Wild vs. “Pesky Preds” …
Posted on April 10th, 2009 – 6:51 PMBy Michael Russo
as Ryan Jones calls them.
So I asked around today about goalie’s being pulled in weird circumstances.
Here’s an email I got for Edmonton Journal Hall of Famer Jim Matheson: In ‘69-70, the Canadiens were locked in a battle with the Rangers to see which team would finish fourth to get the last playoff spot in the Original Six. In the Habs’ last league game against Chicago, Claude Ruel, the coach, pulled goalie Rogie Vachon with 9 minutes and 30 seconds left in the third with the Habs down 5-2. The Habs needed to score five more goals because back then it was goal differential between tied teams that decided a playoff berth. Vachon only went back in for face-offs. The Hawks scored five empty-net goals to win 10-2. It was the first time in 22 years the Habs missed the playoffs.
And yes, Jacques Lemaire was playing on that Canadiens team. He had 60 points in 69 games.
OK, here we go. Do-or-die for the 81st time.
289 Responses to "Wild vs. “Pesky Preds” …"
It would seem to be a better situation playing Nashville after a big come-from-behind win in Detroit. They might be less desperate. Hopefully, the Wild is not too tight.
I’m hanging out here tonight.
So what’s the deal with the “Let’s play hockey”? How’d that start?
Hi KiPA
Grab a beer…
KiPA: welcome. We’ll try to be nice just for you.
By the way, that is some sweet trivia from The Don above.
I’m going to have to pass on that, Mr. Band. Had some last night and for some reason it really got to me (it rarely does as bad as it was today, but boy; stomach’s still a little tender. I didn’t even have that much either.)
Pete Weber is so much better than Dumb.
The Mr’s walking boot looks like something Kiss would wear.
Nick: The bowler?
really? Which one is he, Band?
ha, did I spell his name wrong? Is he a 2-B Webber?
BJS DRINK!!!
keep an eye on those rebounds off Rinne
I don’t know; are you talking about one of the Nashville announcers? I missed their names so I don’t know who they are. I just know Pete Weber’s a bowler.
He wants to be Gene Simmons.
HI everyone. I have a new bottle of scotch. Just cracked it open. Go Wild. Please give us a good game.
KiPA: Pete Web(b?)er is the Preds PBP guy. I’ll take your word for it that there’s also a bowler with the same name.
“They call me Dr. Lo-ove!!”
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l121/TheOwner9/PeteWeber.jpg
Also, throw me in the “Go Wild” club tonight; I’m playing against Rinne in a third-place game.
F
Arnott…
Mother Smurfer!
Damn.
Shutout 2 times with the Preds this year?
Damn…this one is over.
heckuva play by Arnott to knock it down, in shooting position, on the goal
NiNY…know anything about trademark law?
kj: nope. What’d I do now?
Big John DRINK!
get off your duff and hustle Gaby!
What is up with Gaby tonight? He was taking off for a breakaway, which resulted in Nashville scoring, and now he looks lost in the offensive zone. I actually thought he was looking like a two-way player before this game.
With their infinite wisdom, MediaCom has decided to show “All Star Wrestling” instead of the Wild game as picked up by Channel 45?
Ihad a double scotch on that one. Please, Wild don’t let me get drunk.
we are not very solid defensively so far.
I wish I was at the game tonight. Skoula is not stellar…WRT must be pulling his hair out…
Not you NiNY…someone that I used to associate with…
ITCHY!!!!!
FRITSCHE!!!
Danny Boy!!!!!!!!!!
Wooo, it’s….that guy!
Huge momentum shift…
Big Dan Fritsche.
LOL @ KiPA
ITCHY!!!!
I give you people some credit, you come up with some pretty nice nicknames.
Gillies, Fritsche, Olvecky, Scott and Kimmy were on the ice for the goal….
Did I hear Dumb call Fritsche - Big John Fritsche ????
Finally, we’re looking a little hungry.
