Wild 1, Boston Bruins 0
Posted on January 6th, 2009 – 5:53 PMBy Michael Russo
In the past four games, the Wild’s played three division leaders, three of the best teams in the NHL (I’m not including Colorado obviously) and the Wild’s 3-0-1 in the past four.
Two of those wins have come against the two best teams in each conference — first San Jose, and now Boston, the highest-scoring team in the NHL who hadn’t been shut out all season.
Until tonight (sorry, originally this clause was inserted below the quote and read very wrong).
As James Sheppard said, “We needed to play against the best teams in the league to get us to find our true game.”
Niklas Backstrom again sparkled for his second consecutive shutout. He’s now got five and 14 in his career. He’s got 19 wins, a 2.14 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Seems like All-Star worthy numbers to me.
We’ll see if the NHL hockey ops — in consultation with each team’s GM — agrees Wednesday when the Western Conference All-Star roster is announced at 11 a.m. CT.
Backstrom made 28 saves tonight. His best was an insane one on stud David Krejci. Other notable ones also were a Martin St. Pierre redirection, back-to-back saves on Chuck Kobasew and Stephane Yelle and a Marc Savard shorthanded try.
Backstrom said the Wild rose to the challenge by playing as a team against a talented Bruins’ lineup. He also got lucky, too. Krejci also took a shot at an open net that Krys Kolanos blocked with his left leg. Michael Ryder hit the post. Phil Kessel, almost invisible all night, airmailed a shot wide.
The Wild skated with the Bruins, which is why it was able to draw four consecutive power plays at the time. But the Wild had killed off 27 of 28 on the PK during a stretch until Marek Zidlicky’s power-play goal through screens by Owen Nolan and Andrew Brunette for a 1-0 second-period Wild lead.
The Wild then pretty much checked the rest of the game in a bit of a hold-on-for-dear-life mode. At one point, Minnesota was outshooting Boston 18-7. The shots ended 28-24 Boston.
But Backstrom, as mentioned, was stellar.
Zidlicky’s got five PPG’s this year. Thirty of his 40 goals in his career have come on the power play, and incidentally, Zidlicky was not good at all in the game’s opening period. On three straight shifts he was victimized — once bigtime by Blake Wheeler — for Boston chances. It was an eventful game for Z, too, because he got nailed on the top lip with a puck after a faceoff in the third. But he didn’t lose a tooth.
Shane Hnidy, the Bruins’ defenseman, also took a Cal Clutterbuck shot to the head in the game, but he returned.
Kolanos had another great game. He drew a third-period penalty as his teammates for changing and he was the only guy in the offensive zone. Just pure hustle. This guy’s NHL resurrection is becoming a terrific story. Outstanding find by Tom Lynn and Crew.
Craig Weller had five hits and brought energy, along with Colton Gillies. Benoit Pouliot got second-line duty at left wing, but he was finally replaced by Sheppard in the third. Pouliot can be maddening at times to watch because he’s just got so much talent and isn’t doing anything with it — other than turnovers.
Antti Miettinen and Clutterbuck were great on the PK. Martin Skoula started slow, but he was rock solid in the final two periods. And Nick Schultz was outstanding.
Backstrom’s shutout streak is at 125:26. His career high is 142:47.
Manny Fernandez was handed his first home loss (9-1). The Wild is 8-1 all-time vs. the B’s, 5-0 in Boston. The Wild is 10-1-1 against the East heading into Thursday’s game in Philly.
Impressive win for the Wild just considering which team it was playing. Bruins quotes were all about how little room the Wild give — like the old days.
But Lemaire said, “Let’s not take this to the bank.”
Lemaire didn’t seem overly jovial with the game. The Wild checked its way to the win, because as Lemaire said, it still has little prayer of scoring at 5-on-5. But as Lemaire said in Calgary, if the Wild doesn’t play a team game, it’ll win the “odd game,” because of its lack of scoring. This is how it must play to win. It ain’t outscoring no one in a run-and-gun game.
Good trip to Boston. Nice to see the fans back in this Original 6 market. And the pregame show here, best in the league I’ve seen so far.
Talk to you Wednesday from the land of cheesesteaks. I wish I was on the Wild’s charter. Ice storm allegedly here in Boston in the a.m. and as advertised, its indeed here. Wish me luck.
———————————————————–
Puck drop coming off.
Same lineup as reported this morning for the Wild — Veilleux sick, Boogey hurt. Pouliot in. Scott in. Reitz the lone healthy scratch.
Backstrom vs. Fernandez (the guy who snubbed Tom Reid despite the fact he’s probably cashed in on a couple dozen or more gift certificates given to him over the years by Reid). 
By the way, if I didn’t mention earlier today, Houston Aeros players Corey Locke and Barry Brust were named to the AHL All-Star Game this afternoon.
Assistant coach Mike Ramsey is sick. Bob Mason is behind the bench for him.
308 Responses to "Wild 1, Boston Bruins 0"
Bad karma to Fernandez, let’s go Wild.
RB: Looks like we are the only ones on this thread so far. It would be really big for us to win tonight. Go Wild.
