Lemaire to decide on future after season; Huge game for both teams; Luongo in zone; Same Wild lineup; Wild taking flood donations
Posted on March 31st, 2009 – 11:44 AMBy Michael Russo
So last month, I was talking with Jarome Iginla about how weird it was that the Calgary Flames were running away with the Northwest considering the Wild didn’t clinch its first division championship until Game 81 last season.
Thank goodness I decided to go with a different notebook lead that night. How things have changed, eh?
Since the Wild handed the Vancouver Canucks their ninth consecutive home loss with an exciting 4-3 overtime win Jan. 31, the Canucks have executed a shocking turnaround, going 19-5-1 since. A win tonight over the Wild, and the Canucks will hop over the Flames for first in the Northwest.
A win tonight over the Wild, and I’ll be able to send back my jury duty questionnaire worry-free because I will have no obligations for later this month if you catch my drift. Do you? Got what I’m saying there? Comprende?
Not to give you a queasy feeling, but Luongo’s ready. I walked into the arena with my old Florida Panthers’ pal, and he’s in the zone. “Huge game for both teams,” Luey said. “Huge game.”
Also ran into Canucks bruiser Darcy Hordichuk, and he interviewed me rather than vice versa regarding a 6-foot-8 former Michigan Tech (who says the Wild dislikes college kids?) dude named John Scott. Apparently Hordichuk’s thinking he may need to “go” with the towering blue-liner, and by “go,” I mean fight if you catch my drift.
I talked to Scott a lot this morning about his fighting. He openly says that he’s a “bad fighter,” and it’s something he might need to address this summer by taking boxing lessons. Being a college kid, he never had to fight. He openly admits he hates fighting but knows at 6-8, it’s something he’s going to have to do if he’s going to be a regular in this league.
The Wild will dress the same lineup tonight, meaning Colton Gillies, Peter Olvecky and Kurtis Foster are out.
Coach Jacques Lemaire was asked about all the rumors he may retire after the season. After tossing out a few jokes, Lemaire said, not shockingly, that he, like every season, will take some time off after the season and contemplate his immediate future. He’s got one more year left on his contract. Last year, I thought it was about 80-20 that he’d return. This year, my guesstimate is the opposite.
Although, as I said on KFAN this morning, if Marian Gaborik’s healthy all year, the Wild’s comfortably in the playoffs.
How about New Jersey, folks? I call them the Eastern Conference champions, and whattayaknow, the Devils lose five straight. I guess the win over the Wild was too easy.
Hmmm, I feel like I had other stuff for you, but my mind feels like a cumulus cloud. Off to get my hair cut. If I think of something else, I’ll jump on. Otherwise, talk to you before the game.
MINNESOTA WILD ANNOUNCES DONATION DRIVE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
WILD WILL ALSO DONATE FROM MSE COMMUNITY GIVING FUND
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced today that the team, in conjunction with the American Red Cross – Twin Cities Area Chapter, will be accepting donations at the Xcel Energy Center during the final four home games this season to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which is assisting people affected by the current floods and winter storms in our area. Red Cross canisters will be located at Guest Services desks throughout the arena, the Community Relations Booth, as well as on the Club and Suite levels beginning tonight when Minnesota hosts Vancouver, and continuing April 3rd vs. Calgary, April 7th vs. Dallas, and April 10th vs. Nashville.
286 Responses to "Lemaire to decide on future after season; Huge game for both teams; Luongo in zone; Same Wild lineup; Wild taking flood donations"
Wild 4 Canucks 3
Thoughts on Mr. Lemaire’s replacement IF he does retire? Ramsey??
once again, good stuff, russo! and do you really think you’ll get out of jury duty if the wild make the postseason? the only excuse that seems to work these days is school related! good luck!
if Marian Gaborik’s healthy all year, the Wild’s comfortably in the playoffs.
which is why I don’t think this season is an indictment of DR. Doesn’t mean i’ll burn my season tickets if he is shown the door…
fastone, rammer gets my vote, but something tells me they want constantine….almost JL jr.
Is Scott eligible to sign up for Boogie’s fight school?
