Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Posted on December 28th, 2008 – 1:15 PMBy Michael Russo
POSTGAME UPDATE (10 p.m.)
Stensaas here, about to sign off for the night. If Russo’s flight is on schedule, he’s Calgary-bound at this moment. I’m not going nearly as far; just home to Apple Valley. But before I do, some closing remarks on tonight’s game:
- So far as we know, no one was injured. That’s a good thing. Even though the Wild is not playing very well, the last thing it needs is another boo-boo.
-I haven’t been to many games - compared to others - but the crowd really let the team have it tonight. Jacques after the game said the boos were “deserved.” I doubt many would beg to differ.
-Speaking of which, I would love - LOVE! - to tell you all exactly what Mikko Koivu said after the game. But even though this is a blog, I’m pretty sure printing such words is a biiiiiiiig no-no. I value my job, so you’re not going to find out. Let’s just say he was not happy with the team’s effort. Really not happy.
-I somehow have managed to take up four press box seats since 3pm with all my notes and other items (tape recorder, binoculars, media guides, cell phone …) scattered about. That means it is time to go.
NIGHT!
———————————————————-
Russo here, back up in the press box after watching the second period in the stands. Cal Clutterbuck just scored a breakaway goal. The place exploded because it just might have been the Wild’s first scoring chance of the game.
It was ugly downstairs. I tried to hide, but in the first 10 minutes, I was bombarded by disgruntled fans who wanted virtually everybody fired and/or traded.
Things only got uglier as there were boos and mock cheers, especially when Mikko Koivu took a harmless shot from inside the blue line late in the period. It was the Wild’s first shot in an eon.
One does have to wonder when/if there’s going to be some kind of shakeup from management. Nobody’s getting fired — after all, this is the Wild — but pressure is mounting because if you look at the schedule, there don’t seem to be a lot of wins there over the next few weeks (especially the way this team is playing).
Coming up @CGY, vs. SJ, vs. DET, @COL, @BOS, @PHI, @CBJ. It wouldn’t take much for the Wild to slip, slip, slip to the bottom. It entered the night five points from the last-place Blues.
I’m baaaack! Refreshed and energized (sorta) after my mini-vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia.
Cristobal Huet in net for the Hawks. Derek Boogaard is scratched for the Wild, meaning Benoit Pouliot back in.
Starting lines
Johnsson-Zidlicky
Pouliot(playing LW)-Belanger-Clutterbuck
vs.
Keith-Seabrook
Versteeg-Toews-Byfuglien
Line 2: Brunette-Koivu-Bouchard with Schultz and Burns, meaning Skoula and Reitz are paired.
Line 3: Veilleux-Sheppard-Miettinen
Line 4: Gillies-Kolanos-Weller
I’m hearing Martin Havlat may be traded any day. Pittsburgh and Boston especially kicking the tires. Adam Burish can’t come off IR until the Hawks dump some salary.
Fourth line just had some chances but no shots on goal came from it.
0-0 with 13:11 left in the first. Nik Backstrom looks to be combating the puck right now. Rebounds galore, picking up pucks late.
What did I tell you? 12:46 left, 1-0 Hawks. Dustin Byfuglien, Minnesota’s own, scores after Backstrom is unable to catch a Kris Versteeg bullet from outside the blue line. Mad scramble follows. After Toews couldn’t score on a bouncing puck, Byfuglien scores.
10th straight game a Wild opponent scores first.
Kim Johnsson going off for holding Patrick Kane with 11:53 left. Wild being outshot 10-2. Fourth best power play vs. best penalty kill. Byfuglien takes a deflected shot off the post, and with 10:22 left, it looks like the Minnesota guy redirects Duncan Keith’s shot for a 2-0 Hawks lead.
Ben Eager going off with 9:50 left for hooking Craig Weller. Fifth-best power play vs. fifth-best PK. Two shots, no goals, no flow despite most the power play spent in the Hawks’ end.
You’ve got to give the Wild credit. Most consistent team in the league. Never score in the first, always give up the first goal. 
If Byfuglien gets his hat trick, it’ll be the eighth all-time against the Wild and second from a Minnesotan (Jason Blake, March 19, 2004).
Bouchard going off for high-sticking.
Wild booed off the ice. Down 2-0, outshot 15-4. Last play of the period was Kim Johnsson missing Pierre-Marc Bouchard on a breakout by 15 feet. Fitting conclusion to a shoddy period for the home team.
Live blogging may be terminated for a bit. Going into the stands to visit with some people.
254 Responses to "Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks"
Live Blogging? This could be interesting!
An energized Russo + Dan’s multiple personalities = High level of entertainment.
Don, will you be sitting in the stands as a fan or in the press box?
Oh fun! Of course, I’ll miss it because I have to leave for my own game at 5. Y’all behave…
Oh fine, NOW Devin Hester makes a big play… hoser.
lol Gun!
I’ll be replying the the live blog, live from the game. It should be a rather lively game.
er. replying the the live blog
Hmmm.
replying to the live blog
And where’s Stencils with the pregame?
Don,
Can I sit next to you on The Bird to Calgary tonite??
Gonna be a long week.
Maybe a deal will come along to give us some hope.
I don’t think that the Wild have a prayer today.
MuN-
Did you really use the word gigapascals on the last thread?
Wow. That’s all. Wow.
But, that is why they play the games.
Canada up 9-0 in the WJC…
That was after two periods… early in the third, now 10-0
“Matt Stajan spent Sunday in a hospital with an eye injury and he will be lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs for at least a week as the result of a rowdy soccer game.
Stajan, the Leafs’ No. 1 centre, was hit on the eye with a soccer ball before the Leafs’ practice on Saturday during a warmup exercise common to NHL teams. Players gather in a circle and try to keep the ball in the air as long as possible by kicking or heading it. If a player allows the ball to hit the floor he is out of the game and the game ends when no players are left.”
Seriously… maybe it’s time to take the soccer balls and hackey sacks away from the guys…
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
You suppose the Blues have banned it yet? Surely…
how did the US do in WJC today?
Jan Gigapascal D Ht: 6′4″ Wt: 235 Age: 19
Born: 12/11/1989, Ghent, Belgium
Shoots: right
Drafted:
Giga has a booming slapshot and is tearing up the Belgian Superleague with 26 goals while only playing the pp. How does Wild scouting miss prospects like this???
I’m going to go ahead and predict a win for the boys tonight. Chicago looks to be set up more like an Eastern Confernece team, and the Wild have played very well against that style this season…
Let’s say… 2-1 Wild.
Gorg + Greenlay > Tellie Hughes
NET- I don’t think the US played today, but they destroyed Germany yesterday (day before?)
From TSN:
“Then at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt, it’s the United States facing the Czech Republic on TSN2″
It will also be on the NHL Network. I will probably flip back and forth during the Wild game.
I don’t know if they win or lose tonight, but after watching Ottawa last night, I don’t feel so bad about this December. 
Damn it Jim.
this thing needs to refresh automatically…
OK… guess I was wrong.
This is painful.
ok maybe not… screw refreshing… i dont want to see this at all…
Why is this team coming out w/no energy and unprepeared for what, the 10th straight time? I don’t understand not being ready to go and sitting back on their heels from the DROP OF THE PUCK! God these guys are frustrating to watch w/ this same skating in the mud mentality, game after game. What gives here?
Final in the WJC… 15-0
wow…!
Don,
How bout your thoughts on Ref. Dave Jackson?
Booing them off the ice. I love it.
I hear a lot of Boos from the crowd. That was a pathetic first period (again).
I dont know how serious Lemaire could be about winning this game. This game looks more like a test for his players
As opposed to being a test for Lemaire himself? Perhaps he should put his skates on, go out and win it for them?
the boys may be flat but chicago is no joke. the ought to be after being dogshat for the better part of the last 10 years
at least we have the Vikings… HA!
having probs posting.
