love it.
Hockey Guru Dan, the problem with Poulliot is not Veilleux, it is Poulliot himself.
He is being given a big opportunity and seems to be squandering it. Anyone remember Daigle?
Oh, and JL is not a moran, not by a long shot.
We tend to buy each other hockey stuff for several occations Buddha. He got me a hockey stick for Valentines Day once.
Santa’s doing Let’s Play Hockey!!! Kick a$$!!
Nice chance for Bella.
Is Skoula growing a beard?
The problem with Benny is DR - the Wild needs more options at C so Benny can be a wing where he can be a playmaker like PMB but use his better than average shot. But once again, there was no room on this roster for Jokinen the Lesser.
Why yes Bandgeek, it does look as if Skoula is growing a beard.
Thank you me, I wondered if that was so or if I was just seeing things.
Wow, nice up tempo game so far against the Whale. Hope we can keep this up.
I miss the BK Whaler.
Hello?
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
For a guy coming off pneumonia Bellas playing pretty well.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Zids ya hoser, stay outta da baax.
Nice chance short handed there.
Did I just hear an echo?
Great pk there and nice short-hand attempt. come on boys!
Why do I really want a fast food fish sandwhich right now? I can usually wait until Lent for the ultimate regret.
Maybe it was my mention of the Whale, I’m sorry, my bad.
Sorry BG… I was here the whole time. Hands full with baby. I tell you… she is enthralled by the game.
Ouch.
OH Feffing.
“Now the Aeros, there’s a team that knows how to run a promotion: “The Houston Aeros are hosting their annual bikini night this Friday when a new Ms. Aeros will be crowned for 2009. The first 3,000 fans who enter Toyota Center for the 7:35 p.m. game against the San Antonio Rampage will receive cowbells to help cheer on the Aeros so don’t be late!”
Ms. C… you entered?
That will reduce my unexplained appetite but yes it was the mention of the Whale.
Well, fudge.
It’s ok Buddha. I understand, it’s just a little lonely is all. I might not be around much of the 2nd. Need to do dishes and pack, and find the pressies under the tree that go with to my Mom’s tomorrow, etc. etc. etc. and the Mr isn’t much help with that stuff.
Another late period goal…
Ughhhh! It was only a matter time. Zids penalty gave the Canes life and since then we have been penned in our own end.
Did we need Reitz and Gaborik on the same guy? I don’t know. I am upset right now.
What’s up with Bouchard this year? He signed that contract, then turned into the Skoula of ‘07-’08
Another late period goal b/c of a Skoula screen on Backs. If he would’ve sold out to block the shot instead of half a$$ing it, the score would read 0-0.
that goal was garbage. Nice to meet koivuthecornerstone and kj tonight… Dunno what happened to BDS he never showed. Of course its always good to see lemmiwinks. hope the second brings more luck than the first.
Even though it didn’t help much, it has been nice to see Gaborik skate hard back into the defensive zone to help out the defenders.
But turnovers, turnovers, turnovers are killing us.
So now Phoenix is almost bankrupt? Weren’t we just told that none of the teams were suffering financially?
I believe TB and PHX were worried about bouncing paychecks earlier this Fall.
They need to send the yotes back to winnipeg.
Just read the article on espn.com. Yikes!
I fully understand that both teams really are struggling, but didn;t Bettman just have a big campaign telling everyone about how healthy the NHL was, despite the economy, and none of the teams were in any danger?
Or did I dream that?
Three Canes moving into the zone, and the forwards all go off on a change?
I think I am done with “Another Bad break.” Luck is something the people who fail use to explain why other people succeed.
and it continues…
If we are talking about the goal, only two went off or way behind in the play since Gaborik was with Reitz and Skoula in the defensive zone.
The Yotes ain’t going anywhere, it would cost way too much to break their lease. Worst case, the league would take over the team until a new owner could be found, just like Ottawa and Buffalo in the late 90’s
so crashing the net does work.
Nice!
WOO HOO!!
Their parking lease — the team has to pay $2+ for every car to park. Whose the idiot that negotiated that part of the lease?
C-Buck? Really? I like it.
good thing they don’t have the crease rule anymore.
Sorry… I stopped watching the game until Mikko scored.
Now given to Clutterbuck.
nice passing by the whalers there and then shoot it right into the goalies chest..never understood that.
Gaby!
nice to be back at a clean slate.
YEA WILD GOAL!
UM… golf clap politely.
Mikko and Gaborik need to stay together!
Gabby…the top Wild player when healthy.
GAAAAABBBBBBBYYYY.
I’s really like to see Backs just go aprsh*t after the next easy goal given up by the Wild. Screaming, breaking his stick over the goal, etc.
He has been playing his butt off lately, and the team is flat out letting him down.
Maybe see the calm, cool and quiet goalie blow his lid might actually get this team to get their heads out of their azzs!
I really wish the Wild would find a way to keep Gaborik.
Playing for redemption? I like it!
nice to see Backs flashing the leather.
I really wish the Wild would sign Franchise to a lifetime contract.
I didn’t realize until I went to a recent game that Backs bangs his stick when we’re in the offensive zone - it’s kind of cool to hear it on the TV now.
To ATXs et all… sorry I did not make McG’s… stuck at Target until just before the game.
Heather,
Most goalies bang their stick on the ice loudly when their teams powerplay time is about over.
nice speed by Shep there.
Good to know - way cool. Thanks, Damp!
heather, that’s what I was wondering. was he banging the stick at the end of a PP or during a normal 5 on 5?
nm
Not to be too picky, but what was Gaby doing there? Just kind of coasting around the neutral zone - waiting for a breakaway?