Excellent thought Brainfreeze. Aaron Voros should have taken advantage of Boogie’s fight school last season.
Clutterbuck does OK, but I’d feel better if he were as prepared as possible to face all the guys that take shots at him.
which is why I don’t think this season is an indictment of DR
For me the main indictment on DR is the mishandeling of the Gaby situation as a whole. However, even if Gaby was Gaby Healthy all season, did DR put a team that was better than last year’s on the ice?
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
did DR put a team that was better than last year’s on the ice?
Million dollar question. hard to say since #10 wasn’t healthy.
Well, that’s as frank as I’ve ever heard Scotty be about fighting. Normally he kinda puts on airs that he’s alright with it, which is clearly not the case when you watch him. I know it doesn’t change anything, but it’s nice to hear from the horse’s mouth his perspective on the matter. He’d really be a beast if he could throw some solid punches.
Times like this, when guys I like, who are really nice guys, have to fight and don’t want to… kinda bums me out.
There were quite a few coaches fired in the NHL this season.
So I think the Wild would have plenty of options to bring in someone high experienced from the outside (like Mark Crawford or Guy Carbonneau or someone) if Jacques Lemaire does retire.
oops high=highly
New coach must be French-Canadian….
Skip Great Clips and head to Rocco Altobelli’s Don, you’ll thank me later.
Michael - you are the best. Grim but honest; dreary just like the weather.
Re: Mark Crawford
I think he would pass on us. If the fan base didn’t like Chris Simon, why would they like Mark Crawford?
Marc Crawford???? If that d-bag showed up behind the Wild bench as coach, I’d have to give up hockey and just spend my evenings in low class bars and strip joints.
I also understand that the injury bug, particularly at this critical point of the season is a convenient and even plausible excuse for Smug. However, those injuries are kind of like the sub-prime meltdown in that they have exposed weaknesses in the foundation of the organ-EYE-zation/economy.
I found Smug’s comments about his radio stint the other night interesting. He said that GM’s can’t talk alot about their job and the radio gives him a chance to reconnect with the fans. This is where I think he fails in his role as President. He is old school, doesn’t seem to understand the age of transparency that we now live in and the need to maintain a dialogue with your customers. If he wasn’t so…well…Smug, and maintained a better line of communication with fans, he wouldn’t be taking the heat he is getting.
Yeah, God forbid the Wild bring in someone who makes them a somewhat exciting team to watch!
Mark Crawford is a Stanley Cup-winning coach and generally quite respected, so I don’t see what the problem is there.
But if you think that promoting an assistant coach or someone from within is the way to move your team forward, especially after not making the playoffs this year, go ahead!
jl is also a cup winning coach and player and as for not getting in the play off’s the season’s not over yet
crawford is a tool
This isn’t me being a troll, i just wanted to show you guys a quote from ex-Wild player Willie Mitchell in today’s Vancouver newspaper:
“I think our team [Canucks] is capable of a lot of things,” Mitchell said. “I’m really excited. In my ninth season, this is the best team I’ve played on. I’m really excited about the things we can do.”
“Best” team he’s played on. Just in case you are interested.
He’s only saying that because he likes when Henrik nibbles on his brains. Weirdo.
Alan: despite the Canucks’ general lack of success on the biggest stage, they have not been stocked as an expansion team during the time that Willie has been there.
You’re comparing apples to oranges.
best team he must like the twin’s ha ha ha they do look a little gay
I wouldn’t doubt it is the ‘best’ team he’s played on skill wise. Which is how I interpreted that since he brings up the 9 seasons thing. In his years with the Wild, the talent level left something to be desired.
so is mitchell a apple or orange ha ha ha
To be fair, Mitchell did mention in the same article that his wife is from Minnesota and he thinks it’s a nice place and still has a home there.
But I didn’t want to bore you guys with that.
Update above about this:
MINNESOTA WILD ANNOUNCES DONATION DRIVE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
WILD WILL ALSO DONATE FROM MSE COMMUNITY GIVING FUND
for those that may be interested.
to me, the whole “if Gaby was healthy” argument IS my indictment of DR.
