Colorado in Six
Posted on April 20th, 2008 – 2:48 AMBy Michael Russo
Update: Some of you have asked whether James Sheppard can be sent to Houston for the playoffs, especially because he turns 20 on Friday. I just checked with assistant GM Tom Lynn, and Sheppard can’t be sent to Houston because he’s not on the Aeros “Clear Day” roster.
If I’m correct, that roster has to be submitted around the NHL trade deadline (so late Feb/early March) and consists of, I think, 22 players who are eligible for the playoffs.
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And just like that, the Wild’s offseason has officially begun.
– Lots of players may have played their last games with the Wild tonight.
Maybe Brian Rolston (the Wild should bring him back), maybe Pavol Demitra, maybe Aaron Voros.
I’d think they’d want back Todd Fedoruk and Branko Radivojevic.
Keith Carney is almost certainly done here, but somebody should pick him up because he can still play. Sean Hill, Chris Simon and Petteri Nummelin’s NHL careers may have ended tonight, and none of the three played.
– Jacques Lemaire left the door open for his retirement, saying he’d decide whether or not he’ll return in a few months.
I was bigtime perplexed tonight with Lemaire. First, you scratch Petteri Nummelin and play Eric Belanger on the power-play point. I just don’t get it. Belanger’s got two assists since Feb. 20, no goals.
And then, in the first period after a TV timeout that should have rested the Brian Rolstons, Marian Gaboriks, Mikko Koivus and Brent Burnses, Lemaire sends out Aaron Voros, Belanger, PM Bouchard, Demitra and Kim Johnsson for a defensive-zone draw to start a power play.
Needless to say, that inaccurate-shooting, pass-happy group wasted 90 seconds, and when a shift change came, it was because Belanger missed the net for the second time on the shift by 12 feet.
So, the heavy hitters came out, retrieved the puck, immediately turned it over and boom, shorthanded goal by noted sniper Ben Guite (who?) for the sixth straight Colorado opening goal in the series.
– And does Doug Risebrough get an invitation to go for the Toronto Maple Leafs interview? I think he will. Whether or not he goes for it is another story. Remember how tight he is with Cliff Fletcher.
– Did the better team win? I think there’s no denying that.
I know injuries were a big factor, but the Wild led for 4 minutes, 31 seconds out of a possible 384:23. I know I keep harping on that stat, but that’s one of the biggest indictments I’ve ever seen in a playoff series.
Plain and simple, you lead 4 1/2 minutes out of 384 1/2, you don’t deserve to win. You have to respect how Colorado played the Wild. I know Jose Theodore stole the Avs Game 5 and was stellar in every other game, but the Avs were great defensively, played with the lead and gave the Wild little time and space.
It also got big goals, physicality and contributions from a number of players. And like I wrote in my pre-scouting report, Joel Quenneville is a phenomenal coach.
In other words, the Avs stars didn’t win them this series.
– A lot of this mess will understandably fall at the feet of Marian Gaborik, who had one assist in the series. That’s been highly-reported the last few days, so I’ll leave him alone right now. I would say this: A team that can’t score goals can’t just trade its leading goal scorer. Did he fail this series? Yes. Do you throw a 26-year-old with that much talent in the garbage when you already have a million question marks this summer? No.
Now if you offer him an extension this summer and he starts playing games, then you have to consider it because you can’t have him going into next season on the last year of his contract. The biggest question now is what’s the extension. How do you pay him 20 percent of your cap, roughly?
OK, I’m rambling now because it’s late.
To continue my first thought now: There were several passengers besides the $6.5 million man (who makes 7 1/2 next season) and the injuries to the blue line, those were the ultimate downfall of this team.
Kim Johnsson and Martin Skoula struggled wholeheartedly tonight because they were dead tired. And the Wild’s transition out of its zone goes when Johnsson gets the puck up ice, and he couldn’t do that pretty much ever tonight.
I thought Nick Schultz was the Wild’s best blue liner tonight, and he was being mugged tonight after the whistle.
The biggest hit well after he gave up the puck was by David Jones. In fact, Jones was one of Colorado’s best forwards in the series. Has anybody ever heard of David Jones before? Whom the heck is he? Wasn’t he in the Monkees or something. He sang Daydream Believer, right?
And Ryan Smyth was outstanding. The winner tonight, drew a lot of penalties, created havoc around the net.
– A lot of the blame should fall on Risebrough.
Think Adam Foote helped Colorado? I’ll let Gaborik answer that question. Think Ruslan Salei helped Colorado? I’ll let Mark Parrish and Niklas Backstrom and every other Wild player he creamed answer that.
Think Chris Simon helped the Wild? I’ll let Jacques Lemaire answer that. It’ll be the same answer he’d give on whether Dominic Moore and Adam Hall helped the Wild.
Colorado needed to make moves at the deadline. It did. It goes on. The gun-shy Wild needed to make moves at the deadline. It didn’t. It’s cleaning out its lockers Monday.
Like I said though, Marian Gaborik scores, the Wild maybe moves on. Kurtis Foster and Nick Schultz and Mark Parrish and Branko Radivojevic are healthy, maybe the Wild advances. If the Wild wasn’t 3 for 21 on the power play, maybe it advances (2 for 27 last year).
FYI, no access to the team until Monday morning’s team meeting and locker room cleanup, so I’m done for now as I have a wakeup call in 2 1/2 hours. Yeah. Can’t wait.
Anyway, this will be a monster offseason for the Wild. There should be lots of news and a very different team next season, maybe not just on the ice but off.
Make sure you grab the Star Tribune for all the complete coverage.
Nighty night Wild fans. Thanks for keeping the blog churning all season. I know you all are passionate diehards and probably are tossing and turning right now, so my sincere condolences.
I now hand over the baton to LaVelle and Joe because it’s officially baseball season.
218 Responses to "Colorado in Six"
Holy Crap Don, you’re up late..thanks for the update, I’m gonna go read it now, I can’t sleep…too upset even though I felt this loss coming. I think the story was Gabby, Backs and JT.
I HATE baseball, it’s not hockey. C-ya Don, have a safe, if tired, trip.
I just got home…obviously I missed the game and wasn’t all that upset about it. I kinda figured it would be more of the same - especially since all the games were the same except for game 4.
I think it will be time to start over.
Perhaps JL needs to retire.
Perhaps DR needs to go to Toronto and work his ‘magic’.
Perhaps I need to go to bed.
Welcome back to golf Russo.
For me, baseball season doesn’t start until the Cup has found it’s home for the summer.
I think this series can be summed up in one word: untimely. We had a few injuries to deal with (Foster, Schultz, Parrish, Radio) which left some guys tired in the later games. We also ran into a goalie that decided to rip of his shirt revealing a giant “S” underneath, if you know what I mean.
It was tough watching that 3rd period. They seemed very flat considering the fact that they were only one goal away from extending their season.
I’m a little worried about this offseason. The possibility that Lemaire and Risebrough might not be here in September is a little unsettling. The whole situation with Gaborik has me worried as well.
I’m hoping to see Rolston in a Wild sweater (or “uniform system”) next year.
Thank’s Russo for all that you have done with the blog! It’s provided me with a place to come to for Wild coverage as well as a communtiy of fans who want to see this team succeed (Unless when we lose, in which case this place becomes a troll breeding ground. Although it’s probably just Mike posting as about 20 different people.). Hopefully things won’t get too dull around here during the summer.
I am a little worried about next season, too. So, so many unknowns that could make a huge difference next year.
Will it be a rebuilding year (ie new coach, new GM, new owner)? The Gaborik dilemma (will he sign or be traded) might dog the headlines.
The next three months will be interesting to see.
The media loves to blame somebody and Gaborik, a proven playoff player, didn’t show up on the scoreboard. Its easy to blame him and Backstrom.
This was truly a team loss.
I´m an Avs fan. But i have to admit, now where the series is done, that the Wild played very good hockey for a team that has lost two of their best D-men short before the playoffs.
These injuries were a big factor thats for sure. It was an exciting and thrilling series and the Wild were great opponents. Heads up guys.
Thank you for your herculean efforts to keep us updated throughout the season Russo, its greatly appreciated.
Now, the dirty work.
The following represents a seasons worth of observations, and they are my opinions. YMMV.
I don’t know a thing about hockey front offices, so the discussions on who should stay or go there is beyond me. I only know when someone stands above others or impresses me. So far in my hockey fandom, thats only been three guys. Forgive my spelling errors if I butcher their names. Pierre LaCroix, Scotty Bowman, and Phil Esposito. Since we have none of these guys, I leave it to cooler and more knowledgeable heads to prevail in detailing what (if anything) needs to be done.
The Team:
We cannot possibly move forward in the current system of defensive centers without a top caliber Wes Walz type center to anchor a line to go out and reliably shut down the other teams top line. We need another Wes, one that has the heart of Wes, and youth enough to be able to skate fast and last long enough to learn this system. Wes, we love you and the effort you gave us every night. Until we adequately replace you, we’ll just be another box-collapsing, slightly neutral zone clogging, Hail Mary home run pass missing team.
