Wild 5, Red Wings 2
Posted on February 21st, 2009 – 6:37 PMBy Brian Stensaas
OK - a quick postgame update here as I would really like to get home and catch some rest before my flight to Chicago in the morning.
There are roughly 18,568 reasons why I should not be a hockey coach. Rather than list them all (again, I have a flight in the morning I really should catch …) I’ll just admit to this: I really thought the Wild came out well and the players had a little something extra in their skates tonight. Jacques Lemaire, owner of (ahem) 1,078 NHL coaching vicories, didn’t really agree.
“I don’t think we’re ever going to have a step on [Detroit],” Lemaire said. “We were just battling to survive.”
Well, the Wild certainly did that. Step or no step, Minnesota sure needed something like this.
Lots of examples of heads-up plays tonight. Nolan’s pass to Bouchard was money. Koivu personally fending off two Detroit players to make that feed to Skoula (!!!) was a thing of beauty. And the penalty kill was spot-on against a Red Wings team that had scored seven PPG in its past two games.
Brunette’s equipment was still hanging in his locker stall long after all the other players’ things had been packed up after the game tonight, meaning it’s quite likely he will not play tomorrow in Chicago.
That’s where I’m headed in a matter of hours, so I bid thee farewell for now. No morning skate, so you won’t be hearing from me until pregame warm-ups - unless something big comes up.
NIGHT!
————————————————————————
Here’s the lowdown from warm-ups: Andrew Brunette’s streak will end at 509 straight games played. He is not in uniform tonight. Defenseman Kim Johnsson is wearing the “C”. Craig Weller - who hasn’t played since being injured Jan. 15 - is in. Colton Gillies is skating, too, meaning Derek Boogaard will be scratched.
OK - I’m ready for some live hockey. I’ve been watching parts of five games all afternoon on TV (how does San Jose not score on Atlanta until the third period, by the way??) so let’s drop the puck shall we?
I’m not the only eager one. There’s got to be 40-50 fans in Detroit gear hovered near the visiting bench.
What? Still 30 minutes to go? Arghghg!
Enjoy the game!
228 Responses to "Wild 5, Red Wings 2"
Pewterschmidt has figured out MKIA’s schtick. MKIA makes absurd predictions and if they come true he looks smart.
If they don’t he creeps back into the woodwork until next game, or until his mom lets him back on the computer.
Brian - you rock. Glad the visitors to the Xcel Center didn’t mess with your techno stuff. Good news for Weller. Just hope Bruno heals properly.
Am I the only one who will be happy with 1 point tonight? Anything more will be a bonus.
Stensils.. take a few deep breaths dude. 
Good to see Weller back.
Is Conklin injured? I haven’t been paying much attention lately.
Let’s go boys!
WE need this game. No being happy with 1 point. WE need two points. Go Wild.
Woot! Nolan!
IGoW!!!!!!!!!!
Chelios makes Nolan look really young…. Speak of the Devil WOOO IGoW!!!
Nice pass from little Butchie too.
IGoW!!!
do the higher ups not know that the team loses when Koivu is not captain?!?!?!
BTW: Band, I was not referring to you this afternoon.
Ms.C: That game is ridiculously addictive.
Nick, what game?
Nice kill!
Lets go Power play!
My sister’s birthday is on the trade deadline. I’m so jealous.
Austin: Word Challenge. Nuts.
I know Nick, just being a pest. And I am going slowly crazy so I was curious if it was showing. But moms do have magical healing spit I tell you. My boo boo’s always felt better when mom kissed em’.
If the Wings are shaky between the pipes, then I’ve got a good trade deadline deal for them (if they’d like to win the Cup again).
Who could we get?
Gonna try and trade her at the deadline WATX? Maybe for a richer sister who likes to buy you pressies?
NOLAN AGAIN!!!
Nolan again!!
IGoW!!!!!!!!!!!
uh oh…last time he had two in the first period….