I feel like DR went into the season banking on Gaby being healthy and that was foolish and myopic.
If Gaby didn’t re-up with the Wild before the season, why do we think that he would have done so during the season if he’d remained healthy? Presumably he’d have been scoring goals and garnering All-Star votes and elevating his market value around the league.
I think DR was right on the money to say during the summer that he wanted to get the Gaby thing wrapped up before the season. When he didn’t he was foolish for letting it last into the season, and then he was proven REALLY foolish because Gaby got hurt.
DR created the Gaby mess. I don’t see how that’s not an indictment of him.
Allen go away it sound’s like you don’t like the wild so why u here posting
Game tonight is the true “Do or Die” scenario for this team. I want to see both teams battle it out. This game looks to be a 1-0 or 2-1 defensive battle. He who wins trap hockey tonight will win this battle. No gaffs by the defensemen tonight or the Sedin Twins will make us pay. Another key I am sure is that we need to stay out of the penalty box tonight. Canucks are 16th in the league on the PP and while the Wild are 13th. Canucks are 18th vs. the #2 Wild on the PK.
The problem is the Wild are 25/30 with goals per game at 2.50 and Luongo is standing in front of a team the is 6th versus the Wild being 3rd in Goals Against at 2.63 vs. 2.42.
If Backs stands on his head, Gabby is able to get free, and the defense plays well, the Wild have a shot tonight!
I wonder how much selling Pavol will do tonight to get Gabby to move to Vancouver next year?
His lawsuit over the lockout $$$ notwithstanding, I was told that Willie burned a few bridges with Mgmt here before he was traded to Dallas. In his case I actually have to side a bit more with Smug and TooL, at least based on what I’ve heard about the situaion. I pretty much take anything he says, or doesn’t say about MN with a grain of salt.
I fully expect JL to be gone after this year. Why would he want to put himself through more of the same next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, etc, etc, etc? I don’t think Constentine is the answer though if it’s change anybody might be looking for. I think he would be more of the same.
Stoned: Low class bars and strip joints?? That doesn’t sound like such a bad life to me…
I wonder who Burrows is going to go after since PMB is out. MAB? He’s about PMB’s size.
We would embrace Mark Crawford??? Then we better pray JL comes back. I would join the anti DR crowd if he was hired.
Stoned @ 1:37, I think you are probably correct on this.
NiNY @ 2:12, still hard to fairly indict DR on the Gabby injury situation. All we know is what happened and we do not have enough dots to connect to be aware of whether there was something going on in those deep dark closets that GM’s sit.
But I didn’t want to bore you guys with that.
Thanks. We’re already bored enough with ourselves.
Game tonight is the true “Do or Die” scenario for this team.
Every game is. They can maybe afford to lose one more, but that’s about it. Current #8 St. Louis is on a pace for 90 points and would get there with 3-2-1 which would give them 40 wins. If the Wild go 5-1-0 that gives them 90 with 41 wins.
But then if St. Louis does any better than 3-2-1 over the last six–and they are on fire right now–the Wild only have two more potential points. They’re running out of room for error.
Basically they need to wrap up the season with a 7-game win streak, or at least very close to it. Hard to see that happening. They haven’t done it all year and Vancouver, Calgary, Detroit are the next three… Oy.
“I feel like DR went into the season banking on Gaby being healthy and that was foolish and myopic.”
But doesn’t that work both ways? Wouldn’t a rival GM be foolish and myopic to trade for Gaborik before the season knowing his injury history. If that’s the case…maybe it wasn’t as easy to move Gaborik as most people seem to think it would have been before the season.
But doesn’t that work both ways? Wouldn’t a rival GM be foolish and myopic to trade for Gaborik before the season knowing his injury history. If that’s the case…maybe it wasn’t as easy to move Gaborik as most people seem to think it would have been before the season.
That’s fair.
But DR was trying to sign him. He can’t think that he can either sign him or get a 1st line winger and four 1st round picks for him. If Gaby signs here it’s because he didn’t think he’d get a better offer somewhere else. I think it was obvious he wasn’t going to extend us some kind of “hometown” discount.
