San Jose Sharks 4, Wild 2; Clutterbuck, Sykora injured
Posted on October 11th, 2009 – 1:01 AMBy Michael Russo
I’m going to be quick. I’m writing on Blackberry. No Internet in pressbox and now dial up’s not working.
The Wild will have to make a couple roster moves Sunday or Monday after losing Cal Clutterbuck and Petr Sykora in the first period tonight in San Jose. There are no extra forwards on the roster, so I’d suspect we’re going to see Andy Hilbert here at least and probably Nathan Smith. There’s also Colton Gillies, Craig Weller, Danny Irmen and Petr Kalus in the minors.
Sykora tweaked his groin. He’ll be evaluated Sunday to see how serious, but Clutterbuck hurt his ankle and it looked to be very serious. He could put very little weight on it as he hobbled off. He got his skate caught in a rut when he went for a hit.
“He was in a lot of pain, so that’s not a good sign,” coach Todd Richards said.
Of all the hits Clutterbuck’s dished and taken, the poor guy’s hurt because his toe gets caught in the ice. If this is a major injury (and remember, broken ankles are often better than sprained ankles, especially high ankle sprains), this is a huge loss for this team. Granted, I don’t know the extent of the injury yet. Just saying.
The Wild played a tremendous game the first 30 minutes tonight, outshooting San Jose 26-13 and outscoring the Sharks 2-0. But then a little letdown, and two goals in 2:41 turned the tide. Then the Wild began to unravel. They didn’t have another shot rest of period. The Sharks ultimately took the lead late in the period on Dany Heatley”s goal, then took a 4-2 lead nine seconds into the third when Marleau somehow skated himself into breakaway. Heatley’s goal was awesone. Whole time he’s waiting for puck in slot, looking at net, waiting, looking. Then he gets puck and perfect one timer with two guys on him. Goal scorer’s goal.
The Wild was overextended up front. It went from 12 forwards to nine for the final 40 minutes because Todd Richards stopped using John Scott.
The Wild’s power play was hideous tonight. Yeah, it scored a goal, but the power play between Jed Ortmeyer’s goal and Patrick Marleau’s first was beyond terrible. It was like the Wild lost its heads in the neutral zone. The Sharks barely let Minnesota in the zone, then tied the game 14 seconds later. This after the crowd finally had reason to cheer earlier because the Wild couldn’t score on a two-minute 5-on-3, then took a penalty to nullify the final 48 seconds or so. Sometimes, when PP is that bad, you wish you could negate it bc the always-incredible SJ crowd was just going nuts with every kill.
The Wild worked hard and everybody reeled off that line after. You know the old, if we play like this, we’ll win our share of games.
Moral victory, yes. Standings say 1-3 with three games left on this trip. And now no Clutterbuck and Sykora.
Four games into the season, it’s gut check time. I’ll only update the blog Sunday if the Wild have injury updates or make roster moves.
Otherwise, complete day off for the team and me. Thirteen Wild players are going to the 49ers game. The rest are doing their own thing in San Fran. I’ll be in Napa if you need me checking out Val Bure and Candace Cameron Bure’s winery.
169 Responses to "San Jose Sharks 4, Wild 2; Clutterbuck, Sykora injured"
One thing that is noticeably different between Lemaire and Richards — more days off for the players.
moral victory…whatever!! How can every other team have a star studded line-up & we have Havlet & Mikko?, & that’s it? I know Fletch is hand-cuffed cause of Risebrough, but we are back to square one! We are way too easy to play against!! I’m so pissed! After all these years of wasting money on tickets, jerseys, T-shirts, concessions, parking, I can’t wait any longer!! The Wild aren’t getting anymore of my money!!!
bad team
Val and Candace have a winery? That’s awesome. I’m gonna have to visit if I get out to Cali.
Wild suck…they are still 2-3 legit scorers and a #1 d-man away from making any impact.
Oh man, if this game portends things to come, it’s gonna be a long year.
HG: yes. Russo was jazzed to hang out with his FL pals. Check out his twitter account and those he follows. CCB is one.
Encrimson’d & kj: when & where are the next music gigs?
I defy anyone to show me a GM/coach/superstar change in the past that has yielded instantaneous better than .500 results.
Its going to be a long year with more downs than ups. Stop whining, man up (where appropriate) and if you’re insistent on comparing yesterday’s apples to today’s oranges: stop eating leftover bitter fruit salad.
That game was an embarassing display of hockey. The last 30 minutes reminded me of a Chinese fire drill. Everyone running around, nothing getting done.
Kim Johnsson’s two ill-timed penalties did not help things any. Burns and Schultz -2 (Schultzie for the second straight game), Belanger and Sheppard a combined 6-for-22 on face-offs. Horrible night all the way around. And now, we need to raid Houston for two players to replace Clutterbuck & Sykora.
Is kimberly johnsson getting a manicure and pedicure today in San Francisco.
Seriously, trade #11 to Detroit so we can watch all of his games.
Russo what happened to your mantra of it’s going to take awhile now all of a sudden it is gut check time 4 games in.Were down to 9 forwards you forgot 67 and 51 are useless, Shep can’t miss open shots like the one on that kill or else he will score 4 again this year!
Reality is just as Russo has written 50 times the last year. ..When a GM lets top players walk out the door for nothing the team will pay for “years”…not a few games. This is only the beginning of the pain. The stupidity of Dumbo Risebrough will show itself this season, next season, and maybe even two seasons after that. As a fan we can now decide if we really like hockey and really want to support this team for the next “5 year plan” because thats how long it will take to rebuild any sense of a chance at a cup. This will not be fun to watch, but I do think this new GM has the nuggets to make moves and build a franchise. Dumbo was a completely gutless GM, and now we have no pipeline to be a contender fom some time. Supportem and watchem or bail now and watch some other sport. But please don’t sit back and whine about what we all know is true..this franchise is starting all over…
JeffT50;You are right on.To expect a group of players that with a few exceptions are at best 3/4th line talents to win against real talent is insane.At the best we’ll be able to pick the keepers and quit fooling ourselves re: the rest….Good comment!
Hooray for rebuilding!
I’m beyond bummed about Clutterbuck’s ankle.
Le sigh.
Sunshine, from the last thread, several of the GM candidates had Richards as their coach choice so I would guess he wasn’t brought in to tank.
