Wild 3, San Jose Sharks 2 (OT)
Posted on December 31st, 2008 – 4:32 PMBy Michael Russo
From now on, I’m giving the locker-room speeches. I know how to fire the boys up.
Just a joke. This is a desperate hockey team, and they were coming out fired up regardless of what this hack throws into the paper, although I’ve gotten about three emails and three texts saying I should have been named first star. But that would have been way too egotistical of me, so I just gave it to Brent Burns.
He was OK tonight. Just scored the overtime winner, his fourth (tying Marian Gaborik’s team record), and assisted on both other goals in a stunning, unexpected win over maybe the best team in the NHL, the Stanley Cup-contending Sharks from NoCal.
I didn’t mention this morning, but I think it’ll be OK to mention now. Burnzie … not happy with yours truly, and it doesn’t even have to do with my column in today’s paper. It has to do with me writing he ducked out of the locker room after the Calgary game. See, I thought Burns only read Russo’s Rants, so I slipped it into the paper. My mistake. He reads the paper, too. 
Burns opened and closed his press scrum with little subliminal ”duck” messages to me, then jokingly told me, “I didn’t duck. I just dress fast. Today, I didn’t dress fast enough.”
Hopefully Burns is OK with me now. I have written a few glowing things about the kid in my day, although he did have this line in his postgame: ”Hopefully we can realize that we are a great team in here. There’s a lot of stuff outside that we can’t control, but inside here we’ve got to believe that we’ve got a good team, and believe in each other.”
See, like Mike Keenan, I’m a master motivator.
Next: James Sheppard. Just awesome tonight. Funny story, but before the game, FSN analyst Kevin Gorg asked me whom I guaranteed would score tonight, and I said James Sheppard.
Gorg said, “If Sheppard scores, I’ll buy you dinner.”
I just had this feeling he’d be a little fired up, too. And he was good, and technically he did score, even though replays proved Krys Kolanos scored 24 seconds earlier (second goal of season for Kolanos against San Jose), wiping out Sheppard’s goal. (Although, I still think Kolanos’ shot banked off Sheppard. When asked after the game, Sheppard said, grinning, “No.”)
I don’t buy it. I think Gorg should at least buy me lunch, or soup, like Kenny Banya.
Funny stuff about the Wild scoring two goals on one power play. First, the same thing happened in Calgary. Like Kolanos, Stephane Veilleux hit the back bar. The puck went in and out so quick, the referee was fooled into thinking it hit the pipe.
In Calgary, the Flames were still assessed a penalty even after replays proved Veilleux scored and the clock was backed up. So Kolanos and Sheppard were jokingly trying to convince us after the game that the league should change the rule in these type of cases and allow both goals.
Jacques Lemaire was gold after the game. Go to WildTV and watch his presser just funny.
On Milan Michalek’s tying goal with 25.2 ticks left, Lemaire looked like a jack in the box behind his podium, saying, “I was like the fans, ‘Grrr,’” said Lemaire, sinking behind his podium. “And then I went back with them when we scored, ‘All right!’”
On Andrew Brunette’s waved-off goal because referee Stephane Auger lost sight of the puck and blew play dead even though replays showed Evgeni Nabokov never covered the puck, Lemaire was comical in a way only Lemaire can be. You’ve got to watch it.
He said, “Everyone crashes the net. How many goals we got against us by them crashing the net and we’re waiting for the whistle? This is what gets coaches upset. Now you get one after you tell your guys for two months that this is the game now – ‘You’ve got to go there’ — and then we finally get one, they blow, no goal.”
Then, sounding like Yoda, Lemaire said, “That’s why we get upset.”
On Owen Nolan’s first-period power-play goal snapped an 11-game streak in which the Wild surrendered the first goal, Lemaire said, “It was nice to get the lead … once … in our season.”
How about Nolan? No practices. Misses 10 games. Scores his 143rd power-play goal against the team he captained for five seasons. He’s second in Sharks history in goals, points and penalty minutes. The goal was the Wild’s first home power-play goal against San Jose since 2003.
Since his 2003 trade from the Sharks to Toronto, Nolan had faced his old team 12 prior times in the regular season. He had a hat trick last Jan. 30, and 11 no-goal games.
The win snapped an eight-game losing streak to San Jose. It was also the Wild’s first win over the West since Dec. 3 (snapping an 0-8-1 streak).
Burns’ winner was his 10th career in his 299th game. Burns was funny after. Normally in overtime, he rides Marian Gaborik’s coattails by stuffing home the garbage on Gaborik rebounds. But with no Gaborik, Burns had to find another way.
