Place your orders for the #15 Sheppard sweater- James Sheppard and the Minnesota Wild agreed to a 3 year, $2.29 million dollar deal yesterday. After making $65 a week playing in Cape Breton, Sheppard will be in line for an $85,000 roster bonus (!). "I won't go to crazy, though it might be nice to get an expensive steak or something", said Sheppard shortly after signing.
Hey James, I recommend the Filet Mignon at McCormick and Schmick's.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Shipping Back to Houston
http://boards.wild.com/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=2&showentry=43
Pouliot, Belle, Scott, and Kalus have all been sent to Houston, leaving James Sheppard, Matt Foy, and Erik Reitz. Essentially it comes down to waivers- Foy would have to clear waivers in order to be sent down, so he finally gets his shot with the big club. Sheppard is pushing hard to get a contract, but has impressed so far- The brass has until Monday to make a decision on Sheppard. I am under the impression that he will get it and stay with the team- Mike Russo is saying they are very close to signing him.
Well, where does that leave Dom Moore?
Pouliot, Belle, Scott, and Kalus have all been sent to Houston, leaving James Sheppard, Matt Foy, and Erik Reitz. Essentially it comes down to waivers- Foy would have to clear waivers in order to be sent down, so he finally gets his shot with the big club. Sheppard is pushing hard to get a contract, but has impressed so far- The brass has until Monday to make a decision on Sheppard. I am under the impression that he will get it and stay with the team- Mike Russo is saying they are very close to signing him.
Well, where does that leave Dom Moore?
Hands Tied
As camp winds down, the roster is at 29- Goalie Nolan Schaefer and defenseman Andre Lakos (who's back injury limited his exposure in camp, I don't think the Brass isn't very happy with the fact that Lakos didn't tell them about it) were sent to Houston, and Colton Gillies and Ondrej Fiala were returned to their respective junior teams.
That leaves Petr Kalus, James Sheppard, Shawn Belle, John Scott, Erik Reitz, Matt Foy, Benoit Pouliot, and to a lesser extent, Dominic Moore for 1-3 spots.
- I think Scott will be sent back to Houston, but the brass is clearly enamored with the 6'8" 250 pound former-Michigan Tech defenseman- my guess is that he will be a late cut, moreso for the purpose of development and experience at the NHL level. High Hopes for the Big Man...
- Now here is where it could get tricky with the blueline. I'd say the top 5 are set (Burns, Johnsson, Schultz, Carney, Skoula), and you also have Sean Hill, who will be out for the first 19 games because of his suspension. So there is 6...after 20 games. Then you have Petteri Nummelin and Kurtis Foster, both of whom are battling groin injuries. Foster was very close to not being offered a tender, so the onus is on him to play better than last year. He is looking like he is playing with a nastier edge, but still, for a big guy he is relatively tame. Nummelin, I may be wrong here, is on a two-way contract, which means he can be sent to Houston (which is where he belongs). Also, there have been rumblings of him being pursued by a Swiss League team over the summer, so perhaps that may happen. So.........that leaves Belle and Reitz. Well, either is an upgrade over Nummelin, especially on the physical side. Like I've said in the past, Foster's role has been usurped by Brent Burns, so he's on a short leash. If either can't play come Tuesday, I think they'll put them on Injured Reserve, and Belle or Reitz will vie for that spot. Erik Reitz is the better player now, but Shawn Belle has more upside- but raw as hell. So pick your poison.
- Petr Kalus has brought everything to the table, the hustle, the grit, the skills, the scor....wait. Kalus has been snake bitten all preseason, and we don't need another Pascal Dupuis. Kalus should be one of the last 2-3 cuts, and start in Houston to get his scoring touch back. I'd look for him to be an injury call-up right out of the gate, especially if he starts lighting the lamp.
- Matt Foy has flown up and down the ice when he plays, but I guess had a terrible game last night in St. Louis. He is basically on his last life here in Minnesota- he would have to clear waiver s to go to Houston, which means any of the other teams could snatch him up. He does present an attractive package (no homosexual)- an NHL-ready big kid who hustles, skates well, hits, and does have some scoring upside. Really, the only spot that would suit Foy would be on the 4th line in an energy role. But is that worth of the expense of the development of a skill guy like Sheppard or Pouliot?
- Benoit Pouliot has suddenly become the "center" of attention- the former left wing is now centering the Slovaks, making our top line a potentially scary dominating line, with Pouliot possibly becoming the long searched for #1 center for Marian Gaborik. He has played very well with them, positionally, responsibly, and has evolved a very good chemistry with Gabs and Demitra (plus I like the idea of calling our top line the DPG line.) He is going to be a very tough decision.
- James Sheppard is a very intriguing case here. He started kind of slow, had a bittersweet first game in Detroit, and then last night in St. Louis made the kind of impact play we can come to expect of him in the future- he blasted Blues Defenseman Christian Backman in front of the Wild Bench, which freed the puck which in turn became the primary assist on PMB's goal. Sheppard fit in well with Bouchard and Rolston, and now Doug Risebrough is "strongly contemplating" keeping Sheppard:
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_7031598?nclick_check=1
http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1453572.html
Sheppard has a versatility to him, and to a lesser extent Pouliot, to where he can play any role asked of him- be a skill guy, be an energy guy, bang bodies, shutdown the opposition, that maybe he would be best suited for the short term to play wing on the Koivu-Parrish line, a line which is the most physical of the 4 lines, suited for down-low cycling, which fits in with Sheppard's strengths. With Mark Parrish being a goal scorer, he could be in for a productive year playing with strong, pass-first guys like Koivu and Sheppard. If Sheppard is signed and stays with the Wild, it is for at least a 40 game commitment. But the x factor is...