I thought during regular playtime, but I could be wrong. I’ll pay better attention next time I hear it.
that’s what he does. he waits for the passes so he can try and break out.
Heather
Gaby floating in the neutral zone is what he does. It is called playing SUCKHOLE hockey.
I have no respect for players who play no defense, and then just wait for the breakaways.
Anyone notice Backstrom’s new paint job on his mask? He’s got a Belfour-ish eagle head on one side, but I haven’t been able to make out what’s on the other side.
i believe it’s an eagle and some bear-like animal. like i said earlier, i like his older mask.
Russo mentioned the helmet in the previous post. It’s a bear.
alright, time to score a shorty before the end of the period.
5Mm… read the last blog post. It’s a bear
I think if we trade Gabby, give Zids as a bonus.
That would be part of the reason we want to trade him - you never see Ovey or Sid just coasting.
WHO called that one!
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Brez - you called it!
SHORTY!!!
Eat it Dan! SRV!
Wow a shorty! Now lets keep up the pressure
STEPH just woke uo.
wow! a shorty and suddenly they look energized for the first time since nov. excluding the isles game.
Does it bother anyone else that they keep showing the Silvania HD TV ad, saying something about watching the Wild in a whole new way, when the game isn’t even offered in HD?
alright i’m out for the night. hope the boys keep up the effort.
i don’t watch the commercials, heather. i flip channels!
Greenlay needs to let that hands and feet comment go. It was funny the first time. NOT the 25th.
Self Appointed Dan the Hockey Guru, wasn’t that the “no good Veilliux” who just scored that short hander?
For one, I appreciate his effort.
Is it me or are Greenlay’s segments like “What’s your angle?” or “Face-off” just not entertaining? They gotta come up with something new.
I agree NET - I think the cast thinks they’re entertaining, but they never have to actually watch themselves.
Mikko and the Moneybags need to stay together Sunshine? Great for Gabby, he can lay around and let Mikko do all the work.
Heather, KiPA claims that Sid coasts.
6GoalSystem, the problem with Benny is Benny. DR has nothing to do with it. Unless he develops a different attitude he will under achieve forever.
hey no sweat Buddha. We will catch you next time. Nice call on the shorty whoever you are! i took an unfortunate bathroom break during that pk 
Speaking of Sid - the Pens are having trouble, too - Tampa is beating them 2-0 right now. You heard me - TAMPA.
Wow - was that fun to watch. Wouldn’t want to see it again, though. 
backs is unreal!!!!
Dan est un weiner gigantesque avec un weiner de nain
I’m tired just watching that
BACKS. you da man.
backstop is standing on his head
what a kill. those calls were udder b.s. too, wonder if the ‘canes will keep taking dives
Amazing PK.
Sorry Photog. That was me.
Nice Kill.
That PK is Guts!
Meittenen’s penalty was really weak. We have been called for diving on harder trips than that!
Darn addresses. Sorry Photog.
I think that’s the best we’ve looked in a long time - with the most energy.
the X about flipped its lid during that pk. That was awesome. That hooking call was TERRIBLE.
I’m watching the Hurricanes feed right now, wow, are these guys ever homers.
no problem Theo. Happens all the time
Gabby is player of the game?
Didn’t they notice what Backstrom did???
A very nice game. Backs is a stud. Merry Christmas everyone.
Yeah, I don’t rightly agree that Gaby should have been the player of the game. It belongs to Backstrom hands down. Some of those point blank blocks during the PK were unbelievable.
Great work boys.
Thank you, Wild, for a great Christmas gift. One of the best gifts of all.
Happy Holidays, everyone! And thanks to the Wild, they’re quite a bit happier.
Everybody played like they were healthy and back to their “good game”-selves.
Dan the hockey expert, Veilleux got 20 minutes, 4 shots, 2 hits, and a short handed game winning goal.
He forechecked hard and back checked too. He got the puck out of our zone more than once when we were being pressured late.
I think he is a decent, journeyman player.
Belanger played a good game too, especially considering he pneumonia this week.
Frozen Weiner, I do not know what you said, but I think I have a pretty good idea and agree totally.
The boys finally helped out Backstrom. All the times he saved them and kept them in the game, they have let him down the last couple of weeks. Glad they are finally doing their part.
Pretty fun game tonight. Nice to see and hear the crowd really get into the game during the 5 on 3. I snapped a couple of pics of Backs new lid and the don hard at work. I will get the links up in the morning
anyone watching the nuks sharks game? How good are the nucks wow.
i mean how good are the sharks wow.
Honestly, if the Flames and Canucks can lose tonight, it will help the Wild. Nashville lost so we jump ahead of them.
And yeah, the Sharks are dominant.
they are ALL over the nucks. all four lines.
Did folks notice that for a couple of shifts Gaborik and PMB were on the same line? It, of course, resulted in the Canes’ first goal.
I think its a poor decision for the Wild to hold Gaborik off for 2 games. I can understand holding him off for one of the back-to-backs and let him skate with the trainers to keep himself healthy because it might be mandatory no work for the players on the 24th and 25th. I think its bad to put him in cold against the Sharks a full week later.
If only we had a guy like Dan Boyle….
What the hell is Phaneuf’s deal?? -6, 0 points in the last 6 games. His game has gone to sh*t. He’s gone from being a stud to playing like Johnsson. It’s awful.
Nice to meet the ATXs tonite.
