Wild eliminated from playoff contention despite 8-4 win over Nashville; Lemaire made up mind on future; Gaborik waves goodbye?
Posted on April 10th, 2009 – 11:28 PMBy Michael Russo
The Wild’s 8-4 victory over Nashville was quite the party. Unfortunately for the Wild and its fans, the celebration didn’t last two hours.
The Wild needed Columbus to beat St. Louis, or Dallas to keep Anaheim from overtime. Neither happened.
The Blues beat Columbus 3-1, and in a painful manner for the Wild, Dallas rallied to tie Anaheim in the third period on a Fabian Brunnstrom goal. If the Wild somehow saw that before its plane hit wheels up, the elation didn’t last long.
It took Marty Turco 13 seconds to give it up on an Andrew Ebbett goal. Dallas forced OT on a Steve Ott goal with 13.1 seconds left, but the Wild was eliminated the second that final buzzer sounded. Anaheim eventually won in the shootout.
Too bad the Wild didn’t have more efforts like tonight this season. The Wild won its second straight game for the first time since Feb. 21-22. The Wild’s eight goals matched a team record and were the most ever scored at home.
Coach Jacques Lemaire’s eyes sparkled after this one. He was so proud of the Wild’s effort. He was so proud he finally got the team to play like he’s wanted them to all year. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late.
Lemaire might have coached his final home game. He said afterward that his mind’s made up on whether he plans to step down or not. My gut says he will coach his final game tomorrow in Columbus.
This is a man who needed two weeks away last year to determine if he wanted to coach again. He had to be convinced to come back by Doug Risebrough persuading him that he didn’t lose the team and that he can still reach today’s players.
Judging by his rants lately, I think Lemaire’s questioning that again and has decided he’s had enough.
Marian Gaborik had two assists in what could have been his final home game. He is currently unsigned and did a slow loop after the game, waving to the fans. Was he waving goodbye? After the game, he said he didn’t know. That has a lot to do with what the Wild’s new offer will be after the season.
He said during the final minutes, he started to wonder in the back of his head. You can read the quotes in tomorrow’s notebook from both gentlemen.
The Wild got two goals tonight from Marc-Andre Bergeron and goals from Dan Fritsche, Andrew Brunette, Kim Johnsson, Mikko Koivu, Cal Clutterbuck and Marek Zidlicky.
Fritsche was injured in the second period when he was clocked by Jordin Tootoo. Fritsche has a “chest injury,” and did not make the trip to Columbus, where he played and near where he grew up.
The Predators were also eliminated tonight.
I know I’ve been hard on the Wild this season, but the teams that deserved to make the playoffs did. St. Louis was 15th in the West. St. Louis has been absolutely demolished by injuried. Yet, the Blues overcame all that and rode to the postseason thanks to tremendous young talent, team play and work ethic.
The Wild was ravaged by key injuries too this season, but this team never got on a single real winning streak. It left tons of critical points on the ice. December killed this team.
The Wild put itself in a position where it had to depend on others. Well, if you want things done right, you better do them yourself.
The Wild finished 6-0-4 at home though, but even those lost points in OT would have gotten it done. OK, I’m out of here. I’ll probably tinker with the blog before my flight, but right now, I’ve got an early flight to Columbus.
54 Responses to "Wild eliminated from playoff contention despite 8-4 win over Nashville; Lemaire made up mind on future; Gaborik waves goodbye?"
Let’s start cleaning up the house!
Yeah, Gaby waved good-bye.
“Its been fun but its time to go…”
Lets go Aeros!
FIRE DR NOW PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
I agree fire DR…can’t stand the guy.
Are we sure DR doesn’t stand for Dumb Runt? Or Dim Rat?
Honestly, Wild has provided us with a terrible product this year. No true new talent, nothing. Nothing to look forward to with the current staff. Not a single young talent having a break-in season.
Wow…. if Gaborik and Lemaire both left — the end of an era.