Wild09 - he called him “Big Dan Fritsche”.
Kimmy has been on his tookus about three times in our zone
great shift from the Gaby line…and a penalty
Bonk go bye-bye
So does anyone know the answer to my question, from the third post of this thread?
GOAL!!!
bruno
Bruno!
BRUNO!
Wow…freakin wow…
Wooo, now it’s the other guy!
KiPA: I don’t know. I know Bob Utecht was the guy that started the Lets Play Hockey magazine, but I don’t know about the chant thing.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
I knew that moron would say ‘Big’ Dan Fritsche…
Can’t Dumber just go away?
Bob Utecht used to be the announcer at Met Center. He said that before every North Stars game he announced. Sorry I missed the question…
He also started Let’s Play Hockey magazine.
He’s kind of a MN hockey legend. At least in Bloomington… 
kj: thanks…I honestly don’t remember that…but I was but a pup at those old N Star games, you know, in my defense.
Blues up 1-0 and on a 4-minute PP.
Now, I just had another double and I put the cap back on the bottle. I hope the Wild don’t win by 8 goals. I would have a oweee headache in the morn.
2-0 Blues now.
2-0 Blues.
And thanks kj.
Stupid BJ’s. You’re supposed to beat the blues.
If the Blues win, are you guys effed or could you still beat out Nashville?
cBJs don’t care. They’re in.
And soon, another team besides the Preds will be out.
We’re eff’ed
If we win and the Blues win, Anaheim is our only hope…
Or, as Yoda would say…another, there is.
unless Anaheim loses out…
and we win out…
Oh right, I forgot about Anaheim, even though we own them a Christmas card.
And just when you thought things couldn’t be worse (2-0 Blues) you find out there is another installment of ‘Face Off’.
“That boy is our only hope”
I’d take, oh, three goals by the Wild this period….
Nick, I would like to see that also but I be quite tipsy by then.
“May the force be with us” Go Wild.
man Itchy’s really dancing tonight…
MAB!
Tootoo crushed Itchy…Queen MAB goal!
MAB
But I’m not liking Fritsche being hurt.
I do not like Tootoo.
And now that guy scores!
Bergeron showed some nice pull-away speed there.
KiPA, the former owner of Lets Play Hockey, a local hockey tabloid coined it at the beginning of hockey games when he was associated as a North Star on ice announcer.
I forgot exactly what happened but in the North Stars dying days they got in a battle and so as it was trademarked he refused to let them continue to use it.
Then, when the Wild came back it became a big deal here. Any big-time guest is given the honor before hockey games.
I am going to get durnk tonight. Another double. The wife is laughing at me already. Go Wild.
Nothing wrong with Tootoo’s hit. These announcers are ridiculous.
geebus…who’s Samson out there for the preds?
I love it, theo - “I am going to get durnk tonight”. 
Oh, KiPA, Utech’s grandson is a tight end in the NFL (for the Bengels I think now, formerly with the Colts).
Nick. I believe Samson = Ryan Jones #28
That last name sounded familiar, Ice.
NiNY: I think that Samson guy is the guy we traded to get Zidlicky.
okay…thanks Kirk and Ands
Nothing wrong with Tootoo’s hit. These announcers are ridiculous.
I bet Too2 is suspended.
He was one of our draft choices from Miami.
I don’t care for him much, but he shouldn’t be suspended for that hit.
$%#@&%~! No TV in the North! Radio reception not so hot either. IceMan getting grumpy!
Anybody care, Twins went up 2-0, Sox tied it, now went ahead.
Darby used the word “but” about 12 times in that sentence. But you gotta watch your teammates, but you have to be disciplined, but you look for a chance to get him, but it’s too important of a game….
That sure looked like an elbow to the head.
Preds either don’t have or won’t show a better replay of the Tootoo hit on Fritsche…
The hit was absolutely brutal, and the replay shows him following through with the elbow.
the Preds are definitely getting chances tonight.
both Kimmy and Skoula were nice and physical down low on that kill.