Mirtle takes on whether or not the Wild should try to re-sign Backstrom.
Interesting read.
I can’t watch the game live unfortunately, I have to work late tonight. I might try living vicariously through this blog for the game though.
Brust an AHL all-star? Backstrom, Harding, Brust. Need a scoring winger. Something has got to give.
Go Wild!
Waaahnny, what a twit…..
Good evening to the Don.
Ms C: That is a interesting read. I love Backs but he could bring us a legit scorer or two.
Good gravy, I always forget how enormous Chara is.
Oh I love HD… Got to see Cal hit three guys all in a row.
Damn, those were scary chances.
But Theo, then we are untried in the net. I think I would rather be solid in net and scratch for scoring!
When did Weller get that much better than Pouliot?
That was kind of a pansy call. But I’ll take it. 
Good grief.
Iceman: Did you read the article Ms C had. There is alot of truth to it. I am not pushing Backs out but if the right offer is made……..do it.
I don’t like how this period is shaping up-ice is tilted and we are running around in our end, and spending way too much time in our zone.
If you had Chara and John Scott lay end to end starting at the goal line, would they reach the blue line?
I say maybe.
the play was largely dictated by the Bs in the first here. No, we’re not losing which is good. But I hope the boyz can control the rope-a-dope….
See what I mean about Pouliot, you can see he is the best chance for the Wild to score. Kolonis and Bruenette can also be effective aganst a slower moving team like Boston
I’ll take 0-0 after 1. B’s had a lot of good looks there… we did not.
Can someone please let JL know that putting #96 on the point for the PP IS NOT WORKING!!!
Pouliot better be effing fired up. The problem is that it will only last a game, maybe two.
Yeah, they seem real slow, these Broons.
Did Jarkko Ruutu really bite Andrew Peters?! What a complete tool!
Teeth and fingernails are just bad form.
What’s with the preppy sweater, Jock?
Ol’ Yeller….
I like how they’re attacking down low…do they do that often??
I heard a rumor his wife packs for him MsC. Like she packs outfits, I bet she picked out the sweater… “Oh hunny the kids got you this nice sweater for Christmas. You should wear it, you’ll look nice.”
He does look nice. I just thought maybe it was some kind of Boston Costume. Like he wants to look like he went to Harvard.
The Mr just pointed out that the lines on the ice look darker than they do in other rinks. Fresh paint? Or do they just use darker colors?
hope he’s able to come back, I have tons of respect for guys that go down like that…
OUCH!
goal, please?!
Maybe Russo could ask for us. I’m sure JL would love to talk about his clothes. 
good PP action!!
Dude. If you’re gonna drop to block shots, you need to wear a visor. I respect guys who do that, too, but man, you GOTTA protect your eyes.
puck in the eye. not good.
another PP coming up….
I don’t know why but Burns not zipping the legs on his pants is annoying. He looks like he has flaps.
I heah the one annoucahs Baa-stan accent, but wheah’s ouwah Minnesota countahpaht?
another power play but boston should have at least 3 more penalties than they’ve gotten called for.
Vote Quimby!
these are all sort of “not moving the feet” penalties…with our superior speed, it might not be our last. Though you have to think we’re due for one (or two) now.
Zids!!!
finally
Woooo Zids!!
ZIDS!!!
Zids!
We should have a Minnesoootan announcing, too, dontcha know? Yah, you betcha!
why can’t the wild be on VS. every night? just a nice break from D n D.
why can’t the wild be on VS. every night? just a nice break from D n D.
not to mention the 4-1 record or whatever it is this season!!
Nice aggressiveness - I like it!
isn’t this where Manny starts to get all huffy at his boys for lack of support? 
A: “There really were aliens in Nevada, and we put JFK’s brain in a monkey.”
B: “I throw mah feces at thah wahll because it’s thahre.”
B
explain to me again why backs isn’t resigned yet?
Oh ya heather that’d be real neat. And after the game we can all go out on da lake to da shack. I hear da croppies are bitein’ real good.
I got nothin, NET…
Real calls on the Bs. But I think that they will get a couple cheapies to “even it up”. Be prepared to scream at TVs!
And it’s a new blond on Fox Sports Gophs games. Not Ann Carroll. Give Dickie a little credit huh!?
And Manny almost lived at Reids, and then he snubs him on a simple “hello”? That is bush.
In regards to the earlier conversation about goaltender vs. scoring - I lived in Tampa for three years (moved there when they won the cup). They could score 7 goals with 50 shots on goal and the opposing team would score 8 with 25 shots on goal. Offense sells tickets - defense wins games.
I am proud of the Wild how they have played this quarter. I think the B’s are fortunate they are not behind 4 zip.
wow…Pens just scored their 1st PPG in 8 games?!? WTF is that all about?!
Ugh, sorry, KiPA
DD, i’ll have to pay more attention to the gophers then.
theo… quarter? ummmmmm
it would be halftime if hockey was broken into quarters
Oh - I finally remembered a hockey joke:
Did you hear about the Leper hockey game?
There was a face off in the corner.
Wouldn’t lie to you NETminder. It’s like Ann Carrol, but upgraded like in a Beyonce commercial.
