Aeros on brink of conference finals
Posted on May 8th, 2009 – 10:13 AMBy Michael Russo
Anton “Borat” Khudobin continues to be the story of the playoffs for the Houston Aeros, who are one win over Milwaukee from advancing to the conference finals. Here’s the Houston Chronicle story from last night’s 2-0 Game 4 win over the Admirals as written by proud papa Andrew Ferraro.
Khudobin stopped 27 of 27 shots on his 23rd birthday, and Benoit Pouliot scored the winning goal as Kevin Constantine’s bunch continues to roll. Game 5 is in Houston on Saturday.
Incidentally, here’s a real good Bruce Dowbiggin story on Pierre McGuire in the Globe and Mail. And by the way, McGuire’s mostly sitting back in coach when he flies to all these places.
139 Responses to "Aeros on brink of conference finals"
Re: the GM search.
I like McNab. I like his track record with Anaheim. He’s been there since Day one too so it’s not as if he fell into a good situation. Not sure how much credit he deserves for Anaheim’s success (W/L), but it sounds like he get’s alot of credit for Ducklings that have come into that org. and I like what I’ve seen.
Fletcher sounds like the popular up and comer. Hard not to look good when you have Crosby, Malkin and Theury on the roster. It sounds like he’s well respected, but I’d like him better if he built something from the ground up.
I’m the most skeptical of McGuire. He’s been in the broadcast booth for quite a while. I’m not sure there’s a connection between a good interview and a competent GM. And the fact that he’s watched alot of hockey isn’t worth two squirts of warm piss to me.
It’s time to place your bets people. The decision could be made any day. My money is on McNab.
Hooray for the Aeros! Unfortunately, my first Aeros game was in Milwaukee last weekend when they picked up their only loss in this series, but I’m still hooked. I’m so excited to see them take it all the way! Let’s get some Wild fans hooked on our AHL system!
If Khudobin keeps playing like this then I would think Harding could be used as trade bait by the new GM, whomever that may be.
Good points Pewterschmidt.
I’d like to hear what Russo’s opinion is on the three of them.
Jerry Zgoda, my new second favorite blog on here has no problem giving his opinion on the Wolves GM search.
I would like to see McNab or Fletcher, but all I really know about them is what I read on here.
MaGuire scares me a little bit, but hey, as long as it’s not Lynn or any other leftover I’ll be happy.
Pewterschmidt, If the decision comes within the next few days, then it will be McNab. If it takes a couple of weeks, I think it will be Fletcher. They may wait until the Pens playoff run is done. I would be more than happy with either choice.
For those interested in the whole Coyotes/Balsillie thing, here’s a great article about the legal aspects of it written by a lawer. A good read.
Andrew’s story is great, definitely check it out. Captured the specialness of the night. Awfully glad he was back in order to do it justice. 
Bisker82, as much as Ms.C would hate to lose “Dimples,” ONLY a new GM would trade Harding and promote Qdobin. DR wouldn’t have. DR would sit on him and turn his situation into the exact situation we have now with Harding.
Good luck finishing up the series Aeros. I read the Houston article and it said the they win it’s on to Manitoba Moose (Canucks farm team). That would be a very interesting series.
No GM in his right mind is putting Dimples in the NHL next season. He needs to be down here playing games, not sitting on the bench behind Backy.
Geno…I think the United Center organ is electronic and the tone was ’sampled’ from the old Stadium pipe organ.
ms.c - don’t sell your journalistic talent short.
I hate Ducks and Nuks.
ms. c: you did a great job filling in for Ferraro.
We need to give Khudobin a year or two in the AHL before bringing him up. He spent most of his time in the ECHL. It might be that we don’t need Brusty.
Yeah, I would guess that either Brusty goes after his contract is up next season or they keep him around to have a veteran with whatever kid they’re bringing up. Though I think there are probably better goalies to put in that mentor role, if they went that route. Schaefer, for one, unless he can find a #2 job somewhere in the NHL.
Not selling myself short, just being realistic. Takes practice to write well on a deadline.
I’m glad to see the Aeros winning and getting close to moving on, but outside of the goalie, is anyone else playing very well? From the little I’ve read it seems that they are getting production from Kolanos (whom we’ve already seen), Locke (who doesn’t appear to have a home in the NHL based on his size and lack of defensive ability) and Hrkac (who appears to be in this for one last hurrah).
