As the clock flips over to 9/11/11, the 10th anniversary of the coordinated terrorist attacks on our nation, everyones focus will rightfully shift to the memory of that tragic day. I just wanted to take a brief moment as a Wild fan to say never forget in a different context.
This has been a hard year in the hockey world with the loss of so many players, capped off recently by the tragedy in Russia when the KHL Lokomotiv team was lost in an airplane disaster. This disaster marked the loss of the 3rd former Wild player in the teams brief history and 2nd this off season.
Derek Boogard was lost earlier this summer due to an accidental overdose when he mixed pain meds and alcohol. Then Pavol Demitra was lost in the Lokomotiv disaster. The 3rd player, let us not forget was Sergei Zholtok, who passed in front of former teammate and current Wild coach Darby Hendrickson, due to a heart issue several years ago.
As we get ready to start the 2011-2012 season, one with renewed excitement and expectations due to a flurry of moves by 2nd year GM Chuck Fletcher, I just wanted to say never forget our former players and let's hope that this string of tragedies comes to an end.
VOYAGEUR COUNTRY-ALONG THE BOARDS:Fans perspective and analysis from the state of hockey covering the Minnesota Wild, Gophers and the state high school hockey tournaments. Also other favorites such as the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and San Jose Sharks. Occasional opinions of rivals old and new like the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
They Are Called BOARDS!! CC: Dan Terhaar
Those funny things going around an ice rink topped with plexiglass....they are referred to as BOARDS! Try it: end boards, near boards, it's fun, and it lets a listener know where on the ice play is if they don't have a visual at the time. Not everything is f***ing wall, 1/2 wall, blah, blah, blah, shove the wall up your a**!
I understand past announcers have used this terminology as well and some current....but not every other word!! Al and/or Wally Shaver you are NOT!
That is why it is a BOARDING penalty......not a walling or a 1/2 walling. Quit trying to upscale hockey....cake eater...we like it the way it is.
Finally Mr. Terhaar, buy a personality! Show some excitment and genuine interest in the game. Pretend you enjoy it! Pretend you are calling it for the Wild....oh wait you are? Not sure why?
BRING BACK Mike Goldberg! (Or at least someone that makes you want to keep the TV volume on during the game)
I understand past announcers have used this terminology as well and some current....but not every other word!! Al and/or Wally Shaver you are NOT!
That is why it is a BOARDING penalty......not a walling or a 1/2 walling. Quit trying to upscale hockey....cake eater...we like it the way it is.
Finally Mr. Terhaar, buy a personality! Show some excitment and genuine interest in the game. Pretend you enjoy it! Pretend you are calling it for the Wild....oh wait you are? Not sure why?
BRING BACK Mike Goldberg! (Or at least someone that makes you want to keep the TV volume on during the game)
Monday, July 4, 2011
FLETCH!
Ok, so it has been awhile since I wrote about the Minnesota Wild. I am not a fairweather fan by any means and will always support my favorite team. The way last season ended however was very tough to swallow. The players quit on the fans, the team and on each other. It was one of the most pathetic displays I have ever seen in Minnesota sports history. I don't mind if a team loses as long as the effort is there. The bar has been set high by past Wild teams espescially the 2003 team.
A lot of "fans" called for Todd Richards head early and often in his 2nd year, which is the Minnesota way whether it makes sense or not. Todd Richards only issues as a head coach were a lack of experience and assertiveness. The latter being the only reason I am OK with and can understand his dismissal. He lost the players late in the 2011 season and to the degree he lost them would never get them back on his side. Having said that, the problem was the players and a lack of character! I do think Todd Richards will make a good head coach WHEN given another opportunity with quality and character players.
So onto the 2011 offseason...
Todd Richards was fired and Houston Aeros first year head coach Mike Yeo is promoted and made the third head coach in Minnesota Wild history. Some question this hire as a Todd Richards clone. To a certain extent this is true but as I said above Todd Richards wasn't the problem, other than losing the players late in the season. That is where the big difference between the two will come into play. Yeo is more assertive and demanding of his players. He will set expectations early and demand accountability, which has been lacking. This showed in his turn around of the Houston Aeros when he took them to the Calder Cup Finals, although they did end up losing, the transformation in 1 season was amazing!
Then there is the players on the NHL roster and depth in the system. What would and what could Chuck Fletcher do? Doug Risebrough, in his near decade run in charge of the Wild left the cupboard bare and absent of talent with the exception of a handful already in the NHL that were selected early on in his tenure. Towards the end every move Risebrough made fizzled.
Early in Chuck Fletchers tenure he tried to spark the team with big acquisitions, but the chemistry and effort was lacking, as the system was changing and players refused to adapt. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good players on this team but MAJOR changes were needed with clear expectations and accountability standards set for those that remain.
Fletcher started the overhaul about 3 weeks ago when he dealt D-Maxim Noreau to the NJ Devils for C- David McIntyre who played his 1st pro season last year and appears to have some upside. The center position has long been a weakness of the Wild and defense appears to be a strength moving foward with Noreau unlikely to be re-signed and being unrestricted. So Fletcher got an asset for a walking player, a refreshing change.
Then came the 2011-2012 Entry Draft held here in Saint Paul. Expectations were high as the Wild were drafting high after a down year and changes needed to be made. Fletcher was tight lipped and made it clear he would be building from within and not as active in free agency.
After a solid 2010 draft Fletcher immediately showed he would be aggressive and wanted to add quality and depth rather than just for need. Fletcher took Swedish defenseman Jonas Brodin with the 10th pick who easily could have gone higher but fell to the Wild. That was followed by a huge but not unexpected trade with the San Jose Sharks. Brent Burns one of the players singled out for a lack of effort and consistency at the end of the 2010 season was moved, although he was a fan favorite in Minny. In exchange the Wild received highly regarded Centerman Charlie Coyle and RW Devin Setoguchi, an excellent skater and goal scorer, both glaring weaknesses in the Wild system under Risebrough. In addition as part of that trade the Wild sent a 2012 2nd round pick to the Sharks for their #28 overall 2011 1st rounder.
