- thanks to Rhett Warrener, we have a 5 on 3 for a little over a minute and half...and its not starting so well. My god, this is terrible. Slow it down, set it up.
- Demitra to Gaborik, Gaborik tipped a bouncing puck for a goal. 1-0 Wild.
- anyone else hold their breath when Iginla has the puck for prolonged periods of time? Talk about heart attacks and puckered sphincters...
- Great work by Schultz along the wall at the 4 minute mark...
- I've got it....our 4th line = PIRAHNAS!
- We've got a big big kill here- we got called for too many men, now its a matter of killing this sumbitch and keeping whatever momentum we have. Fantastic kick save by Harding. Excellent kill, now let's step on their throats and bury this game.
- 4 and half minutes left, Robyn Regehr scores on a blast from the point...the wild just collapsed around the net and Regehr just let one fly. This could be bad news, Calgary is gonna be flyin' now...
- just a few seconds left until we get at least a point...still we want 2. Walzy really needs to win this draw, this could have bigtime implications. 11.5 seconds left, nice job to get it out and into OT. How bout a little 4 on 4?
- Nearly a wide open break for Gaborik...
- goddamn, this is at a breakneck pace....and we're going to a shootout. I'd imagine it'd be Demitra, Rolston, and koivu. I'd like to think Josh Harding can stand up to the challenge, but what do I know.
- Alex Tanguay will lead it off for the flames...he bobbled the puck at the top of the circles, and basically he never got a shot off.
- Demitra goes wide right, and Kiprusoff shuts down the 5 hole...
- Tony Amonte, all 67 years of him, gets a crack at Harding. He fires, and a glove save. The commentators make a big deal about Harding being a southpaw, and he caught the shot with the cheater on the glove.
- Koivu comes barreling in, and loses the puck before he could even shoot...Kipper had a well timed poke check to throw off Koivu's rhythm.
- Iginla slowly creeps in, and just buries a wrister low and inside the post. I knew that bastard would get us at some point tonight.
- PMB...with the spin-o-rama, and gets stuffed. Flames win, 2-1.
Sigh...we took it to them all game, only for it to slip away at the end. The silver lining is we still got a point, but damn, its more than that. I really think a win would have meant alot more than 2 points, that it would have alleviated some fears about playing in the Saddledome. Harding put on a valiant effort, he played very well. And here's hoping that it carries on into tomorrow against the oil. Wild Nation will now hold their collective breath as we await the diagnosis of Nik Backstrom, who left after the first under odd circumstances. Its a disappointing loss, granted we walked away with a point, but still we have to get over it and get ready for tomorrow night. Since we have just a sterling record in back-to-backs, the squad has to retain the focus and energy they had tonight, otherwise we'll be leaving Harding out to dry.
Well, I'm all buzzed up....Ima go plow some snow.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The nerd out: redux
fucking shit. Backstrom is out, and now Harding is in for the rest of the game. Don't get me wrong, Josh is the future and such, but shit man, we cannot afford another goalie going down. Mr. Harding, this is where you need to show your potential.
-Backstrom is out with a "lower body injury". I know its really specific, but depending on its severity Harding could be starting manana against the oil.
-...and now Gaborik takes a slap shot off the inside of the ankle. He barely gets off, and limps down the tunnel. Now if we can get a defenseman to get hurt and leave the game, we all get a free drink ticket.
- the 4th liners continue to be very effective. You can read Wyatt Smith's lips, and he's saying "Dom Moore who?"
-jinx on the face off stat...Wild 20, Flames 10. Drink.
- on a side note, Belinda Jensen (mmmmmmilf) said we'd get 1-3 inches tonight. Well, looking at my deck, we're rapidly approaching the high end of that.
- seriously, that 4th line...they just spent the entire shift forechecking and cycling in the flames zone after the kill.
- Nick Schultz has done a great job so far containing Iginla. You know, for all my yammering about getting a defensive defenseman, it never occured to me that Schultz himself is the guy I thought we needed. Schultz is mobile, rock solid, has a good first pass, and is very adept at joining the rush- more importantly, he has shutdown potential. Perhaps many of us were wrong when we expected 30 - 40 points from Schultz (although he does have that potential), but I think he is starting to become what Willie Mitchell was for us (save the physicality): a guy, despite the lack of fanfare, that you can throw out against the top lines night after night and can smother them. I'd still like to see Nick elevate his physical game, but I think that will come with more experience- what is he, all of 24 maybe? Its crazy to think he's that old and is a veteran, with 4 or 5 years of NHL experience.
- Harding has been very good for us this period, and perhaps the window of opportunity is there, considering we'll have just under two minutes of PP on fresh ice...
-Backstrom is out with a "lower body injury". I know its really specific, but depending on its severity Harding could be starting manana against the oil.
-...and now Gaborik takes a slap shot off the inside of the ankle. He barely gets off, and limps down the tunnel. Now if we can get a defenseman to get hurt and leave the game, we all get a free drink ticket.
- the 4th liners continue to be very effective. You can read Wyatt Smith's lips, and he's saying "Dom Moore who?"
-jinx on the face off stat...Wild 20, Flames 10. Drink.
- on a side note, Belinda Jensen (mmmmmmilf) said we'd get 1-3 inches tonight. Well, looking at my deck, we're rapidly approaching the high end of that.
- seriously, that 4th line...they just spent the entire shift forechecking and cycling in the flames zone after the kill.
- Nick Schultz has done a great job so far containing Iginla. You know, for all my yammering about getting a defensive defenseman, it never occured to me that Schultz himself is the guy I thought we needed. Schultz is mobile, rock solid, has a good first pass, and is very adept at joining the rush- more importantly, he has shutdown potential. Perhaps many of us were wrong when we expected 30 - 40 points from Schultz (although he does have that potential), but I think he is starting to become what Willie Mitchell was for us (save the physicality): a guy, despite the lack of fanfare, that you can throw out against the top lines night after night and can smother them. I'd still like to see Nick elevate his physical game, but I think that will come with more experience- what is he, all of 24 maybe? Its crazy to think he's that old and is a veteran, with 4 or 5 years of NHL experience.
- Harding has been very good for us this period, and perhaps the window of opportunity is there, considering we'll have just under two minutes of PP on fresh ice...
Wednesday Nerd out
Its snowing, I got some canadian whiskey, and the flames-wild tilt on tv. So, I'll do some play-by-play.
-Unfortunately Boogie is scratched...as is Nummelin and Dom Moore.
- a win here would be fucking huge...but Calgary is the best team at home record wise...and we suck at the Saddledome.
- Kristian Huselius kills us...obviously we have to attempt to contain Jarome Iginla, but we gotta keep tabs on Huselius.
- We have to hit- hitting will keep the team engaged. What the fuck is up with two of our defensemen blowing tires behind our net?
- POST...its all Backstrom gave him.
- Something worth noting is Mark Parrish's play...granted he isn't scoring goals, but he is creating chances, hustling, and being effective whenever he takes a shift. Lemaire has really lit a spark under him, and has made him a better player. The line of Hall-Koivu-Parrish really gives opponents a different look to contend with. Walz and the Slovaks are speedy, Rolston-PMB-White are a finesse line, and Koivu-Parrish-Hall are a physical, smash mouth style line. It works out well, for Parrish to be effective he needs a skill guy getting him the puck, however we've seen flashes of some playmaking aptitude from Mark recently.
- You know what would be fun? a good ole fashioned line brawl. I'd like to see what Minnesota is made of.
- Kiprusoff is giving up some rebounds...
- Fucking Dan Terhaar. Get the damn names right. Seriously. Terhaar makes me pine for the days of Mike Goldberg...Goldy is sitting pretty fat with his UFC gig tho. Well maybe not, he does have to work with Joe Rogan.
-Unfortunately Boogie is scratched...as is Nummelin and Dom Moore.
- a win here would be fucking huge...but Calgary is the best team at home record wise...and we suck at the Saddledome.
- Kristian Huselius kills us...obviously we have to attempt to contain Jarome Iginla, but we gotta keep tabs on Huselius.
- We have to hit- hitting will keep the team engaged. What the fuck is up with two of our defensemen blowing tires behind our net?
- POST...its all Backstrom gave him.