- ...Dom Moore. Moore has been a surprise so far in camp, having a very good run, garnering the praise of Jacques Lemaire. If we keep Moore, than it is likely Sheppard and/Or Pouliot will be sent to their respective teams. However, Moore's tenure with Gaborik and Demitra was rather nondescript, Eric Belanger has cemented himself between Rolston and Bouchard (those three have a combined 17 points this preseason), Koivu is joined at the hip with Parrish, and you still have the ageless wonder Wes Walz. So where does Moore fit? Obviously the organization has made room for guys who play well, but it could very well work out that there isn't anyone to play with- no offense to these guys, but Moore deserves better than to play 4th line minutes with Derek Boogaard and Stephane Veilleux. Risebrough has said he isn't afraid to move someone (or people) in order to make room for someone else- that roster spots aren't exactly guaranteed. It could very well mean that Dom Moore is traded to somewhere where he can play, and Pouliot and Sheppard can develop with the big club.
Who knows?
That leaves Petr Kalus, James Sheppard, Shawn Belle, John Scott, Erik Reitz, Matt Foy, Benoit Pouliot, and to a lesser extent, Dominic Moore for 1-3 spots.
- I think Scott will be sent back to Houston, but the brass is clearly enamored with the 6'8" 250 pound former-Michigan Tech defenseman- my guess is that he will be a late cut, moreso for the purpose of development and experience at the NHL level. High Hopes for the Big Man...
- Now here is where it could get tricky with the blueline. I'd say the top 5 are set (Burns, Johnsson, Schultz, Carney, Skoula), and you also have Sean Hill, who will be out for the first 19 games because of his suspension. So there is 6...after 20 games. Then you have Petteri Nummelin and Kurtis Foster, both of whom are battling groin injuries. Foster was very close to not being offered a tender, so the onus is on him to play better than last year. He is looking like he is playing with a nastier edge, but still, for a big guy he is relatively tame. Nummelin, I may be wrong here, is on a two-way contract, which means he can be sent to Houston (which is where he belongs). Also, there have been rumblings of him being pursued by a Swiss League team over the summer, so perhaps that may happen. So.........that leaves Belle and Reitz. Well, either is an upgrade over Nummelin, especially on the physical side. Like I've said in the past, Foster's role has been usurped by Brent Burns, so he's on a short leash. If either can't play come Tuesday, I think they'll put them on Injured Reserve, and Belle or Reitz will vie for that spot. Erik Reitz is the better player now, but Shawn Belle has more upside- but raw as hell. So pick your poison.
- Petr Kalus has brought everything to the table, the hustle, the grit, the skills, the scor....wait. Kalus has been snake bitten all preseason, and we don't need another Pascal Dupuis. Kalus should be one of the last 2-3 cuts, and start in Houston to get his scoring touch back. I'd look for him to be an injury call-up right out of the gate, especially if he starts lighting the lamp.
- Matt Foy has flown up and down the ice when he plays, but I guess had a terrible game last night in St. Louis. He is basically on his last life here in Minnesota- he would have to clear waiver s to go to Houston, which means any of the other teams could snatch him up. He does present an attractive package (no homosexual)- an NHL-ready big kid who hustles, skates well, hits, and does have some scoring upside. Really, the only spot that would suit Foy would be on the 4th line in an energy role. But is that worth of the expense of the development of a skill guy like Sheppard or Pouliot?
- Benoit Pouliot has suddenly become the "center" of attention- the former left wing is now centering the Slovaks, making our top line a potentially scary dominating line, with Pouliot possibly becoming the long searched for #1 center for Marian Gaborik. He has played very well with them, positionally, responsibly, and has evolved a very good chemistry with Gabs and Demitra (plus I like the idea of calling our top line the DPG line.) He is going to be a very tough decision.
- James Sheppard is a very intriguing case here. He started kind of slow, had a bittersweet first game in Detroit, and then last night in St. Louis made the kind of impact play we can come to expect of him in the future- he blasted Blues Defenseman Christian Backman in front of the Wild Bench, which freed the puck which in turn became the primary assist on PMB's goal. Sheppard fit in well with Bouchard and Rolston, and now Doug Risebrough is "strongly contemplating" keeping Sheppard:
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_7031598?nclick_check=1
http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1453572.html
Sheppard has a versatility to him, and to a lesser extent Pouliot, to where he can play any role asked of him- be a skill guy, be an energy guy, bang bodies, shutdown the opposition, that maybe he would be best suited for the short term to play wing on the Koivu-Parrish line, a line which is the most physical of the 4 lines, suited for down-low cycling, which fits in with Sheppard's strengths. With Mark Parrish being a goal scorer, he could be in for a productive year playing with strong, pass-first guys like Koivu and Sheppard. If Sheppard is signed and stays with the Wild, it is for at least a 40 game commitment. But the x factor is...
- ...Dom Moore. Moore has been a surprise so far in camp, having a very good run, garnering the praise of Jacques Lemaire. If we keep Moore, than it is likely Sheppard and/Or Pouliot will be sent to their respective teams. However, Moore's tenure with Gaborik and Demitra was rather nondescript, Eric Belanger has cemented himself between Rolston and Bouchard (those three have a combined 17 points this preseason), Koivu is joined at the hip with Parrish, and you still have the ageless wonder Wes Walz. So where does Moore fit? Obviously the organization has made room for guys who play well, but it could very well work out that there isn't anyone to play with- no offense to these guys, but Moore deserves better than to play 4th line minutes with Derek Boogaard and Stephane Veilleux. Risebrough has said he isn't afraid to move someone (or people) in order to make room for someone else- that roster spots aren't exactly guaranteed. It could very well mean that Dom Moore is traded to somewhere where he can play, and Pouliot and Sheppard can develop with the big club.
Who knows?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
...Chicago shall rejoice.
Blackhawk fans mourning the death of their owner, "Dollar" Bill Wirtz.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Wirtz
Meet Steve Downie
Get used to the antics of Downie, the heir to Sean Avery and Matt Cooke as prime instigator. Gotta love the Senators (their new jerseys suck) and Flyers' rivalry.
http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=17900
http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=17900
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Intrigue
Some interesting goings on...