Am I missing something? Are some of the younger guys playing well but just not showing up in the box scores?
I’m just trying to decide if this means anything for these guys in the future.
ms.c,
I have to respectfully disagree. Harding will have trade value and the new GM will need that to make necessary changes to the Wild’s lineup, especially if they are going to implement a different style of play. Strike while the iron is hot!!
Yeah, but that doesn’t mean Anton is the logical choice to replace Harding, Bisker. You can’t put someone behind Backy who you need to keep developing. He won’t get enough playing time.
He’s simply not ready for the NHL. Hell, he wasn’t ready for the AHL when this started.
Greg, don’t read much into it. But yeah, the NHL Wild-drafted talent pool isn’t very deep down here. Nobody is standing out in particular because they’re playing such an incredibly strong team game.
Not trying to be rude about it but trying to be realistic here…
Lets say we kick off the next season and we’ve traded Harding on draft day. A couple weeks in to the season Backstrom goes down with a groin injury, turns out they missed something in surgery and he will miss most if not all of the regular season. Now we’ve probably let Schaefer walk and have Khudobin or Brust to bring up. Anton hasn’t even played a full year of AHL hockey how can we expect him to carry the load at an NHL level? I have serious doubts Brust will ever see NHL ice even as a #2.
My point is the team lacks a serious blue chip goalie prospect. We don’t have a Raask or Bernier we can just call up. Not saying Anton won’t be there some day just not there yet.
Then again…nobody would have expected Varlamov to be that ready either.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Uhhhh…excuse me Lucky, but I believe the scenario you just laid out would be a perfect recipe for the Wild to get the #1 pick in the 2010 draft!
I think the Wild will hang on to Harding for now. Hip surgery for a butterfly goalie can lead to a tricky recovery… meaning stiffness and an increased need for rest for a while. Now, come trade deadline time, all bets are off. Though, I bet a new GM might be look just as closely at that trade clause in Backstrom’s contract as he would moving Harding.
We’re a MN team, we’d loose the lottery WIWF, and then draft 3rd in a 2 player draft. You just know that would happen. 
It will sure be interesting to see what kind of a “splash” the new GM makes this summer to put his stamp on the team. Something will happen for sure, it’s just a question of what.
At this point I guess I’d have to wait and see what other teams are offering for Josh. If it’s a great offer, at this point, I just might say let’s do it. Particularly if it’s for a 1st-liner who can score on a regular basis.
Thanks kj for the CHG organ info. That old pipe organ at the Stadium was really something. IIRC, wasn’t it the “original” goal horn as well. Not really a horn of course, but rather a chord played on the pipes after a goal. Wow, those were the days. Even if it was for the then-hated Hawks.
Speaking of CHG and the Wild…. Wouldn’t Marty Havlat look aweful good in a Wild sweater next year. Me thinks he would.
I wouldn’t mind this team coming in dead last. If we lose Gaborik for nothing we are going to need a top player.
I thought that after the season Khudobin had last year, the Wild would want to move him up to the Aeros full-time this season. I guess they didn’t really have room with Brust and Schaefer, but it seemed to me that since neither of those two are really prospects they would want to make some room for him. What do I know?
Hey MsC,
How are Falk and Noreau playing? Those two seem to me to have the most NHL potential of the current Aeros. Of course, both also seem like a bit of a long shot for various reasons. But after Cal got called up and Pouliot went bust, it seems like those two are probably the next logical choices.
Somehow I forgot how fresh Anton is. That makes perfect sense, like usual, Ms.C.
Both good points, too, Jake and Lucky, about what-if situations if Backstrom gets injuried or has a complicated recovery without Harding to back him up. I just feel bad for Hards, I guess. He could get a lot more ice time (maybe even starter ice time) somewhere else, and he deserves that chance.
The new guy will have to decide if we have enough depth for a backup in Houston or if that’d be too much of be a risk. :\
Yikes. Proofread! 
So Bill Daly went on record saying there have been MULTIPLE offers on the Phoenix Coyotes to keep them in Phoenix. Oh who wouldn’t want the chance to lose millions of dollars a year!
I’d like to see the names on that list.