Jeff +2, it is a little hard to watch when they don’t put in an effort though. If they would play hard for the whole game and not cash it in and lose it wouldn’t be so hard to take. But it is hard to watch them lose when they cash it in and stop playing for the last half of the game or they don’t show up and play until the 3rd. I am a fan, love hockey, and will keep watching them but it is still frustrating at times.
Hopefully I spot some of the guys today but hey its not exactly a small city so I wont get my hopes up. How did they get tickets to the 49ers game? Im pretty sure they would trip out if they got recognized there, damn wish I could go.
darkknight9: That statement is a challenge I hope someone accepts. I’d like to read that answer too.
hockey John: I was wondering exactly the same thing. Time to check WHAT? I’m thinking I didn’t read what he meant.
JeffT50: I second to every one of your comments.
But I have to confess I enjoy reading all the whining and abusing of players. They’re kind of worthless and pathetic expressions in themselves, but I like to read fans taking it out of their chests. After all, there are quite a few GOOD reasons to feel frustrated about even if the comments might seem to miss the point.
If Richards won’t play Scott at forward like last night, Why not move him back to D where he should be and where he can move people out of in front of our goalies which is what the new system calls for and sit Johnsson down, How many goals does he have to give up and stupid penalties does he have to take for Mgmt. to realize they are going to have take it in the shorts and sit 5 mil to make this team better and bring Matt Kassian back up to be the enforcer.
A bit of nitpicking concerning the Don’s “Sunday Insider” in the Strib….
Keith Ballard is from Baudette, MN yes. But Baudette is NOT on the Iron Range, which would mean that Keith is NOT a Ranger.
The Mesabi Range runs from the Grand Rapids area (Coleraine / Bovey) on the west to around Babbitt / Hoyt Lakes on the east. The Vermillion Range is smaller and is in the area of Ely / Tower. Baudette is up on the Canadian border.
Whether the rest of us understand it or not, real Iron Rangers get sorta testy about this kind of gaffe. Trust me, I know all too well about it ’cause I just happen to live with one of them.
Just wanted to warn you Micheal in case you happen to get stuck in the elevator with her at the X. 
The Wild have drafted a butt-load of players over the past 9 seasons and aside from Gaborik, Koivu, Burns, Bouchard, Clutterbuck, Schultz, Harding, O’Sullivan(DR traded) and a dozen or so prospects; sure do not seem to have much to show for all those DR/TT draft picks.
Common, I agree with you that is because if they couln’t jump to the NHL right out of Canada Juniors the simply could not make it in the NHL, How many WCHA or college players did they draft and how many prospects were developed by the old regime? JL & DR’s problem was the 1970 Montreal Canadiens didn’t have to deal with free agency a Salary Cap and Trades and if you couldn’t come in straight from juniors to replace an aging player on their roster when they were ready to make a move you were useless. As they say that is why we we are now facing this situation we are in.
Did anyone not see the first period last night? The Wild dominated the game through the first 30 minutes. this is no different than any other wild team that simply can’t play a full game.
I think Russo’s “gut check” comment was more along the lines of “it’s time for the team to see what they’re made of without Clutter and Sykora.” I don’t think he means “it’s do or die time for the Wild.” Hell, we’re four games in. Teams picked to finish much higher are also struggling.
Funny stuff! “Gut check time” this early in the season. While some of talked, the entire time “Riser” and Lacques were here, about it being a dead-end relationship, most of you tools were selling out the X and praising those clowns.
As the song goes, “This is what you want (want), this is what you get )get).”
Another team that had a change in GM/Coach and lost their superstar AND is above .500…….. I would say that the Colorado Avalanche fits the bill.
In 4 games, they are 2-1-1.
I don’t know if Russo was watching the same game, he keeps saying the 5 on 3 (which we should have scored on) was for 2 minutes but it was NOT because Zidlicky (I think) took a bad penalty midway through…so it was 5 on 3 for 1 minute….it’s bad enough they didn’t score, but no need to pile on/exaggerate. Other than the Marleau goal the Wild looked good, for the most part, against a very tough team…you don’t win the president’s trophy because you’re a bunch of slouches. This game was much better than the LA game…signs of life is encouraging, especially when you’re down two forwards..
Mike…
I couldn’t reply last night due to the gig but here goes…
The Wild are in the NHL. They are obligated to field a team. The current roster has the SODR. His lack of skills as a GM caused the current situation. If you look at the moves CF has made, it shows that there is hope. If you look at how the Wild compete with signs of good play, it shows that TR has promise as a coach. Complaining about getting Brodziak to replace SRV shows how dense you are. Your ire should be directed at the moron that let Gho$t walk with nothing in return.
Trade for Heatley? You piss and moan about the roster - and wonder why Ottawa didn’t send him here? The Wild didn’t have the assets, which again wreaks of SODR.
Sorry for the long post but I cannot see complaining about the good things the Wild have.
M 03…next gig is at Renegades in Burnsville on 11/6. We’ll be back in your neck of the woods on 12/12 at The Blue Fox. Thanks for askin.
This team is paying a severe price by Richards’ pairing of Schultz and Johnnson. They have been brutal defensively. On the ice for 4 of the 6 Kings goals. On the ice for 3 of 4 Sharks goals. Constantly getting caught in odd-man rushes because of poor-timed pinches and horrible defensive zone coverage (both guys behind the net on Ortmeyers goal).
Split them up or continue to pay the price.
Saying goodbye to the retiring star without any good years left is a little different than losing someone in their prime. LOL.
you can’t deny that Sakic was a superstar.
Hope Clutterbuck’s ankle isn’t as bad as we fear! He’s one of our few high intensity players.
I thought Pouliot was stepping it up last night. Good work!
I have my fears about our success this season, but I trust Fletcher in the long term. He’s a smart guy, making the right decisions. We have a good future, if not a good year.
Waiting to see some Havlat magic…
sunshine: did you catch the D Post coverage of Sakic’s retirement? Well done and respectful. Plus he seems like a decent guy away from the rink.
kj: Thanks for the gig info. I am wearing the 100wj shirt and will behave.
JeffT50: +1.
Anyone get stuff from the equipment giveaway or donate items?
Zinovy…
A very good observation. Schultz has been told to push it offensively. Johnsson is…well…Johnsson.
I agree that splitting them up would be a good idea right now.