- last night Chris Simon (the same guy who swung his stick at Ryan Hollweg's head last year (now, in my humble but slightly inebriated opinion, we need to do away with the instigator penalty. Ryan Hollweg is a shining example of the kind of player that is protected by said infraction, able to run around and cheapshot and run people without having to answer for his actions. Seriously, get rid of the penalties, and you'll see a better product than the "new nhl".) played in a preseason game, against the Rangers no less, and incited a brawl after cross checking Hollweg in the head. But the kicker is, Simon is still serving a suspension from last year...so why is he playing? Because Sean Hill, the newly acquired-but still suspended defenseman wants to know- Hill is serving a suspension for testing positive for performance enhancers (which he vehemently denies), and can't play, but Simon can? And also incite a brawl while doing so? Shame on you Colin Campbell (NHL Czar of Discipline) for this absurd example of hypocrisy.
- Benoit Pouliot played center last night in Grand Forks, and was fantastic. The first rounder in 05 is originally a left winger, but the experiment with him at center will continue on- which I wholeheartedly agree with. Pouliot, who won both draws he had last night and assisted on Brian Rolston's game winner, was great positionally while centering guys like Pavol Demitra. Jacques Lemaire raved about his play (and also the play of the other kids- James Sheppard, Petr Kalus, Erik Reitz, Matt Foy, Big John Scott, and 07 first rounder Colton Gillies), and suddenly Pouliot has opened a big french door to getting one of probably two roster spots out of camp. The knock on Pouliot has always been his consistency- but when it comes down to it, a center is more involved than a winger is, and that is exactly what Benny Pouliot needs, to be involved in the play. His skillset is fantastic- he is a tall kid, with a frame that can fill out, but his skating is fluid, he has some serious dangle, an nhl-ready shot, and he can hit...so if we get him involved, how can we go wrong? It is like within the week Pouliot has gone from Former First Round Left Wing Enigma to Possible Pivot to the Slovaks.
-Lemaire is loving how Dom Moore is playing however, and that may just put Pouliot's emergence as center on hold.
- last night Chris Simon (the same guy who swung his stick at Ryan Hollweg's head last year (now, in my humble but slightly inebriated opinion, we need to do away with the instigator penalty. Ryan Hollweg is a shining example of the kind of player that is protected by said infraction, able to run around and cheapshot and run people without having to answer for his actions. Seriously, get rid of the penalties, and you'll see a better product than the "new nhl".) played in a preseason game, against the Rangers no less, and incited a brawl after cross checking Hollweg in the head. But the kicker is, Simon is still serving a suspension from last year...so why is he playing? Because Sean Hill, the newly acquired-but still suspended defenseman wants to know- Hill is serving a suspension for testing positive for performance enhancers (which he vehemently denies), and can't play, but Simon can? And also incite a brawl while doing so? Shame on you Colin Campbell (NHL Czar of Discipline) for this absurd example of hypocrisy.
- Benoit Pouliot played center last night in Grand Forks, and was fantastic. The first rounder in 05 is originally a left winger, but the experiment with him at center will continue on- which I wholeheartedly agree with. Pouliot, who won both draws he had last night and assisted on Brian Rolston's game winner, was great positionally while centering guys like Pavol Demitra. Jacques Lemaire raved about his play (and also the play of the other kids- James Sheppard, Petr Kalus, Erik Reitz, Matt Foy, Big John Scott, and 07 first rounder Colton Gillies), and suddenly Pouliot has opened a big french door to getting one of probably two roster spots out of camp. The knock on Pouliot has always been his consistency- but when it comes down to it, a center is more involved than a winger is, and that is exactly what Benny Pouliot needs, to be involved in the play. His skillset is fantastic- he is a tall kid, with a frame that can fill out, but his skating is fluid, he has some serious dangle, an nhl-ready shot, and he can hit...so if we get him involved, how can we go wrong? It is like within the week Pouliot has gone from Former First Round Left Wing Enigma to Possible Pivot to the Slovaks.
-Lemaire is loving how Dom Moore is playing however, and that may just put Pouliot's emergence as center on hold.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Ahhh sweet nostalgia
ESPN is running the best hits, saves, and goals of last year to get everyone ready for the upcoming season...
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3028754&categoryId=2459791
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3028754&categoryId=2459791
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Well, We won...
...3-2 over Detroilet, on a game broadcast on the Center Ice package, at everyone's favorite bar. Pretty goals abound, the kind you score on NHL 07 on the soon-to-be defunct Xbox, with the usual suspects Bouchard, Burns, and Rolston lighting the lamp. Tonight also marked the debut of James Sheppard...
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=245
The good and the ugly.
From what I saw (between my Leinie's Oktoberfest and Southwest Queso Wrap), Sheppard looked pretty solid...but the giant snafu (and really, we won, so how bad could it have possibly been?) wasn't shown on tv.
But apparently the lineup in Chicago tomorrow will be drastically different- guys like Benoit Pouliot (who didn't play before because of a DWI court appearance in Canada), Aaron Voros (he'll punch you in the mouth), John Scott (that huge oaf who played for Michigan Tech), and Shawn Belle (all the tools without the toolbox) will get playing time.
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=245
The good and the ugly.
From what I saw (between my Leinie's Oktoberfest and Southwest Queso Wrap), Sheppard looked pretty solid...but the giant snafu (and really, we won, so how bad could it have possibly been?) wasn't shown on tv.
But apparently the lineup in Chicago tomorrow will be drastically different- guys like Benoit Pouliot (who didn't play before because of a DWI court appearance in Canada), Aaron Voros (he'll punch you in the mouth), John Scott (that huge oaf who played for Michigan Tech), and Shawn Belle (all the tools without the toolbox) will get playing time.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Cuttin'
Here is the 2nd wave of cuts from camp:
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337818
Tyler Hirsch, AJ Thelen, Matt Kassian, and Peter Olvecky have already been sent to Houston.