Death to Tootoo!!!!!
do we know if Itchy’s in the room or on the bench?
Great hit by Skoula down low on the PK.
Heather, I am well on my way. How about you?
Is Gaborik being benched for not being sharp tonight? Haven’t seen him since the last PK.
Scotty better not have just drawn the even up there
Scottie no like 2-2
Not yet, theo. But willing to try.
Hmm, liked dumber’s pez dispenser line. Someone must have written it down for him.
4? Bleed baby bleed!
Looks like blood on the ice - double minor?
okay…Bruno got hit with the puck, not the stick
So with 1 game left after this….where the hell was this game all year? Anyone? Bueller? Shots, physicality, scoring (top line, 4th line, D), SHOTS, did I mention SCORING!?
WTF!!!
at least they found the tooth
KIMMY!!!!!
Johnsson!!
GABY!
Woot.
we have been SO lazy on defense tonight! F F F F F
I mean Johnson (opps)
Lemmi, we’ve been significantly better since Gaby’s return. I don’t know if our increase in physicality and shots are coincidental or due to Gaby, but that’s when it started.
Oh, and stupid Arnott scored again.
BJ’s score
St.Louis 2 Columbus1
nice Kirk…TY
Too2 did elbow him to the chops. Head shot. Bad, bad 2too.
Clear the puck already.
Do we HAVE to let them come back?
Go BJ’s!
Another double. But we gave up one. Go Wild.
So, you’re telling me there’s a chance?
Tooto 4 2…
I think 22 has had his leash shortened by the zebras.
MAB!!!!
MAB! AGAIN!
MAB!
geez…maybe I should have asked for more than 3!
Boom!
M-A-B
Poor theo - highest scoring game in a while, huh?
One, two, three, four, five.
We want six.
This would have been worth a Blizzard™ in St. Louis.
Heatherf, I will make it. I always do. (hick)
F…3-1 Blues
NiNY: 4-3 Twins?
I have the cap on the bottle. 5 doubles is got me a liottle tipsy.
GO TWINS
speaking of the Blues, if DR does the right thing and shops Hards to try to give him the chance to be a starter that he deserves, could Legace (UFA after the season, $1.39M cap hit this season) be the second coming of Roloson for us? (double entendre, entendre)
Great play by Punto there…
I wouldn’t mind Manny the Calm as a backup.
Not a bad idea Nick
Anyone else watching the feed from Nashville? I’ve never cared for Pete Weber. Annoying voice. Really annoying.
AL: he does sort of sound like Jeannerette (which some people dislike)…but he’s so much better than Terhaar IMO that I really don’t mind.
Get ready for a desperate bunch of predators here.
any update on Fritche?
NiNY… I’ll give you that. But anyone is better than Terhaar.
Any news on Fritsche? I don’t get anything from the Nashville feed. I’m betting he is concussed.
Fritche’s out, “upper body injury”, but not his head apparently - so that’s good news
I wonder how much energy Nashville will have after coming back from down 3-1 to beat Detroit last night.
Has anyone noticed Belanger? He’s all over the place! Both ends of the rink! He’s been great on the forecheck.
KiPA: that is the salient question, eh? It is game 82 though…but if you have dead legs you have dead legs.
Foster’s been more physical tonight. Glad to see he’s getting more confident in that area.
and cal has been showing some decent hands too
Fritsche not returning, upper body injury from Tootoo’s cheap hit.
Twins 4-3 in the 6th.
Go Wild. I want to get plasterred.
What an awful pp.
Thought you put the cap on it, theo?
Salient…yes, Nick, salient…
morneau bomb 5-3
Twins up 5-3 in the top of the 7th. Morneau home run.
Justin Morneau home run, woo!
Twins 5-3, Justin with a solo HR
big save Backs!
What a save.
i thought this was WILD???
nice save 32
we can love the twinks too cant we?
NOT cool
Poor Backs on that one.