Glad they got to see a winner again too.
What’s up with Gho$t? Need to keep him healthy so they’re gonna scratch him?
Puhhhhleeez.
Time for the proverbial bag ‘o pucks!
And now, I present to you, the Quote of the Day:
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Jacques a moron. What the hell does he expect from Pouliot when he’s stuck playing with scrubs that don’t belong in the NHL anyway?? Does he really expect a ton of goals from a guy on a line with Boogaard and Veilleux??
FIRE JACQUES !!!!
Michael up North says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
And now, I present to you, the Quote of the Day:
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Jacques a moron. What the hell does he expect from Pouliot when he’s stuck playing with scrubs that don’t belong in the NHL anyway?? Does he really expect a ton of goals from a guy on a line with Boogaard and Veilleux??
FIRE JACQUES !!!!
it is a great quote isn’t it. With no Gaborik Sunday and Monday, Wild’s record over the last 11 and those 2 games will be 3-10. Jacques is doing a great job. blah.
You sir, are an idiot.
You might also want to wipe the egg off your face while you’re at it.
I would love to see Ilya here, i say if we can trade picks and some players to get him or even (Spezza, Horton), we should do it. Maybe that will convince Gabby to stay. Then i would think this team has a really good chance to get past the first round.
I agree with Poolboy being lazy is some of the blame but also the linemates deal is the other half. I like to see him with Gabby since there similar players, fast as hell and they can both make defenders look silly when they apply themselves. Koivu-Gabby-Poolboy would be my favorite line.
As for Shep sure he isnt scoring but hes starting to get tougher with the puck, and he should be because hes a big guy. His defense is good as well.
As for Bruno, he has definitely lost a step, he is not as strong on the puck as he used to be. I have lost count how many times he has lost the puck behind the net. And he skates like the hunchback of notre dame…my back starts hurting just watching him
Michael up North says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 pm
You sir, are an idiot.
You might also want to wipe the egg off your face while you’re at it.
There is none, but thanks for playing. Just because some guy gets lucky and scores a goal, doesn’t mean my point isn’t valid, which it very much is.
Sure the Wild roster is weak, but Jacques is much more the problem then the roster makeup. Pouliot, paired with real line mates and not scrubs, would be a great benefit to the offense. A clueless head coach is keeping that from happening, and a baseless healthy scratching is really keeping that from happening.
JL just hates offensively gifted players like gabs and Poolie. Its driving me pretty mad he benched BP.
And he wonders why there is no offense. Separates Koivu and Gaborik and benches Pouliot.
Very true about the Pouliot situation. He should not be on a checking line with the likes of veilluex. He is a pure scorer, and would be utilized best if he was put with other pure scorers, like gabby and koivu. Wow, that line would be sick.
Other than that, realistically, who could we get for gabby (considering there is prolly a reason behind this 2 game hold out)? I don’t think Atlanta would be crazy enough to give up Kovalchuk for someone who plays 1 in ever 5 games.
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 pm
There’s egg on my face? But thanks for telling me, I don’t get it sometimes. Because some 3rd line scrub works his tail off and scores his 2nd goal in 3 games, proves my point isn’t valid, despite what I might say.
Sure the Wild roster is weak, but Jacques is much less the problem then the roster makeup. Pouliot, paired with real line mates and not scrubs, wouldn’t be a greater benefit to the offense unless he worked harder, as the coach demands. An experienced head coach is keeping that alive, and a healthy scratching is really the motivation he needs.
Fix’t.
Benching Pouliot was the right thing to do. And Shep…(huge sigh). Him losing the puck in his skates while skating with it is as annoying as PMB’s blue line curls.
Shep, don’t try to beat 3 guys. When they are coming at you, learn to dish it off and make sure it connects with a Wild player.
SRV and Shep can’t play with Gaborik. They just don’t get his game. Yet, Lemaire forces Gaborik to waste his time with them. They can’t pass right.
I’m with you, Sunshine. +1
And I’m off!
Oh, can I only hope they trade him Tuesday at 1AM? That would be an excellent present DR, really it would. At least for me.
Good win for the boys tonight. Not that Eastern teams should be all that scary…
Ms. C… you entered?
Uh. No. I hated that last year, until I noticed the guys peeking out the door at the ice during the bikini contest… and then they won the game. So if we have to have nearly nekkid ladies at the game to get the win, then nearly nekkid ladies it is!
Got the game loaded up on the slingboxable Tivo. Worth watching? Sounds like Cal had a helluva game (but when doesn’t he?)
Spent my evening in Shreveport at the Mudbugs game introducing the folks to pro hockey. They loved it. They get it (mostly). Great experience.
Does the Christmas break mean just the 24th and 25th? Its strange that the Wild would not let him practice with the team on Friday or Saturday or even on Monday against the Blackhawks.
The Wild probably won’t have a strenous practice on Tuesday because of back2back games.
I can see the Wild giving Gaborik and the rest of the guys off the 24th and 25th as mandated in the CBA but he will practice with the team at least either on Friday or Saturday. He’s got to practice to play games, isn’t that Lemaire’s rules?
You people need to stop suckling on Jacques’ teat. He is an okay coach … not a great one. Besides, the guy has a man-crush on Veilleux, Skoula and Johnsson. There is nothing they can do to make Jacques angry with, or at, them.
Jacques is better than okay, a lot better.
If Skoula and the others mentioned play to their ability, then what would be gained by beating them down?
With Poulliot, you have a guy with a reputation for taking shortcuts and nights off. When you had only four centers then you could not sit him.