Speaking of Gaborik, read my story tomorrow. Two things: 1) I know Gaborik flew to Colorado in the last couple days to get his sore groins looked at. I don’t know 100 percent what was discovered, but I hear it wasn’t good. 2) Witnesses tell me Gaborik and Doug Risebrough had, what I described as an animated conversation near the Zamboni entrance before Sunday’s game. I don’t know the context because, not like they’d tell me anyway, but Gaborik and Risebrough weren’t talking to me — today, at least.
Couple things I had to chop out of my notebook:
Jacques Lemaire said this morning how much he’s looking forward to December being history. The Wild’s 3-9-1 heading into tonight.
I reminded him how this all started with a 6-5 loss to Colorado, a game in which all six defensemen were not good.
“That was a tough month. Oh boy. Didn’t expect that. You can get out of one game. You can play bad, the whole team, next game you bounce back. Never did. We never did.”
Also, Lemaire went on an unsolicited rant Wednesday morning, saying, “You’ve got 29 teams playing the same way, backing up each other on the ice and we’re not. There’s a problem. We’re lazy, we don’t want to do it?
“It’s not because we don’t ask. I was the first [coach] that asked [to play this style]. Now [every team] asks it, and I know I’m the only one that doesn’t get it.”
Lemaire continued, almost insinuating players believe they’re being held back, saying, “As a player, I can’t feel I’m hooked up. ‘I can’t play, I can’t produce or I can’t do this or I can’t play my game or I can’t get my goals or I can’t get my assists.’ There’s 29 teams playing [this style]. They’re getting their points.”
Happy New Year everyone, although the Wild actually practices at noontime at Parade, so I’ve got to work. Enjoy the holiday.
294 Responses to "Wild 3, San Jose Sharks 2 (OT)"
why is fsn making it sound like gabby might be in?
Ugh. That did start the snowball rolling, didn’t it?
Russo…has your bs-meter uncovered any more info related to our favorite injury scratch?
Augh. I hate Greenlay so much.
I am sitting here looking at the records, 28-4-4 and 17-16-? and its hard to remember why I am watching this game. Oh well, here’s to an upset to end an upsetting month!
RUSSO, I know its sold out but are there an unusual number of empty seats tonight?
getting beat to loose pucks
Bruno is showing some life so far tonight. More than he has shown all month.
pp
D’ers, I noticed that too.
GOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!
OLDY!!!
OLDEN!
That’s a guy with character!
Did mittens just throw a check or are my beer goggles deceiving me?
Burns: shoots the puck instead of passing.
Koivu: carrier it in, doesn’t dump it
Nolan: right where he needs to be.
When Nolan has been healthy, he has been very impressive this year.
That’s what depth is good for?
You know, I was planning on being very drunk before the third period started, due to the expected horrendous play of the Wild. But I’m not even through one beer yet!
LOL WATX, I know what you mean!
And good call to Mr. ATX for calling the Nolan goal.
Nolan for january captain
So, I’m not going back to read all the posts of late, but who is the favorite for January captain?
Nice intensity. Keep it up boys!
Good shot by PMB.
I like it Max.
This is an entertaining effort so far, keep it up!
And as a bonus, either the announcers volume is low tonight or my ears are still plugged from the lovely cold I got while in Minnesota. Either way, I’m pleased.
It has to be Nolan for Jan. C. Could we then apply the nickname Captain Crunch?
The crowd seems to have just gotten back on the team’s side.
Anyone watching the Insight Bowl? I’ve got the radio in the ear, and the Wild on TV. No NFL Network.
How about Cal Clutterbuck for Captain?
what better role model for a capt than what nolans done today?
fsn is dumb. Why don’t we get to see what the call was? Oh yeah, they don’t know.
Not watching but I have game cast on. Min 14, Kan 7.
I wouldn’t mind Clutterbutt or Oldy for C
This has to be one of the quickest first periods of the season.
What was the penalty to Burns?
Roughing Ryan Clowe.
Nah, don’t do anything to mess with Cal’s head. He’s captain material but now’s not the time in his career for that.
yikes…survive
Just a suggestion as it seems the site is sharing info when you go to post. Use a fake email (i.e sharks@losingafterone.com).
You think the cheering at the buzzer there was a little bit of Bronx Cheer mixed in with honest enthusiasm?
Whew! Quite the end to that period!
thats my thought too ms.c
Yeah, Cal’s not there yet but it would send the appropriate message.
not quite the end of the period that I was hoping for, but we are in the lead…so can’t complain about that
I hate that our computer is broken… thankfully the Wife brought her work comp home! I would just like to point out the fact that I called the Nolan goal eariler today. I knew he would bury one! Great energy so far for the good guys. I guess Russo should call the team out more often eh? Hopefully they can keep it up. Shep has been excellent so far.
the place is full. lots of late comers. the boys have some jump. shep is moving more than before. nolan is my hero
as for the crowd part, it is about normal. Kinda slow to start but that could be due to the early start. Lots of boo birds for the gaby scratch
Thanks G*.