Oh lord heather that’s bad, very very bad.
Dickie: what’s that commercial for anyway?
Funny, though, right? Funny outweighs bad every time.
Who was the poor soul that got hit in the face?
Nick, no idea what that commercial is about, that’s why you should know I’m telling the truth.
Shane Hnidy, richard b…he’s back now… with a half-shield on
Chuckle worthy at the least. Although the Mr gave it an eye roll. He has very high comedic standards however.
I think Cluts just dove a bit.
LOL…that’s what I thought DD! Because I have no idea what it’s for either!
BG: I watched toooooooo much football. Sorry. Please will somebody pour me drink.
the Bs probably should have a goal by now.
Peace Frog in da howze!!
It’s ok theo I’ll forgive you, and in the words of my favorite musical…
“This boy could use some Stoli!”
Wow Dave Jackson doing the Wild game again tonite…
Bad Penalty by Bouchard. Could be costly in the 3rd…
The B’s are showing some life. We don’t need that boys. Kick them while their down.
beyonce commercial is for directv. lemme lemme upgrade ya. i’m so sick of that one…i really don’t like beyonce either.
Oooo Colbert Report during the intermission. I fell asleep before I could watch the show last night.
Butch had time. What the heck was he doing. B’s are buzzing. Watch out. Glad we had a break between periods there. The B’s are good but our boys are skating. Benny looks good. Benny keep it up.
i wish englbom would do something diff. with his hair. the mullet chop is just not a good look.
he’s actually mullet-free now…it’s just a bad ‘do.
i call it the mullet chop b/c that’s all he did…chopped his mullet and left it!
Have I mentioned Blake Wheeler is pleasing to my eyes?
Overall, the boys are skating well tonight. Lots of jump, some strong forechecking. Where was this in December?
It’s like he put it in a pony tail and CHOP!
It was in the press box with Olden.
Is this all Nolan’s influence or just the boys decided to get it together.
No, it’s Mikko with the C. I can prove it.
MsC- young Mr. Wheeler could be pleasing more than your eyes, in theory only.
Oh my!
Blush
blush.
ok ladies…it’s puck time again. fantasize later!!!
I think Nolan gave them a much needed lift. They might have been tired in December and with a new year, they are getting another wind on their backs.
My point with the Tampa story was the with Khabibulin they won the cup. With the same scoring capacity and a different goaltender, they barely made the playoffs the next year.
Without Backs, we’re not in this game, let alone winning.
THERE WE GO! IGoW TAKES NO PRISONERS!!
Lucic hit him late.
At least they called them both.
Powah play… need to think shahpah
Is this getting old yet?
who got dinged there??
Zids took a puck to the face, off a crazy angle too
Yay!
Zids took a puck to the mouth Nick.
another goal wouldn’t suck…for us
Foh on three situation. Woohoo.
TY band.
Nolan goes right back at Lucic! Love it man!
Chara’s stick is like seven feet long!
Bruno should have shot it! That’s what being snake bitten will do to a guy!
And they still suck!
Too much standing around…you could just feel that penalty coming.
Why have we suddenly stopped being offensive? That’s how they get PPs, for the love of God.
Burnsie’s got a long stick too…. that looks so bad typed out.
yeah- the flip side of the guys talking about Marney… My apologies for the easily offended, for the less than proper post.
Thanks for the live feed and the lively banter.
I can NOT believe they just jinxed Backs!! WTF?!
Hockey is full of just ridiculous innuendo.
why wasn’t that interference on Wideman?
It’s hard to clear when they’re holding your stick!
His stick wasn’t so long there!
Boston is just GRABBY.
I don’t mind, M 03. I just have to act coy because I’m a good Southern girl.
ZOMG! Kolanos is a badass!
in the past, wasn’t PK time sort of a bad thing for the non-standard PKers??
I don’t think that other teams understand that Skoula is just not breakable. He’s beatable in a foot race, but not breakable with a hit.
Once Kolanos gets control of his wraparound, or once we get someone in front of the net, he’ll be unstoppable.
Nice 2nd- Third looks like the 1st (period). We need to sustain some pressure in THEIR zone… C’mon boys!
I don’t think understands we all kinda like it when they hit Skoula. We can’t do it so someone should.
Or are Skoula jokes old news now? Sorry if so.
Er. That would be, “I don’t think the other team understands…”
Badly typed jokes are always old news.
Nice pressure!
Ya think some of the other forwards would figure why Nolan has success-he GOES TO THE NET. (and stays there, no less). If the other forwards, even 2 or 3, would do that, we would have more W’s.
They must’ve heard you Knight.
The boys are playing a very tight road game.
On the Skoula hit - ouch, but at least he got the puck up to his teammate.
Could we be so lucky??
Shhhh
About time someone figured out Wheeler’s toe drag move.
Burns has been nifty with the stick tonight at least twice.
Did I see someone up there shoving Cal around as he was going to the bench?
Wow, Gillies speed is just tremendous.
good lord, Benny was a full Chara-length offside there..
I just meant on the needs-to-be-more-like-the-2nd part.