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337818
Tyler Hirsch, AJ Thelen, Matt Kassian, and Peter Olvecky have already been sent to Houston.
I need more fat guy
So last night marked the beginning of the preseason, and essentially the tip-off of the 2007 Wild season. After some pregame brain melts at Alary's (obvious ambience aside), and some sightings of a few Gopher hockey players (Derek Peltier, Mike Carman, Evan Kaufmann), twas on to the X...and an ass kicking at the hands of Detroit. But before the game began (22 minutes late because of the Red Wings' plane landing late because of the weather), we were treated to one of the contestants of the National Anthem audition that the Wild are conducting. Despite her nice voice and Rachael Ray-like appearance, Laura Redbath is no Mike Schmidt. Trust me, Wild Nation needs the fat guy.
It was funny, there was a fan behind me that was all over Chris Chelios; "Chelios you're old!" "Chelios something something". Ya, Chris Chelios made us his bitch. All fun and games, then you see this is what Cheli does in the offseason:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/hockey/nhl/09/11/chelios.workout0917/index.html
On top of that fact that he's in impeccable shape, Chelios has enough veteran smarts to keep playing in the NHL for another couple of years- he can leave the rough and tumble shit to the younger kids, he'll just outsmart you.
So ya, back to our favorite squad...Not very good. Marching to the penalty box, Backstrom looked rusty, and basically it wasn't our night. Danny Irmen dropped down to block a shot, only for it to hit his stick, and flutter into the net behind Josh Harding- ya, it was one of those nights.
Here a few notes of mine (no I didn't write them down during the game, what do you think I am? A giant fucking dork?)
- Eric Belanger was one of the better players for Minnesota- he doesn't hesitate to rub someone out on the boards, he had 4 or 5 rather nice hits along the wall.
- Danny Irmen looked about a step behind nearly all game, I think the NHL game is just a hair to fast for him right now. On that note, he was assigned to Houston today.
- Petr Kalus looked pretty good as the game went on- as he got more ice time (5 on 5 and plenty of PP time), he started to show what he can do. Despite the few no-look drop passes that resulted in turnovers, I felt he played pretty well...on that note, some broad on the Alary's bus back to the bar was talking (loudly) to her friend about Kalus:
"You know that guy we got for Manny? Number 23? You know the guy who couldn't skate or shoot? I'd rather have Manny."
Goes to show how opinions can differ. Well much to her dismay, Kalus is one of probably 4 guys who is vying for essentially the lone roster spot out of camp.
- Matt Foy was flying around, exciting the crowd with a few HUGE checks. And I mean huge by board-rattling, gunshot sounding, Red Wing-smoking checks. Foy can flat out fly for a big kid, and assisted on the lone goal. An impression indeed.
- Pavel Datsyuk is just sick with the puck...he had an assist on a goal where he dangled between his legs, in traffic no less, went wide around a defender then dished across the goal mouth to a wide open Red Wing for an easy goal. Just insane what he did with the puck.
- Kurtis Foster is trying to be meaner than before...he was more physical than last year, but there were still plays were he could have stood up someone at the defensive blueline.
Seriously, by mid-3rd period there were around 500 or so people left in the X. The new PA announcer sucks, he botched the starting lineups pretty good, and he comes across as very timid, which isn't good since he's a PA announcer for an NHL team. The Wild prospects who didn't play were in suit and tie, walking around the lower bowl during intermissions...and there were a ton of Red Wings fans. A TON of them.
Unfortunately, to add insult to injury, they raised fucking beer prices. $6 for a beer. Its one thing to raise ticket prices, but come on fellas, you can at least leave the beer alone. A tip- get the keeper cups; bottled beer is just a paltry $6.75. I can't imagine what the prices are for the mixed drinks.
It may just be worth it to starting sneaking in 375's of your favorite poison...
It was funny, there was a fan behind me that was all over Chris Chelios; "Chelios you're old!" "Chelios something something". Ya, Chris Chelios made us his bitch. All fun and games, then you see this is what Cheli does in the offseason:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/hockey/nhl/09/11/chelios.workout0917/index.html
On top of that fact that he's in impeccable shape, Chelios has enough veteran smarts to keep playing in the NHL for another couple of years- he can leave the rough and tumble shit to the younger kids, he'll just outsmart you.
So ya, back to our favorite squad...Not very good. Marching to the penalty box, Backstrom looked rusty, and basically it wasn't our night. Danny Irmen dropped down to block a shot, only for it to hit his stick, and flutter into the net behind Josh Harding- ya, it was one of those nights.
Here a few notes of mine (no I didn't write them down during the game, what do you think I am? A giant fucking dork?)
- Eric Belanger was one of the better players for Minnesota- he doesn't hesitate to rub someone out on the boards, he had 4 or 5 rather nice hits along the wall.
- Danny Irmen looked about a step behind nearly all game, I think the NHL game is just a hair to fast for him right now. On that note, he was assigned to Houston today.
- Petr Kalus looked pretty good as the game went on- as he got more ice time (5 on 5 and plenty of PP time), he started to show what he can do. Despite the few no-look drop passes that resulted in turnovers, I felt he played pretty well...on that note, some broad on the Alary's bus back to the bar was talking (loudly) to her friend about Kalus:
"You know that guy we got for Manny? Number 23? You know the guy who couldn't skate or shoot? I'd rather have Manny."
Goes to show how opinions can differ. Well much to her dismay, Kalus is one of probably 4 guys who is vying for essentially the lone roster spot out of camp.
- Matt Foy was flying around, exciting the crowd with a few HUGE checks. And I mean huge by board-rattling, gunshot sounding, Red Wing-smoking checks. Foy can flat out fly for a big kid, and assisted on the lone goal. An impression indeed.
- Pavel Datsyuk is just sick with the puck...he had an assist on a goal where he dangled between his legs, in traffic no less, went wide around a defender then dished across the goal mouth to a wide open Red Wing for an easy goal. Just insane what he did with the puck.