Speaking of the home run pass, I’m all for it once in awhile, we’ve got some guys with speed. But Not. Every. Other. Shift. Please?
Players (I’ll throw in a russoville patented quote or two here to start: ) – Lots of players may have played their last games with the Wild tonight.
Agreed.
Maybe Brian Rolston (the Wild should bring him back), maybe Pavol Demitra, maybe Aaron Voros.
I hope not, good riddance, I hope not.
Rolston still has a year or two left to bring his best to the game, and to bomb the net. Pavol “Tin Man” Demitra, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out. Harsh? You betcha. His play in this series and anytime he got put to center this season reminded me at best as that of a spoiled kid pouting. I acutally saw him sigh at a game when the puck moved away from him out of the zone. Human beings simply coundn’t have skated back to the bench for a change any slower than that man moves when he’s feeling low.
Aaron Voros should stick around for another year or two also, if only to develop a little more endurance and skate on a line with a rejuvenated Velliux to giev the other team fits when we actually send in a forechecker or two.
I’d think they’d want back Todd Fedoruk and Branko Radivojevic.
They’ll be here. But then again I was sure that Andy Brunette would still be here a few years ago also.
Keith Carney is almost certainly done here, but somebody should pick him up because he can still play.
Don’t know about that one, he seems to have enough experience that we could keep him here in favor of some other folks… Sean Hill, Chris Simon and Petteri Nummelin’s NHL careers may have ended tonight, and none of the three played. Aside from Simon, who isn’t a defenseman, I rest my case.
Goaltending:
Nicholas Backstrom is an average goalie who had plenty of film shot of him last year, and somebody figured him out in the offseason. That and have you ever noticed that Nick is like a living embodiement of Madonna’s song “Vogue”?
“Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it, Vogue.”
When he makes a save there is a distinct period of time where his entire body freezes, like he’s trying to use a tremorsense ability to detect the puck… I hope at least his eyes are moving because he hasn’t quite grasped the head on a swivel thing. And Dare I say he might never.
Say what you will about Skoula, he’s breathing my air. Time to move on, or put coach on some mood stabilizers because the love fest and the mistakes have to end.
Kudos to Schultzy for having juevos grandes for playing tonight. Please get better and stay here until your ready to retire from hockey. And convince Burns to stay here with you.
Gabby, we hardly knew ye….. I want to see you stay, my son has your jersey and thinks your the cats meow. Give the C to someone else and concentrate on rippling the twine. Jagr went mostly teets up when he donned a C. Don’t let it happen to you.
Bouchard, you score goals occasionally, but your more afraid of the area past five feet into the zone than any other player I have ever seen. Its almost cartoon like where the dog is on a chain, tries to chase the cat and the chain goes taut and the dog pulls up and stops. The blue line is not a force field to slow you down. Go put the puck in the net or fade into mediocrity.
Again, these are just my observations, you may or may not agree but my laws somethin needs a do-in, and right quickly.
-dk9
[…] Ej.am Forums wrote an interesting post today on Colorado in SixHere’s a quick excerptI now hand over the baton to LaVelle and Joe because it’s officially baseball season. […]
Only two reasons your guys lost to our guys: in reverse order of importance, 2) your blue liners were thin and stretched to the limit, and 1) Adam Freaking Foote. Happy off season!
Well, I guess that’s the end of the Wild season. Gosh, it was sure nice hanging out with y’all. And I guess if there’s just one thing I have left to say, it would be this:
Have yourself a merry little off season.
Let your heart be light.
From now on, our players will be out of sight.
Have yourself a merry little off season.
Although there is draft day.
From now on, free agency won’t be far away.
Here we are, as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful fans who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years, we all will be together, If Russo allows.
And we will hang more banners from the X’s highest bough!
And have yourself a merry off season now.
Good-bye, season!
(Flush)
Why should they bring Rolston back sure at the 3-4 million he’s currently the I have no problem with him filling a roster spot. But the 7-10 million some team will give him just doesn’t work. He is the wilds Joe Mauer he comes through when it matters least.
Hey Grimes …Does “comes through when it matters” mean taking way to many days off, never devloping power and hitting into double plays??????
What a frustrating way for that season to end.
If I didn’t personally know some Avs fans that aren’t total losers, I’d be very, very afraid for that franchise based on the conduct of those of their “fans” that totally embarrassed themselves here last night.
I don’t know how you can place blame on Risborough for his work at the deadline. Everybody was moaning about how we needed a center. Nobody was saying get a better goalie or get more defensemen. You can’t blame DR that we had injuries that began to multiply.
You also can’t blame Gaborik for being covered so much. If Gabby’s getting so much attention, that means somebody else on the ice isn’t, and that’s the person who has to deliver.
Also, a general shout out to Mr. Russo for truly making my experience as a Wild fan better this season with his blog.
That’s why he’s The Don.
Thanks Mike!
but Chris, he didn’t get a center either. I think that’s part of the issue: he didn’t get anything of use, and the one guy he did get they had to spin to “he’s just insurance in case Boogey can’t go” after JL took one look at him on the ice.
The next two drafts are supposed to be deep, the Wild should start preparing for that…
OH YEAH!
ROCKFORD, ILL. — Noise is ubiquitous at Rockford’s MetroCentre, where fans love to ring cowbells when their IceHogs play hockey to add to the overall cacophony.
But with 13:03 left in the second overtime of Saturday’s Calder Cup playoff game with the Aeros, the arena went silent.
Ryan Jones of the Aeros scored the game’s only goal when he came in on a breakaway after Rockford’s Ryan Stokes fell along the left boards and lost the puck.
It was the longest scoreless game in AHL history before Jones struck.
“I was just trying to get the puck settled because it kind of bounced under (Stokes’) stick,” Jones said. “(Danny) Irmen was coming in on the (left) side, and their D was playing Irmen the whole way.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5715193.html
NiNY,
I enjoyed your insightful and witty banter on the blog this season. Thanks.
Russo,
Great job on bringing us the info that kept us going. Keep up the good work next season.
Well unfrotunately, we now have a long summer to wait until more Wild hockey. I am looking forward to the draft, but not all the offseason team moves.
I don’t know what the Wild will do, but I’m fairly sure that Carney, Nummelin, Hill are goners. I think Demetra is gone, and if they make no attempt to resign him, then I think the Wild will try to unload Marion too.
I would like to see Fridge & Voros back in Wild jerseys next year. I think Voros hit a wall this season, but with some more experience he should work out fine.
Without Versus, I’m stuck watching no hockey except the occasional weekend game now.
Baseball and Basketball are so boring….man this will be a long summer.
Rolston should play again if the price is right.
Hill, Simon, Skoula, Demitra, and Belanger for sure need the be replaced.
If Demitra goes…so will Gaborik. JL or DR needs to go, maybe both.
Backstrom is solid only when not in a shootout or the playoffs…might need to find a new goaltender.
Keep Carney around to groom the new defenseman.
If the right moves are made this team will be back to the playoffs and maybe past the first round in 3 years.
Why wouldn’t we keep Voros?? I know it would be better to see him fit right in with Calgary, Anaheim or San Jose which would be par for Doug E. Fresh. (I hope he’s gone I also hope he doesn’t have a set of dirty pics on Leipold & Falcone like he did on Naegle and Sperling. If this is the last of Demitra, Hill, Skoula, Nummy, Belanger and Kimberly Johnsson(I know, no other team will take his rediculous cap #) It will be Christmas in the summer. Maybe Jacques goes with Doug E Fresh to coach Da Leafs? In his words “Dat will be FInnnnne” with me. I think Mike Ramsey will be agreat head coach and he’s alreasy here. Koivu is the true Franchise player, it would be nice if the refs let him take faceoffs once in a while since he is a center. Anyway the season has ended the way i predicted at the deadline when we did nothing because god forbid we send away Puliot or PMB (I agree with keeping Shep 100%) for a Defenseman that carries a stick and uses it instead of a purse like Kimberly #5 and Martina #41…and a center with size and ability to gel one of the top two lines. So in the end we still get pushed around and beat on and never any fight back (ask Parrish and foster about how happy they are that NONE of their teammates had anything for Ruslin Salei and Torry Mitchell (and neither did the league or the refs).
Voros, Veillux, Koivu Rolston,Radio,Fedoryk, Shultz(last night) we’re really the only players that I thought looked like they we’re playing for the Stanley cup in this series.
Lots of work to do this offseason and with our record the draft picks will be low so we will need to do it through free agency and trades (Two of our biggest strengths!!!!)
The Wild as a group should be commended for what was done this season. Winning the division title for this franchise is a big thing. In their seventh season, we managed to get into the playoffs for the third time. (Anyone have statistics on THAT?)
Anyhow, looking to the future…
Agree with the Don: Hill, Nummelin, Simon are done here. I would see if Carney would want to stay in a diminished role (kind of a player/assistant coach, as it were) to help groom the newbies. Maybe the 7th defenseman, as it were.
Pavol Demitra: Done like dinner. Takes the Randy Moss attitude (”I’ll play when I want to play”) all too often. At times he looked like he was just out there, going thru the motions all too often. Between Demitra, Gaborik and Belanger, three of our top six forwards combined for one goal and three assists in the Colorado series. Can you say ‘lack of production’?
