StarTribune.com

Finally, Game 1 is … almost … here; Date change for Game 7

Posted on April 9th, 2008 – 1:23 PM
By Michael Russo

Just got off the horn with Nick Schultz, who was readying to get out of the hospital. Here’s the story. 

> NHL, WILD ANNOUNCE DATE CHANGE FOR GAME 7 TO MONDAY, APRIL 21

>

> SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Hockey League (NHL) and the Minnesota Wild have announced that Game 7 (if necessary) of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center will now be played on Monday, Apr. 21, at a time to be determined. The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Apr. 22.

First, a little housekeeping. I was on XM this morning, and that will be replayed on NHL Network this afternoon at 4:30 local.

I’ll be on KFAN’s Chad Hartman Show at 3:25ish.

Also, I am told, there be a Russotan/Russoville pregame meal at McGovern’s around 4 p.m. in a back room by the second floor bar (as put together by KJ). I will not be able to make it, but I am honored that you all will be meeting.

Lots of action down at the X this morning.

First things first. I finally figured out why this is an 8 p.m. game. It’s on TSN in Canada, which was not listed on the original TV schedule.

So as color analyst Pierre McGuire said to me this morning, “Blame us.”

I do and did.

As for the lineup, Jacques Lemaire will either go with the three tough guys, or scratch Chris Simon or Derek Boogaard for Mark Parrish. It’ll be a surprise — not a good one for the person who’s sitting.

Lemaire wasn’t sharing a lot of stuff this morning. Finally, a local columnsist asked him if he practices saying nothing in front of the mirror: “It’s not easy,” Lemaire quipped.

James Sheppard was extremely excited to play his first NHL playoff game tonight. He got the playoff beard going already, which was impressive for a 19-year-old. Martin Skoula was also ecstatic to be playing his old team. Remember, Skoula won a Cup with the Avs in 2001.

Jordan Leopold, who I think is from here and may have played locally at some college, is a healthy scratch for the Avs. Paul Stastny, back from an appendectomy earlier this season, said it wouldn’t surprise him if Schultz is back in seven to 10 days.

Tonight’s refs? Don VanMassenhoven and Mike Hasenfratz. I hope they’re not an issue tonight because just their names alone will take up an inch of column type.

I’m about to transcribe and will add more stuff as I get it.

Enjoy the game tonight. I’m all hyped up, as my colleague can all attest to.

171 Responses to "Finally, Game 1 is … almost … here; Date change for Game 7"

Rob says:

April 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

woo hoo!

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

still the worst blog ever

Eddie Shore says:

April 9th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

I’d almost take the “cowboy” gig back in exchange for this now God-awful slooooooooooooooooooooooow website………………..almost.

build from within says:

April 9th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

Hello,
Is there anybody in there
Just smile if you can hear me
Is there anyone at home?

Aaron in Houston says:

April 9th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

In Apollo 13 fashion:

Expected time of reacquisition, the time when the blog was to update has come and gone.

grimicoh says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

“Mick McGeough, who announced his retirement this season, will also not work the postseason.”

Great news!!!!!!!

El Gato says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

bfw - We are all ‘Comfortably Numb’

Andy says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Time stamp: 39 minutes ago!

Goody says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Apparently this is to be a multi-course meal.

doogs says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Hradek changed his mind today based on Russo’s view about the impact of losing Schultz for the series.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Not til about 7:30pm El Gato….

El Gato says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Pregame meal-I’m going to wager that most of the ‘food’ at the pregame meal will consist of barley and hops!

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

Is everybody still on for Friday at McGoverns? I can’t go tonight but I would be proud to partake of the Russo Union on the 11th :)

Brad Ratgen says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Hey Russo, why’d you pick the Avs in the paper to win this series? Just curious.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

ss6 - I’m in for Friday’s take 2 as long as we are welcome back. I should be there around 6:30 PM with Mrs. DBS in tow.

Who else will be there either tonight or on Friday?

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

..sorry that will still be Mrs. BDS on Friday.

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

1:45 until the die hards show up at McGoverns…I’m jealous!

Scott says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

Not one stinkin vote for the “X” come on….