- Kurtis Foster is trying to be meaner than before...he was more physical than last year, but there were still plays were he could have stood up someone at the defensive blueline.
Seriously, by mid-3rd period there were around 500 or so people left in the X. The new PA announcer sucks, he botched the starting lineups pretty good, and he comes across as very timid, which isn't good since he's a PA announcer for an NHL team. The Wild prospects who didn't play were in suit and tie, walking around the lower bowl during intermissions...and there were a ton of Red Wings fans. A TON of them.
Unfortunately, to add insult to injury, they raised fucking beer prices. $6 for a beer. Its one thing to raise ticket prices, but come on fellas, you can at least leave the beer alone. A tip- get the keeper cups; bottled beer is just a paltry $6.75. I can't imagine what the prices are for the mixed drinks.
It may just be worth it to starting sneaking in 375's of your favorite poison...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Twas the night before...
...the first preseason game, and here is the projected lineup:
Gaborik-Demitra-Radio
Bouchard-Belanger-Pouliot
Irmen-Moore-Kalus
Boogaard-Walz-Foy
Nummelin-Burns
Skoula-Reitz
Johnsson-Foster
Backstrom-Harding
I like those lines alot- I am eager to see what Pouliot is gonna do, and I think the Irmen-Moore-Kalus line could be a very effective line, since Kalus and Irmen both play a physical game and Dom Moore has been a nice surprise so far in camp.
I'll give you a first hand account tomorrow night- I'll be live at Ground Zero.
Gaborik-Demitra-Radio
Bouchard-Belanger-Pouliot
Irmen-Moore-Kalus
Boogaard-Walz-Foy
Nummelin-Burns
Skoula-Reitz
Johnsson-Foster
Backstrom-Harding
I like those lines alot- I am eager to see what Pouliot is gonna do, and I think the Irmen-Moore-Kalus line could be a very effective line, since Kalus and Irmen both play a physical game and Dom Moore has been a nice surprise so far in camp.
I'll give you a first hand account tomorrow night- I'll be live at Ground Zero.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Canadian on Canadian Violence
From this months issue of ESPN The Magazine, Nick Schultz of the Wild interviews Justin Morneau of the Twins.
Schultz: How has your life changed since you won the MVP?
Morneau: Can't go grocery shopping anymore, that's for sure. Last year, after I won, I'd go into the grocery store, and people would chant "MVP" when I was trying to get groceries. It was kind of cool, but at the same time, it makes things a little tough.
NS: Has it changed in Canada, as well?
JM: Not so much, I can go anywhere in Vancouver.
NS: Which pitcher gives you the most trouble?
JM: BJ Ryan's hurt, but he's tough. So I'll say Nate Robertson (Ironically Morneau hit #30 off of Robertson last night). I think I'm 3 for 24 off him. And the Tiger's new kid. Andrew Miller- He's got stuff, man.
NS: Any advice for my slow-pitch game?
JM: I've seen your swing. It's pretty weak.
NS: You haven't seen my slow-pitch swing, though. Its different.
JM: If it looks anything like your baseball swing, you're in trouble.
(I'll skip over some for brevity)
NS: Last one, why are the girls who wear your jersey never good looking?
JM: That's harsh. That's Brutal.
NS: I'll take that as "no comment."
Schultz: How has your life changed since you won the MVP?
Morneau: Can't go grocery shopping anymore, that's for sure. Last year, after I won, I'd go into the grocery store, and people would chant "MVP" when I was trying to get groceries. It was kind of cool, but at the same time, it makes things a little tough.
NS: Has it changed in Canada, as well?
JM: Not so much, I can go anywhere in Vancouver.
NS: Which pitcher gives you the most trouble?
JM: BJ Ryan's hurt, but he's tough. So I'll say Nate Robertson (Ironically Morneau hit #30 off of Robertson last night). I think I'm 3 for 24 off him. And the Tiger's new kid. Andrew Miller- He's got stuff, man.
NS: Any advice for my slow-pitch game?
JM: I've seen your swing. It's pretty weak.
NS: You haven't seen my slow-pitch swing, though. Its different.
JM: If it looks anything like your baseball swing, you're in trouble.
(I'll skip over some for brevity)
NS: Last one, why are the girls who wear your jersey never good looking?
JM: That's harsh. That's Brutal.
NS: I'll take that as "no comment."
Training Camp Bonanza!
Dom Moore was the star of yesterday- 2 goals, and an assist on Danny Irmen's goal. With that, Moore's been the focus of stories about how he played very little after he arrived here at the Trade Deadline.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6898089?nclick_check=1
http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1424203.html
From Mike Russo's account, Irmen did nothing to ruin his chance at cracking the roster of the big club- he scored a goal, and was flying around all game. He also scored in the shootout tiebreaker. Irmen looks like he could fill the role of a Stephane Veillieux, except contribute more. Personally I think a Koivu/Sheppard-Parrish-Irmen line could be very effective. Irmen, who has long been a favorite of Tommy Thompson, Director of Scouting, also has the intangibles- leadership, a hard work ethic, determination, and some grit, which the Wild lacked last year. To be fair, Veillieux and Radioelflkndfo;isfhesfvic (Branko for short) did what they could- they went out and hit, they fought, they did what 4th liners do; go out, create some energy, hit some people, and fuck some shit up. What Irmen can do is bring that grit to the upper lines, and also put something on the scoresheet. Long a fan favorite as a Gopher, its a matter of time before you see #14 Irmen Wild jerseys (I mean the one I am gonna get.)
Benoit Pouliot looks to be focused- something tells me he doesn't want to play in Houston again. Its always a good thing when you have motivated talent on your side.
Another story is Tyler Hirsch, who like Moore, has been in the limelight. The former Gopher essentially has played his way into Training Camp, and from the sounds of it, at least a trip to Houston's training camp in two weeks. To quote the great Doug Woog, and also one of my group of friends' favorite quip, "Hirsch got good hands."