- Something worth noting is Mark Parrish's play...granted he isn't scoring goals, but he is creating chances, hustling, and being effective whenever he takes a shift. Lemaire has really lit a spark under him, and has made him a better player. The line of Hall-Koivu-Parrish really gives opponents a different look to contend with. Walz and the Slovaks are speedy, Rolston-PMB-White are a finesse line, and Koivu-Parrish-Hall are a physical, smash mouth style line. It works out well, for Parrish to be effective he needs a skill guy getting him the puck, however we've seen flashes of some playmaking aptitude from Mark recently.
- You know what would be fun? a good ole fashioned line brawl. I'd like to see what Minnesota is made of.
- Kiprusoff is giving up some rebounds...
- Fucking Dan Terhaar. Get the damn names right. Seriously. Terhaar makes me pine for the days of Mike Goldberg...Goldy is sitting pretty fat with his UFC gig tho. Well maybe not, he does have to work with Joe Rogan.
How could I forget?
Derek Boogaard v. Eric Godard......the rubber match tonight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d86wx-cU1n4 ....Round 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUhfAYqYz4E&mode=related&search= ...Round 2
Round 3 tonight!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d86wx-cU1n4 ....Round 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUhfAYqYz4E&mode=related&search= ...Round 2
Round 3 tonight!
"I Love the internet..."
"...because now we have rappers that used to be gangsters and thugs, telling us to not download music because its stealing. *gags* Sorry, I'm choking on irony" - Daniel Tosh
If this was a Jeopardy category, it would be called "Potpourri"
Just some random stuff:
1. Edmonton threw in the towel, as far as I am concerned. They dealt their captain, and the heart and soul of the franchise in Ryan "my mullet scored 13 goals one year" Smyth to the Isles. They do get a 1st and some solid prospects in Robert Nilson and Ryan O'Marra (of my beloved Saginaw Spirit). I would guess they wanted Okposo, but Isles GM Garth Snow would be nuts to do that...especially considering the prospects they've traded away in the past. Such no-namers like Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Jason Spezza, Raffi Torres...
2. I got my hands on RJD2's new record, which isn't out yet (sorry RJ) and its a bit different than Deadringer and Since We Last Spoke. It still has dense layers of sound, but RJ himself sings over most of the tracks...and really its not all that bad so far. A bit different, I'm still on the first listen, but it hasn't struck me as gahhhh-bage.
3. This is just for Luke...a very underrated bluesy track by the seminal MC5, "Motor City is Burning: http://download.yousendit.com/2B805A2543E51B7F
4. So I go to a wolves game last night, and saw probably the oddest, if not the most awkward prize giveaway ever. February is Black History Month, so a lucky fan was the recipient of a poster memorializing the "Little Rock 9", the group of black students who were the first to go to Central High when it was desegregated. Then for some reason it was autographed by Rashad McCants...cuz civil rights and Rashad McCants go hand in hand. And then to top the whole shooting match off............they gave the poster to a white kid. Yeah. Go figure that one out.
5. The Wolves organization is pimping the shit out of Randy Foye. His likeness and name is everywhere at Target Center- posters, promotions, etc. I guess it makes sense, its the first glimmering light the organization has seen since Garnett was drafted.
6. Newly acquired center Dominic Moore is the brother of Steve Moore, whose career was ended in the Todd Bertuzzi incident. Moore played at Hahhhvahhhd, and captained the squad his senior year. Funny enough, Moore played for the NY Rangers...and was traded to Nashville for Adam Hall...then was traded to Pittsburgh. Well, Hall was traded here for Pascal Dupuis (who was just traded to Atlanta), and now we traded for Moore. Crazy.
7. The first spring training scrimmage is today...Matty Garza will be going head to head against Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox. It'll be interesting to hear the game on AM 1500, considering the long history of Twins Baseball on WCCO. So much for the segues and station identifications to the tune of Atmosphere instrumentals. Garza has reportedly impressed many so far in camp, and many project him to the solid and perhaps great number 2 starter to Johan Santana's number 1 spot. Our organizational pitching depth is just insane....Garza, Bonser, Baker, Perkins, Smit, Waldrop, Slowey, Barrett...wow.
9. Big game tonight in Calgary...the Flames loaded up big time for the stretch run, and we've only won 3 times at the Saddledome. It would be a huge huge boost if we could go in there and win- not just because we are tied at 75 points in the West and in our division (we have the tie breaker, more wins), but the momentum would help us for the rest of the western canada swing. The last time we had some momentum going out west, we limped back home.
And to top it all off, we are to get blasted with another 6-18 inches of snow starting this afternoon. Fucking sweet.
1. Edmonton threw in the towel, as far as I am concerned. They dealt their captain, and the heart and soul of the franchise in Ryan "my mullet scored 13 goals one year" Smyth to the Isles. They do get a 1st and some solid prospects in Robert Nilson and Ryan O'Marra (of my beloved Saginaw Spirit). I would guess they wanted Okposo, but Isles GM Garth Snow would be nuts to do that...especially considering the prospects they've traded away in the past. Such no-namers like Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Jason Spezza, Raffi Torres...
2. I got my hands on RJD2's new record, which isn't out yet (sorry RJ) and its a bit different than Deadringer and Since We Last Spoke. It still has dense layers of sound, but RJ himself sings over most of the tracks...and really its not all that bad so far. A bit different, I'm still on the first listen, but it hasn't struck me as gahhhh-bage.
3. This is just for Luke...a very underrated bluesy track by the seminal MC5, "Motor City is Burning: http://download.yousendit.com/2B805A2543E51B7F
4. So I go to a wolves game last night, and saw probably the oddest, if not the most awkward prize giveaway ever. February is Black History Month, so a lucky fan was the recipient of a poster memorializing the "Little Rock 9", the group of black students who were the first to go to Central High when it was desegregated. Then for some reason it was autographed by Rashad McCants...cuz civil rights and Rashad McCants go hand in hand. And then to top the whole shooting match off............they gave the poster to a white kid. Yeah. Go figure that one out.
5. The Wolves organization is pimping the shit out of Randy Foye. His likeness and name is everywhere at Target Center- posters, promotions, etc. I guess it makes sense, its the first glimmering light the organization has seen since Garnett was drafted.
6. Newly acquired center Dominic Moore is the brother of Steve Moore, whose career was ended in the Todd Bertuzzi incident. Moore played at Hahhhvahhhd, and captained the squad his senior year. Funny enough, Moore played for the NY Rangers...and was traded to Nashville for Adam Hall...then was traded to Pittsburgh. Well, Hall was traded here for Pascal Dupuis (who was just traded to Atlanta), and now we traded for Moore. Crazy.
7. The first spring training scrimmage is today...Matty Garza will be going head to head against Curt Schilling and the Boston Red Sox. It'll be interesting to hear the game on AM 1500, considering the long history of Twins Baseball on WCCO. So much for the segues and station identifications to the tune of Atmosphere instrumentals. Garza has reportedly impressed many so far in camp, and many project him to the solid and perhaps great number 2 starter to Johan Santana's number 1 spot. Our organizational pitching depth is just insane....Garza, Bonser, Baker, Perkins, Smit, Waldrop, Slowey, Barrett...wow.
9. Big game tonight in Calgary...the Flames loaded up big time for the stretch run, and we've only won 3 times at the Saddledome. It would be a huge huge boost if we could go in there and win- not just because we are tied at 75 points in the West and in our division (we have the tie breaker, more wins), but the momentum would help us for the rest of the western canada swing. The last time we had some momentum going out west, we limped back home.
And to top it all off, we are to get blasted with another 6-18 inches of snow starting this afternoon. Fucking sweet.
The Dom Moore era begins!
First off....Hi Kelly, I hope Guatemala treats you well.
Unfortunately this year I wasn't able to sit at home and nerd out i.e. follow the trade deadline closely, because I was called into the duty of scraping ice and snow off of driveways. Ya, don't ask. It was announced somewhere in the first hour of PA and Dubay that the Wild had acquired Dominic Moore from Pittsburgh for a 3rd round pick in this years draft. The 3rd round pick, I believe, was the conditional pick we received from edmonton when they signed Roloson to a deal in the offseason.
So basically we traded Dwayne Roloson and got Pavol Demitra and Dom Moore in return. Well done, Mr. Risebrough.
"the TSN gang really likes this move from the Wild standpoint. Saying that he is a perfect Lemaire type player."
Scouring the internet for info on the "Dommer" has led to alot of fanfare from Ranger and Pens fans:
"What a bad trade.I liked Moore and he did his job on the pk."
"We all loved Dom Moore"
"I think this one was a mistake..."