Maybe you need to make him respect the game a lot more.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
coach Jacques Lemaire was provided a rare opportunity to send a message to Pouliot, whom Lemaire feels is getting complacent.
Besides the lack of offense, he’s made poor decisions on the power play and is bumped off the puck easily.
“He needs to do the little things better … and the big things better,” Lemaire said. “He’s got the talent to make things happen. That’s what he doesn’t do right now.
That is absolute garbage. Bouchard has been a million times worse then Pouliot on the PP, makes stupid twirly passes, gets knocked off the puck infinitely easier, Jacques needs to pull his head out of his ass and actually pay attention to his team.
Michael up North says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 pm
There’s egg on my face? But thanks for telling me, I don’t get it sometimes. Because some 3rd line scrub works his tail off and scores his 2nd goal in 3 games, proves my point isn’t valid, despite what I might say.
Sure the Wild roster is weak, but Jacques is much less the problem then the roster makeup. Pouliot, paired with real line mates and not scrubs, wouldn’t be a greater benefit to the offense unless he worked harder, as the coach demands. An experienced head coach is keeping that alive, and a healthy scratching is really the motivation he needs.
Fix’t
either you’re mentally retarded, an imbecile, or part of the Lemaire family, because even though it is apparent that my correct vision of the Wild, and the majority’s wrong vision of the Wild are completely opposite, your’s is the only opinion I completely laugh at. You know nothing about anything, especially hockey, so to put it nicely, piss off.
Michael-
I’m shocked! No ripping on Falness doing the play by play during the second period of last night’s game?
One bad karma tidbit, a half season tardy. Stasny (CO) has a broken forearm. Branko’s payback is too late.
Holiday wishes to all in Russoville. Thanks for the info & lively discussion. Cheeers.
Is Darby Hendrickson still available to play?
Interesting comments on hockey in Atlanta. Sounds like just the place for Gaby.
Stuff about Atlanta is down the page a bit
Thanks for the update Russo. Always peeks our interest when your spider senses start tingling. Have a good vacation, as small as it may be, a good Xmas too.
Rasafrakin Stasny… Colorado needs to get these guys a secret service detail.
Russoville:
Enjoy the Christmas break. As we banter back and forth about where Gaby is going, how much JL does or does not know about coaching, how little Ballgame does or does not know about being a GM, please keep in mind one important fact as we gather with family and friends for the holiday season:
Vancouver Sux 
Happy holidays Russo and Russoville!
That was touching, DB. I couldn’t agree more.
I had hockey dreams again last night. Might be because I fell asleep to On the Fly on the NHL Network. Killer save at one point by Thomas in the Bruins/Devils game last night. Also why the heck did they leave in Toskala in Toronto if he’s stinkin’ like he was last night. He let in 7 before they put in Cujo. Beautiful comeback by the Caps in their game against the Rangers. So all in all it was a good night for hockey fans.
Alright people (I mean real people and trolls) have a Merry Christmas, enjoy your vacation Russo.
I think DB deserves POTD for that one.
Sounds like Cal had a helluva game (but when doesn’t he?)
i wouldnt say helluva game but he did score.
i’d skip the 1st and go right to the 2nd. the 3rd was ok.
if the fans have given up on this team, which some have suggested here, the boys wouldn’t have gotten that reaction after the 5 on 3. Doesn’t mean all is well in the world but i’d fans haven’t punted yet. it was pretty sweet. glad our austing contingent was there to experience it. moments like that are why i have season tickets and go to 99% of games.
mitt’s lifted the cat’s stick and he fell over. as someone said on the strib comments, if that is illegal then we will never have 5 on 5 hockey.
if gabby is feeling discomfort or not going 100%, why declare now that he is not playing vs chicago and at calgary? what possible good does it do?
Thanks for not letting the Canes get any points last night.
Nick, you friendly with any Rangers fans? If yes, how are their spirits today?
Good question GreenStar. Why not call him day to day and a game time decision?
He scored and he broke the team season hit record in 29 games. Tough crowd…
I watched the first period but fell asleep last night, so I haven’t seen the big “crowd reaction” yet. But I’d agree it’s stuff like that that makes me crazy to miss an Aeros game. You just never know in hockey when something a little bit magical is going to happen. That’s why I’ll watch bad hockey over good any-other-sport any day of the week.
Steve R: curiously, all my Ranger fan buddies appear to be playing ostrich this morning. I watched the second half of that game from a Buffalo Wild Wings last night. Incredible comeback. When my buddy and I sat down, no one was paying attention (in a pretty full bar). By the time they tied it there were several other people around us who also made noise (some unhappily.)
if gabby is feeling discomfort or not going 100%, why declare now that he is not playing vs chicago and at calgary? what possible good does it do?
sort of makes you wonder if it isn’t Riser saying “you can still buy a ticket, but this train’s leaving the station SOON…” to the rest of the league…
He scored and he broke the team season hit record in 29 games. Tough crowd…
i’m just saying it wasn’t an exceptional game for him. good and solid but there were no big hits or sweet dekes. Nothing to make him stand out is all.
where’s kj? I think we need a little Christmas song lyric re-write, Wild flava…
Okay then.
to the rest of the league
perhaps giving word to the scouts to stay home? still seems just strange.
G*: agreed.
The fact that it came from Tommy Lynn is also interesting. That guy just can’t help but come off as a prick to me.