An over seas investor by the name of SukIt Bettmen has offered $300M.
Sukit Bettmen? Is that Dutch or further east?
Nova Scotian is my guess.
Oh who wouldn’t want the chance to lose millions of dollars a year!
by the team for a walmart price which comes with bettman’s personal guarantee of a stanley cup within 3 years to help boost fan interest. might be worth it.
powers has an article on DB i just found and DB says the wild scored 1 less goal than the previous season, which i was shocked to read. according to hockeyDB.com
year GF GA diff
00-01 168 210 -42
01-02 195 238 -43
02-03 198 178 +20
03-04 188 183 +5
05-06 231 215 +16
06-07 235 191 +44
07-08 223 218 +5
it would be nice if someone with more time than me could compare this to other teams in the division
08-09 219 200
Falk is terrific, IMO. I’ve been raving about him the last couple of months. And most improved as well. I don’t have any hesitation saying he’ll be in the NHL. He’s got the size, speed, hockey sense, defensive prowess. He won’t score any goals, but he’s a solid SAHD Seems like a good kid, too. Like to see him here for another season just to really get his confidence high. And to look at him some more. He’s terribly cute.
Noreau… got a real nose for the net from way out at the blue line. I could see that surviving the move up. He’s a PP stud, as most offensive defensemen are. The best I’ve seen at this level. It’s not unreasonable to think he could be up after next season. I’m sure he’ll get a good look in pre-season just to see how he holds up at the next level and get directives on what to work on… he’s had some brain farts lately that worried me. Normally he’s pretty sound, so I’m kinda trying to let those slide.
Canada v. Sweden http://www.justin.tv/viasat/popout
Geno: I’ve noticed we don’t seem to get “privileged” to hear from Alan and his Canuckleheaded blah, blah, blah from on top of the firehydrant after Nucks losses.
You won’t hear from me after a win, either.
–Incidentally, here’s a real good Bruce Dowbiggin story on Pierre McGuire in the Globe and Mail.
Thank you for the link. Very thought-provoking, indeed.
Hey, I linked that story last night and called it thought provoking - I get less credit here than at work
I get less credit here than at work
didn’t know it was possible to get negative credit…
most of the 3,189 in attendance
the 3,189 in attendance
3,189 in attendance
3,189
That is downright embarrassing. That’s what the X gets for a girl’s high school hockey playoff game for god’s sake. Seriously, that is PATHETIC.
But MNslappy…that’s about the average crowd for the former AHL Minnesota Moose (now in Winnipeg….nice storyline to follow, Ms. C…if it get’s thatbfar w/ the Aeros…) during the 2 years they were here. Yes, you can say it was right after the NorthStars left….but if we are such a hockey hotbed…they should have gotten some support.
Been to DesMoines a few times to see the Stars/Chops vs. Aeros, and that’s about what they get too…on a Friday night.
It works at the AHL level. Now i’m sure for a playoff game they’d like a little mkore than 3K in the crowd…..but with the Rockets playing NBA ball also…it is what it is….
I’m still trying to get over the shock that CL has yet to call myself or my twin about the GM position. Too many skeletons in my closet I suppose.
–SGS: I’m sorry. The words “thought-provoking” were meant for you. I was multitasking.
–Pewterschmidt said: And the fact that he’s watched alot of hockey isn’t worth two squirts of warm piss to me.
I sure hope there aren’t any bedwetters on the selection commmittee.
G*,
It’s really not that shocking. 07-08 Wild won the division, but they really weren’t that good.
Anyway, I just happen to have all of that data going back several seasons. Here’s the most recent three.
2009
Wild 219-200
Canucks 246-220
Flames 254-248
Oilers 234-248
Avs 199-257
2008
Wild 223-218
Flames 229-227
Avs 231-219
Canucks 213-215
Oilers 235-251
2007
Wild 235-191
Canucks 221-201
Flames 258-226
Avs 272-251
Oilers 195-248
“Sukit Bettmen? Is that Dutch or further east? ”
He’s from Headupassikstan.
Christ, MNslappy, what do you want? It’s Houston, TX on a school night!
Speaking of CHG and the Wild…. Wouldn’t Marty Havlat look aweful good in a Wild sweater next year. Me thinks he would.