With the #28 overall pick from the Sharks, Fletcher again went after the Center position selecting Zach Phillips, also very highly regarded, which added sorely needed depth at the position. The rest of the draft was a success as well with a lot of quality young players selected and an empty cupboard starting to fill up nicely.
The Wild shortly after the draft acquired LW Daroll Powe from the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2013 3rd round draft pick. Powe is a hard hitting gritty forward, a lot like fan favorite Cal Clutterbuck, although with a little less goal scoring ability.
Fletcher followed up his 2nd very succesful draft and bold trade of fan favorite Burns with a 2nd blockbuster trade, again with the San Jose Sharks. This time he sent enigmatic winger Martin Havlat for Dany Heatley, a gifted skater and goal scorer who has not produced for San Jose in the playoffs. Havlat, although a quality player never fit in here in Minny and frequently displayed a lack of effort unless it was a spotlight game. He never established any chemistry here although he was provided opportunities with different linemates.
In another minor move the Wild also acquired former Minnesota Gopher Jeff Taffe, adding depth and grit to a team sorely lacking both. Taffe was signed to a 1 year 2 way contract and gives the Wild some depth and flexibility.
There have been rumors of Tomas Kaberle-D being signed as well, however I believe this to be highly unlikely. The Wild has enough veteran leadership on the D line and many of the young guys that stepped up at the end of the 2010 campaign have earned a chance for regular play and to show if they belong in the NHL.
This doesn't mean Fletcher is done though, and I do expect another minor move or two in the coming weeks. Not to be forgotten is the addition by subtraction with the release of D-Cam Barker, as well as not re-signing forwards Kobasew & Miettinen who frequently disappeared from games.
Finally Andrew Burnette, thank you for 6 great years (split) in a Wild sweater. Your effort was never questioned and you were a true overachiever and will never be forgotten & #mnwild forever! Good luck my friend, but I will have to boo you playing for the hated Blackhawks, for those old enough or wise enough to be aware of true Minnesota hockey rivalries.
Time for realignment, but that is another story.
A lot of "fans" called for Todd Richards head early and often in his 2nd year, which is the Minnesota way whether it makes sense or not. Todd Richards only issues as a head coach were a lack of experience and assertiveness. The latter being the only reason I am OK with and can understand his dismissal. He lost the players late in the 2011 season and to the degree he lost them would never get them back on his side. Having said that, the problem was the players and a lack of character! I do think Todd Richards will make a good head coach WHEN given another opportunity with quality and character players.
So onto the 2011 offseason...
Todd Richards was fired and Houston Aeros first year head coach Mike Yeo is promoted and made the third head coach in Minnesota Wild history. Some question this hire as a Todd Richards clone. To a certain extent this is true but as I said above Todd Richards wasn't the problem, other than losing the players late in the season. That is where the big difference between the two will come into play. Yeo is more assertive and demanding of his players. He will set expectations early and demand accountability, which has been lacking. This showed in his turn around of the Houston Aeros when he took them to the Calder Cup Finals, although they did end up losing, the transformation in 1 season was amazing!
Then there is the players on the NHL roster and depth in the system. What would and what could Chuck Fletcher do? Doug Risebrough, in his near decade run in charge of the Wild left the cupboard bare and absent of talent with the exception of a handful already in the NHL that were selected early on in his tenure. Towards the end every move Risebrough made fizzled.
Early in Chuck Fletchers tenure he tried to spark the team with big acquisitions, but the chemistry and effort was lacking, as the system was changing and players refused to adapt. Don't get me wrong there are a lot of good players on this team but MAJOR changes were needed with clear expectations and accountability standards set for those that remain.
Fletcher started the overhaul about 3 weeks ago when he dealt D-Maxim Noreau to the NJ Devils for C- David McIntyre who played his 1st pro season last year and appears to have some upside. The center position has long been a weakness of the Wild and defense appears to be a strength moving foward with Noreau unlikely to be re-signed and being unrestricted. So Fletcher got an asset for a walking player, a refreshing change.
Then came the 2011-2012 Entry Draft held here in Saint Paul. Expectations were high as the Wild were drafting high after a down year and changes needed to be made. Fletcher was tight lipped and made it clear he would be building from within and not as active in free agency.
After a solid 2010 draft Fletcher immediately showed he would be aggressive and wanted to add quality and depth rather than just for need. Fletcher took Swedish defenseman Jonas Brodin with the 10th pick who easily could have gone higher but fell to the Wild. That was followed by a huge but not unexpected trade with the San Jose Sharks. Brent Burns one of the players singled out for a lack of effort and consistency at the end of the 2010 season was moved, although he was a fan favorite in Minny. In exchange the Wild received highly regarded Centerman Charlie Coyle and RW Devin Setoguchi, an excellent skater and goal scorer, both glaring weaknesses in the Wild system under Risebrough. In addition as part of that trade the Wild sent a 2012 2nd round pick to the Sharks for their #28 overall 2011 1st rounder.
With the #28 overall pick from the Sharks, Fletcher again went after the Center position selecting Zach Phillips, also very highly regarded, which added sorely needed depth at the position. The rest of the draft was a success as well with a lot of quality young players selected and an empty cupboard starting to fill up nicely.
The Wild shortly after the draft acquired LW Daroll Powe from the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2013 3rd round draft pick. Powe is a hard hitting gritty forward, a lot like fan favorite Cal Clutterbuck, although with a little less goal scoring ability.