"Moore for a third?!? Not a great deal UNLESS it ends up with us getting a good dman."
"ya but what did we get? a 3rd? that's shyte"
"I dont like dealing Moore away. It's not the end of the world, but I would prefer him over the 3rd."
"Moore is a damn good hockey player, you will love him. Fast, energy, gives 100% every shift, and good defensively / positionally. Does a very good job as a 4th line center. His only setbacks are size and unable to finish at times. (finding the net)"
"Walz has his heir apparent in Moore."
and finally:
"this was the move today that i'm a little iffy on. yes his role did diminish over the last month or so, but whatever role he plays, he plays well. he's a versatile guy good on draws. on the radio shero just said this is a good move for moore's career, and that his role is diminishing and is too small here. i personally wouldve kept him around, but i guess we'll see how the team fares in the faceoff dept. with him gone."
You get the picture, but some fans were really hit hard by this trade:
"Crap. I had a huge man crush on Moore."
"daaaamn. not sure how i feel about this."
"Noooooooo!!!"
"I like Dom Moore, I wish someone else from the forward logjam was moved."
"I hate this, I loved Moore so much.
"
Even the women of Pittsburgh are having longing for the Dommer:
"my GF is going to be so pissed. She had a huge woman crush on Moore."
Watch out women of Minnesota, Dom Moore is coming for your hearts.
Really tho, this was a great pickup. Moore has a faceoff % of a little over 50%, and is versatile and hard working. He plays alot like Todd White, a dependable and speedy two-way center who is an upgrade over Wyatt Smith. Luckily for Smith, once the trade deadline passes, rosters can be expanded for the stretch run and into the playoffs, so the Turfer (slang for a denizen of Thief River Falls) won't be heading to the waiver wire. Moore also gives us some depth in the offseason in case we don't resign Todd White or Wes Walz hangs up the blades.
As usual I jinxed myself with all the defensman talk- however in the aftermath you can see why we stood pat. 1st rounders were being thrown around all willy nilly, in Kevin McHale like fashion in order to attain players. 6 teams now have 2 or more picks in the first round (!), 8 teams don't have a pick, and the rest have one. That is gonna be one odd looking draft chart. But the fact that 1st rounders were being thrown around leads me to believe that this year's draft crop may not be the strongest, and that correlates with things and nuggets I've read about this year's draft class. There isn't any elite talent like the top 5 or so from 06', but this year is deeper than last, meaning there are more upper echelon players than last year. Deep, but unspectacular. This year's class is very defenseman-heavy however, and there should be a nice crop to pick from when the wild picks somewhere in the 18-30 range. And when I say 30, I'm saying plan the parade route for the Cup.
On the whole, it seemed like the west really loaded up for the cup run-
Detroit added Bertuzzi (a big question mark...if healthy, watch out) and Kyle Calder
San Jose added Bill Guerin (U of M forward Jay Barriball went to STL- After watching EJ play, I'm willing to guess the Blues brass liked Jay's upside) and Craig Rivet
Dallas added Matty Norstrom (making a stingy defense stingier....and more boring to watch)
The flames added defensive depth in David Hale
The nucks added Bryan Smolinski, and Brent "cro-magnon" Sopel for depth
Anaheim added more grit with Brad May
Nashville of course got Forsberg
Kinda makes our trade pale, eh? Moore does give us a really solid fourth line, and now we can roll 4 lines, 3 of which that have very dangerous scoring ability. Moore also bolsters an already strong PK, and adds to the team speed.
With our recent play, I don't think there is a team that wants to play us in the playoffs.
Unfortunately this year I wasn't able to sit at home and nerd out i.e. follow the trade deadline closely, because I was called into the duty of scraping ice and snow off of driveways. Ya, don't ask. It was announced somewhere in the first hour of PA and Dubay that the Wild had acquired Dominic Moore from Pittsburgh for a 3rd round pick in this years draft. The 3rd round pick, I believe, was the conditional pick we received from edmonton when they signed Roloson to a deal in the offseason.
So basically we traded Dwayne Roloson and got Pavol Demitra and Dom Moore in return. Well done, Mr. Risebrough.
"the TSN gang really likes this move from the Wild standpoint. Saying that he is a perfect Lemaire type player."
Scouring the internet for info on the "Dommer" has led to alot of fanfare from Ranger and Pens fans:
"What a bad trade.I liked Moore and he did his job on the pk."
"We all loved Dom Moore"
"I think this one was a mistake..."
"Moore for a third?!? Not a great deal UNLESS it ends up with us getting a good dman."
"ya but what did we get? a 3rd? that's shyte"
"I dont like dealing Moore away. It's not the end of the world, but I would prefer him over the 3rd."
"Moore is a damn good hockey player, you will love him. Fast, energy, gives 100% every shift, and good defensively / positionally. Does a very good job as a 4th line center. His only setbacks are size and unable to finish at times. (finding the net)"
"Walz has his heir apparent in Moore."
and finally:
"this was the move today that i'm a little iffy on. yes his role did diminish over the last month or so, but whatever role he plays, he plays well. he's a versatile guy good on draws. on the radio shero just said this is a good move for moore's career, and that his role is diminishing and is too small here. i personally wouldve kept him around, but i guess we'll see how the team fares in the faceoff dept. with him gone."
You get the picture, but some fans were really hit hard by this trade:
"Crap. I had a huge man crush on Moore."
"daaaamn. not sure how i feel about this."
"Noooooooo!!!"
"I like Dom Moore, I wish someone else from the forward logjam was moved."
"I hate this, I loved Moore so much.
"Even the women of Pittsburgh are having longing for the Dommer:
"my GF is going to be so pissed. She had a huge woman crush on Moore."
Watch out women of Minnesota, Dom Moore is coming for your hearts.
Really tho, this was a great pickup. Moore has a faceoff % of a little over 50%, and is versatile and hard working. He plays alot like Todd White, a dependable and speedy two-way center who is an upgrade over Wyatt Smith. Luckily for Smith, once the trade deadline passes, rosters can be expanded for the stretch run and into the playoffs, so the Turfer (slang for a denizen of Thief River Falls) won't be heading to the waiver wire. Moore also gives us some depth in the offseason in case we don't resign Todd White or Wes Walz hangs up the blades.
As usual I jinxed myself with all the defensman talk- however in the aftermath you can see why we stood pat. 1st rounders were being thrown around all willy nilly, in Kevin McHale like fashion in order to attain players. 6 teams now have 2 or more picks in the first round (!), 8 teams don't have a pick, and the rest have one. That is gonna be one odd looking draft chart. But the fact that 1st rounders were being thrown around leads me to believe that this year's draft crop may not be the strongest, and that correlates with things and nuggets I've read about this year's draft class. There isn't any elite talent like the top 5 or so from 06', but this year is deeper than last, meaning there are more upper echelon players than last year. Deep, but unspectacular. This year's class is very defenseman-heavy however, and there should be a nice crop to pick from when the wild picks somewhere in the 18-30 range. And when I say 30, I'm saying plan the parade route for the Cup.
On the whole, it seemed like the west really loaded up for the cup run-
Detroit added Bertuzzi (a big question mark...if healthy, watch out) and Kyle Calder
San Jose added Bill Guerin (U of M forward Jay Barriball went to STL- After watching EJ play, I'm willing to guess the Blues brass liked Jay's upside) and Craig Rivet
Dallas added Matty Norstrom (making a stingy defense stingier....and more boring to watch)
The flames added defensive depth in David Hale
The nucks added Bryan Smolinski, and Brent "cro-magnon" Sopel for depth
Anaheim added more grit with Brad May
Nashville of course got Forsberg
Kinda makes our trade pale, eh? Moore does give us a really solid fourth line, and now we can roll 4 lines, 3 of which that have very dangerous scoring ability. Moore also bolsters an already strong PK, and adds to the team speed.
With our recent play, I don't think there is a team that wants to play us in the playoffs.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Eatin breakfast at 2 in the afternoon
A big win yesterday against the oil, further cementing a playoff birth. The highlight was definitely Gaborik and Demitra's highlight reel 2 on 1 in this physical contest. I do like how Raffi Torres gave Petteri Nummelin a couple jabs, then turned to ref like all 5'9" of Nummelin was too much for him to handle. Keith Carney was literally everywhere on the ice, in a good way of course.
The trade deadline looms, and news of 9 players put on waivers this morning could mean a wild ride until 2pm tomorrow...among which who could be of interest is Niko Kapanen, a 28 year old centerman who could be a great fit on our 4th line.