Lynn is playing semantics. Of course he can state “I’M not holding him out for a trade”, because Ballgame is the one doing it. The team is worried about Gaby having a setback so they sit him for 7 days but yet he is supposed to play a week later against the best team in the league? Wow, following that kind of logic, one would also believe that Steve Avery is good for the League.
Steve Avery…didn’t he pitch for the Braves??
Nick, he was a pretty good hockey player too.
that’s right, isn’t it? I sort of forgot that both he AND Glavine were hockey guys too.
Nice. I feel like a total Cannuck. Of course we are referring to Scott, er, Sean Avery. Not enough Amps yet this morning.
ha…no worries Deep…just bustin stones on X-Mas eve.
On the Avery note, saw some comments from Rangers fans saying that they’d like to get him back in NY. His contract isn’t going to make hime easy to move.
See. Not all Cannucks’ fans live in Canada:
http://www.kare11.com/news/whatsup/whatsup_article.aspx?storyid=533548&catid=333
I am scratching my head trying to figure out what “logic” app you are running that ties Gaby sitting to Avery playing.
I wonder if it would be legal/possible for him to void his contract - to get the Stars off the hook for it (not saying I’d want that, for the record) and then sign like a league minimum salary plus heavy incentives deal with someone like the Rags?
Stoned,
Is Gaby dating one of Avery’s ex’s?
Stoned: If someone belives that Gaby is sitting “not because of any trade is coming”, they would also believe that Avery is good for the League.
Stoned,
Is Gaby dating one of Avery’s ex’s?
Nick,
The CBA doesn’t allow somebody Avery’s age to do an incentive heavy contract (I’m pretty sure of that, not 100% though). The Stars might be stuck doing what the Caps did with Jarg, trade him but eat a portion of the $.
Sorry for double post, computer did something strange
Hockey Guru Dan digs deep: >>either you’re mentally retarded, an imbecile, or part of the Lemaire family…….You know nothing about anything, especially hockey, so to put it nicely, piss off.<<<
Is it just me or did this dolts arrival turn a nice little pub into the equivalent of Hennepin County Detox at 3 AM on the Saturday morning after entitlement checks come out. I think the Wild losing streak started about that time as well.
Merry Christmas.
trolls
All–
Have an above average Christmas. Have to go let the 4-yr-old destroy some packages. Be well…
Steve R: oh, that’s right…no incentives other than for rookies or players over, what, 35 years old? My bad.
i really really doubt we’ll end with kovalchuk and armstrong, but man that would be awesome! i think half of these tasty trade rumors are started by DR himself so that we think he’s actually trying…
Thanks for deciphering Deep. I wouldn’t have followed that. Sometimes the only difference between your posts and Rubik’s Cube is that I can solve the Cube.
Koivu / Clutterbuck 2012!
Record for hits in 29 games… doesn’t say much for the physical game in the past, now does it?
Ms. C. I am a full out C-Buck fan. So if, ands, or buts about it. Everyone else can just be jealous of us. 
jmuliolil,m/j\
-]]]
(From the baby)
Merry Christmas friends and neighbors, guys and gals.
I guess the Wild gave us an early Christmas present last night.
Carolina looked like a better hockey team than advertised.
Yes, Greenstar about your comment on Mitts penalty.
Hell, Backstrom got a diving penalty from the zebras during the SCPO’s for a much more legitimate fall on the puck.
I really only want consistency from zebras. If they are going to allow goals to our opponents when the net moves, then they need to allow ours too. If they are going to allow goals against us that scored under the side when the opponent tips up the net, then they ought to allow ours too. Same with penalties. We get a penalty for arguing a penalty, then opponents ought to be called the same way.
Hey baby.
And yeah, B, if you can’t be a raging homer for at least one guy on your team, why bother at all?
Is there any chance we could be offering picks and prospects for Kovalchuk and not trading Gaby for him? Then, we sign both long term equivalent deals? Gets Gaby what he wants and makes us an instant Cup contender??
Everyone is assuming its Gaby for Kovalchuk but that one makes no sense for ATL or anyone else in the hockey loving world.
Merry X-mas Russoville.
Does anyone know if Clutterbuck’s stated goal is to have the most hits in the NHL?
I’m pretty sure I heard he was 5th in the NHL and leading all rookies in hits. Which is very cool as the Wild usually don’t have someone leading in non-goalie stats.
Clutts is what Branko was supposed to be.
(Sorry Branko… sort of)
And who saw Ovechkin’s goal last night where he was at the half-wall, turned and flung what looked to be a curve ball into the top corner? Lundquist didn’t even see it and I don’t think he even noticed that he shot as it was off his stick so quick. A bit lucky I suppose, but he seems to get lucky a lot, doesn’t he? How does he just turn, fire and bing! Right there in the top six inches of the corner of the net.
Happy Holidays to all in Russoville (yes Mister Knows Nearly Nothing, even you and pissed off Dan).
Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the mood in Russoville’s delightful
Because $alcer’s running the show
Gho$t’ll go, Gho$t’ll go, Gho$t’ll go!
I am off to the northern suburb of St. Cloud…you all have fun. DR has a very special present for all Wild fans. Just not on the holiday.
One more thing…I belive Tyler Durden might be onto something…or…Gho$t will be gone and it’ll be a 3-way deal.
Tyler, the Wild would have to clear some cap space, so if that were the case it would probably have to mean Johnsson going somewhere, I suppose possibly to Atl, but I dunno. Seems too rosy. The Wild don’t really have a lot to offer when it comes to prospects unless we’re talking Sheppard, Gillies or Cuma.
We shall see…
Oh no! I forgot to do my shopping!