Bring back Fedoruk, Radivojevic and yes, (do I dare say it) Rolston. If Voros is really willing to work on his game, (including being a better on-ice pugilist) bring Voros back, too. This season has shown Wild fans that we really need grinders; if Voros could control some of his actions better (i.e., fewer stupid penalties) he would be that ‘grind line’ winger we need.
FWIW: I also think that Boogaard needs to take a step back and ask himself if his back will let him continue playing long-term. IMO, to be effective, he needs to be in the line-up on a more consistent basis, and actually producing points. Take a chance on him on a power-play unit, let him create the mayhem 4-6 feet from the goalie that he could do if he was really healthy.
I know Gaborik will not be a happy Slovak with his BFF Demitra gone, but a boatload of long-term cash should smooth over any resentment. Benjamins will be the perfect treatment for that ailment. The difficult part of that equation will be, do the Wild dare get into a Kevin Garnett-type situation with Gaborik, where one player pulls down so much of your cap space you have little, if any, room to manoeuver?
And, who runs the show in the new MSE hierarchy? Up until now, Doug Risebrough has been given complete control, with little interference from the ownership group. Will that continue with Craig Leipold now calling the shots? Or will Doug pack his bags and join the Ontario Teachers’ Retirement Fund cash cow that is the Toronto Maple Leafs? And, who runs the show here should Doug take off? Tom Lynn? Guy Lapointe? Someone from the outside (Anaheim GM and former Edinan Brian Burke)?
For Jacques Lemaire to stay as coach, he will want an infusion of young talent to mold and develop. He is the best player developer in the NHL. Teaching is what he does best. This group of Wild tired of listening to him at times, IMO. And, if he leaves, who does take over? Mario Tremblay? Mike Ramsey? Or do we scrap the whole thing and start over in the coaching cycle, Ottawa-style?
And, what will the arena itself look like after the Republican National Convention in September? Will the upper level get the cup holders they so richly deserve? (Spoken from the viewpoint of an upper-level season ticket holder.) 
(We Wild fans will have little, if any, home looks at the club before the season opener after the GOP gets done with the place. It will take 3 weeks after the convention is complete to re-convert the arena back to its’ normal configuration.)
And no, I’m not ready for baseball yet. (Look at the standings lately?) But, it is time to sit back and wonder, as I am sure a lot of you will be doing:
‘What if…?’
- Would you trade Zsa Zsa for Jokinen? I would. Rolling Oli and young Foppa (Koivu)out as top two centers looks pretty good to me.
- Pavol is a career playoff disappearer, so I would let him go.
- Re-sign Rolston and PMB.
- b-b-b-benny needs to come up big next year
- Backstrom turned into the goalie we thought we had gotten when we first signed him. (An OK number 2). Let’s hope Harding emerges next year.
Also, don’t desert this blog now. This is when we need the therapy. O well, time to scour the bargain bins for deep discounts on NW Div champ gear.
So does the blog die in the off season?? What am I supposed to do at work now??
Thanks “the Don” for all of the great coverage this year. I was way to addicted to your blogs this year. When do we hear from you again? You will be back won’t you!
Wild have some big decisions to make. Need to keep Gabby, Rolston, I am not so sure Demetra wants to stay. Goaltending is good. We need another center DR! I hope we don’t loose DR or JL. Doug, your daughter is a Gopher, hard to watch from Toronto! Those years don’t come back to you!
Thanks Russo for the great coverage this season.
My only thought is that I hope the wild keep Rolston. He is a good leader, and he was on the ice for almost all their goals in the playoffs. He earned his paycheck more so than some other high paid vets.
ATX: Where does the blog go? Into speculation mode, like where Skoula fits in (if at all)…can this team afford to keep him despite what he did in the playoffs? How many more games can the Wild afford to give away due to Skoula’a ‘brainiac’ method of defense? I almost thought FSN North’s Kevin Gorg was taunting us last night when they actually interviewed Skoula after the game, and the season, ended.
A Skoula departure, however unlikely, would actually rank right up there with the Wolves’ J.R. Rider as a great ‘addition by subtraction’ type of move. The Wild would be much better off with a minutes-muncher who doesn’t barf up games in the process.
Thanks, ATX, for that. I feel better now.
Russo thanks for all your hard work and your outstanding coverage all season!
If Gabby wants out, I guarantee more than 1A next post season!
I think the Wild are in a Lose-Lose with Gabby. I don’t think they could get what they should for him in a trade this summer, and I don’t think he will resign before he walks after next season.
What a frustrating, disappointing series. I’m going to need some time to gain some perspective before I talk too much about it or about what might happen in the off-season.
Thanks for all your work this season, Don Russo!
Nice adaptation, Adam.
This blog will go on.
Talk to you all later…..
Russo,
Nice work this season, thanks.
At the end of the day JL played the cards he had. We had no depth on D. Even if we were healthy we would have been weaker on the blueline than most playoff teams. Up front we don’t have a center for Gaborik. Too much pressure on Koivu to do everything. This offseason will be interesting. Sign Gaborik and Rolston for Sure!
The blame is on DR. Not just for the trade deadline, but how many years as he had to address toughness at the blueline, acquire a center? His major acquisitions have been horrible EXCEPT for Rolston… overpaid for Parrish, Johnsson 07′ & 08′ deadline deals etc.. It is scary to think what will happen this off season with DR at the helm.
8 years into this franchise. We should be farther along than where we are right now. Its not the fact we lost in the 1st round again, but how we lost. We just lacked personnel. Clearly that is a DR problem. If JL doesn’t coach this year we struggle to stay above .500.
Finally thanks for all the updates Russo. Awesome work. The Wild better not raise their season ticket prices after this!
GO HABS GO now… after its offically Golf season!
Nooooo, not baseball!!???!!?! Maybe I’ll watch the grass grow instead…..
Maybe Russo should take the off-season to kick his caffeine addiction and get his tolerance down.
I can no longer watch this team play. They were so outcoached against the Avs. JL complains about the D way too much. All of the shuffling his forwards and look what it got him, about 1 goal a game. Great job JL. He needs to go, he doesn’t know how to handle vets and players that stand up to him. I also hope DR goes because he won’t stand up to JL either. This franchise will go no farther than this with him as our coach.
- Thanks Dave - Made me feel better.
- I will put away the Kool Aid for the year but I still remain positive about this team. The contracts and expereince Mikko, Burns, Shep and Schultz bring give a GM a lot to work with. And on the leadership side, if JL and DR depart, you have both strong in-house candidates as well as a close, personal relationship with Barry Trotz. When you think about it, it is going to be a hell of an off season in Russoville!
Jets:
The loss of Walz is what killed us at center, which was not necessarily foreseeable by DR.
The Wild are much further along after 8 years (7 seasons) than the Blue Jackets. They’ve never made the playoffs or finished better than third in their division
And go Bruins. Beat those frogs.
It’s my birthday today, so I’m going to take the proverbial mic and give the three hosers of the season:
#1 Hoser: Dougie R- I want your head on a stick for not doing a damn thing for the trade deadline. It’s apparent that we needed some firepower and extra D-men, just for incidents like Foster and Schultz. Poor planning and that’s your job man, cripes!
#2 Hoser: (Shared honors) Greenlay, Gorg, Terhar et al.
The lamest people to listen to, who know little of what they’re talking about. “The Wild need to tie this one up if they want to go to game seven.” Duh. I can train a monkey to point out the obvious! For the love of the Rocket, please get another cast of announcers!
#3 Hoser: Russo- never pick the other team. One of the things I ‘ve learned as a hockey or any sports fan is to stick steadfast to your team. It’s a blind faith; it can be ignorant and naive at times but it is pure, eventually it will pay off when we’re all lined up to get a picture with the Cup! Your prediction stings a bit this morning and I blame you. You can stick your integrity and your non-fat hazelnut latte where the sun don’t shine.
Thanks.
Go Habs GO!
Thanks for the good work Russo. I think I might have jinxed the team. I went 6 days without shaving my playoff beard but then it had to go before game 5….Make sure you keep us updated this summer as best you can on the blog. Just cause it’s summer doesn’t mean you can slack Russo.
Avs fan here. You guys are (understandably) way too down on your team. Okay, so Gaborik and Demitra did nothing, and Backstrom was pretty consistently terrible, but 4:31 or no, the Wild were still pretty competitive despite missing their top 2 defencemen and, like a couple of you mentioned, Wes Walz.
Turn some of the goonish dead weight into guys who actually do something, get healthy, let Harding develop, and the Wild will be back in the playoffs next year.
Oh, and unless it would take an absurd amount of money, y’all would be fools not to want Rolston back. He was the guy on the Wild I most hated being on the ice in this series, which is all you can really ask for.
Now that Moron at the Denver Post can backup his Goons from Minnesota Article.