5. Which arena will have the most electricity in the first round?

Burnside: It’s hard to believe I’m writing this, but the Verizon Center in Washington.

Hradek: The Bell Centre just ain’t the Forum, but the place will be nuts when the Habs take the ice to face the Bruins. The atmosphere will be nuclear! The Verizon Center in D.C. should be jumping, too.

Melrose: The Shark Tank. It’s the loudest building in the NHL. All of the first-round arenas will be great; Washington will be unbelievable. But with all of the optimism and the team’s strong finish to the regular season, San Jose will be rockin’.

Gus says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pm

not to blow smoke up RUsso’s butt - but this guy is a breath of frsh air for us real hockey fans :) he gets it!! Plain and simple. I enjoy reading this blog more then reading either of the local rags…

Thanks

Gus

KBG says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

James Sheppard was extremely excited to play his first NHL game tonight.

Did Falness take over the keyboard? Sheppard’s first NHL game? ;-)

bkembroidery says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

KBG - Most of the writing done by newspaper and web site reporters are all 5th graders. Most of them can’t get facts straight let alone make sense of the story they are trying to write about.

Wild on FSN North in Iowa tonight? I sure hope so!

Beadwench says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

It looks like the Don is typing too fast again. Too much coffee and excitement.

KBG says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

I wasn’t taking a shot at Russo, he does an awesome job. I was just making a reference to Fallness’s goof-up in the PondCast yesterday.

woodcock says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

I just insured a win in Game 2 for the Wild. After I got the playoff schedule, I tried to change my plane tickets for Austin from Friday to Sat. That would have cost the woodcock fmaily $1,000 (both of us headed to the Lone Star state). I actually did think about it. However, Mrs. Woodcock pointed out that if I did that the Wild would play lousy and then I’d be moaning about all that money. But, if I chose to be on the plane the Wild would win and then I’d be moaning about missing the game. So, I stayed with the damn plane and now insured victory in Game 2. If we can win tonight then we head to Denver 2-0!

Voice of Reason says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Did Falness take over the keyboard? Sheppard’s first NHL game? ;-)

What you never forget to a word sometimes?

Alex says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

Don VanMassenhoven and Mike Hasenfratz.

Both names sound like Yosemite Sam cursing.

Not just another Paul says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:35 pm

Re: Jordan Leopold

I really feel bad for Jordan. All the injuries he’s suffered over the past 2 years have obviously set him back. It must be tough for him to see many of his NCAA contemporaries, both with the Avs and around the league–Jeff Finger, J-M Liles, Brett Lebda, Tom Preissing, to name a few–playing regularly, where it can be argued that JL had a better reputation (read more skill) and higher expectations heaped on him.

DJ says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Don’t tell my boss this, but I had a liquid lunch today as I had to do something to calm myself down…and it hasn’t worked as I am now more jacked than before. Nothing like playoff hockey! I cannot wait until they drop the puck. Go Wild!

Joe H says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

In today’s Strib: You’ve got Colorado in 6? Where’s the hometown love???

AustinTXwildfan says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

Hey woodcock, I can DVR the game and put it on DVD for you if you want. You can just swing by the house and pick it up.

Voice of Reason says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

where it can be argued that JL had a better reputation (read more skill) and higher expectations heaped on him.

And getting traded for Alex Tanguay doesn’t help.

(side note. What the hell did tsn go and do? Their website looks like a 10 year old took ESPN’s website and added a 55 gallon drum of suck to it.)

Protec says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Avs in 6…I’m totally confused. I agree the loss of Schultz’s is HUGE, but to pick the Avs to win in six? I guess if the series rests on Schultz being healthy…we’ve got a long way to go as a team. You did see the game on 3/30 (no Foster)…right? I hope Russo’s wrong.

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

Their website looks like a 10 year old took ESPN’s website and added a 55 gallon drum of suck to it.

lol…that’s funny because it’s true…you realize TSN is the Canadian arm of the Worldwide Leader, right?

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

did we have an imposter appropriate G*’s name or did I miss something?