Nolan is hardly the answer to our woes but today’s effort and move to reactivate himself for the team and the fans is the kind of thing that will make him a fan favorite for the rest of the season.
Heh, maybe Russo should be coaching these guys. He’s clearly got their attention.
Of course I didn’t start Burns cause he’s been absent lately and he already has a point and 2 pim. I also started Nabokov over Backs. But I will sacrifice my FH standings if it means a Wild win. Lets go boys!
I thought it was genuine. I hope it was genuine. The boys are working out there and deserve cheers, IMO.
I agree Ms.C, lets get a couple more periods like that.
Did Rammer get a black eye?
We’ve only led after 1 in seven games? Wow.
Come on Boogie!
Was that teeth?
Oh a big boy fight!
Decision = Boogie
Looked like a 100% Boogey win!
How was that not a slash on Shelley on top of the fighting coincidentals?
Did Boogie tell him to “bite me”?
Wow… Greenlay is horrible ad-libbing
Mav, Boogie is never a victim in the eyes of most refs.
I heart Olan Nolan.
What’s with the gang mugging of Olden there? Punks.
Does anyone else here want to give Old Man River (Nolan) a giant man hug right now?
Boy did the Wild miss Nolan. Look at that old man go find the biggest Shark (Semenov) and face wash him.
The fire is in their bellies. Finally. Don’t know if it is Nolan, reaction to Russo–but nice to see.
I meant Owen.
That was almost the second time in as many games we hand our opponent a scoring chance by stabbing at the puck like that…
Backs’ helmet looks very Ed Belfour-ish… at least that one side of it.
Here comes a goal
For who?
Yay for being wrong.
crap. what did backstrom do? I looked away
I thought the Sharks, Rogue. You know how sometimes the defending team just looks scrambly and you feel like there’s no way the puck isn’t going in? I had that feeling.
What was the penalty there?
Got it, yes I know that feeling all to well.
Thats a dumb penalty!
That was a stupid call.
Delay of game? Are you kidding me? What a ridiculous call.
I’ve seen alot of hockey in my day, but I’ve never seen a call like that.
I’ve never seen that call on a goalie.
SOB!
Where’s the Bullsh*t chant???
Figures. Time for payback!
Oh Boogy!
God Bless America! Can we get bounce here?
Oh sweet jeezus.
I know. Someone sneezes hard and that puck goes in
Please don’t be like the Aeros where a shot off the post just killed the team last night. Seems like they’re hanging in there.
we gonna get another “I meant to blow the whistle” call?
Bloody Hell!!!
The right call but still bs.
Another GOD AWFUL call. We get delay of game for holding the puck, they get a whistle when the puck is free.
Oh, that’s a tough one.
That is probably my least favorite rule of all time
Let’s have a good PP again!
yeah, let’s make up for that bs call
Woo! WTG BFF!
I’m with you ms.c - Greenlay is awful. He just said the Sharks have too much depth and too much momentum. Is he even watching? We totally have the momentum!
Bogus call and then bad call. Sheesh. The guys are playing tho. This is the team we need to see.
Now the big question: Do they have 20 more minutes in them?
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
i think if backs would have feigned an attempt to move puck no call. doesnt excuse the ref for calling it anyway. compete BS. at least it hasnt deflated the boys.
We’re doing the dang chip and charge crap again! AAARRRGGGHHH!
Bruno has GOT to find the puck!!
Can I just say: USA!USA! US is beating Canada 3-1 in the juniors.
at least he is battling down front. When was the last time that one of zids slapshots was on net?
What is this? Skating? I seem to remember what it looks like…
it’s certainly been a while
so where is the delay of game penalty on that one?
Zids is trying to be Burns trying to be Rolston. Slapper, miss the net.
No lie - he held it just as long, and Burns was just as little of a threat.
Now lets make something of this PP
Let’s go PP!
FINALLY!!!!!!
Wow - amazing what happens when someone’s in front of the goal!!
Poor Sheppard! Yeah Kolanos!
I think they should give us both of the goals to make up for a few of those calls
That’s gotta throw Nabokov off his game - we just scored twice in the same period.
Sheppard should feel good, though, because now he knows he can do it.
Twice in the same shift Heather!