It’ll be telling to see who the callup is.
You cant deny that his presense would not make a difference in whether they succeed or fail this year. You also cant deny that he is quite past his prime. Don’t take it as a knock against the man, I used to hold him up as the shining example of a geniune feel good superstar that worked hard and that kids could look up to (no drug scandals, no bruises on the wife, no Probert style taserings, etc) but when you cant make it any more you cant make it anymore. Thats *not the same as a young guy who just hit FA for the first time.
Keith Ballard, I knew him . . . briefly.
sell out is over! Thats the end to this season. chalk it up for nothing gained and bad choice on coach.
We should all relax. It is still early. Need to give CF and TR some time. But, I hope to heck they start playing better. The inconsistency is disturbing. How long are going to blame DR? Time to move on.
wood…to be fair, the players are the ones making the mistakes. Smug is responible for the lack of talent in the organization. However, the players need to address the inconsistency. They were pretty inconststent last year - even with MKVN’s idol coaching.
So, TR and the staff have their work cut out for them. We need to be patient.
And I will criticize the pevious regime for falling asleep at the wheel. Give credit where credit is due.
While it is “time to move on,” I think people have to realize that the decisions made by DR and co cannot be undone overnight. That is part of what’s happening right now. I don’t think I need to convince anyone that DR made several decisions that have and will cripple the Wild for a while (letting Gabby walk for nothing, same with Rolston and Demitra. Not getting a center to replace Walz, and using Shep instead, screwing up his development. Signing a few people to questionable contracts).
The point I’m making has nothing to do with DR bashing, though. Feel like it’s beating a dead horse, but to those people who already want to fire CF and TR, are you idiots? What on earth could you have possibly done differently that would be better for the team right now? CF has put together an impressive roster considering the situation we were in, and TR’s system does work, we know this, it’s just a matter of everyone playing it. I don’t want to hear “we could have gotten Heatley.” No, we couldn’t have. Fletch did everything right, but it takes time to turn around from the aforementioned blows. Things are going in the right direction, so give it some time.
We should not relax but hold the team ACCOUNTABLE for lack of effort, just standing around, and not playing defense.
Those are not system problems.
Let me make the decision for the Wild on who to call up. Please no Andy Hilbert, how about anybody but Andy Hilbert for cripes sake. I would like a player with more upside.
You can see Irmen is really sulking in Houston. The Wild may want to see what he can bring in his current state of mind
The Wild would be smart to look at other AHL teams to see if they can make a trade for someone who has an upside
Could Harding be shuffled now ?
39 Andy Hilbert 4 1 2
10 Pete Zingoni 3 2 0
7 Clayton Stoner 4 2 0
18 Colton Gillies 2 1 1
38 Jean-Michel Daoust 3 0 2
26 Maxim Noreau 4 0 2
8 Nathan Smith 4 0 2
44 Justin Falk 3 1 0
14 Jon DiSalvatore 4 1 0
17 Robbie Earl 4 1 0
20 Chad Rau 4 1 0 1
27 Carson McMillan 1 0 1
5 Ryan Gunderson 3 0 1
12 Craig Weller 3 0 1 1
32 Petr Kalus 4 0 1 1
15 Cody Almond 1 0 0 0
29 Matt Fornataro 1 0 0
15 Dylan Hunter (X) 1 0 0
11 J.P. Testwuide 1 0 0 0
31 Wade Dubielewicz 2 0 0 0
30 Anton Khudobin 2 0 0 0
4 Jamie Fraser 3 0 0 0
19 Danny Irmen 3 0 0 0 -3
42 Matt Kassian 3 0 0 0 -2
57 Ryan Lannon 3 0 0 0
23 Duncan Milroy 3 0 0 0
28 Brandon Rogers
Schadenfreude: Knuckleheads will be without top forward Daniel Sedin(notes) for four to six weeks because of a broken foot.
Semen,
Mister Know it all cant disagree more with you. Yes last year DR was bad but he did a heck of a job building the team
Currently the team has adopted a sytle that if modified some could still save the season.
Last night the difference in the game was two horrible defensive lapses otherwise the Wild played great. Richards had all the players working hard and ready
Richards had his defense last night playing more responsible
Dany Heatley is a monster and should lead the league in scoring
MKVN…Smug was horrible from 2002-2003 on. He chose to manage expectations after that playoff run instead of building on them. He didn’t understand how the game changed after the lockout.
He is sitting on the sidelines now for a reason.
I think he sitting on the sidelines beacuse he is not a healthy guy at the moment.
Past is past. In the eyes of the NHL this is a model for how a franchise should be built
KJ- This team needs to think stingy defense as in close to last year stingy. When they are able to play defense and hold teams to 2 to 3 goals in a game we should win.
Backstrom will play solid- Last night the Wild should have only given up 2 goals
The problem that the Wild have in playing defense in this system is that it will take such concentration from all 5 players on the ice for 60 minutes because of the level change that can happen in this system on every shift. One guys has an off night or is mentally not there, and playing in this system will stick out like a sore thumb.
I can see why San Jose,Detroit and Pit can win playing this way because they have such super talent at forward
Mister Know it all cant disagree more with you. Yes last year DR was bad but he did a heck of a job building the team.
You are dead wrong, Mr.KIA!
By the way, I hope Kassian and McMillan get the call.
kj, I agree that it is the players fault that they are inconsistent. Eventually it will be the coach’s fault if they continue that way. But I agree we all need to relax as we are only 4 games into the new regime. They need time–it will be hard to draw conclusions until next year.
MKVN…this team needs more time to learn the system so they can play it without having to think it first.
It’s a an owners model franchise. It made $$$ hand over fist. If it were a fans model franchise, we wouldn’t be complaining.
Expect no more than 30 wins this year folks. This team lacks toughness and until we replace players like mittens, johnsson, zidlicky, belanger, sheppard, schultz, and pouliot it won’t get any better. They won’t get anymore of my money until they start playing tough instead of scared.
The team is good enough to win games. It’s shown that. But the consistency isn’t there. If you can dominate San Jose for half a game, you can win the game.
What really disturbs me is the poor play of guys we are supposedly building around. Sheppard has done nothing so far, Koivu disappeared last night, Havlat has looked like a clone of Bouchard the last two games, Schultz has lost his defensive composure…it’s just a mess.
