Minnesota Wild Times

A Time for Every Season

2009-09-29T09:14:00.003-05:00

As all twelve of you who read this blog may have noticed, it has been awhile since I posted anything over here. It should be known by now that I do the bulk of my writing over at Hockey Wilderness. This season, however, will be different. This site is going to go dormant. I am not going to shut the site down completely, but instead just throw some moth balls around the floor and hang some cedar panels to keep the smell down.

Please, join the growing following over at the Wilderness. SBN (the parent site) has joined forces with many high power news groups including Yahoo! sports and CBS sports to bring Hockey Wilderness posts out the the widest audience possible.

I thank each and every one of you who supported this site from its infancy. Through all of the self-doubt, the questions about motive, the questions about whether or not this was a solid way to start a career. Turns out, it was a great way to make contacts, meet a few of the high power players, and to hash out a writing style.

I am begging all of you to continue the fight to make sure blogs are relevant in the discussion. Make sure you support your favorite sites, and increase the pressure on NHL teams to include bloggers in their media credentialing.

That's it from here. Thank you all again for the support, and I truly hope you will join us over at Hockey Wilderness.

-Buddha

PS- You can also find my journalistic side at Pro Hockey News. Please visit there as well and send me any comments or story suggestions at the email listed on each story.

Predictions: Boy, I was Wrong

2009-06-19T10:56:00.003-05:00

The season has ended, the awards have been... awarded. Let's take a quick peek at just how badly I did with my predictions:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Division Titles:

Northwest Division - Calgary Flames (Nope. Vancouver. Gag.)

Pacific Division - Dallas Stars (Nope. San Jose.)

Central Division - Detroit Red Wings (Yep. That's one.)

Other playoff teams: Wild (Nope), Sharks (yep), Ducks (Yep), Blackhawks (Yep), and we'll throw a bone to Edmonton (Nope), but only because everyone else in the conference is terrible.

Western Conference Champs: Dallas Stars (Everyone else is picking the Wings, I can't be part of the pack.) (Yeah... no. Taking a point away from myself for this horrific pick)

Western Conference Total: Four right, Five wrong minus one for being stupid = 3 right, 5 wrong.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division - Pittsburgh Penguins (Yep.) (NOPE!!!!)

Author's note... as pointed out by KiPA in the comments, the Penguins did NOT in fact, win the Atlantic. So not only did I get the Prediction wrong, but I can't read a standings board either.

Northeast Division - Montreal Canadiens (Nope. Boston.)

Southeast Division - Washington Capitals (Yep.)

Other playoff teams: NJ Devils (Yep), Philadelphia Flyers (Yep), Ottawa Senators (Nope.)... and simply because they will stumble in... Buffalo Sabres (Nope) and um... say the Hurricanes? (yep)

Eastern Conference Champs - I should go with the Penguins, because they are the best team. However, I'm going with the Habs, because I want them to. (Nope. Should have stuck with my gut here.)

Eastern Conference Score: 4 Right, 5 wrong.

Stanley Cup Champions - Montreal Canadiens - I make this pick because I love hockey, and I really want to see it happen. Despite the odds being long, the story is too perfect to pass on.

(Yeah... not even close. Minus one more stupid point.)

Standings Total: 9 Right, 9 Wrong, -2 stupid points = 7 Right, Nine Wrong. Not bad, not bad.

On to the awards:

Hart Trophy (league MVP)- Alexander Ovechkin (Yep)

Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP)- Saku Koivu (Yeah... NOPE. Evegeni Malkin.)

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) - Steven Stamkos (Nope. Steve Mason.)

Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman) - Dion Phaneuf (Nope. Chara)

Lady Byng (Most Gentlemanly) - Pavol Datsyuk (Yep)

Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender) - Martin Brodeur (Nope. Tim Thomas, but I got robbed here. Stupid old man shoulder.)

Selke Trophy (Defensive Forward) - Mikko Koivu (Nope. Pavol Datsyuk)

Jack Adams Award (Best Coach) - Carbaneu (Nope. Claude Julien, Boston. So I was kind of right, because it went to the guy who made the playoffs, but was not supposed to.)

Art Ross Trophy (Most Points) - Alexander Ovechkin (Nope. Malkin)

Maurice Richard Trophy (Most goals) - Alexander Ovechkin (Yep)

William Jennings Trophy (Lowest GAA) - Chris Osgood (Nope. Tim Thomas / Manny Fernandez)

Awards Score: 3 Right, 8 Wrong.

Final Score: 11 Right, 18 wrong - 2 Stupid points = 9 Right, 18 Wrong.

Ouch.

Stanley Cup and Superstar Fisticuffs

2009-06-01T11:00:00.003-05:00

It is funny sometimes what spurs the mind of a hockey fan. If you know me, or read any of my work, you know that I have not watched much of the playoffs. I found it difficult to get invested with the Wild out, and with the season the Wild had. Even a new GM, and a search for a coach couldn't pull me back in any more than enough to post here and at Hockey Wilderness, maybe an article or two for PHN.

Until last night.

I watched game two of the finals. I watched the skill with which these two teams can play. I watched the puck bounce, heard the skates cutting ice, if I had Willie Wonka's smell-o-vision, it would have been perfect.

I actually got involved in the game. I was awed, I was stunned, I was frustrated with poor reffing. I was ready to punch the NBC commentary team in the chops. "The refs really have not been an issue in this series." Really? They were a pretty big part of game two, and in the finals, being a big part of any game make them a part of the series.

Take for example Henrik Zetteberg's save on Crosby and freezing of the puck in the crease in the third period. From KiPA over at Hitting the Post, the rule reads:

Rule 67 - Handling Puck

67.4 Penalty Shot - If a player, except a goalkeeper, while play is in progress, falls on the puck, holds the puck, picks up the puck, or gathers the puck into his body or hands from the ice in the goal crease area, the play shall be stopped immediately and a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.

I have a DVR. If you don't, you need one. HDTV + DVR = ability to make the call better than a ref. I went frame by frame, seeing the puck come in and watching as it hits Zetterberg and go underneath him. It pops out a bit and you can see the puck under his right arm as he lays in a prone position along the goal line. The ref does the right thing in blowing the play dead. No way he could see the puck.

I kept waiting to see the arm point to center ice for a Sid-the-Kid Stanley Cup Finals one on one with Chris Osgood.

Nothing. Face off to Ozzy's right. What? Who? When? They even reviewed the play and still didn't get it right. Not sure they can award a shot on a review, but they should have been able to see the puck come out from under Zetterberg when he stood up.

I personally think the puck went in the net, but there is no video evidence of that. Unless of course, you count the look Zetterberg gave the in goal camera as if to say, "Shit." Every parent has seen it, the look of, "Dammit. Busted."

No goal. Play continues.

I won't go into the goonery of Marion hossa, but it is suffice to say he played like a player with much less talent than he has. Like he was missing a step and using his stick to make it up. The refs let him play. hooking, holding, slashing. Ugh. Make the call boys.

Then, at the end of the game, perfection.

On a shot from way outside, Max Talbot crashes the net and gives Chris Osgood a nice little shot to the chest. Dumb move. Late in the game, play blown dead, he takes a shot at the goaltender. Bad move. Ozzy does his best Greg Louganis impression and gets a ten from the Russian judge on the dive. Scrum ensues, as should be expected.

Then, out of nowhere here is Evgeni Malkin ripping off Henrik Zetterberg's helmet and dropping the gloves. Malkin and Zetterberg. Let me say that again. Malkin and Zetterberg. As in, two of the highest paid, most talented players the game has ever seen, and they are throwing punches at each other. What more could a hockey fan ask for?

Two guys, at the height of competitive fervor, emotions running as high as they can, frustration, anger, bitterness. All come to a head and come out in the fists of Malkin and Zetterberg.

Pure hockey ecstasy. And enough to pull me back in. Thanks boys, I needed that.

A Quick Thought on The S Word

2009-05-27T21:22:00.004-05:00

Earlier today I wrote about the allegation of steroid use by the Washington Capitals. This allegation came from the lips of a soon to be convicted drug dealer, and is to be taken with a grain of salt.

What I would like to take a moment to ponder together is this.

Why is the hockey media not covering this story? Is it due to the lack of details, or is it more likely due to the fact that even "mainstream" hockey media may be slipping when it comes to covering what we care about?

Take this example. ESPN has it listed on their site, but only on the main NHL page, not on the main ESPN page. Of course, this is understandable since the NBA playoffs are going on, and we all know that basketball is the king of all sports, right? TSN reports the basic story with a few quotes thrown in for good measure. Keep in mind that TSN is owned, at least in part, by ESPN, so this is no surprise either.

My Google Reader is set to pull in headlines from every hockey market across the NHL. The only newspapers reporting on this story are simply posting the AP wire version. No in depth reporting, no questioning, nothing more.

Come on folks, the guy said he sold them to the Nationals, too. Baseball. Popular sport. Where's the coverage? Or has steroids simply become so common place in baseball that it doesn't even warrant a story.

The best source of information? And this is a tribute, not a condemnation.

Puck Daddy.

Welcome to the new world order.

-Buddha

*Author's note* If I have missed a report on this story, please post it in the comments.

The S Word

2009-05-27T09:45:00.004-05:00

Skimming through the headlines provided to me by the great and powerful Google Reader this morning, judging the new books by their respective covers, when a headline popped out and riled me up just a bit.

Authorities trumpet massive steroids bust in Polk

Now, we live in the "steroid era" in baseball, and have watched as many of the so called heroes of my youth turned out to be nothing but shrinking testicle frauds. We have watched as baseball has become the national joke rather than the national pass time. We have watched with inner sadness as the home run record fell to players accused of using these same performance enhancers. The end result is simple, lack of trust in baseball and it's players.

The shock waves spread throughout the sports world, with all fans questioning whether or not their favorite super-stars were juiced. NFL, NBA, and NHL fans were mostly comforted to know that their players have submitted to tests since well before MLB ever dreamed of it.

NHL fans were comforted further by the knowledge that the culture of the league made cheaters outcasts, and limited our belief that guys could be taking steroids. Of course, there are always players who will do so, such as Sean Hill who served his time, played one final season with the Wild and is now overseas. Be it because he was a semi-talent at best, or because of the steroid cloud following him, he is no longer in the NHL.

Fans of hockey have always counted on the honor of the game to keep us safe from the questioning and sadness associated with baseball.

Until today.

Samara Sotos says that the people busted with the illegal steroids claim that "he is the biggest steroid provider in Central Florida and that he sold mostly to professional athletes, including those on the Washington Capitals hockey team and Washington Nationals baseball team."

Ouch. The Caps? As in the Washington Capitals? As in the NHL Washington Capitals? As in... STEROIDS IN HOCKEY?

I truly hope this claim is just the incessant bragging of an illegal drug dealer attempting to make himself bigger than he already is. If it turns out that players for the Caps actually took steroids, my only hope is that the players who did not take them band together and run the guilty parties out of town.

If it turns out any stars took them, well, I don;t even have the words to express what that will do to the game, the fans, and to me personally.

Steroids? Really guys?

-Buddha

Continuing Media Coverage of the GM Announcement

2009-05-22T10:10:00.002-05:00

In my ongoing experiment to show the hockey blog reading world (all 12 of you) just how crazy the hockey media world goes over a story, here is the latest coverage of the GM announcement, a story that has pushed even the playoffs off of center stage. Keep in mind, none of them are saying anything different than anyone else.

On the Forecheck

Steel City Sports Fan

KXMB TV (Bismark)

Pioneer Press - Apparently they needed to wake Shipley up from hibernation.

Ohio.com

Associated Press

Inside Pittsburgh Sports

Faceoff-Factor

The Rink

Pensburgh

So. Today we have the coverage from the Pioneer Press that we should have had yesterday, we have coverage in Bismark, and we have several websites no one knew existed. The strong indication is also that this is playing as a bigger deal in Pittsburgh than it is here in Minnesota, which is disappointing. This is likely due to the fact that despite being the "State of Hockey," Minnesotans really could care less once the temp rises above 50 degrees.

Press conference at 4PM, streaming live on Wild.com. See you there.

-Buddha

Wild to Announce new GM

2009-05-21T19:26:00.003-05:00

The Minnesota Wild will announce Chuck Fletcher as their new GM. A press conference is scheduled for Friday at 4PM. This is one of those stories that will be covered by every news outlet in the world. The news has been covered pretty well, so I will refer you to that:

Hockey Wilderness

Russo (from Hawaii no less)

Hitting the Post

Puck Daddy

Illegal Curve

T3I (Ms. Conduct's report)

Pro Hockey News

TSN

ESPN

The Hockey News

And this is just the beginning. More tomorrow... over at the Wilderness most likely.

Missed Opportunities: Alexander Ovechkin

2009-05-09T11:29:00.004-05:00

Missed Opportunities is a series of posts documenting, and perhaps commenting on, the failed chances for the NHL to make a statement about potentially injurious hits or events.

The Opportunity:

May 8th, Alexander Ovechkin and Sergei Gonchar hit knee to knee in game four the second round series. The hit is definitely questionable, and will no doubt be talked about for a few days, as Gonchar looks to be hurt fairly badly. (Also, search "knee to knee hit" on Google. This is not going to go away quickly.)

The Evidence:

The video shows several replays, all of which show the hit fairly well. Ovechkin coming in from the boards, Gonchar coming up from behind the net, and Gonchar making a cut to his left, leaving his right leg out with the push off. Ovechkin comes in hard, obviously lining up Gonchar for a hard hit, but with Gonchar making a cut, Ovechkin hit Gochar's knee instead. You can see Ovechkin does go up with his shoulder, which supports his take in his post-game presser. He said it was an accident, and that he was going in for the hit, but Gonchar moved, and Ovechkin said he had no time to adjust.