Sharks, Wings, @Avs, @Bruins….thats one heck of a lineup
5 out of 6 points so far and on our way to 7 out of 8
Yep- Wheeler is going to be a star before long…
Preds-Avs are 1-1 midway through the 2nd….Not sure who to root for.
They’re talking about Steve Sullivan being back this weekend for Nashville….been out for 2 years!
Ole- Shhh.. don’t hex us.
Yep Burns is good with his stick…. I’m so bad.
JESUS Ole! Where’s Sven to keep you in line?!
Shout out to the dude behind the bench in the Wild shirt.
LOL Did you see Cal come in on Chara and he just puts a hand out and Cal bounces off him. That was funny.
Frankly, I would be happy w/a point tonight. If we get the W in regulation, all the better.
nice backcheck by Mikko there
Someone slap Ole, quick!
GET IT OUT!
don’t like this
don’t like this
don’t like this
don’t like this
don’t like this
That’s what she said.
Jesus H you know what!
Loving the hustle! I’ve never seen Johnsson move so fast.
For all the crappy calls we’ve had this year, that non-call makes up for a lot!
What did she say, Ms. C? Get it out, or don’t like this a bunch of times?
Was that a guy or a gal in the B’s jersey?
Did you see Scotty there? Like, “ZOMG I’m in the NHL and Jock Lemaire is leaning on my shoulder!”
true dat, goalieguy…
I’m guessing either way, she was saying it to Chara.
Nick I don’t like this either.
What a glove.
Heather, the “get it out”
Is it just me, or does Marc Savard look like he would be a prick?
125:26 BABY!!!!!!!!
Wooooooohooooooooo!!!
That’s the best team in the East? Whoever comes out of the West should win the Cup in four games.
Yes- Very gutty effort. Nice job guys. You earned it tonight.
We continue our winning streak in Boston. Thus far, we have not lost there yet.
Great work by everybody! They are playing like a team again. The defense corps was back like themselves in October and early November.
Great googly moogly that was tense at the end there. But yippy kie yie yay we got 2 points.
Awesome game! Man, I wish Cal had hit that empty net though.
I think Mirtle can just bite me with his “shouldn’t re-sign Backstrom” stuff. That game is not 1-0 with Harding in goal.
Bandwagon’s looking pretty good again, huh? Glad I never got off.
Wild win!! Way to shut down Boston!
I agree, ms. c. Definitely not 1-0.
Not that any of you guys were off the bandwagon, either, mind you.
Speaking of bandwagon, where’s Dan?
Wow. This is a different team. They are skating. They all looked good. kolanos–excellent. Gillies–pretty good. Johnsson–wow. Skoula–solid again using body to move the puck. What a team effort.
Skoula was a little scary several times, amirite?
Backs is now tied for the league lead in SOs?? Tick, tick, tick, Dougie
A very, very, very big win. The Wild look like a playoff team. Keep it up guys.
Caps-Flyers in OT
We are moving up in the standings - from 8th to 7th.
10-1-1 against the east now
Great! They knock off one of the best teams in the Eastern conference. Much different than last month.
NiNY- is the bar still open?
No. Skoula was very much in control and played well as did all of the D except for 1 or 2 plays.
You know, in December I measured how bad games sucked by how many times I yelled “Skoula sucks!” (I averaged around 8 per game) Now I measure how good the games are by how many times I say in amazement, “Nice move, Skoula!”
Okay. If you say so.
Oh man, time to pull the goalie in Phoenix.
I’m really not a Skoula hater. Just every time I saw someone doing something that made me cringe, the fella had a 41 on his back.
Where did this come from? Oh yeah, the Don spoke and the points started coming.
I didn’t notice any glaring things that Skoula did other than getting sandwiched. He was solid.
I think everyone was solid. A good road game. Back to the normal Wild.
Skoula did scare me a couple of times - thought I’d have to say he sucked, but then he recovered. So I didn’t have to say it.
Going to a shootout in DC…
sunshine is right. Maybe you ladies haven’t stopped drooling from earlier in the day but Skoula was very solid all night.
M 03: I’m about four fingers into a bottle of Talisker…what’ll it be, lad?
I think its a natural reaction to hold your breath whenever Skoula touches the puck. If Burns did the same thing, its nothing. But Skoula with his past bone-headed plays doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt.
Skoula still sucks, but now the mistakes aren’t as apparent…
I still want him gone after this season ends, sooner if possible…
By the way did I say ‘Yee-oww!’ for that HUGE win tonight?
Poor Phoenix. Their D just sucks.
Thanks for the heads up, GG
Come on, Peepers. Get the win, baby.
The sky seems to be falling less now…
Gotta love professional team sports and fan reaction…
leave it to the Flyers to whine about the ‘Boni job before this shootout…
Wow, are you seeing this in the Caps game? I love the power of a goalie. “Sorry, eh, you cut the ice wrong. Do it again.”
I need to wind down after the ending of that game. Maybe I’ll go read one of the books I got for Christmas, that’ll help. Nighty night. Sweet dreams everyone.
Oh snap. Sorry Peepers. Get that blocker up son.