Its hard to deny how well Wyatt Smith and the 4th liners have played recently however- perhaps we'll stay pat.
I'd still (to beat a dead of horse) would like to see a defensive defenseman. Perhaps Risebrough goes Terry Ryan on our asses and gets a sleeper for that role...
The trade deadline looms, and news of 9 players put on waivers this morning could mean a wild ride until 2pm tomorrow...among which who could be of interest is Niko Kapanen, a 28 year old centerman who could be a great fit on our 4th line.
Its hard to deny how well Wyatt Smith and the 4th liners have played recently however- perhaps we'll stay pat.
I'd still (to beat a dead of horse) would like to see a defensive defenseman. Perhaps Risebrough goes Terry Ryan on our asses and gets a sleeper for that role...
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Trade Deadline Musings
Is there something about snow and sleet that triggers the motivation for senior citizens to go grocery shopping? Seriously, its like a Lawrence Welk Show taping at your local supermarket. They are everywhere, its almost like the parking lot is a Buick dealership.
The trade deadline is Tuesday, at 2:00 pm. Many rumor mills and websites and anonymous bloggers and the like are cranking out stories, leads, hysteria in some cases as playoff bound teams are looking to shore up some weaknesses, playoff bubble teams are looking for that piece to get them to the postseason, and all else are auctioning off their players as they stick the proverbial dynamite in the roster in order to reup and rebuild.
Being a dork, and having a dork (go look it up in your dictionary bitches), I am fascinated by the moving and shaking that comes with such a date in the NHL season. I typically check out these sites, again flashing my nerd cred, to keep an eye on what my hometown squizzzzzzzzad may or may not be doing:
www.hockeybuzz.com
www.spectorshockey.net
www.thefourthperiod.com
Spectors and TFP (ya we got a good vibe) use actual stories from the fishwraps in team markets, so there is some credibility to these stories. Hockeybuzz, however, is a lightning rod for attention and criticism, simply for the Wizard of OZ type character that spearheads the site. He is an "anonymous blogger", going by the name Eklund. For a couple years now he has updated, incited riots and discussion, presumably slander and libel, and basically made some nice coin off of his rumors. I'm not out to trash the guy, but he claims he has sources and insiders that are privy to many dealings that fans don't see. For the most part, once you check out his site, its hard not to keep coming back and checking it out. Outside of Eklund himself, the site is nicely set up with some former players, newspaper writers, radio personalities, and in some cases, just some fans who post blogs about their favorite team...(notice that there is no Wild blog.................................hmmmm)
Anywho, I've seen these names linked to the Wild:
Bill Guerin (the reported price is 2 #1 picks...no thanks.)
Keith Tkachuk (I would imagine it would be the same)
Todd Bertuzzi ( a stretch but nonetheless interesting, if not somewhat ironic)
Bryan Berard (its ok, we don't need another defenseman with mediocre defensive skills and a lame back)
Saku Koivu (intriguing, but I guess I don't understand the fascination with reuniting the brothers)
Sheldon Souray (probably going to SJ, but not quite what we need in a D)
Craig Rivet (more likely than Souray, but has battled illness and hasn't played in like 3 weeks)
amongst others.
Well, Deuce, what do we need? Hold on baby birds, I'ma feed ya.
Our ineptitude at faceoffs is becoming legendary, hell we won a draw against Colorado and still got scored on almost immediately after. Poor Wyatt Smith, he has one hell of a game against the Avs, has played well recently, and now has to answer questions about how he might lose his job come Tuesday. But really, when it boils down to it, we have Todd White, Wes Walz, and Mikko Koivu centering the top 3 lines.
So...logic and deduction tells us that we need a 4th line center that wins faceoffs? Ya, I'm puzzled too.
This, however, is a must, if we only make one move at the deadline, it better be for a stay-at-home defensive defenseman, preferably with a nasty streak. Right now we got 7 D- Nick Schultz and Kim Johnsson are our top pairing, and see upwards of 25 minutes a game.
Brent Burns and Keith Carney are probably our 3-4 pairing, although Carney can't handle more than 15-18 minutes a game before he tires. Burns however, being the spring chicken project he is, can handle that, but can be maddeningly inconsistent. Being paired with Carney this and probably next year, is a perfect mentor situation for an emerging stud.
Martin Skoula and Petteri Nummelin/Kurtis Foster would be the 5-6 guys, although I count Skoula as a top 4 guy who tends to play with anyone of the aforementioned 4 guys, and is a minute eater. He had a terrible terrible stretch late December, but has been very solid since, pulling down 25 minutes a game since.
That leaves us with Nummelin and Foster. Nummelin is a water bug, something like 3 feet tall that can move the puck and make some dazzling passes...the problem is he is a defenseman, so his -17 or whatever it is ain't pretty. His poke check can be rendered ineffective, and let's face it, he isn't going to move bodies out of the crease.
Foster is likely the #6 guy, but has fought the injury bug all year, really more misfortune and bad luck. The guy got hit in the face with the puck, missed a game or two, then caught a clearing attempt in the throat while he was on the bench, and then got his knee twerked while he was in a stretch of very good play. The knee injury cost him 3 weeks. He has a booming shot, nice offensive acumen, but needs to use his 6'5" frame better. Many games, he is the biggest guy on the ice and plays like Nummelin. Granted he does have some highlight reel checks, but his lack of physicality really irks me. On top of that, he has in some cases, seen his PP time taken by Burns, so is equally effective at the point.
To make a long story longer, we need some grit. We need a Willie Mitchell kinda guy, a mean stay at home kinda guy to keep them out of Manny's, ooops, I mean Backstrom's crease. I mentioned Sheldon Souray, but I don't think he gives us what we need as far as a defensive presence- on top of that, his shot from the point really doesn't matter because we got a couple guys who can bring the hammer. Craig Rivet, from what I've heard is a team first, gritty, leader who will play any role the team needs him to- he, like souray, is a UFA at season's end. The kicker has been the pneumonia he has battled recently, and he's lost something like 10 pounds. Still, he is intriguing, and could be had for maybe a pick and a mid-tier guy like Matt Foy.
Another possibility is Nick Boynton from Phoenix- The yotes are sellers (again), and Boyton has been nothing short of a disappointment this year for them. He's fought injuries, and hasn't regained the all-star form he had when he came here to St. Paul for the All-Star Game. I believe his salary is a little over 2 million or so, and still has a year or two left on his deal. So, instead of a playoff rental, we'll be able to start the 07-08 campaign with him anchoring the blueline. Perhaps Phoenix would be interested in a pick and Foster? Many have speculated that his poor season could lower the price to pay, and frankly, I'd pay the price. We've got Adam Hall firing on all cylinders after stealing him from NY, what makes you think we couldn't get Boynton going? I'd like to think Nick coming to a playoff team with infinite possibilities would be enough to raise his game.
I feel our forward core is set- I wouldn't rule out a move, but I don't anticipate anything big. Like I said before, I believe there will be a move for a D. Now....who do we start in goal?
The trade deadline is Tuesday, at 2:00 pm. Many rumor mills and websites and anonymous bloggers and the like are cranking out stories, leads, hysteria in some cases as playoff bound teams are looking to shore up some weaknesses, playoff bubble teams are looking for that piece to get them to the postseason, and all else are auctioning off their players as they stick the proverbial dynamite in the roster in order to reup and rebuild.
Being a dork, and having a dork (go look it up in your dictionary bitches), I am fascinated by the moving and shaking that comes with such a date in the NHL season. I typically check out these sites, again flashing my nerd cred, to keep an eye on what my hometown squizzzzzzzzad may or may not be doing:
www.hockeybuzz.com
www.spectorshockey.net
www.thefourthperiod.com
Spectors and TFP (ya we got a good vibe) use actual stories from the fishwraps in team markets, so there is some credibility to these stories. Hockeybuzz, however, is a lightning rod for attention and criticism, simply for the Wizard of OZ type character that spearheads the site. He is an "anonymous blogger", going by the name Eklund. For a couple years now he has updated, incited riots and discussion, presumably slander and libel, and basically made some nice coin off of his rumors. I'm not out to trash the guy, but he claims he has sources and insiders that are privy to many dealings that fans don't see. For the most part, once you check out his site, its hard not to keep coming back and checking it out. Outside of Eklund himself, the site is nicely set up with some former players, newspaper writers, radio personalities, and in some cases, just some fans who post blogs about their favorite team...(notice that there is no Wild blog.................................hmmmm)
Anywho, I've seen these names linked to the Wild:
Bill Guerin (the reported price is 2 #1 picks...no thanks.)