The Penalty:

Two minutes for tripping. The call more likely should have been five minutes, and in my opinion, five minutes on top of that for being stupid.

NHL Rule Broken:

50.1 Kneeing - Kneeing is the act of a player or goalkeeper leading with his knee and in some cases extending his leg outwards to make contact with his opponent.

The Suspension:

Likely none. Almost certain to be none. While there has been a standard for suspending based on an injury being sustained, this is the playoffs, and this is Alexander Ovechkin. Should either of those things matter? No. But they do, and so there will be no suspension.

My Take:

Let me note before I say anything more, that I am typing this while sitting here in my AO jersey. I am a fan, a big fan, of the guy. I believe he plays the game with a passion that is sorely lacking in too many of today's players, and more players should show the emotion he does on a nightly basis.

That said, Ovechkin screwed up. While the intent may not have been there, the injury to Gonchar is real, and affects the Penguins in a very real way. The reason Ovechkin should get a suspension is not so much for the intent, but the lack of brain usage on the play. Does AO not realize who it is coming out from behind the net? This is Sergei Gonchar, not Todd Fedoruk. Gonchar is a top flight NHLer, and can skate with the best of them. To think that Gonchar was just going to be lined up for a hit and then skate into it is proof enough that AO was not paying close enough attention. Call it inattentive driving, the same thing all of the idiots on the road should get for driving with their cell phone on their ear, and their heads up their...

Ovechkin did not see that Gonchar's head was up, and that he was well aware of AO's presence. To think the massive, devastating, highlight reel hit was possible was sheer arrogance. Arrogance that led to one of the best defensemen in the league being injured. AO should have made a play at the puck, and if he misses the puck, trusted that the other four guys wearing white jerseys could have made a play after him.

Ovechkin has a history of being involved in conversations about his hits being clean or dirty. Much ado was made about him taking runs at Malkin before the all-star break, and too many times he has been in the news about a hit. AO needs to dial it back, if only a notch or two. I love the emotion, I love the passion, but it needs to be controlled emotion in the heat of the moment.

There is no need to put yourself, and others, at risk of injury with this type of play, thus the reason why in the regular season the NHL does not care if it was purposeful or not. Knee on knee hits earn suspensions. However, this is the playoffs, and this is Alexander Ovechkin.

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

Ms. Conduct goes Mainstream

2009-05-06T10:57:00.003-05:00

Leaving all of us meager scrap eaters in her proverbial dust, Ms. Conduct herself has gone mainstream. Seems Andrew Ferraro was unable to cover the Aeros' playoff game for the Houston Chronicle, and asked her to fill in. In all her glory, she did better than fill in, she kicked some butt and took some names.

Yes, the Houston Chronicle. Not the Fridley Sun Times, not the Deer Path Shopper, the Houston Chronicle. Of course, that joke is only funny if you know where Fridley is, or have been in northern Minnesota long enough to have seen a Deer Path Shopper. Either way, this is a really big deal.

You can find the article here: Admirals put Admirals out to dry in Game 3

Congrats to H. She worked really hard to get to this point. Put up with all of us out here on the interweb poking fun at her, poor editing at PHN, and who knows what else. She stuck in there, and got the chance many of us would hope for.

Keep up the excellent work, H. Those of us who"knew you when" will still be here, picking up the scraps of your glory.

Three Things

2009-04-13T22:18:00.006-05:00

Here we go, three things. One hockey related, one blog related, and one not related to much of anything normally discussed here.

1. As reported by Russo, ESPN, TSN, Hockey Wilderness, Ms. Conduct, Hitting the Post, 18568 Reasons Why, Puck Daddy, Kukla's Corner, NHL Network, and about ten thousand other places, our one and only coach, Jacques Lemaire has decided to step down as the coach of the Wild. I wrote about it over at the Wilderness, and Neide has taken the reigns for more coverage there as well. I will save the details for you to find. Here's a hint, click on any hockey related page on the web.

For now, let's just say I will mis good old Jacques. While I hate his style of hockey, there is no arguing that he is a great coach, and will find a job somewhere this offseason.

Let me also say I am TERRIFIED as to who DR thinks is a suitable replacement.

2. I will be on vacation and away from the net for about a week. Enjoy the silence and lack of... um... "Buddhaness."

3. A little shameless plug, and a request. I am participating in the MS Challenge walk on May 3rd. I have a cousin and a uncle afflicted with the disease, and I have finally found the time and ability to commit to participate in this event, and to do my part to find a cure for this terrible disease.

Why post this here? Well, I need some help. I reached the initial $200 "suggested" fund raising goal, and have since upped my goal to $500. None of this money goes to me. Not one penny. It all goes to the MS Society to help fund research into what causes the disease and to finding a cure.

Please, if you can find it in your heart (and you wallet) to make a contribution, I beg you, please do so. Every penny is needed if we are going to find a cure.

Here's the link, should the urge strike you to make a difference:

MS Challenge Walk

See you in a week.

-Buddha

Quick Hits (A Ms. Conduct Rip Off)

2009-04-09T12:13:00.002-05:00

There are a handful of stories from around sports that I wanted to get my opinion out on, but none of them are bringing out a full post from the recesses of my creativity. So, without further ado, a cheap rip off of a Ms. Conduct's Quick Hits.

First, we will get a really rather sad story out of the baseball world, as Angels Rookie Nick Adenhart was killed in a traffic accident (if you read the article, it wasn't exactly an accident) last night after throwing 6 scoreless innings in his first ever major league start. The idiot who hit him was, of course, drunk, and killed what I read to be at least three people, including Adenhart. I hope they lock the asshole up forever. Condolences to Nick's family, friends, and teammates.

Next, we have Puck Daddy with the Marian Gaborik slam of the day: "Marian Gaborik says he won't speculate on his future with the Minnesota Wild; sprains tongue, and will miss the next 6-8 months."

Next in line are the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets clinched their first ever playoff berth last night, and their fans have never been happier. Congrats to the Jackets and their fans, couldn't have happened to a classier group of people. (Author's note, I will now commence sobing in the corner, as I remember that feeling... you know, having a good team to cheer for.)

I think there was something else, but I cannot remember what it was, so I will simply leave you with the elation of another team's fans celebrating their palyoff berth. (H/T to Puck Daddy for posting the video)

-Buddha

A Salute to California Hockey

2009-04-06T13:14:00.002-05:00

Back a few months ago, I had a brief interview with a Predators blogger. Going into the interview, I had my biases about Nashville being a "real" hockey market, and I was not afraid to express that bias. I am what my friend Ms. Conduct would say is one of those people in Minnesota that thinks they are better than everyone else in the hockey world.

She and I have had many discussions on the topic. We here in Minnesota suffered with Hartford, Winnipeg, and Quebec when our teams were yanked from our markets and sent south, into lands that we never felt deserved hockey, let alone deserved OUR hockey teams. Of course, the Nordiques went to Colorado, so I will give them a bit of a break. At least it gets cold there every now and again, and the fans immediately and ever since (well, until this year) have supported them passionately.

Our North Stars moved to Dallas, and once they shed the disease that is Norm Green, have become a respectable hockey market. The team is growing youth hockey programs, etc. Not as much can be said about the hate Coyotes (hockey in a desert will NEVER be OK), and the Hurricanes, who despite real success and a great team, still have little or no fan support.

So you can see where a bit of bitterness may creep into a Minnesota boy when dealing with teams south of the Mason-Dixon.

Then I started reading some of the love that teams like Nashville have. The Preds have as loyal a fan base as any in the league, and while they may not be able to sell out every game, they come close, and are gaining steam.

Then you have the Sharks. A team I have liked for a long time. When they were new, I was still bitter from the loss of my beloved team, and I took it out on them. However, the Sharks built a franchise using the old tried and true method of sucking for years, and finally putting some good players on the ice, building a fan base the entire time.

Not to mention, the team is owned by the Gund family, former owners of the California Golden Seals, and North Stars themselves.

Then, today, my good friend Newnik sent me this link and i decided to read it, despite the fact that anything with the name "Sedin" in it is likely to make me retch.

Excellent article, excellent writing, excellent read. Head over and check it out. i do not know the back story, but the post is worth the time to read. The Sharks have a sell out streak going, are one game from clinching the President's Trophy, and are poised to go far in the playoffs. San Jose may sound like a hockey grave yard, but trust me, the market is fierce and it is loyal.

They also hate the Coyotes, Kings, and Ducks as much as I do.

And for that, I am thankful.

-Buddha

Condolences to Taylor Pyatt

2009-04-03T13:23:00.002-05:00

From a news radio 1130 report, and TSN, Vancouver Canucks center Taylor Pyatt's fiancee, Ms. Carly Bragnalo, was killed yesterday in a car accident while on vacation in Jamaica. Pyatt has left the Canucks to return home to Thunder Bay, Ontario to be with his family.

The wedding was to take place this summer.

From Canucks GM Mike Gillis "''Today the Canucks lost a member of our family. Carly was a lovely and generous young woman who shared her spirit for life with our players, their spouses and their extended families. We will support the Bragnalo family, Taylor and his entire family in any way we can during this very difficult time.''

I cannot imagine how Taylor must be feeling right now. Obviously his thoughts are likely not on hockey right now, and nor should they be. I cannot imagine how he comes back from this to play again. I don't know that I would ever leave the couch again, let alone be able to play hockey.

Anyways. My thoughts and prayers go out to Taylor and his family. This is a terrible tragedy, and one you wish on no one, even if they are a rival.

Ely Puts in a Bid for 2016 Summer Olympics

2009-04-02T14:30:00.005-05:00

This story actually broke yesterday, but with it being April Fool's day, who would have actually believed it. Turns out, it is 100% true.

The little town of Ely, MN, better known for the International Wolf Center and Blueberry Festival has put in an actual bid to host the 2016 summer Olympic games.

The website for the bid has links to their Facebook group page, and to petition you can sign to show your support, but for right now they are asking that you "Send love, not money," stating that they "Are doing fine for now."

Listening to the news coming from a Saint Cloud radio station, the Mayor of Ely was asked how he plans to raise the billions of dollars needed to build all of the infrastructure needed for the summer games. He replied by saying that "the US Government seems to be in a giving mood lately. We will just stand in line with our hand out, just like everyone else." He also added that the could raise money with "a few meat raffles."

If you head over to the site, you can watch a press conference and you can see that the people involved are definitely having fun with this, but that they did seriously put in a bid for the games. When asked where they would bring the International Olympic Committee, should they decide to consider Ely and visit, they answered, "To all the cool places." You really need to go watch the video, so i will not post any more of it. Just go watch it. It's classic.

The organizing committee also has a blog - Ely 2016, and can be followed on Twitter by clicking here.

Congrats to all involved with this. You have drawn the attention of the entire world, even if none of it is all that serious. I for one, will be pulling for you.

-Buddha

For those of you reading outside Minnesota, Ely is 244 miles North / Northeast of Minneapolis. Here is a very generic map to give you perspective:

Congrats Elise!!!!

2009-04-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

Huge congratulations go out to Elise over at 18, 568 Reasons Why. She won the Minnesota Press Association's high school contest for best print entry. Her entry can be read over at the Wild's website. It is an excellent report on everyone's favorite freight train, Cal Clutterbuck.

As you will see when you head over to read the article, she attends Saint Paul Academy, but don't hold that against her. No one's perfect.

Congrats again, Elise. Hope you enjoyed Germany.

-Buddha

Author's note: I tried to put Elise's blog header in as a bit of free advertising, but when a link is made to that picture, it becomes some other picture, so I removed it. Sorry. Go read her blog. Read the article at Wild.com, and send her some mad props.

One of these things is not Like the Others

2009-04-01T10:17:00.003-05:00

One of these things just doesn't belong.

Bemidji State, Miami, Duluth, Minnesota Wild.

OK, OK, so the Wild is a pro team, and the rest are college teams, but that is not the reason the Wild differ from the other teams. The reason i was going for is that the three college teams have shown heart, guts, balls, and the ability to play the game despite being out classed by "better" teams.

This is meant to be a congratulatory post for the three college teams, not an attack on the Wild. If you want my attack on the Wild, head over to the Wilderness.

You see, I was at the West regional over at Mariucci this weekend. I watched as the Bulldogs kept fighting, goalie pulled, everything on the line. I watched seven seniors playing with desperation, knowing there was no tomorrow for them. I watched the Dogs score two goals with less than forty seconds on the clock, the last one coming with 0.8 seconds to play. I watched as the team representatives in the press box jumped so high I thought they were going to fall out of said press box.

I saw players pour over the bench, just so happy to get to play one more period of hockey, let alone one more game.

I watched as Miami University, a school oh so many call Miami of Ohio to separate it out from the University of Miami since the school in Florida has had all of the glory in the past, out played the number one seed for 60 minutes. I watched as Miami fans, in as small a group as they were, rock Mariucci as though they numbered in the thousands. I saw the emotion on coaches faces showing the raw emotion of playing against each other, of losing, and of winning to move on. I listened like a six year old listening to a grandfather talk of war as Miami coach Enrico Blasi went on and on about what the trip to the frozen four meant to his school.

I watched the same night as the emotion overcame Duluth seniors to the point that they could not take the dais to conduct a press conference. You see, they are not guaranteed a tomorrow. This could very well be the last time they get to lace up the skates with a group at that level of talent or better. From that night forward, some of these guys are relegated to the same beer leagues we mere mortals play in.