Do you mean when he’s injured and sitting in the press box? He was in it all season this year, but his past 3 seasons were 35, 56, and 18 games played.
Ms.C there goes that MN Nice = Passive Aggressive theory. Or MNslappy is just an anomaly.
Belated congrats to the Aeros.
I am getting tons of emails coming to me asking for me to post my thoughts.
Listen everyone I have already told everyone my thoughts.
Leopold will do his interviewing of different candidates. He can listen to everyone as they all tell him how it should be done
These will be the steps after he is done interviewing
(1) He will think to himself that Maguire is sexy and would probably do some great things
(2) Fletcher is knowledgable and mindful
(3) Mcnab is like Fletcher in some ways, but Fletcher has more value
(4) He will think that Maguire may be to risky with him being the GM by himself
(5) Do I want to cut all ties with Lynn. He is a guy that can help us maintain the stability we have had
His final thoughts
The only way I have the guts to take Maguire by himself is if I keep Tom Lynn. Keep Lynn in negotiating and administration/legal and have Maguire be the front guy
Fletcher
Maguire/Tom Lynn Versus Fletcher
I honestly dont know who he picks between the two options, but that is his thought process
Now please people stop emailing me ! Those are my thoughts ! I get an email a day from NICK IN NEW YORK AND SUNSHINE
I am very busy guys, you have my thoughts
Signed: Mister Know it all
If anyone in/from H-Town is going to assail “Minnesota Nice,” we need to have a conversation about what “Houston Friendly” is all about. (insert “wink”)
Again Nick in New York, in case you dont wnat to read my whole post. Leopold will choose between …
Maguire/Tom Lynn TICKET
VERSUS
FLETCHER
NOW STOP EMAILING ME NICK IN NEW YORK !
For any Aeros games regulars, what’s the average attendance like? I don’t mean to start a conspiracy theory (which are often the first words of a conspiracy theory), but if attendance for the Aeros are between 3-4k per game, what kind of numbers would Mpls/St. Paul generate for supporting an AHL team? I ask because the proposed Pond building is a 5k seat stadium…
Would MN attendance for an AHL team be more than that kind of stadium could house? Is the Pond the first step in drawing an AHL team here, let alone the Aeros? I doubt it’ll pass, anyway, but it’s an intriguing thought (maybe).
I hope “His final thoughts” means he won’t post here anymore.
Jonsey, I was shocked how much Havlat actually played this year. He is good when he plays but seems to be injured quite often–and your numbers prove it.
if attendance for the Aeros are between 3-4k per game, what kind of numbers would Mpls/St. Paul generate for supporting an AHL team?
I don’t think there is any way we could support two teams, especially when they are across the street from eachother. They would no doubt have games on the same night sometimes, and I’m sure ownership/management would much rather have those butts in the more expensive Xcel seats than paying less money to see a game across the street. Not happening.
Yeah, that’s straight up aggressive, but for a WMBer, it’s not surprising.
5k would be a bit small for AHL, I would think. Seems like the smaller rinks are 6-8k. Basically the 100-level of an NHL arena, though I’d wager the lower bowl in Houston holds 8k or more.
Here are some hard numbers. Note that Houston does pretty well within the league on average, but is down a bit. Hopefully the new VP will help matters there.
Woodcock: Looking at the reasons he was out, it was mostly shoulder problems and some groin issues. Maybe the shoulder thing is behind him with proper surgery, but I still don’t trust it.
Adding to my thoughts about an AHL team here, Ms C’s arena comment made me realize we already have the Gophers (among other college hockey in the state) to fill that not-quite-NHL niche.
An AHL team here would be an abysmal failure. With the Wild, the Gophers, other WCHA teams in the state and HS hockey I just can’t imagine enough people would care about a minor league team just like the USHL team here, the Vulcans, didn’t draw well.
Don’t the Baby Pens play across the street from the Igloo? I think there are a couple more cities that have their farm teams close at hand, but it’s Friday and I can’t think or research very well by this time of the week.
And for the record, I don’t necessarily want the Aeros to transplant. They’ve had a great thing going there for 15 years. I just thought it was interesting. I think you’re right, too, Jonsey, that maybe it wouldn’t work out right across the street.