Luckily Burns and Backstrom are playing well, and Pouliot has shown signs of righting his sinking ship, but when we look towards UFA’s like Belanger, Sykora, and Nolan to keep this team afloat, as well as an aging Brunette, we’re in deep trouble. Because that means we’re not cutting dead weight next summer to build around our core, but that our core is dead weight.
It will be interesting to see which players will be called up from Houston. #22 l.b. injury sounded serious, not a day to day situation. Hopeful yet realistic for the first months of the new system.
Mister Know it all cant disagree more with you
Was this directed at me? Check your spelling next time. It’s Seamus. It’s Irish. I’m not amused.
Yes last year DR was bad but he did a heck of a job building the team
For the last TWO years DR was bad. Starting with his failure to get a replacement for Walz. My point is, that was plenty of time for him to screw the team over. All of the things I mentioned happened in that time frame. I think he did a lot of things right over the course of the franchise, but you can’t deny that he made some big mistakes.
And I think we agree that the system can work and it will fall into place.
Seamus
I don’t think this system will fall into place for the reasons I have stated above. I think last nights game will be an example of things to come. We will win against the teams that don’t take advantage of our continual defensive breakdowns.
Here explains what I wrote above
The problem that the Wild will have in playing good team defense in this system is that it will take such concentration from all 5 players on the ice for 60 minutes because of the level change that can happen in this system on every shift. One guys has an off night or is mentally not there, and playing in this system will stick out like a sore thumb.
I think that the Wild need to simplify the routine for the defenesmen in the spirit of winning. The way they are playing sometimes would suggest they are playing in the last 5 minutes of the game and they are down by 2 goals
this team will be lucky to win 21 games
MKVN…simplify our lives. Stop posting.
Punto running the bases = Skoula? Sorry it should be the guy who should not be mentioned.
kj: Yeah, the blog is the written equivalent, on really bad days, to horrid talk radio. The only grace is the ability to purge, I mean surge, past the oddballs.
^amended to bad marty.
Funny, M 03…a lot of readers think you’re an oddball.
He didn’t understand how the game changed after the lockout.
little of that and I think switching to a salary cap model really effed up the plan. we all say the wild were printing money. without a cap, mistakes on players you sign can be hidden. not with a cap.
as for building on the playoff run in 03, not sure we really had anything to build on.
and if the wild have trouble replacing #22 for a while, then they do have serious trouble and we should be very concerned.
(rookie poster..can’t figure out how to do italics) Mister Know it all says (about DR): “I think he sitting on the sidelines beacuse he is not a healthy guy at the moment.
Past is past. In the eyes of the NHL this is a model for how a franchise should be built.”
Identity Guess. Could it be that MKIA=Doug R??
I’m just saying…….
I think were getting closer to understanding each other KJ
You understand and I understand that I am not saying that every one that coaches the Wild needs to play the same style as we have known.
To simplify this even further for you, the only way the Wild will make the playoffs is if they put the emphasis and the PRIDE on the defense
Simply put I don’t think they can stop the defensive lapses unless they do.
This team has no business missing the playoffs two years in a row
I would think that assignments might be slightly different if you move to two forecheckers instead of one. Obviously they need time to adjust.
MKIA, I dont think you’re completely wrong, but we’ve all heard the mantra of needing defense first. We’ve heard it for nearly ten years now. Its inherent problem: You cant win if you dont score. Preventing the enemy from scoring is great… but 0-0 only gets you so far… they dont allow a shootout in the playoffs. Speaking of which, defense first has gotten us to the conference finals one time.
No further.
I don’t care if we win 1-0 or 11-10, we need wins.
Not a lockdown defensive minded “playing not to lose”.
Every time I wake up I’m playing not to lose.
jay…your one liners are growing on me…keep up the good work..
…..rebuilding….it happens to the best of us…it happens to the worst of us….
I wish I had something else to bring to the party.
Gah. It’s Monday already. Hope the boys get themselves in shape for Wednesday.
MKVN…
I understand that you’re an idiot. Beyond that, we’re miles apart.
Although…you say pride, I say repetition of the new system. Either way, they need to eliminate the mental lapses that cause defensive breakdowns.
Right now, the Wild have given up 15 goals. Calgary, San Jose and the Nuks have given up more! Your idol’s club (NJD) has surrendered 13 goals.
Because of their uncertainty about defensive assignments, they are giving up too many easy goals.
A flippin’ week into the season and the phrase “moral victory” is already being kicked around. Holy cripes, this could turn out to be a longer season than I thought.
Growing pains, DB. Growing pains.
I’d rather have those than groin pains.
Also, Clutterbiscuits goes down with a blown tire and judging by some of the scribblings, it sounds as if we just lost our top-line center. If the Wild can’t move forward without a 3rd line energy guy, it has bigger problems than many would like to admit.
If the Wild can’t move forward without a 3rd line energy guy, it has bigger problems than many would like to admit.
no doubt
We all know the Wild have problems. Most of us knew this season would start this way. Some of us have just learned to deal with it. Yes, this will be an ugly season; but you cannot blow up the organization (like Leipold did, fortunately) without some collateral damage.
The Wild need time to rid itself of the SODR. They have the ability, the will, and the resources to do it. All they need is time, and the patience of the fanbase.
Patience, people…
Odd game: signs of brilliance and signs that make you want to hit your head like Homer and scream “D’oh!” (Marleau’s 3rd period goal, anyone?).
But this is what we’re going to get for a while. I think the best strategy as a fan is to not read too much into any one game and see where we are around New Years.
Deep Breath: remember to take several of your monikers this season. Might be the only way to survive it…
WRT:
I concur that patience will be needed this season, but I tend to disagree that the Wild has the ability. Two of the top-6 forwards, Bruno and IGoW, are each one check away from a telethon; Poo-Bah seems so confused he could have an easter egg hunt with himself and who knows when PMB will stop seeing three of everything. It’s clear that CF and TR have a plan for the organization and how they want it to behave on the ice, I just don’t think the current roster is such that it will get it done. Need a couple of seasons for the Brass to get the players in place that can play their desired system.
i actually thought bruno looks like he is in pretty good shape. dropped some weight but that might be me.
