Wild 3, Former North Stars 1
Posted on April 7th, 2009 – 5:50 PMBy Michael Russo
(updated with Blues result, and schedules)
Unfortunately for the Wild, and its passionate fans, the luster off this 3-1 win came off in just minutes when the St. Louis Blues began their rally from 1-0 down in Phoenix.
The Wild pulled within one point of eighth-place Nashville, but the Coyotes didn’t cooperate. The Blues won 5-1, meaning the Blues jumped into eighth and put the Wild three back again with only two games remaining. That means, any Wild loss, or one point from both Anaheim and St. Louis (actually Wild’d be OK with Blues if 0-1-1 and Wild went 2-0) and the Wild is eliminated from playoff contention. Nashville’s still kicking, too.
Why’s the Wild in this position? Not even a two-game winning streak since Feb. 21-22. And in the past 10 games, the Wild has won one, then lost one, and so on and so on.
Anaheim’s got Dallas and Phoenix left; St. Louis has got Columbus and Colorado; Nashville’s got Detroit and Minnesota; Minnesota’s got Nashville and Columbus.
By the way, St. Louis plays Colorado on Sunday at 5. So, conceivably, if the Wild goes 2-0 and St. Louis loses in regulation or overtime vs. Columbus on Friday, the Wild would have to wait till Sunday’s result of St. Louis to find out if it makes the playoffs. Drama, baby. That’s assuming the Wild wins its next two games for its first three-game winning streak since November.
The Wild is one point from ninth-place Nashville, which lost tonight to Chicago. The Wild hosts the Predators on Friday night in the final home game of the regular season.
Marian Gaborik, in his 500th game, scored a goal and two assists, although coach Jacques Lemaire called him, “opportunistic.” I thought he was fairly good the way he drove the net, scoring the first goal and creating the second and third with drives up the gut, then shots for rebounds. Those last two plays came on the power play.
Hmmm. Somebody fairly knowledgable contended to me the other day that Gaborik’s a bad power-play player after I questioned Gaborik’s absense on the 4-on-3 in overtime in a must-win again Vancouver. Hmmm.
I’d use him anyway.
Wild had a poor first period, taking no shots in the first 10 minutes but surviving thanks as usual to Nik Backstrom.
“We weren’t pushing,” screamed Lemaire. “We weren’t working hard enough. That’s what we didn’t do. Come on. I’m the first one that will try to protect the players, but on the other hand, they’ve got to play. Come on. Wake me up.”
Eric Belanger scored the winner for his first goal since March 7. Owen Nolan scored his 25th goal, becoming the fourth Wild player to score 25 in a season.
Wild’s 5-0-4 in its past nine home games. That’s since that infamous 3-0 meltdown vs. Ottawa on Feb. 14. Boy, imagine if the Wild owned that victory. Or got at least a point in Detroit. Or didn’t lose four games to L.A. Or scored on one of those 10 power plays against Montreal. Or didn’t blow that game in the end to Buffallo.
Unfortunately, the Wild’s got no breathing room anymore, meaning it could very well have to look back at some games that got away.
OK, I’ll be writing the next couple days, but Stensaas will be updating the blog as I suddenly have a lot of articles lining up.
Just also an fyi, I talked with Nick Schultz briefly after the game. He looked a little out of it. He said he has no idea how he got hurt, just that things started getting blurry against Detroit. I’ve been told however by the front office that right now he’s got a head injury and he has not been diagnosed with a concussion specifically yet.
Regardless, he’s hurt.
Funny moment pregame, but Adrian Peterson, like a deer in headlights, completely messed up the Let’s Play Hockey. It was the biggest Lets Play Hockey foul-up since, dare I say, Gov. Pawlenty substituted an ‘F,” for the ‘P,’ in “puck,” at my first-ever Wild game in 2005.
———————————————————————-
Marty Turco is out for the Stars. In goal will be 26-year-old Matt Climie, who used to play at Bemidji State. He spent all season with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads. He’s 1-0 this season with a 4.00 goals against average and .846 save percentage, beating the St. Louis Blues.
Mark Parrish, scratched in 12 of the previous 15, will get a game in his hometown and against his former team.