Night BG
Ruuto, bit a guy I think I heard in the background…
Bit his finger. No penalty.
Damn. Theo is tearing it up.
I’m not hating on Skoula either. I said there were times when I THOUGHT I’d have to say he sucked, but he recovered. I expect other players to recover, so I’m pleasantly surprised when he plays solid enough to recover on his mistakes. I thought he was actually better than Zids, other than the goal.
Night all. And again - Woohoo!
AO hits the post and the Caps still win.
Kozlov-Semin-Ovechkin…Not a bad trio to send out for a shootout. Kozlov’s goal and three Theodore stops wins it.
Well, at least that Biron loss is only 1-0. Good for my stats. Amazing shootout performance by Theo though.
Skoula has had a solid season. He isn’t even making the glaring mistakes has has in the past. But even in the past, you didn’t notice the good stuff he did because his mistakes were THAT bad. He still can’t get away. Skoula can own Snickers and he is still hated.
Alright. Come on Nashville. How about a goal from Wardo or Jonesy.
What is a biting the finger penalty. Roughing? Interference? What?
I think the penalty is having a nasty hockey glove in your mouth. *wretch*
DD: I think it’s 2 for Douchebaggery (I’d love to see the hand signal) and the ref has the ability to tack on 10 for General Ruutuisticness
Nice win.
Backstrom’s trade value is going thru the roof! Makes up for Gho$t.
Manny…still a loser…
I GOT IT OUT!!!
And, I am still me!
Dickie…it’s 2 minutes for Gnawing…
NiNY- guess I need to be coherant enough to get home. Thanks for a entertaining night.
Good night Wild fans. Sweet dreams for one night - before the Philly flu sets in….
muahahahahaha
Have you seen the video? My impression was, a) don’t put your finger in another guys mouth. Hazard of the face wash. b) are you expecting an Oscar for all that flapping around and crying? Unless he bit your finger OFF and it lying in your glove, you’re acting like a 6 year old girl.
Night fellas.
DR, SIGN BACKSTROM NOW!!!!!!
What a nice night for the Wild in Boston.
Anyone else remember how difficult it was for the old North Stars to win a game in Boston?
The tide is turned! We have owned the Bruins.
Also, the team is keeping shots against to the outside so it is hard for the other team to score. That was a trademark of the early Wild teams when the roster was half stiffs.
Ms. C: Skoula was fine except in the third when Boston forward shielded Skooba from the puck in our corner and kept it away from Skoula. This was right before Butch did the bonehead shoot the biscuit in the seats. When B’s had the pressure cooker goin’. IF Skooba would have plastered Ryder he may have got the puck and shot it the hell outta there. Otherwise, 41 was ok.. IMO.
Some people do not like defensive teams.
But, how can the teams guts not be appreciated!
pwned, pwned!
Who pwn da Chiefs?
Fair enough. Maybe I was misseeing. I’ve done it before.
I’m wishing this Ducks/Kings game would get a little more interesting.
Backs is now tied for the league lead in SOs?? Tick, tick, tick, Dougie
he will probably sign him soon because it would take big brass ones to trade him for about 3 picks and 2 prospects at the deadline.
Has Backstrom ever had back to back shutouts in his career? Anyone know…
Heather, Dan the Expert ran his mouth off, the Wild have shut it for him.
First of all, I don’t believe MsC sleeps…
Second of all, I don’t believe anything warrants biting. But I didn’t see it, only heard it in the background and see Ruutu spitting at an abnormally high rate.
Third of all, I like Backs, but do you pay him or sell him high? Harding is a good young goalie and from what I know we have more in the pipeline that might be promising. I think it depends on what we can get for Backs. As much as I like him.
Where has KiPA gone these days?
The public is waiting for Skoula to make a mistake and so whenever he does do something wrong we all notice.
He has been an important guy for the team this year.
Can this be? Calgary has outshot San Jose 15-1?!!
We still won without Ramsey behind the bench. Last year, Lemaire had to tape his picture there for some good luck.
1. We sign Backs–he steals games. Harding looks good but we still don’t know if he can be the #1 guy. Backs can.
2. IceMan–yes Skoula has been important to the team this year
Koivu had about six minutes less ice time tonight. Is he coming down with something?
Who needs sleep? Seriously though. I got 7 consecutive hours last night. I can’t remember the last time I slept that much. And I still woke up with such bags under my eyes, I looked in the mirror and thought, “Where the hell’d I get that shiner?”
KiPA’s taking a blog break. Tough being a Pens fan in public these days.
OMG, they actually have a big skating duck in Anaheim. How can anybody be a ducks fan and look themselves in the mirror? Bobby Ryan, though… he’s good. I can’t believe he didn’t make the team out of camp.
I think when everyone else is playing well, Koivu’s minutes tend to go down. I don’t think Lemaire shortened his bench tonight.
Backs 32 - At the end of his first season, April 2007, he had back-to-back shutouts against Edmonton, then carried a shutout into the 2nd period of the next game….147 minutes of shutout, longest streak of his career.
Hard to consider letting Backstrom go when we are so solid in that position and the team seems to like playing in front of him.