Good Old Wally was wrong in his prediction of what the Wild would do this year. I thought the Wild win the cup this year or next, and that was my prediction at the beginning of this year
I am not sure of the next year now though.Heres why
We dont know if Lemaire and or Riseburough is coming back. If Riseburough leaves so Will Lemaire
I think these guys have done a very good job of building this organization into what it is today. Just like DR said they will compete every year, and thats what you want to do
Well now that the season has ended and we have seen how a TEAM plays as a unit i.e.. the avs passes were tape to tape. did they not also seem to know where their teammates would be?? does that not come from playing together as a unit regularily instead of playing with six different lines as JL does during games?? I for one think that you can not keep moving pieces around and expect anything consistent and I think the AVS showed this they played as a team and each shift they showed they knew how their linemates would react or where they would be. not the scramble around floppy and sloppy crap we had. YES THE BETTER TEAM WON! we got lucky to win the games we did and we did put forth effort and we should have won if not for THEODORE standing on his head and stopping everything thrown at him ,however i think it still has to go down as a big disappointment that on the PP we tried to be to fancy and where were our guys in front?? they always had someone in front of backstrom every time we were out of position or just aimlessly skating around. I am truly frustrated with this result that this team and front office performed and not exactly sure who or what to blame but if i were to start i guess it would have to be with the top! DR AND JL need to stand up and admit they cost us the early exit and we will see if there is any hope for next year. GOD I HATE SAYING THAT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Russo-
You’re the best in the business, thanks for all the work this season and you’ll certainly be busy this off season, it’ll should be interesting …
Is it safe?…..
Hmmm…. To start with Mr. Hankey.. I mean Adam, good way to start the morning. Classic. The Mr is watching Team America to cheer himself up. I made pancakes to cheer myself up. I’m not happy about how the season ended, but at the same time the season had a lot of pluses.
Austin the Blog does get kind of quiet after the season ends, picks up for drafts and any trades that happen bring people in.
I guess I’ll have to cheer for my second string GO HABS GO!!!!
Gaborik re-signing will depend if they are going to give him a bonafide center– be it Koivu or someone for a whole season.
Sure he would like Demitra to stay but he probably wants a bonafide center more. Demitra is not going help bring him a SC. I hope he sees that.
I am with you Bandgeek, Go HABS!
Beantown Chris:
1)Depending on an old veteran like Walz at center should is rediculous. He would have been a 3rd line center at best this year. No one with reasonable thoughts of winning should depend on that. Also this points to a lack of depth by the organization.
2) Let’s stop comparing our team to a team that is absolutely horrid (Blue Jackets) If we aspire to be better than the Blue Jackets we are in BIG trouble
3) Bruin fans are delaying the inevitable …. another butt kicking by the HABS!
4) Demitra please sign with Calgary or Vancouver so you do nothing for them down the stretch!
Thanks for all the great articles all season, Russo. I always enjoy the updates.
Hope this team can turn it around. I don’t think blaming it on our leading scorer not showing up is valid. Stasny was the Avs leading scorer and he only had one goal in the series. How many times, though, did the puck get centered in front of Theodore from the corner only to find no Wild attackers. How many times did the transition turn the puck over in the neutral zone? How about breakaways on Backstrom? I can’t claim to know how to fix it or where it came from, but I think that is the reason we lost.
Just my $0.02!
Well I must admit that I wouldn’t mind if the team got turned over to the hands of Mike Ramsey next year. I think our style of play might switch a bit more to Buffalo’s system which wouldn’t be a bad thing. Might produce more offense.
I also think we should keep Voros. I think people are judging him a bit hard cause he hit a wall this season. You got to remember it’s his 1st in the NHL, so he’s bound to hit a wall at some point. I think he could become a Jocelyn Lemiuex type of player. Great physical checker if given a year or two to develop in the NHL.
Keeping Rolston should be obvious. He likes being here, he’s a 30 goal scorer, plays good defense, etc.
I think they should also be concerned with keeping Reitz. He’s been wasting away down on the farm. While the wild plug aging veterns into the defensive role he should fill. It’s not because he hasn’t played good enough at camp. It’s because DR always signs way to many journymen D each year.
Fedoruk should almost beg to resign here because he has to know he’s not going to get the playing time in another city that he got here. He could go someplace else, but if he wasn’t fighting, he’d probably start to ride the bench to the minors, cause he might not fit into there playing system as well.
The Wild’s problem wasn’t because they didn’t pick up anyone at the trade deadline, it was because DR waited till the deadline to try and pick someone up. Despite what DR said, prices are always higher at the deadline not lower. DR just adopts a wait and see attitude to much.
I’m not so sure we didn’t lose the cup champions for the 2nd consecutive year. For the life of me I don’t know why people compared the regular season Calgary and Colorado records side by side as if Forsberg Foote and others were meaningless. I’m not going to say we flat out would have beat Calgary but Colorado in its current form is the better team, and despite the “bad matchup” the Wild are a better team then the Flames.
From the postgame interview it sounded like Rolston will go find his bag of money. 3 years 20 million is probably the low end.
Dave in Alex,
I agree about JL switching the lines so much…you never get a chance to gel as a line..it’s almost as though he played lines to defend againt an opponent rather than score goals for our team..and what was his line, “saving a goal, is almost like scoring one, really” uh..no it’s not, if you’re down by a goal and save one, you’re still down by a goal and will lose the game (see this series)unless you get some offense..I like Patton’s line, “Always attack, NEVER dig in” as opposed to JL’s “dig in, never attack”.
I think we need to unload Gabby while we can still get someone for him(Malkin hopefully) - he doesn’t want to be here, is poison in the locker room, and is one twist away from a 20 game absence because of a groin pull. And his playoff #’s are NOT good…2003 was 5 years ago, these past two series he’s been completely awful and AWOL. We can’t build a SC team around that, especially since he wants so much money for getting bounced in the 1st round, again.
Russo on WCCO now.
I am assuming Deep Breath just called in as someone just asked about the status of AJ Thelan!
Adam:
Can you summarize the interview? If you can, thanks very much.
Great job all season Russo!How was the goaltending and how did Gaborik do?I believe that the Wild go as well as Gaborik and the goaltending go PERIOD.
Mark Salinas
Cologne, MN
I have been too disappointed to blog much and surely didn’t want to deal with infantile Avs fans last night. I think we need to add another solid D as we don’t know whether Foster will be able to play and we will let 3 D go. Reitz looks like he has a decent shot at making the team next year. I think with Burns, Schultz, Johnsson and Skoula (yes I know we all hate him but I disagree) we have a pretty solid corps but adding someone else is critical.
We should sign Rolston, Branko and Fedoruk and Gabby. I also think if we can add another good center that putting Koivu together with Gabby and Pav (if we can afford him) could be a very effective group. Gabby needs a center and then I think you will see a different guy. (I notice that AO isn’t exactly lighting it up for the Caps either.) With a team that is challenged to score you don’t just give up a 40 goal scorer. While I am wishing for a center I would also like a gritty in front of the net guy who can capitalize on rebounds. A better Parrish is what we need. All season I was concerned about Backs and the playoffs proved it. The second goal should never have scored last night. But until Hards is ready to assuem the #1 role that’s who we have. Off-season will be interesting. As much as I hate Lemaire’s line shuffles and DR’s failure to add at the deadline (we were so close to being a real contender), I would hate to see them leave. Damn I wanted to go Monday night.
Also, I assume that both Pouliot and Gillies will be on the team next year.
per the Houston Chronicle (this is all we have left)
ROCKFORD, ILL. — Noise is ubiquitous at Rockford’s MetroCentre, where fans love to ring cowbells when their IceHogs play hockey to add to the overall cacophony.
But with 13:03 left in the second overtime of Saturday’s Calder Cup playoff game with the Aeros, the arena went silent.
Ryan Jones of the Aeros scored the game’s only goal when he came in on a breakaway after Rockford’s Ryan Stokes fell along the left boards and lost the puck.
It was the longest scoreless game in AHL history before Jones struck.
“I was just trying to get the puck settled because it kind of bounced under (Stokes’) stick,” Jones said. “(Danny) Irmen was coming in on the (left) side, and their D was playing Irmen the whole way.
“I didn’t have a chance to go backdoor. I shot blocker side, and it trickled in on the back side.”
The 1-0 win evens the best-of-seven series at 1. Game 3 is Tuesday at Toyota Center at 7:05 p.m.
Brust weary but happy
Aeros goalie Barry Brust was the No. 1 star of the game and earned it by making 30 saves, some critical.
“It’s finally over,” Brust said. “It’s a relief. Obviously the boys are pretty happy. But we have it all to do all over again on Tuesday.”
Brust said the atmosphere at the MetroCentre is impossible to ignore.
“Oh yeah, it’s loud,” Brust said. “It’s a nice and small confined area, so it’s loud.”
Brust started Game 2 even though Nolan Schaefer had played well in a 3-1 loss Friday, according to Aeros coach Kevin Constantine.
“It’s a little unusual to split goalies in playoffs,” Constantine said. “They were just so dead even in the year. Their save percentage, their wins, their goals-against, were so close.
“We just said, ‘let’s play them both for starters.’ Barry came up really big tonight.”
Aeros now have home ice
The Aeros have home-ice advantage in the series. The next three games are at Toyota Center. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, return to Rockford.