MIKKO! MIKKO! MIKKO!
Fluke goals ftw.
KOIVU!!!
(I hope)
Preds guys think it’s a goal…FWIW
either way I like the long break to further sap mo from the Pred
This goal better count - he didn’t even move his legs.
Woohoo!
Damit ducks up 1-0
Dammit - Anaheim up 1-0.
A shortie to boot! What’s that, three total for the team this year?
BadDog - Jinx!
Miiiiiiiikkkkkkkooooooo.
Twins 7-3, top of 7th
Twins up 7-3. Still top of 7th - no outs.
Now Mr. BG - Jinx!
Jinx? Jinx what? Dont be a tard. sorry
Bases loaded, no outs…
Punto at bat
Twins lead 9=3 top of thge 7th.
We said the same thing at the same time. I’d say something about great minds thinking alike, but apparently I’m a tard.
Make that 10-3 noobdy out.
“2too sucks, 2too sucks…”
I am not amused
Man, Sullivan is a midget.
11-3, sac fly
11-3 one out.
Meant in the nicest way possible Heather
at least we can wallow in the twins with our death knell approaching….
The Preds keep coming bask. We need a few more goals. Go Wild.
Okay, then, BadDog. I’ll consider it a compliment from you.
That was ALMOST cool Shep
At least we’re not sitting back on the lead.
great backcheck Mikko! what a stud.
net’s empty
i love buttercluck
nice FU from Cal there, extra mustard on the shot, big cele, right in front of the Pred bench.
He broke his stick on that goal? Good lord, go back to wood sticks NHL.
A little overdone, maybe, Cal.
Come on, Dallas.
Clutt. Boy am I drunk.
WHY THE F would they pull the goalie down by 3 with 35 sec left?
Umm, down by 4 
How ya doin’, theo?
ridiculous
no no, rub their nose in it.
GO BJ’s!
Go Dallas!
sadly, the Blues are still up 3-1, now with 7:30 left in regulation…that big win might be for nothing.
GO OIL
Boy or boy am I hgammered. i still have one more drink and the wife sed I m going to bed.
So what would the reaction be if someone like Tootoo or Cooke did what Clutterbuck did at the end there? 
at this point in this season, KiPA, probably not much.
5 left in St. Louis now
C’mon cBJ!
C’mon Former North Stars!
KiPA…you’d have to ask the salient one…
Even if theres no playoffs, at least they ended the home season the right way!! GO WILD!!!
man, that 4-3 win over the Bruins in game 1 seems like it was about 5 years ago.
2 left in St. Louis
C’mon Former North Stars…channel your inner Tinordi!!!
Yikes, over 32 minutes for Kimmy and 26 for Zids…need Schultz back soon.
NiNY…cBJs don’t care.
Effin Blackhawks.
Tinordi, LOL.
It’s over in St. Louis. All Stars now.
Both Chicago and St. Louis are tremendous stories this season. Very good for the league.
BadDog…I would have said Modano, but the old fart is still playin…
Aeros clinched the playoffs. Phew.
sure would feel nice to take the ducks playoff spot, now they just have to be nice enough to give it to us
Congrats ms.c
Someone from this place will care after Sunday…
I am done with my drinks. Just got out of a cold shower. I even feelo like i coukld drink mire but I dont have the balls. Good game. God nite all.
I don’t mind St Louis making it. Murray deserves it. The team deserves it.
Lose ducks, lose
‘grats Ms. C!
TWINS = WORLD SERIES!
Lose Waddlers, lose.
friends don’t let friends type drunk
crackin me up kj.
Stars tie it!
Let’s hope this onslaught of goals doesn’t mean that we go scoreless tomorrow.
it was a seat kicking 8-4
Nice to see gabby take his final victory lap around the rink. Guess he wants to hear a full arena one last time. :barf:
and that is the end for the Wild. Fire DR now. The guy is a disgrace and has ruined this team.
I think JL will be back!