IGoW…. again!
lets hope this does not turn into the sens game…..Keep it up boys!!!
Goal #2: Pewterschmidt is getting a little creeped out with MKIA’s prediction.
She’s not rich BG, but she gives pretty good presents.
Nolan making my FH team look good.
this looks like the NYE game against SJ
Hush Nick. No jinxies, oky doky?
My sisters give pretty good presents also WATX. And neither of them is rich. They just know me.
Come on guys.. do not STB please.
Nick, Yeah I saw you playing that game and I gave it a try. I need a little practice… but it’s definitely fun.
Shep has been sooo much better the last month…I like his game of late.
MiG, that’s because when JL called him on his crappy playing, he worked his buns off to improve. He didn’t whine, or get pouty, he just worked harder. Hence why I like the kid.
That’s an excellent reason to like him BG. And I concur.
Crap CI just went out here!!!
uh oh…last time he had two in the first period
I was not in the building last time as well.
the dead wings were on my list of teams that would love to trade for backstrom back around winter classic time
Chelios is old.
I remember you saying that G*. Who would you (reasonably) ask for?
best period in a long time. Now they need to do it again. And then again after that.
Agree with the comments about Shep finally starting to come into his own, have chances, noticing him a lot more in the game….good boy!
i don’t know, WAX. I was more looking at teams that needed goaltending help, trying to make a market for him and making a case for why not signing him early might not be a bad idea.
who smiles when painting?
“Shep has been sooo much better the last month…I like his game of late.”
I agree. Sheppard is starting to show some offense. He’s a big kid too, so is Gillies. Close your eyes and imagine the Wild with TWO productive power forwards in the next couple years…..I like it alot.
Nick…this looks like the game against the sens….only a few days ago.
I HATE this commercial with the Pens fan in California. It makes me want to throw things at my tv.
This pens fan on the TV would so get kicked in the junk if I ever met him.
Let’s not put any jinx on the boys. I am nvery proud the way the young ones are playing. They sure give me hope for the future.
Anyone glad we didn’t trade Shep for OJ?
Well I dont know about that ATX……
Anyone glad we didn’t trade Shep for OJ?
but OJ has more playoff experience…
pfff did that clown just say we could trade #10 for Kovy??
I dont listen but thats what I thought he said.
Yes he did MiG.
Wow just when I thought they couldnt be more dumb
I mean I would take it but…come on thats just silly
im now worried
Ugh.. Burns.
if that were skoula and not burns there would be 100 posts on it by now
I thought Burns had that and was able to clear it.
yup I agree with G*.
Burns isn’t having a good stretch of games lately. What happened to him?
What happened to him?
he’s backed up. he needs to go IJ on someone to unclog the energy.
maybe a snake is on the loose?
I am glad I said something first then G*
kgoph, I agree. I think Burns has had a tough year all around. He took the game winner off his arse the other night, and now this.
maybe a snake is on the loose?
you say he is gettin around?
Wish he would do it soon GreenStar. He really has cost us the last few games. He is a better player then what he has been showing us lately.
I don’t think Burns’ girlfriend would appreciate your interpretation G*.
Damn, Backs.
uh ohhh
That was a nice play by Clutterbuck to break up the play
Clutterbuck getting PK time is a reward for his good play. That was a nice play by him there.
That was an awesome pick-pocket by Butch.
Cal’s groovy. And by that I mean he’s been playing well.
Butch is having a nice game too Bandgeek. As is Nolan.
BUTCH!!!!!!!!!!!
BUTCH!!!!!!
See. I told you Butch was having a good game.
WoooOOoo!
Butch loves playing the Wings
Yeah, PMB. I was so excited that I hit my knee on the coffee table.
Beauty by Butchy
Butchie
This period isn’t very good. We look like we are struggling a bit. Why can’t we play 60 minutes of hockey? That all said WAY TO SCORE PMB!!!!
Such hustle! Nice shot too.
