Red Wings 3, Wild 2 (SO)
Posted on January 3rd, 2009 – 6:58 PMBy Brian Stensaas
How about that? Even with Jacques Lemaire using only four defensemen the final period and into overtime, the Wild gets a point from the Red Wings. Two goals 16 seconds apart to open the third period helps, and so, too, does a solid goaltending effort out of Josh Harding. Afterward, Harding praised the defense. Kim Johnsson and Brent Burns each played over 30 minutes tonight.
And how about Martin Skoula on the power play, Cal Clutterbuck 4-on-4 and Krys Kolanos as the first shooter in the shootout?
“It’s not like last year,” Lemaire said.
No kidding.
Three points against San Jose and Detroit - wouldya have thunk it a week ago watching this team against Chicago and Calgary?
Some things to wrap it up here before I go battle the elements:
–Owen Nolan scored his seventh goal of the season on the power play. He now has 144 career power-play goals, tied for eighth in the league among active players (Rod Brind’Amour).
–Brent Burns played in his 300th career game
–Kolanos’ shootout attempt was his first in the NHL
–Cal Clutterbuck recorded his first NHL assist
And finally, someone had some fun with Lemaire postgame. On the podium was a Marian Gaborik fan giveaway puck, inscribed in silver pen: “To Jacques, Love Gabby”
Russo got ahead of this weather and is already in Denver. He’ll be on tomorrow and through this four game road trip.
OK - here’s a new thread for the game discussion.
Marek Zidlicky is not playing tonight, meaning John Scott will make his NHL debut. Jacques Lemaire this morning said he likes what he sees out of Scott, a 26-year old defenseman who stands 6-foot-8 without skates.
“He’s a big guy, got a long reach,” Lemaire said. “His foot work has got to be a little better – and he’s working on it. He’s aggressive. When he left [training camp], I wish I could have kept him a little longer. I like what he brings.”
Benoit Pouliot and Derek Boogaard are the other scratches.
Josh Harding is in net. He is 1-1 in his career vs. Detroit - both games were played at Joe Louis Arena.
Lemaire was asked how you stop the potent Red Wings. The coach smiled, rubbed his fingers together like he was sprinkling salt to a recipe and said:
“Maybe they gotta get a sickness or something. Maybe put something in their food. Besides that, I don’t know.”
He was joking of course. But just in case, I hope the media was not served the same pregame meal as the visiting team 
So far, I’m feeling OK.
Puck’s about to drop. Enjoy the game!
284 Responses to "Red Wings 3, Wild 2 (SO)"
Oh yay… Red Wings announcers tonight… I may stab my eardrums out before the night is over.
Did he just say “play sh!tty??
The Wings’ are their own worst enemy tonight.
topless goalies, ms.c….
Hopefully we can put together another solid effort
Everyone ready for hockey! I am, Lets Go Wild!
i may have the game on mute tonight. dumb n dumber or red wings announcers? hmmm…i agree ATX. might have to stab eardrums!
did you know we are playing Chicago, according to Terhar we are.
Why are we discussing topless goalies?
BG, because Osgood was in a shirtless interview pre-game.
The Mr’s poring. Any one else want a Windsor and Mt Dew?
WTF is going on with this Red Wings broadcast?? Can anyone else hear the weird voice every once in awhile?
Ohhhhhhh… ok ATX. Thanks, I didn’t see that interview.
So Butch seems to be liking his shot tonight… he has taken a few already.. hopefully he nets one.. or two.
What is Scott’s number? I have yet to see a skating building on the ice…
36
Anyone else getting FSNHD randomly going to commercial in the middle of play on Comcast??? SO ANNOYING it always happens when they air 45 games on FSNHD channel
Scott is number 36
Scott has had a couple short shifts already
How does Kimmy blow that one?
AustinTXwildfan says:
BG, because Osgood was in a shirtless interview pre-game.
How did I miss that!? darn it!
Whut? Topless goalies? I’m trying to get thru the 2nd period of the Aeros game before I pull up the Wild game. Glad I have something to look forward to.
I dunno…Ozzie looked a little…pasty…sort of like mashed potatos, without gravy.
BG: Is the Mr. still pouring. I will have one, please.
Indeed nick.. he is the very definition of a “white boy”.