That blond lady who sits behind the Wild bench looked particularly old 30 seconds ago. Te Wild’s troubles have weighed heavily upon her sanity.
So Canada got a goal and decided to celebrate by cruising past the US bench - one of their players skated into a US stick from the bench. High sticking?
This ref is a clown. Waves it off and then we have to score again but they get the time back. And why not call the delay on Nabokov!!Jerk.
Poor Shep though. He deserved that goal for doing exactly what we want him to do — be at the front of the net and put it in.
Nice physical play Zids!
I agree shep has been working hard this game and deserves a goal
I love Koivu’s big stick! And there’s no double-entendre intended.
That’s right boys and girls, Krys Kolanos is a key cog in turning this sinking team around.
Nolan got some nice air on that one
Ugh… Dumb and/or Dumber just jinxed us.
SOB!
ah…. too much pressure…
AAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!
Play the freaking BODY!!!!
DAMN!!
Well, if there is a game that should last longer tonight it’s this one… If anyone complains about this game after the fact they should be shot. This has been an awesome game.
I am not looking forward to overtime…Too…much…excitement…can’t…take…much…more…
What really angers me is that we could’ve gotten an empty netter if we were aggressive and took the body in their end.
typical…
We’ve played a great game, ATX. You’re absolutely right - and we should absolutely win if we keep playing our game.
Well. The Wild have given as much effort as possible. Welcome back Owen and Kolanos, Shep. That’s how to play.
you expected a different outcome? Since the 2nd goal, they played prevent again. It was a matter of time.
Let’s keep up the pressure and get a win
wc — Kolanos and Shep have been playing.
Welcome back Nolan. To the rest of the boys — glad you got the kick in the ass that you needed (from whomever gave it to them, be it Russo or Nolan or someone else).
Woohoo!!!!!
BBBBUUUUUURRRRRNNNNNSSSSSIIIIEEEE!!!
BURNSEY!!!!!!
Hot Damn we needed that!!!
WOOOOOoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooOoooOOOOOOOOO!!!! Eff YEAH!
That last WATX comment was me! Woooo!!! Awesome game!
If that doesn’t shake us outa this funk I don’t know what will
wooohooooo!!!! about time
see? When you attack, good things happen. When you sit back, you can only try to hang on, and i pointed out a month ago that this team can’t do that like in previous years. Losing leads is what started this slide. There needs to be a better manner of holding onto the lead.
WaTX, that was my point. Kolanos and Shep played very well. They and the whole team came to play.
Don - thanks for riling the guys up today!
Ah, I see wood.
I vote for IGoW for the C tomorrow.
more later, i’m on the mobile here, but good step up by Shep today.
“When you attack, good things happen. When you sit back, you can only try to hang on”
MuN I usually do not agree with your posts, but this I cannot argue with. I hate it when they sit back.
What a awesomely entertaining game (yes, I know “awesomely” is not a word). Russo for head coach of the Wild! Lol! We just beat what is quite possibly the best team in the entire league… bask in the joy guys and gals. Hopefully this thing we call winning keeps happening.
If the Wild can play like this in January, my resolution is to not b*tch. I will take moral victories, if the guys put in this kind of effort every game.
Nolan = January Captain
Next big question: how sheepishly does Russo raise his hand at the post-game presser? 
toivo, I say he shoves his hand up high in the air and asks where the hell this team has been lately.
Not that I didn’t like the article.
Hopefully we keep the intensity up for Saturday.
Can Russo be the captain in January?
WATX,
I think it should be, “So how much credit do I get for this win?”
+1 on the Nolan for C thing. I have always loved that guy. He is a true leader.
Yeah, something tells me Russo will know they came out with an axe to grind because of his article. If I were him, I’d have a little strut in my walk today
NiNY.
I’d like to buy my rounds of Jag with my $5 hypothetical dollars. Wasn’t it $1 you calls its for 1/2 hour after a goal?
Anyone want a Jag shot? I’ll share!
That too, toivo.
So do you think Mikko says, “They’re not that good”?
By the way, on that Kolanos goal, how heads up was Shep taking a dive to avoid knocking the puck down? Anyone else see his slide into second base?
Hmmm maybe not Jag Gun… perhaps some burbon?
I would at least like someone to acknowledge the fact that I totally called a Nolan goal right after Russo announced that he would be playing!! I feel ripped off! Who owes me money!?
I totally acknowledge that you called it. 10 Russobucks to you.
Haha.
Ok. I get 5 shots.
1 Jag - for me
1 Burbon - for Austin
Anyone else?
Nolan = all man
Gabby = all girl (no offense to our female posters intended)
Nolan 90%, 91% plays, makes impact.