So, DR going into the summer thinking I’ll either sign Gaby or trade him for a huge return is foolish and myopic - in keeping with his “this is the best place to play in the league so all players should beg me to offer them less-than market value” pipe dream.
I couldn’t care less about the playoffs right now. I can’t stand the Canucks. The hate has taken me over. Willie used to be okay with me but he has been swallowed by the dark side. Kesler, Burrows, the twins, Palov, uhhh. I almost wish that Matt Cooke was back so I wouldn’t have to expend energy hating guys on different teams. I almost forgot Ohlund.
The X better be hopping tonight with hate-filled drunks.
I like your spirit, Jordan
Mr. Tom Reid - hope you are feeling better.
sigh, just picked up a Twins schedule…
While DR is most definately a part of the mess with Gabby that is not the only reason DR should be handed walking papers. DR’s statements about “looking at the stats, we are as good as a lot of teams” is total BS. The plain fact is that he has the totally wrong players on this team, made really poor draft decisions, signed players that shouldn’t be in the NHL to multi-year contracts for way to much money. Keep JL and get a compitent GM, if JL goes…clean house and start over. No way on earth, Gabby or no Gabby, should a team go from as good as they were last year to as bad as they are this year. When that happens, heads should roll.
The X better be hopping tonight with hate-filled drunks.
Old School!
Just because we got one former collegian who seems to be working out doesn’t mean that Minnesota “loves” college kids.
It’d be nice if they actually got one or two NCAA UFA’s this time of year, it would show that they’re at least trying to restock the cupboard.
Too bad the Wolves are on FSNHD tonight (for all 3 people who care) while the Wild are on 45 and their pathetic non-HD signal. Will the Wild do something to get more games in HD next year. 45 is lousy.
>>>>I wonder who Burrows is going to go after since PMB is out.<<<<
In an acknowledgment of Burrow’s receiving this year’s NHL Miss Clairol Award; given annually to the player who best exemplifies flamboyance in hair pulling, the Wild should all shave their heads for tonight’s game.
I did not find it unusual that Smug set a target of season opener for signing of Gaby. Negotiators always set a deadline and then its extend, extend and extend.
What I do fault him for is not better understanding Gaby’s health and not having a better read on whether Gaby/Salcer were just negotiating or were serious about leaving town. He has had some serious lapses in judgment that I find hard to overlook.
What a great promotion for the Wild. Alexandra Burrows Night! Each fan will receive a bald skull cap at the door.
Aero vs Iowa Chops in Des Moines. Will be at the game. Who should I watch on ice - comments Ms C?
Canucks 4 - Wild 1
Are you guys talking about the same Marc Crawford that coached the Canucks? The same Crawford that has been accused of telling Bertuzzi to “take care” of Steve Moore?
Geez Louise, calm down. This was never supposed to be a debate on the merits or non-merits of Mark Crawford.
He was just an example of an outsider the Wild could hire to hire in case of Lemaire’s retirement, instead of promoting the Wild’s Towel Boy or Skate Sharpener to the position.
yes that’s the same crawford there talking about there all nut’s
wild3
canucks1
Did you see how many pounds Tom Reid has lost? What did the papers say … 35 pounds? Lets hope he is on his way to full recovery.
I don’t know NiNY, sometimes arguments get to be splitting hairs.
Suppose we are GM’s with a talent like Gaby for a minute. He is sort of an enigma and I think now that Dimetra was a negative influence on him.
In the summer the GM trekked to his hometown to meet with him personally, and the result must have been somewhat positive. Then, he sat down to negotiate, made a fair offer that was rejected with maybe no counter offer.
The clock is ticking.
But, towards the end of training camp when you can’t make a deal, the other teams in the league have their own problems trying to fill out their own line-up card, stash prospects, balance Cap numbers, etc.
So, maybe the packages you can get are far less than market.
Maybe as a GM you feel that any acrimony
that has developed can be water over the dam and you still have time to make the trade.
Anyway, now Gaby has the injury and none of that matters.
Without knowing a lot more than we do it is hard to day that his decisions were not in the best interest of the Wild.
