http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/CandB/comments/photo_notes_from_blogland/
The Sergei Federov bit is pretty funny.
Friday, February 29, 2008
I'll admit, I chuckled.
Here is the trailer to the new Mike Myers movie, "The Love Guru". Myers plays India's 2nd best Guru, and the Toronto Maple Leafs hire him to help out a star player's marriage.
And yes, Justin Timberlake plays a french canadian.
And yes, Justin Timberlake plays a french canadian.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
#64...Blue Skies, Smiling At Me...
It looks as if Minnesota is going with plan B; Last night's game (or today's noon replay) appears to be just that. Jacques Lemaire rotated just the 3 legit centers; Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger, and James Sheppard (not to strut around like the top cock in the barnyard (?), but I mentioned that this was a possibility.)
It works, or at least worked.
Pavol Demitra was extremely effective on the wing, which is where he should be; I get that sometimes you don't want to make rash decisions in the face of injuries, etc., but Demitra has to stay on the wing. I know he can play center, but considering the responsibilities that are required defensively, it just neuters Demitra's offensive talent. In fact, the line of Koivu and the Slovaks were pretty good.
And so was James Sheppard. He played a career-high 16 minutes; I believe he's outplayed all the expectations, and now that he's done that, Lemaire won't be afraid (or you could say that Shepp's play has forced Lemaire's hand) to use him much more prominently with the top lines. Eric Belanger can easily slide between the 2nd and 3rd lines, although he, Branko Radivojevic, and Stephane Veilleux have been very good of late.
Back to Sheppard; Obviously you can see the improvement, now that he's getting the timing and pace down. Now, when I mentioned that he forced Lemaire's hand, I mean it as that his play, and all-around game, is in a sense enabled the Wild to maybe pass on acquiring a center, which was a priority. With Sheppard and Koivu down the middle, we got a solid 1-2 punch for the next couple of years.
What a game makes; Man, things looked pretty low, even 12 hours ago- a 4 game losing streak, no regulation wins in almost a month, the Chris Simon kerfuffle, and a surging Calgary team taking the lead...
Well, in what shouldn't surprise many because its just the way the Northwest works, the 3-2 win last night has not only put the Wild back into a tie for the Division lead (its funny how 2 points just seemed like a steep climb), but into the lead, by way of our 2 more victories. Crazy.
Minnesota has to build off of this; the chance is there to reel off a 3-4 game winning streak and rebuild that buffer, because they're gonna have to go through everyone in the division to make the playoffs or get their first Division Champion Banner.
It works, or at least worked.
Pavol Demitra was extremely effective on the wing, which is where he should be; I get that sometimes you don't want to make rash decisions in the face of injuries, etc., but Demitra has to stay on the wing. I know he can play center, but considering the responsibilities that are required defensively, it just neuters Demitra's offensive talent. In fact, the line of Koivu and the Slovaks were pretty good.
And so was James Sheppard. He played a career-high 16 minutes; I believe he's outplayed all the expectations, and now that he's done that, Lemaire won't be afraid (or you could say that Shepp's play has forced Lemaire's hand) to use him much more prominently with the top lines. Eric Belanger can easily slide between the 2nd and 3rd lines, although he, Branko Radivojevic, and Stephane Veilleux have been very good of late.
Back to Sheppard; Obviously you can see the improvement, now that he's getting the timing and pace down. Now, when I mentioned that he forced Lemaire's hand, I mean it as that his play, and all-around game, is in a sense enabled the Wild to maybe pass on acquiring a center, which was a priority. With Sheppard and Koivu down the middle, we got a solid 1-2 punch for the next couple of years.
What a game makes; Man, things looked pretty low, even 12 hours ago- a 4 game losing streak, no regulation wins in almost a month, the Chris Simon kerfuffle, and a surging Calgary team taking the lead...
Well, in what shouldn't surprise many because its just the way the Northwest works, the 3-2 win last night has not only put the Wild back into a tie for the Division lead (its funny how 2 points just seemed like a steep climb), but into the lead, by way of our 2 more victories. Crazy.
Minnesota has to build off of this; the chance is there to reel off a 3-4 game winning streak and rebuild that buffer, because they're gonna have to go through everyone in the division to make the playoffs or get their first Division Champion Banner.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Shaking off the bandwaggoners
Cooler Heads Will Prevail...
Its interesting to me the reaction from Wild Nation from yesterday; not just the ass-whoopin the Washington Capitals laid on our Wild, but the fallout from the Chris Simon acquisition. Everywhere people are losing their mind; "I'll never go to a game again", "f the wild", "I'm gonna boo Chris Simon because he's a thug and a bad person", "wah wah wah wah". I'm as disappointed as anyone else that we didn't add help up the middle, or do what we (all the rubes and armchair gm's) thought what should have done to improve or to even right a faltering ship.
Was I surprised we traded for Chris Simon? Yes.
Can Simon be serviceable? Yes.
Is this acquisition a blow to the baby jesus of Minnesota sports franchises? Yes.
Could this be very bad for everyone? Yes, but the fact of the matter is that Simon has yet to take a shift in a Wild sweater, and people have already written him off.
I'm amazed at the knee-jerk reaction; I get that people live and die with their favorite teams (god forbid the Vikings did something like this...The Vikings sign Rae Carruth!), but let's get a grip people.
Wait, no.
Go ahead and go- we don't need you, especially when things start to go our way again (holding my breath...) and suddenly we're back in gear. Find another team; hey Colorado got Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg, now you can root against Minnesota! Better yet, become a Canucks fan! You love the Sedins, don't you? Oh, you don't want to be a season ticket holder anymore? GOOD! Now I can move my seats to yours and watch my team up close! Sick of drinking those $6 beers? GOOD! More beer and cheese curds for this guy.
Call me an apologist; I'll call you irrational. I get the disappointment (like I said I was too), but the fact of the matter is now people are writing off THE FRANCHISE before Simon has even taken the ice. While I do think Risebrough was a bit smug in his assessment of what he did and didn't do yesterday, he's not going to sell the farm to please the bandwaggoners. Its just not gonna happen. Did you see Atlanta in the Stanley Cup last year? How bout the Islanders?
"Chris Simon? Risebrough sucks, our team sucks, our prospects suck, and the sky is falling!!!!"
Yes I'm drawing a line in the sand here and being brazen; If you aren't going to give this trade a chance, which any level-headed fan should, then go. Like I said, there's no room for flip-floppers. Just don't come back onboard when suddenly things are looking sunnier.
#63...A Little Doubt Goes A Long Way
This about sums it up; the Green and Red Machine is leaking some serious oil. Washington simply dominated from the beginning of the game; and what makes it even more alarming is that it was guys like Ovechkin, Semin (hehe), or Backstrom- it was some unstoppable juggernaut known as Brooks Laich, who had a 4 point night. In fact, his linemates, Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr, were also +4 on the night. This seems to be a trend, where some random low-liner (Kyle Brodziak of Edmonton and Dave Bolland of Chicago) get their monkeyasses famous by looking positively Gretzky-like on the Wild.
To say we laid an egg would be false; they responded after Washington's second goal (!), and pressured well until they scored, which was flukey at best. However, the Veilleux-Belanger-Radio line was buzzing all night, so it was fair for that one flukey bounce to go their way. Funny enough, right after Eric Belanger did a bench interview, talking about how "now's the time to go after them, they are rattled a bit now that we've scored", Eric Fehr roofs one of Nik Backstrom, and Brooks Laich gets his second of the night shortly after. Game Over, and it wasn't even the 3rd period.
The Wild are in a very precarious position right now; its not that they sit just behind Calgary for the Division lead, although we shouldn't kid ourselves to think that perhaps we do stand a snowball's chance in hell overcoming the Flames, its that Minnesota is literally on the verge of melting down. Completely; this team is hanging on by a thread, a tiny strand from completely wiping itself off of the map. They are having trouble scoring, and when they do score they are either already behind or will cough up a lead, and that's going to lead to some severe discontent from all the parties involved (players, coaches, Brass, Fans) if somehow we don't make the playoffs.
I am talking some serious backlash. People were already calling in or posting online that they've renounced their Wild "Fanship" because of the Chris Simon acquisition, can you imagine what's gonna happen if they blow a 6 point Division lead and then miss the playoffs in 20 games? Better yet, there goes Demitra, Rolston, Gaborik, etc...
This team is a mess, plain and simple, top to bottom. They can't win (or score that matter) to save their lives, and because suddenly our prospect pool looks like a toilet bowl after a rough night of tacos and Jimmy Beam, management can't pull off a deal to help immediately, so we all end up with a guy who literally could snap at the drop of the hat (or puck?)
And lucky for us, Mike Smith now plays for Tampa Bay.
Remember that creepy moment?
When I told you about Pierre Maguire (who happens to look like Mr. Peanut) on Trade Deadline Day? The comment is toward the end...the smile that comes across his face when the other guy starts to talk about Hal Gill's stick is priceless.
Separated at birth?
Separated at birth?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Man, I don't know
I don't get it; as much as I am trying to justify trading a 6th round pick for Chris Simon (hell we probably could have Simon, the Islanders needed the pick just to get his baggage of the Island), I am having a hell of a time. For a moment you could have argued that for just a moment Minnesota had somehow slipped in the cinematheque, that the Wild were fighting for a playoff spot in the Federal League from "Slapshot".
Take a look at the forums at Wild.Com; people are screaming bloody murder. Elsewhere, Islanders fans are amazed that they even got something for him. It'll be interesting to hear what Doug Risebrough's spin is on this transaction.