Fletcher followed up his 2nd very succesful draft and bold trade of fan favorite Burns with a 2nd blockbuster trade, again with the San Jose Sharks. This time he sent enigmatic winger Martin Havlat for Dany Heatley, a gifted skater and goal scorer who has not produced for San Jose in the playoffs. Havlat, although a quality player never fit in here in Minny and frequently displayed a lack of effort unless it was a spotlight game. He never established any chemistry here although he was provided opportunities with different linemates.
In another minor move the Wild also acquired former Minnesota Gopher Jeff Taffe, adding depth and grit to a team sorely lacking both. Taffe was signed to a 1 year 2 way contract and gives the Wild some depth and flexibility.
There have been rumors of Tomas Kaberle-D being signed as well, however I believe this to be highly unlikely. The Wild has enough veteran leadership on the D line and many of the young guys that stepped up at the end of the 2010 campaign have earned a chance for regular play and to show if they belong in the NHL.
This doesn't mean Fletcher is done though, and I do expect another minor move or two in the coming weeks. Not to be forgotten is the addition by subtraction with the release of D-Cam Barker, as well as not re-signing forwards Kobasew & Miettinen who frequently disappeared from games.
Finally Andrew Burnette, thank you for 6 great years (split) in a Wild sweater. Your effort was never questioned and you were a true overachiever and will never be forgotten & #mnwild forever! Good luck my friend, but I will have to boo you playing for the hated Blackhawks, for those old enough or wise enough to be aware of true Minnesota hockey rivalries.
Time for realignment, but that is another story.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wild Players Have Quit On Team
Wow this season has ended in a complete meltdown, an 8 game winless streak and counting while being outscored 37-12. The Wild should just start releasing the guys now who have already started their offseason. There is only seven games remaining anyway and they have already pissed the money down the drain, there is nothing left to waste. Take a look at some of the guys on the Aeros roster and give them more NHL exposure.
This is the worst stretch of hockey I have ever seen a team play. There have been bad teams with worse records but they always played hard, and played with heart.
The players on the 2010-2011 Minnesota Wild have no heart, they are gutless, selfish and don't deserve to wear the uniform. They have disrespected the effort the inaugural team put in establishing the Wild culture, the 2003 team that bucked the odds all the way to the Western Conference Championship Playoffs, and the 2007-2008 team that brought home the 1st ever Northwest Division Championship Banner. No disrespect to the other 6 Wild teams but these were the most memorable, and the 2010-2011 is the worst ever and a complete disgrace to Wild fans and the game of hockey.
Two words: FIRE SALE!
This is the worst stretch of hockey I have ever seen a team play. There have been bad teams with worse records but they always played hard, and played with heart.
The players on the 2010-2011 Minnesota Wild have no heart, they are gutless, selfish and don't deserve to wear the uniform. They have disrespected the effort the inaugural team put in establishing the Wild culture, the 2003 team that bucked the odds all the way to the Western Conference Championship Playoffs, and the 2007-2008 team that brought home the 1st ever Northwest Division Championship Banner. No disrespect to the other 6 Wild teams but these were the most memorable, and the 2010-2011 is the worst ever and a complete disgrace to Wild fans and the game of hockey.
Two words: FIRE SALE!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wild Winless Streak At 7 & COUNTING....
This is officially the worst overall streak in Wild & maybe in Minnesota NHL history. Maybe not in terms of consecutive games lost, but when you add in the fact that over the current 7 game winless streak that they have been outscored 31-9 with 3 shutouts and an 8-1 loss which is the worst in team history, it is the most pathetic display of what they claim is hockey ever witnessed here in Minny.
What a great way to end 10 years of the Wild and Minnesota being back in the NHL with professionals quitting after a vote of confidence at the trade deadline from their GM. Hopefully a lot of these "men" are gone when season 11 rolls around. After this season I am ready for some hockey from professionals, bring back the inaugural team at least they played with heart.
Nothing else to say except DISGUSTED....enjoy your offseason.
What a great way to end 10 years of the Wild and Minnesota being back in the NHL with professionals quitting after a vote of confidence at the trade deadline from their GM. Hopefully a lot of these "men" are gone when season 11 rolls around. After this season I am ready for some hockey from professionals, bring back the inaugural team at least they played with heart.
Nothing else to say except DISGUSTED....enjoy your offseason.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Mn Wild...Offseason Changes..Time For An Overhaul
Kind of feels weird and definitely sad to be talking about offseason changes with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Lets be honest though after the last week+ that is 11 games to go period and this has quickly become player evaluation time. It is gut check time for the players, are they going to roll over and die or fight for their teammates and the fans. I am typically not one for wholesale changes but in light of the team falling completely off the map in year 2 of this regime I think it is time for them to infuse new blood consistent with their style, maybe trading a couple core pieces from the previous regime to create a spark. The molasses approach has got to go!
Although I addressed this in my most recent post I am going to start with and revisit the goaltending position. This is interesting because of the sudden depth at the position for what appears to be years to come. Nicolas Backstrom is penciled in as the number one goalie I think in everyones books, or are they looking to move him because of salary cap issues and depth at the position? At the start of the year Harding was the number two guy knocking on the door for an opportunity. A serious injury early derailed his season however and the Wild signed free agent Jose Theodore. This was a savy move and Theo was stellar which begs the question why was he available when so many teams have questions at the number one spot? Anyway due to the fact Harding was not ready to return at the trade deadline neither player could be moved. They did however trade Aeros goalie and Wild occassional backup Anton Khudobin to Boston. Now with Harding ready the Wild have 3 goalies, all of which could be number one goalies on a lot of teams. Add to that the fact that Chuck Fletcher also just signed German League goalie Dennis Endras to a 2011-2012 contract and suddenly we have a logjam at the position. This with future potential star Matt Hackett waiting in the wings at Houston.