Interesting, JL said he was very satisfied with the guys DR gave him. But, he was not satisfied with the injuries. Radio receeption really spotty tonight but I think he said he thought the team would be much better next year. Praised Yohnsson, Koivu, Backstrom.
Ice…you sure you didn’t miss the word ‘not’ in JL’s answer???
A couple quick thoughts before I turn in for the evening. Just got home from the game. 8-4. Go figure. Mikko’s goal was mind blowing out of this world. Fritsche’s goal - pure hustle.
The one thing that stuck with me was #10’s extra time on the ice with the post game stuff. Just an observation and moreso curious of other people’s take. Shoulda brought a Russoville sign. Oh well. Night all.
yes, gabby is gone…after seeing him skate around, toss pucks, and wave goodbye, he ain’t comin’ back. thanks Smug! way to chase away the only guy on the team who can score goals consistently night after night!
great party at the X tonight too! fans seemed very appreciative of the effort and the entire game tonight! loudest sieve chant i’ve ever heard at the X too! and yes, Tootoo sucks! i was hoping john scott would kick his a$$.
anyone know what happened with fritsche? i haven’t heard anything yet.
Ice: I have a bridge I want to sell you also.
oh, one more thing…after listening to JL’s postgame, i would almost think he’s coming back.
Fritsche = chest injury (TSN)
I also got the impression that Gabby was waving goodbye to MN at game’s end…. too bad DR will not be able to get anyone to replace him 
2-1 Waddlers
Turn out the lights…the party’s over…
NETminder1: I was thinking the exact opposite. My thought after listening to his post game comments were that he is gone next year.
I listened to the post game with JL
Here is what I read into what JL was talking about
(1) He seen his team play the first time with HEART. They played with HEART because they knew this was the coaches last games.
(2) He has made up his mind speaks volumes. The only way he can make up his mind one would think is if he was done. In the past he has always spoke of waiting to talk to his boss after the season
I would say 90% he is gone…. signed Mister Know it all
Ducks up 2-1 with 10:00 left in the game.
2-1 8 mins left
me again. a neighborly note. check the hours of your grocery store for Sunday- good chances they will be closed, so go get those extra dinner rolls and such. Maybe check your adult beverage supply as well.
Net1: just heard on wcco-am that Fritsche won’t travel with the team.
6 mins left
2-2 Darryl Reigh is teh greatest color commentator of all time
Tie game with 6:17 to play
2-2!
Poop. 3-2 Duckies
Waddlers up 3-2
STARS JUST SCORED TO TIE IT AT 2-2, WITH 6:05 LEFT IN THE GAME!!
So you’re telling me there’s a chance….
That didn’t take long
Means Stars have to score 2 in regulation to win. Duckies only need a point.
IceMan: the moderating thing from the previous post must have been the hot link to the LA Times story covering the death of the rookie pitcher. People, please take three minutes from your day to find the Strib’s RandBall blog and his link to that story. The writing is incredible.
TIE GAME
Ducks win. Wild golf season starts Sunday
3-3 goin to OT
Sorry guys.
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.
So, Nashville got eliminated and the Wild still manage to get eliminated, too? Wow, I’m full of good hockey karma tonight.
Aeros clinch but Brusty goes out with what looked like a rather significant groiner (I’m guessing at the body part, partly because I enjoy pondering Brusty’s groins, partly because the save he got hurt on was a big, fast splits across the crease that had “OUCH MY F’KING GROIN JUST BROKE!” written all over it) and they lost the game.
Hockey is a fickle mistress I tell ya.
Anyway, sorry guys. It’s been a disappointing season for the Wild pretty much since, oh, the playoffs last season. More heart outside the club than in it, I sometimes think.
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….
R.I.P> Wild 2008-09. Not quite enough but I enjoyed them anyway!
Maybe you are correct MKiA, but I hope not. I thought his comments were a tease. We will find out in due course I guess.
Goalie, what is the first mug? I have the Burns one I could give ya!! Is that it?