Mmmmmm… mashed taters……
theo I’ll put in your order.
Crap
Yay for not watching guys sneaking up from behind
Did anyone see that go in? I heard it hit pad, then I couldn’t see it.
Thanks BG. Make it a double.
It would be nice to respond quickly to that one
Um yeah, topless ozzie doesn’t intrigue me all that much. Oh, but now that I’ve seen it… IHT.
Oh, but now that I’ve seen it… IHT.
LOL nice
No big surprises out of that first period…
time to regroup guys!
Gotta say, home made Baily’s isn’t very good. I think I’ll switch to Windsor and Dew. I wonder what else we have in the house.
Wow, it’s so weird seeing Scotty out there. He’s even huge in the NHL.
windsor and dew!? Yuck! why ruin good windsor, drink in on the rocks with a twist.
Homemade Bailey’s? Hmm. Yeah, I’m okay with going to the store for that.
I’m so glad I missed Topless Osgood. Although my imagination might me making it worse than it would have been. I’m imagining bread dough with man boobs.
That’s the second reference to homemade Bailey’s I’ve heard in the last two days. Is this some new phenomenon I haven’t heard of?
Yep, windsor and Dew. I know it’s a bit cooky, but eh.
that was one boring period of ice hockey
Nope. Bread dough man with muscles. Not ripped or anything, but not pudgy either.
Sheesh, the video’s jacked up for my Aeros game. I may be happy to not have to see them lose their lead like I know they will. 7th game in 9 days… bless their hearts.
Mikko needs his skates sharpened. Seems like he’s blowing more than his share of tires tonight.
Jack Daniels on the rocks with a glass of lemon sour on the side. Hmmmmmm.
It was a Christmas gift heather. H says Osgood is whatever as long as it’s not Yeti (she means Rolston when she says Yeti, he’s a hairy mofo). H is over for chili and hockey.
Huh. Does it actually taste like Bailey’s? Isn’t Bailey’s a cream drink?
I think I’d like something in the middle. Tan with a little hair.
Tastes like spiked chocolate milk. Something some may like but not me.
I love C-buck. He’s like a gnat. And they get in trouble for swatting him.
I’ll stick with Heineken Light.
IGoW pissing off Ozzie there…nice.
I used to hate Nolan for what he just did. Now I love him for it.
No urgency on that pp there… almost a lucky bounce by Nolan though…
hey sweet, I’ve got Samuelsson on the bench on my fantasy team. It’s bad enough he has to score on us, but to not even get fantasy credit for it is just egregious.
This interview with douchwing guy is super annoying. STFU ALREADY!!! There’s a hockey game on you a-holes!
H keeps calling Cal… Monkey. Yep… Monkey. She needs help.
Ha Austin…Redmond managed to get in a thing about Cal “kneeing” a guy though, I noticed. Tool.
If I were to call a Wild player Monkey, it would be Skoula. Doesn’t he look a bit like the Missing Link?
Dude was lucky it was just a knee.
I think when you get mugged a few times, you tend to knee them back.
Indeed Nick… a “not completely intentional” knee… how is that possible? It’s either intentional or it’s not, there is no inbetween there. I HATE these guys. They just pretend the Wild don’t exist. I think they have said a grand total of three things about the Wild.
Ironically, Terhaar and Greenlay have kind of a love fest for the Red Wings going, too.
ATX, our own announcers are pouring on the Detroilet love tonight. Makes them more annoying than normal… if thats possible.
Crap. Tied Aeros game. Come on Locker… be clutch, baby.
I can’t decide if I am glad to not have D&D or not then BG…
That is pretty tough to do Bandgeek
was Redmond just ripping the Wild? Saying they could learn something from watching the Wings? Or was it the other way around??
It’s like listening to Madden talk about Brett Favre. Total love-fest for Detroit.
Nick, I think they were saying that the Wild clearly can’t compete with the Wings. Clearly. Like they’re up by 10 goals and outshooting us by 50 shots on goal.
He did just note a good play by Burns, but it was very grudgingly.
Nice work by Shepp.
Bandgeek - do you notice how excited Terhaar gets when Detroit takes a shot? I swear he wants them to score.
I’m such a freakin’ light weight. Now I remember why I don’t drink much.