“Both teams are playing really well,” Constantine said. “I think it’s good, traditional, old-time playoff hockey.”
The game became tighter as it progressed. The Aeros had the early edge, thanks to a pair of power plays. The second was a five-minute advantage after Jeramie Domish was sent off for a high-sticking major.
Rockford had power-play chances late in the period, including a brief five-on-three.
Bell comes close
The Aeros’ best chance of the second period came with 2:30 left, when a Shawne Bell wrist shot nearly beat Rockford goalie Corey Crawford.
Rockford’s power play with 3:01 left in the third period gave the IceHogs the chance to win the game at the end of regulation play. The Aeros were able to keep the IceHogs at bay and the game moved into overtime.
The first extra session was wide-open, with Brust and Crawford keeping the game scoreless.
Brust came to the rescue with 75 seconds left in the first overtime when Fraser steamed in on a breakaway chance.
“That’s what playoff hockey is,” Brust said. “It’s so tight. We got a big break in the end and that makes the difference.”
Russo put a lot of the series defeat on the injury factor. Russo and Falness agreed JL is heavily invested in hockey but also noted that he is a big family guy and was clearly affected by the meltdown in coach-player relations around the deadline. Otherwise, in addition to the AJ Thelan call, the all too short interview was marred by a call from a person who thinks MN players are the answer. I am glad we don’t see much of that on this blog! However, on the serious side of MN players, Russo thinks they will be looking for a D man in the draft and Jake Gardner (sp?) and Aaron Ness could be good players available when the Wild picks.
Trade Gabby,rolston,skoula,parrish,bouchard,johnsson-get some talent in here for next year.
Retire LEMAIRE before you get fired!! Your coaching is a Joke!
I think Lemaire is at the same point with the Wild that he was 10 years ago with the Devils. He’s taken us as far as he can and it’s time to move on. However, it would have been nice of him to win a Cup first like he did in New Jersey.
Thanks Adam. Much appreciated.
I wonder what caused the coach-player meltdown. Shouldn’t it have been a management-coach & player meltdown. Or since JL was closet to Management, the players took it out on him.
I meant to say that since JL was the closest to management at that point so the players took it out on him.
nothing to add but my $.02 i guess:
fire DR because his plan is crap and he has made few good moves for us and JL because his over thinking and over tinkering has gotten very old (like all of those too many men on the ice penalties cuz no one knows what line they’re on from one minute to the next)…
keep rolston to lead our great young core (burns, schultz, harding, koivu, shep, etc.) and show demitra, carney, hill, nummy and skoula the door asap…
offer gabby an incentive heavy $8 mil a year and if he jerks us around at all trade his ass for a number 1 pick and a d-man before the draft…
if new management and a some good moves this team will be a force for years to come…
Trouble scoring goals…
Nobody goes to the net….
Mediocre forward quarterbacking the powerplay….
Solid goaltending….
Pretty similar to the Gophers. Belanger did his best Evan Kaufman impression by giving the Wild no threat of scoring a power play goal.
Russo…you are the best! You bring up good points in every area. This year was a huge disappointment. Jacques has stuck with marginal players for too long. Pierre-Marc…you are a great kid, a real fan favorite, and man, you are dazzling with the stick! But you are and always will be a marginal NHLer, especially come play off time. And Pavel, thanks for the memories, but time to start enjoying those gorgeous, Slovakian sunsets; maybe not next year, but soon. The deal that sent you here for O’Sullivan doesn’t look so good now.
I also caught DR on with Sid which also included a caller extolling the MN players are the answer bit. More importantly, however, DR said he was heading down Houston way for the 3 Aeros playoff games at home. I hope he talks to Toronto this week and makes quick decision one way or the other - that is the first domino that needs to fall this off season.
The only GOOD thing about the season being over is that it starts again in 5 months… 
True to his word, DR let this team have it’s ‘window’. Obviously Pierre LaCroix decided his team’s window is now, not in the future.
Afraid I have to concur with SouhanSlover on that. Adding Foote and Salei was huge - since defense was the Avs biggest weakness this season. Amazing how controlling the slot makes an average goaltender (Theodore) look stellar.
There were so many problems with the Wild this season and their inconsistency showed.
The one problem I still believe is the biggest is that contrary to DR’s belief, the Wild did NOT get tougher. They added tougher guys, but having them around did not make players like Johnsson, PMB, Gaborik, Demitra, Skoula, Belanger and Nummelin play with an edge. They were their same old soft selves. Rolston didn’t become more physical, but he did elevate his game.
So, here we are one year later and still suffering from the same thing:
Perimeter players.
I think there is a lot of remaking to do with the Wild. Might as well start this offseason.
Russo whats up with Pouliot what does the team not like about his game? He didnt look out of place when he played and Shepphard you notice during the playoffs and not for the right reasons. I know mangement has complained about his defense play but Gaborik had the same knocks about him when they drafted him (Watch the Wild highlight DVD they sent out during the lockout DR mentions to JL that Gaborik can skate but cant check)
Wow, lot of Habs fans here.
Good season, but disappointing end guys. The consensus is new management’s needed, and I can’t argue about that since you’re all more informed about the team than me. What I saw is what’s been talked about a lot, a glaring lack of offense and the depth on defense that was hurt by two freak injuries.
Someone said Risebrough should’ve forseen those injuries, which is a little harsh but also a little correct. Last year Ray Shero traded for Joel Kwiatkowski at the deadline just for insurance. I think he played in one game down the stretch for the Pens and none in the playoffs. Now I’m not saying Kwiatkowski was the answer, but we wouldn’t have had a minor league D fill in if someone got hurt. Still though, you can’t really predict someone’s appendix bursting.
phil, can you tell me why the Penguins would trade Malkin for Gaborik?
Nice work Russo. I enjoyed reading your blog entries, which were a lot more interesting than a lot of other people’s regular writing.
Pouliot presents an interesting problem - he has shown he is an NHL player but are the Wild better off with the Cs as Mikko/Shep/Belanger/Pouliot or Mikko/Shep/Belanger and a vet?
Don’t forget Colorado won as many games during the year as the Wild, then they added some talent.
DR seems to produce ok drafts but his trading going back to Calgary is awful.
Gaborik hasn’t wanted to be here for years, he has his moods and inconsistent effort, good-bye.
Sign Rolston, liked the idea of Carney moving into coaching/7th D role.
The team needs tough wingers ala Clark Giles (oh the age) who can hit and produce. To be a tough team is different than a team with goons, there needs to be an upgrade of Simon and Boogard, Fedorik was a surprise but can he improve.
Bye Bye Skoula
Somehow we scored more but gave up many more goals, I missed the tightness of the early years.
JL we need you still.
Let’s just say, I fully expected this ending.
Here’s hopin for some off-season moves!
Kevin, because I want them too? 
The extra speed gabby has would complement the Pens and I think he’d thrive in the East whereas Malkin has a little more grit more conductive for the west. Besides, the answers always “no” until you ask!
make that conducive, not conductive
Thanks Russo for all your work. To me, this series was about goaltending and one team that was healthy at the right time and one team that wasn’t. I feel like that Avs team that we played would have won the division if healthy and if all would have been on their team for the entire year.
I think the losses of Parrish, Radio and Schultz were huge. I was really thinking Parrish was going to have a good series and we could have used him in front of the net to cash in on some chances. Those are the breaks though.
Have a good summer all,
Kevin, because I want them too?
Honestly, I think you’ll have to bank on that as being the reason they’d make that trade. I think Malkin’s doing just fine in the East. With him we can form two potent scoring lines instead of having just one with Sid-Gaborik.
colorado was handed adam foote on a platter. he wanted out of columbus and colorado was the only place he would go so columbus took anything for him. Salei that had to work for and that i can give them credit for.
unless koivu, schultz, burns…were given assurances by management that JL would be gone after this season, why would they sign long term deals if they hate him so much? I think the hatred of JL, if there is any, is kept to a very few players, maybe just one or two.
If DR added federov for one a top prospect, would the series went any different? If you knew you had 8 perfectly servicable defensemen, including 3 really good ones and 2 good ones, would you have been looking to add D at the deadline? I wouldn’t have unless at a great price, which i am sure they were not.
When parrish was signed i thought he might be a steal, hind sight says he looks overpaid. it could be his role here so maybe someone would be willing to pick up his tab. wonder if they will try it. be a good move for both sides.
according to all news reports and the letter to STH from leipold, hockey ops, which is DR, have complete control of hockey ops. So, unless CL is lying to us already, the speculation there will be these big drastic changes because he is owner, probably can stop.
skoula is signed for next season so good chance he ain’t going anywhere. maybe the last half of the season and playoffs would make him attractive to someone but i wouldn’t hold your breath.
I think the core that is being built is solid. I don’t see rolston getting 7 to 10 million. good for him if he does but i just dont see it. i hope he comes back here.
souhan had his slover written a week ago. this morning on the radio he knew more about every NBA playoff game that was played yesterday than what happend in the wild game. Him and reusse aslo talked how they take pride in ripping the teams they cover. reusse admitted that when not at a wild game, which is hardly ever, he tries to catch the last 5 minutes of the game to see how they are doing but that don’t happen much either.