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

first post since 1:53

What the hell did tsn go and do? Their website looks like a 10 year old took ESPN’s website and added a 55 gallon drum of suck to it.)

i was thinking the same thing. they just got ESPN’s old webpage. still would be spanking new in ol canada.

klj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

Sheppard last scored on Jan 30 he has four goals in 78 games. your playing the AVS you need offense from somewhere I would scratch Pouliot too. DUMB

kj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm

Yes, we will be ‘eating’ early and often prior to tonights game.

NiNY…I know you’ll be there in spirit!

2nd floor, back room near the stairs.

Green*, goalieguy, hockeydad, el Gato, my old, ugly self and a cast of 1,000s will be there for sure.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

I expect those two officials to skate out in little furry hats with a feather in each, with suspenders on their short pants and smelling of beer and brats…..maybe just me….

BDS - I will be there on Friday with Mr.SS6 in tow. We will probably get there around 6:30-6:45.

KBG says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

What you never forget to a word sometimes?

VoiceOfReason - It was an inside joke wich anyone who listened to yesterday’s PondCast would get. Relax man! The playoffs start tonight!!!!

kj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm

TSNs update looks like I did it…

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

lol…that’s funny because it’s true…you realize TSN is the Canadian arm of the Worldwide Leader, right?

I know this seems true but is it? i just paged thru my 2007 annual report of the walt disney corporation and no mention of TSN.

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

KBG: I think VoR was also making a joke. Read what he said again: he forgot a word (intentionally, unless I miss my guess.)

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

sorry that will still be Mrs. BDS on Friday

got your day’s mixed up? mrs dbs tonight…

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

ss6, is it game I that i use for tonight? i can’t remember :-)

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

ok, of to pick up dickie dunn and haul his arse to mcgoverns.

blue crocs in play.

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

ok, then who has the worst blog ever, russo?!

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:01 pm

so that’s were Marty gets his cockiness. wow

KBG says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

VoR/KinPA - Sorry, my reading skills are on par with a 5th grader! :-)

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

GreenStar - huh?

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

ok, then who has the worst blog ever, russo?!

in reaction to the vic20 they were running this thing on today.

kj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

Green*…on our way too…’cept we’re coming from Big Lake… :)

GreenStar says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

ss6 - which ticket to i use? i have game 1, 2, 3, 4…

not that funny the 2nd time.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

G* - Shhhh…. don’t tell anyone… :)

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

Oh man, I scored a major coup today..my buddy who has season tickets was going to take his fiancee to the game…well her parents came into town a day early so she doesn’t want to go and he asked me!! Oh yeah! I gotta bust hump here at work, so i don’t know if I’ll be able to hook up with Russoville at mcGoverns at 4, but I’ll see what I can do. How long/late will most of you stay there?
I’m PSHYCHED!

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

got it G*

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

phil - some of them will probably still be there at 11PM I would guess.

Voice of Reason says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

lol…that’s funny because it’s true…you realize TSN is the Canadian arm of the Worldwide Leader, right?

Duh. Doesn’t mean they can’t have a decent site, right?

Right?

KBG, I was joking too ;)

DP says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

Yeah Russo, Avs in 6?? Have a little faith in the boys.

Voice of Reason says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

Oh, and ESPN only has a stake in tsn, they don’t outright own it, if my pseudoephedrine-addled brain is remembering correctly.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

ss6 - sounds good for Friday. I think bandgeek was planning on coming as well. I suspect G* with babyblue foppa sandals in tow also might show up. What else does he have to do? :)

Protec says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

DP- I have faith! I was just surprised by the prediction.

Cam says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Blood predicted the Wild in 5 so everthing will be ok.

AustinTXwildfan says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

All that matters is that Barry “Hockey Hair” Melrose picked teh Wild in 7. Go Wild! Have fun at McGovern’s !! I wish I could be there!

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Remember the Don thought Calgary should take the division too…perhaps he’s not as strong as the emperor thought! :)

DP says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:27 pm

Not you protec, my comment was directed at Russo as well.

netminder says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

Man it’s hard to concentrate at work this afternoon! Hoping to leave around 4:00 for St. Paul!

kgopher says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Wish we had tickets to the game so we could meet you all at McGovern’s too. Will be watching from the couch tonight. Not as fun but at least we get to watch :-) GO WILD!!!