Adrian Peterson is behind me practicing the “Let’s Play Hockey” over and over. He’s doing a good job.
A real celeb doing Let’s Play Hockey for a change 
195 Responses to "Wild 3, Former North Stars 1"
wow…lots of goings on for game 80!
Oh nice. I was hoping to see Climie play. Pretty cool for him to come from the ECHL to the NHL in one swoop.
You have to practice “Let’s Play Hockey”? Oh, that’s right. He went to OU…
“Okay fans, it’s time to drop the puck. Say it with me: Let’s play hockey!”
Oh, there’s a whole thing. Gotcha.
Still. OU. Boo.
Ain’t no thang, ms.c!
Well, the governor screwed it up a couple years ago…
I believe he substituted “puck” 
go Blackhaws, Kings, Coyotes.
oops…that should be BlackhawKs
What’s the deal with AP? Good guy? Decent in the community? How does he feel about old people and dogs?
Any outcome preferred in the nucks/flamers?
Better to practice “let’s play hockey” than to have a slip up like Pawlenty’s (which still cracks me up every time I think of it).
Well, so far he hasn’t packed his gun in his sweats or hit anyone with his car, so he’s a model citizen by NFL standards.
he totally blew it….HILARIOUS…Fritsche is cracking up
Um. Sorry guys, but Go Nashville. Looking very much like we’ll face their baby team in the first round down here and their baby team without Ryan Jones and others is infinitely preferable.
Oh, he totally screwed it up! Hilarious.
Nick - I believe it’s a college rivalry thing.
You know how Texans take college football
AP screwed up!! MsC was right!
heather: that’s funny…honestly the worst thing to happen to the NFL is the offseason. What a bunch of thugs.
Oh man - what did he say/do??? Poor kid.
By all accounts, NiNY, Peterson’s a good kid, model citizen and teammate.
So who do the announcers like in this game? Neither is original six.
Gaby got crushed
Hockeydad: instead of finishing with “Lets play hockey” he sort of turned around to face the crowd and goes “…..IT’S TIME…TO PLAY HOCKEYYY”
Good thing it wasn’t an NBA player 
Oh, my boy Neal. Man, I like that kid a lot.
To be fair, he probably doesn’t realize the tradition and thought he’d “make it his own.”
Personal preference is go Flames. I really don’t want the Canucks to have the division title.
Hey Guys!
Any idea where to catch the game online? ATDHE isn’t carrying the game 
LOL. Well, what can we expect from a kid from Palestine, TX?
Poor guy - hope he kept a smile on his face.
geez, Zids. It’s at the point where, if he doesn’t completely STB in the defensive zone, it’s a win.
I lean more to the Flames than the Nux, too, MrB.
He’s from Palestine? Huh. That’s my neck of the woods growing up. And when I say neck, I mean the red kind.
I hope some of the Russoville faithful win some of the game worn jerseys tonight.
Mr. BG: how is the walking cast boot thing? More important, how was the first bath/shower?
Hey TheGun!
That’s my neck of the woods growing up. And when I say neck, I mean the red kind.
LMAO
I lean a lot more Flames - at least it’s a team I can respect.
That said, everyone should be a tad afraid of the Nucks come SCP time.
Razor likes Cal.
Carolina’s on pace for 10 against the Isles right now.
have they explained why they aren’t giving the jerseys away on Friday night, like usual? Want to take off for C-Bus right away after the game, perhaps?
M 03 - the boot thing’s weird, but I’ll get used to it (as if I have a choice!) As for the bath, umm, ewww.
wow..JL thinks Cal can be a 20-goal guy in the NHL?
Anyone? Beuller? No online streaming gamecast huh?
…curse Direct TV
Anyone care who wins in the East? I’m cheering for Florida cuz of Russo. And a strong dislike of Philly.
Oh, and I’m hoping the Rags finish 9th.
Gun - I’m watching on DirecTV, what’s the issue?
I have the “choice” package and don’t get Versus MrB.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Holy…
Those BK Spongebob/sir mix-a-lot ads are scary as hell!
Doesn’t sound very choice to me… Bummer Gun.
Is Vs. on the “choice extra”? I think that’s what I have. Channel 603.