Butch has been less spinny lately, and just tried to make solid plays. I think Nolan has been good for him. For example the goal we just witnessed. That being said; darn it Bella! What were you thinking?
Kimmy with a big hit in the corner??? Wow!!!
i wonder if tarhaar is blind. i mean legally blind.
MARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Skoula? Really? That must be a mistake
SKOULA!!!!
Butch has been less spinny lately
skoula? how did he not eff that up?
Skoula?!?! He looks so happy!
MKIA: What kind of barometer do you have access to?
to complete my last comment, butch isn’t spinning but still stops just past the blue line and looks for cutters
Skoula!!!!! Look how excited he is.
no one looked more surprised at that than Scooby himself….good work though boy!
Hahaha Skooba was stoked! Koivu is a maniac.
Totally Sunshine. Reminds me of that “Martin has a new lunchbox” guy on the Wild board.
SKOULA GETS A GOAL!!!!! See what happens when we put in an effort 
His avatar.
The sky is falling the sky is falling!!!
Oh wait we’re back on top of the world again. Stanley cup here we come, there isn’t a team in the league that can beat us.
The Mr laughed and yelled “Suck on that Skoula Haters’ when Marty scored. Sweet play from Mikko to make that happen.
Don’t worry mike, the sky will be falling again in a few days…
as much crap as that guy gets (this year for no reason) I could not be more happy for a guy!!!!
Lets not sit back in the third. The Red Wings can score 3 goals relatively quick.
Come on boys. go in for the kill.
Again, this pens guy needs to be taken out
the sky will be falling again in a few days
maybe in an hour…
Who needs to wait a few days mike? We’ll see some later tonight. Don’t worry.
Great job so far though Detroit was taking over the game. Lets hope the Wild come to play in the third.
It looks to me like Skoula’s teammates feel a lot better towards him than the fans do.
I believe someone said at the beginning of the season that “Skoula bashing is soooo last season.” This years “Skoula” is Zids (or MAB either one works).
MiG, at least we know to mute the tv at the start of every commercial break since that commercial is always the first one.
MiG, him and the “hey baby” guy.
Skouka looked so happy. He is having a much better year and that was a great reward. Probably won’t shut up the people that are needlessly yelling at him this year tho. I can’t say is my favorite player on the team but I will admit he is really having a good year.
yeah Band, I agree, Scooby has not been Scooby this year…he’s played very well..hopefully he can maintain it
“This years “Skoula” is Zids ”
Or Burns lately…
Goal for Fozzie!
Got to stay out of the box in the third.
Those who think SRV ought to be gone, I think he has a role to play and does fine at it. Though others will need to get the points for the Wild.
Goal for Fozzie!
Awesome!
Great pass by Mikko. What the heck is wrong with Burns?
Good for Foster!!
I’m with you ice. Plus SRV is relatively cheap, which is also an important factor.
No dump and dont chase!!!
Thanks for the update MsC! And YIPPIE FOSSIE!!!
Marty think hes paul coffey now?
Skoula you are not a scorer. Stay back and just play defense.
I am panic when I saw Skoula 4 feet from the goalie.
Good shift by the 4th line especially Gillies.
Good for Foster! The commercial were the new dad beats on the nursery glass is popular in this house. The jack russel terrier knows it by the intercom, starts whining, then goes into full bark, growl, & howl when the guy beats on the glass. Hillarious enough we rewind it several times.
Big kill here
Gillies? You mean Weller right He worked his arse off out there.
Wow.. how’d da vings miss dat one?
This 2nd look things has to go, they are over using it & it is really annoying.
Go Weller, he’s playing really hard tonight. Good for him.
I noticed Gillies more. Weller and Olvecky were doing good too.
That last 4th line play was Weller.
It has been a solid game all around for the ‘grinders’.
crap
Damn.
pisser
I think they should disallow the goal just to make up for the high stick goal that they counted by the Wings.
Wow we might really beat the wings.
WiATX: I agree.
peeweekid — how dare you say that now???