Keith Tkachuk (I would imagine it would be the same)
Todd Bertuzzi ( a stretch but nonetheless interesting, if not somewhat ironic)
Bryan Berard (its ok, we don't need another defenseman with mediocre defensive skills and a lame back)
Saku Koivu (intriguing, but I guess I don't understand the fascination with reuniting the brothers)
Sheldon Souray (probably going to SJ, but not quite what we need in a D)
Craig Rivet (more likely than Souray, but has battled illness and hasn't played in like 3 weeks)
amongst others.
Well, Deuce, what do we need? Hold on baby birds, I'ma feed ya.
Our ineptitude at faceoffs is becoming legendary, hell we won a draw against Colorado and still got scored on almost immediately after. Poor Wyatt Smith, he has one hell of a game against the Avs, has played well recently, and now has to answer questions about how he might lose his job come Tuesday. But really, when it boils down to it, we have Todd White, Wes Walz, and Mikko Koivu centering the top 3 lines.
So...logic and deduction tells us that we need a 4th line center that wins faceoffs? Ya, I'm puzzled too.
This, however, is a must, if we only make one move at the deadline, it better be for a stay-at-home defensive defenseman, preferably with a nasty streak. Right now we got 7 D- Nick Schultz and Kim Johnsson are our top pairing, and see upwards of 25 minutes a game.
Brent Burns and Keith Carney are probably our 3-4 pairing, although Carney can't handle more than 15-18 minutes a game before he tires. Burns however, being the spring chicken project he is, can handle that, but can be maddeningly inconsistent. Being paired with Carney this and probably next year, is a perfect mentor situation for an emerging stud.
Martin Skoula and Petteri Nummelin/Kurtis Foster would be the 5-6 guys, although I count Skoula as a top 4 guy who tends to play with anyone of the aforementioned 4 guys, and is a minute eater. He had a terrible terrible stretch late December, but has been very solid since, pulling down 25 minutes a game since.
That leaves us with Nummelin and Foster. Nummelin is a water bug, something like 3 feet tall that can move the puck and make some dazzling passes...the problem is he is a defenseman, so his -17 or whatever it is ain't pretty. His poke check can be rendered ineffective, and let's face it, he isn't going to move bodies out of the crease.
Foster is likely the #6 guy, but has fought the injury bug all year, really more misfortune and bad luck. The guy got hit in the face with the puck, missed a game or two, then caught a clearing attempt in the throat while he was on the bench, and then got his knee twerked while he was in a stretch of very good play. The knee injury cost him 3 weeks. He has a booming shot, nice offensive acumen, but needs to use his 6'5" frame better. Many games, he is the biggest guy on the ice and plays like Nummelin. Granted he does have some highlight reel checks, but his lack of physicality really irks me. On top of that, he has in some cases, seen his PP time taken by Burns, so is equally effective at the point.
To make a long story longer, we need some grit. We need a Willie Mitchell kinda guy, a mean stay at home kinda guy to keep them out of Manny's, ooops, I mean Backstrom's crease. I mentioned Sheldon Souray, but I don't think he gives us what we need as far as a defensive presence- on top of that, his shot from the point really doesn't matter because we got a couple guys who can bring the hammer. Craig Rivet, from what I've heard is a team first, gritty, leader who will play any role the team needs him to- he, like souray, is a UFA at season's end. The kicker has been the pneumonia he has battled recently, and he's lost something like 10 pounds. Still, he is intriguing, and could be had for maybe a pick and a mid-tier guy like Matt Foy.
Another possibility is Nick Boynton from Phoenix- The yotes are sellers (again), and Boyton has been nothing short of a disappointment this year for them. He's fought injuries, and hasn't regained the all-star form he had when he came here to St. Paul for the All-Star Game. I believe his salary is a little over 2 million or so, and still has a year or two left on his deal. So, instead of a playoff rental, we'll be able to start the 07-08 campaign with him anchoring the blueline. Perhaps Phoenix would be interested in a pick and Foster? Many have speculated that his poor season could lower the price to pay, and frankly, I'd pay the price. We've got Adam Hall firing on all cylinders after stealing him from NY, what makes you think we couldn't get Boynton going? I'd like to think Nick coming to a playoff team with infinite possibilities would be enough to raise his game.
I feel our forward core is set- I wouldn't rule out a move, but I don't anticipate anything big. Like I said before, I believe there will be a move for a D. Now....who do we start in goal?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Sigh...The White Rapper show.
Now I still haven't figured this show out yet. Its like a satire, yet it seems like its legit. Nothing quite like the whiteboy stereotype they are reinforcing tho...
King of the burbs!
King of the burbs!
Fucking A Right.
New RJD2 record, "Third Hand".
You can hear 3 tracks from it off his MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/rjd2
http://www.amazon.com/Third-Hand-Rjd2/dp/B000MR9EQ2/sr=8-1/qid=1172253168/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7951897-1623059?ie=UTF8&s=music
I might just have to medicate myself and lock myself in a black-lit room when this bad boy comes out...
You can hear 3 tracks from it off his MySpace, http://www.myspace.com/rjd2
http://www.amazon.com/Third-Hand-Rjd2/dp/B000MR9EQ2/sr=8-1/qid=1172253168/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7951897-1623059?ie=UTF8&s=music
I might just have to medicate myself and lock myself in a black-lit room when this bad boy comes out...
RANDOM EP TIME!
1. Spencer Davis Group - I'm A Man
2. The Suicide Machines - I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
3. The Clash - Clampdown
4. Steely Dan - My Old School
5. Foo Fighters - For All The Cows
6. Led Zeppelin - Good Times, Bad Times
7. Jamiroquai - Love Foolosophy
8. RJD2 - Smoke and Mirrors
9. Ice Cube - Wicked
10. Willie Nelson and Leon Russell - Don't Fence Me In
2. The Suicide Machines - I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
3. The Clash - Clampdown
4. Steely Dan - My Old School
5. Foo Fighters - For All The Cows
6. Led Zeppelin - Good Times, Bad Times
7. Jamiroquai - Love Foolosophy
8. RJD2 - Smoke and Mirrors
9. Ice Cube - Wicked
10. Willie Nelson and Leon Russell - Don't Fence Me In
A Past, Present, and Future Storm.
I guess all that laughter and talk about being happy to not be in upstate New York came around and bit me right in the ass. I shoulda knew to keep my mouth shut. Up yours karma. Anywhere from 4 to 18 inches is the preliminary forecast, so sorry in advance Andy, chances are I'll be a zombie in a metal box when you guys are celebrating your 78th birthday.
Why is it all the line brawls happen in the east? I would presume I am wrong, but Philly/Ottawa, and not Ottawa/Buffalo spring to mind immediately. I'd pay extra to see Minnesota and say, Calgary have a malay like that.
When it boils down to it, Chris Neil of Ottawa hit Buffalo captain Chris Drury a tad late, a tad high, but when it boils down to it, it was considered legal. Unfortunately, Drury's bucket when flying, and he nosedived right into the ice. I'm not a proponent of late hits, nor players getting injured, but what happened after was awesome. Rookie Drew Stafford took exception, and went after Chris Neil. Sens Coach Bryan Murray should have been thinking a little bit, considering he put a skill line out on the ensuing faceoff, while Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff put out a line of men that some could describe as cro-magnon. Needless to say, each of the Sabre trio attempted to goad such pugilists as Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley into fighting, until someone, finally just popped Spezza in the face. The obvious highlight was the cheashire cat grin goalie Ray Emery had on his face as he dispatched Martin Biron, and then as he tried to weather the storm that was Andrew Peters. All the while Ruff and Murray were jawing at each other, and the venom from the incident spilled into postgame interviews.
Big propers go to Drew Stafford, who stood up for his fallen captain, then buried the shootout winner. Also an honorable mention goes to Adam Mair, one of the berzerkers Ruff sent out to even the score. Mair has publicly apologized for his role, but when it boils down to it, it was the right thing to do.
Which brings me to this point. This altercation/game will be news throughout sports channels and sports segments all over the North American continent, save for Mexico. Much to my dismay, and many other passionate hockey fans, that many people will view this as a disgrace, and will further hurt the standing of hockey, especially in America. Everyone will focus in on the violent aspect of it, the fighting, and will draw allusions to Bertuzzi and Moore. Then the sports segment will end, and then we'll watch a bit on how more American servicemen fell victim to an IED in Iraq. Hang on, I'm choking on the irony.