Why would we want to create a question mark in net? There are other ways to cover losses, trade of draft choices, when maybe we can get someone as a FA, or draft a guy, or maybe our young guys grow into their job and begin to contribute goals to the team?
Where is Ramsey? Something wrong with him again?
Rammer’s just sick, so sayeth Russo above.
Ice, Backs may be VERY expensive to sign. There’s gotta be a price at which he’s too expensive, right?
Kolanos is getting pretty serious minutes. Good for him.
Okay. I need to know something.
What the hell counts as a hit in the NHL? Because I’m looking at the event summary and it says Pouly has 3 hits and Cal has 2. Now, I know for a fact I saw him hit three guys right in a row on an early shift. And Pouly is Pouly… so if whatever he did 3 of counts as hits, Cal should have about 20 hits.
Can someone explain this to me?
I agree about sleep MsC, not about shiners waking up though… When I do sleep I want it to be peaceful.
I wasn’t saying that we should “give” Backs away. I’m saying he could “get” alot so why not check it out? Especially when we are going to lose #10 for nada.
no reason to stay up for this sharks game
hits are subjective. sean hill had something in the neighborhood of 600 3 years ago.
i’ve also heard that a hit is not registered unless the hit separates the player from the puck.
So does that mean when you hit a guy right after he gets rid of the puck it doesn’t mean donkey doo?
That ain’t right.
Yeah, Clagary is giving them the business but good. What the hell happened to SJ? Somehow it’s still more interesting than the Kings/Ducks. Probably because it impacts my fantasy teams less.
Er, impacts more. Whatever.
I guess the puck thing makes sense. Certainly makes Cal’s current numbers all the more impressive. And Pouliot’s number from tonight all the more unbelievable. Though he did have that one really nice play.
Sharks just got a shortie to get back to 4-2….can’t go to bed just yet
Boring first period, but the second and third periods were pretty fun to watch. Where did this team come from? All the sudden they are beating (or taking to OT) the best teams around the league…. I like it!
I think the impact, is… subjective to the play. Therefore, the stat itself is junk. But overall, it is reflected somewhat accurately. See Cal Clutter.
I’m going to bed. I disagree with the BNLs. I like it. Alot. I rarely get tangled. Only sometimes.
Before I go, Austin, it’s really just the ebbs and flows of a season. That’s all. S-H-I-T happens. Good and Bad.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Benoit Pouliot got second-line duty at left wing, but he was finally replaced by Sheppard in the third.
So much for this experiment and those that called for it At least Demo would have been happy to be moved to wing
it’s really just the ebbs and flows of a season
just look at the penguins as another example. although tonight they won.
good win for the wild tonight too. i personally didn’t think they played as good as last week but good enough.
Yes, MissConduct, there definitely is a threshold when guys are too expensive. If it handicaps your ability to field a competitive team in other areas.
JL said because Benny had not been practicing he was showing a loss in conditioning so he sat in the third. But, JL also said he was satisfied with his play.
Greenlay mentioned the hit thing requiring that the person be separated from the puck to call it a hit that Greenstar just mentioned.
So, that is where there is an uneven standard. Because I am sure people get credited for hits in some arenas when that is not the situation. So, he is right in saying it is really a subjective stat.
Yeah, pretty good effort all around. It got a little hairy there in the end of the 2nd, but it all worked out.
As for Backstrom… I think he’s playing himself into a trade. Ms C said it above, “is there a time when he’s too expensive to sign?”
I think so, and I think we’re already beyond that. I’d guess he’ll get between 5.5 and 6.5/yr from some team for 3-4 years. That’s a big nut to swallow knowing we’re gonna have to ante up for Koivu, Burns, and prolly Shep not too far in the future. If you sign him for that, and he doesn’t continue to perform at this level, you can’t trade him - kind of like what Chicago had going with ‘Bulin. Overpaid, and no one wanted him.
My guess is we get a player, a pick, and a couple prospects for him to some team for the stretch run, and Hards gets to prove how good he is.
I’m ok with that.
On the Wild winning or at least playing well against the top teams:
I for one am not surprised. The Wild have for quite some time played to their opponent’s level during the regular season. Play a DET, SJ or BOS and they usually play their butts off. Play a CBJ, PHX or STL and they play mediocre.
I don’t know if it is mental “It’s only PHX, we don’t need to worry about the game.” vs “It is DET, they’ve got a really good team, we’ve got to work hard and play well.” It could also be an energy thing. They hang it all out against the ‘good’ teams which leaves them tired against the ‘easy’ teams.
I love a win against a ‘good’ team, but I’d take two wins over STL and a loss to BOS over two losses to STL and a win over BOS. Afterall, at the end of the regular season, the number in the pts column is the one that counts.
Backstrom: A few weeks ago I speculated as follows:
Backstrom is the only player with a written NTC. DR thinks he’d ask for another and DR doesn’t want to tie his hands against a potential trade deadline move to get a big name two way player. So, DR doesn’t talk to Backstrom until after the trade deadline (if he’s still with us).
It doesn’t make sense to me as DR could talk with him but stand firm on a NTC until the deadline and if a trade doesn’t happen then he could give in on a NTC.