An AHL team might work better, however, a little farther away from the Metro. It may not be realistic, but can you imagine how great it would be to live in the Duluth/Superior area with a refurb’d DECC that could house an AHL team? I drool.
I think the problem of the farm team being here is that we have too many other hockey alternatives.
An AHL team might work better, however, a little farther away from the Metro. It may not be realistic, but can you imagine how great it would be to live in the Duluth/Superior area with a refurb’d DECC that could house an AHL team? I drool.
But I still think UMD Bulldogs would be the main attraction up there. I think a better place for a team would be in North Dakota, either Bismark or Fargo. There is not a damn thing to do out there, and they would sell out every game. They love hockey and the only team they have to cheer for are the Souix.
Good points, all. Lots of college hockey makes AHL maybe a little redundant here. And college hockey has different feel compared to pro (NHL or AHL). Yeah, Fargo could be good, but I’d never go that far. I’m just thinking selfishly.
The problem with ND is that it would be harder to fly people in and out quickly for call-ups. Being in a hub city is a major benefit.
I’m pretty sure the Baby Pens don’t play in Pittsburgh. At least they didn’t when we lived there. I think they’re across the state.
Baby Pens are in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. I think the Flyers farm team, the Phantoms, were in Philly but I think they may have moved.
Yeah, Phantoms are moving to Glens Falls, NY for enxt year.
“An AHL team might work better, however, a little farther away from the Metro. It may not be realistic, but can you imagine how great it would be to live in the Duluth/Superior area with a refurb’d DECC that could house an AHL team? I drool.”
Think of the road trips up for the weekend games, staying overnight with a trip over the Bong Bridge into Superior for cheap beer in dive bars. Ohhh thanks for the mamories…err memories.
Exactly, Pewt! Make a weekend out of it: Fitgers, Bulldogs, Fitgers, [AHL team], Fitgers… 
About the Chicago UC organ: Before they tore down the old Chicago Stadium, they digitally recorded every sound out of the old Wurlitzer organ at the old Stadium and loaded the current Allen organ with them when it was delivered to the UC.
If you get there early for a Hawks game, the organist actually does a mini-concert for 45 minutes or so, beginning 90 minutes prior to face-off time. I actually like that aspect of it better than starting off with, say, Rage Against the Machine, or Megadeth, or Rob Zombie tunes blasting you away from the arena’s sound system.
Of course, that means we’d need a REAL organist for the current organ at the ‘X’…
Wait, all organs don’t look like miniature zambonis?
Who is this Mister Know it all guy anyways ???
Didn’t see that this was posted -
St. Patrick in Colorado to discuss possible future behind the bench.
I just had the scare of my life…was at the gym, working out & watching espn news. Eeesch. Mr. Melrose. Does he have a stylist? (moderating my own comments.) Perhaps he should get another stylist.
Hopefully that was my only less than positive comment on this blog.
Random Draft Comparison of Current Roster Players: CHI v. MIN, ‘01 - ‘08
******************************
MIN (9):
Koivu, Veilluex (UFA), Boogaard, PMB, Harding, Burns, Shephard, Clutterbuck, Gillies
CHI (14):
Ladd (for Ruutu, 1st rd ‘01), Burish, Paulson (for Wisniewski, 5th rd ‘02), Keith, Byfuglien, Seabrook, Barker, Bolland, Bickell, Brouwer, Hjalmarsson, Brophy, Toews, Kane.
— Adding insult to injury: In two separate trades, CHI acquired Sharp and Havlat…for players that aren’t even in the League anymore! (Ellison and Bell, respectively.)
So, hopefully the new guy — whoever that may be — has a better understanding of what it means to Build From Within (see CHI above) than good ol’ Dougy did. Good riddance.
end rant
Wow BFW.
Oh my. Caps need to find their focus! At least they have more than 2 periods to find it….
C’mon Caps!
So I should think of the Wilds new general manager as being= Maguire & Lynn or Fletcher… End of story says Mister Know it all. Mystery over
I know it’s Friday night but my goodness is it quiet in here!
That is correct Percilla. My prediction is Maguire and Lynn have 55% chance and Lord Fletcher has a 45% chance. Lynn will hold down the asst GM role and Maguire new GM
Whatever.
Who is doing PBP and color for the Caps/Pens game? Pretty funny.