I don’t think there is that much patience with the fan base. they have been patient for 9 seasons. now they are being asked to endure a rebuild that may or may not produce better results.
what is encouraging is they have shown spurts of some really good hockey. the 3rd period vs anaheim and the first half vs san jose was fun to watch. the rest? not so much
Deep…I read WRT’s post to mean the ability lies in the front office and coaching staff. Better days are ahead.
M 03…Punto = Skoula. Classic!
Deep: I meant the Wild has the ability to make the changes necessary, not the ability to manage the day-to-day activities of now. That’s why the plea for patience.
The Wild need to get out from under some of the contracts (Johnsson, Scott, Zidlicky, just to name three) that are currently hamstringing this franchise, and need to trade (or cut) those players (e.g., Pouliot) whose worth to this organization has diminished to the point of uselessness.
M 03: Yes, indeed. Punto = Skoula.
kj: Thank you. At least someone read it correctly.
scott has a cap hit of 500k. hardly an issue.
lots of players in last year of deal
nolan
belanger
sykora
shep (RFA)
boogaard
benny (RFA)
clutterbuck(RFA)
yawnson
zidlicky
hnidy
sifers
scott
harding(RFA)
weller
team will have new look next year which isn’t a bad thing.
the problems, contract wise, that will be a challenge for CF are
PMB about 4mil for 3 more seasons
miettinen,brunette both 2.3mil next year
schultz 3.5 for 4 more years
I think there are signs of good things to come but can completely understand some of the frustration
G*
I agree about the fan base. Look at all the trolls that come out of the woodwork late at night. I still lay the blame for much of it at DR and his eight year long five year plan. I mean really. The man had eight seasons to put together a contender. Along with his distaste for using draft picks and his utter inability to deal with pending free agency left this team in the shape it’s in.
On the plus side, CF and TR have done enough in one summer to attract top level free agents (Havlat, Sykora) and have put a system in place that the players want to play in and have apparently bought into. The players believe in TR and his system. It can only go up from here. Give us a few years to shed some of DR’s ineptitude (KimmyJ, Zidlicky, Weller, Boogaard, Belanger, Mittens) and this team will come back gangbusters.
Bruno and Mittens can both be deadline trade bait. I’m comfortable with Schultz’s contract, and PMB will just have to play out his contract then either learn a new trick or take a paycut.
I think 10-11 will be a very different looking team.
Watching the Twins run the bases in the Yankee series was akin to watching Skoula and Kuba paired up. Holy business that was tough to watch. Go ahead and get beat by a better team, but don’t just hand it to them.
—I think he sitting on the sidelines beacuse he is not a healthy guy at the moment.—
What does this mean? After the Wild canned Smug, it was off to the BWCA for a 2 week solo canoe trip. Recently, he returned from another 2 week solo jaunt through the Sierra Nevada’s. I think the bigger question is why can’t he find any family/friends who want to vacation with him?
I see where one analyst picked Havlat as the most overrated free agent signing of the year. That would be unfortunate.
This is going to get uglier before it gets better. The Smug hangover will take more than an couple Advil to get over. As long as CF has a solid plan that he is communicating to Leipold, he will be given the time necessary to implement it.
—Watching the Twins run the bases in the Yankee series was akin to watching Skoula and Kuba paired up.—
It was honorable that Punto fell on the sword, but Ullger failed to do his job.
If more of the contributors to the board could write as well as Skoula and Kuba play hockey, this would be a far more enlightening and entertaining place.
[…] Wild: Additional injury news from the weekend: Both Petr Sykora(notes) and Cal Clutterbuck(notes) got hurt in the first period Saturday, the former tweaking his groin and the latter catching his toe in a rut and hurting his […]
Give us a few years to shed some of DR’s ineptitude
most will be gone this offseason and i’m fine with that. i can see where the “fan base” will lose interest until then.
Watching the Twins run the bases in the Yankee series was akin to watching Skoula and Kuba paired up
what other baserunning mistake was there after the punto play sunday?
I don’t recall any but i did not watch every inning of every game.
Green*: I consider Schultz’s salary less of a problem than Johnsson’s, Zidlicky’s or Pouliot’s. At least Schultz has a track record of good play prior to this season. Johnsson was overpaid; Zidlicky never belonged here, IMO; and Pouliot should be in the AHL until (and unless) he gets his head on straight and plays like he wants to be here, getting an NHL paycheck.
what other baserunning mistake was there after the punto play sunday?
thought of one. gomez falling down rounding 2nd.
G*: The Gomez gaffe on Friday night may have been the worst display of basrunning by a professional baseball player in the history of history. Folks wanted to roast Nathan for the 9th inning, but the Twins win 4-3 in 9 if Gomez understands baserunning 101.
Also, Cuddy getting forced at 2nd on the single to right by Kubel yesterday was awful. Taking three steps back to first after the ball gets by Cano, then slipping trying to get back to 2nd was painful to watch.
Is Zidlicky our new Skoula?…Sure looks like it with all his puck mis-cues! And we kept him why?
If more of the contributors to the board could write as well as Skoula and Kuba play hockey, this would be a far more enlightening and entertaining place.
+1 SOTB.
Jeez people, it’s 4 games in. Pretty early to be pounding on the panic button. There’s going to be some ugly hockey now and then, and some real up and down games (like Saturday’s) I would guess into November as players get the new system down to the point where it’s instinct, not think, then react.
What’ll be more concerning long term is if the injury bug keeps biting guys on the top 2 forward lines. THAT will send things into the ditch a lot more thoroughly than brain cramps while a whole new system is put into place.
I’d like to see them at 4-0 too, but it’s going to be a while before they put together a full game of decent play. A new coach/GM, a new scheme, new players in key roles, and players from previous years being asked to play different roles. Any one of those things would lead to some early season hiccups. The Wild are tackling all 4 at once, with a very thin reserve corps to fill in for inevitable injuries. It’s a tall order all around, but they’ll get there eventually.
Until then, treat the own zone breakdowns like a Zen moment. Have some tea or something.
I consider Schultz’s salary less of a problem than Johnsson’s, Zidlicky’s or Pouliot’s.
only added schultz because it is not expiring.
i suppose i should have added backstrom’s 6mil per cap hit.
I’d like to think that the wild should have a stockpile of 3rd to 6th round picks for next summer’s draft. Lot of UFA to dump at the deadline. maybe get a couple 2nd rounders as i’d think a team in the mix would love to pick up nolan (if healthy) for the playoffs. i’d also think yawnson and zids would get some interest. of course this is all assuming the wild continue it’s schizo ways and are out of it come deadline time.