The only real reason why I can see why Simon was brought in wasn't just his inherent toughness- not something to be questioned- but that he is an effective forward in the playoffs; when the Calgary Flames made their run toward the Stanley Cup a few years back (2004); he played for Colorado when the Avs won a cup (1996), and he was also the main scoring cog for a Washington Capitals team that went to the finals (1998). Simon's size, strength, and experience will help a relatively young Minnesota team in the playoffs (assuming that the Wild make them); He'll make space for guys like Bouchard, he'll be counted on to play physical, and when it boils down to it, he'll be the enforcer; Todd Fedoruk's been told to play (and play well he has), Derek Boogaard is a giant question mark because of his janky back, and Aaron Voros is better suited as a middle weight.
Simon will provide even more grit in the 7 to 12 forward ranks, and has the capability to chip in; considering his past goal scoring roles, he may be called on for some power play time, presumably in front of the goalie.
Is it fair for us to immediately jump to conclusions? No; I've heard that Simon is a great team guy, despite his penchant for snapping (8 suspensions and counting), and maybe this will work out well; only time will tell.
Take a look at the forums at Wild.Com; people are screaming bloody murder. Elsewhere, Islanders fans are amazed that they even got something for him. It'll be interesting to hear what Doug Risebrough's spin is on this transaction.
The only real reason why I can see why Simon was brought in wasn't just his inherent toughness- not something to be questioned- but that he is an effective forward in the playoffs; when the Calgary Flames made their run toward the Stanley Cup a few years back (2004); he played for Colorado when the Avs won a cup (1996), and he was also the main scoring cog for a Washington Capitals team that went to the finals (1998). Simon's size, strength, and experience will help a relatively young Minnesota team in the playoffs (assuming that the Wild make them); He'll make space for guys like Bouchard, he'll be counted on to play physical, and when it boils down to it, he'll be the enforcer; Todd Fedoruk's been told to play (and play well he has), Derek Boogaard is a giant question mark because of his janky back, and Aaron Voros is better suited as a middle weight.
Simon will provide even more grit in the 7 to 12 forward ranks, and has the capability to chip in; considering his past goal scoring roles, he may be called on for some power play time, presumably in front of the goalie.
Is it fair for us to immediately jump to conclusions? No; I've heard that Simon is a great team guy, despite his penchant for snapping (8 suspensions and counting), and maybe this will work out well; only time will tell.
D-DAY
Today is the Trade Deadline Day...this is where all the moves are supposed to shake down. Many consider this a holiday; I've heard stories about people taking the day off to enjoy the festivities. I got the day off (and tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after...) so I figure I'll get my nerd on.
Here is a link to watch the Canadian version of the NHL network's trade deadline coverage; feel free to turn the volume down a bit and let it go in the background...
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/media/comments/tsn_on_the_nhl_network/
As for our Minnesota Wild, let's address it all. They need someone who will do one of two things:
1. Provide a presence that will take some attention of the main scorers; Someone that will force the other team to assign someone to watch over this player. I say this because our lack of secondary scoring is scary at the moment, so if the ice is left open a bit, perhaps the Belangers, Bouchards, Parrish', etc. should have a chance to chip in on a regular basis. These are guys like Olli Jokinen, Brad Richards, maybe Jeff Carter from Philadelphia.
2. A depth center. Basically Minnesota is running with 3 legit centers; Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger, and James Sheppard. So maybe not a top notch guy, but a reliable two-way guy that can anchor a line, presumably on any line. Here I am talking about Jarrett Stoll of Edmonton, Bobby Holik, or Mike Peca.
Now, if nothing happens, here is a likely scenario; over the past few games James Sheppard has gotten more ice time toward the end of the game, usually with the skill guys, and it could be that Shepp gets bumped up to anchor the 2nd line, and the Wild call up a guy from Houston for the 4th line; Serge Payer is a gritty checking center, or maybe even Benoit Pouliot for development purposes.
I don't think we need a defenseman; our top 4 is set, and personally I'd go with Keith Carney and Sean Hill as our 5-6 guys.
Peter Forsberg signing with Colorado stings a bit, but it just forces everyone to either make a move or step up. Minnesota may need to do both.
The only trade today has been Bryce Salvador to New Jersey, with St. Louis Native Cam Janssen going back to the Blues. Nothing special, but Janssen was a great interview on TSN, the gritty forward a few great quotes: "Ya, I think they want me to score 20 goals", and "to my mother this was a blockbuster deal!"
*UPDATE*
Mike Russo is saying we're pushing hard for Olli Jokinen, except that we don't really have anything that Florida wants...
http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=480#comments
*UPDATE*
Toronto trades Wade Belak to Florida for a 5th rounder. Temper your enthusiasm.
*UPDATE*
Buffalo has traded D Brian Campbell to San Jose, although the pieces in return haven't been official yet; speculation is at least Steve Bernier. Anyway you cut it, San Jose is gonna even scarier. It is Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick going to Buffalo, which seems like a slim return in my opinion...
*UPDATE*
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay ships Johan Holmqvuist(former Houston Aero), Brad Richards and his 7.8 million dollar contract to Dallas for Goalie Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen, and Jeff Halpern. Dallas gets tougher. Not good for Minnesota.
Montreal sends G Christobal Huet to Washington for a 2nd round pick in 2009...some speculation that this leads to something else.
*UPDATE*
Chicago sends Tuomo Ruutu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd
Chicago sends Martin Lapointe to Ottawa for a 6th round pick
Florida sends Ruslan Salei to Colorado for Karlis Skrastins and a 3rd round pick.
*UPDATE*
Columbus sends Adam Foote to Colorado for a 1st round pick. What, does Colorado think this is 2001? The 1st rounder is conditional; if the Avs make the playoffs, the 1st rounder is this year; if not, the 1st is 2009. There is also a conditional pick based on Foote resigning in Colorado.
*UPDATE*
Columbus sends Sergei Federov to Washington for a Teddy Ruth, a defensive prospect who plays at Notre Dame.
*Note- Phil Kessel has been removed from Boston's website roster*
*UPDATE*
WILD FANS REJOICE!!! Matt Cooke is sent to Washington (holy buyers, batman!) for Matt Pettinger
The San Jose Sharks send D Rob Davison to the New York Islanders for a 7th round pick. Easily the biggest trade today.
*CREEPIEST MOMENT OF THE TRADE DEADLINE*
While Pierre Maguire and some other guy (Jay Onrait?) were talking about Hal Gill, a 6'7" Toronto defenseman, they were talking about his stick length; Maguire turns to the other guy, and with a pervert smile, goes "I heard you're an announcer with a big stick."
yikes.
*UPDATE*
I just took a nap, because, well, it seems that all the NHL GMs have too in the past hour.
*THANK GOD...UPDATE*
St. Louis sends Christian Backman to the New York Rangers for a 4th pick.
Toronto sends Hal Gill (and his big stick) to Pittsburgh for a 2nd and a 5th round pick.
And jesus christ...Atlanta sends Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to Pittsburgh for Prospect Angelo Esposito, Colby Armstrong, and Erik Christensen, and a 1st round pick. Good god, Watch out for the Pens.
Well, we didn't do anything. Disappointing really, but really, if the market sets the price too high, who can fault Doug Risebrough for not pulling the trigger. So now the deadline is passed (although some trades may still happen, as long as its been agreed to in principle by 2 pm), now the focus is the Wild getting their game on track for the final stretch in the now ultra-competitive Western Conference.
*UPDATE*
Minnesota has traded a 6th round pick for Chris Simon. Yes, the same guy who slashes Ryan Hollweg in the face last year (which resulted in a suspension), and then stomped on Jarkko Ruutu's foot this year (also resulting in a suspension). I don't know yet about this one. You would think that this is "Slapshot" or something.
Phoenix traded Freddy Sjostrom, David Leneveu, Josh Gratton for Goalie Prospect Al Montoya and Marcel Hossa.
The LA Kings trade Brad Stuart to Detroit for a 2nd and 4th round pick.
The New York Islanders trade Marc-Andre Bergeron to Anaheim for a 3rd round pick.
Toronto trades Chad Kilger to Florida for a 3rd round pick.
LA trades goalie JS Aubin to Anaheim for a 7th round pick.
Atlanta trades Alexandre Giroux to Washington for Joe Motzko.
*UPDATE*
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay trades Jan Hlavac to Nashville for a 7th round pick.
Here is a link to watch the Canadian version of the NHL network's trade deadline coverage; feel free to turn the volume down a bit and let it go in the background...
http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/media/comments/tsn_on_the_nhl_network/
As for our Minnesota Wild, let's address it all. They need someone who will do one of two things:
1. Provide a presence that will take some attention of the main scorers; Someone that will force the other team to assign someone to watch over this player. I say this because our lack of secondary scoring is scary at the moment, so if the ice is left open a bit, perhaps the Belangers, Bouchards, Parrish', etc. should have a chance to chip in on a regular basis. These are guys like Olli Jokinen, Brad Richards, maybe Jeff Carter from Philadelphia.
2. A depth center. Basically Minnesota is running with 3 legit centers; Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger, and James Sheppard. So maybe not a top notch guy, but a reliable two-way guy that can anchor a line, presumably on any line. Here I am talking about Jarrett Stoll of Edmonton, Bobby Holik, or Mike Peca.
Now, if nothing happens, here is a likely scenario; over the past few games James Sheppard has gotten more ice time toward the end of the game, usually with the skill guys, and it could be that Shepp gets bumped up to anchor the 2nd line, and the Wild call up a guy from Houston for the 4th line; Serge Payer is a gritty checking center, or maybe even Benoit Pouliot for development purposes.
I don't think we need a defenseman; our top 4 is set, and personally I'd go with Keith Carney and Sean Hill as our 5-6 guys.
Peter Forsberg signing with Colorado stings a bit, but it just forces everyone to either make a move or step up. Minnesota may need to do both.