Hehe… H says Burns has a big stick.
cripes! He did say that Austin (I rewound and listened again)!!
We didn’t get a SOG off that 3:2, and he said that was evidence of how teams like the Wild can’t compete (with the likes of the Wings)…and teams can really learn something by watching how the Wings make sure they turn things like that into a scoring chance.
SOB…Redmond’s quickly becoming my new Hayseed!!
Oh crap, is Mikko hurt? He looked grimmacy getting up there.
Damn Swede, picking on our Finn.
I think he’s just pissed a Swede got him.
They really didn’t want the Buttertruck to go have that chat there. I like that he was trying to protect Franchise though… not that Koivu needs protecting… but still.
that was a good hit.
He might’ve been trying to get a call, ms.c
Indeed Nick… totally Jackassery on his part. We obviously can’t compete.
LOL Heather
The Red Wings obviously can’t compete because the couldn’t capitalize on that open net there.
Yay! Brunette is finding the puck!! Now we’ll score for sure.
I want a windmill…
I want a Bushmill… 
Seriously, Ozzie made a fairly routine save and the announcer made it sound like he did a backflip and caught the puck in his teeth.
Austin FTW
They sure don’t like anyone touching their goalie, huh?
Favorite quote of the night by ATX
I like windmills.
Nolan always has a smile like he’s having the most fun ever on the ice. I like that about him.
Thanks Photog 
Woohoo! 5 on 3!
heather, they don’t like anyone touching him because he’s old and brittle… H just told Babcock to suck on it, he looks constipated.
We’ll start fresh with 5 on 3 - that’s gotta be good, right?
I thought Ozzie was doughy?
Gah. I hate overtime.
Did they say they’re interviewing Scotty or something during this intermission?
Nice pressure at the end there. I like starting the third with the 5 on 3. We need to net one early in the third.
Yes MS.C Scott interview during the intermission.
Oh yay. Pausing to get through the Aeros OT and likely shootout (ugh)…
Good lord Mosey is penalty prone.
Scotty’s adorable.
NiNY, Went mellow tonite. Teacher’s Highland Cream. Boys are paying well. But we still can’t score. But excellent effort.
He looks doughy…. maybe it’s more of a dry bread dough, like those home made play dough figures you make in 3rd grade art class that break the minute you take them home and give them to mommy for a mothers day present….. I need ice cream.
Whoops. That is “playing” well. My typing really stinks. Miss Geskin from 7th grade would be very upset.
So you Scotch lovers out there, I had a taste of a Scotch that the guy called “The Laddie”… any idea what the actual name would be? I tried to look it up but I couldn’t find it.
Augh. I hate the shootout!!! 
Oh well. At least we got the point.
I got nothing on that, Austin. Though I suppose it could apply to, really, all of ‘em, no?
Ms C. Did the Aeros lose in the SO?
Technically it could I guess Nick… but on this one it made sense because it started with a T and the second name started with a L and it sounded a little like laddie.
Austin, I’ll go get my scotch book…hang on
I think The Laddie is any of the scotch varieties from the Bruichladdich distillery.
Wooooo!!! Sweet!
I love Nolan!!
IGoW!!!
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
Irish God of War!!!!
MITTENS!! WILL WONDERS NEVER CEASE?!
Well, that rocked!
Ozzie was NOT happy with that.
Mittens!!!!!
They keep your hands warm ya know.
Hmmm… I guess we can compete eh?
OOOOOOOOOOLLLLLDDDDEEEN>
What are the Detroit announcers saying?
Still a lot of game left. And Detroit is mad.
I couldn’t find a decent match, Austin…sorry man…
heather, something about the Wild being lucky and there is no way the Wings should be losing… just a hunch.
Eh, it’s cool Nick. thanks anyway.
Yes! Two goals!
The first period it felt like Detroit was just toying with us but we have been coming back strong.
Clutter with the assist.
Austin - did mine sound right? Bruichladdich Distilleries.
lucky there
G* reporting that neither Reitz nor Scott have been on the ice yet in the 3rd.
Heather, you may be right… the BRUICHLADDICH is looking like it might be it. I can’t find a picture of the bottle, but I think that is what I had. Anyway, long story short, I had it and I liked it. It was a 12 year I think.
I like the look if the Wild right now. Keep it up boys!!!