This creates a bit of a quandry with Theo and Harding both eligible to be free agents, do we let both walk, re-sign one, or re-sign both while trading Backs for more pieces to the puzzle? Where does Endras fit into the equation? I find it highly unlikely that both Theo and Harding are allowed to walk for nothing in return. Which to me sets things up to look like one of them becomes the new starter or at least has a chance to win that job with Endras also in the mix. That would leave one as the odd man out in addition to a trade of Backstrom who would be a hot commodity and yield some much needed assets for the team. This is purely speculation and I would hate to see Backs leave but the end result with the options that we have might be what is best at this point.
This brings us to the blueline....ouch....what a year. These guys were constantly thrown under the bus by a lack of puck control and scoring ability. As the season progressed and injuries mounted the dam began to leak. With that however as I said I do not believe it to be entirely their fault and think much like the goaltending this has become a position of strength overall for the Wild. This is not to say that a change or two here is not needed. The Wild are up against the cap with a lot of money tied up here and some good young players that stepped up, showing they are ready for the opportunity. What to do here is where the toughest choices are going to come for the Wild. Best bet is that one of the two Wild stalwarts Brent Burns or Nick Schultz will be moved as both are making good money and not going to get any cheaper. Burns is probably more of a fan favorite due to his outgoing nature and penchant for jumping up into the play. He is also good on the power play and exciting to watch. He is similiar in a lot of ways to Marek Zidlicky. Then there is Schultz who will never be called exciting, he is an old school stay at home defenseman that rarely jumps up into the action. Zidlicky could also be moved but it is more likely that Burns or Schultz is dealt to another team. Cam Barker who has been injury prone and a bit of a dissapointment since being acquired from Chicago would be a good piece to move as well. Zanon is a lock here as kind of a tweener and great shot blocker who is affordable. Younger players Jarod Spurgeon and Clayton Stoner appear to have played themselves into full time jobs as well.
Then we have the guys that control play for the Wild, our faceoff men and first guys back on defense. Mikko Koivu is a lock and untouchable as is Matt Cullen. John Madden who is on a 1 year deal will probably not be back and will free up some money. Kyle Brodziak has a lot of upside and has not quite hit his stride yet but is not a bad option. There will be 4 other guys in the mix here next year at a minimum with James Sheppard returning in what is most likely his final opportunity to stick with the Wild after a season missed due to off season activities, also Warren Peters who is unproven, Cody Almond and Casey Wellman who has a huge upside and could be an exciting option as he develops and becomes more disciplined.
On the wings there are a couple easy decisions in my book, first Chuck Kobasew is done and Anti Miettinen is more of a player fitting the old scheme and has probably worn out his welcome. Jed Ortmeyer will quietly disappear. Guys likely to stick are Cal Clutterbuck who is a lock, Brad Staubitz who is our lone remaining enforcer type, and probably Eric Nystrom who had a quiet first year with the Wild but is affordable and likely to improve. Andrew Brunette will be a tough decision as he is a fan favorite, he is creative and makes things happen. However he is getting older and the money might be better spent elsewhere. One piece now that he is finally healthy, another fan favorite and holdover from the previous regime is Pierre Marc Bouchard. He is exciting at times but also disappears for long stretches of play and is inconsistent. He also has a big cap number for the Wild but would be attractive to other teams. A trade of Bouchard much like Backstrom and either Burns or Schultz would bring a lot back in return and would improve the Wild in the long run.
Again this is all speculation on my part and at least with regards to Backs, Bruno, Schultz and/or Burnsie I would hate to see them go but I do see the upside. A couple moves at the very least are necessary and inevitable and can only help the club.
Although I addressed this in my most recent post I am going to start with and revisit the goaltending position. This is interesting because of the sudden depth at the position for what appears to be years to come. Nicolas Backstrom is penciled in as the number one goalie I think in everyones books, or are they looking to move him because of salary cap issues and depth at the position? At the start of the year Harding was the number two guy knocking on the door for an opportunity. A serious injury early derailed his season however and the Wild signed free agent Jose Theodore. This was a savy move and Theo was stellar which begs the question why was he available when so many teams have questions at the number one spot? Anyway due to the fact Harding was not ready to return at the trade deadline neither player could be moved. They did however trade Aeros goalie and Wild occassional backup Anton Khudobin to Boston. Now with Harding ready the Wild have 3 goalies, all of which could be number one goalies on a lot of teams. Add to that the fact that Chuck Fletcher also just signed German League goalie Dennis Endras to a 2011-2012 contract and suddenly we have a logjam at the position. This with future potential star Matt Hackett waiting in the wings at Houston.
This creates a bit of a quandry with Theo and Harding both eligible to be free agents, do we let both walk, re-sign one, or re-sign both while trading Backs for more pieces to the puzzle? Where does Endras fit into the equation? I find it highly unlikely that both Theo and Harding are allowed to walk for nothing in return. Which to me sets things up to look like one of them becomes the new starter or at least has a chance to win that job with Endras also in the mix. That would leave one as the odd man out in addition to a trade of Backstrom who would be a hot commodity and yield some much needed assets for the team. This is purely speculation and I would hate to see Backs leave but the end result with the options that we have might be what is best at this point.
This brings us to the blueline....ouch....what a year. These guys were constantly thrown under the bus by a lack of puck control and scoring ability. As the season progressed and injuries mounted the dam began to leak. With that however as I said I do not believe it to be entirely their fault and think much like the goaltending this has become a position of strength overall for the Wild. This is not to say that a change or two here is not needed. The Wild are up against the cap with a lot of money tied up here and some good young players that stepped up, showing they are ready for the opportunity. What to do here is where the toughest choices are going to come for the Wild. Best bet is that one of the two Wild stalwarts Brent Burns or Nick Schultz will be moved as both are making good money and not going to get any cheaper. Burns is probably more of a fan favorite due to his outgoing nature and penchant for jumping up into the play. He is also good on the power play and exciting to watch. He is similiar in a lot of ways to Marek Zidlicky. Then there is Schultz who will never be called exciting, he is an old school stay at home defenseman that rarely jumps up into the action. Zidlicky could also be moved but it is more likely that Burns or Schultz is dealt to another team. Cam Barker who has been injury prone and a bit of a dissapointment since being acquired from Chicago would be a good piece to move as well. Zanon is a lock here as kind of a tweener and great shot blocker who is affordable. Younger players Jarod Spurgeon and Clayton Stoner appear to have played themselves into full time jobs as well.