A test for what ? Has the talent changed from game 1 ?
Buddha- No doubt that they are determining what player or players will be expendable. I cant think of a logical reason to sit Boogy other then to rest himself and Weller for tomorrow nights physical match up with Calgary .
well that worked. Hmmm. Ok, back to live replies to the live blog.
Anyone hear the “let’s trade Johnsson” chant by that guy after his penatly?
yeah, Buddha, I did say gigapascals.
Good thing for that netting, that shot was at my head!
looked like Weller had his stick held from my view
shot on goal!
They wasted the whole first peiod not being able to get any energy going. Boogy crashes and makes big hits, especially with No Gaby. The Clutterbuck Boogy combo was working creating energy. I guess the coach did not want to play him back to back
huge save on sharp!
I haven’t watched the second period yet as I was eating dinner with my family but the first was just awful.
Did we spend anytime in their zone after the first goal?
I hope all of you had a nice Christmas or holidays.
If this continues too much longer shift Burns upfront
If this continues too much longer shift Burns upfront
They looked lost. They had no one hitting. No one is passing. They can’t get the puck out of the zone unless it’s on the penalty kill.
I can’t stand listening to the FSN guys anymore, so I went to the Wild home page, clicked on the radio feed, and am now listening to the Gopher basketball game as they play a school I’ve never heard of before… High Point. I’m guessing it’s a high school.
I don’t know if I can listen to them say Bifflin one more time… looked it up:
“According to the NHL Pronunciation Guide, it’s pronounced ‘bigh-FEWG-lehn’”
One site says he told the announcers in Chicago to use Buff-lin so they didn’t have to trip over it while announcing…
Russo… any help here?
NHL.com’s gamecenter is also playing Gopher Men’s basketball for their audio feed. Apparently, the NHL doesn’t have anyone paying any attention.
no interference call when Gillies chipped the puck past, and now Burns gets this called.
What happened with Koivou ?
I see him now
Skouba almost showed his face…
What is Skoula doing in front of the net? Someone take his knitting needles away and hand him a hockey stick.
Good lord.
Is Johnsson trying to suck so he doesn’t get traded?
I wish Boogard was in. Pouliot isn’t useful at all.
Pouliot plays like he is the star player of a mediocre high school team.
MN in AL says:
December 28th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I wish Boogard was in. Pouliot isn’t useful at all.
you must be insane. there is no worse player in the NHL then Boogaard so by default he is the most useless player on the roster. Also, Pouliot has a lot more usefulness then Bouchard, and undoubtedly you love that figure skater with a stick.
FIRE LEMAIRE AND RISEBROUGH !!!!!!
TheGunslinger says:
December 28th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Pouliot plays like he is the star player of a mediocre high school team.
Bouchard plays like he’s the star bench warmer of a peewee team. what’s your point.
The Gun Slinger, you see allot. Pouliot is acting like he is in a pissing match with the coach. Maturity is his problem and time is his enemy
Kim Johnsson is playing so bad as of late
My God… it’s like watching the Spring Lake Park High School JV girls squad out there.
I was really worried about this game. I hope they can come back but this team seems again lost. They just can’t do anything right tonight.
Were there just boos?
Craig Weller will have to fight now. I cant believe that guy rang the bell on Backstrom
Dan, I wasn’t talking to you. If I want your opinion, I will ask one of your other personalities… you know… the less annoying ones.
this is bad…. horrible rather. I have never heard the X so loud with Boo’s! Wow… they can’t pass to save their soles or hang on to the puck. Also, Pouliot is a joke. I know he is good but he always tried to do something amazing with the puck and loses it every time… god…
Major boos at the X. Looks the Russo gave up and went home!
Three points:
1. Boogy is no help in a game like this, Chicago would skate right around him
2. Eventually Lemaire has to answer for the lack of energy in his team. His job is to motivate the team and develop whatever talent he has.
3. DR better be on the phone looking to inject something, this could be a tipping point for the Wild and automatic sellouts.
I take back what I said. Boogy would have helped by creating some energy in the first period. He is a guy who creates excitement when he is out on the ice
Yawnsson has been horrible ever since putting on the C. He was overachieving earlier in the year and I was pleasantly surprised. But Kimmy has bee looking as bad or worse than the worst that Bad Marty has ever exhibited. I’m not saying the C is the reason, but it is a weird coincidence.
Boogie probably isn’t playing because the Hawks are fast and don’t have a goon to fight. Might as well keep Boogie fresh for tomorrow night.
I have noticed more of Pouliot today, but not nearly enough. But I think he has had a little better effort this game since the popcorn machine. I just think the Hawks are outplaying us so much that you really aren’t able to say much about any Wild player. Except Gillies, he has looked pretty decent.
Hawks look good. But I don’t want to have to be a doormat for 10 years just to be at the point the Hawks are.
Bears game at Alary’s with playoff implications involving the Vikes along with a pregame for the Wild vs. Hawks… That had to be nuts.
Sad Sad not bad to lose a game but when the opponent shoots a puck at your goalies head and you dont go after him absolutely pathetic
i hope yall are acknowledging that the hawks are a seriously good team. ok. boys got nothing. every pass is tipped. spend all shift getting puck into zone they are gassed. lets hope the 3rd just goes by fast. running time would be good
Jeez Dan, I don’t know if I would try splitting hairs on who sucks worse…Poultine or Spin-O-Turnover.
Puckhead…they’ll sell out the rest of the season…there will be lots of fans exercising their right to stay home.
This week will be pointless as this game is probably their best chance to get one.
Damn. Ugly. Hockey.
Clutter has been noticeable too.
Russo, you’re not visiting us!
As a side note, will someone remind DR that concession workers don’t count against the cap.
I don’t know MuN, the beer vendor I frequent is easily one of the best in the league.
just a bad game still time in the season to change things around big difference in teams one has a set of balls wild dont and if you think the next 4 are going to get easier Miettanen is a 3 line wing at best
Yes, you must give credit to the Young Hawks, but the Wild have been putrid for a few weeks.
They’re standing and watching instead of anticipating and moving.
Where is the owner, I thought this guy was a hands on kinda owner. I guess he doesn’t know what a sinking ship looks like. Step up and do what’s needed and fire DR & JL. I find my self falling asleep during games lately since there isn’t much to watch and didn’t even ask for tickets for Xmas since I know a sinking ship when I see one. Apparently the fans do as well. Wild teams never used to get booed off the ice in previous seasons.
and i have two “coaches” behind me. fun stuff. i understand the wild are no good today. i dont need a running commentary on it.
Johnsson hasn’t overachieved. He’s just not playing to his best. In this game, the team is putting a lot pressure on the defense and Backstrom and to extent the centers. The forwards are not generating sufficient offense and they are forcing Backs and the defense to work 3x as hard because all the work is in the defensive zone. The forwards are not doing their job.
There has to be a balance in the game. Tonight, its tilted far too much against the defensive corps and Backstrom.
Johnsson has played like the stuff my dog leaves in the backyard since he got the C Sunshine. I was previously disappointed in him since his signing but thought he was improved earlier in the season. Pre-C. I don’t know what the deal is.
But if you haven’t noticed that he has been particularly subpar for the past month, I don’t know what to tell you.
I will agree, “he isn’t playing his best”. He isn’t even playing anywhere near his most mediocre.
Erik:
If you read anything on the owner, you would know that he is hands off on the hockey side. He’s only hands on the business side of things. He went through a hard time with the Predators and he didn’t fire the GM or the coach, so I don’t expect DR or JL to be fired.
DD:
Didn’t you see that I wrote that he’s not playing at his best?
I just disagreed with you that he overachieved. Again, he’s not playing at his best.
Please read the second sentence again.