One positive about Gaby is that his attitude toward the Wild seems better than it was a year ago.
One positive about Gaby is that his attitude toward the Wild seems better than it was a year ago.
perhaps gabby has his poker face on. he’s trying to make himself appear cordial and up his value through the media.
or, maybe he’s just happy to be playing hockey and having fun because he’s farther along than most, including himself, have thought.
you say
One positive about Gaby is that his attitude toward the Wild seems better than it was a year ago.
i agree but is it because he’s selling himself or is he really that happy?
In the summer the GM trekked to his hometown to meet with him personally, and the result must have been somewhat positive. Then, he sat down to negotiate, made a fair offer that was rejected with maybe no counter offer.
Mid-August, six weeks after the the free-agent signing period began.
The clock is ticking.
And had been for six weeks. But I repeat myself.
But, towards the end of training camp when you can’t make a deal, the other teams in the league have their own problems trying to fill out their own line-up card, stash prospects, balance Cap numbers, etc.
I think you can see where this is going.
So, maybe the packages you can get are far less than market.
Poor planning is an acceptable excuse?
MN living in IA - I like to watch Pouliot skate. I enjoy watching Noreau play defense. Look for Kassian and Love if you want to see in your face chirping and energy hits.
Schultz and Locke are the offensive stars right now. Rosa can be fun to follow.
Be sure to check out Tony Hrkac, he is the 42 year old coach from Concordia that signed with the Aeros a couple weeks ago.
Hope you have a good time.
I hope Scott breaks Burroughs in half tonight, same with Bieksa and Ohlund.
With hindsight it is really easy to be a critique Toivo. The problem is sometimes the best of intentions for the right reasons don’t work.
Jackets/Preds tied at 1
energy at the start…
Keep it up
Bobby Lou is fighting the puck tonight. Got to get someone in front of the net.
Here’s hoping the good Wild show up for the rest of the game.
The problem is sometimes the best of intentions for the right reasons don’t work.
It’s the thought that counts.
…brains…
coach says if we win game, we get fresh brains….
A Finn having words with a Swede. Good for Mikko. He’s so scrappy.
Come on Koivo, kick Sundin’s butt
Gosh where is everyone? Perhaps, a quick run to the liquor store for BJS supplies or they might be at the game giving the guys extra energy.
Take those Sedin twins out. I hate them so much.
Of course, I’d love them if they played for us.
Yes, the Wild need Zombie Swedish Twins!
Go Shep
Nice plays by Shep!
Let’s have a good pp now!
PP
What the…
Is everyone on the T-wolves blog tonight?
Woo Hoo, a PP
Let’s hope for a good PP.
Wow - the radio feed and the tv broadcast are in sync. Woo hoo. (Sound off on the tv.) The crowd sounds very into it tonight.
Henrik: “Giddy up Johnson”
I take it back - I don’t like chippy Swedes.
Effing BS! Brain eating bastards!!
What’s with the dentist drill sounds in the background of Shep’s interview?
Zombies killed my dog! I hates them!
I caught the last 2 minutes. The sisters are clingy!
MrB: well getting the Wild to score goals is sort of like pulling teeth..
Nick - did you get to see the great fore and back checking by Shep?
Tom Reid on M 03?
I assumed the noise was a skate sharpener.
heather: yeah that was awesome!
KF said #9 was 6 of 9 on face-offs for the first period. Those three games without the Captain were tough.
IceMan: Tom Reid is back in the radio booth tonight.
Jackets score! Go BJ’s!
Burrows is a little be-atch
God awful PP
You know, Shep has really nice hair - think Burrows will take him on just to run his fingers through it?
He-larious heather!
you know, maybe it’s the fact I haven’t slept in almost 36 hours, but isn’t it nice to FINALLY see the boys playing with some purpose and a jump in their step?
I agree - we finally look hungry.
That puck is like a hot potato - nobody can get a grip on it.
Damn exciting game
Heather - Burrows IS a bit of a poofter.
Backy!
BG - did you see the fight where Burrows was pulling someone’s hair? It was during the Canucks/Blackhawks game.