Unless they piss down there legs, like they did when they played Ottawa.
WildinATX: look at what i just said.
Indeed peewee… the Wings cannot be counted out until the buzzer sounds.
AustinTXwildfan: You are right.
I think the Wild need less french Defenceman.
french defensman?
It is obvious that the Wild need more Irish guys, and less French Canadan’s.
What’s wrong with the french? Other than the fact they smell funny, have an attitude problem, and are amazing Chefs?
We sould get rid of Zidliky
Woooo!! SRV!!
That was INSANE!!! So many bodies on the ice.
The boys came through! They lived up to my hope!
well done boys
how about that french canadian!!!!
wtf Chefs?
Who will the #1 star be, oh ya Nolan!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A wise man once said, “A taco fart, like the French, can never be trusted”
that last regulation winner in 03 wouldn’t be the playoff clincher, would it?
HOLY SCHNITZEL!!! WOO SRV!! Empty net and oh my freakin’ god.. what the heck I’m tired watching those last 5 minutes.
yes peewee, the French are good cooks.
Good win tonight. They played a pretty hard game.
We are the champions, we are the champions, we are the champions of the world. Bring on the Cup.
Stinker: Lol nice one
We are the champions, we are the champions, we are the champions of the world. Bring on the Cup.
lolz
Mike: I wouldn’t be so cocky.
Great game tonight. I said I would be happy with one point and anything else is a bonus…Well bonus for me!!
Maybe the players need to think that they are playing against the Red Wings, the Sharks, and the Bruins every game to get 60 minutes of good hockey.
We’re gonna win the cup thats all there is to it.
Bruno’s streak wouldn’t be so long if he was a Frechy!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, Backs looked pretty tired at the end there. Wow on the win, just wow. Very happy. See boys, good things happen when you play consistently, put an effort into your game, & play as team.
Mike: Are you hangin’ out with Michael Phelps? If you don’t get you probally are!
Excellent game. I needed a pick me up this weekend, and this gave it to me. Thanks boys.
While this win feels real nice and restores some hope in my boys, I’m taking the rest of the season on a game to game basis.
and now i gotta watch the goofers, wish I could watch SCSU here in GA.
Wow Telly didn’t axe dumb ass questions!
don’t gotta watch gophers. calgary v edmonton is on NHL network
i see someone forgot to set their parental controls before going out tonight.
A friend of mine is of German and French decent, he gets very defensive and wants fight you then backs down and wants help from an outside source.
Love the retro oil jerseys
GreenStar: Here is anexample. “How important is to not give up a goal in the win?”
peewee, I think you need to look up the term sarcasm.
AustinTXwildfan: I now he was just kidin’ around. but i had to make my poit
look at Darby’s ballb spot.
I am with you Band on the restores some faith & game by basis comment. Really wish we could always see tonight’s effort every game.
peewee that may just be the glare off Gorgs bald mellon. Darby has shiny hair.
Team is coming of age, I think they have some good hockey left in them for the year and will make it interesting the rest of the year.
They showed some spirit tonight and ought to have gained some much needed confidence.
To come of age, the Ottawa game might be a milestone plus the Calgary game was also winnable.
This is the best game I have seen from the Wild in a loooooonnnnggg time. Except the first 6 or 7 minutes of the second, they played a very good game. Like I said earlier, I wouldn’t take anything less than 2 points. Good nite all.
JLM is so bad at interviews
JLM is one of the only smart Frenchy on the Wild.
Nighty night peeps! And by peeps I mean the little yellow marshmallow thingies. And good night to you in Russoville as well.
“JLM is one of the only smart Frenchy on the Wild.”
Dere’s no doubt!
Lets not act so bigoted against nationalities here.
They are doing a good job of blending a team, and it has taken some time but it is coming closer together.
just back from the game, and here are my thoughts:
-solid game for the most part, except for the first 10 minutes of the 2nd.
-the first period was the best period of hockey since new years eve vs. san jose.