The only trade today has been Bryce Salvador to New Jersey, with St. Louis Native Cam Janssen going back to the Blues. Nothing special, but Janssen was a great interview on TSN, the gritty forward a few great quotes: "Ya, I think they want me to score 20 goals", and "to my mother this was a blockbuster deal!"
*UPDATE*
Mike Russo is saying we're pushing hard for Olli Jokinen, except that we don't really have anything that Florida wants...
http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=480#comments
*UPDATE*
Toronto trades Wade Belak to Florida for a 5th rounder. Temper your enthusiasm.
*UPDATE*
Buffalo has traded D Brian Campbell to San Jose, although the pieces in return haven't been official yet; speculation is at least Steve Bernier. Anyway you cut it, San Jose is gonna even scarier. It is Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick going to Buffalo, which seems like a slim return in my opinion...
*UPDATE*
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay ships Johan Holmqvuist(former Houston Aero), Brad Richards and his 7.8 million dollar contract to Dallas for Goalie Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen, and Jeff Halpern. Dallas gets tougher. Not good for Minnesota.
Montreal sends G Christobal Huet to Washington for a 2nd round pick in 2009...some speculation that this leads to something else.
*UPDATE*
Chicago sends Tuomo Ruutu to Carolina for Andrew Ladd
Chicago sends Martin Lapointe to Ottawa for a 6th round pick
Florida sends Ruslan Salei to Colorado for Karlis Skrastins and a 3rd round pick.
*UPDATE*
Columbus sends Adam Foote to Colorado for a 1st round pick. What, does Colorado think this is 2001? The 1st rounder is conditional; if the Avs make the playoffs, the 1st rounder is this year; if not, the 1st is 2009. There is also a conditional pick based on Foote resigning in Colorado.
*UPDATE*
Columbus sends Sergei Federov to Washington for a Teddy Ruth, a defensive prospect who plays at Notre Dame.
*Note- Phil Kessel has been removed from Boston's website roster*
*UPDATE*
WILD FANS REJOICE!!! Matt Cooke is sent to Washington (holy buyers, batman!) for Matt Pettinger
The San Jose Sharks send D Rob Davison to the New York Islanders for a 7th round pick. Easily the biggest trade today.
*CREEPIEST MOMENT OF THE TRADE DEADLINE*
While Pierre Maguire and some other guy (Jay Onrait?) were talking about Hal Gill, a 6'7" Toronto defenseman, they were talking about his stick length; Maguire turns to the other guy, and with a pervert smile, goes "I heard you're an announcer with a big stick."
yikes.
*UPDATE*
I just took a nap, because, well, it seems that all the NHL GMs have too in the past hour.
*THANK GOD...UPDATE*
St. Louis sends Christian Backman to the New York Rangers for a 4th pick.
Toronto sends Hal Gill (and his big stick) to Pittsburgh for a 2nd and a 5th round pick.
And jesus christ...Atlanta sends Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to Pittsburgh for Prospect Angelo Esposito, Colby Armstrong, and Erik Christensen, and a 1st round pick. Good god, Watch out for the Pens.
Well, we didn't do anything. Disappointing really, but really, if the market sets the price too high, who can fault Doug Risebrough for not pulling the trigger. So now the deadline is passed (although some trades may still happen, as long as its been agreed to in principle by 2 pm), now the focus is the Wild getting their game on track for the final stretch in the now ultra-competitive Western Conference.
*UPDATE*
Minnesota has traded a 6th round pick for Chris Simon. Yes, the same guy who slashes Ryan Hollweg in the face last year (which resulted in a suspension), and then stomped on Jarkko Ruutu's foot this year (also resulting in a suspension). I don't know yet about this one. You would think that this is "Slapshot" or something.
Phoenix traded Freddy Sjostrom, David Leneveu, Josh Gratton for Goalie Prospect Al Montoya and Marcel Hossa.
The LA Kings trade Brad Stuart to Detroit for a 2nd and 4th round pick.
The New York Islanders trade Marc-Andre Bergeron to Anaheim for a 3rd round pick.
Toronto trades Chad Kilger to Florida for a 3rd round pick.
LA trades goalie JS Aubin to Anaheim for a 7th round pick.
Atlanta trades Alexandre Giroux to Washington for Joe Motzko.
*UPDATE*
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay trades Jan Hlavac to Nashville for a 7th round pick.
Monday, February 25, 2008
#62...Dateless Losers
As I was listening to the radio broadcast of the game, Bob Kurtz ran off some numbers that basically summed it up for me (I'm sure I got the number of games wrong, but the point is still there):
Eric Belanger...1 goal in 17 games
Mark Parrish....2 goals in 16 games
Pavol Demitra...2 goals in 12 games
Pierre-Marc Bouchard...2 goals in 15 games
Mikko Koivu...2 goals in 10 games
Like I said, I can't remember them off the top of my head, but the point remains; when we get no or very little secondary scoring, then we aren't gonna win. Marian Gaborik and Brian Rolston simply cannot shoulder the load, especially going into the stretch run, where suddenly instead of a 6 POINT DIVISION LEAD, Minnesota is now a point behind Calgary and are now on the playoff bubble.
What the fuck happened.
Hard to win a division when you got your hands around your throats.
Eric Belanger...1 goal in 17 games
Mark Parrish....2 goals in 16 games
Pavol Demitra...2 goals in 12 games
Pierre-Marc Bouchard...2 goals in 15 games
Mikko Koivu...2 goals in 10 games
Like I said, I can't remember them off the top of my head, but the point remains; when we get no or very little secondary scoring, then we aren't gonna win. Marian Gaborik and Brian Rolston simply cannot shoulder the load, especially going into the stretch run, where suddenly instead of a 6 POINT DIVISION LEAD, Minnesota is now a point behind Calgary and are now on the playoff bubble.
What the fuck happened.
Hard to win a division when you got your hands around your throats.
Some Self-Promo
I now write a Wild-Related Blog/Column at Faceoffcircle.Net (I added a link the left side), so check it out.
I'll do my best to not write about the same stuff here, but if it happens, it happens.
I'll do my best to not write about the same stuff here, but if it happens, it happens.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Draft Eligible: Aaron Ness
Roseau Defenseman Aaron Ness, along with Minnetonka Defenseman Jake Gardiner, are
hands down the cream of the Minnesota draft eligible crop this year. As Max Giese of McKeen's Hockey put it, "its Ness and Gardiner, and then everyone else." Ness, who is only a junior, has been taking both his junior and senior year coursework in order to join the University of Minnesota this fall. Ness himself feels that it would be beneficial to him, that he was ready for the next step. What's amazing about what he's doing is that despite having nearly 12 classes a day, Ness still is on the ice for nearly 4 hours; 2 for practice, and almost another two just playing shinny and pickup hockey with his friends.
Well, considering who Ness is as a player, one could surmise that he is ready for some better competition. His Roseau coach, Scott Oliver, said that Ness was the best player at the State Tournament last year, without a doubt. As a sophomore. What stood out in many people's minds (especially mine) wasn't the offensive side of his game; Patrick White (now a Gopher) had been nearly unstoppable for Grand Rapids, and Ness simply shut White down and made him a non-factor in the title game.
Giese on Ness: "pound-for-pound one of the best defenseman to come out of Minnesota in years. Size is the only real issue but it doesn't bother me so much because he's
fairly tough. His skill, vision, and hockey sense are all A-Plus. He could be a home-run like Dan Boyle or Duncan Keith if he can add some strength."
The International Scouting Service had this to say about Ness on a recent report:
"There is a lot of interest in this skilled puck-moving defenseman and rightfully so. While most NHL scouts were arriving back from the WJC in Sweden, more than a few could be seen at the Roseau High School game.
With about a dozen NHL scouts including ISS watching, Ness didn’t disappoint collecting two 'Highlight reel' assists. Plays above and beyond this level.
Electrifying! Best player on the ice. Excellent skater. Feet will be an asset. Potential star. This is a player to watch. You win with guys like this."
In fact, in ISS's rankings for February, Ness was ranked #24.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11183&hubname=
However, there has been some sentiment that despite Ness is clearly a first round talent, that some scouts wouldn't take him in the first because of his size (he's been listed anywhere from 5'9" 157 lbs. to 5'10" 170.) Hwoever, at the current pace Ness is going on, he will hear his name called on the first night of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
thanks to Max Giese, Mckeen's, and ISS.
hands down the cream of the Minnesota draft eligible crop this year. As Max Giese of McKeen's Hockey put it, "its Ness and Gardiner, and then everyone else." Ness, who is only a junior, has been taking both his junior and senior year coursework in order to join the University of Minnesota this fall. Ness himself feels that it would be beneficial to him, that he was ready for the next step. What's amazing about what he's doing is that despite having nearly 12 classes a day, Ness still is on the ice for nearly 4 hours; 2 for practice, and almost another two just playing shinny and pickup hockey with his friends.
Well, considering who Ness is as a player, one could surmise that he is ready for some better competition. His Roseau coach, Scott Oliver, said that Ness was the best player at the State Tournament last year, without a doubt. As a sophomore. What stood out in many people's minds (especially mine) wasn't the offensive side of his game; Patrick White (now a Gopher) had been nearly unstoppable for Grand Rapids, and Ness simply shut White down and made him a non-factor in the title game.
Giese on Ness: "pound-for-pound one of the best defenseman to come out of Minnesota in years. Size is the only real issue but it doesn't bother me so much because he's
fairly tough. His skill, vision, and hockey sense are all A-Plus. He could be a home-run like Dan Boyle or Duncan Keith if he can add some strength."
The International Scouting Service had this to say about Ness on a recent report:
"There is a lot of interest in this skilled puck-moving defenseman and rightfully so. While most NHL scouts were arriving back from the WJC in Sweden, more than a few could be seen at the Roseau High School game.