Anyone willing to giveaway/trade/sell their commemorative coin from tonight’s game? My wife and I got there too late, and since it was my fault I’m trying to make up for it.
(Sorry for the repost, but this entry came right after I submitted the first time.)
Let’s go in a new direction next year.
The Wild won its second straight game for the first time since Feb. 21-22.
Ouchies.
Honestly, Wild has provided us with a terrible product this year. No true new talent, nothing. Nothing to look forward to with the current staff. Not a single young talent having a break-in season.
F**K
gaborik is god
DR is the devil
And Loser, here’s my repost from your earlier post.
Loser: I have an extra commemorative coin, and the last four of the mugs, but I need the first mug. I also have an extra mug #2…If you can figure out how to pull a deal together….
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Goalie, what is the first mug? I have an extra Burns one that I’d trade you!
I trult believe
that JL is gone
whether Gaborik stays or goes, it is what it is.
I think DR will have a good off season and do what is neccessary to make the Wild a better team
I do think it will be easier for DR to get free agents minus JL
I do think that JL should be retired in the rafters of the Xcel Energy for the job he has done with this team. He is a remarkable hockey coach, and the best I have seen. No other coach could have accomplished as much with this team as he did over the years. DR has his work cut out for him to replace him.
I think Mario Tremblay will replace JL
I think the Wild should try to keep JL in the organization, preferably hands on day to day in Minnesota
Signed:Mister Know it all
wow…all that in one night, MKIA?
:rolls eyes:
You are right in my opinion, “JL is a remarkable hockey coach” MKiA. I hope you are wrong. He likes to tease but the signs say you are correct about him hanging it up. I would like him here another year!
Lots of strong reaction to the disappointment. I have been entertained every year the Wild have been in Minnesota.
If it was not DR to dislike it would be somebody else. It is just the way it is because fans need a goat.
Maybe the team could give fans a commemorative goat on Fan Appreciation Day? Then they could name it DR, or Zidlicky, or Skoula, or SRV, or whomever the “Goat of the Month” club designated.
DR has always been a goat.
Ice…I don’t want or need a goat. I want a Stanley Cup Champion. Here. True enough, hockey (as all sports are) is entertainment for us. For players, it is a job. It is their life. And I guarantee you, each and every one of them, wants to be a part of what I want.
Sure, you can give me the ‘only one team is champion each year’ but, shouldn’t an organization strive for that goal? To be the best? To win it all? That philosophy is missing from management. It was evident as management chose Chris Simon as the missing piece to the puzzle at last year’s deadline. Not a competent center that SGS has pined for, coming up on 2 years.
Smug has done a lot of good for the Wild. He has also made some catastrophic player decisions. His arrogance is his worst enemy. And it’s time for him to go.
If JL decides to hang ‘em up, I would find a coach that has a more aggressive style. Although, New Jersey still runs JL’s system. However, the biggest difference between the Wild and New Jersey is…wait for it…talent. And again, the lack of talent at the NHL level (and to some extent, Houston) falls squarely at the feet of one Sir Smugs-a-lot.
A belated thumbs up to those of you that attended the game - even though the other games didn’t go the Wild’s way, it was a fun night at the X and even good on late night DVR. As critical as I am of DR, I do have a glass half full out outlook for the team - if - ok IF - DR can leverage the Saku opportunity and add/retain a top wing (cough, over pay Gaby or role the dice on Havlat) this team can win the NW next year - Backs is that good and Burns will return to form. It is a make or break summer for DR who also probably has to hire the second coach but if the worst he can is KC we are probably set although the top coaches on the market are going to lobby for this job becasue this is Where Coaches Want to Coach™
Sure, you can give me the ‘only one team is champion each year’ but, shouldn’t an organization strive for that goal?