If more of the contributors to the board could write as well as Skoula and Kuba play hockey, this would be a far more enlightening and entertaining place.
You expect us to write at the 3rd grade level of comprehension???
No hockey till Wednesday. Weird start to the season with the schedule, is this because of the long break for the Olympics?
but the Twins win 4-3 in 9 if Gomez understands baserunning 101.
2 things, gomez fell rounding the base. the yankees threw behind him when he tried to get back to the base. it wasn’t a mental mistake such as granderson or that yankee being doubled up on a line drive because they didn’t feeze.
2nd, your closer should blow a 2 run lead in the 9th once in 100 games. if nathan wouldn’t have been afraid of A-rod, maybe things would have been different. throwing A-rod a 3 - 1 fastball is never a good thing. those three shatty sliders off the plate were pitches a pitcher makes that has lost all confidence. YOu didn’t see rivera throw weak arse shat up there.
closing games is as much about your stuff as your attitude.
The minute Go-Go slipped, he has to know to get up and keep going to third, to ensure the run scores. Not stand there and allow Jeter to tag him.
And judging by the numbers Texaria and A-Fraud have put up against Nathan in their careers, it shouldn’t have been a surprise they came through again. Combined 16-for-31 against Nathan in their careers. Still doesn’t matter if Gomez takes one stride towards third base instead of standing there.
RIK: It’s clear that patience is going to be needed this year, but it will be interesting to watch what the Brass does near the trade deadline. Hopefully making some moves to try and load up with some draft picks. Gotta start bulding again.
Grren*…the fear Nathan had was clearly visible.
Pointing out one or two mistakes doesn’t address the fact that every time the Twins got on the board, the Yankees responded.
They were the better team. Even though my hatred of them approaches Nukville, I can admit that.
That Grren* typo was due to my attempt to emulate Skoula/Kuba…
I must say, so far in this season, I am liking what I see from the Wild. While they are showing inconsistant play, they are showing much more in playing the whole game than they did last year.
Last season, one could expect to see a very poor first 5-10 minutes of the first and an almost non-existant effort in the second.
If someone would have told me that in their 4th game under a new coach/GM/system that the Wild would be out shooting last year’s Presidents cup winner 26-13, I would have asked for some of whatever you were on. Give it some time folks. The players are showing numerous signs of improvement over last season.
Not stand there and allow Jeter to tag him
which didn’t really happen. this implies that gomez got up, turned toward 2nd, saw jeter with the ball and said “eff it” and let him tag him out.
from your living room, i can see where one can easily say he STB. on the field, once he made the decision to go back to 2nd, he was committed. 9 times out of 10 the player goes back to 2nd. instincts. it was wrong but nearly in the same category as the tool that took off for home on a line drive to cabrera. That is inexcusible and baserunning 101.
if nathan would have thrown a first pitch heater, inner half, and a-rod sent it into manhattan, or new jersey, I don’t know how the stadium sits, i would have had nothing bad to say. delivering your best and getting beat is respectable.
DB -
Yeah, I think the trade deadline will be pretty interesting too. I kind of get the feeling that they weren’t able to make as much of the end of camp cap casualties as they might have hoped. I really doubt we’ll get the “sit on our hands, then shrug our shoulders” we got from DR every year. What’ll make it really interesting is that I think there’s a high probability moves will be made with roster players rather than prospects, because we don’t have many top tier prospects to move without mortgaging the future even more than it already has been…SODR.
Geez, here I am talking about the trade deadline already. Who was saying not to panic a little while ago? Where’s my tea…
WHY ALL THE WHINING ITS ONLY 4 GAMES IN AND THEY HAE A TOUGH START ON THE ROAD GET A GRIP THEY WILL BE FINE WILL WIN THE DIVISION
it was wrong but nearly in the same category as the tool that took off for home on a line drive to cabrera. That is inexcusible and baserunning 101.
I agree, but the Yankess moved on. Winning cures a lot of ills. If the Twins win the series, nobody is lamenting a 3-1 watermelon that Nathan served up to A-Fraud. Nobody is lamenting the p1ss poor baserunning exhibited time and time again by the Twins. And nobody is crying babyshoes over Cuzzi standing 10 feet from the fly ball that the Baby Jesus hit and called foul, when it was clearly fair. Winning cures almost all ills.
For those of you who did not notice, the San Jose game was actually the first time that the Wild scored first this season. Unfortunately, it did not help them enough. According to the 2009-10 season preview in FaceOff Magazine, the Wild won 27 of 39 games in which they got the first goal last season.
I don’t know what’s more disconcerting: the Wild’s unfortunate play or reading constant Trollken Little posts. I hope the Wild turn it around if for no other reason than to silence the nay-saying, self-important DBs that think negativity in an online public forum has ever done any good. :\
I said not to panic a while ago, RIK. I still say it. Don’t panic, people. I think Wild fans got used to the hot starts of the last few seasons, which turned into the December of despair as the injuries mounted up, and Gaborik had his semi-annual groin problem.
There are still 78 games left, folks. Long season. Don’t panic.
WRT:
I don’t think most folks are panicking, so to speak. With all of the changes heading into this year, many probably expected the team to struggle to get things figured out. What will be interesting is to see what CF and TR do to get the players on the roster that they want to play the system they want played. With the dollars that can come off the Cap after this year, the look of the team could change substantially.
Also, Cuddy getting forced at 2nd on the single to right by Kubel yesterday was awful.
In all fairness, I thought that was a really difficult play to read as a base runner. Cano should have caught the ball so Cuddy was right to freeze and head back. Then, when it went through, it was hit hard enough on the turf to get to the outfield quickly. Cuddy was a dead duck as soon as he turned back for first.
Getting doubled off would have been way worse…IMO
—You expect us to write at the 3rd grade level of comprehension???—
I know it’s asking a lot, but with a little effort, it’s attainable.
—The Gomez gaffe on Friday night may have been the worst display of basrunning by a professional baseball player in the history of history.—
And that may be the worst display of hyperbole since Gutenberg’s printing press.