The bottle is on the link I send you - at the top. At least the logo is.
sent you - sorry, exciting game
I think that’s a pretty ornate bottle, Austin…with some sort of light blue highlighted writing on it…?? Sound familiar?
Nah, the Wings announcers thought that the Wild timekeeper had a quick trigger finger when Osgood froze the puck and that kept one second on the 5-3 for the face-off. Which did help the Wild, but pretty petty whining. The blew the whistle and there was one second left on the penalty. No shenanigans…
Oh yeah that was it… it was this one http://www.whiskygrotto.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/winbruich.jpg
It tasted like drinking smoked wood chips.
ha…or you could just look at the pics in the link heather sent you…D’OH!
big save there
Thanks heather, you were on top of it.
Did Koivu shorten his stick? I’ve never seen him lose the puck this much!
I’m here for you. I know two things - alcohol and hockey.
Greenlay, even I’m not tipsey enough to think you saying dude was funny.
I know two things - alcohol and hockey
That makes you a damn good woman!
Bandgeek - I’d have to be at a blood alcohol content of about .4 for that to be cool.
Thanks, Austin!
Is Samuelsson related to Forsberg? Or do they at least go to the same acting school?
np heather
Why am I eating oyster crackers?
I think Hards may be going
uh oh… that was a lame penalty.
God, I hate Holmstrom.
wait, what?? Oh Harding slashed… I see it now.
Kimmy…grrrr…when you get it like that, SEND IT man!
Thats….. grrrrrr….. what a tool that ref is.
Mother Smurfer.
SKOULA CHECKED A GUY
It’s like they’re trying to give Detroit a chance to tie it up. Because, you know, the Wild shouldn’t stand a chance.
Nice hit by Skoba… he actually used his size for a change.
Harding has been doing a great job.
uh…that might be a goal
You beat me to it Nick. LOL!
No goal.
Skoula hit someone AND chased the puck after. I’m really impressed with him this game.
It’s definitely close.
Babcock still looks constipated.
Yeah, Aeros lost the SO. They’re still putting Schaef in cold when Brust plays the 65 minutes. Wonder when he’ll be ready to play the SO again.
I’m catching up, but that was a nice play by Cal to set up Mittens’ goal.
Yeah, that might be a goal. Greenlay pointed out Skoula’s stick and not Holmstrom’s.
God, these announcers ARE bad! I’d been on the Aeros audio until now. “Clutterbuck takes a hard hit from Holmstrom.” Um, no, that was Cluts GIVING the hit, homes.
It would have to be definitive that it was ABSOLUTELY below the bar. If it had been called a goal, it would be difficult to overturn. It should be just as difficult to overturn being called a no goal.
Exactly. I noticed that too Sunshine.
show the review again!
Long review…
skoula had it on his blade, forehand, on the wall…and didn’t clear it.
BASTARDS! Giving this game away!
Noooo… damnit.
Nice shift by Gillies here at 13:30odd
give it to them because “we can’t compete” with Detriot?
That angle is from above the goal, which geometrically means it’s above the crossbar. Somebody needs to send the refs back to high school.
From the angle they just showed, the puck looked like it was below the crossbar already.
The Wild has the hardest time getting the third goal.
the question is whether or not that was karmic justice for us beating San Jose or if we now have some good karma coming to us…
We need to get a little more hungry. We should be winning this game.
I thought they wouldn’t tie it up until the last minute. Now I fear that’s when they’ll win it.
I know I should hope for more but I will take the loser point.
How did we miss that?
damn Nolan!!!! So close!
take it easy there bub…it wasn’t a save, Nolan didn’t get a stick on it.
they haven’t sat back here in the third at all, to their credit.
Nolan actually did get a stick on it, but Ozzie’s glove happened to be where he shot it.
Yes!!! Loser Point. I have never been so excited for a loser point.
Pad…not glove.
I will take an OT point out of this. Pretty good game overall after a slow first period.
Woohoo! We held on! Now we just need to keep playing our game. Just like San Jose.
well, if Nolan got a stick on it, he only advanced it about an inch, and it was basically stationary when Ozzie brought the trapper down on it.
He didn’t get a stick on his own rebound - you’re right about that.