With about a dozen NHL scouts including ISS watching, Ness didn’t disappoint collecting two 'Highlight reel' assists. Plays above and beyond this level.
Electrifying! Best player on the ice. Excellent skater. Feet will be an asset. Potential star. This is a player to watch. You win with guys like this."
In fact, in ISS's rankings for February, Ness was ranked #24.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11183&hubname=
However, there has been some sentiment that despite Ness is clearly a first round talent, that some scouts wouldn't take him in the first because of his size (he's been listed anywhere from 5'9" 157 lbs. to 5'10" 170.) Hwoever, at the current pace Ness is going on, he will hear his name called on the first night of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
thanks to Max Giese, Mckeen's, and ISS.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I know times are tough
Our squad just got beat, things are looking grim. So I hope this will keep you off the ledge.
*EDIT* What the hell man? I thought sharing is caring, and those bastards took away the first video I had up; in fact it was impossible to find a decent version in the first place. I Blame you Fox.
*EDIT* What the hell man? I thought sharing is caring, and those bastards took away the first video I had up; in fact it was impossible to find a decent version in the first place. I Blame you Fox.
Wild Prospect Report: Kyle Medvec
4th round, 102nd overall 2006 NHL Entry Draft
The Towering Kyle Medvec, all 6'6" and 205 pounds of him, was a stand out at Apple Valley High School, where he was a Mr. Hockey Finalist his senior year, as well as a two-time All-State honorable mention. Together with David Fischer, they formed one of the more formidable duos in Minnesota High School Hockey. Assistant GM was able to see enough to recognize that Medvec, although he is a project, could pan out to be a high-reward player at the NHL level. From an interview with Apple Valley This Week:
"We like what we see. The NHL size and the NHL passion is there. We saw a big, athletic defenseman with pretty good skill, But it depends so much on Kyle...It ís important that he keeps developing, His game is in pieces right now. If he can bring them all together, then we will have a pretty good player."
Coming off of his stellar senior year, he spent a year playing for the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL, where he totaled 4 goals and 18 points in 57 games. He was a +13 and also had 97 penalty minutes. I talked to McKeen's scout Max Giese about Medvec; he mentioned that it was important for Medvec to continue to play with an edge, and that he also has a very hard shot from the point. Giese went on to say "He's huge, but he's better with the puck than without it .. He's a clunky skater but this area of his game seems to improve every time I see him. Makes the first pass (out of the defensive zone), and runs the play from the point."
Medvec is in the middle of his freshman campaign with the University of Vermont, where so far he's scored a goal and three assists in 20 games, along with 16 penalty minutes.
You can see a video of Medvec here:
http://wild.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=12124&catid=432
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
#61...A Night to Disremember
Yes, disremember. Thank you Roger Clemens.
Well, what is there to be said about a half-assed effort and a hot opposing goalie? It was one of those nights where you knew nothing good was gonna happen, despite how optimistic one can be when you hit 4 posts. Josh Harding was good; but he still was on the hook for 2 goals (I know it Chicago scored 3, but he didn't have a chance on Patrick Kane's goal in the 1st.) Twas a glove save he made to rob Kane on the breakaway; alas, I wish he had kept his 5-hole shut on Dave Bolland's goals.
The only player that I thought was consistently good was James Sheppard; it seemed like something happened, or at least some sort of momentum started to occur when he was out there, and more often than not he had the puck on his stick. He had a couple good shots on goal, and still got a stick in the throat.
It was that type of game.
Where Aaron Voros has a crack at a wide open net, only to hit Matt Foy in the face with the puck. Rough night for Foy, he got helicoptered by Dustin Byfuglien, then takes a puck in the face. Welcome back to the lineup!
Basically tonight revealed that despite the little run Minnesota's been on, that they are struggling, and awfully vulnerable- which is odd to say, considering they are still leading the divison (although Calgary won tonight, now the Flames are just 3 points back). First they can't hang on to a lead, now they can't score.
Not a good time to start showing the chinks in the armor.
However, considering the next game is Sunday afternoon, against those very same Flames, there is plenty of time for Jacques Lemaire to kick 5 different kinds of dog crap out of his team.
-from the Trade Rumor Desk, I'll bring you Mike Russo:
http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=470
So Peca, Fedorov, or Foote. To be honest, I'd take any of them. Especially if they can score.
Well, what is there to be said about a half-assed effort and a hot opposing goalie? It was one of those nights where you knew nothing good was gonna happen, despite how optimistic one can be when you hit 4 posts. Josh Harding was good; but he still was on the hook for 2 goals (I know it Chicago scored 3, but he didn't have a chance on Patrick Kane's goal in the 1st.) Twas a glove save he made to rob Kane on the breakaway; alas, I wish he had kept his 5-hole shut on Dave Bolland's goals.
The only player that I thought was consistently good was James Sheppard; it seemed like something happened, or at least some sort of momentum started to occur when he was out there, and more often than not he had the puck on his stick. He had a couple good shots on goal, and still got a stick in the throat.
It was that type of game.
Where Aaron Voros has a crack at a wide open net, only to hit Matt Foy in the face with the puck. Rough night for Foy, he got helicoptered by Dustin Byfuglien, then takes a puck in the face. Welcome back to the lineup!
Basically tonight revealed that despite the little run Minnesota's been on, that they are struggling, and awfully vulnerable- which is odd to say, considering they are still leading the divison (although Calgary won tonight, now the Flames are just 3 points back). First they can't hang on to a lead, now they can't score.
Not a good time to start showing the chinks in the armor.
However, considering the next game is Sunday afternoon, against those very same Flames, there is plenty of time for Jacques Lemaire to kick 5 different kinds of dog crap out of his team.
-from the Trade Rumor Desk, I'll bring you Mike Russo:
http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/?p=470
So Peca, Fedorov, or Foote. To be honest, I'd take any of them. Especially if they can score.
#60...Cuz 1 out of 2 ain't bad
I'm not willing to look at last night's game, no matter how outperformed Minnesota was, in a negative light; is everything peachy keen? No- there are things that need improvement sooner than later, but really what it comes down to is this:
The fact that you stole a point when all indications lead to what should have been an ass-kicking.
Yes, at one point The Wild were being outshot 24-4. Ya, the Canucks were the better team all night. Ya the Nucks won in OT.
But, you got an excellent performance from Nik Backstrom, who stole you that point. Now, maybe its just me, but to see Backstrom do this in a game where Minnesota is clearly the inferior team is a good thing- Especially for Backstrom, who looked like the goalie he was last year, when he would single handedly keep the Wild in games. Who knows, if there was maybe some more defensive support, then we're talking how we got 2 points instead of 1.
You got not 1, but 2 power play goals, especially good considering how inept the Man-Advantage has been of late. Eric Belanger broke a horrid schnide, scoring a goal which is what the Wild needs to do; throw a shot on net, and get the rebound. Pepper the goalie.
You also had this:
Todd Fedoruk whoopin up on Jeff Cowan, after Cowan laid a clean hit on Pavol Demitra. However, the Fridge got a bogus instigator call (shoddy refereeing all night, thank you Mick McGeough), and spent a considerable time off the ice. Speaking of bad officiating, after watching Marian Gaborik and Kim Johnsson hit the ice from tripping non-calls, Branko Radivojevic's late penalty enabled Markus Naslund to tie the game.
Now; what is alarming to me is not just the fact that the Wild has gone to overtime or shootout something like 5 out of the last 6 games, but that they have let teams back into it in the third period. They aren't closing the door, or stepping on their throat; its like Minnesota just lacks that killer instinct, knowing that when they have an opponent down, that they go for the kill.
I hate to use complacency, but its like if they get a lead they sit back just a little bit, until it begins to snowball against them.
However, I want to get back to my point, that this time of the year, when the divisional races are starting to come to a head, and the playoff jockeying is beginning, that a point (or two) is better than none. Ultimately Calgary and Vancouver only gained 1 point on us, keeping the Wild 5 points up coming into tonight's game against Chicago.
The fact that you stole a point when all indications lead to what should have been an ass-kicking.
Yes, at one point The Wild were being outshot 24-4. Ya, the Canucks were the better team all night. Ya the Nucks won in OT.
But, you got an excellent performance from Nik Backstrom, who stole you that point. Now, maybe its just me, but to see Backstrom do this in a game where Minnesota is clearly the inferior team is a good thing- Especially for Backstrom, who looked like the goalie he was last year, when he would single handedly keep the Wild in games. Who knows, if there was maybe some more defensive support, then we're talking how we got 2 points instead of 1.
You got not 1, but 2 power play goals, especially good considering how inept the Man-Advantage has been of late. Eric Belanger broke a horrid schnide, scoring a goal which is what the Wild needs to do; throw a shot on net, and get the rebound. Pepper the goalie.
You also had this:
Todd Fedoruk whoopin up on Jeff Cowan, after Cowan laid a clean hit on Pavol Demitra. However, the Fridge got a bogus instigator call (shoddy refereeing all night, thank you Mick McGeough), and spent a considerable time off the ice. Speaking of bad officiating, after watching Marian Gaborik and Kim Johnsson hit the ice from tripping non-calls, Branko Radivojevic's late penalty enabled Markus Naslund to tie the game.Now; what is alarming to me is not just the fact that the Wild has gone to overtime or shootout something like 5 out of the last 6 games, but that they have let teams back into it in the third period. They aren't closing the door, or stepping on their throat; its like Minnesota just lacks that killer instinct, knowing that when they have an opponent down, that they go for the kill.
I hate to use complacency, but its like if they get a lead they sit back just a little bit, until it begins to snowball against them.