MKIA - please use your “talent” to tells us if Favre will be a Viking as I asked you to do in several emails 
I have inside info there going to bring
Anton in to be back’s back up and trade hard’s so you can start crying now ms.c
What if Maguire thinks Lynn is a TooL? Guys hired at this level are usually allowed to pick their own direct reports.
Hey. Was that the Vancouver Wild last night against the Hawks. ‘Bout the only difference appears to be that their scorers weren’t injured all season. Can’t skate with ‘em so lets clog up the neutral zone. 14 Nuck shots on goal. “Boring” style. French Canadian coach. Viva la trapp. That oughta put a cork in the Vancouver media about JL’s cursed schemes once and for all.
WATX: quiet in Russoville, maybe people are watching the SCP games. I’m listening to the baseball game and looking for hockey stuff online.
The other newspaper across the river had an article on Boogie today (Mr. Powers).
Where is KiPA? He would know the broadcast team.
The Caps really aren’t playing well. I would like to see the Caps win this series but they really don’t look good tonight.
KiPA is probably at the game. Isn’t he a STH? I remember he went to most if not all the Pens’ playoff home games last season.
Pens win 5-3. Hurricanes up 2-1 win a little over 16 left in the 3rd.
sunshine & kg: thanks for the updates & info. Great time for KiPA.
quiet chuckle - si.com / nhl had a typo on headline for the game in progress “ofr” in place of “for”. Oh yeah - just a few moments ago.
Looking for a good location for the Aero’s - I’ve said it before - Des Moines. They could have moved last year - when Dallas took their AHL association and will open up next season with a team in Dallas area, but Wild renewed contract with Houston for 4 years - 3 remaining. Des Moines is currently associated with Anaheim I think there is one more year on that agreement. Average attendance in Des MOines was in the 4,300 area - if I remember right.
Canes scored again.
It is now 4-1 Canes with less then 4 min left.
I’ve been leaning towards a Ducks/Nucks WC Final primarily because of their defensive capabilities which all of us in Wild land have been taught is the Holy Grail. If that holds true, I am now favoring the Ducks in that match up.
However, I am really impressed with Detroit when they get it cranked up. That is one fun team to watch. And Chicago just strikes me as a younger version. Those teams are great for hockey.
I am now more hopeful that Det/Chi will prevail. And where I thought for awhile that Vancouver might have it in ‘em to make a run at the SC, I now feel comfortable that if they do manage to “trap” their way past the Hawks, they aren’t a match for Detroit or the Ducks.
Final score Hurricanes 4 Bruins 1. I am not a happy hockey fan tonight. Both teams I was rooting for lost. Canes up 3 games to 1. Pens/Caps series tied at 2 games a piece. I really do want to see the Caps, Bruins, Hawks, & Wings win their series. I won’t be completely upset if the Pens win but would rather have the Caps win. I want Boston to make it for the East but the way the series going I just don’t see it.
kg: thank you so much for the score updates. Go figure. Canes were on the playoff bubble the last month of the season.
good news - the shock of seeing a slicked up B. Melrose is slowly fading away. I might be able to sleep, nightmares optional.
You are welcome M 03. How is the job search going?
OMG, Andreas Lilja is SO HOT!
kg: thanks for asking, I appreciate it. It is grim - but I do get an hit from time to time from a recruiter. The only weird good thing about the situation is the extended unemployment payments and the reduced cobra premiums for the first nine months. I would rather be working with a decent job & great boss. So I try to stay positive about life. I’m grateful for Russo & Russoville. Thanks.
friendly reminder: Mother’s Day this Sunday. Remember your loved ones.
Stoned — if you’re really hoping for a Nuks/Ducks Western final . . . then I’m pretty sure you shoudn’t be a Wild fan. Sorry, but I’m not sure you meet the criteria. That being an unending hatred of all things Nuks and Ducks….
And the Aeros have a good location. They’ve been there for long enough to have built up a decent following. Just because they aren’t within a car drive distance doesn’t mean that they don’t belong where they are.
And Austin isn’t “in the Dallas area.” Get a map dude. Texas is a big state.
If anyone is “on the fence” regarding the new Star Trek movie.. let me shove you toward the Nerdy side. It was awesome!!
Sorry for being spiky….