3 points from Detroit and San Jose? Not bad at all.
the initial shot was good Nick. IGOW got a nice backhanded in on net, it was the rebound that didn’t go anywhere.
Skoula feathers one in towards Osgood…
it was the rebound that didn’t go anywhere.
right…the actual chance that the PBP guy went nuts over.
right. all clear now
Sounds right, Nick. Because they have the BEST GOALIE EVER! We shouldn’t have EVER scored on them - we’re lucky to even be in the NHL.
indeed heather, it’s like a peewee team vs an NHL team out there!! Pssht.
If we win this in SO, it will almost be like last year’s Detroit game in Detroit after the new year.
Does this look like it’s in slow motion?
Come on Harding!
Hmmmm interesting…. Koivu, Mittens, Butch?
come on Hards, make up for that shorty GWG against Calgary the other night…
The Red Wings weren’t even trying in OT much. They were floating and waiting for the SO. It was the Wild who seem to be pressing more.
One last thing re: comparison to last year’s game and this year’s game — Osgood and Harding were in net by the end of the game.
39, 8 and 9?
Kolanos, Burns and Mikko?
huh… Koalnos… interesting..
Dammit.
sick moves there
dang.
Wow. That looked like a post.
What the hell?
I officially hate the Wings color whiner, I mean color guy.
“kind of an embarrassing move for the goalie there…”
F U Redmond. You’re a hack travel agent.
Burns and Kolanos — ummm…..not good.
Nice move, Harding!!
indeed Nick. that was sick.
effin Burns.
God…. the boys look so dejected. its so sad.
Kolanos is usually money in the SO.
I hate these announcers so much. What’s that hanging… a jock strap? For the love of god.
Drunken Canadians in Toronto. Too many Molsons. But last 3 games we have played really well.
damn. Oh well, getting a point from the dead wings is never a bad thing.
These announcers knees must be really sore from kneeling in front of Ozzie all game long. I bet their tongues get pretty sore too from all that sucking they do while they are down there.
bad choices on the shoot out line up…sans koivu of course
Oh man, that was a sick poke by Hards.
Mark that one up to the refs.
I can not complain about these three points.
Kolanos wasn’t a bad choice. Burns might have been. That’s where KK is in his element. But he got teased by that 5-hole.
good effort by the boys. They need to do more of what Nolan is doing.
Another moral win. That won’t get you to the playoffs.
Nolan is indeed a god.
I like the choice of Kolanos but Burns shouldn’t be out there IMO. he had an awesome move once, but he just waits himself out too often.
What must make them feel bad is that they FINALLY got all the internal crap fixed and are playing well again, then an external event changes the outcome.
Kolanos wasn’t too bad. It’s just that he didn’t deke or anything so Osgood would assume that its going 5-hole or high.
I thought Nolan or Miettinen should have been used instead of Burns. I liked the choice of Kolanos.
Nolan is indeed a god.
Agreed. I always loved the guy, and I am very happy he plays for the good guys now.
Have a good night everyone!
heather, Actually those points will get us to the playoff. Just not the moral victory with the Flames.
Talk to you tomorrow, Austin.
Oh, right. Forgot we get one. Cut off!
Nolan or Mittens probably would have been a better choice. They seem to have been more accurate with their shots tonight.
KK doesn’t need to deke. He’s got an incredibly fast shot and was counting on Ozzie not being able to close up fast enough. He almost made it, as it trickled through, but Oz was moving so the trickle went out the side of the net. For example… Heh.
He’s a very precise shooter and finds the tiniest holes from crazy angles. If he gets a breakaway with nobody hanging off him, it’s almost a guaranteed goal.
I would guess he was just trying to keep it simple in his first SO attempt back in the NHL.
But he is my BFF so I’m biased.
NiNY, I concur. 3 pts against the Sharks and the Wings??? I’ll take ‘em.
I don’t know which Wild team shows up next (early season vs. December) but it’s one more reason to watch the next game.
Datsyuk’s move was as the Beastie Boys used to say “ill’n”. Wow, that dude is a wizard with the puck.
Harding’s poke check on the Z was pretty darn cool too.
This is a moral victory I can stomach. Good job Wild.
Can somebody hook me up with Gaby’s number? My groins are angry and I’m back in the net tomorrow night. Yikes.