Bout time…
Clutterbuck best player on the ice
Cal. Only guy besides Koivu with any desire. Good heads up play and finish.
yep… you knew it would be him tonight…
Maybe a little pressure got Kimmy. He gets the C, Burns goes to O. Offense starts to struggle. Blah blah blah. But he has made some glaring mistakes lately.
You must have missed his turnover at our blue line tonight and that was only one mistake. There were multiple miscues.
But I digress.
Nice shot Clutter!
Sunshine, you haven’t even watched the bulk of the game.
He is playing worse than “not his best”.
Pouliot has to be the one to be the hero here. Mikko Koivou must be sick or having a problem with the amount of Ham he had at xmas
Well sunshine I was just going on some things I heard when He took over. Perhaps I was misinformed. He needs to wake the hell up on the hockey side before it affects the business side ($$)
I have seen enough of this game and past games to make my statement.
Of course Sunshine, you have. I have seen enough of this game (like all of it) and past games (all of them) to make my statement.
Then we are just going to have disagree on whether Johnsson has overachieved or not.
DD… it is all a matter of opinion.
Remember Mister Know it all said that Clutter might get 20 this year ? I said that he has some of the same qualaties as Dino. Can you see it ?
come on, somebody drop the gloves…..
Your right on Mister Know it all
yes sir
We will have to. I think if we took a Russoville poll the poll would agree with me that Johnnson played much much better than he has in the past prior to getting the C this year and much much worse than I have seen from him since getting it. Again, I’m not saying it’s the C itself, it’s probably a coincidence. But his play has tanked this month, aknowledging that the whole team’s play has tanked this month. But we will agree to disagree.
I’m not sure what the owner can do on the hockey side right this moment to wake up the team or make any immediate difference. Firing the entire coaching staff and front office won’t help.
Expapre4, of course it is all a matter of opinion. I’ve both agreed with and disagreed with Sunshine over the time I’ve spent in Russoville.
Dickie… REALLY? This is hockey. Players take ups and downs game to game, month to month, and year to year. It is just expected…
So then just agree to disagree now.
He even has Dinos number of 22. Look at the link
I’m not really sure what your point is. Or who you are… Never seen the name before on here.
I’m aware of the ebb and flow of player and team performance in team sports. Kimmy’s has been very noticeable. I’m not alone in my thoughts. Are you his brother or something? If so, I’m sorry. It’s really just my opinion. Everybody has one.
Re Johnsson - agree he has not been nearly as consistent lately. It may have something to do with his name constantly being tossed around in the trade rumors. Not making excuses for the guy, but that would be understandable; he’s said he likes it here and I’ll bet he’s not crazy about joining Atlanta. Lots of distractions for the guy. Take the C away and let him just play for awhile… JMO.
Just want to note that I could careless if Clutterbuck is like Dino. So those posts weren’t from me.
Erik says:
December 28th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Where is the owner, I thought this guy was a hands on kinda owner. I guess he doesn’t know what a sinking ship looks like. Step up and do what’s needed and fire DR & JL
I emailed him a couple weeks ago bout the sinking ship that is his team and that Lemaire and Risefraud should be fired. He said he hates losing too, but he likes the job Lemaire and Risefraud are doing.
It’s too bad we got yet another idiot in a long line of Minnesota pro sports owners that are idiots.
Dino was my favorite North Star of all time. Clutterbuck has rapidly moved up my list of favorite Wild players.
20 might be a stretch, but he does appear to be an offensive asset.
Exactly… everyone has one… so let people have theirs as well. I agree with you, he has been rough since getting the C, but you gotta let people have their own opinions. That is all I am saying, not trying to stir anything up.
BTW- I am on here everyday. Just don’t always jump into convo.
Yeah, Clutterbuck is a good guy. Good all around game and a great guy off the ice too.
Agree that Johnnson was solid earlier this year. I thought it was his best start with the Wild. Since the C he looks different, time to get that off him.
On attendance — my point is they will not sellout next season if they don’t right this ship ASAP. At around $200 for a couple of duckets, we should expect better.
Agreed Puckhead, Agreed.
I wasn’t aware that I was “not letting other people have their own opinions”… I don’t understand that concept that somebody isn’t being allowed to have their own opinion when somebody else disagrees with it… It makes no sense. Why isn’t it that my opinion isn’t being “allowed” when it’s disagreed with? And you apparently agree with me… Don’t get it. Whatever.
I admire the spirit in the guys in period 3.
Will Doug or Mr. Lynn ever be held responsible for putting this team together? I can’t beleive CL is happy with this team!
They need to practice line changes.
Does anyone else wish for a more North American team? No one under 6′2″ and 220lbs allowed. I would really like to see a D man hit someone.
Forget is Dickie… I guess we are looking right past eachother. Not a big deal man.
If you noticed, he hasn’t played great since late November, before he even got the C. He was playing huge, huge minutes with Burns up at forward, 25-27 minutes a game. Also, on top of that he was going up against the other team’s top players.
Since Gaborik’s return and Burns’ return to the blue line, Johnsson’s minutes have been decreased to his usual 22-23 minutes.
That game was an absolute joke. Glad it is over. Pretty excited that we are in Calgary tomorrow… which is never good.
Sounds good expapre4, honestly though, it’s not automatically bad to disagree on opinions. Can make for some very interesting conversations.
They could have folded and didn’t. That is all I can really take away from the game. That and Clutter had a good game. Gillies showed a little progress I think as limited as it is. Hawks look pretty damn good. We have lots of work to do. IMO.
I agree Sunshine that the Burns move up front may have been a contributing factor because his game seems to have gone south since then and it makes more sense than the just wearing a C. But I also think that he was playing the best he has played as a Wild player earlier on in the year and it’s been a noticeable slide.
Maybe he will get it back together. We do need that.
Right on Dickie. That is really the only positives… which is sad. We have A LOT of work to do. I hope Dougy is working the phones, we need a true gamechanger.
I almost want to go to Alary’s but not sure if I want to deal with the combo of pissed off Wild AND Bears Fans… and happy Hawks fans… Sounds like it could be a recipe for disaster.
Watching tonights game it was easy to see that there was 1 Clutterbuck and 17 fusterclucks running around. The Blackhawks made the Wild look like a bunch of slow hacks. I hate to rip a team that still has a winning record, but it’s starting to look like the wheels are coming off.
I’m starting to think this team couldn’t hold Vancouver or Calgary’s Gigapascal.
Calgary 5 Wild 1, if they play like they did tonight. I’ll watch anyway, Im always a fan win or loose. Have good night everyone, off to get a stiff drink. Need one after that game! Vodka my friend here I come.
sunshine…about the forwards…
I think they need possession of the puck in order to generate offence.
The majority of this game, the Wild defence was happy to just chip it out of the zone.
Two words for you:
Great forechecking
I am done with hockey until tomorrow night. Too disgusted with tonight’s effort.
Yeah, the defense was just happy to chip out after spending practically shift after shift in their own zone trying to stop the Hawks from scoring.
Shep, mittens, zidlicky, and bruno. All awful tonight. I hope shep and poultine need to sit next game. I’d hand Cal the C for Jan, just to shake things up.
JL just layed out Benny with a presser check.
after tonight, i am convinced that JL is the problem. he has to go. the kids are NOT responding to his coaching. they started out the season so well playing more “freely” and then JL tightened them up. anyone agree with me?
NET1…I don’t agree.
JL is always JL. He doesn’t ‘change’ his style.
I don’t agree either NET1. I don’t think the focus should be on the kids anyhow. It should be on the Vets, their play is to be depended on and has been subpar as of late. And I don’t care what JL does, he can’t grab a video game controller and take over their play. The fact that the focus is on the kids is proof enough of the Veteran players being subpar as of late. Also, not having Gabby or Nolan has taken a big toll as well as some players not playing as well as they can or should or could if those missing players were playing.
That’s my opinion. Maybe it’s a bad stretch. But the timing isn’t good and I think all can agree with that.