However, I want to get back to my point, that this time of the year, when the divisional races are starting to come to a head, and the playoff jockeying is beginning, that a point (or two) is better than none. Ultimately Calgary and Vancouver only gained 1 point on us, keeping the Wild 5 points up coming into tonight's game against Chicago.
Monday, February 18, 2008
#59...The Give and Take
Since I have had a hard time trying to figure out what to write about Sunday night's game (besides that Nashville's game tying goal with the Alexander Radulov interference should have never been), I figured at least I'd give something that my audience can at least be entertained by:
Pierre-Marc Bouchard's 1-on-4 power play goal:
and Marian Gaborik's Overtime winner. The speed is just insane; he single handedly made that a 2-on-1.
Afterwards Jacques Lemaire was asked about Gaborik; and with a huge grin on his face, he began to talk about not just the play, which was just a pure display of speed and goal-scoring ability, but about him backchecking earlier in the game. Lemaire went on, still beaming, about how great Gaborik has been, and that he, in maybe what has gotten Lemaire into a Cheshire Cat grin, is now doing things not just for himself, but for the team's chances at victory. Granted, Marian Gaborik brings that homerun element; that it seems like any time the puck is on his stick that he has a chance to score; and after seeing him develop over the past few years, you can tell that he is now apt to hold on to the puck and let the play develop instead of trying to blow by the defender; an obvious component of the maturation process. Instead of pulling up and trying to shoot through a defender (a scourge from a few years back), he'll dish it off to a teammate, and then head for open space.
You can see it now though, that he is beginning to become involved defensively; that he has the speed to backcheck someone streaking through the neutral zone, or to come down low and support the D along the half wall, and get back to the blueline without giving the opponent too much time. Gaborik is beginning to understand that the game is to be played without the puck; and when he becomes well rounded, he'll get all the ice time he can handle. He even got the 'A' on his sweater...Marian Gaborik is growing up as a player, and I think its just that which made Jacques Lemaire smile like a proud father. Which in a sense he is; despite the struggles you see with kids and parents, or players and coaches, Lemaire's refusal to coddle Gaborik and to push him was merely a way to show Gaborik that he can be not just a good player; but a great player- a guy who is a force everywhere he is on the ice, anytime he sets foot on it.
Is Gaborik a finished project yet? No- I still think that he could stand to use his teammates (some of them rather talented themselves) better, or more effectively. He does seem to quit on shifts if he doesn't get a puck or has the puck bounce off of his tape and away; He still hasn't grasped that the Wild is his team; he can be the leader, the Alpha Dog. It may just be a matter of time.
But enough about Gaborik, right? Today Don Baizley, Peter Forsberg's agent, conveyed to the handful of hopeful teams that Mr. Forsberg won't be returning to the NHL because of a lack of confidence in his janky feet and ankles. So all this hype and hoopla for nothing? What a cock tease.
This however does have an effect on the Wild; GM Doug Risebrough was in hot pursuit of Forsberg, not just for the obvious track record and talent, but because the addition would have addressed a lack of depth at center. You really only have 3 true "Lemaire centers" in the lineup; Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger, and James Sheppard. Before you start to go "what about Demitra?", let me say this; Pavol Demitra is better served on the wing, concentrating on generating offense with Marian Gaborik, and not having to worry about being the 3rd guy high or being the 1st forward in. Despite how well Gaborik has played in the last month or so in all three zones, Minnesota would be better served having another guy play the pivot; whether it be Koivu, Belanger, Sheppard, or whoever comes our way. And, maybe most importantly, any sort of injury could severely hamper the lineup's production.
All 30 GM's are having meetings in Naples currently; not just to talk transaction, but also to improve the game. For example; Mike Russo said Risebrough was a part of a group who talked about the limitation of goalie equipment. However, the storm of rumors should be mounting as the trade deadline looms next week.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard's 1-on-4 power play goal:
and Marian Gaborik's Overtime winner. The speed is just insane; he single handedly made that a 2-on-1.
Afterwards Jacques Lemaire was asked about Gaborik; and with a huge grin on his face, he began to talk about not just the play, which was just a pure display of speed and goal-scoring ability, but about him backchecking earlier in the game. Lemaire went on, still beaming, about how great Gaborik has been, and that he, in maybe what has gotten Lemaire into a Cheshire Cat grin, is now doing things not just for himself, but for the team's chances at victory. Granted, Marian Gaborik brings that homerun element; that it seems like any time the puck is on his stick that he has a chance to score; and after seeing him develop over the past few years, you can tell that he is now apt to hold on to the puck and let the play develop instead of trying to blow by the defender; an obvious component of the maturation process. Instead of pulling up and trying to shoot through a defender (a scourge from a few years back), he'll dish it off to a teammate, and then head for open space.
You can see it now though, that he is beginning to become involved defensively; that he has the speed to backcheck someone streaking through the neutral zone, or to come down low and support the D along the half wall, and get back to the blueline without giving the opponent too much time. Gaborik is beginning to understand that the game is to be played without the puck; and when he becomes well rounded, he'll get all the ice time he can handle. He even got the 'A' on his sweater...Marian Gaborik is growing up as a player, and I think its just that which made Jacques Lemaire smile like a proud father. Which in a sense he is; despite the struggles you see with kids and parents, or players and coaches, Lemaire's refusal to coddle Gaborik and to push him was merely a way to show Gaborik that he can be not just a good player; but a great player- a guy who is a force everywhere he is on the ice, anytime he sets foot on it.
Is Gaborik a finished project yet? No- I still think that he could stand to use his teammates (some of them rather talented themselves) better, or more effectively. He does seem to quit on shifts if he doesn't get a puck or has the puck bounce off of his tape and away; He still hasn't grasped that the Wild is his team; he can be the leader, the Alpha Dog. It may just be a matter of time.
But enough about Gaborik, right? Today Don Baizley, Peter Forsberg's agent, conveyed to the handful of hopeful teams that Mr. Forsberg won't be returning to the NHL because of a lack of confidence in his janky feet and ankles. So all this hype and hoopla for nothing? What a cock tease.
This however does have an effect on the Wild; GM Doug Risebrough was in hot pursuit of Forsberg, not just for the obvious track record and talent, but because the addition would have addressed a lack of depth at center. You really only have 3 true "Lemaire centers" in the lineup; Mikko Koivu, Eric Belanger, and James Sheppard. Before you start to go "what about Demitra?", let me say this; Pavol Demitra is better served on the wing, concentrating on generating offense with Marian Gaborik, and not having to worry about being the 3rd guy high or being the 1st forward in. Despite how well Gaborik has played in the last month or so in all three zones, Minnesota would be better served having another guy play the pivot; whether it be Koivu, Belanger, Sheppard, or whoever comes our way. And, maybe most importantly, any sort of injury could severely hamper the lineup's production.
All 30 GM's are having meetings in Naples currently; not just to talk transaction, but also to improve the game. For example; Mike Russo said Risebrough was a part of a group who talked about the limitation of goalie equipment. However, the storm of rumors should be mounting as the trade deadline looms next week.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Cancel my season? Oh ya? That that!
http://post-journal.com/articles.asp?articleID=24881
Interestingly enough, I know and played some beer league with a guy who was on that team; although when I called a mutual friend about it, he had said that said player was back here in Minnesota already. He laughed when he heard about it, considering our mutual friend is prone to some crazy misadventures, and that it wouldn't be a stretch if he was involved.
I can understand how the frustration can mount, when you aren't getting paid for what you aqre doing for a living; that being said, I do think it was the wrong thing to do, take it out on someone else's property. And then to pass out in the same building after doing it is just plain stupid...
Interestingly enough, I know and played some beer league with a guy who was on that team; although when I called a mutual friend about it, he had said that said player was back here in Minnesota already. He laughed when he heard about it, considering our mutual friend is prone to some crazy misadventures, and that it wouldn't be a stretch if he was involved.
I can understand how the frustration can mount, when you aren't getting paid for what you aqre doing for a living; that being said, I do think it was the wrong thing to do, take it out on someone else's property. And then to pass out in the same building after doing it is just plain stupid...
Friday, February 15, 2008
#58...I wrote this post about you (Alex Burrows), just to let you know...
that I hate your guts, and I think you suck.
Nothing gets the venom going like a game against Division and eternal rival Vancouver. Why, with their roster of pests and agitators, its easy to get into this game. And when you factor in that the Sedins are scary when they get the puck, and that they have arguably the best goalie in the league, it usually makes for a close one.
Should it have gone to a shootout? Probably not; You could argue that Vancouver's first goal (by Alex Burrows, someone please hit him) was flukey, and that there wasn't alot that Nik Backstrom could do to stop it. I'll give them that; speaking of giving, how bout some props to Stephane Veilleux, who after being called out by Jacques Lemaire for not producing, put the Wild out to an early 2-0 lead with his first career multi-goal game. Twas a slick move on the first goal to bring Luongo out of the crease...
But, without a doubt, the turning point of the game wasn't a shot, hit, goal, or save- it was a bogus roughing call that Referee Mike Leggo gave Brent Burns at the end of the 2nd Period. As Lemaire said, "it turned the entire game around." See Leggo assumed that Burns had come off the bench to get in former teammate and friend Willie Mitchell's face, who was talking some trash with Veilleux; hence the animated Mick MeGeough-like hand motions and the penalty. The issue was that Burns was on the ice when the period ended; could this have been prevented with some conferring with the fellow zebras about where Burns was? Sure.
Minnesota momentum? Dead.
Seeing how Burns is one of our better penalty killers, the Canucks took advantage, with Ryan Kesler (another pain in the ass) scoring right as Burns was getting out of the box, and Alex Edler beating Backstrom with a long bomb just 16 seconds later to take the lead, and the momentum.