That is exactly it - since last year’s trade deadline DR might have tried to do this but whether its not getting Hosa, not extending Gaby, not getting Morrison, not trading Gaby, not getting Kristian Huselius, not getting the OJ trade done - DR only has the Backs signing to show for his efforts thus far. And as we all know that would have been a home run if accomplished in the wake of the Gaby rebuff and subsequent injury in the fall. DR better make major strides this summer and overcome his fears or he will be vulnerable to his own Dark Side (rebuilding after two one and out series and a 9th place fininsh).
kj: +1, whole post. Well said.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to build a winner, developing a plan and sticking to it, and at least giving off the impression of competence.
I personally do not feel as though our current management team conveys any of those things.
Two straight one-and-dones in the playoffs and now missing them altogether is not evidence of growth.
I didn’t expect any banners to come out of this season. But I expected more than this.
The end of the season is always hard. I have to confess I will be watching the BU-Miami game rather than the Wild tonight. Blogs are always filled with criticisms as who wants to write that everything is great. Some criticisms are quite fair–after all DR screwed up the Gaby situation and failed to add the 1 or 2 players that could have gotten us into the playoffs. Some are just of the “grass is greener” type. One blogger yesterday admired how the Preds handle their players because of the positive comments about Ward and Jones. Yet the Preds have been in business one year longer than the Wild, have been to the playoffs the same number of times, have never made it past the 1st round and missed the playoffs this year. So, in Nashville they are probably screaming also and looking elsewhere at greener grass. Ms. C mourns the fact that one GM thought Ryan Jones was a young Ryan Smyth and complains we traded Ryan Smyth for Zids. Will Jones be another Smyth? Who knows. Many of us older Twins fans remember when Craig Kusick and Bob “Gorilla” Gorinski were going to be the next Harmon Killebrews.
Clearly this season was a disappointment to all of us. Some of it was injuries, some of it was mistakes by DR. Yet, DR made a couple of good moves as well–Nolan and Bruno and maybe even Miettinen. We will miss JL. He is a great coach and teacher and as someone commented many players had their career years here. Let’s just hope DR finally makes some good, decisive moves this year and let’s hope some of the kids improve for next year. Lots of decisions on our UFA’s and also on what is in the market. And goodbye Gaby we will miss you. There are few players as exciting as he is.
When my teams are out of it, I usually find myself rooting for a couple other teams as I watch the games.
As the playoffs start, I’m rooting for Calgary and Washington.
I can never root for Keenan. Not sure who I will go with but glad I have CI. Mrs. Woodcock will not be too happy though. Possibly the Bruins or the Habs.
Yep BU-Miami game wins out tonight for sure and as for the playoffs, I am going to be scouting Saku, Havlat, Cole, Gionta, Cammalleri, Franzen
and even the Sedins - I am here to help DR 
Not sure about Havlat–has been injury-prone altho did make it thru this year. The others are interesting. We should have a good shot at Saku.
I cannot and will not root for Keenan!!!
I’m secretly pulling for KiPA and his Pens, but alas, if I really support them it would be the kiss of death. So, I’ll keep my pie hole shut.
I like Washington too. The best player in the NHL could lead his team to a Cup.
SJ should be on a mission. They have it all. Will they continue to be a playoff patsy?
I think Detroit’s goaltending may be their undoing. But, Ozzie has done it before.
SGS…TSN says Franzen has re-upped with the Winged Wheel. That UFA list looks awfully familiar. I hope Smug can recognize the obviousness of hunting them down…
TSN says Franzen has re-upped with the Winged Wheel.
Wow - looks like Hossa could be on the market although TSN called it “upwards of nine or 10 years in order to keep the salary cap hit to a manageable level for the Red Wings” sa maybe they can keep both. If their cap is stretched by high end forwards, I know an inexpensive goalie that any team would like to have in their mix
Why would Hossa play for the Wild when it might be reminiscent of his days with Atlanta but without Kovalchuk? Because its the The Place where Players want to be (sorry — I forgot the trademarked saying :0)?
The Place Where Players Want to Play˜ (according to Smug).