Heather - hysterical! Thanks for the giggle.
wow! we look like a good team tonight. weller impresses me. johnsson does, too. that mikkogabybruno line can skate with anyone.
Come on BJ’s, don’t let it get into OT
Shep does have really nice hair. I commented on it a few games ago.
Agreed that it is a good game so far. Greenlay just called Bieksa, Biextra
Our PP stinks tonight. Asparagus?
I think he had to take that penalty, though.
Son of a…..
Reg win for BJ’s!!
Yes, we saw it Heather. Funny … stuff
Mother F-er!
POOP
TiSP: was wondering which Euro import you were spotlighting.. completely get it. Gaby and Bruno seem to hit a groove and the Captain makes everyone better.
crud
Christ on a bicycle. It’s going to be one of those nights?
Nice - Kessler gets the goal, and he could hardly stand.
that stunk. Bad luck.
Johnsson has got to learn that Backs isn’t his boyfriend - he can leave him alone sometimes. When he sits in Backs’s lap, it hurts us more than helps.
Crappy way to end an otherwise good 2nd period. The Mr. said that about the 5th or 6th time this year that it has bounced off Johnsson & went in for the wrong team. We are generating some decent offense so hopefully it only a matter of time in 3rd before we get a couple in. I am drinking cherry kool-aid tonight.
so who stands up in the room and says “This. Is OUR time. Their time? It’s over.” ??
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor???
kgopher - agreed. Johnsson thinks he’s Backs’s bodyguard or something. He doesn’t play the man, and he’s in way too close to play the puck, so he’s just an effective screen for the opposition.
I’m going to say Koivu, Nick. Or maybe Backs.
I vote IGoW, Nick.
I agree with kgopher if there are a lot of expletives thrown in.
F’in A Tommy Gee!
Germans? Forget it, he’s rolling…
Maybe we get a bench-clearing brawl to start with about 5 minutes to go and the Zamborgan can play “The Stripper”…
Captain Obvious strikes again - “The Wild need to figure out how to get the puck in the net.”
with the season literally on the line, count how many times the Wild possesses the puck in the Nux zone without getting a shot on goal here.
Let’s face facts. This team has very little talent. It’s a miracle that JL has them in this position. Next year doesn’t look much different either.
that’s one
that’s two
What a crappy call.
This figures. Wild stink it up on the PP now they’re evening it up. Fan-effing-tastic.
Is that Johnsson trying to make up for his goal?
that’s three
Come on Gaby - Earn Your Paycheck! clap-clap-clapclapclap
that’s four
what is this weak-a** music they are playing at the X?
Nick, I agree with your post. The Wild have nothing to lose open it up and play with some desperation !!!!
5…
five
Our boys need to learn to bleed on those high sticks. Come on, just squeeze out a drop or two, that all you need for the double minor.
GABBYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Woohoo! He listened to me!
WHOO HOO!
GABY!!!
well whaddaya know? Shot on goal? Score.
!!!
good one Maryann
Demo dogged it on the half wall which opened up Bruno.
Let’s GO!!
GABY!!!
six.
That’s six of seven.
Demo dogged it? Surely you jest!
I know, I know, Kirk…the heresy!
and stop calling me Shirley 
so 5 more chances before another goal!
I must say, I kind of miss the fish.
6/8
Had love the tackle by Bruno on the Gaby goal celebration.
can’t say i miss the pahty stahter though
Shep efforting.
Man, Shep is playing strong this game.
Nice plug Nick!
Can we just fire Risebrough and give his salary to Gaborik so we can resign him. The more I watch Gabby play, the more I will miss him next year.
7/9
NiNY - you got me going now with Airplane quotes!
You ever seen a grown man naked Timmy?
GET IT OUT
7/10
Bella puts the hit on Burrows
“How do you take our coffee?”
“Black, like my men.”
7/11
Announcers are clueless, Clutterbuck is not a scorer, he is a checker.
oops…should be “your” coffee…
8/12
Can I get in on it? Guess I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue…
“I just want you to know, we’re all counting on you”
New drinking game for those of that drink, everytime D&D say shot it just wide.