Blaming JL doesn’t make sense if you consider Clutterbuck, who is one of the kids.
I agree with Dickie - the vets are not pulling their weight. How many times have we heard, “Pass to ______, he can’t control it and loses it”?
I fill in the blank with Brunette, since he’s the one I’ve noticed not doing much lately.
Can we fire Lemaire and the Players ?
I would imagine the pressure is indeed mounting.
CL likes what DR is doing for one and only one reason - he’s making him money hand over fist.
I agee kj - with pressure mounting and I really hope your wrong with the money aspect — that would be sad.
the biggest cheer of the game = Zidlicky’s kick save on the empty net at the end of the game.
postitives…
clutterbuck may not have rock star tools but he leaves most of what he has on the ice and isn’t a cheap little bastard.
this is the first game since kolanos call up that i’ve like what he brought. Good sign.
No one got hurt, at least I don’t think so.
Cal played well. Burns looks lost and can’t hit the net. Pouloit gets pushed off the puck too easily. We seem to cruise in the first two periods and then play ok in the third when it is too late. Frankly this team looks like it will miss the playoffs unless something drastic changes. we simply cannot make stick to stick passes and we give up the puck a lot. yes, the Hawks are now a good team and we are not.
DR isn’t making CL money hand over fist, we are making them money hand over fist.
I don’t think it’s about the money, I think both CL and DR want to win games and have success. They don’t have money problems.
I think people need to temper their expectations. At least they should if they don’t want to go crazy. We have had it pretty good the past 10 years with an expansion team. Not saying I don’t want it to be better. Just saying that it isn’t easy to sustain. There are going to be disappointing years. And despite the panic, this year isn’t over yet. Can’t even be put in the disappointing column yet.
But I think it’s worthwhile to put it in perspective. Consider that the Blackhawks took it to us today, but they have been worse than we have been since the Wild started. Consider that other teams have it much worse. Would you like to be a Detroit Lions fan? Or to keep it hockey, a Dallas Stars fan? Maple Leafs fan?
But I know that being a fan is short for a fanatic which in itself indicates some irrational thought which is encouraged. So I know perspective is for the birds for most people. Still thought I’d throw the perspective angle out there.
Christ, the Boston Red Sox waited over 80 years to win a World Series. Cubs still don’t have one. Yeah I know, more perspective…
I mean the Cubs still haven’t won another one since the early 1900s realizing the fact cops will jump on that one.
DR isn’t making CL money hand over fist
if DR wasn’t spending to cap i’d say he is making CL money, not the case though
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Has anyone else noticed that things started to go to hell about the same time Nordy showed up?
Not that I should be making light of something as serious as DR’s testicular cancer, but now that we know he’s doing ok, can we go to his house and kick him in the nuts?
As a season ticket holder, I have never booed our team, not even once, until tonight. They’ve looked bad enough lately, but tonight they were absolutely atrocious, and as JL said in his post game, the boos were deserved.
And on the bright side, we should have one of the first six picks in the draft.
DD, I hear ya on tempering expectations, but do remember, we were division champs last year, and every game was very competitive. They lack that edge and competivness so far, and seem to be sliding in the wrong direction.
Seems as though the economy has made it hard for the team to afford Pouliot’s plane ticket back to Houston.
I call on Russoville to donate to the cause!
Maybe we can conjure up enough pennies to afford a bus ticket, HGD can pack up Benny’s stuff (once he gets his head out of the sand that is), and I’ll offer to drive down and drop him off at the Greyhound station
this is benny’s last year of his entry deal. i’d say he will be here or get traded unfortunately
Fatboy, I know we were division champs last year. I’m glad you remember that as well for many people didn’t see that as worth squat since we didn’t win the Cup.
This season isn’t lost yet. We aren’t even halfway through. Pretty sure at this point last year there were concerns also. Most wouldn’t have assumed we’d be division champs last season 365 days ago.
We are in an adjustment period. I will agree with that. It could go to complete chit or we could still do a few things. Just trying to add a little perspective.
If you follow football, the Vikes were only supposed to win 6 games when it was decided by fans that after 3 weeks all hope was lost. I think you see some of those on the Vikes blog filtering here because they love weather that says the sky is falling.
LOL, I’m really not a glass half full guy. I thought I was glass half empty until I met some true pessimists here. Now I’m independent on the glass.
things started going to hell when the captain was changed. i know this has been discussed and discussed. and i am not saying it has a huge bearing on the big time slump. But that IS when the slump started…pure and simple.
The only true veteran forward in the team (today) who has ever been a regular scorer is Andrew Brunette. Apart from Brunette and Bouchard, no one else has even once scored Zidlicky points (i.e. 50 in a season). This year Bouchard doesn’t have a linemate who can complement him, take advantage of his passing skill, and the young vet hasn’t adjusted to it. I think Lemaire is working miracles with a very limited set of players. If anything, the team has been overachieving while Gaborik and Nolan have been injured. Lemaire remains one of the Wild organization’s prime assets.
You must have the Anderson “on the glass” seats, DD.
I understand the season isn’t lost yet, but something major needs to happen, and soon.
Why can’t we call up Defensemen John Scott 6-8 255 & Justin Falk 6-5 220 from Houston for a game and sit Zitlicker and Captain Kimberly. I bet Backstrom might be able to make some saves without the traffic in front that those pansies allow by being out of position all the time and having no guts.
At this point I would settle for a sign of life. Physical play - ANYTHING…
Because those 2 D would be like pylons on the ice for NHL wings.
44 points following 1-31 tilt with the Canucks.
They’ve got that hangdog look that comes from knowing they don’t have the talent to compete. You can play out January just to make sure, but by then know one will be able to argue that its time to fold the tents.
Woo! Go Cal! Sweet breakaway. I heart him so much. Screw the rest of them.
I want a refund for tonight’s game. This had to be one of the most pathetic efforts I have seen at the X.
Benny go home! You have to be the most lazy player in the NHL. Your work ethic is pathetic. To think my hard earned money is wasted on a lazy lout like you really ticks me off.
I could not agree more, His Royal Wilderness … “Lemaire is one of the Wilds prime assets”.
Wholesale firing is never a very good plan, all it does is start a rebuilding all over again. Despite Dan the Guru’s opinion, the staff we have are not incompetent.
Mostly, minor adjustments will go a long way. But, sometimes when you stick a finger in a dike another water hole occurs. And, you can’t plug them all.
With so many young guys it is disappointing they are not as resiliant as they need to be. But, there is much to learn for these guys trying to make an adjustment to the NHL.
It just takes time.
Personally, I agree with DD who says we have been spoiled with an expansion team making a mark so soon.
But, there is a time to transition to the farm guys and that time is now, and when it happens you better have patience and be realistic about expectations. If not, you will go nuts.
I am not ready to assume the Wild will but out of the mix, but they will obviously be up and down.
When the Gabby situation is resolved, then maybe either he will really start contributing or else the assets we receive will. In the meantime, it is an engine not firing on all cylinders.
When the Gabby situation is resolved, then maybe either he will really start contributing or else the assets we receive will. In the meantime, it is an engine not firing on all cylinders.
You mean all *2* of them?
Iceman I agree
The only thing you can get from them losing is looking at the facts
Never before have the Wild performed outside the Mission of the team before. I have never seen them fall apart for so many games
The question is why ? What has changed
These are the clues
(1) Mikko Koivou was the Captain. The minute they changed that is when the tailspin started
(2) Gabys return with being around the team
I am sure more clues exist
I don’t think Gaby’s replacement(s) is going to be much help to this team. They have too many guys who don’t seem to have any offensive touch to their games. Even Gaborik can’t work miracles on Shep and SRV. Maybe AO is the only who can make lemonade out of those two lemons. They have their offensive moments but they are far and few in between. I could use other players as examples so I am not picking on them only.
Several folks have said it — most of these players look so lost. Players and fans can get angry but when some of these players have no idea how to be offensive, its a little hopeless.