As a diehard Avalanche fan from CO being forced to live in this pathetic so called “state of hockey” for the last 3 years, last night was satisfying on so many different levels. After you beat us in 2003 all you can do is play the same clip of Patrick Roy getting scored on over and over and over. Find something else to lift your spirits…I think you have been beating a dead horse for too long now. You didn’t even win the cup that year and thats the highlight of your existence. Yes, I am rubbing it in your faces, no I don’t care and am amused by you’re reactions to your team losing. After being forced to listen to your bias announcers for the last week, I can only say that it is karma coming back to haunt you for the next 5 months. After experiancing your classless fans at Excel Energy Center and all over your state, I gives me utter satisfaction to have a moment of classlessness myself. Sharpen the golf spikes!! Its gonna be a long summer.
AvsFan…
I already made my first tee time…
Re: GreenStar
- Although COL has a good chance to resign Foote, they did have to give up a first round pick. However, it is paying off and should continue to do so, esp. vs. DET
- I think the hatred of JL, if there is any, is kept to a very few players, maybe just one or two.
I agree - I think most players like him including players the team would probably like to retain at good prices like PMB, SRV, Fridge and Radio.
- DR also had a healthy Reitz in the minors so I agree that the idea of adding a D man at the deadline is kind of a waste of time
-according to all news reports and the letter to STH from leipold, hockey ops, which is DR, have complete control of hockey ops. So, unless CL is lying to us already, the speculation there will be these big drastic changes because he is owner, probably can stop.
Toronto is the only X factor. If DAL knocks the Ducks out, we should know soon I hope.
AvsFan: May I ask it what manner are you being forced to live in MN?
Yes you may…I am finishing grad school in MN. Go ahead and argue that I’m not being “forced” to be here, but trust me when I say I would rather be done with school and back in CO.
AvsFan…we’ll miss you.
D’ya suppose DR will get the NHL’s exec of the year award?
I’ve got to work on that slice.
lol…I would imagine that DR wont be getting the award. But at the same time give credit where credit is due. Everyone is pointing their fingers at DR, JL and Gaborik, but the fact is the Avs played outstanding hockey in this series. Theodore was outstanding, Foote shut down Gaborik, all 3 lines produced all series, and the defense was relentless about blocking shots.
I think if there is hatred in 1 or 2 players for JL, that 1 or 2 players may be our top scorer and that can not be good.
From the looks of things across the league, the teams with the “superstars” aren’t doing as well (I know at least 1 is)as the teams that have just “good” to “very good” players in all 4 lines. Maybe just can’t build a team around 1 man.
Maybe a new coach would be what we need, with no disrespect for JL intended.
Did Colorado make the play-offs last year?
Kevin in Pa, dream until your dream comes true baby! In your honor kevin,(and if you’ll work with me on that trade thing) I’ll root for the Pens should the South Stars fall to the f’ing Ducks. Deal.
National American U. has a grad school?
Thanks Russo for another great year of blogging. You really make the game that much better with your insight. I’m looking forward to read some great news from you in the next few months and getting to know you again when september rolls around. Thanks again Mr. Russo!
I’ve got two rounds in already so hockey and golf and coexist for me.
foote is paying off for colorado, no doubt, but it wasn’t exactly like they had to bid for him. he was gift wrapped by the BJs.
another thing about the aves is heyduke, smyth, stasny, hannan and clark are the only players of significance signed for next season. if the time was now for any team it was the aves.
adam, my point on CL and DR is if DR wants to stay, i wouldn’t expect anything to be done differently. unless CL is lying to us. The speculation around here is CL will force DR to do things differently but he has hinted at nothing like that. DR may leave but i don’t see that happening because CL is telling him how to run the team.
LOL adam..yeah for being a grad student, he sure is crass and rude. We’ll see how “outstanding” the hockey is in the next series for Colorado..when facing a team that hasn’t lost 2 of its “D” and a goalie that can’t step up his play.
And if JT should falter in the least, the flood gates will open wide as the Avs are flushed..he’s the ONLY reason you weren’t out in 4..and kudos to him and the Avs for it..SC’s can be won on a hot goaltender.
G* - I see the DR/CL relationship the same way - at least for year 1.
it’s not like being a grad student is rocket science. when i was in college, some of my classes doubled as a graduate course. the difference was either a paper or an extra paper or maybe another test.
I think hatred of JL by Gaborik is exaggerated. I think Gabby has come around to JL’s thinking because he even started to sound more like him in the past month. He talked about being more responsible defensively.
I think there are annoyances such as constant line changes, management not addressing needs in mid-season, and too much focus on defense not enough on offense.
too much focus on defense not enough on offense.
some would say we didn’t focus enough on defense. this was one of the worst defensive teams i’ve seen for this franchise.
i also think the JL/gabby thing is overblown but it is popular. i think #10 found more space and played his best hockey when he helped out more in his own end.
time to go back out and enjoy more of this beautiful day. may not get another one.
lol that National American University theme song haunts my dreams. I am getting the degree in Business Administration at Augsburg College. I know you would all like to channel your frustration towards my educational background, but the fact remains that the Avalanche are still in the playoffs this year. Yes, the Avs didn’t’ make the playoffs last year, but have the Wild ever won the cup? You can’t stop focusing on the past and the future…I wonder why?
Hey Avs fan, don’t let the door hit you in the A** on the way out! Thanks for bringing mommy and daddy’s tuition money to MN though! We appreciate it!
Troll….Yeah, and the Denver Post did some really, uh, objective journalism over the last week. 
hahaha I love it. There’s the Wild fan I know so well.
My guess is that Gabby’s primary concern about the extension is staying in the West not JL.
Adam, I would agree with you.
I think Gaborik would like to choose where he goes next. And, I don’t begrudge him that choice. I also think that he will
I remember read an article about Johnsson when he became a UFA in 06. There were a lot of teams vying for him. He said that he spoke to a number of GMs and in the end, chose the Wild because of the team’s reputation.
Here is Johnsson’s quote from 10/17/06:
Several teams went after Johnsson, but he chose Minnesota after interrogating Risebrough during a lengthy phone conversation.
“The West teams, you don’t really get to know,” Johnsson said. “I talked to so many teams that night. It was the middle of the night, and I knew it was probably a once-in-a-lifetime situation. I’ve never had a chance to choose and I wanted to get it right. I asked a lot of questions, and this team, which had a great reputation, sounded great.”
I realize I have an incomplete thought in my post.
Gaborik will have to consider ice condition wherever he goes because of his groin problems.
If Gaborik goes to a team in the east with a legitimate playmaking center, he scores 50-60 goals. Take it to the bank.
I think the need for defense should have been seen by DR. JL was hesitant to play the Carney, Hill, and Nummelin, so picking up a d man for depth was a definite need. Center should have been addressed before the season started. Walz was a surprise, but so was Shep.
I like Parrish and was excited when we picked him up, but he really hasn’t done well for the last few years. Not sure if he just doesn’t fit the system well, maybe a bit too slow. It’s sad, but I think he needs to go.
I think Backstrom played pretty well during the playoffs, but if you are struggling to score goals and trailing for most of the games. It places more pressure on the defense and goalie. We really need to work on getting more goal scoring. We struggled with this a lot during the season as well. I would have liked to see Gabby get a few goals, if he is going to be “the guy” pay wise, he needs to find a way to break loose. The Av’s did covered Gabby tight, which probably made it easier for Rolston and to a lesser extent Koivo. I don’t think I would blame JL. He did what he could. With that being said Theadore was definitely untouchable when really needed.
Avs fan: How classy is it to sh*t-talk to Wild fans in a Wild forum? Augsburg for grad school huh? Wow, didn’t get your 1st-10th choice?
Enjoy the next round, I guarantee that’s the farthest they’ll go.
This is assuming all RFAs resign.
Gaborik-Koivu-Parrish
PMB-Belanger-??????
SRV-Sheppard-??????
Boogie-Pouliot-Voros
Burns-Schultz
Johnsson-Skoula
Foster-??????
And there would no reserves beyond those lines/pairings.
sunshine - we are like GoW and Beaver as I agree about not holding a grudge towards Gabby regarding the contract of his career.
David Jones-9th round pick, Hobey Baker finalist at Dartmouth last year, future power forward. He’s a bamf like that.
Avs fan “The Avs didn’t’ make the playoffs last year, but have the Wild ever won the cup? You can’t stop focusing on the past and the future” If MN would have obtained a stanley Cup contender in year one, they would be bragging too. If the denver area had to start with a brand new franchise instead of one of the best teams in the NHL “Quebec nordiques” I do not think you would be bragging about a cup.
Since I am a Wild fan out in Sunny Southern Cal I really appreciate your blog Mr. Russo. I appreciate all the info you get out, including your educated opinion. And the inhabitants of Russoville have some great comments as well. Thanks so much for the blog! (But replace the latte with a Jamba juice every now and then!!)