I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue
The storm’s getting stronger!
And Leon’s getting laaaaaaarrrrrgerrrr!
“Over Macho Grande?”
“No, I’m afraid I’ll never be over Macho Grande.”
Dirty Ducks tie up Grease
He hopes you know how much he hates your guts….
Jinx Heather!
I love listening to Mario talk.
Go Tremblay!
(did I spell that right)
anyone see skoula on the breakout that ended up with gaby’s goal? nifty…
8/13
Nolan is due
9/14
Bella=Burrows new nemesis?
Kirk: we’re one of the worst teams in the league in scoring…they’re ALL due!
“Blow Rock?”
10/15
Damn Gaby, you gotta get those
I miss the fish more every time (and I do mean EVERY time) we see this Arby’s ad.
That’s what I’m saying, Nick. That chewer is a way better actor than the Arby’s guy.
Oh stewardess! I speak jive.
At least we aren’t the Canucks. D&D said they hadn’t had a shot since their last power play in the 2nd period.
Swing and a miss…
ya, I’m with you, heather.
11/16
Nick, I like how the guy’s phone is already closed as he says “I love you”. I mean, how’s his wife/GF/BF supposed to even hear him?
True Nick. Very True.
12/17
come on guys…tighten it up
12/18
And just think Mr. BG - that was the very best take.
If it were you in that sandwich you wouldn’t be laughing at all!
Holy crap. I just realized there’s only 2 minutes left.
We’re out-shooting someone by over 2 to 1?
C’mon. We need 2 here!
13/19
and they have 0 this period!
14/20
Is it possible to get 3?
15/21
nice!
Now make THIS pp count!
Hell yes. Good time for the first PP goal of the night.
Johnsson….sigh…overpaid
Besides, what kind of whipped little be-atch says “I love you” while standing in line at a fast food place? Loser.
PP! Into OT if needed!
wow…he was about 18 inches from the boards…that was a perfect shot to clear the glass.
Besides, what kind of whipped little be-atch says “I love you” while standing in line at a fast food place? Loser.
LMAO
LET’S GOOOOO!!!!
finally a real hockey game.
I’m a little nervous with Zids and MAB on the points.
16/22
GD!
Zidlicky 
17/23
Wow - Canucks had no shots in that period. Let’s continue that until we win in OT.
on 17 of 23 (unofficial) unique possessions in the Nux zone, the Wild didn’t even get a shot on goal. I realize they got the goal (and didn’t allow a single shot against) but man this team has problems shooting in general.
Nick, you shoul be counting the times the Nux do it too… from where we are they have not had a shot on goal yet… and there is only 4 minutes left in the third…
It’s een a fun game to watch that is for sure.
And D&D were actually funny at the beginning of the period…
rasafrackin mother scratcher!
Dangit Nick - I thought I had a delayed feed and we lost.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
sorry heather!
Geepers Crimeney!
Bella with the moves
S’Alright. As long as it didn’t really happen.
F!
DAMMIT
F^%^%*
After all that!!??!!
Dammit - now it did.
I HATE THE SEDINS!!! Too bad they don’t have a father - Bastards.
Johnsson sux too
can’t fault Backs on the goal. He was about five feet out of his crease. Just a sick shot.
God….Dammit
How do they fit all those players on a short bus?
Okay, I’m done with the fifth grade insults. I’m going to my happy place - I think it’s at the bottom of a bottle. I’ll check.
‘Night All! Go Twins!
really can’t fault the effort tonight (granted I missed most of the 1st.)
Just couldn’t finish. While that’s a general shortcoming of the team, I thought they worked their butts off.
Stupid goat-slapping sons of a monkey raping mother-smurfer!
Hell of a game. Stings to lose so many times to these rotten bastards
Okay, I lied - I’ll post one more. Nick, I thought it was one of our best games all year. But we happened to get a goalie who’s in the zone, and just couldn’t get anything past him.
Nick, you jinxed us. I had thought the same thing as Heather but knew we hadn’t paused the game. I only have a lot expletives to say but us losing. We played with grit & heart tonight. Too bad we didn’t play that way for more of the season. Calagry has to start whipping some butt because I so do not want the Canucks to win the division.