Fuck em.
Hockey is a team game. Unfortunately, in order to try and market it to the masses, the NHL PR and Admongers are focusing on individual faces, such as Crosby, Ovechkin, Thornton,etc. I do not have a problem with that, and ultimately that is probably what is best for the league, but make no bones about it, hockey is a team sport. You go to war with and for your teammates, they are your breathren, your family, your pack of wild dogs. And what happened reinforced that in my humble but crappy opinion. Hockey is the one sport that I can think of where you can stand up for your teammates if something, or someone happens to them. So, when it boils down to it, last night, no matter how it will get construed, villified, and demonized, is what hockey is about. You stand up for your family...if someone took a run at your brother, chances are you wanna punch that person in the face. It was great hearing Barry Melrose talk about it and explain it to a certain extent, but I have a feeling that the point of Melrose' explanation will be lost on many because of hockey's fringe sport status and Barry's hair.
I absolutely applaud Drew Stafford for doing what he did, that shows alot about his character, and also alot to his teammates that despite his rookie experience, that he is a team player. I feel Lindy did the right thing, Any other coach in the league would do the same thing.
And I would imagine tickets for the next Buffalo/Ottawa game will be at a premium, and will be a hot commodity for future matchups because a rivalry has been born. The NHL seems to lack those blood rivalries these days- The Norris division massacres, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love the product, but there is a certain element of passion lacking.
Oh ya, the Wild hung on to win last night, and essentially put their foot on Colorado's throat as far as the playoffs go. Mikko Koivu continues to show why he is becoming a force, sniping the gamewinner late in the 3rd period. The tradewinds continue to blow, again the Assistant GM of Montreal was scouting the Wild. The Gophers are in a home and home against St. Cloud State, essentially with the regular season title in hand. St. Cloud is one of those teams that I am weary of. Bobby Goepfert is one of the top 3 goalies in the nation, and the Huskies have a great mix of vets and freshmen. Should be a great battle this weekend.
Why is it all the line brawls happen in the east? I would presume I am wrong, but Philly/Ottawa, and not Ottawa/Buffalo spring to mind immediately. I'd pay extra to see Minnesota and say, Calgary have a malay like that.
When it boils down to it, Chris Neil of Ottawa hit Buffalo captain Chris Drury a tad late, a tad high, but when it boils down to it, it was considered legal. Unfortunately, Drury's bucket when flying, and he nosedived right into the ice. I'm not a proponent of late hits, nor players getting injured, but what happened after was awesome. Rookie Drew Stafford took exception, and went after Chris Neil. Sens Coach Bryan Murray should have been thinking a little bit, considering he put a skill line out on the ensuing faceoff, while Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff put out a line of men that some could describe as cro-magnon. Needless to say, each of the Sabre trio attempted to goad such pugilists as Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley into fighting, until someone, finally just popped Spezza in the face. The obvious highlight was the cheashire cat grin goalie Ray Emery had on his face as he dispatched Martin Biron, and then as he tried to weather the storm that was Andrew Peters. All the while Ruff and Murray were jawing at each other, and the venom from the incident spilled into postgame interviews.
Big propers go to Drew Stafford, who stood up for his fallen captain, then buried the shootout winner. Also an honorable mention goes to Adam Mair, one of the berzerkers Ruff sent out to even the score. Mair has publicly apologized for his role, but when it boils down to it, it was the right thing to do.
Which brings me to this point. This altercation/game will be news throughout sports channels and sports segments all over the North American continent, save for Mexico. Much to my dismay, and many other passionate hockey fans, that many people will view this as a disgrace, and will further hurt the standing of hockey, especially in America. Everyone will focus in on the violent aspect of it, the fighting, and will draw allusions to Bertuzzi and Moore. Then the sports segment will end, and then we'll watch a bit on how more American servicemen fell victim to an IED in Iraq. Hang on, I'm choking on the irony.
Fuck em.
Hockey is a team game. Unfortunately, in order to try and market it to the masses, the NHL PR and Admongers are focusing on individual faces, such as Crosby, Ovechkin, Thornton,etc. I do not have a problem with that, and ultimately that is probably what is best for the league, but make no bones about it, hockey is a team sport. You go to war with and for your teammates, they are your breathren, your family, your pack of wild dogs. And what happened reinforced that in my humble but crappy opinion. Hockey is the one sport that I can think of where you can stand up for your teammates if something, or someone happens to them. So, when it boils down to it, last night, no matter how it will get construed, villified, and demonized, is what hockey is about. You stand up for your family...if someone took a run at your brother, chances are you wanna punch that person in the face. It was great hearing Barry Melrose talk about it and explain it to a certain extent, but I have a feeling that the point of Melrose' explanation will be lost on many because of hockey's fringe sport status and Barry's hair.
I absolutely applaud Drew Stafford for doing what he did, that shows alot about his character, and also alot to his teammates that despite his rookie experience, that he is a team player. I feel Lindy did the right thing, Any other coach in the league would do the same thing.
And I would imagine tickets for the next Buffalo/Ottawa game will be at a premium, and will be a hot commodity for future matchups because a rivalry has been born. The NHL seems to lack those blood rivalries these days- The Norris division massacres, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love the product, but there is a certain element of passion lacking.
Oh ya, the Wild hung on to win last night, and essentially put their foot on Colorado's throat as far as the playoffs go. Mikko Koivu continues to show why he is becoming a force, sniping the gamewinner late in the 3rd period. The tradewinds continue to blow, again the Assistant GM of Montreal was scouting the Wild. The Gophers are in a home and home against St. Cloud State, essentially with the regular season title in hand. St. Cloud is one of those teams that I am weary of. Bobby Goepfert is one of the top 3 goalies in the nation, and the Huskies have a great mix of vets and freshmen. Should be a great battle this weekend.
Monday, February 19, 2007
NHL GM's talking about the instigator penalty.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=196834&hubname=nhl
my idea? Fucking get rid of it. It worked in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's. Let the players police themselves. Make guys like Jarkko Ruutu play, and then give him a ticket for a bus ride to the AHL, where he belongs.
my idea? Fucking get rid of it. It worked in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's. Let the players police themselves. Make guys like Jarkko Ruutu play, and then give him a ticket for a bus ride to the AHL, where he belongs.
The nachos I ate are hurting me.
So the squizzzzzzad laid a serious egg last night, falling yet again to the curse of the back to back. Yeah they did play two games in less than 24 hours, in different towns and timezones no less, but excuses are like arseholes. I think they should have given Josh Harding the start regardless of Backstrom's stellar play of late- weren't the staff aware the last time he played back to back he got yanked, in similar fashion to last night?
Oh well. That's why they get paid big time dough and I'm sitting here still in my work clothes, aching from a poorly conceived plate of nachos, and wheezing in the cloud of mustard gas my dog was so gracious to bestow me with.
Good night for the plumbers last night, Parrish with 2 helpers and Adam Hall with a goal and something like 7 hits. I'm tellin ya, NY got the shit end of the stick. Soon Ranger messageboards will echo with the rant "Dupuis shoots wide AGAIN...grrrrrrrrrrrr."
The trade deadline is approaching, I believe its 10 days from today to be exact. The local fishwraps are reporting that the Canadiens are scouting us, and have been, and the Montreal media has been fueling speculation with absurd rumors of PMB and Benny Pouliot going there for Saku Mouse and Andrei Markov- which, financially, does not work. The Habs are falling faster than *insert simile*, so it makes sense. I believe we are set in the forward ranks- so since our blueline has been inconsistent, somewhere between great and shoddy night to night, there is probably a defenseman being talked about at the GM meetings, which concluded today.
The only real guy that I'd be interested in would be Mike Komisarek. We lack a physical defensive presence (we miss you Willie Mitchell) back there, and Komisarek would fit the bill (6'4" 241!). But......I doubt it would work out. It would be cool if it did, I wouldn't complain if we parted with Benoit Pouliot and say a roster D like Martin Skoula (UFA at seasons end), perhaps a conditional pick to get it done. I'll spare myself the pleasure of crapping in my left hand because I know damn well it will fill faster than the right. And I know what I've been eating this weekend.