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6898091
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6898089?nclick_check=1
http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1424203.html
From Mike Russo's account, Irmen did nothing to ruin his chance at cracking the roster of the big club- he scored a goal, and was flying around all game. He also scored in the shootout tiebreaker. Irmen looks like he could fill the role of a Stephane Veillieux, except contribute more. Personally I think a Koivu/Sheppard-Parrish-Irmen line could be very effective. Irmen, who has long been a favorite of Tommy Thompson, Director of Scouting, also has the intangibles- leadership, a hard work ethic, determination, and some grit, which the Wild lacked last year. To be fair, Veillieux and Radioelflkndfo;isfhesfvic (Branko for short) did what they could- they went out and hit, they fought, they did what 4th liners do; go out, create some energy, hit some people, and fuck some shit up. What Irmen can do is bring that grit to the upper lines, and also put something on the scoresheet. Long a fan favorite as a Gopher, its a matter of time before you see #14 Irmen Wild jerseys (I mean the one I am gonna get.)
Benoit Pouliot looks to be focused- something tells me he doesn't want to play in Houston again. Its always a good thing when you have motivated talent on your side.
Another story is Tyler Hirsch, who like Moore, has been in the limelight. The former Gopher essentially has played his way into Training Camp, and from the sounds of it, at least a trip to Houston's training camp in two weeks. To quote the great Doug Woog, and also one of my group of friends' favorite quip, "Hirsch got good hands."
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6898091
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Breaking Up When You Love Sports
Things were going well- I was out and about, and things showed promise. Things around me were starting to blossom, new loves were starting to kindle. It took a little while to get over my last breakup- it was hard not to see what they did the night before, or to glimpse at what they were doing tonight while you were out. But it had to happen; I was too tired of being let down night after night, especially when we came into this year with so much promise and excitement. The love of last summer was too good to even think it would spoil.
But I did it. No more contact, and if by the sheer chance I did see them, I maintained a skeptical eye, if not spiteful. There was plenty of drinking, so I could keep them off my mind until better things arose- and things are looking up. What's better than Summer Love? Well, love in the winter.
But, suddenly, almost to my dismay, they are back in my life. I see them everywhere, hear about them, and I can't help but get caught back into their turmoil, their lingering questions, the forming cloud of doubt...
...Terry Ryan resigned from his General Manager position today, effective September 30. Stating a growing loss of love for the game, Ryan will leave his role to his right hand man, Bill Smith. From what I heard tonight on AM 1500, Smith was Ryan's hatchet man, the bearer of bad news. But with Ryan's impending departure, the questions mount. Why? Better yet, Why now? What about Santana and Hunter?
Suddenly the ex-love of mine is back in full force; sports talk radio, internet, etc.
I thought the breakup was going well; Matthew fucking LeCroy was getting at-bats the last I checked. Ha, you're back with a guy who looked like Fred Flintstone? And now the Twins are back, garnering attention, albeit for the wrong reason.
I can't help but notice, because when my winter love dies down(and maybe a fall fling with something purple), I may have to turn my attention back.
Old love dies hard.
But I did it. No more contact, and if by the sheer chance I did see them, I maintained a skeptical eye, if not spiteful. There was plenty of drinking, so I could keep them off my mind until better things arose- and things are looking up. What's better than Summer Love? Well, love in the winter.
But, suddenly, almost to my dismay, they are back in my life. I see them everywhere, hear about them, and I can't help but get caught back into their turmoil, their lingering questions, the forming cloud of doubt...
...Terry Ryan resigned from his General Manager position today, effective September 30. Stating a growing loss of love for the game, Ryan will leave his role to his right hand man, Bill Smith. From what I heard tonight on AM 1500, Smith was Ryan's hatchet man, the bearer of bad news. But with Ryan's impending departure, the questions mount. Why? Better yet, Why now? What about Santana and Hunter?
Suddenly the ex-love of mine is back in full force; sports talk radio, internet, etc.
I thought the breakup was going well; Matthew fucking LeCroy was getting at-bats the last I checked. Ha, you're back with a guy who looked like Fred Flintstone? And now the Twins are back, garnering attention, albeit for the wrong reason.
I can't help but notice, because when my winter love dies down(and maybe a fall fling with something purple), I may have to turn my attention back.
Old love dies hard.
Hail Hail The Gangs All Here
The roster for Training Camp:
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337057
I like how Risebrough said this will be the most competitive camp yet- meaning that there is a chance that some vets from seasons past may be gone.
- I don't know anything about the guys on tryout, save Tyler Hirsch- I mean the guys from the WHL and QMJHL. Jeff May was a teammate of AJ Thelen at Prince Albert, but Ryan Graham, Maxim Noreau, Frederic St. Denis? Who? But in their defense, they did something right, considering they got a free ride to Traverse City, and now an invite to the big camp. I do think Moises Gutierrez will get a ride to Houston, considering his history with Aeros Coach Kevin Constantine (the pride of International Falls).
-Adrian Foster is an interesting tryout- once upon a time, he was considered a better bantam (15-16 year old) prospect than Dany Heatley. However, severe injuries have essentially ruined that promise, and he's been kinda floundering in the American League the past few years in the Devils farm teams. But considering the Wild's history with reclamation projects, Foster may be a gem.
-Barry Brust is a former Wild pick...and like Thelen, wasn't signed. Both are in camp.
Here is TSN's preview for Minnesota:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11200
And here is a Pioneer Press article about the possibility of a rookie winning a roster spot:
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6876853?nclick_check=1
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337057
I like how Risebrough said this will be the most competitive camp yet- meaning that there is a chance that some vets from seasons past may be gone.