Tonight - Pouliot and PMB had no SOG. No missed shots or attempts that were blocked. That is just unacceptable.
Can I say told ya so about Ben yet? Can I? Huh? Please?
Okay. I’ll wait a little longer.
Its not the stupid captaincy, I am sorry. The Captainacy on this team does not carry as much weight as other teams.
What went wrong? Our defense couldn’t save our offense in those very tight games.
In October, it was a team effort - offense, defense, and goal-tending were on the same page. Everything clicking.
In November, defense and goal-tending carried the team for the most part except for a 4 game stretch at the tail end where we scored 17 goals.
December - offense and defense started falling apart - only goal-tending stood firm. We lost Nolan who was one of the very few guys willing to go to the front of the net. The defense couldn’t save the sputtering offense like it did in November. This team needs Nolan and Gaborik in the lineup. They seem to settle everyone else down and maybe relieve some of the pressure and the grips on the sticks.
Mikko has been mad for most of the month of December and nothing changed for this team until Gaborik came back. Moreover, if he has to wait to wear the C to speak up or be a leader, then that’s not leadership. The guys need to wake up or have Lemaire kick garbage cans and yell again like during their early March slide.
Until either Nolan or Gaborik or both come back, this team is going to continue its slide. Playing 70% defense and 30% offense isn’t working.
Aww, Sunshine, I knew we could agree! That 11:12 post I can’t find one disagreement with.
I think the team lacks some identity too. The uncertainty with Gabby, our offensive leader since day one, has to take a toll on a number of levels. I know the DR haters will take off on that but really, you can’t foresee injuries and especially can’t foresee a hacky sack injury. I know the hindsight will come out but after last year there was a reasonable chance that the swimsuit area wouldn’t be this shreaded.
As for the Andersen on the Ice seats FatBoy… I think I’ve addressed glass as much as I can take tonight.
Time to call it a night. Work will be weird tomorrow after all this time off. I will not be happy in the morning. I pray I don’t come across one of those cheery Monday “good” morning people… Maybe I should try coffee. Works for a bunch of people I guess. Just can’t stand the stuff. It would take to much effort to doctor it to be edible.
Can I say told ya so about Ben yet?
i say go ahead, why wait. when you’re right you’re right.
This team doesn’t lack identity. It lacks scorers — heck even more basic - shooters.
The core identity of a Wild team is suppose to be defensive, discipline and capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes. You can add physicality or puck possession but you can’t take away those 3 basic core values of the Wild until Lemaire leaves.
This team hasn’t lived up to its identity in the month of December. More stupid penalites — high-sticking, my god — and turnovers, turnovers, and more unbelievable turnovers from both offense and defense.
MsC, you will probably have to wait. You can say it now but there are many apparent Benny lovers lurking here though and you will have to repeat yourself.
I still hold out hope that he will start to get it. But I’m not too confident. And you have more experience watching his game than I do so I have to differ to you.
Good morning tomorrow everybody… much easier to say the night before.
Ben’s a lazy hack
So with their lack of living up to their identity would you agree with me that they have in some sense lost their identity and maybe conclude to a certain degree that although they had that identity before, they also had one guy at least who could put the puck in the net and that by not having him now or probably ever that it might be messing with them identity-wise a bit? Especially when the scoring started to dry up?
Huge run-on sentence but I already said good morning tomorrow and have to work on getting there.
Just got back from the X and well, that was something special tonight I’d say. I sure didnt have that in mind when we got the tiks for the sisters b-day!
After the game was midway it just became like a comedy act staring pouliot,kolanos,butch etc. Did anyone else see kolanos doing the arm windmill thing while trying to keep his balance and nothing even caused it?
Or pouliot just not being able to hang onto the puck? or butch never shooting the puck even when he beats everyone else into the zone, stops waits dish’s it instead of shooting like clutter and getting a goal! That last minute though was priceless! Zidlicky in the net with no stick stopping pucks!
Other notes:
1.many fans applauding sarcastically due to lack of shots etc…
2.mega booing any chance, “avalanche of boos’s”
3.people near us trying to start “gabby chant”
4.The tickets just cost way to much to go see this kind of effort. I could go to some non hockey market with a crappy NHL team and get the family seats, hot dogs,cokes for like 100 bucks way better if your gonna have a horse manure team to be a fan of.
Is it a team losing its identity or we just don’t have good players? There are ebbs and flows throughout the season, of course,
For me, its the latter. Last year, the Wild were for the most part the Wild but with more offense and more physicality.
This year, the Wild for the most part are the Wild but they just have too ineffective warm bodies. That’s the main problem — not enough good players.
Seriously, a “Gabby Chant?” — was it for his ouster or his help on the ice?
[ Huge Sigh ]
A few things to remember. It’s the same group of players that started strong this year. To say they can’t win, or can’t compete is ignorance.
The team can, but the question is “how to get that back.”
We can call for a wholesale selloff, a management shakeup, or even to keel haul the fuzzy mascot - what’s his name?
Those are only tools, however. Changing a coach has good and bad possiblities that can come along with it. Tocchet isn’t doing any better than Melrose, who was preceived as the “problem” with Tampa losing. So there’s an example of something worse happening. On the other hand, McClellan moves into San Jose this year, and the Sharks are much better than they were last year.
Same thing with players. Hot and cold streaks, injury bugs, morale, etc. Whatever happens, roster changes aren’t going to solve it immediately. You could bring in a top 2 center, and a top line winger, and that’s not going to mean instant success.
A few days (or weeks) back I suggested maybe we realize last year’s team was the one to have a shot, and an earlier-than-expected exit but the kabosh on that. That team is gone. Some of those players are gone. Now we’re in a rebuilding phase of which we don’t really know how long it’s going to take. I think we all hoped it would take until October, and our “new” team would gel and win all sorts of games and compete for the division title again, and advance to the 2nd round.
Ok, probably not gonna happen - but don’t count it out yet. Look how well the Blues played after the all-star break last year. They almost made the playoffs after being counted out in December.
So I’m going out on a limb, and I’m going to predict the Wild don’t make the playoffs this year. I’m guessing there’s some folks in the upper management of the team that might have that hunch too, and rather than strive for another first round exit and losing assets in the summertime, they make a plan, and execute it between now and next season.
For #2’s and giggles, here’s what I’d do.
1. Move Gaborik, Pouliot, Bergeron, and Backstrom before March 5th. They all have value we need to get out of them, and they all aren’t needed on the “new” team.
What we need in their place is 2 players who can step into the lineup, a center and a winger. We also need a power forward, of sorts. If the new winger can fit that bill, great. If not, need to get one, or develop one fast.
2. Figure out the D situation. Let’s hope Foster can return, and return to a level he was at before his injury. If he can’t play at that level, we need to trade him, or let him go. Reitz needs to be brought back, and if dear, dear Marty can keep playing this way, I’d bring him back too. That’s 7. Let them all compete for spots come camp next year. If Cuma can make the team, that makes 8.
3. I would try to resign Veilleux and Kolanos. I think they’re both good checking forwards, and both have an offensive upside.
4. Harding gets the call. If Schaefer is up to the job, the backup is his. If not, there’s backups available.
5. Now for the other part. What to do during the summer. These guys need to be moved for bigger or faster players, and some draft day dealings so we can move way up in the draft, unless we fall fast. My targets in the draft would be Tavares and Schenn. Zach Kassian would be another great pickup.
To get them, we have to finish bad, and/or trade up or get someone’s pick in return for Gaborik or one of the following guys:
PMB, Johnsson, and Sheppard. Move them, if we can get a good return for them. That’s all there is to it. Get picks, and use them.
6. Free agency. Ah, we shouldn’t be buyers. We should acquire veterans who can help younger guys develop, and be mentors. Those guys will be available. Lets get one, or two.