Yeah… Choice Extra. And I dont want to pay the extra 10 bucks a month for 1 channel i would have to watch maybe 6 games a season on.
Usually I have a website that has the games, but not this one…
GABY!
GABY!!!
Hmm, maybe we should think about keeping this Gaborik character?
Hockeydad: your guess makes sense regarding the jersey give away.
GABY. Bruno. Shep.
That’s a heck of a hit Cal!
Grrr….
Wow, that was brutal for Climie.
Gotta say, I really like what I’m seeing in flashes from Shep. I really think he’s going to be quite good.
You tell ‘em, Clutter.
Preds up 1-0 early
Thought Shep put that Gaby goal in but either way happy we scored the 1st goal. And happy to not have to listen to the Dumbermint twins.
what a love fest for Cal it’s been so far!
Masticating? Odd choice.
Mommy! I learned a new “big” word!
Found the game http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hockeytown2
Why on earth would the guy ask if Gaby felt like MN would be a good fit next year? Keep up.
Jordan = Godsend!
“Clutterbuck has been the best player in the game.”
Damn skippy, homes.
Our jack russell terrier goes just nuts & howls & barks through that whole hockey fans aren’t like other fans commericial. From the start of the intercom thru the end he just howls & whines. We have rewound it a few times so when it is done the 1st time he looks at us like do it again. If we don’t he is sorta like why did it stop.
I missed it kgopher - which hockey fans ad?
YEAH HAWKS!
Go Chicago!
Bela!
BELLA!!
BELLA!
BELA!
The one with the new dad banging on the nursery glass.
BELA!!!!
Different PA guy at the X tonight
I do love that one. And the “fantasy” goalie one.
My fav of the “hockey fans” ads is the elevator guys.
Gabby…I’m gonna miss you man.
They’re all good ads - great campaign.
I like the fantasy goalie & nursery glass beating ones best. The dog’s reaction to the nursery glass one makes that one funnier though. He has done it since the 1st time he saw it.
Nolan!
IGoW!!!
NOLAN! IGoW!!!
IGoW!
3 Points for Gabby!!!!! SIGN HIM
IGoW!!!!!
Hawks up 3-1 now, and Kings up 2-0 on Grease
Feelin’ better now Gun?
Gillies has the potential to be a heck of a player. His speed is pretty fantastic. Now his hands just need to catch up!
Much better! Thanks!
It seems like Gillies is progressing much faster than Shep - is it because of his work ethic?
Really? Gaby’s hurt already?
Heather- I think it’s because Gillies wasn’t thrown to the wolves because of injuries the way Shep was last year.
Sounds right, Mr. BG.
Also, Gillies doesn’t have play center, which in Lemaire’s system comes with more responsibilities.
Hmm, if I buy a Honda lawnmower, will the wife lay on the grass in the back yard in evening wear?
Oh, wait. We have dogs. EWWW
God, I am going to miss Gaborik, too.
over/under on total shots on goal in the 3rd period (both teams combined)?
10? 12?
We’re on a bit of a tape delay, but is there a player for Dallas named “fishsticks”? I swear the announcers keep saying that.
And woohoo! Nolan!
Belanger get that in the air!
Crap. No shut-out tonight.
Skoula, step up.
DANGIT!
WATX: Marc Fistric is your boy.
Scott looked stupid biting on that fake pass at the blue line
For being such a big dude, Skoula plays about the least physical game of any defender on the Wild.
Oh… was that Skoula?
poop…come on Chicago
Gaby still looks sore…more sore?
as glad as I am that hockey is back on the map in Chi-town, it still sort of makes me gag to be rooting for the Hawks.
oof…ugly. I’d like to see Backs spend as much time working on his puck handling and decisions therein in general this summer as he spent on 1:1s last summer
Coyotes up 1-0 on Blues in 1st
Yes! We won!
Woohoo!
Go Jets! umm, Coyotes
YES! And the Hawks go up by 2 with less than a minute left to go!
Blues tie it up in the 1st
Thanks Nick.
Gaby does look slow getting up.
Nashville may not make the playoffs, but there’s no way that the Blues get <3 pts from the Phoenix/Columbus/Colorado junkfecta.
LMAO at Fishsticks…
anytime, WATX!