Then we have the guys that control play for the Wild, our faceoff men and first guys back on defense. Mikko Koivu is a lock and untouchable as is Matt Cullen. John Madden who is on a 1 year deal will probably not be back and will free up some money. Kyle Brodziak has a lot of upside and has not quite hit his stride yet but is not a bad option. There will be 4 other guys in the mix here next year at a minimum with James Sheppard returning in what is most likely his final opportunity to stick with the Wild after a season missed due to off season activities, also Warren Peters who is unproven, Cody Almond and Casey Wellman who has a huge upside and could be an exciting option as he develops and becomes more disciplined.
On the wings there are a couple easy decisions in my book, first Chuck Kobasew is done and Anti Miettinen is more of a player fitting the old scheme and has probably worn out his welcome. Jed Ortmeyer will quietly disappear. Guys likely to stick are Cal Clutterbuck who is a lock, Brad Staubitz who is our lone remaining enforcer type, and probably Eric Nystrom who had a quiet first year with the Wild but is affordable and likely to improve. Andrew Brunette will be a tough decision as he is a fan favorite, he is creative and makes things happen. However he is getting older and the money might be better spent elsewhere. One piece now that he is finally healthy, another fan favorite and holdover from the previous regime is Pierre Marc Bouchard. He is exciting at times but also disappears for long stretches of play and is inconsistent. He also has a big cap number for the Wild but would be attractive to other teams. A trade of Bouchard much like Backstrom and either Burns or Schultz would bring a lot back in return and would improve the Wild in the long run.
Again this is all speculation on my part and at least with regards to Backs, Bruno, Schultz and/or Burnsie I would hate to see them go but I do see the upside. A couple moves at the very least are necessary and inevitable and can only help the club.
Friday, March 18, 2011
MN Wild....Playoffs...Sigh....
Two weeks ago things were looking good for the State of Hockey with a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs appearing imminent for the Wild. Fast forward to today after four straight losses by a 15-4 margin and the home team is 6 pts out of the 8 spot with 11 games to play.
At this point it would take a lot of help and a minor miracle for the Wild to get into the playoffs. Don' t get me wrong I am not a fatalist, I am a realist however and things are not in our favor. It has been done by teams in similiar situations before, in fact our own Mn Twins were 7 1/2 games out at the beginning of September 2009 and the division appeared to belong to the Tigers. Then the Twins tied the Tigers on the last day of the regular season forcing a game 163, which went on to become an instant MLB Classic, and the Twins won the division. Do I think the Wild will follow in the Twins footsteps, simply put....NO!
There are too many things going against the Wild right now and they are reeling, the biggest factor is constant injuries to key players. When you are constantly losing guys on a daily basis you can not build chemistry and cohesiveness even if you have had it before. Also too many young guys are being thrown into the fire at the same time and they have got to feel like yo-yo's the way the injury bug has been biting the team. They've had to constantly go back and forth between the Wild & Aeros not having a chance to get comfortable with the team.
The team is heading in the right direction though and I think year 2 under Richards & Fletcher has shown some marked improvement and guys are starting to buy into the system. Having said that the Wild are in DESPERATE need of guys that can score and take the pressure off the D and Backstrom. We need guys that are good with the puck in open ice, we have too many guys with a similiar style game right now.
One thing that is puzzling is the goaltending situation and it appears we will be losing a couple of nice assets with nothing in return. Backstrom is obviously the number one goaltender for the Wild and going into the year Harding was a solid number two goalie. Then Harding gets hurt early on forcing the Wild to pick up Jose Theodore who for some reason was unsigned. Theodore was awesome for the Wild this year and with Harding not yet ready to return at the trade deadline the Wild failed to move him instead moving Aeros goalie Anton Khudobin. Now it appears Harding is ready to come back off IR and we will have 3 goalies. To top that off Chuck Fletcher just signed German goalie Endras to a 2011-2012 contract.
A plethora of goalies yet a goalscorer not to be found? If anything is to change in 2011-2012 we have to move beyond this clogging the middle mentality, we need to skate & score!! We need puckhandlers, faceoff men, guys that are good on the boards. There is enough dead weight to create openings and trades are a viable option for more flexibility even if we have to give up a prized player or two..
I love the Wild and will enjoy the rest of the 2010-2011 season with hope of things to come in 2011-2012.
Let's Go Wild!!
At this point it would take a lot of help and a minor miracle for the Wild to get into the playoffs. Don' t get me wrong I am not a fatalist, I am a realist however and things are not in our favor. It has been done by teams in similiar situations before, in fact our own Mn Twins were 7 1/2 games out at the beginning of September 2009 and the division appeared to belong to the Tigers. Then the Twins tied the Tigers on the last day of the regular season forcing a game 163, which went on to become an instant MLB Classic, and the Twins won the division. Do I think the Wild will follow in the Twins footsteps, simply put....NO!
There are too many things going against the Wild right now and they are reeling, the biggest factor is constant injuries to key players. When you are constantly losing guys on a daily basis you can not build chemistry and cohesiveness even if you have had it before. Also too many young guys are being thrown into the fire at the same time and they have got to feel like yo-yo's the way the injury bug has been biting the team. They've had to constantly go back and forth between the Wild & Aeros not having a chance to get comfortable with the team.