More thoughts on Backstrom:
Is Backstrom our ticket for getting something in return for Gaborik? Trade Backs and Gaborik to ??? for something slightly more than what Backs would command alone. That gives the other team negotiating rights with Gaborik until July even though he’s injured. If you’re a GM, why not? Negotiate until July, if Gaborik isn’t looking to recover or is asking too much you let him walk. He’s on long term IR so his cap hit is much less of an issue…
Can you trade a player who is on long term IR?
Question:
Will the Wild ever score again 5 on 5?
I thought going into the ‘prevent’ defense in the 2nd period was a little soon, but obviously it all worked out.
They’re still a perimeter team - except when IGoW is on the ice.
Perhaps the only real difference between Dec and Jan is better goaltending?
Another question:
Will you (as a Wild fan) be upset if DR trades Backstrom even though the team looked like it would make the playoffs?
I thought it was situational as to why Backs asked for a NTC last time. I wasn’t around then so I don’t remember the situation, but I thought I remembered reading something like that.
kj, regardless of the Wild’s playoff hopes either of the following would upset me:
DR trades Backstrom without ever inquiring as to what it would take to keep him.
DR trades him for some trivial return (3rd line player, low round pick, etc.).
Perhaps its that I don’t feel the team as it is has what it takes to be successful in the playoffs - they’re missing a few tools (not necessarily players). I think those are the only two situations that would upset me. That said, I’d be sad to see him go no matter what the circumstances.
kj: If the Wild has a shot at the NW title, I don’t think they should trade Backstop and should, pony up and keep him (if he’ll resign). If, however, the Wild is looking to battle for a 6, 7 or 8 seed, then you move him and try to recoup the picks that were sent out the door for Zids and Cuma. I don’t see this team winning a 7-game series against SJ, Det or Cal (most likely 1st round opponents if the Wild is 6, 7 or 8 seed) if it doesn’t have home-ice advantage. (team’s recent play notwithstanding)
The wild would be so stupid if they are not hammering away at a contract extension with Backstrom.
Will you (as a Wild fan) be upset if DR trades Backstrom even though the team looked like it would make the playoffs?
assuming we get 2 or 3 picks plus a prospect or two, i say we better deal him.
If Ballgame has ideas of retaining Backstop, regardless of where the team is in the standings come trade deadline, hopefully he working on a deal now. It was stated by some Russovillians a few weeks ago that Backstop could be had for $4-4.5 million per season. Two words: hog wash. If Ballgame tries to win a bidding war on July 1, he better be prepared to cough up in the neighborhood of $6 million per season if he wants to keep him.
Will you (as a Wild fan) be upset if DR trades Backstrom even though the team looked like it would make the playoffs?
Mirtle’s article really struck home with me, when looking at the career numbers of the goalies we’ve employed for at least 40 games. Either we’ve gotten lucky and chosen the ultimate diamonds in the rough four or five times now (unlikely) or we’ve gotten lucky and had goalies on the team at the absolute peak of their careers (somewhat likely) OR, the system helps the goalies that we’ve employed (most likely, IMO.)
In that way of thinking, if A) Backstrom is really “worth” > $6M (as Mirtle posits) and B) DR can pull the rabbit out of the hat and “win” a trade involving him (ie, making up for the bagel he’s going to get when Gaby limps off into the sunseet) *AND* C) we’re still floundering around the bottom of the division/flirting with the cutoff line for the playoffs, then I think you deal him.
But, to me, if any of those three things can’t happen, then I say you keep him and, frankly, show him the money.
“Lemaire didn’t seem overly jovial with the game.”
And that surprised nobody.
Off the beaten path here.
Was I the only person saw the World Jr Gold Metal Ceremony. Team Canada didn’t know the words to their anthem,yelling, goofing off,hats hanging from their ears and so on……. They should take a little pride in their nation by showing it. Stand at attention during any National Anthem it shows respect.
I was just looking at the Aeros goalie registry to see that Greenlay played 17 minutes of goal for the Aeros once. They have him with a GAA of 6.86 for that 17 minutes as he let in 2 goals. Funny.
That means he was a better goalie for the Aeros than he is a broadcaster for the Wild 
Yeah, Fargo. What a bunch of brats.
Also, not to pick apart the Aeros’ math, but wouldn’t Cement Legs have a goals against of 7.06 if he allowed 2 goals in 17 minutes?
I couldn’t tell you, DB. Took me 10 minutes to figure out how he let in .86 of a goal.
I agree with Green*, if the return is high enough, trade him.
Goody, IIRC Backstrom’s NTC expires Feb 1. Someone wanna confirm that? If that’s the case, it would make sense to not talk to him until after that time.
Nick, I think you hit the nail on the head: “the system helps the goalies that we’ve employed”
Absolutely. A goaltender should do better under the Wild’s system of clogging the middle and keeping shots to the outside.
no matter what backstrom’s fate is with the wild, if DR screws this up in any way, there will be a lot of angry fans out there, including me…i know i’ll be calling for his head if that’s the case.
Any word on what kind of mood Chuckles McSunshine (aka Manny Fernandez) was in after the game last night?