But yes, I completely <3 Star Trek!!!! Everything you hope it would be if you’re a fan of the series or not. Completely recommended!
If you are only getting 4000 fans for playoff games. Minnesota could do 7-10,000 in St Cloud, Rochester, Mankato, Iowa close on the border to Minnesota or Hudson Wisconsin/ River Falls… hehehe
I think the Aeros would go the way of the Minnesota Moose. There’s just too much hockey to choose from with High School and College being so huge here.
Yea, and remember that Rochester couldn’t support their USHL team, the Mustangs. Not completely analogous to AHL but I think an indication that as Lucky says too many other options here in MN.
Re: Hockey Markets
As I am sure the Aeros fans here can attest to, its not easy to be a fan of a minor league team - players come and go pretty easy and I think the home games are often bunched together. Although it would seem like it would make some sense for the Wild to have one of the two minor league teams in WI or IA to further extend the fan base (I think those markets get a lot of games via FSN), it probably is also a good idea to stay in a huge market like Houston. I also agree with those here that have said MN has enough hockey as is although it would be cool if the Aeros played one game a year at the X a few hours before a Wild game.
SGS, that actually would be fun to see the Aeros once up here just to see the minor leaguers.
Stoned: You’re right on about the Nucks “snoozefest” style. I was watching and thinking the same thing. (Yawn inserted here) I doubt though if it will be enough to clam-up the VAN media. That would take a miracel of epic proportions.
Thanks WRT for the infor on the CHG organ. That’s pretty cool. I sure like that idea of the mini-concert before games.
Hey RET: Sorry to hear the CL hasn’t called you yet. That might be partially my fault. Last time he and I chatted, he asked about you. I *thought* that I gave you a pretty good recommendation, but maybe I was a little too “honest”. And I didn’t even mention that episode with the chicken.
miracel = miracle
Wow, and I didn’t even go out last night.
I’m impressed by what the Aeros are doing in the AHL playoffs. Maybe the Star Tribune should have more coverage of them next season.
There is nothing more to say but “Go Aeros!”
WildinATX:
—-Stoned — if you’re really hoping for a Nuks/Ducks Western final—
If I recall, you are an attorney. I hope you do a better job of reading on the job than you do here. I never said anything remotely suggesting I was hoping for such.
I would be happy to do that, DRW. Strib, tell me how many inches and I’ll tell you where to send the check.
Yeah sorry Stoned — the beer got to me.
But didn’t you say this “I’ve been leaning towards a Ducks/Nucks WC Final” (I don’t know how to do the fancy italics)
Just makes it sound like you’re hoping for it. 8 beers in anyway….
I am hearing the next Wild GM is going to Steve Yzerman - count on that!
Steve Yzerman — I could go with that.
Steve Yzerman?
Not a chance.
kj - it sounds crazy right, but Leipold is chasing Gaborick all over town, if we get Yzerman, Gabby stays and we have a shot at Hossa. Just remember who told you the news first
I got to thinking WildinATX that a 3 AM message might have an elevated blood alcohol content behind it
Over the last few weeks, everybody has been laying out their predictions for the playoffs. My earlier prediction went something like “As much as it pains me to say this, it is looking a lot like Nucks/Ducks in the WC Final.”
What one thinks will happen and what one would like to happen are independent thoughts to me.
As I also said, “I am now more hopeful that Det/Chi will prevail.”
Stevie Y. High visibility. Don’t know that he would be a salary cap wizard. Maybe CL does want to keep TooL for that area of responsibility.
Gaborik takes a discount to stay because its Yzerman?
I don’t know… that’s kind of hard to believe.
According to TSN, a Vancouver group is reportedly trying to move the Thrashers to Hamilton
Tom Lynn and Tommy Thompson must go. No excecotions, they have done enough damage here move on to a new franchise.
Lucky,
As I have said on a number of occasions. I think it was time to go for DR after reviewing the data. Please lets stop the talk about the franchise being in shambles. The word Stanley Cup and the Wild still can be spoken next year.