Well played. Wild are still offensively challenged. I think a big part of the problem is that they NEVER have any speed through the neutral zone which seems to be a big key to offense these days in the NHL. That and they don’t have enough offensive talent.
Still, tough call on the tying goal. The Wings looked like they were on the verge of getting one, but I have a hard time seeing how they figured that was clearly below the bar. So it goes. A loser point. Much better than we expected a week ago. Except MKIA of course. 
If Nolan is in the lineup, the late December Wild shows up. If Nolan is out of the lineup, expect the 6-game losing streak team to show up.
Simple as that.
Mister Know it all knows that even though DR has made some bad calls, and maybe has had some bad luck, the Wild still have Lemaire.
DR gave Lemaire a roster this year that he can work with.
Wow, I am starting to believe in Nolan.
IGoW.
IGoW.
IGoW.
Does he shame everyone into competing at a higher level?
toivo…yes, but when they had the chances, they didn’t finish. Unfortunately, that is who they are.
a friend of mine who works a the X passed me a rumor tonight. anybody have any thoughts/truths on yawnson n another to florida for bowmeester?
kj, IGoW? i know u r referring to olden, but what’s that mean?
Irish God of War
I’m in favor of that trade if “n another” is Pouliot.
my friend didn’t say. for all he knows/anyone knows it could be 2009 pick. i sure wouldn’t mind that trade. i hope it’s true!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Sunshine,
I agree with you that Nolan is a key guy. I dont know if I agree that the Wild cant win without him.
Lemaire coached a great game tonight. Kyle Clutterbuck is doing great. In defense to DR on the Gaby dealings,give him credit on Clutterbuck.
Kolonis has a scoring touch
December is proof that the Wild won more games with either Gaborik or Nolan at not 100% healthy.
Its Cal Clutterbuck. Its Kolanos — not intestines.
Kolanos — think Hawaii before intestines is what I meant to say.
Cal instead of Kyle.
Sunshine, I think he does that on porpoise.
Is your friend an usher or is he in the front office?
MKVN…
Kyle?
Kolonis?
I officially retract my mocking and ridicule of the Olden Molden acquisition. Give DR +1…I IGoW lasts for 2 years.
Top is updated.
Have a good, safe night.
While I like J-Bou, I don’t think a defensemen is what we really need. We need scorers.
And, if DR is giving his “this is the place to be because we sellout are games” spiel, then we just wasted Johnsson and #1 pick for a guy who is going to walk on July 1st.
Last trade deadline, we needed a center and he gets the team another enforcer. Why can’t DR get us what is so lacking on this team — scorers and better centers.
are = our and there should be a question mark at the end of the sentence.
Geezus I am bad tonight.
that is who they are.
Ha ha, kj, after I read my post, I immediately thought, “Still offensively challenged? What, am I expecting that to change???”
Thanks Stencils.
I didn’t realize that was KK’s first NHL shootout. Figured he’d done a few for the Yotes back in the day.
Oh and BTW, this is your team with Mikko wearing the C. Is it too soon for ITYS? (Just kidding. I know it’s Olden we have to thank for this.)
AustinTXwildfan says:
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
WTF is going on with this Red Wings broadcast?? Can anyone else hear the weird voice every once in awhile?
Yes. Either they werent completely covering up when talking to someone “off mike” or it was an included audio channel. The channel is my guess because they came out of the same speaker that the crowd noise came out of, while the other comments (to the guys in the truck?) came soley out of another speaker.
Its a shame really, because if I had gotten the home feed, the announcers come out of the left and the arena out of the right. Perfect for balancing our guys out.
Couple things:
1. Is it just me, or isn’t this 6 goals in Nolan’s last 7 games played? He had 4 in a row, got hurt in the 5th, then scores 2 in a row when he finally returned - right?
2. Nolan is a very solid addition for this team. Total pro. Tons of heart & grit, but also makes things happen. No wonder he was the Sharks’ “C” for 5 years. Great pickup, DR!
3. While I’d love a healthy Gaborik, I think if the Wild had 3 more guys with what skills & leadership Koivu & Nolan bring each night, they’d still be in pretty darn good shape for the playoffs. In that spirit…
4. Getting way ahead, but… assuming Gaborik’s a goner (big stretch): Summer of ‘09, the Wild re-signs Nolan, signs Saku Koivu, and also lures a Johan Franzen (since Det has so many FAs that they likely can’t pay ‘em all). Strong vets added to a decent core. This team becomes that much stronger for next year without significantly affecting its core.