Gabby 99.9%, sits in press box
Me Love Hockey
Man is this juniors game exciting, too. Now it’s 4-4. What a great New Year’s Eve for Heather!
What a game. I hope they give the same effort Saturday. I don’t want to break my streak of going to games when they win.
thanks Gun! and thanks to Heather!
I’ll take a Red Death, Gun - and thanks!
3 down 2 to go.
Canada just took the lead on the PP - 5-4 in the second. Stupid Canadians.
Gunslinger — I’ll take a shot of Rumplemintz!
One more. Someone call it.
USA! USA! USA!
Soneone had to do it
Rumplemintz? Peesh. Do the Jag.
Laphroaig
Eh? Run that by me again.
Saw the the last 5 minutes and OT. What a great finish! I was worried that Burns was going to shoot it wide of the net.
The key to winning games or at least earning points — having Nolan or Gaborik in the lineup throughout the whole game. This month has proven this to be true.
Ugh. Jag makes me want to throw up. But fine, I’ve changed my order. I’d like a shot of Koskenkorva please.
I’m quite anxious to read Russo’s post-game blog. Should have some good stuff in it.
Islay Single Malt. Open the bottle–smells like a peat bog-ahhhh.
Just mail me and Jordon a bottle of Karkov to a strip bar in Duluth.
I think we all owe Russo a drink the next time/first time we see him
“The key to winning games or at least earning points — having Nolan or Gaborik in the lineup throughout the whole game. This month has proven this to be true.”
I couldn’t agree more. I was so happy when we picked up Nolan, and a lot of people here have been critical of him. I think tonight’s performance from Nolan should shut some critics up.
Koshenkova sounds like a vodka. Have you been to Moscow on the Hill? Try the horseradish vodka. Magically delicious
BURNSY!!!! TOP SHELF YA KNOW?!?!?!?
Toivu I agree. Partyin in Duluth for the new year!
Happy New Year everyone!
Moscow on the Hill? No, can’t say I have. We apparently just need to move back to MN. Too many things to try to do during our visits.
woodcock…. I had a sample of some (I think it was 10 year) scotch in Stillwater which the guy called “the Laddie”. It tasted like drinking woodchips… in a good way though.
Wow… Tokarski!
Next time you are here, check it out. Good food, vodka list 40 deep. Order a flight, and sip it all. Shooting any vodka there is a crime. Just sip. It doesn’t burn, just tingles a little bit.
I think I might have to SGS. But I’ll have to buy myself some good and expensive vodka so I can work up to the sipping technique. I’m not very good with sipping hard liquors.
You’ll do fine. Just show up, order, have a small sip on the first one, and you will know what I’m talking about. And horseradish vodka sounded terrible to me before I went, but it is quite nice.
I forgot how good it feels when this team plays hard and wins.
Nolan should be considered for the January C, even if he has been in and out of the lineup. There is no doubt his return had a big impact on the guys.
Happy New Year, everyone! I’m off to watch the US (hopefully) beat Canada!
Nolan plays with heart and an edge. Good to have him back. But he does have a history of IR so let’s hope he can stay healthy.
Ok, now I am glad that we got tickets for the game. I had thought going in we were going to get a loss but am a very happy kgopher that we got a win. I think it was honest cheers at the end of the 1st. At least mine were. Great game to watch and it is awesome to have a win again. Thanks to the people who riled up the team & thanks to the hockey gods.
Good first game at the X for … um … dude who was on here yesterday asking for tips. Man I suck at memory today.
kgopher, the Wife and I both were saying how awesome it would have been to be at tonight’s game. It seemed very energetic and fun!
It was very fun tonight, crowd was pretty quite for most of it though. Great game. We were at the end where we shot at twice so that was fun to watch all the goals go in. It was pretty fun watching us score twice on the same shift. BS delay of game call on Backs & then non-call on Nabokov a while later.
Quiet not quite
I’ve decided that I will now call Mr. ATX “the husband” on here. Apparently that’s the cool thing to do.
Russo! Where’s the post-game blog!? Not that I am waiting anxiously for it or anything….
Give him a break. He’s getting chewed out by Jacques.
Russo is getting roughed up by the guys for his column
Did anyone notice that the in 3 games against the Sharks ( tonight and 2 in March), the Wild or the Sharks have tied the game in the 28 seconds?
The first March game in MN - Rolston tied it and Wild went to lose in SO. The second game where Foster was injured, Gaborik tied it and Wild lose in SO. Sharks tied and wen to lose in OT.
Fair points Wood and Rich… I will cut him some slack tonight…
So “the husband” and I are off to play some Rock Band. We’re setting our phones to remind us when it’s close to midnight. Because we’re nerds like that.