I can’t type
Wildlover: Mug #1 is the one with Koivu and Modano. I have a couple extra of #2 (Herb, Jacques, Woog), and I have #3 (Burns and other d-men), #4 (Goalies) and #5 from last night….So I need a #1, and have extra #2s and some extra of last night’s coins to possibly trade. Anyone? (Not to turn this into a swap meet blog.)
I agree with Mr. Russo regarding MG has moved on. His deliberate slow lap around the rink was foreshadowing. Not the same intention of a track athlete or a speedskater to celebrate the moment of a win.
On the flip side, I sat next to people who won an Ipod. They were thrilled and genuinely nice. I also got to chat with a Tuesday night jersey winner. His eyes were still sparkling talking about the event. All were deserving winners. Very cool.
Another neighborly reminder to get to your local retail outlet for jelly beans or adult beverages to avoid the Holiday closure.
i didn’t get a coin last night either! see me crying? /sarcasm my line ran out of coins and the guy handing out coins in the line next to me wouldn’t give me one! he had almost a box full! i didn’t even get to see what they look like.
i have extra mugs too. #’s 3-5 series if anyone is interested.
As the playoffs start, I’m rooting for Calgary and Washington.
Turncoat. At least kj is nice.
Franzen signs 11-year deal with Detroit.
Last night was a bit like the early years when the Wild were quick and had intensity. What happened to our speed DR?
I think MG and DR should be packaged together. They come from the same fabric.
Really hate to loose Lemaire, not many coaches could have produced the results he has with the talent DR has provided.
DR must be the first to go.
Six goalie system. Nice Post ! I think DR has some fears and he needs to loosen up and take some calculated risks
Turncoat. At least kj is nice.
If you recall correctly, I predicted a Detroit/Pens rematch with the Hossa-less Pens hoisting the Cup.
I am backing away from the prediction only to spare KiPA and the Pens from my unlucky mojo.
Any thoughts on the NHL annual individual awards? I hope Michael gives us a glimpse of his choices. Of course Cal for Calder!
I recall that now that you reminded me of it. Not even I made that prediction.
Any thoughts on the NHL annual individual awards?
Hart - Steve Mason
Vezina - This is probably the one I’m iffiest on most. I’m going to give it to your boy Backstrom, narrowly over Thomas.
Calder - Steve Mason (sorry :P)
Norris - Mike Green
Selke - Mike Richards
Lady Byng - Sean Avery (in other words, do away with this award)
Get rid of Lemaire. Stop playing the trap. That and some $$$ from Leipold will make this a place that talented players will no longer avoid. DR is not the one to oversee this, so he must go too. 8 yrs of sellouts and the fans deserve exciting hockey. Not a series of 2-1 snorefests with a once a month scoring outburst mixed in.
some $$$ from Leipold
I thought the Wild was almost right up against the salary cap. That’s not spending money?
“Stop playing the trap”. Another brilliant insight from someone with the hockey knowldege of Souhan.
KiPA…they had 2.5 mil in reserve. However, they didn’t have to finish the season with 15 skaters like Calgary did.
Next year, they have 41.9 mil already committed. Kind of ‘middle of the pack’ for space. I think Vancouver and Atlanta have the most.
I HOPE the Wild spends money in the offseason, but does it wisely and upgrades the offensive ability of the team.
The Wild will have to spend money unless they want it filled by Aeros players.
kj: I hope the Wild does it wisely, too.
FOOD
Woodcock - do you think the Wild play an exciting brand of hockey?? Do you think that our style of play attracts free agents or will keep Gabby here?? A “knowledgeable” (tee hee) fan like you may think so, but I don’t. A minimal grasp of the obvious would help you out. If the Wild played an exciting style this year, what’s your idea of boring hockey? We weren’t fast, or skilled, or physical. We could bog down the neutral zone to keep every game a 2-1 game and just miss the playoffs by doing that. We deserve better.
“Sir Smugs-a-lot.”
He likes big butts and he cannot lie…
I will be rooting for the Flames in the Playoffs. Yes I know Keenan is a world class prick, but I love the brand of hockey they play. Gritty, fast and offensive minded.