- I don't know anything about the guys on tryout, save Tyler Hirsch- I mean the guys from the WHL and QMJHL. Jeff May was a teammate of AJ Thelen at Prince Albert, but Ryan Graham, Maxim Noreau, Frederic St. Denis? Who? But in their defense, they did something right, considering they got a free ride to Traverse City, and now an invite to the big camp. I do think Moises Gutierrez will get a ride to Houston, considering his history with Aeros Coach Kevin Constantine (the pride of International Falls).
-Adrian Foster is an interesting tryout- once upon a time, he was considered a better bantam (15-16 year old) prospect than Dany Heatley. However, severe injuries have essentially ruined that promise, and he's been kinda floundering in the American League the past few years in the Devils farm teams. But considering the Wild's history with reclamation projects, Foster may be a gem.
-Barry Brust is a former Wild pick...and like Thelen, wasn't signed. Both are in camp.
Here is TSN's preview for Minnesota:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11200
And here is a Pioneer Press article about the possibility of a rookie winning a roster spot:
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6876853?nclick_check=1
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Can You Tell that I'm excited for Friday?
Friday marks the first formal day of training camp...The camp roster was extended from 39 to 55, with 16 players from the Prospect Tourney getting invites- Thelen, Tyler Hirsch, Benny Pouliot, James Sheppard, and 07 1st rounder Colton Gillies are the names I've seen so far (apparently wild.com is supposed to have the roster, but they are terribly slow with updates and news...almost worse than my blogging schedule). Speaking of camp, here's hoping that they have an open practice to the public again like last year. I was impressed by the turnout, and count me in as one of those who will go again.
Anyways, here's a Pioneer Press article on Kimmy Johnsson and his head...
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_6866480?nclick_check=1
Anyways, here's a Pioneer Press article on Kimmy Johnsson and his head...
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_6866480?nclick_check=1
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Middle of the road...
http://pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=543826
Here is the final of the 3rd place game, with the Baby Thrashers outdueling Minnesota 3-1. Since I'm here, and not there, I can't really give my take on what transpired, but I can tell that Benoit Pouliot's shorthanded goal is a good sign- Pouliot had 3 points yesterday, and now a shortie today, and given his immense talent, a very motivated Benoit Pouliot means good things for Wild Nation, and something tells me that our 2005 1st rounder (4th overall) doesn't want to spend anymore time in Houston.
Here is the final of the 3rd place game, with the Baby Thrashers outdueling Minnesota 3-1. Since I'm here, and not there, I can't really give my take on what transpired, but I can tell that Benoit Pouliot's shorthanded goal is a good sign- Pouliot had 3 points yesterday, and now a shortie today, and given his immense talent, a very motivated Benoit Pouliot means good things for Wild Nation, and something tells me that our 2005 1st rounder (4th overall) doesn't want to spend anymore time in Houston.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Gettin my dork on
Game 3 of the Prospect Tourney is kicking 9 different kinds of dog shit out of the St. Louis Blues...7-3.
http://pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=543818
7 points from the Irmen-Fiala-Pouliot line today, a goal and a helper from Tyler Hirsch also.
http://pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=543818
7 points from the Irmen-Fiala-Pouliot line today, a goal and a helper from Tyler Hirsch also.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Whooped
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=336887
And NHL.com has a small sub-site devoted to the tourney...
http://fans.nhl.com/Groups/2007_NHL_Prospects_Development_Tournament/
And NHL.com has a small sub-site devoted to the tourney...
http://fans.nhl.com/Groups/2007_NHL_Prospects_Development_Tournament/
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Hockey World, Hockey World, Hockey World...
...Its a nice article, but damn AJ...you're using "hockey world" too often.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6812882
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_6812882
No Diggity
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=336849
The Baby Wild (Wildlings? Wild Bunch? Wild?) trounced the Dallas Stars in the first game of the Prospect Tourney. Cal Clutterbuck (gonna be a hot jersey when he makes the big club...just imagine the chants; "Fuck em up Clutterbuck *clap* *clap*" or "He got Clutterbucked!") scored twice, as did Free Agent try-out Moises Gutierrez, and former Gopher Danny Irmen also scored. Tyler "Hirsch got good hands" assisted on Gutierrez' first goal.
Gutierrez is a big kid- 6'4" and 225 pounds, and scored 35 goals last year for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. Where Gutierrez has an inside track to a contract with the Wild/Aeros is that his coach at Everett, Kevin Constantine (noted disciplinarian, which is good since the Aeros sucked something serious last year, and guys like Benoit Pouliot and Roman Voloshenko need a kick in the ass), was hired to coach in Houston. Gutierrez was basically adrift in the WHL, until Constantine brought him to Everett, and taught him to become an effective player without scoring goals, which had gotten Gutierrez far already. Despite the tag of "overage year stats" (junior hockey is typically for 16-20 year old kids, overagers are those who will turn 21 over the course of the year, and since they have been around the league for a while they typically have good years because of experience. Teams are only allowed to have 1 or 2 overagers on their team), Gutierrez displayed a great hard work ethic and hustle which made him an extremely effective player for Everett, which was one of the best teams in the WHL last year (a team which contained 2006 2nd round pick Ondrej Fiala- more on him in a minute- and Bloomington native Peter Mueller, who went 8th overall in 06, just before the Wild's pick at 9- Mueller looks to be a lock on the Opening Night roster for the Phoenix Coyotes at the age of 19.) So since the Wild are in the midst of the "Grit Movement", Gutierrez fits nicely into their plans, and I'd expect Kevin Constantine to give Gutierrez every chance to get an invite to Training Camp and a contract because he knows what Gutierrez can offer.