This was a great game to watch even though the outcome was not what we needed. Definitely cannot fault the effort tonight. Still shocked that the Nucks didn’t get a single shot on goal for such a long time.
I have a hard time choosing between the Flames and Nucks, kgopher. I hate them both. But I hate Colorado and Edmonton, too. So there’s that.
I hate the Nucks and the Avs the most.. equally.
Honestly, I hate the Alberta teams less than the Nuks and Avs.
I love the fact that people hate the Canucks. I just love it.
I’m not even sure goat-slapping is a crime anymore…there’ve been a lot of changes in the law.
Alan, it’s not personal. It’s business.
I hate Calagry only because we can’t seem to beat them in the Saddledome & they seem to own us. But they are a good team. I like Iginla when he isn’t olaying the Wild. I like nothing about the Canucks. I really hate them all around. I can maybe sorta like Luongo but that is only because I am a goalie person. I hate the Ducks too. Avs I don’t mind. Oilers I don’t mind except Souray. I haven’t liked him since the fight with Weller as I saw right away that night he was hitting with the brace on purpose. And Matt Cooke does still suck no matter what team he is on.
Nick - what a man and a woman, and a goat, and a midget with a video camera, do is their own business.
People hating the Canucks means that they are finally, finally being taken seriously. Which is good after being ignored and written off by the 29 other teams in the NHL for so many years!
F@%! the Canucks, and the horse they rode in on!
they are finally, finally being taken seriously.
uh…the statue of limitations on deriding the team for the flying V sweaters finally ran out? I didn’t get the memo.
In any event, if I was a Nux fan I’d be more concerned about my team finally, finally winning a damn Cup and less what fans around the league thought of my team.
Um, Alan? Hating the Canucks means they’re in our division. Nothing more, really.
Kirk I think they ride Llamas up in Nuckville.
No, I don’t see the same hate-on for the 9th place Oilers. I don’t see the same hate on for the 15th place Avs.
Before the season began very few media outlets like Sports Illustrated were predicting the Canucks would even make the playoffs, so it’s interesting to see them prove people wrong.
mnlivinginIowa… hope you had a good time. AiH hit the high points and it was a heck of a game! 6-2 Aeros! Nice when we at least win the “should wins”…
Llamas. Nice.
No need to rub it in Alan. Your stupid effing Nucks are going to the playoffs and we are (probably) going golfing…
However, I would give my left testiticle to see the Wild squeak in and put the Nucks out of the playoffs. Man.. that would be sooooo sweet.. like the nectar of a honeysuckle… mmmmm..
One last thing… a lot of the hate comes from the dirty way a lot of the Nucks play… and from the whole breaking Koivu’s leg thing.
Austin, you did that last year! Last year the Wild made the playoffs and the Nucks didn’t. So, payback, as they say, is a beeyotch.
Believe me, you don’t know what it’s like to live in a Canadian city if the local NHL team doesn’t make the playoffs. It’s like a permanent funeral. Everyone whining. Devasted. It’s awful. At least you guys have a basketball and baseball team to fall back upon.
Alan… that is true… but the payback still stings.
I wouldn’t exactly call the Timberwolves a basketball team.
At least you guys have a really really crappy — I mean really crappy basketball team to fall back upon.
fixed.
You must not blog during the Oilers or Avs games, Alan. We hate them just as much.
And when the Nucks are in last place, we hate them just as much, too.
Kind of strange and a bit childish, heather, “hating” any team just because they are in your division. I don’t hate all the teams in the Northwest. Interesting!
Hey Alan!
Lick my balls!
You are gsy!
Have fun losing in the first round!
Backs 32 says:
March 31st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Hey Alan!
Lick my balls!
You are gsy!
Have fun losing in the first round!
I thought Alan was easily the best Canuck fan I have ever seen on here. Anyway I thought it was intersting who was left off this list of 1 to 10 best UFA’s:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/pgStory?contentId=9370522#sport=NHL&photo=9372144
I am gsy?
Agree with AJ about Alan.