Belanger should get pneumonia every week. He’s always a servicable player but last night he was a game changer. Bela, get your hair wait and run around outside for a while.
I have to add myself to the Stuttercrutch fan club. There was a video summary of his hits in the game that made my spleen hurt. He went after one Carolina player and the player ducked so Fussy-britches flys over the player and does a face plant into the boards while his back bends like Napoleon Kaufmanns knee a few years back. Buttercrack jumps up like nothing happened and jumps back into the play. Gotta love it.
Forget Christmas - that win was a Christma-Hanu-Kwanza-kuh present!
Jingle Bells
Angry Hockey Fan Dan version (as always without permission)
Jingle Bells
Risebrough smells
Lemaire laid an egg
SRV is so lousy
and Boogaard cannot skate, hey!
Jingle Bells
Koivu’s swell
Brent Burns sure can play
Gaby’s good, as gone I mean
The rest should go away.
Dashing up the ice
Bouchard’s spin looks nice
Oh but look at that
He lost the puck right back!
Young Shep looks lost out there
I wish I didn’t care
But Olie could be here
‘leven goals already this year!
Oh!
Jingle Bells
Risebrough smells
Lemaire laid an egg
SRV is so lousy
and Boogaard cannot skate, hey!
Love it, toivo!
Don’t know if its been mentioned Russo, but your front and center @ puckdaddy blog:
[…] Minnesota Wild. So if his crap detector is going off, it’s worth checking the levels. Russo wrote on his blog and in the paper today about the Wild choosing to shut down star winger Marian Gaborik for the […]
Awesome gift to Russoville there, Toivo…
T-minus 1 hour until the rest of the family descends.
Is it too early to start drinking? I love them but I’m not feeling sociable.
Dan “the hockey guru” is an arrogant prick. SRV is a valuable player, even if it be for the simple fact that he plays his butt off each and every time. There are very few players I can say that about. Oh, and Benny did deserve to sit. Notice how BP even mentions his own discontent with himself.
I think you can start drinking….
not yet…
almost there…
OK, now!
I’m usually hit and run with my comments, but I just wanted to say that I enjoy reading everyones opinions on here, even, and especially sometimes the negative ones. Merry Christmas
Sorry to post this so late but thanks to the Austins, kj and Lemme. It was great to put faces to the names and meet all of you. Hopefully all can make it to another game and if you do go to another game let me know and I will try to meet up again.
Have safe travels to all and have a Merry Christmas!
Exactly so K L. Every player cannot be Mikko. Some have smaller roles, SRV is a poor mans Wes Walz.
And, when Benny understands that he does not deserve to play the next thing you will see is him bringing himself up to the level necessary to contribute in the NHL.
Iceman, when Benny understands the expectations laid out before him and pushes himself to meet those expectations he will no longer have to deal with the pressbox, absolutely.
As far as the statement you make with regards to SRV and Wes, I would say one really has to keep their expectations in check. I think I know what type of player SRV is and I see everything that I expect of him. I am actually very satisfied with SRV’s play. I would never contend that SRV should push himself harder to become a Koivu or a Walz, but again that isn’t who SRV ever is/was or will be. I made peace with that a looooooong time ago and still hold SRV in high regards.
This just kills me lol:
So if his crap detector is going off, it’s worth checking the levels.
heh! It’s so right. There is something going on, and I’m surprised no one has pointed out the really obvious reason why. The GM doesn’t normally decide when a player is healthy enough to play. That’s left up to the trainers, the coaches, and the player. So, the fact that the GM/AGM have made that call and not a trainer, means there is a GM-ish reason to do so - which screams trade.
I’m sure there’s a buyer, who wanted to see him play a few games. He’s done that, he’s put up points, he’s shown he can play. He’s got another week off, and no one wants to take a chance on another injury - so this is protecting your investment until it’s out the door.
So, in light of that, and the newfound rumors, I give you new odds:
GABORIK TO TEAM:
MON - 2:1
PHX - 3:1
ATL - 4:1
TOR - 4:1
LAK - 5:1
ATL - 6:1
PIT - 8:1
OTT - 8:1
FLA - 8:1
NYR - 8:1
MIN - 8:1
PHI - 10:1
DAL - 10:1
CGY - 10:1
SJ - 10:1
BOS - 12:1
WAS - 12:1
VAN - 15:1
BUF - 20:1
NYI - 20:1
CAR - 20:1
NJD - 25:1
TB - 25:1
CJB - 25:1
NSH - 30:1
TB - 30:1
STL - 50:1
DET - 50:1
EDM - 50:1
CHI - 50:1
COL - 75:1
ANA - 75:1
And, as a tasty treat, my most plausible trade scenarios:
1. Gaborik and a conditional pick to Montreal for Latendresse and McDonough
Higgins isn’t in the mix - he’s out 4-6 with a hand injury. Latendresse is expendable now that D’Agostini has come on with 8 pts in 11 games. Montreal needs PP help bad to stay in the race. The real gem here is McDonough, so we don’t realize the real trade value for another couple years. He’s supposed to be a top, top defenseman someday.
3. Gaborik to Ottawa for Vermette
It won’t be a Spezza-Gaborik swap because Gaborik isn’t signed long term like Ottawa is. Vermette’s not producing there, and that solves our problem at center. Vermette could turn out to be a great pickup, or a huge flop.
3. Gaborik and a conditional pick to Toronto for Antropov, and a pick.
I don’t think Kaberle is in the fold anymore. Toronto is 3 points out, and climbing. A player with Gaborik’s speed would really help them, especially on the PP, but whether they’d part with Antropov right now is the question. Despite being in the doghouse, he’s their points leader.