First change for new season would be to simulcast the radio broadcasts on FSN and 45. Use the savings to hire another European scout, and give the viewers a break from D+D. Uncover a hidden gem for us. One reason Colorado can make trade deadline deals which usually involve giving up a 1st or 2nd rounder is because they have success in the later rounds. We’ve been very good in the first round but not much after that.
p.s. Here Burkey. Come home, Burkey.
Here Burkey.
As a Wild fan who lives in Wisconsin, but catches regional coverage and news from the Twin Cities, I feel I need to empathize and apologize to AvsFan. I’ve absolutely hated having to hear the anouncing tandem and their stupidity here, and it sucks having to listen to someone else’s newscast, but to say we focus on the past a bit too much is a little on the outside of the wide-stereotyping-paintbrush no? I might go after the *absolutely* pizz poor broadcast production of local fox/45/whomever first. Cripes we couldn’t even get scratches on a regular basis over the past two years.
So, thank god again for the Don.
Avs fan, sincerely good luck to you in your studies at Augsburg, but get some manners too.
How far do you think you’ll go if JT isn’t on fire like he was during this series? And I mean that sincerely. If he stays on fire, I think you’ll do well, but if he’s somewhere less than that..you’ll be going home and I will NOT be rubbing it in the class-less way you’re trying to now.
To other Russotans, any short list of coaches if JL decides to hang ‘er up?
I think Ramsey has a chance but worried about how it will affect Tremblay.
I hope its not Constantine. From what the Houston folks are reporting, he is more defensive than JL.
Other than that I have no clue about coaches.
Mike Ramsey and Kevin Constantine would be the obvious candidates. I say anybody but Constantine. When we hired him for Houston, I thought we had our Wild coach in waiting, (coaches a style that makes JL look reckless.) I’d like to see Leipold hire an offensive, puck possession valuing G.M. Her Burkey, Here Burkey, just don’t bring Dan Cloutier with you Burkey.
Hey Sunshine, Great minds think alike.
Last year, after losing to Anaheim, some of us said here that the loss to the Ducks was a good experience, the boys learned a lot, “some” new players would help, and that no need existed for any change in the GM or coach — but adding, in a number of cases IIRC, that if the Wild next year should again lose in the first round that changes at the top (GM-coach) would have to be seriously considered.
Well, is now the time?
Like everyone else,,, Russo, thank you so much for this blog - for us out of staters
it really keeps things going. Now I have to find a new hobby other than checking the blog…
Also, just want to give props,
1) - The avs won in 6, just like you predicted.
2) - The team that won special teams won, just like you predicted (VS. showed a stat last night about special teams and how the two teams flipped in the playoffs)
3) - How shall I give you your nonfat skim hazlenut latte? caribou gift card?
And finally, thanks to all the regulars on the blog - ATX, NiNY, G*, AIH - you folks provide the bulk of the banter and its always a joy to read.
See you all next season, and probably once the offseason really starts.
The Walz-like center to build the team around is already here - Mikko Koivu.
In fact, I wouldn’t really object to cashing in the Gabby Chips and building a team around Koivu up front, Burns on D, and Harding in the net.
IF Hards can step up, they’re you’re core. As an added bonus, Shep should develop into a Koivu-like presence, allowing Mikko to score more goals.
While we talk a lot about needing centers, take a look at what has been happening on the wings. Besides Rolston, our wings were pretty much invisible all playoffs.
First of all, thanks to the Don, and all the other regulars for being on the blog this season…You made it a lot of of fun. And should we be thinking about a group golf outing sometime this summer?
On to the team: As the Don said, it may be a much differen team. Here’s my understanding of our contractual obligations next year, with the cap hit (in millions):
G
Backstrom 3.1
Harding .7
D
Burns 3.0
Schultz 3.2
Johnsson 5.25
Skoula 1.9
F
Gaborik 7.5
Koivu 3.3
Parrish 2.85
Belanger 1.75
Sheppard 0.85
Boogaard 0.85
Pouliot 0.85
That totals just over $35 million in cap hit. The 08-09 cap isn’t set yet, but most estimates have it in the $55-56 million range.
So that’s only 13 players. You have roughly another $20 million to spend. The restricted free agents who can command raises are:
P-Marc
Veilleux
Voros
Plus there’s the contract we’ve said we will tender to Foster, which is probably another million dollars.
The Unrestricted Free Agents who we might consider bringing back are:
Demitra
Fedoruk
Rolston
Branko
Foy
Carney, Hill, Kelly and Simon are also UFAs, but I’m assuming there’s no interest in retaining any of them.
(DISCLAIMER: I’m no capologist, and I don’t understand all the ins and outs of contractual obligations. For example, can we create $4.5 million of cap space by just releasing Belanger and Parrish, or is some of that money guaranteed?)
So here’s your assignment: How do we divvy up that $20 million among the RFAs, the kids who might make the team (Reitz, Gilles, anyone else?) and find the cash for a free agent or two?
Talk amongst yourselves.
NHL contracts are guaranteed so the Wild would have to buy out Belanger and Parrish.
Goalie guy, impressive work!
If you take a step back and evaluate this franchise from a higher level things are going pretty well. This was an expansion franchise seven seasons ago that has three trips to the playoffs, once to the Western Conference Finals and a Division Title. I would say things are going quite well.
Compare that to the success of expansion teams in all of the professional sports leagues.
Goalieguy - based on what I’ve seen so far I would consider Gillies to be a lock for the roster next season.
Depending on what the Wild do with FA Defenseman there will probably be a Reitz or Stoner type player with the Wild.
The forwards in Houston that might get a look would be: Ward, Hamilton, Foster and Clutterbuck. However, with the Calder Cup playoffs just two games old for the Aeros player’s stock could rise or fall dramatically.
The next three Aeros games are in Houston and I’ll be sure to check in with an update or two.
The Wild did as well as Nashville in these playoffs.
according to nhlnumbers.com the wild have 11 players under contract with a total hit of 32.45 mil.
RFA’s need to be qualified with a 10% bump. if we qualify them, then we get the rights to match any tender. If we don’t they become UFAs. RFA’s play for the bump we give them, hold out, or go to arbitration but i don’t know when arbitration kicks in.
If you take a step back and evaluate this franchise from a higher level things are going pretty well.
AiH, don’t you know it cup or nothing?
I can see Gillies staying with Darby like Shep did this year. If I remember right he won’t be 20 in time to be assigned to Houston. I’m not sure who to keep and who should go. We know Nummi is gone, and I could see Hill retiring after this season. I think Parrish’s problems stemmed from coming back from his first concussion to soon, and he has a good history with the team as a leader. Bella plays well when paired with the right people, I think his biggest problem was he never had a consistent line to work with. If JL retires I would personally like to see Ramsey moved up to head coach. Constantine seems like a very good teaching coach, and may be better suited to AHL prepping young guys to move up to the NHL while putting together a productive and competitive team for the Houston fans to watch. Ideally I would love to see Walz as an assistant coach but that would take him away from his family which is one of the reasons he decided to retire. Also who knows what will happen with the Leafs needing a new GM we may lose Dougie, and with a new GM here that puts a whole new spin on things. I guess we will have to wait and see huh?
Greenstar: I think most of the difference between my number and the NHLnumbers is that I included Shep and Pouliot, both at $850,000, even though they are (I believe) on two-way contracts that don’t count against your cap unless they play in the NHL. If you take them off my list, the cap is down closer to that $32.45, but you’ve only got 11 players, instead of 13.
Aaron: Been meaning to ask you for your impressions of Kalus. I liked what I saw of him in pre-season, was a little surprised he didn’t make it, but then I saw he only had 18 points this season,though he was a plus-4. Now they’ve let him go play with the Czech team at the World Championships. Is he close to being ready?
Goalieguy, if I’m remembering right, Shep is on an NHL only contract he was to young when they signed him to go to Houston. Pool Boy is on a 2 way contract. I think Kalus was borderline during pre-season, hence being sent to Houston. We don’t know why he was allowed to return home to play with the Czech team. He may have asked a long time ago to be allowed unless he was with the Wild.
Sean hill played the whole game 5 Mr russo.
*sigh*
I mentioned earlier that I kinda figured on this ending last night, but it wasn’t by choice - more of noticing how both teams were playing, you could sense it.
Anyway I had a chance to read some of the other “what to do now” comments, and WRT wrote quite the novel about it, and I thought I’d throw my 2-cents in there too.
Players who have played their last games:
Hill, Nummelin, Simon, Carney. Yes, I’m going to lump Carney in there too, since by the start of next season, he’s going to be 5 months older, and short of a DNA-merge with Chelios, he’s done. As a coach, maaaaayyy-be. I’m not sure about that.
Players who should be traded before July 1:
Parrish, Johnsson, Skoula. Parrish is a bust, let him go put up points in a system where he can flourish, like Detroit or Montreal. Johnsson has gotten to be too expensive to keep as a puck-moving defenseman. His play during the late season and playoffs shows he’s slowing down, and when he does - he gets beat. He had a tough stretch from March 1 to the playoffs. And Skoula? Enough already. He needs to go, and take his -23857235235 and umpteen giveaways with him.