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

I know this seems true but is it? i just paged thru my 2007 annual report of the walt disney corporation and no mention of TSN.

granted it’s wiki, but:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sports_Network

phil says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

Just read the Schultz story, they were able to take his appendix out with a scope so hopefully, fingers crossed, he can be back before the next series.

Cam says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

Wishing the best for a speedy recovery for Schultz. Johnsson and Burns should be getting a ton of ice time tonight.

Looking forward to the pre-game stuff. Last couple playoffs series the Wild did a bang up job with the video on the ice.

Hopefully the Inglewood Jack by Burns makes it into the montage.

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 3:53 pm

I had hoped to be at McGovern’s today but it did not work out to leave early enough. Have a great reunion all of you. Maybe Friday.

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

“”Tonight’s refs? Don VanMassenhoven and Mike Hasenfratz.”" Great observation Alex.

“”I hope they’re not an issue tonight because just their names alone will take up an inch of column type.”" Russo, sit back and enjoy the game, you might fill up your whole column with those two names, makes your job easy.

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

I’m out… have a great time at the drink up tonight to those that are attending (maybe already there?!)

and GO WILD!

Secuel says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Don’t know if this has been mentioned or not.

From tsn.ca

“Mick McGeough, who announced his retirement this season, will also not work the postseason.

Referees with more than 400 regular season games refereed who were left off the list include Stephane Auger, Brad Meier and Dean Warren.”

‘http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=233827&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl’

No McGoo and no Meier makes me happy.

Brock says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

Hey, does anyone know if the wireless internet at the X is available for the public to use or not? I am going to the game tonight but I would like to bring my laptop to keep track of the twins game.

Cam says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

Great news Secuel…

Be back for the postgame comments. Heading to the X soon. Sorry I couldn’t make it to McGovern’s.

Secuel says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

Twins game???

MikeInGA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:06 pm

Anybody help me?? Im out of town and dont get VS or anything…if I get center ice online are the wild one of the “selected” games??

Brock says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:07 pm

yeah, its not like I am going to give all of my attention to it, I just am wondering

Cam says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Brock…I would think they might post the score on the sports ticker. They do not have wireless.

Get access to a suite, I believe they have internet access.

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

SS6, nice description of the refs, I like it. Looks like nobody left here to talk to though.

Wild still win series. Maybe we trade Schultz for Hill if 55 comes back for AVe’s.

Where in NOrthern Iowa are you trying to find the game?

Brock says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:13 pm

thanks for the info Cam

MattInMKE says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:15 pm

I’m echoing MikeInGA here. Is it worth the do-re-mi to get center ice online tonight?

AustinTXwildfan says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

Hey MikeinGA, can’t you just go to a bar to watch?

MikeInGA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

haha I wish austin….no bar where im at

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

MattInMKE - they are the second game on Versus so at least you will be able to catch the end for free. If you are a hockey fan CI is well worth the price.

MikeInGA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:20 pm

im a ci ci subscriber at home but just wondering if all the games are going to be broadcast online..if so well worth 60 for me.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

I wonder if today’s refs are like Hanz and Franz in that SNL skit from the late 80’s early 90’s? :)

Wild'n'NH says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Dennis Potvin on XM this morning is also taking the Wild in 6.

toivo says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

OK, now I’m starting to get a bit restless. Only 2:19 my time. A bit too early to sneak away… or is it?

Hope everyone’s having good times at the McGovern’s. Remember that between now and the third period horn is still a good 7 hours away so pace yourselves! Overtime is a possibility.

MikeInGA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

MattInMKE im going to roll the dice on the one day pass I guess ill let you know what i find out.

toivo says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

Six hours or so… math is hard.

Yorbington says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

Who hear has to watch the Altitude Network feed tonight for Center Ice like I do?

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Just read the Schultz story. Very good read as always, Russo.

I especially like the comment, “It ruptured a little bit. They were worried they’d have to cut me open more and get everything out, but it wasn’t ruptured bad enough.”. Not sure how something with fluid in it can rupture a little bit, but hey as long as it means he will be back faster I’m all for it.

3:30 until the puck drops…. Go Wild!

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

LOL BDS.