Jay Bo? Nice idea. I think I’d sacrifice the #1 pick for a #1 defenseman. Stupid question, perhaps, but how much more does he bring than Johnsson?
Oh. Duh, They didn’t do the shootout back when KK was with the Yotes.
Nolan has a two year deal. Both his and Mikko’s deal will end in the summer of 2010. If DR just let the money speak for him, then they will sign here. If he gives his sales pitch, I don’t know if we can even get Franzen.
J-Bou — before we trade for him, we will need to have a signed contract in hand or we will have traded a #1 pick and Johnsson for nothing. That is the only way to do it or essentially, DR will have allowed Gaborik and J-Bou, #1 pick, and Johnsson all leave for practically nothing.
The reason why Nolan is successful is that he goes to the net. He’s the only one that does. You see less pucks just laying there in the crease or missed rebounds because Nolan is always around there.
DR has a 38 year-old rule for veteran players. Contracts has to end before a player turns 39 years-old.
Talking about contracts, would Gaborik qualify for a contract that allows bonuses? I am too lazy to look it up but I vaguely remember that if a player, who is not on entry-level or over 35, misses 100 days and 35+ games (?), they can qualify for bonuses on their next contract if they are UFA. I am not sure if the player has to be on LTIR, or the exact # of days, and games. But there is an exception.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
sunshine: someone said it was for a player with at least 400 NHL games who misses 100 days in the preceding season. I have not confirmed that yet, though. But, if that’s true, it works against us, not for us.
Either way, he’s still gone.
Hey wild fans I have 2 $75 tix available for the apr 7th game against Dallas. Sec 101, Row 6, Seats 3 and 4. I’ll unload them for $135 instead of $150 if interested. 612 229 4287
Notice how nearly all the high end teams have at least 1 or 2 ex college standouts on their roster that are contributing heavily? Someone ought to pass that on to DR. HItting on a draft choice every 3 years or so won’t win us much of anything.
sunshine says:
Is your friend an usher or is he in the front office?
he works on the ice crew. cleans up snow during media TO’s.
So when does Olden get the C? I vote IGoW for C next month. Unless Mikko keeps it… it seems to work well for him.
Here’s a few familiar names doing well:
Vanek 26 goals
Kessel 24 goals
Wheeler 13 goals
Okposo 4 goals
Maybe Snow’s the problem and not Lucia. I know Okposo’s been injured, but couldn’t resist taking a shot.
NiNY:
I know that Gaborik is gone. That is a given. However, it gives him some options for a future contract with another team if he fits that requirement. The only problem is that next season might also be a no-bonus-cushion year because of the current CBA ending so it would be moot.
Time to psych up for the Avs. These are the games we need to win if we are to sneak into the playoffs. Nice effort last night from everyone. Got to love Nolan, Clutterbuck. Veilleux and Kolanos bring it also as do the obvious leaders. Belanger, Miettinen playing well on the checking line. All the Skoula-haters have to admit he played very well last night. Last 3 games we have looked good. Keep it up.
Snow’s comments last yea were self- serving SotBA, if Okposo fails, he already has published his scapegoat!
Skoula is giving what he has to give. He is a serviceable defenseman. But, when he plays against top lines for long amounts of time they will expose what he does not have to give.
FYI Tood H, the seats we get a few times per year are a section 102, same row.
I agree with your 1:31am comment MNBrew.
A team is much stronger when it gets scoring from multiple guys, especially with the leadership provided. We see how your hopes can evaporate when you put the scoring on only one guy!
The Gabby thing is like playing draw poker or Blackjack. Sometimes whether you hold or draw it turns out wrong.
Who is J-Boul?
Skoula is not a top 2 defensemen but as a #4-#5 defensemen, he is doing great. He played 27 minutes, 5 more than Schultz.
I just hope we don’t have to play Burns and Johnsson 30+ minutes for the next 4 games or we are going to be in trouble.
Yes, that is right, sunshine. A very dependable #4 D. J-Bou is Bouwmeester.