The team is heading in the right direction though and I think year 2 under Richards & Fletcher has shown some marked improvement and guys are starting to buy into the system. Having said that the Wild are in DESPERATE need of guys that can score and take the pressure off the D and Backstrom. We need guys that are good with the puck in open ice, we have too many guys with a similiar style game right now.
One thing that is puzzling is the goaltending situation and it appears we will be losing a couple of nice assets with nothing in return. Backstrom is obviously the number one goaltender for the Wild and going into the year Harding was a solid number two goalie. Then Harding gets hurt early on forcing the Wild to pick up Jose Theodore who for some reason was unsigned. Theodore was awesome for the Wild this year and with Harding not yet ready to return at the trade deadline the Wild failed to move him instead moving Aeros goalie Anton Khudobin. Now it appears Harding is ready to come back off IR and we will have 3 goalies. To top that off Chuck Fletcher just signed German goalie Endras to a 2011-2012 contract.
A plethora of goalies yet a goalscorer not to be found? If anything is to change in 2011-2012 we have to move beyond this clogging the middle mentality, we need to skate & score!! We need puckhandlers, faceoff men, guys that are good on the boards. There is enough dead weight to create openings and trades are a viable option for more flexibility even if we have to give up a prized player or two..
I love the Wild and will enjoy the rest of the 2010-2011 season with hope of things to come in 2011-2012.
Let's Go Wild!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Minnesota Wild A Team In A Disarray
Around a week ago after a 5-2 Wild win over the Avalanche things were looking up for the Wild and the future was bright. They controlled their own playoff destiny with teams looking up at them and games in hand. Then March 10 driving down the road to the playoffs they didn't notice a fork in the road and went the wrong direction down a dead end road. The question now is can they find their way home, and get going the right direction again in time for their apointment with the playoffs or do they reschedule for this time next year?
Leading up to the trade deadline everyone was touting team chemistry and the work ethic of the team. However after Mikko Koivu was lost to injury it was tough to fill his shoes and with other holes already temporarliy plugged the leaks began to show. During this stretch in addition to Koivu the team had to do without Guillaume Latendresse who was re-injured after missing 58 games due to an earlier injury, Clayton Stoner went down, as well as Cal Clutterbuck the team sparkplug. This in addition to several other players already out. As a result the team was outscored 12-2 the last 3 games, at 1 point they went 8 periods without a point. Maybe the ship is being righted though as most of these players have returned and were in action in the 3rd game of this stretch.
With only 12 games remaining the Wild are now in 11th place in the Conference and 4 points out of 8th. Their games in hand are gone and several teams actually have a game in hand on the Wild. The road back to the playoffs is now all uphill but if that pre-deadline magic returns it could be a fun stretch run. Time to buckle down and take control of the bus.
Leading up to the trade deadline everyone was touting team chemistry and the work ethic of the team. However after Mikko Koivu was lost to injury it was tough to fill his shoes and with other holes already temporarliy plugged the leaks began to show. During this stretch in addition to Koivu the team had to do without Guillaume Latendresse who was re-injured after missing 58 games due to an earlier injury, Clayton Stoner went down, as well as Cal Clutterbuck the team sparkplug. This in addition to several other players already out. As a result the team was outscored 12-2 the last 3 games, at 1 point they went 8 periods without a point. Maybe the ship is being righted though as most of these players have returned and were in action in the 3rd game of this stretch.
With only 12 games remaining the Wild are now in 11th place in the Conference and 4 points out of 8th. Their games in hand are gone and several teams actually have a game in hand on the Wild. The road back to the playoffs is now all uphill but if that pre-deadline magic returns it could be a fun stretch run. Time to buckle down and take control of the bus.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
MSHSL Boys Hockey Tournament Class AA Finals UPDATE
What a great day for Minnesota hockey. First the Class A game goes into OT in a 5-4 thriller with Saint Thomas Academy edging Hermantown. Now in the AA Final between Duluth East and Eden Prairie it was locked 2-2 going into the 3rd OT when Eden Prairie scored on a trickler through the 5 hole ending a protracted battle in the longest championship game in Minnesota State Hockey Tournament history and a 3-2 victory.
MSHSL Boys Hockey Tournament Class AA Finals
The Class AA Boys State Hockey Championship between Duluth East & Eden Prairie is unerway early in the 1st Period. Coverahe on KSTC45. No score early. If it is 1/2 as good as Class A was should be a great game.
MSHSL Boys Hockey Tournament Class A Finals UPDATE
The Class A Hockey game between Hermantown & St. Thomas Academy was a great matchup. Hermantown went up 3-0 early in the 1st period with STA battling back to within 1 at 3-2. At that point the 2 teams exchanged goals before STA tied it up midway through the 3rd. The game went into overtime with STA prevailing in the 1st 8 min overtime 5-4. Definitely worthy of a championship game.
MSHSL Boys Hockey Tournament Class A Finals
Well the Class A Finals are set and about to drop the puck. Hermantown squares off against St. Thomas Academy. Neither team has lost against Class A teams all season. Both have played AA teams and have battled hard. Today 1 team gets their first Class A loss of the season in the biggest game many will play in their hockey life. All todays action on KSTC 45.
MN Hockey...Where do we go from here?
Minnesota hockey and its fans are reeling after a less than stellar hockey season from both of the major teams in the state. The Minnesota Gophers after years of players bolting for the NHL have had a couple solid classes and some stability but yet no results. They had home ice advantage for round 1 in the WCHA Final 5 and dropped the opening game to Alaska Anchorage 4-3. The Minnesota Wild in year 10 of the franchise and year 2 of the new leadership group appeared to be on the brink of putting things together and then...back to back 4-0 losses with 12 games to play and on the outside looking in.