Nolan, Bruno, Kimmy, Zids, and maybe Harding and Butch (sorry atx) are all out of here at the deadline….
no matter if we are in the hunt or not. The hunt we would be in is 8th place and a first round exit….in this situation, you never buy and rent…. (glares at dr some more)
look at atlanta….they were so desparate to make the playoffs they traded bogosain (who looks REALLY good) for one month of Keith how ever you spell his last name chuck. Didn’t work…
last year we should have traded gabby in the offseason….we wouldn’t have made it far in the playoffs…..hell dr should have traded his corpse for a 4th round pick at the end there….
oh well…..spilled milk right..
get a chunk of picks, and a couple good prospects…..maybe an underrated young nhler…
And that may be the worst display of hyperbole since Gutenberg’s printing press.
*clap, clap, clap*
on nathan….I was in the break room at work watching that at bat….I was saying to the other guy that nathan should just walk A-Roid….and take his chances with matsui….
He countered with he needs to challenge him, a-rod or not…
I countered with I’d rather face matsui with runners on first and second then arod in a 3-1 count….
I turned to watch the pitch…and well you know…
Just like the Vikings have a cushy schedule right now, the Wild have played the BJs and Kings, who are both on the rise, and the Sharks, who are great from October through March, and the Ducks, who are good but not that great this year. Should we be surprised by the 1-3 record?
I countered with I’d rather face matsui with runners on first and second then arod in a 3-1 count….
after three straight hooks outside and the token heater down the middle on 3oh…he probably should have tossed another hook outside.
The Twins did as good as they can do this year. The ownership did not go the extra mile thus the Twins could not take us an extra mile
A medal of honer for Gardy and the boys. They are the best of the lousiest and the lousiest of the best
If we could be so lucky to be the best of the worst next year that will be great again.
Talk about managing expectations. The goal from day 1 is to be the best of the lousiest if your a Twins fan.
The owners are getting revenue sharing and making gobs of money and laughing at the fans who pretend that a championship is possible.
I said I dent like to kick peeps when they’re down and I don’t plan on doing so.
Its called sportsmanship. Something kj knows nothing about apparently.
VDS…I wasn’t the one that said his favorite team would win the Stanley Cup…
Should we be surprised by the 1-3 record?
thing is, they easily could be 3 and 1.
the record don’t concern me so much as the unwatchable play at times. even with learning the system and what not, it’s still hockey and professionals shouldn’t be that bad. doesn’t mean they are going to win more than they lose but they should not be that bad.
I wasn’t aware they award the Stanley Cup 5 games into the season…my bad.
See, Now I miss THIS type of format for posting in ACCESS VIKINGS. The back & forths with people.
They messed it up over there, don’t change it over here Michael!
It just isn’t the same since they changed the format for discussions.
Unless you equate Stanley Cup to undefeated season. Good luck with dat.
Rarely have I seen the word sportsmanship and Cunucks in the same sentence.
Thank you Stoned on a breakaway
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
October 12th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Rarely have I seen the word sportsmanship and Cunucks in the same sentence.
Amen.
No the Wild could not have been 3 and 1. That’s too farfetched.
IMO, the best game they played was against the Sharks.
Off Topic.
Whoa. Wouldn’t it be great pulling on the Mauer jersey and heading over to Target Field for Game 4 of the ALDS tonight. Better yet, how about Game 7 of the World Series on November flippin’ 5th!
Yes. Baseball was meant to be played outdoors. But not in MN in October and November. There was a reason they built a domed stadium in ‘82. Those of you too young to have experienced why are in for a hard lesson. Well, at least they’ll have a competitive venue for the annual outdoor NHL game.
“Poo-Bah seems so confused he could have an easter egg hunt with himself”
*high hat*
Don’t forget to tip your waitstaff. They’re working hard for ya.
I meant sportsmanship in trash talking.
Like, what’s the point in ripping the Wild when they suck complete ace? I’m not going to do that because it’s not needed. It’s unnecessary. It’s kicking someone when they are down. I’m not about that.
I love it when we kick your ace when you’re halfway decent. This is no fun at all and won’t be again for years.
Thanks a lot, Risebo
what is dees sport you call ice hockey?
No the Wild could not have been 3 and 1. That’s too farfetched
Played well enough to win BJ’s, that 2 - 2. played well enough to win at san jose, that is 3 - 1.
But not in MN in October and November
not all that fair to use an uncommingly cold day to try and prove this point. in 2007 it was 56, 2008 it was 77. average temp in october is 50
Sportsmanship — trash talking
Where I come from that is called a contradiction in terms.
Those of you too young to have experienced why are in for a hard lesson.
I love it when old people blame things that other old people do on young people.
Something tells me that the doofus who decided on not putting a roof on this B isn’t exactly a spring chicken.
Special shout-out to all my boomers out there. How you all went from hippies to neocons gives a brother hope…
“…and heading over to Target Field for Game 4 of the ALDS tonight. Better yet, how about Game 7 of the World Series on November flippin’ 5th!”
And the clock officially starts on “we need to build a baseball stadium with a retractable roof. We can’t ‘compete’ in that trash burning dump any longer.” - Carls Jr. Pohlad
As long as we’re off topic a bit, with Wild talk being the topic, did anyone happen to catch Donald Avery make an a$$ clown of himself yesterday during the Purple victory? Guy catches a TD pass to make it 31-9 late in the game and not only does he want to celebrate, he pushes away a teammate coming over to congratulate him so he has room for his dance. You would like to think there are a whole room of grizzled veterans on the Rams who are embarassed about the current state of the team and whom will take it out on Avery with sveral rolls of athletic tape and the goalposts. What a doosh. Must have something to do with the name.
“Something tells me that the doofus who decided on not putting a roof on this B isn’t exactly a spring chicken.”
It has more to do with that pesky $600 million.
“he pushes away a teammate coming over to congratulate him so he has room for his dance. You would like to think there are a whole room of grizzled veterans on the Rams who are embarassed about the current state of the team ”
Couldn’t agree more. The problem is that the veterans are the group that started the trend of doing ‘the worm’ on the 50 yard line after your team gets a 1st down.
Deep Breath- I saw that too- what an ass clown! That’s prolly why Chilly dog punched that last TD in with 2 min to go…
No way! Played well enough to beat San Jose? LOL!
Sure they played their best, most balanced game so far but it wasn’t in now way enough to beat the Sharks. Keep dreaming.
Played well enough to beat the Blue Jackets? That’s debatable but I will give you. That’s still doesn’t make the Wild in anyway probably for 3-1-0.