Things looked bad; the GM Place (affectionally known as the Garage) crowd woke up, and it looked like things were going to end up like the Edmonton game; However Kurtis Foster's bomb from the blueline was tipped by a Canuck stick and past Luongo to tie it. Marian Gaborik's 30th a few minutes later put us ahead; what a nifty little move he put on Mitchell just to get a shooting lane.
And we know how the heartbreak goes; Edler ties it late, we dominate the OT, and then Brent Burns absolutely dusts Luongo (who bit on the same move that Burnsie used in St. Louis), and Mikko Koivu, amidst a chorus of boos, froze Luongo again for the 2 points, and a little bit of breathing room atop of the Division. The Nucks are now 6 points back, while Calgary is 4 and Colorado 5 behind.
You could make a case that Alex Burrows has taken the title of "chief pest" from Matt Cooke; or at least in my eyes, he has become as dispicable and loathesome if not more than Cooke. And not just because he tried to take advantage of Brent Burns while he was in a prone position (on one knee in the crease, infuriating Stephane Veilleux), or instigating a fight with Brian Rolston after Rolston hit Mitchell (Lemaire was also furious with the refs because Burrows should have gotten another minor penalty for instigating a fight while wearing a visor; I have never heard of that, but I guess its rule 75.2 (4); in this case, the refs didn't know that), or that he shows no respect toward opponents, but it seems like the little fucker always manages to score goals against Minnesota. He did it last game, and did it again last night. God I hate you Alex Burrows.
Anyone else notice that Brent Burns is attempting more hip checks?
But, anyway you want to cut it, we got 4 of 6 points on a road trip, and return home for a spell. This should be where Minnesota starts to break away, considering their schedule is relatively soft for the last part of the year, but, like in Edmonton, any given night...
Nothing gets the venom going like a game against Division and eternal rival Vancouver. Why, with their roster of pests and agitators, its easy to get into this game. And when you factor in that the Sedins are scary when they get the puck, and that they have arguably the best goalie in the league, it usually makes for a close one.
Should it have gone to a shootout? Probably not; You could argue that Vancouver's first goal (by Alex Burrows, someone please hit him) was flukey, and that there wasn't alot that Nik Backstrom could do to stop it. I'll give them that; speaking of giving, how bout some props to Stephane Veilleux, who after being called out by Jacques Lemaire for not producing, put the Wild out to an early 2-0 lead with his first career multi-goal game. Twas a slick move on the first goal to bring Luongo out of the crease...
But, without a doubt, the turning point of the game wasn't a shot, hit, goal, or save- it was a bogus roughing call that Referee Mike Leggo gave Brent Burns at the end of the 2nd Period. As Lemaire said, "it turned the entire game around." See Leggo assumed that Burns had come off the bench to get in former teammate and friend Willie Mitchell's face, who was talking some trash with Veilleux; hence the animated Mick MeGeough-like hand motions and the penalty. The issue was that Burns was on the ice when the period ended; could this have been prevented with some conferring with the fellow zebras about where Burns was? Sure.
Minnesota momentum? Dead.
Seeing how Burns is one of our better penalty killers, the Canucks took advantage, with Ryan Kesler (another pain in the ass) scoring right as Burns was getting out of the box, and Alex Edler beating Backstrom with a long bomb just 16 seconds later to take the lead, and the momentum.
Things looked bad; the GM Place (affectionally known as the Garage) crowd woke up, and it looked like things were going to end up like the Edmonton game; However Kurtis Foster's bomb from the blueline was tipped by a Canuck stick and past Luongo to tie it. Marian Gaborik's 30th a few minutes later put us ahead; what a nifty little move he put on Mitchell just to get a shooting lane.
And we know how the heartbreak goes; Edler ties it late, we dominate the OT, and then Brent Burns absolutely dusts Luongo (who bit on the same move that Burnsie used in St. Louis), and Mikko Koivu, amidst a chorus of boos, froze Luongo again for the 2 points, and a little bit of breathing room atop of the Division. The Nucks are now 6 points back, while Calgary is 4 and Colorado 5 behind.
You could make a case that Alex Burrows has taken the title of "chief pest" from Matt Cooke; or at least in my eyes, he has become as dispicable and loathesome if not more than Cooke. And not just because he tried to take advantage of Brent Burns while he was in a prone position (on one knee in the crease, infuriating Stephane Veilleux), or instigating a fight with Brian Rolston after Rolston hit Mitchell (Lemaire was also furious with the refs because Burrows should have gotten another minor penalty for instigating a fight while wearing a visor; I have never heard of that, but I guess its rule 75.2 (4); in this case, the refs didn't know that), or that he shows no respect toward opponents, but it seems like the little fucker always manages to score goals against Minnesota. He did it last game, and did it again last night. God I hate you Alex Burrows.
Anyone else notice that Brent Burns is attempting more hip checks?
But, anyway you want to cut it, we got 4 of 6 points on a road trip, and return home for a spell. This should be where Minnesota starts to break away, considering their schedule is relatively soft for the last part of the year, but, like in Edmonton, any given night...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Bully Pulpit: The Roger Clemens Saga
While its a condemnation of myself and others, but the way I look and feel about the Roger Clemens/Brian Macnamee Saga is akin to voting season, at any level. When you become so inundated with the subject, you shut it out and shut yourself down. I couldn't be more delighted that the "Hearing of the Century" is today, because then something will get settled, and then all is left is the fallout; the fallout is more digestible.
(As I watch this Hearing, Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings is hammering Clemens, who is nothing but backpeddling and brushing off the answers on Andy Pettite's "disremembering of the events and conversations"; Despite both the moderator and Clemens agreeing on Pettite's credibility.)
For me, it boils down to this. Let's face it, Roger Clemens isn't going to pitch again. Not after seeing that he only has a handful of teams in mind. Not after being paid a king's ransom (around $4.5 mil a month) just to end up pitching 18 games, at which he broke down and was removed from the rotation. And not after all this, no matter how the outcome is. I agree that it is a witch hunt; whether or not its to satisfy the Barry Bonds' apologists, who claim racial bias is up for discussion. The length and effort that has been undertaken to air this out (great use of taxpayer money...how bout the deficit, the snafu in Iraq, or maybe issues at home, boys?) is disconcerning, considering most of us don't know why the Government is getting involved.
I don't see what Brian Macnamee has to gain from this; if the Feds came down on you, threatening your freedom, you are going to talk. Macnamee is an ex-cop; you think he'd be willing to fabricate these things at the risk of going to a place where you've sent criminals? On top of that, his status as a Personal Trainer is going to go up- people aren't gonna go, "oh, Brian Macnamee is Clemen's trainer! I need to hire him!"
(more Clemens backpeddling and failed recollection- not to say that everyone has to remember everything)
I do agree with those who say that Steroids and HGH don't help with the mechanics; the HGH won't swing the bat, throw a 12-6 curveball, turn a double play. But it will help heal those nagging injuries, and add strength to prevent them (the delicious irony of that), so in an essence, is Roger Clemens being persecuted for trying to keep himself at a top form? That it wasn't the drugs that lead to the performance, but the drugs that lead to the condition which enabled the performance?
Is it fair that Clemen's distinguished career is fairly or unfairly tainted? No. That his lack of response following the Mitchell Report indicated guilt (although his youtube response (a poor defense in itself) , which supposedly had been made a month before the release of the report), wasn't punctual with the report? John Smoltz, who wasn't indicated, had said if he was on the report he would have made a ruckus about it; so what took Clemens so long to become indignant about it?
"I just want that edge on the mound" - Roger Clemens, Feb. 13, 2008
(As I watch this Hearing, Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings is hammering Clemens, who is nothing but backpeddling and brushing off the answers on Andy Pettite's "disremembering of the events and conversations"; Despite both the moderator and Clemens agreeing on Pettite's credibility.)
For me, it boils down to this. Let's face it, Roger Clemens isn't going to pitch again. Not after seeing that he only has a handful of teams in mind. Not after being paid a king's ransom (around $4.5 mil a month) just to end up pitching 18 games, at which he broke down and was removed from the rotation. And not after all this, no matter how the outcome is. I agree that it is a witch hunt; whether or not its to satisfy the Barry Bonds' apologists, who claim racial bias is up for discussion. The length and effort that has been undertaken to air this out (great use of taxpayer money...how bout the deficit, the snafu in Iraq, or maybe issues at home, boys?) is disconcerning, considering most of us don't know why the Government is getting involved.
I don't see what Brian Macnamee has to gain from this; if the Feds came down on you, threatening your freedom, you are going to talk. Macnamee is an ex-cop; you think he'd be willing to fabricate these things at the risk of going to a place where you've sent criminals? On top of that, his status as a Personal Trainer is going to go up- people aren't gonna go, "oh, Brian Macnamee is Clemen's trainer! I need to hire him!"
(more Clemens backpeddling and failed recollection- not to say that everyone has to remember everything)
I do agree with those who say that Steroids and HGH don't help with the mechanics; the HGH won't swing the bat, throw a 12-6 curveball, turn a double play. But it will help heal those nagging injuries, and add strength to prevent them (the delicious irony of that), so in an essence, is Roger Clemens being persecuted for trying to keep himself at a top form? That it wasn't the drugs that lead to the performance, but the drugs that lead to the condition which enabled the performance?
Is it fair that Clemen's distinguished career is fairly or unfairly tainted? No. That his lack of response following the Mitchell Report indicated guilt (although his youtube response (a poor defense in itself) , which supposedly had been made a month before the release of the report), wasn't punctual with the report? John Smoltz, who wasn't indicated, had said if he was on the report he would have made a ruckus about it; so what took Clemens so long to become indignant about it?