Players we should sign for less money:
Demitra, Rolston. Yeah, I’d say sign ‘em both to 1 yr deals. Why? Points and production. They still produced well during the regular season. Demitra had his injury, and got stuck at C, where his production was going to go down anyway. He’s a sniper first, and a playmaker second. Rolston is going to be 35, has some leadership qualities, a good shot, and he found a new work ethic after he wasn’t dealt at the deadline. Problem is, he’ll want a raise. Get him at the same dollars, I’d sign him 1 or 2 more years. Demitra’s gonna need to take a cut, though. Otherwise, let him walk… I’ll explain why later on.
Players to deal at the deadline:
Gaborik, Demitra (if signed), Pouliot, and Backstrom. It’s time to clean house. We can get a ton for Gaborik, and Backstrom will get us something too. If Pouliot can’t step up his game, ditch him too. Demitra goes because Gaborik goes, unless he wants to stay and can contribute without his buddy.
Now, here’s what we need, and a short list of who I’d grab on July 1:
1. A center or two. Koivu, Shep, and Belanger will be your top 3, but I’d be looking at a guy like Glen Metropolit. He’s cheap, available, can grind, can pass, and he’s actually rather good on shootouts too. Or make a play for Antoine Vermette. He’s an RFA, but maybe you’ll get him since the Sens are kinda short on cap space.
2. DE-FENSE! If my scenario plays out, we’ll have 3 D when the season starts, providing Belle isn’t ready (as expected), and Foster’s still in rehab. So we need some people. People like Wade Redden, Brian Campbell, Jason Smith, or Marek Malik. Hell, take em all if you can. Good mix of D for Burnsie and Schultzie.
3. Draft picks and prospects. Yeah, Houston is thin. We need to be moving some of these guys into the bigtime, but most of em can’t make the jump, and we don’t have much else. Let’s get some new blood down there and start building them.
4. A Coach. Yeah, as much as I hate to say it, we need that. DR got us some high flying talent last 2 years, and JL didn’t know what to do with it. It’s just not his style. So, either get JL what he needs - grinders, checkers, defensive specialists, or let JL go back to FL and bring in a coach with a different system. There’s many available.
Petr Kalus didn’t play much the last month or two. I’m not sure if that was coach’s decision or injury related. That kind of information can be hard to come by.
What I have heard is the guy is a little tough to coach, not attitude wise, but the way he plays all go and no stop. I’m told he has good raw talent, but I didn’t see too much to get excited about.
Kevin Constantine is a great coach. That is pretty evident by what he has done in one season. Installing a new system with new players, most of them in their first year of professional hockey. And he goes out and leads the Aeros to the fewest goals allowed in the league.
I don’t know all of KC’s coaching history, but I believe he had some success coaching with the Sharks early on and might be using this job as a stepping stone back to the NHL.
Johnsson has gotten to be too expensive
exactly why he can’t be moved. and if skoula is so horseshat, why would anyone want to trade for him? good ideas but very unlikely.
There’s many available
care to name a few?
M.U.N.: I have said for months JL needs to step aside. He lost control of the players, lost their “ear”, as it were, lost control of the team and they checked out on him, IMO. I concur with most of your opined theory. Backstrom had as much, or more, to do with us teeing off now rather than advancing to round #2. He is not a game-saver. Yeah, he makes routine saves. But he does NOT make the big save when you need it. Remember the 1st goal last night? Guite is not exactly Lemieux or Gretzky or Ovechkin, but our boy made him look like one. Yes there are other problems and I think DR needs to graze off into the sunset as well. He made horrible decisions (or, lack of them) at the trade deadline, and has done so in the past as well. I hope Leipold has some nads and realizes this and changes this out again after the 1st rounf, circling the drain again squad. We won the NW Div.. BFD. We got our asses handed to us in the 1st round AGAIN. Please, others out there don’t compare us to the Blue Jackets.. which is like comparing Crown Royal to Northern Light. The fan base here has been more than loyal and has lined the pockets of the ownership, DR, JL, etc. We deserve better than the current product has given us. The time for change is NOW. (IMO). No, I don’t know who we should bring in if DR and JL fade away. But, a change is needed, bottom line.
We deserve better than the current product has given us
really? i think we’ve gotten quite a lot.
The fan base here has been more than loyal and has lined the pockets of the ownership
not the current owner we haven’t. Plus, for the last 2 seasons now, and for the forseeable future, They can’t spend anymore than they have. This is perhaps the lamest argument that may have been valid 5 years ago but not anymore.
I hope Leipold has some nads and realizes this
Leipold is already on record as backing the current hocky ops guys specifically DR.
He lost control of the players, lost their “ear”, as it were, lost control of the team and they checked out on him
again, if this is true, why did schultz take what appeared to be less than market if he has tuned out JL? why burns? why koivu? why is PMB wondering when he is going to get a long term offer? How do you think fedoruk feels? he had a career year here.
We got our asses handed to us in the 1st round AGAIN
We lost. we did not get our asses handed to us. there is a difference.
to add. JL was letting the players do it their way until they got bent over by the oil up in edmonton. at that point he took control again and they went on a winning streak. coincidence? i think not. i think JL figured he had enough experienced players to let them have a little leash but they obviously couldn’t handle it.
“He lost control of the players, lost their “ear”, as it were, lost control of the team and they checked out on him”
The team checked out when they thought Management would bring in a center: Jokinen, Forsberg, Holik, or Federov. We and the team should have known that DR would/could not pull it off.
I partly blame Russo for stirring it up and getting all of us excited. I blame myself for believing in the grandeur when I knew DR is not that type of GM.
The players are like us the fans. Some of us, me included, went a little crazy when I heard about the Simon trade. Can you blame them for their loss of composure?
JL is the closest to management and he probably took the brunt of it. Maybe they thought that JL did not do enough to try to convince DR about the need for a center.
That SE swing was the first time I felt JL lost the team. But, he was able to bring the team back. If he truly lost them, we would have kissed the NW Division and the playoffs good-bye.
I really disliked DR’s lack of meaningful activity (at least meaningful results) at the deadline. But…
I wonder if DR & JL realized, esp. after Walz retired, that this team had enough issues that it wasn’t worth mortgaging their chips to try to save it. So they made a move that maybe could’ve helped if everything else held together (or course, then Boogie started playing again). Anyway, those issues would seem to include…
1. character or lack of enough of it
2. center
3. quality defensive depth
4. perimeter offense
5. a distinct inability to display any killer instinct
I truly believe DR & JL knew exactly what the problems were, and also that their only legit chance to truly fix them was over this summer, not in-season.
True G*, JL gave them just enough rope to hang themselves on that one. But when the boys proved they couldn’t compete doing things their way, JL was all like, “Thats why I’m coach and your not.”
I hope Fridge gets a nice deal here, he’s meshed well with the team and has proved he’s more than we thought he was.
Some of the credit of Fedoruk’s development has to go to JL and the coaches.
I am sure that JL said the same thing he said to Simon to Fridge. You are first and foremost a hockey player and an enforcer second.
It sets the tone for him. You are not here to fight. When necessary, fight, but play the game, be defensive, and crash the net. Playing on the top line with Gabby and Demitra also helped with his confidence.
Thanks for the update on Shep, Russo. And everything else throughout the season. Looking forward to seeing what transpires in the offseason, what happens with my Houston boys, etc. Should be pretty interesting stuff. Meanwhile, hockey continues in Houston. Go Aeros!
keep us updated on the Aeros progress in the playoffs.
Just got home from KC, and I have not had time to read all the commnets. But I feel the need to say a few things. The loss was disappointing for sure. But, I really think that without the injuries we would have won. There was no forseeing the damage done to our D. Sure picking up a center at deadline would have been great, but it wouldn’t have made an ounce of difference in the long run.
People who say get rid of Rolston are foolish. He was probably the best player during the short post season.
PMB was pretty good for the most part. He had stretches where he looked shaky, but he went well out of his comfort zone often and it paid off.
I agree with getting rid of Hill (I can’t stand him) and I think Carney might be done (even though I like him a lot). Radio, Shep, Koivu, Burns, Foster, Schultz, Fridge, Gabby, PMB, Backs, Hards, and Rolston should stay. I like a lot of the other players… but some people have to go. It will be interesting to see if JL retires or not. Would Rammer become head coach if JL bows out?
There are too many things to talk about right now…. I will try and make it through more of the posts tomorrow.
If JL decides to hang it up, I have no doubt the Rammer era will begin.
Resigning Fridge should be a priority. Letting him walk could be a bigger mistake than Bruno because I think he will stay for a reasonable deal.
I would like to see them resign Voros. With some tutoring from Fridge and Parrish, he can become a garbage goal magnet. However, he needs to learn to stay away from the stupid penalties.
I think Rolston will also take a deal with a reasonable raise. He doesn’t need to break the bank.
Our D has a solid foundation with Burns and Schultz. Kimmy is not bad. If Foster can return to form when healthy next year, he will be fine. Granted it was only 2 games, but I think Reitz showed that he would be capable at this level. If all of those can step up, it reduces the opportunities for Minus Marty to cost us. I