Ok, that’d be my plan. Oh wait. One more thing. Coaching. If JL would be willing to come back next year, he’d get the job. If not, there’s some coaches not working right now that might be worth looking at.
Did anyone else see kolanos doing the arm windmill thing while trying to keep his balance and nothing even caused it?
Seriously? Have you ever played hockey? You’re gonna go after a guy for trying not to lose his balance? On THIS team??? Come on, man.
MuN, Kolanos isn’t a checking forward. Though he may be realizing that’s what he’s gotta do to stay up (*sob* I miss him). The guy is a million times hungrier for this chance than Pouliot, so I suspect he WILL change his game if they tell him to. He did it in Houston (though not to a checking forward as much as playmaker vs. one-man-band). We’ll see. Sounds like he played a good game yesterday. It wouldn’t be difficult for him to surpass Benny in the effort and production dept IMO.
Watching the game off tivo now. Greenlay always looks like he’s about to barf. Sort of nervous and confused. Like maybe he has amnesia and doesn’t quite know who or where he is, but wants to cover up the panic with a pleasant smile.
Okay, so here’s what’s funny to me. I watched most of the game (skipped the last half of the third) and didn’t think Pouliot was any different than he usually is and was actually involved in the play more than usual. Like, I actually noticed him doing something other than getting bumped off the puck. Why, all of a sudden, is he the bad guy? The whole team, minus Backs and Cluts, didn’t get it done.
I don’t think Pouliot deserved any specific ire from this game. I mean, he still plays like he doesn’t want to break a fingernail but at least he got some shots off. He did nothing last night that he hasn’t been doing for the last 3 years.
According to Forbes, the Wild are the 11th most valuable NHL team and easily the most valuable recent expansion team.
Average ticket price is $58 per game and gate receipts alone are worth 44 mil. They’re spending almost to the cap with 51 mil in player salaries.
Overall revenue is calculated to be 94 mil with EBITA at .7 mil.
To say that they’re not making money hand over fist is just plain wrong since they’ve increased in value year over year.
They cannot spend more on player salaries, but as demonstrated recently, they haven’t spent wisely.
Flutterpuck has been a bright spot. Hopefully if the team turns it around, he won’t go in the toilet.
stops waits dish’s it instead of shooting like clutter and getting a goal!
clutterbuck got behind the d. PMB has never gotten in behind the d. big difference.
actually, clutterbuck was the beneficiary of some cat from chicago not wanting to go with weller. weller was busy trying to get the guy to dance and he refused to weller made a late change. clutterbuck hopped on just as the puck was reversing and chicago D was out of position. to his credit he buried it. most other players would have shot it over the net, which seems to be very popular lately.
as for the state of the team…back in june, the popular opinion was team in rebuild mode. I figured they would compete for a playoff spot. the fast start may have given false hope that the wild were a top team in division. what has hurt the wild is #10 and nolan can’t stay healthy. the dynamic of this team changes when those two are healthy and playing.
I don’t think Pouliot deserved any specific ire from this game
probably not but he could be so much better.
To say that they’re not making money hand over fist is just plain wrong since they’ve increased in value year over year.
my point is i don’t know what DR has to do with this which was your original thesis for why he won’t get fired.
you and I could both take over DR’s jobs and make CL money hand over fist. maybe more because we obviouly would find a way to keep gaborik, sign Hossa and probably trade for malkin.
probably not but he could be so much better.
Perpetually the case with him. But my point is… now’s the time when the vets need to have their feet to the fire more than the rookies. Pouliot isn’t going to make or break this team (though I could easily see him breaking Houston if he comes down… ohpleasegodno!!!)
now’s the time when the vets need to have their feet to the fire more than the rookies
agree but with Benny, he’s out of options. at end of entry deal. wild have to play him to find out if he is worth more investment which is why i don’t seen him going back to houston.
Ahh, I like the way you think G*. I sure hope you’re right. That kind of wussery will wreck a team.
ZOMG, I’m so effin’ hungry.
Finally, it seems people are getting my point about the vets. Rather than just say “they know better” and benching the kids, the vets need to know they’re not guaranteed a playing spot if they’re not going to play.
what a bad game.
At least we get to right the ship against the Flames tonight.
[end sarcasm]
Nice, Nick… Nice.
Ms C.. Remember, Walz was an energetic, offensive force in the minors and even juniors. JL turned him into a fantastic 2-way center by stressing defense. That’s my future prognostication for Kolanos.
As for Benny’s play.. He contacted the puck or the play more, but did little with it. He didn’t make passes, he chipped the puck along the boards, or lost it entirely. When he did have possession, he didn’t make plays. He turned the puck over, or got pinned up along the boards and lost it.
JL really called him out in the presser, noting he was trying much harder, but nothing was coming of it. Plain english you couldn’t mistake.
I think Weller played a better game. He certainly had more chances.
That game last night just flat out sucked. No offense whatsoever, no skating, no anything. This Wild team just didn’t come ready to play anyone, much less a team who had won their last eight in a row.
NiNY: No, we won’t right the ship against the Flames tonight. We will be lucky if they don’t get ’singed’ tonight as the Flames will roll it up against the virtually-hapless Wild.
The wheels have indeed come off the bandwagon…
Green*…which was exactly my point about DR.
I doubt that he will make any management changes until revenue is hurt.
Which could be like never.
oops…he being CL…
I guess it’s just enough for me to see Pouliot trying harder. If he keeps up consistent “trying” he’ll find his way. But he’s never played more than about 3 games in a row consistently putting in a hard effort. I think he’s probably gripping a little hard right now, too. Like all of them.
(And I’d like those of you who think I’m a unrelenting shrew when it comes to Benny to take note of my take on him today… Hmph)
Benny is the kind of guy who’s going to go the way of the team. Even though he’s younger, Cal has the mental and physical toughness to just play his game night in and night out regardless of the team’s situation. Most guys aren’t like that and Ben’s one of them. How about Koivu, Mittens, Bruno, PMB, and those guys getting nothing done? They’re the ones I put the onus on to rise up and be pros here.
DOH! “The Wild will be calling someone up from Houston for Monday’s game. We can’t tell you who until tomorrow, so stay tuned and good night.” (from Stanzel’s blog)
I guess they need a forward, so I’m thinking Locker. Oh boy is that ever going to suck righteously for the Aeros if he gets called up.
You can really tell they’re all gripping when even Koivu, who’s typically consistent, makes stupid errors in the neutral zone. You kind of want a play like in The Replacements - “Kick @$$ on three” just to make something happen.
Sorry Ms. C - guess they’re willing to through the Aeros under the bus to create something for the big boys.
Throw
It’s a Monday.
MuN says >>A few things to remember. It’s the same group of players that started strong this year. To say they can’t win, or can’t compete is ignorance.<<
Then call me ignorant. They started strong because they had a soft schedule and there was no tape on a rejiggered team. It didn’t take long for the rest of the league to figure out how to stop Antti and the rest of the Wild offense.
I agree that Nolan and Gaby out of the lineup makes a world of difference. That would make them competitive, but still not playoff contenders.
All due respect MuN, after calling us ignorant, you sure consumed alot of bandwidth explaining what this “rebuilding team” has to do to compete and win.
We are long beyond pep talks and coaching schemes. Scoring talent. It gets hard to stay charged up for an 82 game season when you are only pumping in a goal a game. Some additional goal scoring would make everybody else better. Butch plays better when Gaby’s around. When you only have one or two or no scorers, it ain’t hard to shut them down.
Ms. C: ‘Pouliot trying harder’? Than whom? Someone who has never laced up skates?
B-b-b-Benny is always playing wthe puck with one hand on his stick, not two. he is virtually always out of position to finish plays (and that’s what he does best, suposedly, I think you said).
I’d just as soon be done with Poolboy and send him packing, also.
The experiment has failed. See ya, Benny.