Green* - yep, you were right. Not funny the 2nd time.

I want details after the game. Who gave the war cry, “Let’s Play Hockey”?
Did LaDarriere have a yellow streak trailing behind him on the ice every time a piece of The Equiptment landed on the ice. The smell of the ice, the popcorn, the hotdogs, the videos, I want it all…….Ok I’ve stepped away from the kool-aid, I’ll be fine………..but i still want details all with tickets….

MikeInGA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

matt..i did the one day pass it is showing the wild game waiting for feed..i guess that means it will air tonight???

Aaron in Houston says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

Hopefully I’m not stuck with the Altitude feed, those guys have gone off the rocker with their homerism.

It was brutal watching them call the game Sunday.

Still 1000x better than the Ducks broadcasts from last year’s playoffs.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

toivo - tonights game calls for some Lapin Kulta, right? I think it will make Nummi play much better.

Yorbington says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

I hear you Aaron,

Per http://www.indemand.com the feed is ALT. I would put it on mute but I want to hear the crowd.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Yorbington - we’re going to try it. We have CI but don’t always get the Wild games on it. We usually have to watch the local feed. I’m not really sure what’s going on with CI for the playoffs. I guess I’ll find out when I get home.

jimlove says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

hey folks that are interested in whether or not the CI feed has the game - I have a subscription, and it is. I just hope the rest of the series will be broadcast as well….

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:35 pm

Hey now, cannot be much worse then D&D. Just turn down the volume and tune in WCCO for the radio call.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

lol, ss6 - not sure I would want any of those guys try to explain the smell of the content lappy is bound to leave behind. If DB tries I’m sure it will have some reference to Rosie O’D.

Yorbington says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

To those worried about whether or not Center Ice subscribers will get the game tonight I have triple checked and it is on eventhough it may not say it when you search for the schedule on your TV. (It’s on the 2nd channel of your normal Center Ice channels) link is below:

http://www.indemand.com/sports/nhl/schedule/schedule.jsp

Bad news is that it’s the ALT announcers.

BoogieNeedsAGoal says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

If we are this antsy with 3 hours left, imagine what our boys are thinking….

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

BNAG - The boys in the locker room or the Boyz at McGoverns?

Goalieguy says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

Sorry, no goalieguy at McGoverns, meeting others in the X about 6:15. Hoping for a Friday meet-up as well.

Listened to the Don on KFAN as I was driving in…Hartman is such a stooge.

Let’s go gang…we’ve worked all year for this!

BoogieNeedsAGoal says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

We know those at McGoverns are; shall we say; chemically relaxed…

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

From Wild page … tv coverage

Duluth, Minn. | Superior, Wis.
My 9
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Rapid City, S.D. (Great Plains Media Network)
Ch. 26
Grand Forks, N.D. (Great Plains Media Network)
Ch. 27
Fargo, N.D. (Great Plains Media Network)
Ch. 9
Austin, Minn. | Rochester, Minn. | Albert Lea, Minn. | Mankato, Minn.
Charter Cable Mainstreet Channel 14

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

Today was torture. Dealing with demanding old ladies at work and counting down the hours till the game made it goooo sooo sssllllloooowwwww. I will try hard to make it to McGovern’s on Friday, it depends on when the Mr gets home from work. So it’s Canada’s fault the games are late starts…. “Blame Canada! Shame on Canada! Their not even a real country anyway.” Maybe if I go make supper time will go faster.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

lol BDS, no doubt. I think he’s got a secret longing for a little Rosie in his life….

Thanks Yorbington. I knew I could either watch on 45 or Alt. but I would prefer CI.

I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait til 8:00. I wish I could have gone to McGoverns tonight but I have to work 12 hours tomorrow and I don’t want to be miserable. Damn job

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

..and feeling no pain!

Wild RoadTripper says:

April 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm

BDS: Both, hopefully!

Just a brief moment to say how nice it is to know even the beat writers are hyped up for this game. Of course, when Reusse (Fulda Fatso), Souhan (Slover-in-training) and Sid (unsafe at any speed)show up to crash the party, it will all change, Michael. They’ll steal all the good stuff and leave you the dregs. Such is life in the NHL playoffs.