I watched (this time in TV) as Bemidji State, yes, Bemidji State, became the sole Minnesota school left in the tournament. The majestic University of Minnesota eliminated before the tournament even began, the Mavericks at home on the couch, the Huskies nowhere to be seen, and the Bulldogs having been eliminated by Bemidji's next opponent, Miami.

Yes, Bemidji State, oh thou of the mighty Beaver, you shall be the hope of the great "State of Hockey." And do not think for a second you will slip under the radar again. We now have big plans for you. You have made your existence known. It takes a great deal for the people in the Twin Cities to look past their Gophers, and then their powerful gaze usually falls to Duluth. Not this season, and likely never again.

No, Beavers, you have made yourselves known. You are now on the hockey radar of every hockey fan in the state.

Don't let us down.

(Not that you could.)

Good Luck Beavers. A tip if I may... play Miami hard and physical. You need to maintain possession of the puck, and watch for the forward sneaking in behind you in front of the net.

Just my two cents.

-Buddha

Your reward for making the end of the post:

A Moment of Silence (A Personal Post)

2009-03-17T10:28:00.003-05:00

I know this post is likely inappropriate for the type of blog this is, but it really is one of few outlets I have to the world, and well, it's my blog, so I'll do what I want.

I have lost a very close friend, someone who would technically be referred to as my father's friend, but whom I considered dear to me as well. The fact that he was only 51 years old is the bitterest of realities, and one that when I am reminded of it rocks my foundation every time.

A few days ago, the world lost one Tom Carroll. The salient details of his life have little to do with who he was. The fact that he served in the Navy, was a blackjack dealer, or served as a jailer for Goodhue county are only details that he worked during his life. While his service to the nation is laudable, it is not what will embed him forever in the hearts and minds of everyone he met.

Tom was one of the most boisterous people the world has ever seen. Any room he walked into immediately lit up, he was the silver lining whenever there was a cloud. He was seemingly always around when I was a child, and from what I can tell, may very well have instilled in me the mischievous side of life. He always had a joke, a game, a magic trick to wow the children.

Along with a handful of other members of my father's circle of friends, Tom has left an indelible mark on my life. There only sporadically after I grew up (relative term) and moved on with my life, the times I did have the pleasure of crossing paths with him, he was still the same old Tom. Still loud, still a mountain of a man, still able to make me feel like a child.

Again, I apologize for using a hockey blog as a mourning spot, but it really is one of the only places I have to put out there what a great man he was. I wish i could tell you that he was a huge hockey fan and thus deserved a post on a hockey blog, but the truth is I have no idea if he loved the game or hated it. Like I said, he was "My dad's friend Tom" for most of my life. He did, however, help to make me the person I am today, so he deserves the respect of a public showing of how much he will be missed.

Tom, you will be sorely missed, even by those you would never have thought would miss you. You will be missed by those who lives you touched if only sporadically, and if only during youth.

Good bye, Tom. Say hi to my grandpa, will ya?

Weekly Wilderness Walk

2009-03-16T10:41:00.002-05:00

Here are the latest posts from the Wilderness, to keep those of you still unwilling to visit up to date.

Grit, Guts, and Gaborik

Not the Positive I was Looking For

Searching for a Positive

Wild do Nothing at the Deadline

Wild Sign Backstrom

-Buddha

State Tourny and a New Aeros blog

2009-03-11T13:26:00.002-05:00

Hey all-

Couple quick things:

Hockey Wilderness is doing daylong coverage of the state tourny, head over and join the discussion.

I also want to get news out about the new Aeros blog coming online in bits and pieces. It combines the efforts of the three Aeros blogs, and a photographer named Fred Trask all into one, no doubt likely to be, awesome site for Aeros coverage.

The site is called The Third Intermission. Follow the link to get to the site, and make sure to keep checking in with them as the site gets all put together. I trust the four of them will continue to publish to their own sites as well, but it will be good to have a one stop shop for Aeros news.

(More info on the site to come over at Hockey Wilderness as soon as we get through the State Tourny.)

GMs Propose New Penalties for Fighting

2009-03-10T14:48:00.002-05:00

In the ever expanding, but often denied, effort to remove fighting from hockey, the brain trust that is the General Managers of the NHL has proposed some new limitations on the art of war.

Form The Hockey News, comes the all-to-brief story about what discussions are being had at the GM meeting in Naples, Florida (where the economy looks strong and robust). Yesterday there were reports from multiple sources that the pugilists will be required to leave their helmets on their heads during a bout. This, of course, to prevent the one-in-a-million chance that someone dies from hitting their head on the ice after a fight.

Today, we get:

Another recommendation from the GMs is that the instigator rule be more strictly enforced, particularly when a player starts a fight after a teammate has been bodychecked legally.

The problem is that the instigator rule is exactly why these idiots jump each other after clean hits. If the guy who jumps in after a clean hit were left to the mercy of an enforcer, he would think twice about his actions. The reason we see this more and more in hockey is not because of a lack of enforcement of the instigator rule, it is because the rule exists in the first place.

The other proposal today is:

a 10-minute misconduct penalty assessed to players who drop their gloves right after a faceoff.

Referees would also be able to hand out that penalty in other instances where they believe players have engaged in an appointment fight.

So now the penalties issued for fighting will be subject to the always objective minds of the NHL referee? I am not so sure I trust them to make that decision. This rule further eliminates the role of enforcers, as well as diminishing "The Code," since it eliminates those fights that are meant to either settle a score from previous match ups or to settle down the cheap shots and chippy play during a game.

The point here is this; the NHL continues its slow, methodical removal of fighting from the game. While no one would be willing to admit it, it has been torturous to watch. No more line brawls, as if one bout is taking place, you get an extra penalty for starting another. No more bench clearers wither, since you can be suspended for coming off the bench (hell, just wait for Boogey to be on the bench, then we can do whatever we want). No more enforcers being able to ride a guy into the corner and give him a couple good shots to the nose, throw him on the ground and skate to the penalty box, since he would then get the extra two for "instigating."

Funny that as soon as the NHL came up with the instigator penalty, there seemed to be a glut of players with the PC name "instigator" or "agitator."

Maybe this is the natural progression of the game, maybe it is an artificial ploy to cow toe to the corporate sponsorship and an ill advised attempt to bring in new viewership. I don't know. What I do know is that injuries at least appear to be up in numbers (I have no stat to prove it, so I say "appears"). Should my observation be true, is it due to the fact that the players move faster, hit harder, and take more chances to land the million dollar contract? Or is it due to the fact that the players are not allowed to police themselves and face the consequences of their actions on the ice?

The entire debate is absurd to me. Fighting or no fighting, hockey will continue to be played. However, if fighting is removed, you will lose some of the spirit, the soul of the game. Players like Jarko Rutuu and Matt Cooke will be allowed to do whatever they want, and there will be very few players left on the ice to do anything about it.

Besides, if the league continues its inane policing of the dirty hits and players, the players are left to police themselves by the only consistent rules left. Remove those rules, and there is nothing left except anarchy and injury.

A Moment of Fantasy Zen

2009-03-09T13:53:00.003-05:00

I know no one really cares about anyone's fantasy team but their own, but I am going to take just a quick second to celebrate, because my team in the Wild Blogger's league just clinched a playoff spot, and currently sits in second place.

Good for you, fake hockey team. Way to come together at crunch time, really work out all the kinks and play hard. Some of you are real pieces of crap, but you seem to come on at the right times, so great job. Keep it up.

See all of you in the playoffs (at least in one league.)

-Buddha

A New Idiot Joins the Ranks

2009-03-08T12:09:00.003-05:00

I have never much cared for Don Cherry. I also have never understood how anyone can watch the guy, but that is a personal choice that each of us must make. The only reason the guy ever even crossed my radar is because he call Cal Clutterbuck, "Cal Buttercup." If that had not happened, who knows if any of the other things would have caught my eye as I flew by them in my Google Reader.

However, he put himself on the radar, and now I cannot believe this guy is still around. His latest tirade comes to me via On Frozen Blog:

If you don't want to watch the video, let me tell you one of the best things in it. There are several things in the video that I could rant about, but I would like to focus on his comment about Oli Jokinen. In the video, he calls Jokinen a Russian (he is a Finn), saying "He's one of my favorite Russians, or whatever he is."

Now, let's take this apart for a second. Think about it this way, if you will. Go to the NFL network, turn on whatever show is the equivalent of HNIC, and say for a moment someone asks a question such as, "What do you think about Terrel Owens?" To which the white commentator replied, "I like him, he is one of my favorite Liberians, or whatever he is."

Are Cherry's comments different because everyone involved has the same color skin? I don't think they are, and for me, they are racist. They are at least laced with bigotry, and in the United States, we generally frown upon our sports commentators being bigots. Maybe in Canada that is acceptable, I don't know. In the past couple of weeks, Alexander Ovechkin has towed the company line and said things like Cherry is a funny old man, and he is good for the game. Owners and executives, coaches and players have continued to keep their comments in check while Cherry seems to have an open license to offend whomever he chooses using whatever bigamist comment he wants to spew on a given day.

The best part of this is that the NHL does nothing to reign him in. The continue to simulcast his show on the NHL network, giving him the implied backing of the entire league. Again, if this show were on the NFL or MLB networks, the show would at least be dropped, removing the leagues backing. Moreover, the person making the comment would likely be removed from the show. Even non-league backed programs have removed commentators for less. Was it Rush Limbaugh that said that McNabb was only considered as good as he is because he is black? Don't see him on ESPN anymore, do we?

Don Cherry has, for his very own reasons, joined the ranks of those blessed with the tag "idiot" on this page. He joins Gary Bettman, Todd "The Idiot" Bertuzzi, and Sean Avery. All for their very own reasons, all for very different reasons.

Next up in Cherry's plans? Maybe a run for Grand Wizard of the KKK?

Latest at Hockey Wilderness

2009-03-02T14:57:00.002-06:00

Continuing the effort to cross post the Wild coverage from Hockey Wilderness, here are the latest posts, all from today:

Gaborik Speaks to the Local Media

A Class A Rant

New Feature at Puck Daddy Tells it Like it Is

Enjoy!

-Buddha

Best Wishes to Ethan Moreau

2009-03-02T09:58:00.003-06:00

In Saturday's game, Ethan Moreau was hit by what looks to be a very unfortunate wayward stick from Antti Miettinen. In the video below you will see just how bad it looks, and as Puck Daddy reports, Craig MvTavish said: "The stick looks like it gashed the socket and the doctors said it raked across the eyeball. It looks pretty serious."

Let me take just a second to speak to all of the Oilers fans out there. Miettinen could not possibly have meant to do this. He is a class act guy (I know that gets over used, but it really is true). The video looks to me like they got tangled up and his stick got out of control.

I know Oilers and Wild fans do not like each other much, and the teams like each other even less. However, at least this Wild fan truly hopes Moreau is OK. I hope it looks worse than it really is, and I hope Moreau is out on the ice making life miserable for the Wild as soon as possible.

-Buddha

The Tale of Wysh and the Pork Bellies

2009-02-27T11:42:00.002-06:00

Wysh over at Puck Daddy has requested that word be spread, so spread I shall...

If the video below gets 6000 hits, these guys will be invited to perform on national TV on the Ellen Degeneres show. So... play the video. If you can't watch the whole thing, just let it run. Let it run a couple times.

Until next time, enjoy:

Rocky Mountain News Closes Doors

2009-02-27T10:17:00.005-06:00

In case anyone missed the announcement, The Rocky Mountain News has succumbed to the withering economy, and the shifting preferences of the American news reader. I will not go into all of the back story about the economic conditions and the slow demise of the newspaper. There are plenty of stories and news available with a simple Google search. This is a hockey blog, and we will instead take a look at the hockey, and the human side of this announcement.

The Avalanche have enjoyed dueling beat writers, much like we enjoy here in Minnesota, with Wild hating Adrian Dater writing for the Denver Post, and Rick Sadowski writing for the Rocky Mountain news. As we all know from Economics 101, competition is the basis for our economy, and in general in breeds a better product. This is most certainly the case in Denver. Having these two at each others professional throats made for some excellent coverage.

Even Dater is being civil about this (you really should read the whole thing...):

Rick Sadowski has been my primary competitor the last 14 years on the Avalanche beat. I wanted nothing more than to make Rick’s life miserable, and he wanted nothing more than to make mine miserable. We both succeeded on more than one occasion I think it’s fair to say.

But like anybody in a competition, while I wanted to “win”, I don’t think I wanted it to come to this. Rick has a family, whom I have met and even socialized with on several occasions. So, I feel for him and them tonight.

As stated above, you really should make the jump and go read the entire post from Dater. as much as I loathe the guy, it is well written and gives credit where credit is due.

As for Sadowski, this may well be his final post on his site:

Covering the Avalanche/Devils game now, probably the final one of my career.

No bailout for the newspaper industry.

Enjoy the rest of the season.

I am guessing that is about all I could muster as well. Rick is an excellent sports writer, and if there is any karmic justice in the universe, he will find work elsewhere very quickly.

So, there you have it folks. A newspaper that has covered everything from the Civil War to the Patrick Roy - Mike Vernon throw down at center ice has folded up shop. The morons making the decisions will likely walk away with millions, while the heart and soul of the newspaper will get a swift kick in the rear and not so gentle push into a job market that is less than pleasant.