In a state that demands instant sports satisfaction, has been waiting a long time for a Stanley Cup and expects NCAA Championships this has been a disheartening year. Minnesota also has a penchant for calling for the heads of its head coaches regardless of who they are and what they have accomplished. They at times have called for the firings of Bud Grant, & Tom Kelly. Now there have been rumblings of disenchantment with Don Lucia and Todd Richards.
All Don Lucia has done is win 2 national championships while here at Minnesota something not accomplished since the days of hockey legend Herb Brooks. This doesn't include his other accomplishments here and at Colorado College. RELAX people!! Lucia is a great hockey mind and hopefully will be going nowhere anytime soon. The problem with the Gophers is not with Lucia but with a system that allows the exodus of underclassmen espescially with no guarantee of NHL call ups or even an NHL career at any point. Remaining in college can only help their deveolopment and this situation should be addressed, not just for the benefit of the Gophers and other top programs but for the players and their future.
As far as Wild head coach Todd Richards while he is inexperienced, this is first stint as a head coach at the NHL level, he has made huge strides with this program. Richards and GM Chuck Fletcher totally revamped the system and the evaluation of players. They have begun restocking the minor league teams and results are beginning to show. They took over a team and system with nothing in the cupboard as former GM Doug Risebrough while hitting the jackpot with some players was very inconsistent in the draft and gave up many blue chip players in trades that did not provide tangible results. The 2009-2010 season, their first was a bust and a huge dissapointment. However at the beginning of 2010-2011 season things started to click. The team after several changes began to buy into the new sytem after 8 years under Jacques Lemaire. Richards had to earn their trust and respect which took time. They are becoming cohesive and team chemistry is high.
So while both teams may be dissapointments for this season, look to the future it appears to be very bright. Dont be short sighted and start over yet again or as is often the case in Minnesota we will be caught in the loop of starting over and always wanting. Look to the Minnesota Twins for reference and motivation. While people called for the head of Tom Kelly, former GM Terry Ryan stuck with him because he knew and believed in the man, he believed in the system being implemented. That system is still in place. While TK chose to retire after overhauling a team and its philosophy from the ground up, he left Gardy with a winner, talent piled high and a philosophy built for long term success. Give our hockey gurus time, I believe the results will come.
Stay the course in the state of hockey! The ship is not sinking.
In a state that demands instant sports satisfaction, has been waiting a long time for a Stanley Cup and expects NCAA Championships this has been a disheartening year. Minnesota also has a penchant for calling for the heads of its head coaches regardless of who they are and what they have accomplished. They at times have called for the firings of Bud Grant, & Tom Kelly. Now there have been rumblings of disenchantment with Don Lucia and Todd Richards.
All Don Lucia has done is win 2 national championships while here at Minnesota something not accomplished since the days of hockey legend Herb Brooks. This doesn't include his other accomplishments here and at Colorado College. RELAX people!! Lucia is a great hockey mind and hopefully will be going nowhere anytime soon. The problem with the Gophers is not with Lucia but with a system that allows the exodus of underclassmen espescially with no guarantee of NHL call ups or even an NHL career at any point. Remaining in college can only help their deveolopment and this situation should be addressed, not just for the benefit of the Gophers and other top programs but for the players and their future.
As far as Wild head coach Todd Richards while he is inexperienced, this is first stint as a head coach at the NHL level, he has made huge strides with this program. Richards and GM Chuck Fletcher totally revamped the system and the evaluation of players. They have begun restocking the minor league teams and results are beginning to show. They took over a team and system with nothing in the cupboard as former GM Doug Risebrough while hitting the jackpot with some players was very inconsistent in the draft and gave up many blue chip players in trades that did not provide tangible results. The 2009-2010 season, their first was a bust and a huge dissapointment. However at the beginning of 2010-2011 season things started to click. The team after several changes began to buy into the new sytem after 8 years under Jacques Lemaire. Richards had to earn their trust and respect which took time. They are becoming cohesive and team chemistry is high.
So while both teams may be dissapointments for this season, look to the future it appears to be very bright. Dont be short sighted and start over yet again or as is often the case in Minnesota we will be caught in the loop of starting over and always wanting. Look to the Minnesota Twins for reference and motivation. While people called for the head of Tom Kelly, former GM Terry Ryan stuck with him because he knew and believed in the man, he believed in the system being implemented. That system is still in place. While TK chose to retire after overhauling a team and its philosophy from the ground up, he left Gardy with a winner, talent piled high and a philosophy built for long term success. Give our hockey gurus time, I believe the results will come.
Stay the course in the state of hockey! The ship is not sinking.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Shutout Again
I am not in any way a fair weather fan but.........OH MY GOD!! Back to back 4-0 shutout losses when you have a chance to move back into playoff position and improve your overall chances. How does that happen when you have been competitive all year long? Where is the heart? Where is the sense of urgency? I am not angry but flustered and wonder how Wild players can think that this is a way to repay devoted and educated hockey fans. Their play has been a disgrace! They are better than this!!
OK I feel better now. Time to get back on the ice and to use a basketball analogy go on a run, wins and losses run not points.
LET'S GO WILD!!
OK I feel better now. Time to get back on the ice and to use a basketball analogy go on a run, wins and losses run not points.
LET'S GO WILD!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Playoffs or Bust
At the time of this posting the Wild have 14 games remaining on the regular season schedule. Next up is the Nashville Predators on the road. The Wild currently sit in the 9 spot just 2pts out of playoff contention. The Phoenix Coyotes are above them but the Wild do have a game in hand. They are also only 4 pts out of the 4th & 5th spots held by the Blachawks & Flames. Again they currently have 1 & 2 games in hand respectively.