To the rest of you; we need all your good karma this series. With Schultz out, we are left to depend on the living legend, the man, the myth…

MARTIN SKOULA?!?!?!?

(OMG we need all the help we can get!)

Time to get ready to GO WILD! ;)

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

What’s on the menu Band?

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

Venison steaks, mashed potatoes and peas.

BDS says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

Bandgeek - It’ll be Friday he can sneak home early, can’t he?

Alright, I’m off to make dinner for the better half and the kids so I can concentrate on the game later..

Wild win 3 - 0 !

I’ll blog during the game so see you all later.

scott says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

does anyone watch center ice online? i am wondering what the quality is, stuck at work for game 1.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

WRT - you’re killing me. We’re going to do great tonite, I just know it. The boys know what playoff hockey entails. Avs are a different team than the Dorks but we have the skill. As long as “The Equiptment” opens up some space the boys will be fine. Don’t forget we still have Burnsie, Yawnson, Carney, Hill. I think Nummi is going to be a real assest with his speed and his breakaway % is better than Gaborik. The Avs will be focused on #10 which opens up oppurtunity for PMB, Branko,SRV, Rolston, Demitra, Fridge, Simon, Boogie…..ok got a little excited there. It’s goin to be ok., with or without the fabulous Marty.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:10 pm

We’re haveing brats boiled in Guiness and onions, coleslaw, and I don’t know what else. Maybe just more Guiness :)

toivo says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

BDS,
let’s try this:
<img src=”www.lapinkulta.fi/en/images/lk_klink.jpg”

toivo says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:13 pm

Probably better that it didn’t work. (:

toivo says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Didn’t close the tag first time, but still doesn’t work. Like I said, probably a good thing.

Yorbington says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Somebody needs to take some video/pictures of this get together at McGovern’s for all us stuck behind desks.

jetstowild says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Russo… the people that bash you for speaking your true opinion are buffoons! Keep up the great work and write you opinion whether people like it or not!

On another note, I think the Avs have too much for us to handle. Remember we can’t take their season record seriously. No Forsberg/Foote/Salei,… Sakic & Stastny gone for extended periods of time.

I think game 1 is critically important now that Schultz is injured… I would hate to have a “must win” in game 2. And it would be if we lose tonight. Keep the faith though! Go Wild!

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

Geez thanks for that uplifting post, jets. I feel wwwwaaaaayyyy more confident about our chances now….yikes

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

Perhaps Colorado has a little more motivation considering their record vs the Wild this year, and their last playoff experience against us.

It is not an advantage to swap Foster and Schultz for Nummi and Hill.

But, Colorado has key guys who are long in the tooth. I think that will be to our advantage, especially if the series goes long. And, then maybe we get Schultz back and Hill sits and that works better.

For me, the Wild’s team approach, and JL is the ticket.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

I wasn’t saying that Nummi and Hill would/could replace Foster or Schultzy but under the circumstances we don’t have much choice. Just trying to keep it positive. You’ve got to remember Nummi hasn’t played in a while and probably has a fire in his breezers, the same with Parrish, if he dresses.
Like you said Ice, how the team plays tonight is crucial but let’s not make the Avs out to be the Wings. This, no doubt will be a hard fought series but don’t count us out before the puck the first puck drops.

The Ghost of Willie Plett says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

I hope JL play the 3 big boys tonight. The team just seems to have more jump when they’re all dressed.

MattInMKE says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:42 pm

Thanks for the infos. I did track down a bar in Mil-hockey hell that has CI. Now I just need to turn on the charms to get them to put it on.

It’s interesting that I was leery of paying for CI-OL but will almost certainly spend more at the bar without another thought…hmm.

slapshot6 says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

That was quite the epiphany MattInMKE…:)

Claire says:

April 9th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

Vanmassenhoven skates like he learned in Wisconsin! Anyone else feel like a hearty boooo is in order when they show TPaw on the videotron? Damn jerk vetoed every St. Paul project in the bonding bill! Hope he has a good security detail, taxpayer paid of course, god forbid he save money on THAT!