Now, onto Fiala. An amazing skater, Fiala, from the sounds of it, has recovered very nicely from his 3rd knee surgery (!!!). I like the kid as a prospect, but 3 knee surgeries is alarming. Apparently his knee never felt right after the 2nd surgery, and Constantine and the Everett brass wanted him to play through it, which caused Fiala to essentially leave the team at mid-season (he was at nearly a point per game during his shortened season) to go back to the Czech Republic to get his knee redone. This is good news for Wild Nation, because Fiala has intriguing upside as a 2nd line center, or maybe along the lines of Wes Walz as a shutdown center. Fiala and uber-prospect James Sheppard were the two fastest skaters at the CHL Top Prospects game in 2006. (The Top Prospects game is a showcase for draft eligible players, featuring testing, skills competitions, and eventually a game. Its a big time deal in Canada, of course.)
http://www.nhl.com/features/spotlight/fiala081606.html
The Baby Wild play the Blue Jackets today at 2pm.
The Baby Wild (Wildlings? Wild Bunch? Wild?) trounced the Dallas Stars in the first game of the Prospect Tourney. Cal Clutterbuck (gonna be a hot jersey when he makes the big club...just imagine the chants; "Fuck em up Clutterbuck *clap* *clap*" or "He got Clutterbucked!") scored twice, as did Free Agent try-out Moises Gutierrez, and former Gopher Danny Irmen also scored. Tyler "Hirsch got good hands" assisted on Gutierrez' first goal.
Gutierrez is a big kid- 6'4" and 225 pounds, and scored 35 goals last year for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. Where Gutierrez has an inside track to a contract with the Wild/Aeros is that his coach at Everett, Kevin Constantine (noted disciplinarian, which is good since the Aeros sucked something serious last year, and guys like Benoit Pouliot and Roman Voloshenko need a kick in the ass), was hired to coach in Houston. Gutierrez was basically adrift in the WHL, until Constantine brought him to Everett, and taught him to become an effective player without scoring goals, which had gotten Gutierrez far already. Despite the tag of "overage year stats" (junior hockey is typically for 16-20 year old kids, overagers are those who will turn 21 over the course of the year, and since they have been around the league for a while they typically have good years because of experience. Teams are only allowed to have 1 or 2 overagers on their team), Gutierrez displayed a great hard work ethic and hustle which made him an extremely effective player for Everett, which was one of the best teams in the WHL last year (a team which contained 2006 2nd round pick Ondrej Fiala- more on him in a minute- and Bloomington native Peter Mueller, who went 8th overall in 06, just before the Wild's pick at 9- Mueller looks to be a lock on the Opening Night roster for the Phoenix Coyotes at the age of 19.) So since the Wild are in the midst of the "Grit Movement", Gutierrez fits nicely into their plans, and I'd expect Kevin Constantine to give Gutierrez every chance to get an invite to Training Camp and a contract because he knows what Gutierrez can offer.
Now, onto Fiala. An amazing skater, Fiala, from the sounds of it, has recovered very nicely from his 3rd knee surgery (!!!). I like the kid as a prospect, but 3 knee surgeries is alarming. Apparently his knee never felt right after the 2nd surgery, and Constantine and the Everett brass wanted him to play through it, which caused Fiala to essentially leave the team at mid-season (he was at nearly a point per game during his shortened season) to go back to the Czech Republic to get his knee redone. This is good news for Wild Nation, because Fiala has intriguing upside as a 2nd line center, or maybe along the lines of Wes Walz as a shutdown center. Fiala and uber-prospect James Sheppard were the two fastest skaters at the CHL Top Prospects game in 2006. (The Top Prospects game is a showcase for draft eligible players, featuring testing, skills competitions, and eventually a game. Its a big time deal in Canada, of course.)
http://www.nhl.com/features/spotlight/fiala081606.html
The Baby Wild play the Blue Jackets today at 2pm.
Unsurprise
Well here you go kids...as you can see, the white sweater wasn't altered a whole lot (apparently the gold collar is new, and the striping on the sleeves is narrower), which is fine by me- the Wild logo is one of the better ones in sports, and it works nicely on the white. Also worth mentioning on the red home jersey is the green stripe at the bottom of the jersey is gone.
Replicas go for $125, the Authentics go for a paltry $250. Player nameplates and numbers will be available the 14th of this month.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The cats out of the bag
Well, since tomorrow is gonna be the 7th, Unveiling Day, the Wild were supposed to release the Jerseys.
But being a season ticket holder, they put a picture of it in the back of the ticket book (which we got a week ago) Here you go. Not much of a change, but like I've said, I want to see the white jerseys.
Misc.
- I talked to AJ Thelen's dad the other day, and he told me that the Wild signed Thelen to a contract with the Houston Aeros (their AHL affiliate), but the interesting thing about the deal is that it is like a restricted free agent deal- other teams can offer Thelen deals during the preseason, but the Wild have the ability to match it if they see fit. Funny how in the end the brass takes the compensatory pick for not signing Thelen by the June 1st deadline, uses it to draft Colton Gillies (I ran across this quote by a amateur scout on Gillies- "He is and will be an impact player...he ranks as the the player in the WHL that people least want to play against"), and then sign Thelen to an AHL deal, with a trip to the Prospect Tourney, training camp, and maybe an NHL contract.
- You know what pisses me off when I am driving? When fuckers don't even drive the speed limit, especially on expressways. Seriously, if you can't handle driving 65, find a different fucking road. You fuck things up for everyone else. I shudder everytime I see an octogenarian in a Buick LeSabre.
- Are the Twins still playing?
- If Tavaris Jackson throws for a touchdown on sunday, but since no one is gonna be at the game, and because of that, the local coverage is blacked out...did it really happen? Last I heard, 1700 tickets remain to be sold by the 2 pm deadline tomorrow (friday).
- You know what pisses me off when I am driving? When fuckers don't even drive the speed limit, especially on expressways. Seriously, if you can't handle driving 65, find a different fucking road. You fuck things up for everyone else. I shudder everytime I see an octogenarian in a Buick LeSabre.
- Are the Twins still playing?
- If Tavaris Jackson throws for a touchdown on sunday, but since no one is gonna be at the game, and because of that, the local coverage is blacked out...did it really happen? Last I heard, 1700 tickets remain to be sold by the 2 pm deadline tomorrow (friday).
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