With Nashville sitting just 1pt behind the Wild in 10th this is an important match up. Phoenix and Calgary will also be squaring off at the same time so the Wild have a chance to improve their positioning with a good showing. The team appeared to finally be getting healthy then Barker & Zidlicky both go down again.
The Wild blueline has really gotten a lot of help this season with call ups from the Houston Aeros. While it would be nice to have the regular lineup healthy for a change it is nice to have depth. This has been really good experience for the younger call ups and could prove vital down the stretch and into the playoffs.
With Nashville sitting just 1pt behind the Wild in 10th this is an important match up. Phoenix and Calgary will also be squaring off at the same time so the Wild have a chance to improve their positioning with a good showing. The team appeared to finally be getting healthy then Barker & Zidlicky both go down again.
The Wild blueline has really gotten a lot of help this season with call ups from the Houston Aeros. While it would be nice to have the regular lineup healthy for a change it is nice to have depth. This has been really good experience for the younger call ups and could prove vital down the stretch and into the playoffs.
MSHSL Boys Hockey Tournament
Today begins one of the greatest state high school tournaments in the country for any sport. The Minnesota State Boys High School Hockey Tournament kicks off at the Xcel Energy Center with the inaugural tilt featuring Alexandria vs. Hermantown in Class A at 11 AM. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press since its inception in 1945 the tournament has drawn over 5 million spectators including 118,934 in last years event.
Many of todays NHL greats have showcased their talents in this tournament raising their stock for the NHL draft. Minnesota is not just known as the State of Hockey because of our beloved Mn Wild, the former Mn North Stars, the Mn Moose, or even the St. Paul Fighting Saints. We have the multiple national championship winning Mn Gophers, and the majority of skaters on both the 1960 and 1980 Gold Medal winning US Olympic teams called Minnesota home. Even with all that the main reason we are the state of hockey starts here with our youth and their passion for the game rivaled only by the founding fathers of our planets greatest sport in Canada.
So whatever your plans are for today, change them or at least adjust them to take in some great hockey at the Xcel Energy Center, home of the Wild. If you dont have time, stop into a neighborhood restaurant or bar like Tom Reids Hockey City Pub to get caught up on all the action and where things sit, it should be a fun ride.
Let's Play Hockey!!
Many of todays NHL greats have showcased their talents in this tournament raising their stock for the NHL draft. Minnesota is not just known as the State of Hockey because of our beloved Mn Wild, the former Mn North Stars, the Mn Moose, or even the St. Paul Fighting Saints. We have the multiple national championship winning Mn Gophers, and the majority of skaters on both the 1960 and 1980 Gold Medal winning US Olympic teams called Minnesota home. Even with all that the main reason we are the state of hockey starts here with our youth and their passion for the game rivaled only by the founding fathers of our planets greatest sport in Canada.
So whatever your plans are for today, change them or at least adjust them to take in some great hockey at the Xcel Energy Center, home of the Wild. If you dont have time, stop into a neighborhood restaurant or bar like Tom Reids Hockey City Pub to get caught up on all the action and where things sit, it should be a fun ride.
Let's Play Hockey!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
State of Hockey Year 10
Year 10 for the Minnesota Wild and the Xcel Energy Center hardly seems possible. It still feels like the Minnesota North Stars just left for Dallas in the Norm Green fiasco. However that was 1993 and now our former team is having problems putting people in the seats. Rumor has it they are also on the verge of being sold yet again.
Back here in Minny things are starting to look up as the 10th season draws to a close. Todd Richards & Chuck Fletcher are in year 2 of implementing a new system and philosophy. The team finally started to play like they had bought into the system in December and haven't looked back since. They have climbed back into playoff contention despite a rash of injuries and are starting to get healthy for the first time all season. Arguably one of Fletchers best and at the time under the radar acquisitions Guillaume Latendresse skated for the first time in a game tonight in the last 58 games.
At the trade deadline the team had battled into playoff contention preventing a selloff. Fletcher said the way the guys were playing and with the team chemistry he was hesitant to make a deal and potentially disrupt the team. Additionally as previously mentioned guys were getting healthy for the first time providing additional depth. Many people feel that chemistry wise this team is one of the best if not the best in the 10 year history of the Wild. Only time will tell if that will be enough to get the team into the playoffs or make a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup reminiscent of 2003.
One last thought after Hockey Day In Minnesota, followed up by the Wild participating in Hockey Day in America, it is VERY clear that the Winter Classic is LONG overdue in the State of Hockey!! NHL you owe Minnesota for 1993 and the 7 year wait for NHL hockey to come back. Let's make it happen!
Secord Still Sucks!! Norm Green.......choke on it!!
Back here in Minny things are starting to look up as the 10th season draws to a close. Todd Richards & Chuck Fletcher are in year 2 of implementing a new system and philosophy. The team finally started to play like they had bought into the system in December and haven't looked back since. They have climbed back into playoff contention despite a rash of injuries and are starting to get healthy for the first time all season. Arguably one of Fletchers best and at the time under the radar acquisitions Guillaume Latendresse skated for the first time in a game tonight in the last 58 games.
At the trade deadline the team had battled into playoff contention preventing a selloff. Fletcher said the way the guys were playing and with the team chemistry he was hesitant to make a deal and potentially disrupt the team. Additionally as previously mentioned guys were getting healthy for the first time providing additional depth. Many people feel that chemistry wise this team is one of the best if not the best in the 10 year history of the Wild. Only time will tell if that will be enough to get the team into the playoffs or make a legitimate run at the Stanley Cup reminiscent of 2003.
One last thought after Hockey Day In Minnesota, followed up by the Wild participating in Hockey Day in America, it is VERY clear that the Winter Classic is LONG overdue in the State of Hockey!! NHL you owe Minnesota for 1993 and the 7 year wait for NHL hockey to come back. Let's make it happen!
Secord Still Sucks!! Norm Green.......choke on it!!
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