Hawks got a break when Havlat wasn’t called for either holding or high sticking late in the game.
Rob Blake looks like Mister Magoo
I don’t remember seeing Parry once in that game…are we sure he played?
Grease score to make it 2-1 Kings late in the 2nd.
I’m out…scoreboard watching FTW!
I know I heard Parrish’s name mentioned once and that was in the third period.
Yes, Parrish played on the dallas 4th line…took a shot in the leg from Bergeron in the second period, he was limping off. Didn’t see much of him after that.
LA Kings just did the Wild a small favor, beat Edmonton and knocks the Grease out of the playoffs.
First song on my XM Radio after I get home and turn it on: ‘When it’s Over’, by Loverboy…
OMG!!!! I just got home from the game with H!!! And we were on the video board!!!!! Because of our t-shirts and H’s silly birthday crown!!! It was so cool!!!
Ok, need to relax now. Have a good night peeps!!
Yay! That’s awesome BG! Happy Birthday, H! (and thank you again!)
I think Russo is slightly wrong. If the Wild go 2-0-0 and STL goes 0-1-1, both teams would have 89 points, and the Wild would have more wins (40-39), so they’d get 8th, right?
Deuce: First tie breaker is head-to-head, and St. Louis has that, 3 games to 1. St. Louis would get 8th.
Wild’s 5-0-4 in its past nine home games. That’s since that infamous 3-0 meltdown vs. Ottawa on Feb. 14. Boy, imagine if the Wild owned that victory. Or got at least a point in Detroit. Or didn’t lose four games to L.A. Or scored on one of those 10 power plays against Montreal. Or didn’t blow that game in the end to Buffallo.
this season is full of ‘what ifs.’ it hasn’t been the greatest season for most of us and our expectations, but for them to be still hanging around right now, i suppose it hasn’t been all that bad. don’t get me wrong, they need to make a lot of changes and IMO, it starts with DR.
Tiebreaker
In the event teams are tied in the standings, the following tiebreakers are applied to determine which team receives the higher seeding.
1. The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage).
2. The greater number of games won.
3. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any “odd” games, shall be used to determine the standing.
4. Goal differential
#1 doesn’t apply because everyone plays 82 games
#2 is wins (Wild would have 40, STL 39)
7 Anaheim 80 41 33 6 88
8 St. Louis 80 39 31 10 88
Nashville 80 39 33 8 86
Minnesota 80 38 33 9 85
Ok, it’s really simple.
Wild must win both.
Nashville must play 1-0-1 or worse. Yes, they can win one game, but has to be against Detroit on Thursday.
If Nashville beats Detroit, both STL and ANA must then lose all their remaining games in regulation.
If the above happens, Wild are in with 89pts, followed by Anaheim in 8th with 88pts, by way of the # of wins tiebreaker.
If Nashville loses in regulation or OT in Detroit (it doesn’t matter), then either ANA or STL must lose both in regulation.
Nashville would be out by elimination by the Wild, and be tied with either Anaheim or St Louis with 88 pts. The Wild would have 89, and the 8th spot, since we lose both tiebreakers with ANA and STL
Any point by both STL and ANA, and we’re out.
My guess, despite doing the work here, is that we can beat Nashville, but Anaheim will most likely score a point on Friday against Dallas at home, clinching them a spot. That leaves St. Louis at home against the Jackets on Friday, which they’ll probably win. St Louis is 2-1 against Colorado this year, but did lose in Denver. They are 4-1 against Columbus this year, winning both at home so far.
Anaheim is 2-3 against Dallas, with 2 games going into OT. Anaheim is 4-1 against Phoenix.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
i’m with duece. according to the website the Don gave us, total wins is the 2nd tie breaker after number of games played which is moot.
if we win both, the fowl must lose both in reg or st louis can only gain 1 pt.
the hard part will be winning both for us. the BJ’s will be playing for position on that last day so they will most likely not be resting anyone.
For those of you scoring at home, we need Chicago to beat the BJs in regulation tonight. We need a playoff-spot desparate Columbus team to play St. Louis on Friday. If the BJs get a point tonight to clinch their spot, their hearts may not be into the game as much Friday night as it would be if they are still fighting for their playoff lives. Columbus going into St. Louis and winning is not THAT far-fetched, which would then take a little steam out of their sails for the game Saturday night against the Wild. Would love to see it come down to the Notes and Flakes Sunday afternoon.