"I just want that edge on the mound" - Roger Clemens, Feb. 13, 2008
#57...Oil Slick
With Mathieu Garon rightfully being the prime reason to come away frustrated and disheartened from last night's 4-2 loss to Edmonton, there were a few other things also. While I do what I can to remain faithful but not overly biased toward the Red and Green, let's give Garon credit; he stopped a ton of shots, including 21 saves in the second period, and 38 saves overall. It seemed every shot, tip, redirection, and deflection hit Garon square, or enough to make the save and cover a possible rebound. Its tough when you pile 40 shots on a goalie, and only get two goals out of it; but Garon is no slouch; he's now 18-13 with a .921 save%, and a 2.39 GAA. Its not like it was some random chump that shut us down.
Nik Backstrom played well, but Jarrett Stoll's goal from the blueline marked the end of his run; no one in Wild Nation was too enamored with that goal, including Jacques Lemaire, so yanked Backstrom in favor of an ice-cold Josh Harding; Harding, in another wrinkle of bad luck (he replaced Backstrom in a previous Oiler game, didn't give up a goal and didn't get the win), he gives up two goals in the 3rd, one of which was considered the game-winner when Brian Rolston scored late in the 3rd. But, I understand what Lemaire was trying to do, but it makes you wonder if had Backstrom stayed in the net, whether Stoll's goal was a softie or not (Backstrom was screened), that when Brian Rolston scored that it could have been to tie the game at 2? We'll never know, but to me I felt Backstrom had played well, but to yank him in favor of a guy who had been sitting on the bench for two periods is a risky proposition, and it blew up in our faces.
I guess the thing that glared the most for me was the lack of the mean streak Minnesota has. Minnesota was in it, up until Kyle Brodziak's goals; and then with the momentum behind them, some of the Oilers started making runs, burying shoulders in anything white. I get that for Edmonton its a big win, especially over the division leader, and so they are gonna go out and rub it in. Now, last night was Minnesota's chance to bully people around despite the score; the old "if you can't beat them, beat them up" routine. You're behind boys! Go out and hit an Oiler! What's the worse that can happen? That a big hit frees up space, time, and maybe a winger to come down the weak side for a scoring chance? That it might give some "MO" to a team that desperately needed to score? I know I've said this before, that when behind that the Wild falls into its finesse-perimeter playing shell, but come on....this isn't Detroit, Anaheim or San Jose, this is Edmonton! The same team you scored 4 unanswered goals to beat just a few months back! Maybe the goalie can't stop the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd shots?
Face wash some guys. Give Aaron Voros a shift or two or more just to mix it up. Tell the Fridge to go hit someone. At least Brent Burns tried; but his hipcheck attempt (which would have been a beauty) almost sent him through the bench and down the tunnel, toward the locker room, out the door, and onto the plane to Vancouver.
Which is the destination now, where at least a point is needed to consider this road trip decent.
-Who saw Ethan Moreau get hit with Marian Gaborik's skate? That was some scary shit, especially considering what just happened with Richard Zednik.
-All of you will be sad to know that Petteri Nummelin won't be playing with Minnesota next year; although he denies it, his Agent has come out and said that he did indeed sign a deal with HC Lugano of the Swiss League. Nummelin had to be persuaded to stay with the team a while ago after threatening to quit and leave because of a lack of playing time; he was told he would get more time, or traded somewhere he can play regularly. However, since you couldn't get a sno-cone for his services, the trade option (unless he's just a throw-in) doesn't seem a likely route. You where he could go? Houston.
Nik Backstrom played well, but Jarrett Stoll's goal from the blueline marked the end of his run; no one in Wild Nation was too enamored with that goal, including Jacques Lemaire, so yanked Backstrom in favor of an ice-cold Josh Harding; Harding, in another wrinkle of bad luck (he replaced Backstrom in a previous Oiler game, didn't give up a goal and didn't get the win), he gives up two goals in the 3rd, one of which was considered the game-winner when Brian Rolston scored late in the 3rd. But, I understand what Lemaire was trying to do, but it makes you wonder if had Backstrom stayed in the net, whether Stoll's goal was a softie or not (Backstrom was screened), that when Brian Rolston scored that it could have been to tie the game at 2? We'll never know, but to me I felt Backstrom had played well, but to yank him in favor of a guy who had been sitting on the bench for two periods is a risky proposition, and it blew up in our faces.
I guess the thing that glared the most for me was the lack of the mean streak Minnesota has. Minnesota was in it, up until Kyle Brodziak's goals; and then with the momentum behind them, some of the Oilers started making runs, burying shoulders in anything white. I get that for Edmonton its a big win, especially over the division leader, and so they are gonna go out and rub it in. Now, last night was Minnesota's chance to bully people around despite the score; the old "if you can't beat them, beat them up" routine. You're behind boys! Go out and hit an Oiler! What's the worse that can happen? That a big hit frees up space, time, and maybe a winger to come down the weak side for a scoring chance? That it might give some "MO" to a team that desperately needed to score? I know I've said this before, that when behind that the Wild falls into its finesse-perimeter playing shell, but come on....this isn't Detroit, Anaheim or San Jose, this is Edmonton! The same team you scored 4 unanswered goals to beat just a few months back! Maybe the goalie can't stop the 41st, 42nd, and 43rd shots?
Face wash some guys. Give Aaron Voros a shift or two or more just to mix it up. Tell the Fridge to go hit someone. At least Brent Burns tried; but his hipcheck attempt (which would have been a beauty) almost sent him through the bench and down the tunnel, toward the locker room, out the door, and onto the plane to Vancouver.
Which is the destination now, where at least a point is needed to consider this road trip decent.
-Who saw Ethan Moreau get hit with Marian Gaborik's skate? That was some scary shit, especially considering what just happened with Richard Zednik.
-All of you will be sad to know that Petteri Nummelin won't be playing with Minnesota next year; although he denies it, his Agent has come out and said that he did indeed sign a deal with HC Lugano of the Swiss League. Nummelin had to be persuaded to stay with the team a while ago after threatening to quit and leave because of a lack of playing time; he was told he would get more time, or traded somewhere he can play regularly. However, since you couldn't get a sno-cone for his services, the trade option (unless he's just a throw-in) doesn't seem a likely route. You where he could go? Houston.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wild Prospect Report: Colton Gillies
1st round, 16th overall in the 2007 Entry Draft.
There was much to-do when Minnesota traded up to get Saskatoon Blades forward Colton Gillies on draft day; for many, the Wild had passed up some high-end skill guys like Alexei Cherepanov and Angelo Esposito, and myself had wanted defenseman Nick Petrecki, in favor of a guy who looked like he'd be nothing more than a checking line fixture. Fans called into radio stations, flooded message boards with complaints, and some, even still to this day, scream bloody murder when the pick is brought up.
However, Gillies had been tabbed a sure-fire NHLer, no matter what he projected to be. The 6'4", 195 pounder played center in his draft year, and totaled just 30 points; this stat had many people calling him the "next Chad Kilger", who was a highly touted player (with a similar physical package as Gillies) coming out of juniors, who is now in a 3rd and 4th line role for the Toronto Maple Leafs. While some tabbed his supposed "lack of finish" as a detriment, he still has the hands to make a nice pass under duress, and to receive a pass well; his stickhandling is very good. Hoever, many will attribute his paltry stats to poor chemistry with his linemates.
Coming off of a first-round trouncing from the Anaheim Ducks in the playoffs, the Wild had committed themselves to "The Grit Movement", where the team toughness and all-around physicality would be increased through the players they signed, and drafted. Gillies would be the cornerstone of that train of thought; he is an absolute menace on the forecheck (a combination of his speed and size, which lead one scouting service to describe him as a "human freight train"), hits everything (he was the only consistent physical presence on the Gold Medal Winning Team Canada in the recent World Junior Championships), and because of this style of game, he opens up the ice for his teammates to make plays. In a sense, even without putting the puck in the net, Gillies makes an impact every game. When asked about Gillies, Max Giese of Mckeen's simply stated "he is difficult to play against, and you win with guys like him."
Perhaps another interesting note to Colton Gillies is that he saw time on the Saskatoon blueline, covering for some teammates during a rash of injuries; he excelled, which at the time bolstered his previously falling draft stock. That versatility, combined with a mean streak and the superior mobility makes him a very intriguing pick whether up front or at rearguard.
The question with Colton Gillies is when, not if, we will see him in a Minnesota sweater. He spent an extended stay with the club in training camp, even seeing ice time during a preseason game in Grand Forks; Wild Scouting Guru Tommy Thompson had mentioned that Gillies will be a winger at the NHL level, so one could surmise that in a grinding, crash, bang, and forecheck role, that the 19 year old Gillies has a legitimate shot at making the big club out of camp in the fall. He is already defensively responsible, has the skating ability, and if his role is to go out and wreak havoc, he is more than capable, and truth to be told, may just be the best option (from a fiscal and developmental standpoint) the Wild has. Gillies, along with fellow prospect Cal Clutterbuck, will endear themselves to Wild Fans, but will be thorns in opponent's sides for years to come.
I know I've posted these before, but its worth the redundancy.
This may be the weirdest thing I have ever read.
Do people not understand that the machines will overtake us all? They weren't lying in the Terminator movies!
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080212144453.spddtsz8&show_article=1
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080212144453.spddtsz8&show_article=1
Monday, February 11, 2008
Not for the faint of heart...Re: Zednik
I'd like to wish Richard Zednik the best and a full recovery following the incident last night where his throat was slashed by teammate Olli Jokinen's skate during a game in Buffalo. Obviously this sort of thing is an accident, and all credit goes to the fans in Buffalo who cheered when it was announced that Zednik was on his way to the hospital and in stable condition.