-burns was horrible most of the night.
-skoula was solid. not just because he scored, which is a huge bonus, but he was excellent position wise all night.
-clutz was not his usual 9 hits/game self tonight. i’m not sure how many he had but i didn’t see him lining guys up too often. i saw 2-3 good hits from him.
-the refs were not good. they made 2 questionable calls, and missed a huge slash that got kimmy in the foot. but i suppose all that’s par for the course.
Net, he had 6 hits. Don’t doubt the Clutter, man…
Nice win. Watched in fits and starts in breaks in the Aeros game (the Foster goal turned out to be it for goals and it went to a shootout, which Schaefer slaughtered. 6 win streak for my boys… let’s hope it’s not all Fozzie’s influence).
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Great effort by the Wild, the better team won tonight. They got what they deserved.
I thought it would be decided in the third however.
Oh! Also met JeffinHou and Mrs. JeffinHou at the game! Nice folks (hockey people always are, it seems). Was happy to get to tell them that the Wild were winning and Skoula of all people had a goal.
ms.C, the game program has a cal poster in it! i’m sure it’s been in there for a few weeks, but i haven’t been to a game since january. i hate splitting season tickets!
Stencils how bout replacing Russo’s mugshot with yours while you are the Blogmaster for the weekend…..
Bet Don Russo will be in the bag by 8pm tomorrow night. Hope the Don is on his best behavior with the peeps down in Boca….
There are a handful of guys I would like to see come back next year. Backstrom and Lemaire are two of them.
As one of the Skoula defenders I am happy for him and only sad that I am across the pond and missed his goal. Congrats Marty.
I would agree with you Chuck. I would add DR to that list because without him no JL. He is a special coach
Owen Nolan is a special offensive player still, and I think he likes this paticular team. Lemaire is coaching him very well. He is doing way better under Lemaire then he did Keenan
while the Wings came out flat and stayed flat all game, a lot of credit has to go to the Wild who played red wings hockey better then the red wings did. the only way the wild can be a contender with this roster of bottom feeding castoffs, is if they use their speed to their advantage playing european, not frenchy, style of hockey. spread out the ice, cycle the puck, if they can’t enter the zone, pass it back to the defense and start over, not that dump and chase crap.
reason the wings are always so effective is because they play euro hockey. wild simply used their speed, and they were allowed to with old man speed bump (bruno) out of the game. how they played against the wings is how they should play every game. only wish they would.
on a bright note, Foster scored a goal, has 6 points in his last 4 games, should be rejoining the Wild today or tomorrow, and Johnsson needs to be dealt immediately to make room.
Well, that’s 6 points in the AHL, but what an impact that guy has had on the team down here. I’m forever a Kurtis Foster fan.
The Wild front office likes to spend a lot of time telling people around the NHL how it does things right. If the club doesn’t get G Niklas Backstrom signed, GM Doug Risebrough and assistant Tom Lynn should be subject to job reviews in the off-season. The Wild tends to wait for a bargain that never materializes.
I agree Bruce. Sign Backs.
Foster was our 5th or 6th d-man last season. why anyone would think he could come back to the big club and make a big difference is beyond me.
He’s a nice player but no Nik lidstrom.
Ms.C - it could be his influence. The other players know there are more NHL eyes on the AHL club with Forster there. Or at least think there are. so perhaps taking opportunity to show their best stuff?
next year’s goalie will probably be Manny, Roli, Emery, or Biron haha
simple, you underestimate Foster severely. of the current 6 on the wild and foster, foster is the 2nd best d-man. I’d only put Burns ahead of him.
Dan, have you been watching burns this year? he’s is off his game many nights, last night included, and at times, he is totally out of place! so, guess again on who the wild’s best D-man is these days.
Foster severely. of the current 6 on the wild and foster, foster is the 2nd best d-man
Dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Gotta love Garrioch - the personality of NHL writers lol.