There, my morning kool-aid has been consumed.
I’m a little confused as to why some people think the Wild need the Notes to lose both of their remaining games in regulation for the Wild to have a chance to get in? Notes can still earn 1 pt in the standings to get to 89. Wild win their last two to get to 89 pts they will have 40 Ws, compared to the Notes’ 39, which would be the tie-breaker used.
i see the ducks losing two and the wild and blues in the playoffs as 7 st louis and 8 minnesota
Rejoice! Rejoice! We finally have a “sweeper” who will keep the crease clean of enemy infiltration. Thump them Scotty!!! Like the way he plays w/in his skill limits too. Just the basic elements.
Fozzie was a train wreck last night every time I saw him on the screen in our zone (his assist on the 2nd goal notwithstanding, I think it was the 2nd goal).
Yes they’re still alive and that’s great. It’s really all about perspective isn’t it?
Coming into the season, if you thought they were still at the level of the team that won the division and made the playoffs, then this is probably a frustrating time for you.
But, on the other hand, coming into the season if you thought they had taken at least one step back, then you are probably okay with them being a 0.500 team that is still in the playoff hunt after game 80.
the funny thing is being in a playoff race is supposed to be exciting yet I don’t get that sense. probably because expectations were higher than this and rightfully so.
Skoula plays about the least physical game of any defender on the Wild.
the last thing yawnson hit was brad may’s fist
I love this team but I officially give this season the raspberry + thumb’s down.
Blues are hot, Preds are hot, wild are ???
I want Lemaire and Clutterbuck back next season. What’s Clutterbuck’s contract situation?
Green* +1 at 8:02.
The playoff race is like the team and Russo’s year - boring.
Although, give ‘em credit…they won last night when they had to. However, they have to win on Friday, and we all should be familiar with the pattern by now…
Clutterbuck:
Under contract for $.623M next year and then UFA.
per nhlnumbers.com
at least being in his contract year (pending UFA, to boot) might help Cal stave off the sophomore slump…that and half the grinders in the league trying to smear him against the glass…
the last thing yawnson hit was brad may’s fist
LOL…great line
Why would Cal be a UFA so soon? That doesn’t make sense. No, it’s RFA.
My mistake, RFA. I know I read RFA and thought RFA, but somehow typed UFA.
That just reminds me… I dread the day when he asks for more money and Riser won’t give it to him because “he’s a role player” and Russo tells me to get over it because that’s how hockey is now and then I have to go be a fan of some other team because they have my Clutter and it’s probably the Ducks or Altanta or some other organization that I want no part of and that day is just going to effin suck.
I agree with JL…Gabby was opportunistic. Had Gabby not cut in front of Shep, Shep would have scored the first goal. If Gaby would get up faster than a 95 year old, he might play more as part of the team rather than just his usual…look I am down, with 10 seconds to get up and skate slowly back to the bench (I have grown to hate watching him do that game after game after game).
Russo - is it a reasonable statement that Parrish is done in the NHL?
Anyone giving odds on whether DR gives away a draft pick to move up one position, two, three or more?
Odds on whether JL stays next year?
Ms.C, that is a terrible thought. I’d hope though that C-buck’s value might be a little higher than SRV’s. I can see C-buck improving. Maybe not with the hitting, but I can see him improving his pt total. SRV, not so much. He’s on the plateau.
prediction time
wild over preds jackets over blues
stars over ducks
makes sat games really interesting
wild over jackets and coyotes over ducks puts the wild in and
sun blues over the avalanche puts in the blues
GO BLUES AND WILD
Remember the movie “Shawshank Redemption” where Andy was fighting off the sisters? That’s a lot like the Wild fighting off the end of the regular season. They’re fighting the good fight but eventually…
I can see it, too, Goody. Hopefully he’s a Wild for a long time. Or hopefully Riser is gone before that decision has to be made.
Riser won’t give it to him because “he’s a role player” and Russo tells me to get over it because that’s how hockey is now
ms.C- according to DR awhile back, Russo knows nothing about the ‘new’ NHL and how it works!