Somethings in life aren't fun, which really is too bad. Even in the world of hockey, we sometimes need to deal with the real world. We have lost, at least temporarily, a great member of our writing family.

Good luck Rick. I hope to read your work somewhere else very soon.

-Buddha

Lightning Drop Ticket Prices

2009-02-26T15:53:00.005-06:00

From Tampa Bay Online via Kuklas Korner, comes the news that the Lightning have taken the step to lower season ticket prices by 10%. This is good news for fans in the area, what with the terrible economy and the even worse on-ice product being displayed each night.

However, that is not what caught my eye. This is:

The Tampa Bay Lightning are slashing season-ticket prices by an average of 10 percent for next season, with almost 4,000 seats available at the St. Pete Times Forum for only $239.

Um, what? $239 for 41 games of NHL level hockey? If Delta could get a decent rate to Tampa, this may be a good deal for fans in Minnesota, since our season tickets are simply going to stay the same price they were this year. $239... if only. I don't think season tickets to the Fighting Pike were even that low.

A bit more on the pricing move:

Almost 1,300 upper-level seats have been reclassified to be included in the $239 season-ticket package that averages out to $5.69, plus tax, per game. Nearly 20 percent of the arena’s seats will feature that $239 designation and half-season packages in the same area will cost $149.

$5.69 plus tax per seat per game, and 20% of the seats in the building will be that price. What do you spend $5.69 on?

For a reference point, the least expensive seat for a Minnesota Wild season ticket is $18, upper deck, on the ends. Good luck getting your hands on those, by the way, as when I was a season ticket holder (3 seasons) they were never available.

$5.69 to go to a NHL game. I guess I live in the wrong city.

Gaborik More Important than Ovechkin or Crosby?

2009-02-25T20:20:00.003-06:00

In an effort to keep the emails from coming in asking where the posts about the Wild are, I pledged to link to the coverage at Hockey Wilderness, so here goes:

Generally I don't have much of an issue with the beat writers here in Minnesota. Michael Russo is just short of being a hockey god, and Tom Powers generally doesn't suck. So I was surprised to see this story from Powers today. In it, he lays out the details of what might have been had Gaborik been healthy all season, and the Wild had the finisher everyone desperately wants to believe Gaborik is.

He sites the oft used stat:

Over the past 27 games in which Gaborik has scored a goal, the Wild are 23-0-4. That goes back to last season.

I am not a fact checker, so I am going to assume this is true. I cannot dispute this fact, but Gaborik doesn't score a goal in every game, so the Wild were not about to go undefeated, right? I would also have to assume that even given that stat, that the Wild would eventually lose a game when Gaborik scored.

I often counter the stats such as these with this fact: Gaborik had eight game winning goals last season. Not a bad number, but he did not win those 23 games by himself. Telling me that the Wild went 23-0-4 when Gaborik scored means little to me.

Then comes the part of the article that boggles my mind:

Read the rest at Hockey Wilderness.

Well Wishes to Dustin Brown

2009-02-23T23:52:00.003-06:00

I come home from work to find the mystery of the night in my inbox. In an email from KiPA, I learn the Kings forward Dustin Brown was granted "non-roster status" by the NHL. Teddy Purcell had been called up from the AHL to replace him. You see, KiPA has Brown in at least the ESPN roto league we are both in, so he was curious just what in the hell this "non-roster status" was all about.

According to Helene Elliot over on the LA Times website, Brown's wife is about to deliver the couple's second child. The scary part of this is that her due date was not until April, so we are looking at a pre-mature birth by over a month. I can personally attest that anytime anything at all goes wrong, or potentially wrong, during a pregnancy the last place the father wants to be is at work. It is certainly one of those times when fans should be willing to accept there are things in life more important than hockey.

I would like to send out well wishes to Dustin Brown, his wife, and his family. I truly hope everything goes well, and everyone comes out of this happy and healthy. Hockey will be here when you are ready.

-Buddha

Hockey is for Everyone

2009-02-18T14:16:00.004-06:00

I know it is a bit late, but the NHL has been celebrating "Hockey is for Everyone" month through out the month of February.

If you have not seen any of the coverage of it, Hockey is for Everyone has been all over in the past couple of weeks. The director of NHL marketing and the director of diversity were on NHL Live! a few days ago promoting it, there are links on every NHL team's website promoting what they are doing with the program, and it was even featured on the local news here in the Twin Cities by at least two of the three major networks.

Hockey is for Everyone is a program that brings the game of hockey to those that otherwise would believe the game is out of their reach. Whether it be due to financial circumstances, racial stigmas, or gender bias, Hockey is for Everyone looks to break those barriers. The program's intent is to make it clear that, well, Hockey is for Everyone. Whether you are a eight year old boy living in squalor in a ghetto in south central LA, a ten-year-old girl living in Saint Paul, or just really feel that the cost to play the game is too high, this program is aimed at you. If you are the reader that continues to return to this site from Russia, or the occasional reader who crosses paths here from India, China, South Korea, or any of the other countless nations that seem to visit here only every so often, this program is for you too.

Dinomights Hockey in the Hood is the local program here in the Twin Cities, at least in Minneapolis, and is a wonderful program (as their website states) "Developing Physical, Academic, Social, and Spiritual Excellence." There are programs across the country linked to the Hockey is for Everyone, so be sure to check out the link above to find out your local program.

For my part, I would like everyone out there to know that hockey is truly a game that does not care what race, color, creed, or gender you are. The game does not care what physical or mental disabilities you may have, it does not care if you can play the game at an NHL level or if you can barely skate. The only thing that matters to the game is that the people who play it play it as best they can, and play it for the love of the game.

Much of what I consider the concept of respect comes from playing the game of hockey. Respect for self and for others. Respect for the game, and respect for the little things in life. I learned how to win gracefully, and I also learned how to lose gracefully. I have some issues with today's youth games where scores are not kept, but hey, they are playing the game, and that is more important to me than win or lose.

So, take a minute in the next couple of weeks and see if there is anything you can do to help promote the game we love (I am assuming you at least have a fondness for the game if you found your way to this site). Visit the Hockey is for Everyone website and find a way to get involved.

Later all.

-Buddha

Willie's Big Stick

2009-02-18T08:46:00.006-06:00

I don't often do straight rip-offs of Puck Daddy's work, but this is too good not to keep circulating. The story is from Sean Leahy.

Apparently, Mike Keenan, head coach of the Calgary Flames, went on the record saying Willie Mitchell uses an illegally long stick. You can read Puck Daddy for all of the details, but Willie had his own response during the warm-ups before the game:

I don't know about anyone else... but I really miss Willie Mitchell.

Wild Coverage Reminder

2009-02-17T11:27:00.003-06:00

I have received a couple of emails from readers asking why a blog entitled Minnesota Wild Times doesn't have very much Wild coverage. So I will post a reminder that I have moved the bulk of the Wild coverage over to Hockey Wilderness.

For those of you who are new around here, I moved the coverage because the Wilderness gets more traffic and being part of the SBN network was too good to pass up. So... I continue to rant about all things hockey over here, and try to keep my Wild coverage over there.

I will make this deal with you. I will cross post the links to the articles over there, as I did for awhile. That way, you can easily find the coverage of the Wild you are looking for. Deal? OK, good.

Here are the latest posts over at the Wilderness for your enjoyment:

Aww... It's OK. You tried so Very Hard

Ya Done F'ed Up

Protecting the Goalie

Trade Deadline

If you want more, just click on my username at the top of the articles, and choose the link "blog" just below my picture.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you will continue to frequent both sites.

-Buddha

UPDATE Missed Opportunities - Sheldon Souray

2009-02-12T23:22:00.004-06:00

From Russo before the game tonight:

"The Sheldon Souray-Craig Weller thing just won’t die a natural death. Like I mentioned the other day, the new video is damning. I watched it again today and for somebody who has a lot of respect for Souray, the Oilers’ sharpshooting defenseman, it’s pretty sickening.

Basically, what happened was FSN dumped its highlights from its Jan. 15 telecast onto what’s called a “melt reel.” Before the KSTC telecast the other day, director/producer Pat O’Connor, who works for the Wild, was going through the video highlights for the Oilers’ rematch to be televised on Ch. 45.

He suddenly found an angle that FSN shot that never aired. It’s a closeup of Souray undeniably, and seemingly intentionally, punching Weller with his forearm, where his plastic wrist guard resided. It’s so clear. It’s so obvious. He could have landed fists. Instead, he turned and repeatedly hit him with the forearm. He might as well used brass knuckles.

On the fourth punch, Weller went down. It’s believed he was briefly knocked unconscious. At the very least, he sustained a serious concussion and hasn’t played since.

Anyways, assistant GM Tom Lynn confirmed to me that the Wild sent the video to the NHL today. Still, this happened nearly a month ago, so I just can’t see anything coming from it."

So... I asked for something fun to write about, and I got it. I can't wait for Russo or FSN or someone (c'mon Youtubers) to get that video up and available. I have seen it, but I can't find it to share with you all. Believe me, I will when i get it.

From the original Missed Opportunities post about this incident comes this comment from reader Andy Duncan: "It's made of neoprene."

Right, and hockey pucks are made of cheese.

For those of you who do not know, neoprene is a soft, rubber like substance that waterproof winter gloves are made out of. I have never seen a wrist brace (or any other brace for that matter) made from neoprene. It would serve no purpose.

Get real Andy. Quit being a homer and face the facts. Souray cheated and he broke Weller's head in the process. He should have been suspended, and would have been if Colin Campbell wasn't such a waste of space.

This is a Hockey Town

2009-02-11T14:24:00.004-06:00

"This is a hockey town he'd say. And he never said like it was something to apologize for."

-Mystery, Alaska

I received an email today after posting the Yawn post. I was told that I should be so lucky that I had all this extra time on my hands to be bored with the lack of news in the hockey world. I was told that I should focus on something that matters, something that people care about. I was reminded that the economy is tanking, that there are wars our troops are fighting in, and that the world as a whole is a scary place. I was told that what i was writing about didn't matter, and that I should use my talent to better the world, not bitch about the lack of interesting news in hockey.

To that I say: twwwwwwttttthhh. (That's how I imagine you would spell the noise of giving someone the ol' raspberry.)

I know the economy sucks. I know we are fighting wars. I know all about it. I have a TV, I read the newspaper, and I have this new fangled interweb everyone seems to be into. However, I really don't care that the economy sucks. I care about the soldiers in the wars, but not the wars themselves, and i don't feel all that scared by the world.

You see, I grew up playing hockey. I still play when I can. I ride motorcycles without a helmet, and I ride them when the roads are still icy. I'm a bit of a gambler, and I cannot name a single thing that I am afraid of. Playing hockey taught me that there is nothing to fear in life, nothing at all. If you can stare down a hard rubber puck coming at you at 90mph, and a guy that weighs in at 300lbs slamming you into the boards, I can handle having my hours cut at work, and maybe not being able to buy a latte tomorrow.

Bring on your economic recession, depression, war, strife, plague. I'm ready. You see, I grew up in a hockey town, and I have never seen that as something to be ashamed of. I love this game, I love the escape it provides from all of that other stuff this reader so badly wanted me to focus on. I could give you my opinion about the whole mess, the politics of the world, and what i would do to fix it. But if you were looking for that, why would you possibly have come to a blog entitled "Minnesota Wild Times?" Not exactly screaming war and strife, now is it?

You want news about the wars, the economy, Washington DC (other than the Caps), pick up a newspaper, or watch the 5 o'clock news. You won't find it here. All you get here is straight up, unforgiving, unmistakable escape from the big bad world.

For that, I will never apologize.

Yawn...

2009-02-11T11:49:00.002-06:00

The NHL has become kind of boring in the past few days. Thus the lack of posts.

Sean Avery is going to the AHL, prepping for a likely return to the NHL. *YAWN*

The Sharks bulldozed the B's last night. *YAWN*

Brodeur is practicing, Gaborik is ahead of schedule. Double *YAWN*

What happened to fun times of people breaking each other's heads with plastic wrist guards, and loud mouth nobodies insulting other players girlfriends? Puckdaddy, Ms. C., Nick and his crew at Hitting the Post... they all seem to continue to post things...

I just find it all boring right now. Is that wrong? Just tell me if it is. I can handle it.

Happy Blogoversary

2009-01-30T09:35:00.002-06:00

Happy two year anniversary to one, Don Mr. Michael Russo. Seems two years ago today, Russo's Rants was put forth on this planet, and Wild fans have never had more inside access to good, solid information about the team. I won't go into a bunch of blubbery sappiness, I will just share a quote from his blog today that makes it a mandatory daily read:

"Here’s something funny: I did a Q&A for a Vancouver Province blog for Friday. They asked what’s different with Koivu because he’s having such a banner campaign. My answer? 'Mattias Ohlund hasn’t broken his leg.'"

Well done, Russo. Well done. Keep up the good work. You are a vital part of this land we call the State of Hockey, and thus the reason you are known as "The Don."

Also... I missed the chance to post a happy anni to Ms. Conduct back on the 23rd. She has been doing this for a little over a year now. I don't know who reads this blog, but doesn't read hers... but if you aren't, you should be, and if I find out you aren't, I will break your head.

Aww... Sir Flops-A-Lot Won't be Back

2009-01-30T09:20:00.002-06:00

Let me start with this, why is this guy such a big freaking deal? In the course of five minutes there were at least twenty posts in my Google reader, news across the bottom of the NHL network, and a text message from ESPN. Must be a slow news day... or a slow news season.

OK, now, on to what I had to say about it.