If we miss it, Happy New Year’s Russoville!
Or just the Mr. works too WildinATX. It really whatever you want to call him.
kgoph, she just doesn’t like it when I call her “the wife”.
Yep kgoph. It’s “the husband” just like that for him now. Well, if I remember that is. Which I won’t.
Can’t blame her for that one I guess Austin. The Mr. hasn’t had too many opportunities to call me that yet so it hasn’t gotten to me yet, but I am sure it probably will at some point.
Mrs. Woodcock cooked a great meal tonite. Rack of lamb, homemade tomato soup, potatoes (soem French name I don’t know), green beans and dessert. Just opened a red wine. That a Wild win–life is good. Think I will go eat.
Boy, typos–too much scotch and champagne already?
I’d like a shot of Koskenkorva please.
i’ll take a shot of kornikova too. i miss her.
over in my hood on bottineau or county 81 in robbinsdale, there is a vodka bar. never been there but have driven by a few times.
You better give it a shot Green. Vodka, as good as it is, is still underrated.
I caught burnsie on the radio after the game and i think he took a jab or two at the don. said something like “we want to show some people we could play”
If the boys can play like this, with this energy and purpose, they can compete for a playoff spot. but they cannot take nights off like chicago. I think the don pointing out the obvious was a wake up call.
and i do think nolan makes a huge difference. I hope he can stay in the lineup.
It may have been a jab, but it was lighthearted.
Woo! Aeros won. Schaefer stopped 40 shots. Holy cow. Their 5th game in 6 days and on the road.
I sure wish Cuma was playing in the WJs. Though the scoring in this thing is like an all star game. (I’m watching on Tivo, halfway thru the second.)
It may have been a jab, but it was lighthearted
just breakin balls
Oh my god, that windmill save by Toka was unreal.
I think the boys with the exception of Gaborik and Nolan have been worked hard. They have tried to hold it together to fill the big losses of Nolan and Gaborik. Its not an excuse for not coming out with energy or working hard for some games but its understandable. This team physically is okay but is mentally wrung out.
You see it this month when the difference makers were the return of Gaborik and Nolan. They gave a mental and a scoring boost to a team that has been pushed to their limits.
He is. Burns and the Don go way back. The players who are pissed: Shep, Gillies, Pouly.
Note: Pouly doesn’t deserve an entire last name. I hereby declare that he shall be known as Polio.
I was impressed by this teams energy tonight. Nolan is a real difference maker, unlike Gaborik. Apples and oranges, I know, but you can see Nolan making a difference. Clutterbuck looked sluggish in the 3rd, I hope he is not injured. Bruno couldn’t catch a break tonight and he really needs some confidence. Crowd was genuine in all of the cheers and I think we (the crowd) was directly responsible for the power play that resulted in the second goal. I can’t wait for Saturday.
My pick for the January Captian is #25.
Happy New year!
I would like to add that Kolanos has been a good practically every time he has been called up. Again, he provides Lemaire with flexibility and choices of centers.
Just home from the X, and what a fun night. Crowd was into it, the boys played with some energy and pulled it out, even though the monkeys in stripes did everything they could to take the game away from us. The Kolanos goal almost did a whole lap around the inside of the net and that bozo stood off to the side waving it off! Lousy f$%&@er.
I siad after the Islander win that it didn’t mean much, because NYI sucked so bad. Not so the Sharks, and it’s possible the righting of the ship. Another big test Saturday, so we can get an idea if there’s genuine improvement, or just a New Year’s Eve one-night stand.
Mmmmmmm, New Year’s Eve one-night stand……
I would like to add that Kolanos has been a good practically every time he has been called up
He was piss poor the first two games of this recent call up but has definately come around nicely.
G*, You are absolutely right on Kolanos.
Key cog. Kolanos is better than any other center on this team. I don’t understand why the coaching staff didn’t put him on the team out of camp.
I think he had some learnin’ to do in Houston and he was open to it (unlike SOME players who had popcorn for dinner). I’m tickled for him that it’s going so well.
Look at his production. With limited minutes, he has thrown up points. It is time for him to be given 19 minutes a game. This team can hardly get any worse.
Did Reitz get hurt? He only got three shifts! Yikes. Is he in the doghouse now?
The Wild beat the Sharks? Holy Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde Batman. The team gets called out by the Strib’s hockey reporter and they are charged up enough to beat the Sharks. I wouldn’t beleive it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
Sheppard is showing flashes of why the team took him 9th overall. I was a Shep hater 6 weeks ago, now I just sort of dislike him. If he keeps this up I may be indifferent after the Detroit game. Still hate Skoula. Considering starting a C-Buck fan site. This guy will be a core player on this team for the next few years.