Yeah nobody understands the new NHL and has adapted faster then Doug Risebrough. That’s how he knew to let Brunette walk, because he can’t play with the new rules. That’s how he’s so savvy with his cap management, like bringing in Parrish for a 5 year contract or giving Bouchard a 5 year contract with nobody to play with.
New NHL = spend wisely
Smug’s version of the new NHL = Excuse Grabbing™
Or hopefully both, if you’re inclined to that disposition.
That last one of mine was in response to Ms.C’s tagged 8:54.
prediction time
wild over preds jackets over blues
stars over ducks
makes sat games really interesting
wild over jackets and coyotes over ducks puts the wild in and
sun blues over the avalanche puts in the blues
GO BLUES AND WILD
I sure hope that is the correct predection. I can’t see the Blues effin up and losing to the AVS, so they are all but in the playoffs IMO. Our only hope rides on the Cyotes beating the Ducks. Oh that, and the fact that the Wild have to win 3 in a row….
Don’t forget the Preds have to play in Detroit tomorrow night, and then fly to St. Paul for our game on Friday.
I can definitely see the Preds losing bth their games. That makes it easier for the Wild… but all we care about are the Blues and Ducks. I think the Blues are in, so the Ducks need to blow it vs the Yotes and the Stars.
I can’t see the Blues effin up and losing to the AVS, so they are all but in the playoffs IMO
the blues looked like a team determined to get in the playoffs last night. I understand they were playing the yotes and I shouldn’t judge a team’s ability when playing inferior opponents or opponents that have given up but, they look pretty good.
Here’s the day-by-day breakdown of games that we’re watching:
Wednesday: none (although the BJs @ Blackhawks game is sort of interesting)
Thursday:
Nashville (81) @ Detroit
Friday:
Nashville (82) @ Minnesota (81)
Columbus @ St. Louis (81)
Dallas @ Anaheim (81)
Saturday:
Minnesota (82) @ Columbus
Anaheim (82) @ Phoenix
Sunday:
St. Louis (82) @ Colorado
Austin: The Ducks are closer to being in than the Blues at this point (though the Blues are pretty damn close too.)
The Ducks have 41 wins and 88 points. The way I see it, one more win and they’re in no matter what.
The Blues are currently at 39 wins and 88 points.
The best Nashville can finish is 41 wins and 90 points.
The Blues can’t just win one and be completely done with Nashville based on points and wins. I don’t know what the season series went like between the Blues and the Preds though.
Prediction: Blues lose to Columbus, Anaheim beats Dallas. We finally win 3 in a row and jump ahead of St. Louis on Saturday for the 8 spot, then they beat Colorado 6-0 on Sunday to take it down.
The Blues own the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Preds. They went 4-0-2 against them this season.
richard b, I think your scenario is fairly likely. It’s just our luck to have hope till the last possible second and then have it crushed.
This team will still be alive when the puck drops on Friday, so let’s hope the guys can stay inspired.
It was my understanding we won’t be WATCHING the game here on Friday. Well unless you have CI and get the Preds broadcast because it’s not on any of the channels around here. WTF? It’s the last home game of the season and it’s not on TV? Stupid, stupid stupid….
Yeah nobody understands the new NHL and has adapted faster then Doug Risebrough.
It is hard to deadpan on a blog but that
absolutely worked for me!
Has anyone crunched the Gabby numbers? He would be on pace for 60 this year if he played all 82 games. I know the sample space is small, but it is also from three different times of the year. He consistently scored goals when active.
The Wild website says the game on Friday is on KSTC.
Edubs, if you crunch his numbers for just the 9 games since coming back from surgery, he would be on pace for 82G 55A.
Edubs - ssshhh, next thing you know GMs are going to offer Gaby the huge contract he probably deserves. Oh wait, I already think that is going to happen. Good thing Smug has a strong relationship with Gaby to fall back. /sarcasm
The way I see it, the Blues are the key.
We can control our fate against the Preds more easily since we have a game against them. And the Preds have to go through Detroit and then come to St. Paul. The Preds have the toughest schedule between the Wild, Blues, Preds and Ducks.