Clutterbiscuits goes down with a blown tire and judging by some of the scribblings, it sounds as if we just lost our top-line center.
I wanted to mention this too. Dumb (or was it Dumber?) kept saying that 2 of our top 6 forwards were hurt during Saturday night’s game — Buttertruck is NOT a top 6 forward, even if he happened to be on the second line for a couple of games.
If the Wild played better and scored more goals they’d be 4-0.
Keep dreaming.
maybe it was a dream but I saw a thorough domination of the sharks for the first half of that game. keep half of that intensity and they win easily. so yes, they had a good chance to win but took their foot of the gas. it wasn’t like LA where they had zip, even when they cut it to 4 - 3. they were lucky to get it to 4 - 3.
–not all that fair to use an uncommingly cold day to try and prove this point.—
And its not very sporting to use a monthly average to dispel the fact that the risk of sitting outside on a wind whipped 44 degree night to watch someone try to play baseball increases dramatically as you get deeper into Oct. And let’s not forget opening day in April. You want it. Have at it.
—I love it when old people blame things that other old people do on young people.—
The demographic for the Twins has completely turned over by a generation plus since the dome was built. The reason Target Field was built was significant part because the current fan base wanted outdoor baseball and/or did not want to pay for a roof. All the old wealthy guys don’t care. They just buy a suite.
Personally, I see the act of building stadiums/arenas for wealthy owners using taxpayer money as nothing but a sucker’s play. And the pool of those is never ending.
Heck. The state is full of mooyucks who will tank up on peppermint schnapps and sit in the middle of a frozen lake trying to pull fish through a hole. I suppose a few will show up at Target Field for a game in the snow just by accident.
Buttertruck is NOT a top 6 forward
thought you would have learned from my mistake a few days ago that because he is ours, he is a top 6…
I think Stoned was thinking more of the people who kept shouting that the new baseball stadium should be outdoors — not the people who made the final decision. I have had the joyous experience of being in an ice-cold stadium to watch a game (football, not baseball, but the weather still applies). Mr. ATX has been to an even colder game. There are few less comfortable things — even if you’re properly dressed. It can really take the fun out of it.
And its not very sporting to use a monthly average to dispel the fact that the risk of sitting outside on a wind whipped 44 degree night to watch someone try to play baseball increases dramatically as you get deeper into Oct
take away the average then. i gave you high temps the last two years for today, which is the date you were talking about.
so it won’t be 70 and calm. it ain’t in the bronx either where they have a much better chance of playing in october than the twins.
wonder who pissed in SotB’s cheerios this morning…
I went to a Phillies day game last year in July and the temp was 97 and sunny which made it about 110 in the seats.
We walked outa there about 10 pounds lighter, like sittin a in a sauna…
Stoned has more of an edge this year.
Keep it comin’ big fella.
So, I see we’re arguing about weather and stadiums or something today?
I take it this means we’ve all accepted that this year is going to completely suck for the Wild and have moved on to equally dull, but at least potentially relevant subjects to argue about?
SotB is my man. I am not much of a football fan anymore in part because it interferes with bird hunting season but I too have gotten sick of the prancing and dancing and woofing. Just like Avery’s clown show yesterday, you get the sack when your team is down 28-0 and your defensive guy is beating his chest like he really did something. Then you get the taunting penalties at inopportune times because you just have have to woof at the guy.
No ms.c we haven’t given up yet but too long between games to talk much about the Wild. By the way, did we bring anybody up yet?
Anyone get ahold of House yet to see how long Butterchurner is going to be out?
because he is ours, he is a top 6…
hehe, that’s funny. Wait, some people don’t think that’s a joke?
Petr Kalus
so….I get a text from one of my co-workers today….appearently someone decided to put up a “holiday tree” in the center of the store…..today…..october 12th….
“holiday music” will start in two weeks…
I will condesendingly refer to it as the labor day tree from now on…and labor day music…
I may kill someone….
What about Petr Kalus?
What about Petr Kalus?
Exactly. :\
—take away the average then. i gave you high temps the last two years for today, which is the date you were talking about.—
Just for the sake of discussion, I was pointing out that October carries an increasingly higher risk of uncomfortable weather for fans and players. Today is a vivid example. Two data points don’t refute the month particularly when they are daytime highs. Did you catch that freeze fest in Denver last night? New York’s average temp is about 10 degrees higher than Mpls.
Outdoor football and tailgating is a whole ‘nother deal. I can see where it wouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but at least the game can be played in an entertaining way in the elements and fans can enjoy it ala Lambeau.
Baseball is not an element friendly game.
—wonder who pissed in SotB’s cheerios this morning…—
When did you go non-linear?
When did you go non-linear?
When did you go linear?
I haven’t decided how I feel about this whole celebration thing.
Like Bud Grant used to say, “Act like you’ve been there before.”
I prefer the low key approach, but then you watch Favre after a touchdown and figure what’s the beef.
Hockey goal celebrations (Hockey? How did we get on that subject?) are usually pretty acceptable.
My gut tells me if they are spontaneous celebrations of accomplishment, I enjoy them. When they are more about self promotion, I turn ‘em off. As much as I like Jared Allen, his deal is getting a little old, but that’s what fans want these days. And when you are taunting an opponent, forget it. No class, no sportsmanship.
Look at all the hype and discussion that came out of Ovechkin’s act last year?
Did you catch that freeze fest in Denver last night?
fair point. this is where letting TV dictate the schedule is bad news. game should not have been played at night but for TBS to show all three, that was it’s time slot.
game can still be entertaining in cold weather. 32 is extreme but then it isn’t likely to occur either.
I’d not like to play in this weather but i’ll take the possibility of 4 or 5 games worth to have most of may, june, july and august under the stars.
I have not heard any names but surely someone is on a plane to Cali by now. Might as well be Kalus for how great the team is doing. Get some good PK practice with Tats around.
—I’d not like to play in this weather but i’ll take the possibility of 4 or 5 games worth to have most of may, june, july and august under the stars.—
Agreed. Baseball on a nice night can’t be beat.
—When did you go linear?—
There was a time many years ago when I was a non-practicing linearist. A series of subjective experiences drove me to accept facts and reality into my life and I became a born again linearist pursuing “just the facts Ma’am”.
Hey Wood. Good luck with the hunt this fall.