Yeah, well Skoula played a good game. And, Dan, Happy New Year. But stick it.
Did Reitz get hurt
i haven’t heard anything but Reitz hasn’t played in the 3rd period in a month.
He didn’t play the second period tonight either.
Do they sell a Skoula drool cup in the Hockey Lodge….Ah I’m just kidding, I love the big dope. Seriously, I rather see him on the ice than MAB.
So if they beat Detroit on Saturday can we go back to planning the parade route. I’m still trying to figure out how they pulled off the win tonight with the way they’ve been playing as of late. Not complaining, just can’t figure it out.
Pewter, I’ve got a veritable scrapbook of Clutterbuckage on my blog. Feel free to tap into that if you want.
An update for Daniel on our contest
We will see who is closer to being right. I say the Wild get 15 points from Dec-28 to Jan 19.. Daniel you have the Wild getting 6 points. We will see who is right
Dec 28: v CHI… Loss
Dec 29: @ CGY…Loss in OT
Dec 31: v SJS… Win in OT
Jan 3: v DET…. Win
Jan 4: @ COL…. Win
Jan 6: @ BOS….Loss in OT
Jan 8: @ PHI…. Loss
Jan 10: @ CLS… Win
Jan 13: v PHO… Win
Jan 15: v EDM… Loss in OT
Jan 17: v ANA… Win
Jan 19: @ CHI Loss
Hockey Guru Dan says:
December 26th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
they can look as good as they want in practice, but it means absolutely nothing. This upcoming stretch they are going to continue their 3-8 losing streak.
Dec 28: v CHI…L
Dec 29: @ CGY…L
Dec 31: v SJS…L
Jan 3: v DET….L
Jan 4: @ COL….toss up
Jan 6: @ BOS….L
Jan 8: @ PHI….L
Jan 10: @ CLS…toss up
Jan 13: v PHO…W
Jan 15: v EDM…toss up
Jan 17: v ANA…L
Jan 19: @ CHI… L
Yeah, what lit the fire? Nolan? Russo’s column? Or just plain sick of playing poorly? Remember as poorly as they played against the Hawks they actually played well in Calgary. But they worked damn hard tonite and it paid off.
woodcock, you just don’t like to hear the truth. This team will miss the playoofs. It is time for Risebrough to examine the bright spots and drop the junk like Veilleux. He does nothing for this team.
just can’t figure it out
they played at their best. whey they play at their best, they have a chance. when they don’t, they get booed.
and they didn’t roll over after the bogus delay of game call or the no goal call. a couple of weeks ago that would have completely deflated this team.
I’m right Mister Know It All. This team couldn’t win the special olympics. Risebrough needs to retire.
Dan you negative turd, take the night off.
The Sharks were worse. That is the story of this game. The Mild will continue to lose all year, and next year. Risebrough is a joke.
i just hate responding to dan but vielleux counts .863 to the cap. Please, who else do we have that will do better at that price?
teams have to have players like SRV if they want players like #10.
if you want to punt someone, how about a guy taking up 1.7 mil on the cap like pouly?
Pewterschmidt, how can a real fan not be negative in light of the record? This team is terrible. Probably this is the worst team we’ve had ever.
Pouliot has a chance if Lemaire would let him play. Veilleux is pointless.
Dan, you negative turd they beat one of the best teams in the league tonight.
Do I think this team (Wild) goes deep in the playoffs? No. Do I think this team makes the playoffs? 50/50 chance as of today. Do I think you didn’t receive enough love as a child? Gosh darnit yes. Now drink a glass of warm milk and go to bed and let the rest of us enjoy this.
i see dan has his favorite website linked
Pouliot isn’t doing well because he is a goal scorer who should be on the top line. Lemaire should put him on the first line and move Miettinen to the 3rd line, but Lemaire is too old to know what he is doing.
Wait, Greenstar caught on. Anyone else?
Ms. C, the cure for this team is more Clutterbuck and more Cowbell.
Keep up the Clutterlove in 2009. This guy will be a Wild captain some day…(Am I getting a little ahead of myself with this Clutterbuck character) Ah hell, I’m going with it and not looking back.
G* very funny (gay smiley)
I was just given Pewterschmidt’s address. What does fu mean?
e-mail address that is. Russo, fix this. Invasion of privacy.
I mean it in the nicest way.
10:35pm and 10:36pm were not the real Pewterschmidt. Probably some Hot Pocket lover. Dan?????