But one win by the Blues and we’re done (they’d have 90 pts and the most we can finish with is 89.) AND, the Blues can go 0-0-2 and we’re still done because they would still finish with 90.
So the Blues have two worst-case scenarios relative to trying to knock us off (and they both assume the Wild winns out):
1. They go 0-1-1, finish with 39 wins and 89 pts, we tied on points, we own wins tiebreaker.
2. They go 0-2-0, finish with 39 wins and 88 pts, we finish with more points.
But, again, all this is moot if we don’t win out, to be safe.
Deuce that’s the first I’ve heard of that. Even at the game last night when they did the up coming game broadcast schedule they only mentioned the game vs the CBJ’s on FSN. Nothing aboot Friday’s game. I guess we’ll just have to see if it’s actually on. The pessimist in me says “who cares, season’s over.” But the quiet optomist in me is saying “where the h.e.l.l. is my hockey ya hosers!?! It ain’t over till the fat lady sings and none of our players or coaches are fat so GO WILD!!”
all that matters is friday vs the preds. if we don’t win that game then nothing else matters…
And yes my inner quiet optimist uses that many exclamation points. My inner selves tend to swear a lot as well.
AustinTXwildfan says:
April 8th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Oh that, and the fact that the Wild have to win 3 in a row….
ATX, not to pick on you because others have said it too and it’s just me being me, but technically they only have to win 2 in a row at this point. They’ve already won one. Yeah, yeah it all adds up to winning three in a row, but…
Six Goalie System says:
April 8th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Edubs - ssshhh, next thing you know GMs are going to offer Gaby the huge contract he probably deserves.
Well, it does increase DR’s chances of trading negotiating rights. Yeah, I know he won’t get much, but that (a 4th round pick maybe?) is better than nothing right?
wild.com is saying the game will be televised on KSTC which still means you won’t be able to see it due to the downright criminal PQ.
off subject but did you know that the olympic ice hockey in 2010 will be played on NHL sized ice for the first time ever? the olympic peeps and IIHF decided it was ok to not renovate GM place for the olympic sized sheet in order to save $10mil.
The narcissist in me would like to say, “meh, who cares? I got on the big video boards last night. And I looked fab-u-lous in my Clutterbuck t-shirt.” And while buying a beer and pretzle with H, I was accosted by a freak in an overly short skirt who just had to know where I got my shirt.
The Mr was telling me about that G*. He read something on it over a month ago.
Nick, the Ducks have the same mount of points as the Blues and the same amount of games left. It’s up to either of them to STB and let the Wild take their spot.
Ducks and Blues both have 88 pts.
Wild has 85 pts.
Wild wins the last two game for a total of 89 pts.
Ducks or Blues lose both = Wild in (as long as the Preds lose one in Reg, which seems pretty likely).
If either team loses one in Reg, and one in OT, the Wild would go to tie break against that team.
Nick, your situation applies to both the Ducks and the Blues. Except the Ducks would beat us in a tie break because they have more wins. Ducks or Blues need to lose their last two. That’s pretty much what it boils down to.
Goody, I see what you are saying.. but I am definitely going with the “it adds up to three” route. But yes… they only need to win two more in a row.
ducks need to lose in regulation, blues need to lose both but one can be in regulation
Oh and don’t forget the most crucial point in all of the… the Wild need to WIN.
So, they are airing Friday’s game. When did that change? For the longest time, they weren’t going to air the last home game of the season.
Regardless, I am glad its on tv.
BG, KSTC 45 has picked up the game on friday for you to watch!
Well yippie. I can watch me some hockey on Friday then.
I wonder if any of the pictures from the shirts off our backs stuff turned out? They look ok on the cameras itty bitty screen but haven’t moved them to the computer yet.
Saturday, I don’t think there would be any better of a birthday present a guy could have than to have his home hockey club finish the season on a 3 game winning streak!
i’m sure i could think of a better birthday present! but still, 3 games would be nice!
I see a mock draft has the Wild taking Jordan Schroeder at the 11 spot.
A little late, but my prediction is the wild don’t lose another game, make the playoffs, win the cup and boogaard streaks!
Boogaard streaks as in scoring streaks or takes all his clothes off and runs through the streets? Cause I’d be amenable to either situation.
Food