The league weenies are probably still crying in their lattes over a ‘boring’ (to a non hockey fan) 1-0 game on VS, but how fun was that last night?
Is it just me, or is Shep finally starting to play up to what JL was hoping he’d be the last few games? Seems like he’s really stepped it up lately. Still some young player mistakes here and there, but he’s getting fun to watch. Really fun watching Kolanos last night too. The way Kolanos played the last few games, Benny might want to think about upgrading the cable package in Chateau de Bow Wow. He’s gonna be spending some time there.
Great D last night too, other than Zids being a little shaky in the first period. I’ve always kind of been a Johnsson guy - moreso than most here I think, but he was stellar at times last night, both on D and in the transition game. And even the BOSS noticed Skoula - or rather she said “you know, you haven’t yelled at Skoula in a while…”
Anyhow - fun to see them back on track again.
Now, can we hold a bake sale or something to raise $ to sign Backstrom? Please?
With the dollars that will come off the books at the end of the season, Cap space will be there for Backstop. It will all come down to two simple things. 1) Does Ballgame want to pony up somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 to $6 million per season? and 2) Does Backstop want to continue to play here? He and his agent know that the line of suitors come July 1 will be long.
LOL @ DB! I like it!
RIK: Ya, Shep has stepped up. He’s starting to do some of those things that Mikko did in his 2nd season.
The D was outstanding last night, and Backs still had to make some outstanding saves. So while “a goaltender should do better under the Wild’s system of clogging the middle and keeping shots to the outside”, the key word there is should. We wouldn’t have won that game without Backs.
Sorry - my point was that we need to sign him.
And I’ve told the Tampa story before - they have excellent scorers, but it came down to the goaltender (Khabibulin) when they won the Cup. Without Khabibulin, they steadily went downhill, even though they still have scorers.
There are lots of questions to be answered before you sign or trade a player.
I do not think it is unusual for DR not to have made any “outward” attempt to sign Backstrom.
First a GM needs to look at what is happening to the economy before he commits a huge dollar figure to a player … Backstrom or someone else.
You cannot pay so much that you do not have enough CAP left to sign the rest of your team.
I have long felt the way you opined above NiNY, about a goalie friendly Wild team. When they are on the same page without the puck it is easy on the goalie.
But, I also think Mason must be part of the equation too. He is getting more out of the goalies than we might have expected.
It would not be my first choice to trade Backstrom … unless, like Greenstar said the offer is too good to be true. Or, if we are out of the mix and have too many holes to fill to be competitive next year without new talent.
Hey all- wish me luck.
Just got laid off. The HVAC industry as well as everything else has gotten hit. This is my third layoff in 6 years.
Russo and Stencils- thanks and I’ll buy the paper, but won’t have access to the online blog. Thanks again to Russo and Russoville.
I’m so sorry for you, M! Good luck and we’ll miss you.
Backstrom makes the team according to wild.com
And Koivu doesn’t somehow.
M 03, go to your local library. They have PC’s connected to the net that you can use for your blogging.
Being downsized is not my idea of fun, but there is a light in the end of the tunnel if you look hard enough.
Poetic justice that Backstop is an All-Star, but I’m a little surprised that Franchise is not on the squad.
Can’t really see how Modano, Tkachuk, or Hejduk come in above Mikko
Someguy -
Hejduk I can see - kind of. Modano’s a legacy pick. But Keith Tka-choke? Please. He’s half the two-way player Koivu is. Proof once again that, sadly, the ‘All Star’ game is going to the way of the NFL and NBA - glorified beauty contests.
food
last week we were a team full of holes and were destined to be in last place. now this week we have to keep backstrom at all costs. this place makes me laugh.
I don’t mind Mikko getting the rest. And Nik will only get 20 minutes of clock time during the game. As long as he doesn’t blow a Gaborik he’ll be okay.
I don’t think Backstrom is worth, or should ask for , 6 mil a yr. Yes, he is good but not 6 mil a year good, IMO. More like 4 mil a yr or so. I think if we packaged him w/Shirley (assuming he ever plays again) and we get some actual talent/high potential in return, it should be looked at. But, as usual, I do not have faith in Risedork to either a: sign him NOW before his asking price furhter skyrockets, or b: make another boneheaded trade where we get squat in return, and save money (this is Risedorks MO). B will probably happen, unfortunately. I am glad the boys have turned it around of late, but I still don’t think we have enough to get past the 1st rd., if we get in, w/the current lineup.
Well, some things never change. Manny was a rude, disrespectful jerk when he was here, and he’s still a rude, disrespectful jerk out in Beantown. Maybe TR should take the autographed and framed photo of Manny in the back room at his Pub and throw it in the trash.
I did notice that Manny was still Manny during the game as well. The goal that we scored against him was vintage Manny. He went down early and was flopping around on the front of his pads and his belly, just like the old days here in MN. If he stays on his feet he probably makes the save on that shot. He’s still, at best, merely an average NHL goalie and is only where he is right now because he has the best team in the East in front of him.
I predict he will turn out to be the same type of “Team Cancer” in Boston that he was here.