Say it ain't so! Please come back, please? After all of the hell you have put Avs and Flyers fans through for the past three years, now you call it quits? What was it that made you give up on this half season run for a Cup? Are you not as healthy as when you came back last season?

"Time ran out. I am still not 100%. But my foot feels better than when I returned to Avalanche last winter."

Oh. So it isn't that. So... what is it, Mr. Flops-A-Lot?

"I considered returning to the Avalanche, but they are struggling (losing six of their past seven) and I didn't want to take any space under the salary cap."

Ah. There it is. It isn't that you aren't healthy enough, it's that there is no reason to come back to a team with no chance at a Cup run. Got it. Well done.

Next year? Don't bother, OK?

Chump.

You Can't Spell Calder without RYAN?

2009-01-29T22:05:00.005-06:00

Over at The Program, Stevens8204 has this strange inclination that being a point-per-game uber rookie sensation is grounds for a Calder run. He says that we Wild bloggers have it all wrong with Clutterbuck, and that Ryan was held down too long by the Evil Empire (my words, not his) in Anaheim. After all, this guy was drafted second overall, behind Sid the Kid.

I say big deal.

The kid (Ryan) plays for a team called the Ducks, and they aren't even from Oregon. Ryan was drafted second overall, yeah, but where is the mandatory piss poor attitude in the kid that the Ducks require? Where is his desire to maim his opponents? I have yet to see him stomp on one guys skate or run anyone into the boards. How does this guy even get on Burke's radar screen? How does he get the call up, let alone deserve the Calder? He doesn't even understand he is supposed to be a thug to play in Anaheim.

I say that a point-per-game average loses out to being able to say "Clutterbucked" when C-Buck takes a guy off his skates. I say playing for the Ducks by definition loses the Calder for Ryan.

I say:

Wysh Joins the Cause - Clutterbuck for Calder!

2009-01-29T14:34:00.005-06:00

The campaign to get the Calder for Clutterbuck was made "official" today when the "Ovechkin of bloggers" added his creditability to the campaign.

Head over to Puck Daddy and keep the PR machine rolling!

Next stop... NHL headquarters...

Please Welcome... Dan Fritsche

2009-01-29T14:09:00.002-06:00

From Hockey Wilderness:

The Wild have traded D Erik Reitz for C Dan Fritsche of the New York Rangers. This is a minor move, with no real impact that is evident at first glance.

Please head over to the Wilderness and join the discussion on this move!

An Odd Twist on Brutality and a Chance at an Example

2009-01-28T12:14:00.002-06:00

According to The Hockey News, Andrew Conboy of the Michigan State University Spartans hockey team has dropped out of school. This is is reaction to being suspended by the coach for the remainder of the season following an on-ice attack on a U of Michigan player.

I won't put too much into this, just wanted to add my two cents since I was following the story anyway.

This is not a surprise to me. Conboy has shown on the ice that he cannot control his temper, so why would he show any ability to do so off the ice? Instead of being a man about it, taking his punishment and moving on, he threw a temper tantrum and dropped out of school. Does he think another school is going to throw a scholarship at him after this? Doubtful.

Goodbye Mr. Conboy. Enjoy junior college, because it seems at this point that you are headed that direction. Your hockey career is hopefully over, so school is your last line of defense from being a burger flipper. Too bad you weren't drafted by the Ducks, they like players like you.

Updates & Polling

2009-01-27T14:25:00.002-06:00

Just to spice things up a bit, I have added a poll gadget to the top of the site. Let me know what you think. Answer the question, shoot me ideas for poll questions as well.

Oh, and if you missed it, Wild Times is on Twitter now. If you please, click on the link marked "follow me on Twitter" in the sidebar.

Thanks, and keep reading!

Go Wild!

PS- For all of the loyalest of loyal readers, I should have a small treat on Monday or Tuesday. No giving it away KiPA or Ms. C....

UPDATE Brutality and a Chance at an Example

2009-01-26T20:46:00.004-06:00

Finally. Somewhere in the universe, the hockey gods are smiling.

In a move that I had hoped to see, Michigan State University has suspended Andrew Conboy and Corey Tropp for their disgusting attack on University of Michigan player Steve Kampfer. How long you may ask?

For the entire rest of the season, including any playoff games. (News from College Hockey News)

Here are some quotes:

"Comley apologized to Michigan coach Red Berenson after the game, and said he would handle the players' discipline internally, indicating they would at least miss next weekend's games at Lake Superior State. But Comley went far beyond that, levying discipline that may have otherwise surpassed what the CCHA would have doled out."

Indeed. Had they left this up to the CCHA or NCAA, the punishment likely would have ended up less harsh. I applaud the coach for taking swift and severe action.

“We feel that the measures taken by Michigan State are appropriate and consistent with the parameters of the sanctions that were being contemplated by the league,” CCHA Commissioner Tom Anastos

“We feel strongly that our student-athletes should have respect for the game, respect for their opponent, and a commitment to fair play." MSU athletic director Mark Hollis

Hallelujah my brother! I could have sworn I was the only one left who felt that way. Mr. Hollis and Mr. Comley (MSU's coach) have restored my faith in hockey managers. They have also repaired quite quickly a tarnished image of MSU and its players and coaches.

I say good on them. It is truly refreshing to see a team that actually cares about its players and those of the opposition.

Brutality and a Chance at an Example

2009-01-26T10:21:00.005-06:00

From Puck Daddy and other sources a story of depraved indifference out of Michigan. First, the video:

The first thing that struck me while watching it was not the despicable act of tomahawking a player across the neck, but the fact that the two Michigan State players start to cross check and hit each other as the ref skates in to pull them away from the injured Wolverine. They are both so lost in the emotion of anger and wanting to hurt someone that it takes them each a moment to snap to reality and realize they are hitting their own teammate now.

Getting back to the act itself. Steve Kampfer (the injured Wolverine) was able to skate off the ice under his own power, but was taken to the hospital on a gurney. The fact that his neck was not broken is the only thing saving me from calling for these two idiot's heads. (For the record, their names are Andrew Conboy and Corey Tropp.)

It is also being reported that Kamper's father pushed his way into the Spartans locker room in an attempt to fight one or more of the players involved. He was arrested and hauled away. If it were me, they would have likely have had to shoot me. Not that I am an advocate of violence, and I hope and pray the U of Michigan campus can contain itself, but my guess is the Spartans will have to return to Ann Arbor at some point, and these guys will need a security detail to make it out in one piece.

The act is disgusting, ignorant, and flat out wrong. It can, however, serve as an example for everyone who plays the game, and for the NHL.

Players everywhere should watch this, or something like this, and be forced to watch it repeatedly. Maybe then some of these guys who let the game (repeat: game) get into their heads would see what actually happens, and that it isn't worth it. Especially after a perfectly clean hit.

This can also serve as an example for the NHL and other sports organizations. The players have already been suspended for a handful of games, as per league rules, for the penalties they received in the game. The CCHA and the NCAA will also review the case and hopefully come down with further discipline. My hope? They suspend them indefinitely and petition that their scholarships be stripped.

Wouldn't that be nice? To see a league actually take action to protect its players against injury and attack?

There is no place for this type of violence in a hockey game. There are rules, both written and unwritten prohibiting this type of action, and these players will have to answer for it in one way or another.

Datsyuk and Lidstrom to Indeed Sit

2009-01-23T14:08:00.003-06:00

From ESPN:

"The NHL will force erstwhile All-Stars Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom to miss the Detroit Red Wings' first game after the All-Star break for failing to attend this weekend's festivities."

This confirms the reports earlier in the day that Gary Bettman and his band of morons running the league put the All-Star game above actual games. The report says that the rule was put into effect at the GM's meeting last season "to legitimize injury claims and improve All-Star Weekend attend."

So instead of simply missing the All-Star game, a game that means absolutely nothing to anyone except the league and its desire to make money, two of the games biggest names will now miss a game that actually means something.

"Former NHL goalie Glenn Healy, now director of player affairs for the NHLPA, disagrees with the league's stance on the issue. He said the league needs to look at the big picture.

'It's not good for hockey and it's not good for the fans,' if Lidstrom and Datsyuk are held out of play, Healy said. "

Looks like an issue the union should be pushing back against. How do the GMs get together and simply change the rules without clearing it with the player's union? I do believe there is an agreement in place in the CBA where the league can not unilaterally change rules or implement new rules. I could be wrong, but the point remains. This is ridiculous.

Say the Wings go into Columbus and lose the game by a goal. Now say the team misses the playoffs (yeah right), or Columbus makes the playoffs because of those points. Do Bettman and Campbell really want to make a decision like this, that could affect the way the season plays out, because of the All Star Game?

Missed Opportunities: Sheldon Souray UPDATE

2009-01-23T13:56:00.003-06:00

From Roto Wire:

"Souray will meet with the NHL's head of discipline Colin Campbell over the All-Star break, according to the Edmonton Journal.

Souray has been wearing a wrist guard and when he was involved in a fight last week he hit Craig Weller several times, and Weller suffered a concussion. Campbell will be informing Souray that if he is involved in a fight again while wearing the guard, he could receive a match penalty and possible suspension. He is not expected to receive and disciplinary action from his meeting with Campbell this weekend."

Just for kicks, let's take a look at the rule again:

47.15 Match Penalty - Any player or goalkeeper wearing tape or any other material on his hands (below the wrist) who cuts or injures an opponent during an altercation will receive a match penalty in addition to any other penalties imposed including for fighting under this rule. A match penalty shall be assessed to a player or goalkeeper who punches an unsuspecting opponent and causes an injury.

I don't see where it says that the penalty would come only after being warned by Campbell not to do it again. Where in the rule does it call for a reminder and a second chance?

It is now clear that the league cares more about its image than it does about the safety of the players. Insult a player's girlfriend, six games. Miss an all-star appearance, one game. Put a crack in another guy's skull while violating a fairly straight forward rule? Nothing.

Well played NHL. It all makes perfect sense now.

Emperor Idiot has Another Great Idea

2009-01-23T12:01:00.005-06:00

From TSN:

"The NHL says it will enforce an understanding that all players who decline to show after being named to the All-Star teams must miss at least one game before or one game after the All-Star weekend."

Uh... what?

Gary, you have officially lost your mind. You really are going to suspend players for choosing not to play in an exhibition game, but not for this or this, and give a joke of a suspension for biting a guy?

Through the beauty of live television, I just heard an explanation of the logic on NHL Live. "If Lidstrom is healthy enough to play on Tuesday, why is he not healthy enough to play today?" Simple, because he's not healthy enough to play on Tuesday, but the team NEEDS him to play on Tuesday, so he will.

In the next CBA negotiation, I hope the players ask for a specific, detailed list of offenses that qualify for suspension.

Here is what I have seen thus far, just this season. If you insult someone's girlfriend, you get six games and kicked off the team. If you bite a guy (disrespecting the game), you get two games, and if you decide to skip an exhibition match with no real meaning, you get one game.

However, on the flip side, if you punch a guy in the junk repeatedly from behind, run a guy and leap into the air to hit him in the head, punch a guy in the face with a plastic brace on your hand, or any of the other physically injurious acts players have committed this season, you get nothing. You get a pass.

The discipline in the NHL is a joke, Colin Campbell is a joke, and the Emperor himself is a joke.

****For thos of you who have Google reader, or are able to read the address bar, yes, my original submission has the word "Great" spelled wrong in the title. I am quite proud of this moment in my life. Enjoy the humor of calling someone a joke, only to make yourself the joke.****

More Exciting News from Sesame Street

2009-01-21T10:03:00.008-06:00

Hi ho, Kermit the Frog here, with more exciting news from Sesame Street.

According to the Globe and Mail, via Puck Daddy, the NHL is again experimenting with increasing the size of the nets to increase scoring. My opinion on the excitement level in high scoring games is clear.

Increasing the size of the net, as Wysh points out, is like increasing the size of the rim in basketball, decreasing the size of football field, or moving the walls in on a baseball field. It is an artificial method of increasing scoring that alienates the hard core fans and does little to bring in new fans. It renders decades of training by goaltenders ineffective, and changes the basic strategy of the game.

While there are proponents of the increased goal size in the rank and file of players, and in the brass of the NHL and NHLPA, it can only be hoped that one day the NHL will simply stop changing the rules for a few years. Since the lock out, there has yet to be a single off season in which the rules of the game were not changed in some way, shape, or form. Everything from increased hooking and holding calls, to delay of game penalties for goalies playing the puck in an artificial no-touch zone and lifting the puck out of the defensive end without touching the glass.

What does it signal to the casual fan the NHL so covets that it is willing to change the basic premise of the game when the NHL can't even figure out the rules to its own game?

If it isn't clear by now, I am 100% against increasing the size of the net. A 6-5 victory is not as exciting as a 3-2 victory. This isn't basketball, and the intent is not to have games that end 112-110, nor is it Lacrosse with games that end 14-13. This is hockey, a game that for going on two centuries has been games more likely to finish 3-1 than 6-5, and that is the game the fans have fallen in love with.

Eventually Gary Bettman must be called to account. He has put the league in non-traditional markets, some of which work, most of which do not. He is booed at every appearance he makes in front of fans. He led the league into a lockout that has yet to prove it has solved any of the problems he claims it did. He has ushered in an era of constant rule changes and pandering to people who will not watch the game no matter what cockamamie scheme he comes up with next.

Phoenix will never be a hockey market, revenue sharing will only stifle league growth, and changing the size of the net to increase scoring will not work and will only make the league look silly yet again.