4. Gaborik and a conditional to Atlanta for Williams and a 1st round pick
Ok, I’d hope this is for Little, and not Williams, but I agree with Russo that Atlanta doesn’t want to trade him. At 20, he’s way outperforming Shep, and only looks to be better. However Atlanta can make a run if they start now, and picking up Gaborik would send a message to Kovi that Waddell is serious about making them competitive. He’d have a better chance to sign Kovi, and if Gaborik thinks Atlanta’s on the right track, he might just sign there too. They can surely afford both.
ok, there’s my thoughts, and my reasons. heh.
Merry Christmas everyone…I’m reluctant to refer anyone to the other newspaper, but today’s PP has quite a story by Tom Powers about what DR’s been going through the past year. First I’ve heard of it, though maybe I’ve missed it elsewhere.
This might explain some of his perceived “inattentiveness” to his GM duties.
Wow, who knew? Thanks for the heads up, GG.
MuN, Phoenix, as #2 on your list. What do you perceive we get?
Jokinen?
By the way, you have Atlanta on at #3 and #6.
MuN, you have Phoenix #2, do we get Jokinen and something else?
Your list has Atlanta twice #3 and #6.
Sorry for the duplicate.
Ice, some of the odds are that way because of people laying down heavy money on a team. For some reason, there was a lot of action on Phoenix. Personally, I don’t think there’s any chance of a trade with them at all.
Sorry about the Atlanta thing. They moved from 6:1 to 4:1, but I must not have deleted it. Correct odds for Atlanta is 4:1.
A fact that cant be denied.
In Pro Hockey you have to be a pretty good team to make the playoffs, but a good regular season team does not always equate into a good playoff team.
The Goal is the Stanley cup. I presume that Detroit is the number 1 seed. I think they are the perfect team for the Wild to face in the first round for this year
Mike Up North With Pav,
(1) Gaby is being rested for trade, and for the Wild. They cant get anything for him if he is hurt or if he is not recovering
(2) I think the Wild would be better with more team speed at the forward position. If you get rid of Gaby that problem is magnified greater. The players that DR brings in for him must be able to compliment the speed at the forward position
(3) Tom Lynn is Pompas. He does not think so I am sure, right Tom ? Merry Xmas anyways. Wild Road Tripper called it first and I am agreeing. I dont envy Russo dealing with those two
The end for now
(4)
Whoa. MKiA, you have exposed the situation rather well!
Yes, Gaborik is being traded. That cannot be helped, since he’s not signed, and the team can’t chance letting him walk.
The Wild would be better with more speed. That’s part of what they tried to do in the offseason - MAB and Zid are both speedy-ER D-men. They’re not blinding fast, but faster than average. Mittens is fast too. Gettin rid of the fastest player in the league is going to magnify that. However, in lieu of speed, other things work too. Like a physical team doesn’t have to be quite so fast, so perhaps the team is being positioned to be more physical, and less speedy? I don’t think that’s really the case, but there’s more than one way to skin a dog.
Yes, Lynn is pompas, but that’s his job. Not everyone can be Cuddles, the GM for Everybody.
I don’t mean to be a grammar Nazi here, but it’s “pompous”…
Thanks, MS.C..I wasn’t going to say anything, but the irony of calling someone else pompous while they mouth off spelling and punctuating like 4th-graders is just to fun to ignore.
Plus they give us the blinding insight of “the Wild would be better with more team speed.” Has there ever been a team that would be better off with LESS speed?
Thanks for the reports from the short bus, guys. Teacher will be around with juice and crackers just before rest time.
too fun
It takes two people spelling it wrong repeatedly for me to say something.
Kolanos
Pompous
What’s next?
so, everyone still with us?
Ms.C: I’m starting to think that those “two” people is really just “one” person, but I hope that won’t distinguish your pursuit of pointing out grammatical foibles.
sorry…too much X-mas cheer/not enough coffee.
“Distinguish” should be “extinguish”, as in put out, as in “someone please help me put out the brush fire in my brain right now.”
When I first entered into Russoville loe those many years ago, I was under the impression that there would be no spelling.
Did everyone have a nice Christmas?
I didn’t get that hippopotamus I asked for, but at least the Wild didn’t lose on Christmas…
Xmas was well above average. I could sit and watch my 4-yr-old tear through presents all day. Now I just need the 8-yr-old to teach me how to get through “Reigning Blood” on guitar hero. Cripes.
I believe that’s “Raining Blood” (..from a lacerated sky). That song is awesome.
I suck at Guitar Hero, but I really like playing that Dragonforce song on guitar hero in expert mode. I’m lucky if I hit half of the notes. 
I played on “easy mode” a couple of times last night and was able to get through “I Love Rock-n-Roll” and “Sharped Dressed Man” without getting booed off stage. I have a feeling that if I try anything past “easy” I may tear a ligament and wind up on the DL.
Yeah, I was only playing in multiplayer mode or I would have been booed for sure.
Stating the obvious, but the technology has really come around since I was 8. I remember thinking Donkey Kong for Atari was the best gift ever. Now my 8-yr-old is switching between his PS2 and PSP while my 4-yr-old listens to her IPOD. Is it all right to feel old at 38?
I think kids make you feel old in general sometimes. I’m not quite 30 yet, but I feel old often enough.
Hope everyone had a great Xmas. I did. Baby girl’s first. So much fun watching her play with the paper for an hour before she even realized there was something else there.