Geez, Ms. C - you try to go easy on Benny for one day and you’re ripped up.
I doubt that he will make any management changes until revenue is hurt.
maybe but what does he have to lose if the revenue will never suffer? Many people do not think we can do worse than the current management.
For the record, there are four kinds of people (from The Far Side):
1) The glass is half full.
2) The glass is half empty.
3) The glass is half full - no half empty - no wait, what was the question?
4) Hey, I ordered a cheeseburger!
I prefer to remain # 1.
I have almost have had enough Its time for Dougie to go. First the on ice product is pathetic, and Dougie cant seem to get anything done or anyone signed just keeping losing people like Rolston trading away OSullivan etc the hits just keep coming, Then the food product in Section 200 is cold and stale like the service and then someone decides to move our section favorite beer woman and the new Wild song sucks everytime it plays it doesnt energize the crowd A couple more years like this a the warming house will be a cold house. Luckly for Dougie that JL gets wins where other coaches wouldnt
there is a new wild song?
Ms.C I know that krys is your bff but come on! I actually expect the Pro hockey players to play and look like pro’s. russo pointed out that the guy cant skate,yesterday I see him going to the bench and its like a laurel and hardy on the icy sidewalk bit. If I didnt have to pay to watch the games I wouldnt be so critical but that game was HORSEMANURE! and kolanos cant skate…end transmission
Yes, MissConduct, you nailed it a long time ago (ps - do you ever sleep?). Bennie is a dilemma and a project for JL.
MuN, @ 12:46, another thoughtful analysis. I would still prefer to keep Backstrom however.
KJ, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the team making money. I am glad they do, it is assurance the NHL will be here for a long time, unlike the fate of the North Stars who did not make make money!
Also, KJ, I do not disagree with your criticism of how the money is used. But, it is easy to criticize who the team signed with their money, and that they are not the right guys.
You can point to every pro team anyplace, any sport, with the same criticism. (ie: Dallas Cowboys, annointed by the first game of the season as Super Bowl Champs now missing the playoffs, keep going down the list).
here’s the thing with Benny for me:
A kid’s first full-time kick at the big league can should be conducted with training wheels on.
Up to this point the Wild has more or less done that. Burns got 36 games his rookie season. Mikko 64. PMB 50. Thelen….er, nevermind.
But it feels like we’re expecting more than that from Benny. In the absence of more scoring depth from the core of the team, we’re expecting Benny to fill that hole.
It doesn’t seem like JL is expecting too much from him. He’s playing Benny on the 4th line or the 3rd line where he “should” be for a rookie. Sure he’s given him the odd kick in the butt, but what rookie SHOULDN’T get a kick in the butt every now and then?
But, when the rest of the lineup isn’t producing like it should be, then the spotlight will shine brightest on guys like Benny, whose potential exceeds both his experience (for sure) and his desire (perhaps).
This is the type of situation where the kid burns out in a given organEYEzation, but then ends up hitting his stride and fulfilling his potential somewhere else. Well, unless that kid is Alex Daigle, that is.
So I don’t think it’s Lemaire. He’s just doing his thing: trying to make lemonade out of the lemons he has been given.
The question is: why was the head coach given those lemons? Is it because the GM is incompetent as some here would have us believe? Is it because the GM is too scared to pull the trigger on a trade? Too egotistical to admit that the “team” he put together has some glaring holes? Who knows. But that’s where the issue lies, IMO.
I’m beginning to hope that Pouliot gets packaged in the Marianne “exploding Oscar” Shredded-Groin-orik trade instead of Sheppard.
I wouldn’t have said this a month ago, but Pouliot looks like he’s going to be a 1st class head case his entire career and Sheppard seems to be showing signs of life. If Pouliot can’t get it going in the last year of his entry contract (read: huuuge payday around the corner) he’s never going to get it together.
WRT… than Pouliot a week ago. I’m not saying he’s any good. I’m just saying it’s nice to see some effort out of the slacker if he’s going to actually keep a spot on the bench.
Heather, yeah, that’s the curse of the minors. Though we’ve been poached so much worse this year than last. Oh well. That’s why the tickets are cheaper.
“things started going to hell when the captain was changed.”
Who wears the the C has no bearing on this team. it get’s passed around each month. It’s more of a merit badge than anything else. We’re not talking about a bunch of ‘B’ peewees here. Well I guess the way they’ve been playing…..ah hell.
I wonder who they will call up — offense or defense? Its gotta to be a forward, right? We need more help there than on the blueline.
So, I guess MAB will have to go on IR since he will be out for a longer time.
“call up Defensemen John Scott 6-8 255 & Justin Falk 6-5 220″
Maybe these guys can show Skoula that the NHL is not a no check league. Skoula’s got the most dangerous poke check in the league.
Skoula’s got the most dangerous poke check in the league
must have stolen it from yawnson
offense or defense?
can always call up defense and move burns back to forward…
I guess MAB will have to go on IR
could be #10? his last game was a on the 23rd. MAB more likely but who knows with this club right now.
I have been a basher of Skooba in the past as much as many others in Russoville, but he is so far down the list of problems with the current Wild team that it doesn’t even bother consideration.
can always call up defense and move burns back to forward…
never let it be said that G* won’t go into the corners…
Momentum, is a funny thing.
When you have it, Lady Luck is on your side. The shots that usually go over the net are hitting the uppper corner, the zebra’s calls go your way, the ice is tipped in your direction.
When you lose it, then the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Guys get caught out of position, the ice chips cause passes to go over your stick, you miss the net with open shots, and the players get hurried and so the mistakes get magnified.
And, even pro teams, with guys who have played their sport for twenty years can’t shed the giant monkey.
But, I think it is especially hard for the young guys!
They are trying to establish themselves in this lineup, trying to not make mistakes and then they maybe make the mistake of being overly cautious.
Now we have a team with plenty of untested younger players: Pouliot, Sheppard, Kolanos, Clutterbuck, Gillies, Reitz, Harding.
And, we have been missing Nolan, Gabby, now Bergeron, Foster.
Even, Bouchard, Koivu, Burns, and Schultz are not old players.
Look at the tradeoff: Four vets missing and seven younger players on the ice.
Don’t think for a minute this does not affect the team’s confidence.
Things always look bleakest about the time they will start to get better. We all need some patience.
Dan the Guru thinks Veilleux stinks and that his his privilege. But, SRV has a role on the team which is defending and he does it well enough.
Ice…I never said there was anything wrong with the Wild making money.
I’m just saying that CL has zero incentive to make any management moves until it hurts his pocketbook.
And it doesn’t look like that will be happening anytime soon.
Oh, and in Forbes list…the Dallas South Stars were ranked as the #6 most valuable NHL team.
Looks like they figured out how to make money.
Ice, no, I don’t sleep much at night. Especially after a miserable hockey game (my own, not the Wild).
Max, fine. Whatever.
Nick: “This is the type of situation where the kid burns out in a given organEYEzation, but then ends up hitting his stride and fulfilling his potential somewhere else. Well, unless that kid is Alex Daigle, that is.”
BINGO. I, however, am leaning Daigle with Ben. The thing is… if Ben had been a hard worker/remotely successful in his two years in Houston (remember, he’s been pro that long!) there would be a lot more leeway given to him to “find his stride” in the big show.
But the fact is, the very same lack of fire is exactly the criticism that’s plagued him his entire career. It’s not a new problem in the NHL. If it were, I’d have more hope. Like with my BFF Kolanos.
can’t shed the giant monkey.
Sounds dirty. Isn’t.
Another generalization, is that sometimes you have a gifted athlete who is so talented that success comes too easy for him as a novice player.
Sometimes those athlete never learn the one part of the equation that insures he has continual success as they move up the ladder with tougher competition along the way.
And, that key is the relentless work that is required for success!
So, maybe Bennie is fitting that generalization right now. A guy with a ton of talent, but is not achieving because he does not fully understand the work ethic required.