It would be foolish to start changing the players before you can view them play together for a new GM coming in
Changing the existing culture that did an outstanding job in YEARS PAST would be a mistake
I would makes some player changes like dumping Velliux and those types of guys
I have said the organization does not need a maguire getting crazy with the team… Maguire and Lynn ?? Fletcher is the bes choice for replcement for DR… Leopold cant go wrong with Fletcher as he is SAFE… Maguire might be more dynamic and hard charging but I dont think this team needs to change too much
Six I have not gotten any emails from you. Primarily Sunshine and Nick in New York… I feel Favre will play in Minnesota if he can throw. I am more of a Hockey expert SIX. I will say that even if Favre cant throw with his right hand he is still better then Jackson with his left hand
Yzerman is executive director of the 2010 Canadian Olympic Team. He could get the Order of Canada for this, if the Canadians win it all in Vancouver. So, no, he definitely will not be doing anything with the Wild.
Besides, why would he leave Detroit, where he is a demi-God? Just because Brett Favre did in Wisconsin, doesn’t mean every ex-athlete is a glory hog…
Oh hey Mister, there’s my nephew. I was wondering when your parents were going to drop you off so I can babysit you. I know how much you like it when I babysit you. But you’ll never tell!
I thought there were news reports that Yzerman wants to be a GM and it looks like Holland isn’t leaving Detroit anytime soon. So, if a good place opens up for him, he might leave.
I just don’t know if the Wild or the timing is right for him.
Another great Pens-Caps game. 4-3 Pens in OT.
wc: thanks so much for the score update. KiPA must be a darn happy guy.
Keep the good attitude M 03.
Encrimson’d @ 3:29. The Bulldogs have not even had a tv contract for the last couple years and do not sell out. So, it would be a big risk to put in an AHL team in my opinion. The city size difference between Houston and Bismarck or Fargo is way too great.
A Harvard education might be more beneficial to a team president than a GM in my opinion but it does not guarantee anything.
Cynthia, where has Miss C gone?
Chicago won. Sweet. I love seeing Vancouver fall apart. They have so many players that I just can’t stand. After the season, I think it’d be hilarious to see them start firing management, and then dismantle the rest of the team and start over.
I couldn’t believe the fans started throwing garbage on the ice. That is classy. Nice job.
Yes, the Nucklehead fans were quite classy, and Willie Mitchell had a bit of karma come around for him when his stick broke after he used it to slash the guy in front of the net, and he was then without a stick when the go-ahead goal was scored.
More classlessness from the NHL’s biggest loser fans: during the THIRD extended stoppage at GM Place (to pick up all the garbage thrown on the ice after Chicago’s 4th goal, the Havlat empty-netter) some woman (I assumed it was, at least it looked that way on TV) tried to climb the glass in the corner to the right of Khabibulin.
Right, GF. Like you’re actually going to get that far. Uh-huh.
Willie Mitchell has virtually lost all self-control on the ice in this series. The Hawks know this, and frequently do push his buttons to get him going. They know how to draw penalties against the Canucks; just start ol’ Willie up, and he’ll produce 2 minutes worth of PP for Chicago.
It’s great to be aggressive; it’s also dumb to play out of control. Willie is playing out of control right now.
Go Hawks!
Beautiful. I go to bed and it is 2-1 Canuckleheads and wake up and Hawks win. Great to see how classy Canucks fans were from MN in AL.
I hate Ducks and Nuks.
So, Chicago can close out the Nuks. Will that mean the end of Alan on the board?
Don’t touch that dial…
Stevie Y as GM? He was an Ironman/Beast/Rock on the ice. Have no idea how that translates to the front office, but I’d roll the dice on him if it’s an option. My first choice is still McNab.
Russo…you gonna throw us a bone b4 vacation?
—The ending was delayed as disappointed fans littered the ice with drinks and popcorn.—
Alan and friends must have been at the game. These folks are going to really distinguish themselves when the Olympics come to town.
—A Harvard education might be more beneficial to a team president than a GM in my opinion but it does not guarantee anything.—
Contract negotiations and salary cap management have evolved to become a complex strategic exercise. I’d rather have a guy who was smart enough to matriculate a good school and then accumulate 15 years experience on the job vs a player who spent 35 years lacing up the blades and then 3-4 learning the biz.
Here is an interesting article on Ken Holland. His take on young player development, patience and player confidence are interesting. Shep probably wouldn’t be on the Wings big league roster just yet.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090507/SPORTS05/905070686/0/SPORTS05