Wild Prospect Report: Ryan Jones
4th Round, 111th overall in the 2005 Entry Draft.
University of Miami-Ohio Senior Right Wing (and Captain) Ryan Jones seems to be getting the attention he deserves. Recently he was noted for his play at the NCAA level, and all indications are pointing towards a spot on the "short list" for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top Collegiate Player.
Jones, who has never missed a game in his collegiate career at Miami, and currently holds records for game-winning goals (13 and counting) and goals scored in a season (29); that record of 29 is in jeopardy because currently has 24 in 30 games, good for second in the Nation. He also has 13 assists.
The 6'2", 215 pound Jones, according to McKeen's scout Max Giese (who recently took in the anticipated matchup between Jones' #1 ranked Miami and #2 conference rival Michigan,) "is a natural goal scorer. He owns a heavy shot, but its his ability to anticipate the play and find the quiet areas of ice in the offensive zone that separate him from other prospects. He's like a (Tomas) Holmstrom type of goal scorer, he goes to the net without fear and causes the opposition to have fits when he's in their cage." Jones has been characterized by Wild Scout Tommy Thompson has being a "north-south" type of player, and Giese mentions that his skating "is adequate; that's not his game though. His stride is fine." This is good for Wild fans; skating can be taught, but natural goal-scoring acumen can't. In an interview with BlogCritics.com, Jones himself talked about his game, which has been labeled a throwback-style:
"That’s just the type of game that I like. I like to be in the corners of the net and play a physical style of game. And that has to do with watching my cousin (Former NHLer John Tonelli) play in the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s. He’s the only player that I’ve modeled my game around, so maybe that where I picked it up."
Finally Giese noted that Ryan Jones is "a solid prospect for sure, and will flourish with a play-making center." Meaning, as long as someone is there to get him the puck, there will be results. In a way, Ryan Jones resembles Mark Parrish.
It is worth mentioning the intangibles that also make Jones a note-worthy prospect. Despite his size, and strength (one of the things that drew Wild scouts to him was his performance in his Junior B championships, where he dominated despite playing through constant interference, clutching and grabbing), is that he has leadership qualities, serving as an Alternate Captain in his sophomore season, and then as a Captain for the past two years. He turned down in offer to sign with Minnesota in the off-season in order to finish his schooling, and maybe the most impressive story with the young man is that he hasn't cut his hair for months; he will be donating his hair to "Locks of Love", which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer. The story behind this can be found here.
http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/stories/020708aah.html
A 2007 interview with Jones can be found here:
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/02/22/191217.php
#56...Winning when the Gas Needle points to "E"
It would be easy to crow about Brent Burns' stellar shootout goal, and how it won the game for the Minnesota Wild; it is what it is. He mentioned that he sees Ryan Getzlaf of Anaheim use the move but "he's got better hands than me so I was trying not to fall down." Well, I'm no expert on Getzlaf's technique, but Burnsie's effort looked flawless in form and in result; Manny Legace had no chance.
Truth to be told I didn't see the third period nor most of the overtime; but from what I saw and have read was that the third was the only period where the Wild showed any jump, and effectively dominated play. In some way this game mirrored the game against the New York Islanders game Saturday; Minnesota started very strong, controlling the puck and getting shots on goal, and then when they did break through with a goal, they basically fell apart. Same thing; Marian Gaborik roofs a wrister over Legace (who never saw it) for his 30th, and then they just started marching to the box. No matter who the team is you are facing, if you continually give them time with the man advantage they are going to score. 30 consecutive penalty kill streak? DEAD. Paul Kariya ended it with a goal that every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Sally could score, a tap-in from the top of the crease into a wide-open net.
Despite the goal, which he can't be faulted for, Josh Harding was very good. He last played nearly a month ago, but also has been fighting the flu recently, stricken enough that Nolan Schaefer was called up from Houston to back up a game. Harding was outstanding in the shootout, making 4 of 5 saves, even though you can hardly call Lee Stempniak's attempt just that, when he whistled it away from Harding and the Wild net.
So there you go, they found a way to win despite playing mediocre. 2 more points, which extends the lead over Colorado to 3, and gives us a little bit of breathing room. However, the opportunity is there to build on that cushion with two very beatable teams in Edmonton and Vancouver coming up tomorrow and Thursday.
Truth to be told I didn't see the third period nor most of the overtime; but from what I saw and have read was that the third was the only period where the Wild showed any jump, and effectively dominated play. In some way this game mirrored the game against the New York Islanders game Saturday; Minnesota started very strong, controlling the puck and getting shots on goal, and then when they did break through with a goal, they basically fell apart. Same thing; Marian Gaborik roofs a wrister over Legace (who never saw it) for his 30th, and then they just started marching to the box. No matter who the team is you are facing, if you continually give them time with the man advantage they are going to score. 30 consecutive penalty kill streak? DEAD. Paul Kariya ended it with a goal that every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Sally could score, a tap-in from the top of the crease into a wide-open net.
Despite the goal, which he can't be faulted for, Josh Harding was very good. He last played nearly a month ago, but also has been fighting the flu recently, stricken enough that Nolan Schaefer was called up from Houston to back up a game. Harding was outstanding in the shootout, making 4 of 5 saves, even though you can hardly call Lee Stempniak's attempt just that, when he whistled it away from Harding and the Wild net.
So there you go, they found a way to win despite playing mediocre. 2 more points, which extends the lead over Colorado to 3, and gives us a little bit of breathing room. However, the opportunity is there to build on that cushion with two very beatable teams in Edmonton and Vancouver coming up tomorrow and Thursday.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
#55...Hockey Day Minnesota on Deflated Tires
I will preface this by saying that I am glad that I wasn't in Baudette yesterday, no matter how FSN tries to build up "Hockey Day". It was fucking cold, and despite how much of a hardcore fan I am, you just do not go and sit in a -40 wind chill. Nope. So kudos to those who did; the FSN crew, the staff, the fans, and most certainly the players.
All in all, this cornucopia of hockey makes for some good (at times great) entertainment, especially when the temperatures drop and the winds pick up. I wasn't able to catch much of the Eveleth/Lake of the Woods game, which I guess was a blowout, but what I saw of Hill-Murray and St. Thomas Academy was highly entertaining; Hill-Murray scored with 14 seconds left in the 3rd to tie the game, and 22 seconds into the Overtime to win not only the game, but to move ahead of STA in the Classic Suburban conference for the conference lead. Shortly after the HM/STA game they cut to the last few minutes of Blaine and Roseau (who almost didn't come because of poor road conditions), where the Rams hung on to win 1-0.
The Gophers? Well, they got their one goal-a-game, but the Denver Pioneers snapped out of their slump and scored four. Its been a long time since the Gophs have been his mediocre, so its shocking in a sense to see them struggle. Obviously they don't have the firepower of years past, but Alex Kangas looks as if he could be a rock for the next few years. Jeff Frazee who?
While its not often that it happens, you don't see a team play very well and score its first goal, and then begin to falter; like the goal deflated the tires. The Wild played some bad hockey the rest of the game, yet triumphed in Overtime 4-3. Brent Burns redeemed himself with the game-winner because he had some rough patches in the game, including a spot where he fumbled with the puck which led to an Islanders goal. To their credit, The Okposo-Stealers controlled the puck for long stretches of time, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one that thought it was nearing the end when Sean Bergenhiem roofed a shot from the crease, over Nik Backstrom, to put New York up with 4 minutes left in the third. Brian Rolston scored his second of the night just 41 seconds later, corralling a Mikko Koivu rebound off of his shin pads and into an open net.
Just like that you got two points, and 3 out of a possible 6 on a mini-homestand. But no more breathing room.
Both Colorado and Calgary won last night, keeping us 1 point ahead of the Avs and 2 over the Flames, although we have a game in hand on both teams.
Tonight will kick off a road trip, starting tonig
All in all, this cornucopia of hockey makes for some good (at times great) entertainment, especially when the temperatures drop and the winds pick up. I wasn't able to catch much of the Eveleth/Lake of the Woods game, which I guess was a blowout, but what I saw of Hill-Murray and St. Thomas Academy was highly entertaining; Hill-Murray scored with 14 seconds left in the 3rd to tie the game, and 22 seconds into the Overtime to win not only the game, but to move ahead of STA in the Classic Suburban conference for the conference lead. Shortly after the HM/STA game they cut to the last few minutes of Blaine and Roseau (who almost didn't come because of poor road conditions), where the Rams hung on to win 1-0.
The Gophers? Well, they got their one goal-a-game, but the Denver Pioneers snapped out of their slump and scored four. Its been a long time since the Gophs have been his mediocre, so its shocking in a sense to see them struggle. Obviously they don't have the firepower of years past, but Alex Kangas looks as if he could be a rock for the next few years. Jeff Frazee who?
While its not often that it happens, you don't see a team play very well and score its first goal, and then begin to falter; like the goal deflated the tires. The Wild played some bad hockey the rest of the game, yet triumphed in Overtime 4-3. Brent Burns redeemed himself with the game-winner because he had some rough patches in the game, including a spot where he fumbled with the puck which led to an Islanders goal. To their credit, The Okposo-Stealers controlled the puck for long stretches of time, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one that thought it was nearing the end when Sean Bergenhiem roofed a shot from the crease, over Nik Backstrom, to put New York up with 4 minutes left in the third. Brian Rolston scored his second of the night just 41 seconds later, corralling a Mikko Koivu rebound off of his shin pads and into an open net.
Just like that you got two points, and 3 out of a possible 6 on a mini-homestand. But no more breathing room.
Both Colorado and Calgary won last night, keeping us 1 point ahead of the Avs and 2 over the Flames, although we have a game in hand on both teams.
Tonight will kick off a road trip, starting tonig