Besides, standard soccer nets are 24 feet wide by eight feet tall, and the average soccer match has 2 goals in it. The standard lacrosse net is 6 foot by 6 foot with giant goaltenders defending them, and the average game has over 20 goals. Bigger net does not always translate to more scoring.

Is it worth alienating the fans who actually like the game in order to attempt to woo people who never will?

Mark Cuban and Bad Taste

2009-01-17T22:42:00.004-06:00

Yeah, yeah. So the title is redundant, right?

From Newsday we find out that Mark Cuban is likely to be fined by the NBA for yelling at JR Smith, a player from the opposing Denver Nuggets, for throwing an elbow at one of the Maveriks. What does this have to do with hockey, you might ask.

Cuban says he will donate the fine money to any charity Smith chooses. Cuban says of his back-up plan, ""I'm going to give the money to the (NHL) Players Association Goals and Dreams Fund in the names of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore."

Um... what? If this is meant as a joke, it is not funny. Not even a little bit.

If it is a serious statement, why would you make the donation in the name of The Idiot AND Moore? Why not just make it in Moore's name? The Idiot deserves no such honor, should the offer be genuine.

Keep your money, Mark. Keep your money, and keep your nose out of the hockey world. You have no idea what you are doing.

Missed Opportunities: Sheldon Souray

2009-01-16T13:36:00.004-06:00

Missed Opportunities is a series of posts documenting, and perhaps commenting on, the failed chances for the NHL to make a statement about potentially injurious hits or events.

The Opportunity:

January 15th, Sheldon Souray faces off with the Wild's very own Craig Weller. Souray has a plastic wrist guard on his left hand, and uses it to pummel Weller, leaving Weller obviously dazed and in need of medical attention.

The Evidence:

Here is the video:

The Penalty:

Just the basic five minutes for fighting. This time, I give no credit to the referees. I could see the thing on TV, they should be able to see it standing three feet from the guy. Not to mention Souray throws a couple of obvious elbows.

NHL Rule Broken:

47.15Match Penalty - Any player or goalkeeper wearing tape or any other material on his hands (below the wrist) who cuts or injures an opponent during an altercation will receive a match penalty in addition to any other penalties imposed including for fighting under this rule. A match penalty shall be assessed to a player or goalkeeper who punches an unsuspecting opponent and causes an injury. (H/T to Russo for posting the rule.)

The Suspension:

Russo says it is likely under review, but some how I see this ending up with no suspension. After all, Souray only used a piece of plastic to nearly knock Weller unconscious, its not like he insulted his girlfriend. (And no, I won't let it go that Avery gets 6 games and booted from the squad for saying something while the league continues to be weak on players actually being injured.)

My Take:

Puck Daddy had a post all about the beat down Souray put on Weller. The point of the post was not to call out Souray for being a cheater and disrespecting his opponent by beating him with a weapon, but instead to give Souray credit for being one of the top fighters who does not fight very often. (I know Wysh was not giving credit to him for using the wrist guard, no need to email.)

Souray owes the game, and Weller an apology. While I have saved the scathing attack in this case, since Weller plays for the home team, it is still an insult to the game to beat a guy with anything other than your fist. Since the league actually has a rule for this, if they do not suspend him, it will be the most hypocritical non-action of the season.

If the league does decide to suspend Souray, I will update later, but don't hold your breath. Either way, expect Souray to have a date with the Boogey man on the 30th in Edmonton.

Buddha Takes on Souhan

2009-01-16T10:39:00.001-06:00

Over on the Trib's page, Jim Souhan has this piece of masterful hockey genius to offer us. I am going to have a conversation with the all-powerful Souhan right now. For the rest of you, feel free to tag along.

The problem here, Jim, is that you are about three months late to the party. Everything you said in your piece has been said, debated, hashed, and re-hashed. We have already beaten the horse to death, gave it mouth-to-mouth, hit it with the defibrillator, pumped all kinds of drugs into it, restarted it's heart, and beat it to death again, continuing to beat the dead horse until someone pulled us off of it Office Space style.

Thank you so much, however, for blessing the Wild fans with your presence. The Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Gophers, NASCAR, golf, volleyball, table tennis, and foosball must all have been off last night, eh?

Let's move on to the arguement you make:

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

Predictions: An Update

2009-01-14T21:41:00.002-06:00

Back on October 9th, I posted my predictions for the season. Here is a look at how they sit as of right now. Updates are in red.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Division Titles:

Northwest Division - Calgary Flames (This is still a very good pick. First in the division.)

Pacific Division - Dallas Stars (Not so good here. 42 points, outside the playoff bubble.)

Central Division - Detroit Red Wings (Running away with it again. This was a no-brainer.)

Other playoff teams: Wild (Still in the hunt, but doubtful), Sharks (Best team in the West right now, I'll take half a point here), Ducks (2nd place in the Pacific, but still in), Blackhawks (Still a good pick), and we'll throw a bone to Edmonton (Tied with the Wild, also doubtful), but only because everyone else in the conference is terrible.

Western Conference Champs: Dallas Stars (This hurts. Alot. Looks like the Sharks are facing off against the Wings.) (Everyone else is picking the Wings, I can't be part of the pack.)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division - Pittsburgh Penguins (Not looking good, but only ten points back. This is still Sid and Malkin...)

Northeast Division - Montreal Canadiens (Boston looks to be unstoppable. I still think the Habs have it in them though.)

Southeast Division - Washington Capitals (This one is easy. Who the hell else has a chance?)

Other playoff teams: NJ Devils (Current 6 seed), Philadelphia Flyers (Current 5 seed), Ottawa Senators (Ouch... 13th)... and simply because they will stumble in... Buffalo Sabres (Current 7 seed, and having a good season) and um... say the Hurricanes (Current 8 seed)?

Eastern Conference Champs - I should go with the Penguins, because they are the best team. However, I'm going with the Habs, because I want them to. (Pens are struggling. Habs still have a really good shot at this. Better if they make a trade or two.)

Stanley Cup Champions - Montreal Canadiens - I make this pick because I love hockey, and I really want to see it happen. Despite the odds being long, the story is too perfect to pass on. (This is not looking good, but hey, they make the playoffs, who knows.)

On to the individual awards.

Hart Trophy (league MVP)- Alexander Ovechkin - As much as I like Crosby, until he knocks off Ovechkin, I'm sticking with the stud. (Absolute lock)

Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP)- Saku Koivu - yeah, that's right, get over it. (Will have to get healthy, but still a chance)

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) - This is a story book season for the NHL, so Steven Stamkos wins this. (No way this happens. Looks like Mason in Columbus, Veersteeg in Chi town...)

Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman) - Dion Phaneuf - I hate to admit it, but he's good. (Not even being mentioned right now. Shea Weber or Lidstrom?)

Lady Byng (Most Gentlemanly) - I assume this goes to the guy with the fewest PIMs? So... Pavol Datsyuk (Still looks good)

Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender) - Martin Brodeur (Not going to happen. Kipper if it goes by wins, Lundqvist if it goes by overall)

Selke Trophy (Defensive Forward) - Siding with Russo here, Mikko Koivu (Snubbed for the ASG, so snubbed for this too, likely.)

Jack Adams Award (Best Coach) - This generally goes to the guy who isn't supposed to make the playoffs, but does, but this year it goes to... Carbonneau in Montreal. (I'm sticking with this one)

Art Ross Trophy (Most Points) - Alexander Ovechkin (This one too. Might even put him in for the Veznia, he's that good.)

Maurice Richard Trophy (Most goals) - Alexander Ovechkin (See above)

William Jennings Trophy (Lowest GAA) - Chris Osgood, not because he's that good, but because the Red Wings always have the puck. (Hurt for awhile. Don't know the qualifications for GP, but Mason and Thomas lead the way.)

There they are. Updated at the half way point. I would say the majority are still viable. Some (Stars, Pens) have turned to sour milk. A lot of hockey left to play though too. See you at the end of the year.

The Shine is Gone

2009-01-14T20:55:00.002-06:00

It has been 4038 days since the NHL awarded a franchise to the state of Minnesota. After watching the North Stars leave for Dallas, I never thought I would live to see the day the NHL returned, so when the announcement was made, I put an entire lifetime of hockey passion behind the team. I watched the expansion draft, the first entry draft, and I watched as the team slowly built some momentum.

I flew to Denver to watch game 7 against the Avs. I nearly plopped the Visa down to go to Vancouver too, but was reigned in at the last minute. I have, for 4038 days, given the benefit of the doubt to Doug Risebrough and the Wild brass. I have always made the assumption that they know more than I do, that they have information at their finger tips that I could only dream of having.

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

Missed Opportunites: Jarkko Ruutu

2009-01-07T14:43:00.002-06:00

Missed Opportunities is a series of posts documenting, and perhaps commenting on, the failed chances for the NHL to make a statement about potentially injurious hits or events.

The Opportunity:

January 6th, Jarkko Ruutu (Ottawa Senators) bites the finger of Andrew Peters (Buffalo Sabres) during a minor scrum in front of the bench area.

The Evidence:

Here is the video:

The Penalty:

None. Though to give the refs credit, they didn't see it, and they cannot call a penalty on what the player may say to them.

NHL Rule Broken:

None that I am aware of. I would find it hard to believe they have a rule against biting. It should simply go without saying, no?

The Suspension:

Two games.

My Take:

Colin Campbell and the NHL have once again confused the living bejesus out of me. If Avery gets six games and booted off of the team for hurting Phaneuf's feelings as his first ever suspension, how does Ruutu, a repeat offender, get two games for biting someone?

Ruutu is a cheap shot artist, taking runs at people in the past, and has always been someone that no one has any respect for. He has hurt players in the past (notice in the replays when he realizes he is going to miss, he sticks his leg and his elbow out in order to attempt to injure):

He also was already suspended two games earlier this season for an elbow to Maxim LaPerierre:

Just to get all of this summed up, Ruutu is a repeat offender, with a suspension already on his record THIS SEASON. Still, he gets just two games for one of the most disrespectful acts ever witnessed in the game of hockey.

I hope the Sabres get the justice the league is still obviously incapable of handing out when the Sabres and the Sens face off again.

Colin Campbell, you sir, are useless.

Fun with Pictures

2009-01-01T23:16:00.005-06:00

So, I go off and get married, the Wild beat the Sharks, and I think my hiatus can go on as planned.

No such luck. The glass groin is busted, and this time, for good. I decided to take out my frustrastion using NHLol's fun ROFLbot. Enjoy. I will now return to the regularly scheduled marriage break.

Holiday Hiatus

2008-12-30T23:09:00.003-06:00

You all may have noticed a lull in the posts from dear Buddha.

I will eventually get back to posting, but have taken a holiday break (much like the Wild have taken the month off). I hope everyone had a good holiday, Happy Christmakwanzaka to all, and I will see you in the New Year.

Also, around 9:30 tomorrow AM hold a glass up in the direction of Saint Paul. I will be getting married at or around that time at center ice (not at the X).

Again, see you in the new year.

Buddha

Thinking Positive

2008-12-22T21:22:00.003-06:00

Since I have so very many examples of non-season negativity running through the real world, and the Wild are not helping much, I have decided to steal the picture from Ms. C. and give the one known only as Bandgeek some credit for having some positive vibes. That, and she enjoyed that Ms. C posted the picture, that I figured why not give her a little more ego boost?

So, Minnesota, on your feet, here they are, YOUR MINNNNNESSSSSOOOOOOTTTTTAAA WILD!

The Name on the Front

2008-12-19T08:41:00.005-06:00

We have all heard the famous line "The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back." Who said it first? I have no idea. Could be one of those things that has been uttered since the beginning of team sports. It is the entire idea behind "the scene" in the movie Miracle, the one where the players are forced to skate lines, do crushers, or whatever it is you call them, until they puke, and Mike Eruzione says he plays for the United States (about 3:46 you hear the line about the name on the back). Enjoy the subtitles:

It is also featured in an ad for the NHL from a couple seasons back.

Why this? Why now? I'm glad you asked. Mats Sundin signed with the Vancouver Canucks yesterday. Big deal. Marian Gaborik is back on the ice for the Wild. Big deal. Peter Forsberg wants to play in the NHL again. Big fat hairy deal.

What these three men (I use that word loosely), and far too many others, must not quite understand is that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. Marion Hossa seems to fit the mold too. I don't want to play for the Penguins. They lost. I'll go play for the Red Wings, they win a lot. I'll make them better.

Does Mats Sundin think he is better than the game? I don't know, I've never met the guy. His actions sure seem to suggest he does. Same with Hossa, Gaborik, Scott Neidermayer, Forsberg, and the like. Either they become mercenaries, joining the team with the best chance to win a Cup, or they go where the highest contract is offered, regardless of chances to win with the team, or they hold the league hostage while they decide if the league deserves their presence.

The reaction out of Vancouver is one of excitement. I'm sure the reaction would have been the same from all over the league had Sundin chosen their team. As anyone who reads this blog with regularity should know, I am a hockey purist. Screw Mats Sundin. I'm glad he plays for the Canucks. I am glad he didn't come here. I am glad Peter Forsberg chose not to come here last season. These guys are not my type of guy. I'm sure that would strike absolute disappointment into their hearts, but the point remains the same.

They are not good teammates, and they are not good for the game.

In one of my fantasy hockey leagues there is a thread going on the message board about how great Gaborik really is, and I just don't give him enough credit. I have never denied his talent, just his ability to do something with it. My feelings on him are clear, so we will save the time and space and skip the stats and the argument. What hasn't changed is that Gaborik is not a good teammate. He has an air about him that he feels he is better than the team.