Bottom line, is we need somebody. San Jose is supposedly hot to trot over Sheldon Souray, perhaps we could pry Kyle McLaren from them in some sort of menage a trade? The crowd at the X would lose their minds over McLaren's hipchecks. We got a pretty good stash of prospects, more elite than not, it could be worth it to get one of these guys to anchor our butter soft blueline. You got to give to get, no?
Oh well. That's why they get paid big time dough and I'm sitting here still in my work clothes, aching from a poorly conceived plate of nachos, and wheezing in the cloud of mustard gas my dog was so gracious to bestow me with.
Good night for the plumbers last night, Parrish with 2 helpers and Adam Hall with a goal and something like 7 hits. I'm tellin ya, NY got the shit end of the stick. Soon Ranger messageboards will echo with the rant "Dupuis shoots wide AGAIN...grrrrrrrrrrrr."
The trade deadline is approaching, I believe its 10 days from today to be exact. The local fishwraps are reporting that the Canadiens are scouting us, and have been, and the Montreal media has been fueling speculation with absurd rumors of PMB and Benny Pouliot going there for Saku Mouse and Andrei Markov- which, financially, does not work. The Habs are falling faster than *insert simile*, so it makes sense. I believe we are set in the forward ranks- so since our blueline has been inconsistent, somewhere between great and shoddy night to night, there is probably a defenseman being talked about at the GM meetings, which concluded today.
The only real guy that I'd be interested in would be Mike Komisarek. We lack a physical defensive presence (we miss you Willie Mitchell) back there, and Komisarek would fit the bill (6'4" 241!). But......I doubt it would work out. It would be cool if it did, I wouldn't complain if we parted with Benoit Pouliot and say a roster D like Martin Skoula (UFA at seasons end), perhaps a conditional pick to get it done. I'll spare myself the pleasure of crapping in my left hand because I know damn well it will fill faster than the right. And I know what I've been eating this weekend.
Bottom line, is we need somebody. San Jose is supposedly hot to trot over Sheldon Souray, perhaps we could pry Kyle McLaren from them in some sort of menage a trade? The crowd at the X would lose their minds over McLaren's hipchecks. We got a pretty good stash of prospects, more elite than not, it could be worth it to get one of these guys to anchor our butter soft blueline. You got to give to get, no?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Best Wishes to Brendan Shanahan
I just saw he left the game in NY on a stretcher, so a speedy recovery to a classy Irish guy who would have a spot on my team anytime.
Hamm's, Slovakian Superfriends, a sticker, and a sweep
Twas a big saturday night- Our beloved wild matched up against the class of the west, the Gophers were lookin for a sweep in Colorado Springs, a mediocre dunk contest was symbolized in a sticker, and Risebrough is looking like a genius.
Now I consider myself a wild fan, one more of the hardcore ilk than of any other breed. But I also am realistic about my squad's chances. So like I said, I thought last night could have been a great fast paced affair, or a blowout to the point where I'd rather watch the hours and hours of pre-Daytona NASCAR coverage that has suddenly inundated the airwaves.
But damn. Wes Walz, in a first intermission interview said that the pace of the game was lightning fast. I couldn't really tell, because the bw3 I went to had such a crappy contrast that basically I had to look for green breezers to find the wild players. This reward sprung from a hard fought battle to EVEN GET THE GAME ON, because the Memphis/Gonzaga game is huge, especially in this market. The staff was treated to $5 worth of "Wannabe", "Mmmbop", and some other wonderful pop tunes as we left. Ya, in your face.
I'm not big on math, in fact I hate it. Math is the bane of my existence, and because I am so inept at it (don't even get me started on algebra), that it has fortunately removed a plethora of high-income careers that I could pursue. Awesome. The closest I'll get to being an engineer is watching the graffiti-covered boxcars (truly an underrated piece of art) go by as I am sitting at a RR crossing.
However, I am now a devoted follower of this formula: Marian Gaborik + Pavol Demitra = Yikes.
Yikes is used for many things: the sheer dominance these two have displayed- they've accounted for 14 points in the past 3 GAMES! And last night they did it again. Its unbelievable the chemistry these guys have, and with Wes Walz as their pivot (who has plenty of untapped offensive acumen and speed to keep up), we have a very formidable 1st line. With Walz there, the defensive liability of the Slovak Super Show subsides a bit. I still stick to the notion that I do think Pav and Gabby get a little too cutesy sometimes. It'll be interesting to see how Demitra does in the postseason, he has a history of going ghost...while both Gaborik and Walz were a dominant duo, picking up 17 points apiece in the 03 cinderella run.
I really like the addition of Adam Hall, and for it being a so-called "lateral" move I believe it will help us more than Dupuis in NY.
The gophers swept CC, culminating in a 3-2 last night. Mike Carmen, who I've been impressed with all year for his hustle and hitting, was the hero with 2 goals- but the line of Barriball-Lucia-Carmen accounted for 6 points last night. Tony Lucia has exhibited more offensive ability as the season has gone on, and Jay Barriball continues his sensational freshman campaign. Jay has an underrated goal scorer's mentality- He seems to know where to be, especially around the net.
I really believe that the gopher's fortunes are heading north again, due to the return of Evan Kaufman. Kaufman had a strong 2 way series, including 2 goals Friday night, and you can see the team regaining steam.
It was surprising but nice to see David Fischer get some top 4 minutes this weekend, you can see the talent is there and that he is gonna be a really nice player.
And finally, we were all treated to another mediocre dunk contest. Many felt the highlight was Dwight Howard and his sticker, but when it boiled down to it, the dunk itself was less than special (sorry chris). At this point I'd rather see some of the And1 guys with odd nicknames ("Fish Grease with the windmill!") than see Nate Robinson attempt the same dunk 19 times. After the 3rd time they should have lowered the rim just so he could make the damn thing. I do applaud the judges- Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and the holy trinity of dunking: Dr. J, His Airness, and the Human Highlight Reel, for being pretty stingy with the scores.
The Bavetta/Barkley dash was fun, and was for a good cause. Although somewhere there was steam coming out of Tim Hardaway's ears as he sat in a Champps somewhere when "sir cumference" and a 67 year old white man kissed on national television. That, or there was a tear falling down his cheek, much like the blood trickling from Bavetta's knee. Take that homophobes.
Now I consider myself a wild fan, one more of the hardcore ilk than of any other breed. But I also am realistic about my squad's chances. So like I said, I thought last night could have been a great fast paced affair, or a blowout to the point where I'd rather watch the hours and hours of pre-Daytona NASCAR coverage that has suddenly inundated the airwaves.
But damn. Wes Walz, in a first intermission interview said that the pace of the game was lightning fast. I couldn't really tell, because the bw3 I went to had such a crappy contrast that basically I had to look for green breezers to find the wild players. This reward sprung from a hard fought battle to EVEN GET THE GAME ON, because the Memphis/Gonzaga game is huge, especially in this market. The staff was treated to $5 worth of "Wannabe", "Mmmbop", and some other wonderful pop tunes as we left. Ya, in your face.
I'm not big on math, in fact I hate it. Math is the bane of my existence, and because I am so inept at it (don't even get me started on algebra), that it has fortunately removed a plethora of high-income careers that I could pursue. Awesome. The closest I'll get to being an engineer is watching the graffiti-covered boxcars (truly an underrated piece of art) go by as I am sitting at a RR crossing.
However, I am now a devoted follower of this formula: Marian Gaborik + Pavol Demitra = Yikes.
Yikes is used for many things: the sheer dominance these two have displayed- they've accounted for 14 points in the past 3 GAMES! And last night they did it again. Its unbelievable the chemistry these guys have, and with Wes Walz as their pivot (who has plenty of untapped offensive acumen and speed to keep up), we have a very formidable 1st line. With Walz there, the defensive liability of the Slovak Super Show subsides a bit. I still stick to the notion that I do think Pav and Gabby get a little too cutesy sometimes. It'll be interesting to see how Demitra does in the postseason, he has a history of going ghost...while both Gaborik and Walz were a dominant duo, picking up 17 points apiece in the 03 cinderella run.
I really like the addition of Adam Hall, and for it being a so-called "lateral" move I believe it will help us more than Dupuis in NY.
The gophers swept CC, culminating in a 3-2 last night. Mike Carmen, who I've been impressed with all year for his hustle and hitting, was the hero with 2 goals- but the line of Barriball-Lucia-Carmen accounted for 6 points last night. Tony Lucia has exhibited more offensive ability as the season has gone on, and Jay Barriball continues his sensational freshman campaign. Jay has an underrated goal scorer's mentality- He seems to know where to be, especially around the net.