6 year old got so many presents I think I am going to have to add a wing on the house…
I got four new hats, all hockey related, a new hockey hoodie, and a old school MN Fighting Saints jersey. How much better can it get?
Oh, and a copy of Jack Falla’s “Open Ice.” Too bad he isn’t around to make good on his promise to sign it for me…
We actually didn’t go real heavy with the hockey-related gifts this year, although the 8-yr-old got a Reebok “O” Stick from the grandparents. Nothing says Christmas Spirit more than a $190 dollar hockey stick for an 8-yr-old
As a frequent DR critic, I just want to say here that I am very glad everything seems to have worked out for the best. The story is here if you have yet to check it out - http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_11306772?nclick_check=1
News from ATL: the AJC notes that the team has recalled d-man Zach Bogosian on an emergency basis. The article eventually includes the following:
Now we turn from the news to our popular connect-the-dots feature:
Waddell followed the Wild for a couple of games a couple of weeks ago.
Marian Gaborik is in the final year of his contract and isn’t expected to be back with Minnesota.
Gaborik returned from injury, played well, and is now being held out consecutive games post-Christmas break.
Conclusion a lot of people are drawing: Something’s up.
Perhaps.
Obvious question: If Gaborik is being held out in Minnesota, who’s being held out in Atlanta? The answer for tonight’s game doesn’t add much fuel to the fire: Erik Christensen, again, and Kari Lehtonen.
Christensen hasn’t played since the Montreal game and declined to comment earlier this week when asked if he was healthy. He is listed as a healthy scratch. Lehtonen just came back from a long layoff and needs practices to stay in, or get into, game shape; the team didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. Plus, Johan Hedberg played well against the Islanders on Tuesday night and has played well against Carolina.
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thrashers/entries/2008/12/26/bogosian_now_re.html
Wow, helluva stick for a wee kid, but that’s cool.
Goalie gear was my gift, apart from a few little things, and that was plenty. Now if I just didn’t feel like crap, I’d be full of merry merry. Woke up dizzy as hell this morning and had to drive 4 hours home. At least I’m here and didn’t croak or fall asleep on the way.
Aeros tonight, thank god. I miss them.
Glad y’all seem to have had nice xmesses.
Can’t wait for the boy to try a slapper from the right faceoff dot only to catch the ice 5 inches behind the puck which will send that “O” stick in three different directions. “Uh, dad. About that hockey stick you gave ***** for Xmas. He shattered it last night during a game. Could you send another up to the house right away? I don’t think he’ll be able to go back to a simple $80 Sick Kick stick.”
Geez, I don’t think I could break my stick on a shot if I tried. I’d fall down before my stick would break.
Hey all in Russoville- hope your holiday of choice (Boxing day, Solstice, etc.) was decent. MsC- thanks for being the grammar goddess.
toivo- your take on Jingle Bells was terrific!
Have lots of fun and drive safe.
I tried to get them to make that my official title at work and they didn’t go for it.
I got the best gift ever…
A framed piece of art from my little ones. Older one did one side, younger one did the other. 3×4 feet. Of course Mrs. kj instigated it and had it mounted.
It’s things like this that you appreciate, the longer you get to stay on Earth…
food
Deep Breath says:
December 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am
We actually didn’t go real heavy with the hockey-related gifts this year, although the 8-yr-old got a Reebok “O” Stick from the grandparents. Nothing says Christmas Spirit more than a $190 dollar hockey stick for an 8-yr-old
WOW ! I remember when I had to scrape together $299 bucks to buy a case of 24 Sherwood sticks before each season. (I think it was the Paul Coffey style blade) With the sticks the kids use today, I’d blow that budget in just 2 sticks! Crazy !
“$190 dollar hockey stick for an 8-yr-old”
Hopefully the eigth yr old doesn’t break the stick the way the pro’s break a couple sticks each game. Not quite the same as buying Northland Blue Dot’s for $10 each. Or Christian Bros. Flex for $12 each.
I broke my Easton shaft last year and my back up stick is a wood/fiberglass JOFA I bought about 15 years ago. It’s like skating around with a two by four compared to the composite stick.
Subject #1: I will not comment on whether or not Tom Lynn has a bubbly personality and gives Wild employees hugs on a regular basis. I’ll leave that up to you all to guess. I will say, however, that the man is very, very smart. After getting his law degree and working at a prestigious NYC law firm, he worked for the NHL (representing them in league matters). He was then hired by the Wild to negotiate contracts, among other things.
Sublect #2: The next NHL contract Gaby signs will be his last NHL contract. Gaby wants to go to LA. He’ll probably end up signing with one of the southern Cal teams for roughly 5 years. You will not see him signing a 8-10 year deal, unless he has an opt out clause (which a guy in his position almost certainly would). He likes southern cal. He isn’t crazy about much else in North America. Never has been. Mark my words; he will return to the earthly oasis that is Trencin(insert joke here) sooner rather than later. Maybe play in the Russian league. Maybe give up hockey all together. Maybe buy off all the local Slovak cops and take the Batmobile out for a spin on the country roads (the heck with the F1 simulator, I can race through Trencin at 200 MPH!). Maybe just hang out at the local arena. MG Arena. I wonder if he gets free refreshments there? Anyhow, Gaby will walk away from the game long before the game tells him to leave. Unless, of course, his groin has any say in it.
[…] or aggravating his groin. However, as local Minnesota reporter Michael Russo reports, it seemed fishy from the […]