Mats Sundin is not a good teammate. If he was, he would have signed at the beginning of the year and played the first quarter of the year, you know, with his team.

I am glad the 'Nuckleheads have Sundin. I am glad they think he is a savior. He isn't. Either is Marian Gaborik, but that's for another day.

The name on the front is more important than the name on the back.

Buccigross Blows It

2008-12-17T20:26:00.004-06:00

I may just forgive Bucci for this, just this once. In his latest post, he has the Hakan-Hannukah song, sung to Adam Sandler's famous ditty. However, the last line of the fourth verse blows the whole thing. As we all know, Backs isn't Swedish. He's Finnish. Not exactly a friendly rivalry either...

Perhaps he is just distracted by the fact that his man-love is back in Bristol.

You can write to Bucci and let him know he owes Backs a public apology at:

john.buccigross@espn.com

Make sure you light him up, and make sure you make it funny!

Here's the song:

Happy holidays to all, and here is the 2008 version of the "Happy Hakan-Hanukkah Song."

This is a song that, uh ... there's a lot of Norwegian songs out there, but not too many about Hakan Loob and Swedish hockey players. So, I wrote a song for all those nice Swedish kids who don't get to hear any Swedish hockey songs. Here we go ...

Put on some ABBA-kah,Here comes Hakan-Hanukkah! So much Swedish-funukah, To celebrate Hakan-Hanukkah!

Hakan-Hanukkah is a festival of iceInstead of one night of hockey, we have 180 crazy nights. When you feel like the only kid in town without a Synergy,Here's a list of people who are Swedish, just like

Mats Sundin:

Henrik Zetterberg was once pulled over for speedin',Henrik Lundqvist and twin bro, Joel, were born in Are, SwedenGuess who eats crayfish at a bistro in Malmo? Patrik Berglund, Fredrik Modin and ex-Oiler Tommy Salo

Victor Hedman's rookie card will be something worth collectin'So is Kent's and Ulf Nilsson's and Pelle Eklund's.Swedish names are awesome, and Swedish names are fun,There's a Nik Backstrom in Minny, and one in Washington! Both Swedish!

Put on your ABBA-kah,It's time for Hakan-Hanukkah!The ex-captain of the Vancouver Canuck-anukkahs, celebrates Hakan-Hanukkah!

Saku Koivu, not a SwedeBut guess who is? Hakan's older brother Pete (he scored one goal in nine NHL games)

Peter Forsberg has bad feet, but he still likes dancin',So do Roger, Mathias, Calle, Bjorn and Andreas Johansson.Mike Grier's not from Sweden, nor Dainius ZubrusBut Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin and Hakan Loob is!

So many Swedes are in the NHL,Tobias Enstrom's in Atlanta, but it feels like hockey hell!

Tell your friend Per-onica,It's time for Hakan-Hanukkah! I pray for new Graf-onikahsOn this lovely Hakan-Hanukkah!So drink your cold Fal-connikaAnd golf 18 with AnnikaIf you really, really wannakahHave a happy, happy, happy Hakan-Hanukkah! Happy Hakan-Hanukkah!

We still love ya Bucci. Don't let it happen again.

Moneybags to Play Tonight

2008-12-17T13:40:00.003-06:00

Uncle Moneybags returns to the ice tonight. For anyone who missed it over on NHLol, the only thing to expect tonight is:

To quote one Sean Avery: "I don't know what's up with that. Enjoy the game."

More Fun with Sir Flops-a-Lot

2008-12-17T09:02:00.003-06:00

From TSN: Peter Forsberg wants to come back one more time. Problem is, he wants to do it in the post-season. In other words, he wants to win a Stanley Cup, or ruin the hopes of someone else winning it, but he doesn't actually want to play the entire season and earn the right to do so. Again.

"I want to play. I hate sitting in the stands and not be able to be out there on the ice," Forsberg reportedly told the Swedish television program "Hockeynight" this week. "If it doesn't work this time, I'll call it quits. But I have the best doctor in the world (Bertil Romanus), and without him I would have given up already. I'm still hopeful."

Um, if you wanted to play, you would play, no? If it doesn't work this time, you'll call it quits? I thought you already did. I think we are actually going on three or four times you have called it quits. Between you, Rodger Clemens, and Michael Jordan, you have retired enough times to provide electricity to an entire city block.

"(I had) a battery package hidden in my pants. When I turned it on, the foot straightened in the skates," Forsberg said. "It was kind of funny."

Aided by such battery power, Forsberg had 15 points in nine games with Colorado at the end of the regular season."

Do we also suppose that if the device was bumped that it shut off, causing his foot to go numb, and making him drop to the ice like someone shot him? Because, well, I thought he just liked to flop on the ice like a soccer player to draw cheap penalties.

The answer to him wanting to come back is no. No, you may not come back, you may not make the NHL look like the KHL, and use it to tack on a couple extra minutes or goals to your stats. Go back to Sweden and stay there. You are a hero there. You are a crappie flopping Admiral Sissypants here. Go home. Be happy.

Interview With a Predators Blogger

2008-12-16T09:45:00.003-06:00

A week or so ago, watching the second of two games thus far this season against the Predators, I had some questions about the fans, the team, and the environment surrounding the team. Knowing that hockey in TN cannot be what it is here in MN, I decided to ask a blogger. Turns out there aren't many for the Preds, but I found one. A good one. If you are like me and like to read what the other teams fans are thinking, and what is driving the conversation around the league, bookmark these guys as your source for Preds info.

If you have any questions you want asked and answered, let me know, I'll ask him. He said the more questions, the better, so bring them on!

I got answers from Buddy Oakes. He and his son run the blog. You can find them at Preds On the Glass. Big thank you to him for taking the time to answer the questions.

Wild Times: What's with the booing of Zidlicky? Generally in hockey the booing of a player when they near the puck is reserved for players who left after a contentious contract dispute or have some how wronged the team in the past. Zids was traded, with zero control falling to him. Any word on what the deal there is?

Preds on the Glass: I agree on your theory. He was a real disappointment last year and it was thought that he could be moved with little fallout which there wasn't. We have 7 solid defensemen and several more in Milwaukee. The team chose to sign Weber and Suter to long contracts. I am expecting that DeVris will go at the trade deadline if we don't get a boatload of injuries. I'm not exactly sure about the booing of Zids unless it was over a penalty or inadvertent hit in the first game which was one of the most contentious I've ever seen the Preds play. The paper here described them as too much Red Bull and Coffee. From the home town standpoint, the officiating was highly suspect. I'm sure you had a different view but as bad as we got beat in the first game it wouldn't have mattered.

WT: Are people in Nashville actually fans of Jordan Tootoo? The guy just rubs most hockey fans in your opposing cities as, let's just say, not the favorite guy around.

PG: Tootoo is a local hero of sorts. When he hits the ice thousands of folks blow their "tootoo" whistles and everyone on the ice is waiting for the next train wreck. He's the perfect teammate and a most hated opponent. This year he has actually matured to where he has drawn many times more penalties than he has been charged with. He's become and expert at instigating and then not fighting back every time. Not sure that fits the "code" but it has been effective. Even when he's not running someone or picking a fight I can assure you that the opposing players are keeping an eye out for where he is. Final thought on Tootoo - this is the South and we do have a lot of rednecks so fighting, car crashes and big hits are real crowd pleasers.

WT: What's with the chants? Things like yelling Harding's name tonight and then adding "You suck" at the end. In a tight game like tonight, where both goalies were stellar, and one guy gives up the first goal late in the third, the chant seems out of place completely.

PG: This is something that has gone on since year 1 and originated in the somewhat famous section 303 (they have a web site and have had numerous interviews by ESPN and the likes over the year. I used to sit there and moved to get better seats. The ringleader was a friend Mark Hollingsworth. They used to have a smaller group at minor league games and did many of the same chants etc. Basically every time we score they do this chant Harding, Harding, Harding You Suck, It's all your fault, it's all your fault and so on. There is actually about 15-20 different chants that Pred fans know like the back of their hand and suck seems to be a common theme. Like during the pregame intro after ever opposing player they say suck, after the goalie it's really sucks and after the coach it's he sucks too. One of my personal favorites is whenever they play the Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop (at least one or twice a night) the phrase Red Wings suck! is substituted for Blitzkrieg bop by a whole arena full of folks in unison at the right time. Whether we are playing the Wings is of no consequence.

WT: A follow up on #3 if I may... the chants coming out of that area of the building are also favorites at the college games I attend here in MN. Are the fans in Nashville aware that these types of chants really aren't that funny at a pro level? (This question is just begging for smack talk in response... feel free, but I really would like to know...)

PG: Sorry no smack. It's the South and we don't have long hockey traditions. The fact we have any traditions at all is a positive. One funny thing, the first year the Preds were here and we sat in section 303, my son who is now the other half of PredsOnTheGlass was 4 and he was convinced for a year that they were yelling "your son" instead of you suck, His brother who was six finally set him straight.

WT: What is the over all feeling of hockey in TN? Is the fan base growing? Failing miserably? Is it covered on local news, newspapers, etc.?

PG: We have a great base of about 12000 fans that attend regularly and then a bunch of casual onlookers who attend when the mood strikes. The base is growing slowly as youth hockey has been strong for about 10 years with 4 sheets of ice and about 20 high school programs. Youth hockey keeps all the rinks full at all hours of the day and night. Coverage is poor in the papers and TV and as you said earlier there are few bloggers. The only other ones I know of and read are a couple on Eklund's site and the guy on Kukla's. In the last few weeks, ours has started to get some attention with reposts in various places, I don't think that it is as much that folks don't care about the Preds it's just not something they were raised on. Football rules in the area. That is why our schedule is so skewed to having the bulk of our home games after Jan 1. Another issue with an immature audience is the casual fans know nothing about the other teams. A game a few weeks back on a Monday against the Sharks didn't draw flies. With no real national TV on a major network or ESPN the casual fan doesn't follow the sport. They know the Preds players but not the opposition During warm-ups every game I sit on the glass on the opposition end and there's rarely any one else around while the Preds end is full. I like watching all the other players that I only see a few times a year. I listen to XM204 all day at work and in the car because other than before and after the games there is no hockey talk at all. It's football season year round down here.

WT: Do you miss Craig Leipold?

PG: Craig was a great owner and good guy, During the save the team rally when we were fighting off the vulture Jim Ballsille Craig bout 2 seats in Section 303 and actually sat there during the games some last year before he sold. He was well liked but got tired of the financial drain and managed to better his position and leave the team with somewhat local ownership with the exception of the 27% now in Boot's bankruptcy court case.

WT: Other than the Preds, what is your favorite NHL team? Least favorite?

PG: I really enjoy seeing all the teams to be honest. Our rivals are always the most fun. I love it when the Wings come. It's always a playoff atmosphere. Given a choice on the TV I will generally watch the Caps, Flyers (lots of ex Preds), Penguins, Buffalo (I love listening to Rick Jeanerette), Ducks, Sharks, Wings.

So, there you have it. I agree 100% that it is good to have any tradition in Nashville rather than none at all. It was also good to hear there are youth hockey programs growing in the area.

Rednecks who like fighting, car crashes, and big hits. Classic.

The Next Big Thing: The Prodigal Son Returns?

2008-12-11T11:06:00.002-06:00

For anyone who missed it over on the Wilderness:

The Next Big Thing is a series of posts, focusing in on what has the Team of 18,000's collective minds buzzing.

Yesterday it was announced by Michael Russo from the Star Tribune that Marian Gaborik, one Uncle Moneybags, practiced with the team for the first time since October 12. Instantly the Wild's official website had images of him in his lime green sweater signifying no checking, and the blogosphere had lit up like a Christmas tree.

While some were tempered shows of optimism, and some, like Hockey Wilderness' own neide, calmly stated the facts and let them fall where they may. Though I am certain neide has an opinion on this matter, and I hope beyond hope I get to read it sometime soon.

Read the rest at HockeyWilderness.com

Missed Opportunities

2008-12-11T09:45:00.005-06:00

Missed Opportunities is a new series of posts documenting, and perhaps commenting on, the failed chances for the NHL to make a statement about potentially injurious hits or events.

The Opportunity:

December 9, Alex Burrows (Vancouver Canucks) hits JP Dumont (Nashville Predators). As any Wild fan knows, Burrows is a hack to begin with, one that Canucks fans are very quick to defend. Burrows jumps off the ice to hit Dumont high.

The Evidence:

Here is the video:

And here is a still shot:

The Penalty:

None.

NHL Rule Broken:

43.1 "Charging- A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who skates or jumps into, or charges an opponent in any manner."

The Suspension:

None

The best line thus far from the media:

From Puck Daddy: "No suspension for Alex Burrows of the Canucks for jump-checking J.P. Dumont? What did he have to do, leapfrog over him?"

Oh So Much to Write About - Part 2

2008-12-09T19:26:00.004-06:00

In part two of our visit through posts Puck Daddy beat me to, we look at this wonderful bit of information:

"the Flyers have not claimed Chris Gratton off waivers, which was reported by Dwayne "Eklund" Klessel on Hockey Buzz until he apparently realized the information was coming from a video gamers site that allows fans to make up news stories about their digital exploits."

(quote from the Puck Daddy post)

Now, we all know that Eklund has about as much knowledge of what is going on behind the scenes of the NHL as I do, but the difference is, I don't pretend I have that knowledge. I absolutely do not understand 99.9% of what Eklund spews over on his website, but MSM hockey people seem to think he is a genius. Too many fans of the game believe he at least entertaining. To me, he is neither. He is someone who makes things up, throws them at the wall to see what will stick.