MAB is definitely going on IR. He’s been out longer than 7 days and will be out longer if its “weeks” as reported by both papers.
Nolan is already on IR and I am hopeful that we can get both Nolan and Gaborik back against the Sharks. Don’t know if that’s possible but hoping.
They might want a little more physical forward because Lemaire probably don’t want to play Gillies against the Flames.
Oh good lord. Why am I being moderated?
Let’s try again in small chunks:
Ice, no, I don’t sleep much at night. Especially after a miserable hockey game (my own, not the Wild).
Just saw something in CW’s column in the pi press about Risebrough having cancer? What’s up with that? I haven’t read anything in the Strib..
Nick: “This is the type of situation where the kid burns out in a given organEYEzation, but then ends up hitting his stride and fulfilling his potential somewhere else. Well, unless that kid is Alex Daigle, that is.”
BINGO. I, however, am leaning Daigle with Ben. The thing is… if Ben had been a hard worker/remotely successful in his two years in Houston (remember, he’s been pro that long!) there would be a lot more leeway given to him to “find his stride” in the big show.
But the fact is, the very same lack of fire is exactly the criticism that’s plagued him his entire career. It’s not a new problem in the NHL. If it were, I’d have more hope. Like with my BFF Kolanos.
I’m just saying that CL has zero incentive to make any management moves until it hurts his pocketbook
certainly plausible and could be probable. but, for the same reasons, he has no incentive not to make a change because a change won’t harm his pocketbook, no?
Another generalization I will make is that as players move up the ladder to the NHL, they find the play is more sophisticated at each step of the way.
The degree of sophisticated play in the NHL is much steeper than between any of the lower leagues.
It has been obvious to me that when players hit a new level, they are given more complex instructions.
They need to process these, instructions before they act. In other words, to play is no longer a reaction.
The processing time slows down the player because everything is a decision and not a reaction.
That is another reason, fans need to have patience.
What we really want is a consistently winning team.
The team falters so fans holler to fire the coach, fire the GM, get rid of a certain player, etc. And, when it falls on deaf ears they they HOLLER even louder. Sometimes fans get their way and the team really goes down in the dumps.
To me, that is always a reactionary approach, when a team would be much better to stay the course they are on.
The Wild will take lumps this year to be sure. But, even though they lost yesterday and deserved to lose, they still were only a goal from being back in the game. And, that has been their whole season.
They are not quitting!
Augh. Friggin tight-butt moderation.
Nick: “This is the type of situation where the kid burns out in a given organEYEzation, but then ends up hitting his stride and fulfilling his potential somewhere else. Well, unless that kid is Alex Daigle, that is.”
Yes. Here’s the deal. If Ben had been a good worker or successful in his two years in Houston, there would be a lot more leeway given to him to “find his stride” in the big show.
This lack of fire is exactly the criticism that’s plagued him his entire career. It’s not a new problem in the NHL. If it were, I’d have more hope. Like with my BFF Kolanos.
Woodstick:
There was a huge article in the Sunday Pio paper by Tom Powers. It even made the cover of the paper.
You probably didn’t see it if you don’t read the Pio.
ms.c: that’s totally cool - and, yes, it has been the knock (perceived or real) on him since they drafted him.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re not also expecting too much of him, or that, with a better surrounding cast around him, he might not appear to be such a big disappointment.
I’m also not sure that, with our history of promoting our most-recent 1st round pick to the bigs immediately, fans may have been set up to dislike him as soon as he didn’t make the team the season after he got drafted.
I guess I’m saying this could be a perception thing as well as the other critiques.
The Farside is sort of my idol (or idle) Heather.
ITA, Nick. Which is in the same ballpark as my queries today about why everyone is ragging on Pouliot when this problem is SO much bigger than him.
The thing is, I’m not expecting big production from Ben. I’m not expecting mistake-free hockey. I’m expecting him to work hard and do what the coaches ask. Just do that. But he’s doing the opposite. He’s going for the big, pretty goals, and he’s not going to the net. Remember a while back when he was parking himself in front of the net and actually getting some goals? Not his style but it worked!
Ms. C: What really sets me off about Benny P. is just what you said. Lack of work ethic, big time. You don’t handle the puck with one hand on your stick in the NHL. Ever. He does it, and he pays for it.
‘Million-dollar Talent. Ten-cent Head.’
That phrase, IMO, fits B-b-b-Benny to a ‘T’.
If Ben had been a good worker or successful in his two years in Houston
this i think is the difference, Ben has had time in houston.
burns had 1 game in rookie year
PMB none
captain america had one year due to lockout.
ben has 113 game in houston before seeing major time in the NHL
I don’t disagree, WRT. My point is that, most players are given a year or two to learn that lesson even once they make it in the show. Benny hasn’t been given that time yet.
For the record, I don’t like the kid. I don’t like any kid with that kind of attitude. I’m just saying we’ve given PMB, what, like 5 years to grow a pair? Benny’s gotten like 50 games.
G* don’t forget Burns played in the A during the lockout too.
as did PMB but both after putting in time on the big club.
my point is but for koivu, PMB and burns both cut their teeth on the NHL club. and on sub par teams. benny has been given over 100 AHL games to show he is worth a roster spot in the NHL. it’s not like he is straight from juniors. so i say he deserves more heat than say sheppard or gillies
“played in the A during the lockout”
Is “the A” an acronym for the AHL. Is that an acronym for an acronym?
it’s not like he is straight from juniors. so i say he deserves more heat than say sheppard or gillies
that’s fair. I think he’s getting more heat than those two too.
A kick in the a** is sometimes the Rx.
But, you can’t kick so often and so hard that it has negative consequences.
MuN was right on a few days ago, when he wrote that last winter DR foresaw, to some degree, this years product with his comment “this teams window is now” (paraphrased).
We are seeing the result, 2008-09 is a new team and much younger.
also, anyone who thought Koivu might feel slighted by having the C go to Kimmy, or that he needs to have it to be a leader ought to read his comments in Stencils’ gamer.
I’d say demanding accountability with a quote like that is a pretty good sign that this kid still sees himself as a leader on this team.
his quotes:
“You give them the credit, nine wins in a row,” center Mikko Koivu said.
“But they’re not that good. I mean, they outworked us [on Sunday].
“That’s obvious. We had one guy tonight, and that was [goaltender Niklas] Backstrom, who had the effort to play this game in front of this crowd.
“If that’s not going to change, there’s something wrong inside of the team in every player in this room.
“With the goalie alone there, it’s not going to work like that.”
I don’t think youth can be an excuse, though - look at Chicago. They played fast and furious against us and, to be blunt, made us look unskilled or even old.
Thats what happens when you scratch the boogeyman!!! he would have turned the game around and you doubters can go F$%% o%%
^^^ nothing to see here, people. Move along….
Is that an acronym for an acronym?
Yep. Doncha love it?
I’m dying to know what Mikko really said. Any little bird want to tell me?
I wonder about Mikko’s tone when he said “they’re not that good.” KiPA emailed me really surprised that he said that. I was surprised, too. PD picked up on it, too. Unwise, IMO.
Small tidbit of food
I am honestly amazed by all the people who are surprised the Wild lost to Chicago yesterday.
The Blackhawks are a dysnasty in the making, as long as they can work the cap. They have all the parts to be a top 10 team for a long, long time.
Chicago is, and has been a better team than the Wild for virtually the entire season. I’m not disappointed the Wild lost to Chicago, I’m just upset that they looked so pathetic while losing.
The Wild have already shown this year, that they cannot keep stride with the fast teams (remember the Dallas game)
The quick teams will continue to give the Wild fits all year.
on another note - BBBBenny is another perfect example on why the NHL should never follow the NFL, in awarding huge contracts to unproven rookies.
Benny will never be more than a 3rd liner in the NHL. No heart, no desire, no work ethic = no success.