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

Well supper helped waste an hour but I still have 2 hours till puck drop…. man I’m getting antsy.

doogs says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

Wish I was at the game tonight, but having beer in my hand watching Pits/Sens in HD while waiting for the Wild to start ain’t a bad second!

Elbowgrease says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm

I picked a bad day to procrastinate on typing an essay exam :(

So jacked for the game tonight I can’t focus.

LET’S GO WILD!!!!

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Hmmmm….. so Pens already up 1-0, and it’s like 1:08 into the period. Poor Sens.

doogs says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

68 seconds in and Laroque feeds Roberts for a 1-0 Pens lead. Gives us hope for our big 3!

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:37 pm

KiPA’s gotta be beside himself with glee right now…

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

Yep, Pens up 2-0. He must be peeing himself with joy.

PondHockeyPlayer says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Getting ready to head out and watch the game. In the arrowhead I can’t get the 45 games at home. (my9 is digital 6.2 over the air and my cable provider doesn’t offer it.)

Terri Frei has an interesting Blog on Denver post, I think I will read 3rd down and war to go.

BDS and toiv0 … Koff

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

Nick : Yes.

Band: close.

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm

Second period almost set to go be back later.

Oh and Gary Roberts is God.

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

Gomez or Shanny scores for the Rags. 1-0 early inthe 2nd.

Iceman says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Don’t understand what is going on with blog, it just ate a post.

For PHP, we also live in the Arrowhead and get Mediacom cable.

Surf a little, during the winter we have found college and Wild games that are not scheduled for FSN on channel 2, 3, 6, 9, 11 and 22 and maybe others at various times.

klj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm

Russo Who is scratched? What fighters are in?

jimlove says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm

elbowgrease - i have the same problem. Wayyy to jacked on the game to get this lit review done. here’s to a great game tonight!

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Volchenkov got crushed…

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

OMG should be 3-0 incredible save by Gerber who had a bad first period

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:24 pm

yeah, KiPA…Gerbs is playing much better in the 2nd so far

S,D,&ROCKNROLL says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

will someone tell me what channel the game is on?

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Game on 45 if your in the Metro area.

Gerber’s plain black mask looks very Sith Lord-ish.

russ says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:33 pm

simon, parrish, boogie, and the fridge are all in warmups.

Russ, reporting from sec108

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Thanks russ, how many guys doing warm ups. Will this mean a game time decision or are all 4 playing?

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Hope we didn’t let them off the hook

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:35 pm

Paul Martin ties it for Jersey

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:35 pm

thanks for thinking of us Russ!

klj says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:36 pm

Just opened my first beer and my buddies are callin all fired up. GO WILD

russ says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:41 pm

that is like trying to count a swarm of bees. I think 21 but they keep crossing paths. Definitely no AV tonight

Nick in New York says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

HUGE kill by the Pens there…

Elbowgrease says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

On MY 9 in Duluth they have are showing a Harlem Globetrotters game…..Poor Generals

Enough of this circus, its almost game time!!!

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

Thanks for trying russ. It’s hard to count the guys from the end your on.

I’ve had a quick nap, and a big glass of kool-aid so LETS GO WILD!!!!!

Kevin in PA says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Yes Nick. I’m proud of Max sticking up for Fleury. Got another big kill to start the third.

walt now in Dubai says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

Good morning all, well evening for you. It is way to early 4:55. This will be my first game that I’ve watched on the internet I hope I get a good feed.

I’m not a computer guy so I was wondering if there is a way to save/recored the games on the ci feed so I can watch them later?

Man i’m pumped lets go Wild

Bandgeek says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

FOOD FROM THE DON!!!

RogueGopher says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Wow, its relatively calm on here right now. I expected all the a$$trolls to be swarming. I guess we haven’t lost a playoff game yet so they’re biding their time on Wild.com or somewhere.

LETS GO WILD!!!! GAME-TIME, HUH!!!!

jimlove says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm

hey walt -

I know that CI will archive past games so if you have an account/login you can go back and re-watch games. that’s what I did to catch Bouchard’s first fight.

jimlove says:

April 9th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

I should add that it takes a couple of days though… bummer eh?

walt now in Dubai says:

April 9th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Thanks jl I’ll just suck it up and watch the games in the am