Anyway, hell of an effort for 47 minutes last night! Anyone remember when I mentioned the Detroit game last March that I used as an example benchmark in terms of getting to the puck, hitting, and controlling the play with sound effort? We saw it again last night for the 1st and 3rd periods. The 2nd wasn’t so hot overall, but effort and heads-up plays by Nolan and Koivu made all the difference.
Yet, I do think it’s smart for JL to not let his players think they’ve done “too” well, or they’ll let down the next game. But that was one of the better played games all season.
Nice job, good effort, excellent result.
BTW, anyone notice the Wild completely absent from any trade rumor talk? That does tell me management probably sees us on the outside looking in, so… we’re probably sellers, not buyers.
Garrioch is a fat slob that’s almost as bad a rumor monger as the chief tool over at hockeybuzz. The NHL’s lack of exposure stems in part from guys like him thriving as the “face/voice” of the league. I don’t know him personally, but his “professional” personae is that of a joke.
of the current 6 on the wild and foster, foster is the 2nd best d-man. I’d only put Burns ahead of him.
wow. A new low idiocy in Russoville.
Woodcock, on Skoula’s goal, Mikko made a great play to dig out the puck. He came in behind two Red Wings low beside the net, fished out the puck and fired it to Skoula who was driving in and buried it.
He had a grin the size of the state and the team was smiles for him too. His post game interview showed lots of ivory.
I am glad for any of those guys to have some success.
Also, I have a good feeling about the Blackhawk game tonight. I think they can string some good performances together and develop some confidence.
This team seems to do better when they have difficulties. They have not learned to handle success yet.
I think it is a factor of having a stable of younger guys.
Was Stencils going to Chicago to cover the game today?
So the Pens took the train to DC for todays game against the Caps. Cool. I think it would be a good idea to see that more between the teams that are close together, especially with the push to be “green” for many companies, why not in sports?
Russoville is weird today.
Anyway, G*, I think his professionalism and his intelligence with the puck had an impact. He’s patient and strong and has good vision. He clearly stood out among the AHLers.
And I’m not sure there were more eyes. Apart from Lynn being there Thursday, unless they were hiding, there were not many folks scouting the team.
especially with the push to be “green” for many companies
how is riding a train being “green”
trains take energy. commuter rail is run on diesel engines.
If we want to go completely green, maybe some day there will only be virtual hockey games.
Then, we can each see the outcome we want, everyone can have their own private Skoula to kick around or their own DR to rail against.
Personally, I like what we have now.
Trains are much more green than a plane. Especially for short distances, also cheeper for teams to travel by rail than charter a plane.
In Europe, it is not uncommon for teams to travel by chartered coaches on regularly scheduled trains. Philadelphia to Washington is not that long of a trip (less than 2 hours on Amtrak) and since the team played in the afternoon, there were a number of evening departures for the Pens to choose from.
Until the original expansion in 1967, most travel for NHL teams was done by train. Look at where the teams were located…you could get from one end of the league to the other in less than 20 hours.
And yes, I am in Chicago, waiting for tonight’s game to begin…
wow. A new low idiocy in Russoville.
And that is being kind. Dan is treading in MKIA territory.
This team seems to do better when they have difficulties. They have not learned to handle success yet.
Yes - when will the NW division championship hangover end?
WRT - will you give us a food update? Gosh, the multitude of dining choices in Chicagoland….
Iceman: agree with you on Skoula’s smile. Nice to see him contribute on the score sheet. And Mikko getting the puck and the perfect pass - amazing.
Something good happens everyday.
Your attitude is good M 03. That helps when you are seeking a new job.
Iceman - thanks. Somedays are better than others. Plus hockey is guarenteed through early April. Russo & Stencils, the folks on the blog keep me connected to the world. Thanks all.
Just hoping for food. Hint.
Let’s go WILD, WE need 60 minutes of effort tonight against the Hawks.
Hey Bandgeek, I know you won’t be playing in the NHL at 48. Will you? Slow, I bet he can fly by you.