Congratulations Greenstar, you’re the bid winner. You realized it wasn’t Dan, but only because you clicked the link, which is probably his favorite website anyway. I applaud you, but I have to boo you at the same time because nobody should ever click Dan’s link.
bid=big
actually, if you mouse over the link, internet explorer tells you in the status bar, what the link goes to. so no clicking of dan’s link here
Bet hey, I was convincing, yes? Did I not sound like that negative piece of Wild-hating shigt? (Shigt=the other word. I’m so clever at beating profanity filters, MUAHAHA!)
Good work Greenstar. You are a gentleman and a scholar.
all of you need to get out of the house on New Years Eve and get a life…
Nah, amateur night.
I apologize. That won’t happen again.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Nice effort for a change. My question: Why can’t these guys bring it like this on a regular basis? I don’t get it. I know, I know, we don’t have the talent of many other teams. But talent doesn’t always win games. Sometimes hard work and hustle do-like tonight. I wish they showed up like this more than a few times a month. Oh, and memo to Shirley: Why don’t you move in w/Nolans family?
Maybe you could learn something about playing through some pain the way most hockey players do (except you, of course). Grow a pair you wuss! Do you have no pride at all?!
Yappy Yew Near Evernone!
I think Gorg should at least buy me lunch, or soup, like Kenny Banya.
don’t you mean “Gorg should at least go out and kill a small animal with his bare hands and cook it over a spit for me, like Australopithecus Man”??
What an end to a crazy year.
I was at the X last night. Went off to my friends New Year Party much happier than I thought I would be going into the game. My Boogie kicked some a$$, and almost got a goal (must have known I was there watching), I love that grin he gets when guys get stupid and fight him. I yelled for Cal real loud for you MsC. I’m not sure he heard me however. I was very happy with their effort last night. I need to eat breakfast, because like the Don, I have to work today.
Happy New Year Everybody!!
Nice effort indeed.
A pleasant end to a stormy month.
Hopefully they can continue their solid play.
Thanks BG!
Nolan’s performance got me to thinking about old school all stars. The guys who have been around 15+ years but can still bring it; unless injured of course.
Owen Nolan
Joe Sakic
Rob Brind’amour
Martin Brodeur
Chris Chelios
Mike Modano
Trevor Linden could be talked out of retirement. Who else?
Maybe the NHL could put a team of those guys together and handicap them so they only had to play maybe 50 games. Put ‘em in the playoffs and let ‘em have their way wit da kids.
Happy New Year to Russoville! Last night’s “Six Goalie System” posts were not I but whomever it was seems nice enough and would be a go to person for all things vodka.
Riiiight….
The problem is we have to many Pu##i## on this team that is afraid to move people away from the net. Its obvious who it is. They start moving people and they will win more.
Dan, thanks for your always helpful insight into why you think the Wild are terrible. I have to disagree with you, as usual, about your take on Veilleux and Pouliot. Veilleux isn’t “pointless” as you say. He is a role player. Every team has them, you just don’t hear about them because they are role players not superstars. And speaking of superstars, Pouliot is not. I don’t understand your man-crush on him but he is getting playing time and he isn’t producing, which is the reason he gets paired with guys like Boogie and Veilleux. He was only paired with those guys after he played like crap. Most everyone else can see he doesn’t go hard 100% of the time. And when he doesn’t, he doesn’t get rewarded. He is just a young player who hasn’t fully developed. I’m not going to say he should be in the minors or anything but he needs something before he gets put on our top line. Oh, by the way, did you see how the top line did last night? They pretty much carried this team. The team you insistently berate. But lets break up the top line so you can be happy. I better not be much more harsh for I know you will replace Doug as GM and JL as coach soon and you will be able to squeeze magic out of the team.
your right puckit-I was saying the same thing all month-Take skoula out for a month and put someone in there to check guys in the corner and in front of the net. You will see a huge difference.
ms. conduct: A question please…..I know Riley Emmerson is playing in the AHL, although not w/ the Aeros. Is he still Wild property though? Thanks…and keep writing the good stuff.
Oh, and one last thing, Dan. Your comment that the Sharks just played worse and that’s the story of last night is pointless. The Wild played BETTER than San Jose, the best team in the league right now. The flip side of the coin, which is also the negative side that you view, is that San Jose played worse than the Wild. Your glass half empty point of view is tiresome.
Old guys:
Selanne definitely and Roenick, too. He’s been a great 3rd/4th liner for the Sharks. And of course speaking of the Sharks… Claude Lemieux perhaps. Should be interesting if he makes it back and the Sharks and Wings happen to meet in the playoffs. My guess is that it has a lot to do with playing head games with Detroit.
Sundin is pretty old, too. Lehtinen also.
Food