I really believe that the gopher's fortunes are heading north again, due to the return of Evan Kaufman. Kaufman had a strong 2 way series, including 2 goals Friday night, and you can see the team regaining steam.
It was surprising but nice to see David Fischer get some top 4 minutes this weekend, you can see the talent is there and that he is gonna be a really nice player.
And finally, we were all treated to another mediocre dunk contest. Many felt the highlight was Dwight Howard and his sticker, but when it boiled down to it, the dunk itself was less than special (sorry chris). At this point I'd rather see some of the And1 guys with odd nicknames ("Fish Grease with the windmill!") than see Nate Robinson attempt the same dunk 19 times. After the 3rd time they should have lowered the rim just so he could make the damn thing. I do applaud the judges- Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and the holy trinity of dunking: Dr. J, His Airness, and the Human Highlight Reel, for being pretty stingy with the scores.
The Bavetta/Barkley dash was fun, and was for a good cause. Although somewhere there was steam coming out of Tim Hardaway's ears as he sat in a Champps somewhere when "sir cumference" and a 67 year old white man kissed on national television. That, or there was a tear falling down his cheek, much like the blood trickling from Bavetta's knee. Take that homophobes.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
It is truly a shame that there aren't places like Fat Lorenzo's or the 5*8 around my stomping grounds...I guess those scrumptious Tyler Florence signature dishes from Applebee's must be enough for the masses.
Tonight the wild are in the Music City to play against the Western Conference leading Nashville Predators, who many are crowning as Stanley Cup Champs after the recent acquisition of Peter Forsberg (cue the Dennis Green soundbite). The Preds, in my opinion, due get a bum rap as far as the NHL landscape goes. The by-product of the Gary Bettman Manifest Destiny Expansion program, they get lumped into the category of "sore thumb clubs", along with Phoenix and Florida, and to an extent Tampa Bay- the whole "there shouldn't be hockey in *enter non-traditional hockey market here*. " Being an internet dork, and a bigger hockey dork, I've come to learn from Preds fans that it isnt the case- the fanbase is there, but the corporate dollars are not. Every Nashville game I've seen on TV, the crowd (no matter the size) has been of the raucous sort, complete with cheers and chants. It is a shame that they are in an area where they are overshadowed by other goings on in the city, but I would consider them legit, over say...the panthers, perhaps?
The whole expansion bit is a whole other issue. I'm sure I'll vomit text about it some other time.
The Preds have a very good team this year, a mixture of very good scouting and drafts, and very good FA pickups like Paul Kariya. Their defensive pipeline is just absurd, even with the departure of Ryan Parent to Philly as part of the Foppa exchange.
Now with the addition of Peter Forsberg, I'd say their intentions are clear- Stanley Cup or bust.
And lucky for us, the 8th seed in the West, we have ourselves a possible playoff preview tonight against the 1st seed preds.
Oh boy. This could be a fantastic game, much like the Vancouver on Wednesday. Or, it could be an intensive ass whooping if our team defense decides to stay back in Minnesota.
Wes Walz is going to have a busy night- Pick a poison tho. Steve Sullivan has pretty much made us his bitch, Paul Kariya isn't a slouch, and now Forsberg is here. Not to mention David Legwand, JP Dumont, Jason Arnott, Alexander Radulov, Kimmo Timmonen, etc.
Then there is Tomas Vokoun.
yikes.
But who knows, right? Perhaps Brian Rolston regains form, Mikko Koivu has played very well against the preds this year, Demitra and Gaborik are firing on all cylinders(although I do think they try and get too cutesy sometimes), and I would imagine (and hope) that Petteri Nummelin gets the night off and Big Kurtis Foster gets to play, especially considering his past success against Vokoun.
22 minutes is too much for Keith Carney, so look for Schultz, Johnsson, Burns, and Skoula to log serious ice time. They are gonna be earning a paycheck tonight. Nik Backstrom has been nothing short of spectacular the past few weeks, and here's to him keeping it up.
I may need to get more whiskey for this one.
Tonight the wild are in the Music City to play against the Western Conference leading Nashville Predators, who many are crowning as Stanley Cup Champs after the recent acquisition of Peter Forsberg (cue the Dennis Green soundbite). The Preds, in my opinion, due get a bum rap as far as the NHL landscape goes. The by-product of the Gary Bettman Manifest Destiny Expansion program, they get lumped into the category of "sore thumb clubs", along with Phoenix and Florida, and to an extent Tampa Bay- the whole "there shouldn't be hockey in *enter non-traditional hockey market here*. " Being an internet dork, and a bigger hockey dork, I've come to learn from Preds fans that it isnt the case- the fanbase is there, but the corporate dollars are not. Every Nashville game I've seen on TV, the crowd (no matter the size) has been of the raucous sort, complete with cheers and chants. It is a shame that they are in an area where they are overshadowed by other goings on in the city, but I would consider them legit, over say...the panthers, perhaps?
The whole expansion bit is a whole other issue. I'm sure I'll vomit text about it some other time.
The Preds have a very good team this year, a mixture of very good scouting and drafts, and very good FA pickups like Paul Kariya. Their defensive pipeline is just absurd, even with the departure of Ryan Parent to Philly as part of the Foppa exchange.
Now with the addition of Peter Forsberg, I'd say their intentions are clear- Stanley Cup or bust.
And lucky for us, the 8th seed in the West, we have ourselves a possible playoff preview tonight against the 1st seed preds.
Oh boy. This could be a fantastic game, much like the Vancouver on Wednesday. Or, it could be an intensive ass whooping if our team defense decides to stay back in Minnesota.
Wes Walz is going to have a busy night- Pick a poison tho. Steve Sullivan has pretty much made us his bitch, Paul Kariya isn't a slouch, and now Forsberg is here. Not to mention David Legwand, JP Dumont, Jason Arnott, Alexander Radulov, Kimmo Timmonen, etc.
Then there is Tomas Vokoun.
yikes.
But who knows, right? Perhaps Brian Rolston regains form, Mikko Koivu has played very well against the preds this year, Demitra and Gaborik are firing on all cylinders(although I do think they try and get too cutesy sometimes), and I would imagine (and hope) that Petteri Nummelin gets the night off and Big Kurtis Foster gets to play, especially considering his past success against Vokoun.
22 minutes is too much for Keith Carney, so look for Schultz, Johnsson, Burns, and Skoula to log serious ice time. They are gonna be earning a paycheck tonight. Nik Backstrom has been nothing short of spectacular the past few weeks, and here's to him keeping it up.
I may need to get more whiskey for this one.
Now let me introduce myself...
I kicked around the idea of doing this for a while now- I finally decided to do it somewhere in the timeframe of the ending of "The Chronicles of Narnia" and preheating the oven to reheat half of an italian sausage hoagie that I had for lunch yesterday.
I don't make any promises as to the content, although it will probably more often than not revolve around Hockey (namely the Minnesota Wild, and my half-ass musings- basically I get on my bully pulpit and crap out crappy opinions about the squad), The Twins (when they get going here shortly), and I'll probably savage some people also. Don't be alarmed if I bitch about the state of music too, I am a raging asshole when it comes to my opinion on what is good and what isn't.
As for myself, you don't want to know about me, because its not important. The fact that I like cake doughnuts and that my dog has a giant smelly asshole isn't relevant, and the last thing I'd want to come across as is some pompous self-serving cunt.
Now that you've all (maybe no one, depending whoever decides to read any of this shit), read and unintentionally signed the waiver...
"when the going gets tough, the tough get weird" (or something to that extent) - Raoul Duke
I don't make any promises as to the content, although it will probably more often than not revolve around Hockey (namely the Minnesota Wild, and my half-ass musings- basically I get on my bully pulpit and crap out crappy opinions about the squad), The Twins (when they get going here shortly), and I'll probably savage some people also. Don't be alarmed if I bitch about the state of music too, I am a raging asshole when it comes to my opinion on what is good and what isn't.
As for myself, you don't want to know about me, because its not important. The fact that I like cake doughnuts and that my dog has a giant smelly asshole isn't relevant, and the last thing I'd want to come across as is some pompous self-serving cunt.
Now that you've all (maybe no one, depending whoever decides to read any of this shit), read and unintentionally signed the waiver...
"when the going gets tough, the tough get weird" (or something to that extent) - Raoul Duke
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