When confronted with the fact he had reported a fantasy hockey report as true, he countered with that he was "testing a new posting technique and accidentally posted a test blog." This from the same guy who posted word for word a report from another reporter, and claimed he did not know how such a strange coincidence would have occurred that the two of them had posted the exact same articles.

It is time for Eklund to go away. It is time for his specific brand of terrible hockey rumor mongering to stop. The only way this will happen is for you, the general hockey public, to stop giving his site hits.

If you don;t know where his site is, I am not going to tell you. If you do know where it is, stop going. Maybe then he will simply go away.

Doubtful, but a boy can dream, right?

Oh So Much to Write About - Part 1

2008-12-09T18:56:00.002-06:00

Puck Daddy beat me to both posts in his headline post, but I'm going to write about them anyway. Because I can.

First up, goalie Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres says that the referee in last nights game against the Penguins told him to "go fuck himself." Sorry for the language, but that's what he said. Miller claims he was asking a question of the ref, and that was the refs reply.

If this turns out to be true, or can be corraberated by another player or on ice official, the referee needs to be suspended. Longer than Avery's suspension, and longer than any ref has ever been suspended before. No, I do not know what the record for referee suspensions is, or what the situation was, but this guy lost control of himself, and should be punished for it.

While it is humorous at face value, like the first time your parents ever swore at you, it is completely uncalled for, and completely unacceptable. The referee is on the ice for one purpose, to maintain control of the game. If he loses control of himself, how is he to maintain control of the game?

Most people who read this story will likely chalk it up to one of those moments, one where the ref finally exacted his revenge after years of being verbally abused by players and fans. Problem with this goes back to all fo those Saturday morning cartoons we all watched as kids. The good guys don't get to cheat, and they don't get to have revenge. Refs are supposed to be the good guys. They aren't supposed to swear at players, and they aren't supposed to get revenge.

Much like retail workers. Despite being accosted by customers every day, they don't ever get to say to the customer, "You know what, why don't you go fuck yourself." It just isn't the way it works.

The sad fact is, this referee lost his composure, in a position where he is not allowed to do so. He need to be suspended and told that if it happens again he will lose his job.

Interview With the Founders of PickupHockeyFinder.com

2008-12-08T12:00:00.007-06:00

After reading a few comments posted here on this site, and a couple over at Russo's blog as well, I decided to check out the intriguing idea over at PickupHockeyFinder.com. I contacted the founders of the site, Derrik Dyka and Don Giroux asking if they would mind answering a few questions about themselves and thier site. Below is the interview. (Editor's note: The questions about the LA area assumed they had firsthand knowledge. The questions were emailed to them as a group, and they answered the best they could, and Wild Times thanks them for that.)

Enjoy, spread the word, and go to the site.

Some background on the two founders:

Derrik is a realtor and property manager here in the Minneapolis area. He grew up in the area, and played youth hockey up until the bantam level. He recently returned to the game following 25 years away from the ice, after meeting Don and felt even more drawn to the game after his twin boys began playing at the mite level. He plays defense and is currently working on the offensive side of the game.

Don is also is the realty field and has recently obtained his residency here in the US (and entertaining employment pitches...). He grew up in Sudbury, ON Canada, the birthplace of Andrew Brunette, Matt Foligno, and the ever popular (Don's word was infamous) Todd Bertuzzi, whom he actually played hockey with growing up. He met his wife (MN born and raised) in New Zeland, and came to Minnesota with her. He has played hockey since he was three, and played up until the high school level, but did not play at the college level. He is currently part of the Minnesota Wild adult league at the Schwan's Super Rink in Blaine. (I asked Don how his neck was after playing with Bertuzzi... I'll let you know his answer.)

For both Derrik and Don, PickupHockeyFinder.com is currently a side project, but both hope for it to one day be a full time gig.

On to the Q & A:

Wild Times: The first question seems to be obvious to me, what exactly is PickupHockey Finder, and what do you do for your customers?

Derrik Dyka: Pickup hockey finder is just that, a source to find pickup hockey opportunities as well as a place to market a pickup game. Our goal isto have games posted all over N. America. Currently we have our own (Don and I) pickup games in the metro area, as well as one other organizer in the area. There is a roller hockey organizer that isposting their game and we are working with the Albertville arena manager on marketing their open hockey ice times. It's free for organizers to post their game.

Don Giroux: Pickuphockeyfinder.com is also a tool which helps promote the game of hockey from a grassroots level. One example is our plans to offer youth skating opportunities during the off season in the metro area.This is great for all kids to have a place where they can continue improving their game especially for those who got a later start in hockey. The site can accommodate all levels of play, from mite rightup to adult.

WT: Looking at the site, I see three choices right now, Minneapolis /Saint Paul area, Albertville / St. Michael area, and the Los Angelesarea. The first two make complete sense to me, the last one, LA, howdid you come to be involved in the LA area, especially with hockey?

DD: We were contacted by the El Segundo organizer and are now posting hisweekly roller hockey games.

DG: I can't comment on the popularity of hockey in LA because I don't have first hand knowledge but from what I hear the game is growing there. I have a good friend who's hockey has a goalie clinic there and business is booming. It actually didn't surprise me that we've had organizers in LA contact us to help promote the game.

WT: For those of us trapped up here in the frozen north, what is thegeneral level of knowledge of hockey in the LA area, and the general"feel" of the game? Are people excited about the Kings and Ducks, or are they after thoughts mostly?

DG: I've never lived in LA or Anaheim and have only visited the area once so I hardly the person to ask about hockey in that region. I would think both the knowledge and feel of the game among hockey fans in LA is the same as anywhere else. People are transplanted and I'm surethere are many hockey fans from all over (Minnesota included) who now reside in LA. After a quick check I found that the average attendance last year for the Kings was 16,859 (91.1%) ranking them 16th overall in the league ahead of teams like Pittsburgh, Boston, Chicago, NY Islanders and NJ. Not bad for a market in Southern California.

WT: Is the game itself growing in that area? Are there kids leagues, moreand more ice rinks going up, and are the two teams involved in growingthe game?

DD: We are growing extremely fast! Don and I organize our own games on the site and more and more organizers are asking what it takes to post their game. Simple answer, let us know the details and we will publish it. There is a link on the site to advertise a game and its thateasy.

We are extremely excited about our upcoming post season youth hockey program. Essentially offering what we are calling moderated pick upgames for youth levels (mites, peewee, squirt, bantam, etc). We have just begun collecting data on when parents would want tohave ice times for their children. As a parent of mites I was frustrated trying to find some skating times over last summer. Now kids all over the metro can skate weekly in a moderated style pickup game.

DG: Like I said, I don't have any first hand knowledge of the state of hockey in that area but whether it's LA, Tampa Bay, Dallas or Minneapolis you're going to get a group of people wanting to play the game of hockey and if we can help them play more often and hopefully get their kids, some of their friends, anyone out who are new to hockey then we feel like we're contributing to the game.

WT: What other areas do you offer your service in?

DD: Anywhere!

DG: The website is designed so that anyone anywhere can use it. Our goal is simple, create a place where players and organizers can cometogether and make the process of organizing, finding and playing agame of pickup hockey anywhere, seamless.

WT: Back to Pickup Hockey Finders. Give us a brief run down of how it works. Say I'm a guy sitting at home, skates sharp, stick taped, just wishing for a group of people to play a hockey game with. What are my steps?

DD: You're the target! What we wanted was a simple place for players to find ice. And ice to find players as it were. Registration takes about 10 seconds. Once registered you can assign yourself to a game,that easy. Some organizers require pre payment, if that is the case there are "buy it now" like buttons.

DG: The trick is we need organizers to use the site so that players can find them and we need players to register so we can help organizers create games. It took us less than a few months to get a substantial number of players looking for a game. With that we've been able to organize 3 sometimes 4 games per week as well as help fill another game which is in direct competition with one of our games. We are currently working with a couple of individuals in two other markets who wish to organize a game. It won't take long before there are games being played all over.

WT: I am a big fan of the "Rent-a-goalie" option. How many goalies do youhave signed up?

DD: We have over 200 goalies in Minnesota. About 100 goalies from other areas, and growing rapidly.

WT: Say I have the ability to play goalie. What is expected of me? Do I have to have full pads, partial pads, no pads? How would I go about signing up?

DD: That would really depend on the organizer. Each game has a notes section where it lists contact info. For the most part it is assumed goalies and players wear full gear. Most players in our games go without shoulder pads, but we recommend full gear.

DG: Sign up is easy on our site. Simply go to http://www.pickuphockeyfinder.com/rent-a-goalie/ and fill out the form. This will add you to our database so that when we have an organizer looking for a goalie in your area and at your level you can be alerted.

WT: What other services do you provide? Such as youth hockey organization,adult leagues, etc.

DD: Youth program coming soon. We are considering a Spring tournament but have not worked out enough details yet. The tournament isn't our highest priority. By the end of December we will also have a "find a ref" function. Making it easy for teams or a scrimmage group to have a referee, if so desired.

DG: We are also looking to offer clinics and partner with clinic organizers to promote them.

WT: How does the credit system work?

DD: One of the biggest problems in pick up hockey is having 20 people saythey are coming to a pick up game and only 17 show. Teams are uneven,not enough goalies, too many goalies, and of course getting stuck with a $180 ice time and not enough people to break even. Credits are a way for an organizer to ensure they will have the funds for the ice. It's more fun when everyone shows up, but if its prepaid and someone misses the game, it doesn't hurt the pocketbook. Different ice times and different organizers have amounts due. Its more expensive for 90 minutes of ice and the cost of a sheet of ice varies greatly depending on where you live. Credits make that easier to scale and manage from a development point of view. To purchase it's quite simple, just click the amount of credits you want and use a credit card.

WT: The people that have used your service thus far, are they repeat customers, or do you tend to see more one visit or two visits and thenthey disappear?

DD: Too early to tell. Our traffic increases daily. As organizers we have some new faces at our games at almost every game. There are also hundreds of players registered in other areas just waiting to get a game in their area. We are working on finding organizers, and in some areas even assisting skaters with organizing their first game.

WT: What led you to Pickup Hockey Finder?

DD: A few things. Last year Don and I started organizing games. We tried a variety of tools and it was always a pain to see who is coming, who shows up, who pays, etc... The second was after a game a few of us went out for a few beers. One of the guys we were with brought up how apparently Keifer Sutherland (the actor) plays hockey and brings his gear everywhere he goes in case he can find a game. I thought "what a nightmare trying to find pickup hockey and not knowing anyone...".The third thing was trying to get my kids skating opportunities over last summer. Between the 3 the idea sparked of creating one central place to find hockey all over the US and Canada (and could certainly grow elsewhere too).

DG: I moved to Minneapolis in the spring of 2007 so finding a game of hockey was challenging. I submitted my name to some sub lists for leagues but didn't get any calls. I also asked some family members about people they knew of who organized pick up hockey but came up empty. When Derrik suggested we organize our own game there was no hesitation. We started with one night and after a few months added another night. This past summer we came up with the idea of the website to help us with our games. During our planning, we realized that this would be a great tool for any organizer and things just snowballed from there.

WT: How long has the site been up, and has it been effective? Met expectations?

DD: It's been about 4 months. I think we are both pleased with the growth.We have reached players all over. We have also had some nice success stories, a traveling sales guy that comes into town once a month that now brings his gear to play with us, and he knows exactly when and where we are playing from the site, and can ensure his space for that game in advance, with just a few clicks.

DG: There are actually quite a few success stories I've heard. From new people to the area finding us and our game, to people who hadn't played in years and we've helped get them back into playing, to another organizer finding more players for his pick up game and team. It really has been rewarding to hear how much our users love the site and our games.

WT: What is the end goal? Make a million? Spread hockey to the far reaches?

DD: It would be nice to recover our investment. Ultimately our goal is be the central hub for amateur hockey.

DG: The end goal for me, and I think Derrik would agree, is to be able to travel anywhere the game is played and find a game from our site. That would be very cool!!!

WT: What is your favorite part of the game of hockey? Can be anything.

DG: That's a tough one...it has changed over the years. At this point in my life, the best part is the comradery. I've met so many new peoplein the past year through hockey and some are now really close friends. When I was a kid it was scoring goals :)

WT: Favorite hockey team?

DG: I bleed Blue and White...Leafs are going to have a winner in 3 years :)

(Judging by the fact that Derrik did not answer this question, I will simply assume he believes the Wild are the best team on ice, and he will get credit with the point for this question, as Don is obviously drunk.)

WT: Do you prefer NHL, college, high school?

DG: NHL...things are a little different in Canada. Junior hockey is more popular than University.

WT: What else do we need to know about the two of you?

DD: Always looking for real estate referrals. I do residential and multifamily (apartment buildings).

DG: Just that I love hockey and want to be part I'm looking forward to reaching our goal of building pickuphockeyfinder.com into the place tofind a pick up game.

(The very cool logo for PickupHockeyFinder.com pictured above is property of Derrik and Don, and is used here only to let you know that they have a very cool logo. Oh, and you can get t-shirts on the site as well.)

Not so Great Anymore?

2008-12-08T10:20:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I am about to do this. Growing up watching hockey, being a hockey player, covering the game, there has never been a name more sacrosanct than that of Wayne Gretzky. He holds countless NHL records, is, and always will be "The Great One." Every player who touches the ice is immediately compared to him, fairly or not. The game and the fans are constantly on the look out for "The Next Great One."

Let me just say this. There will never be another. The game is different. Get over it.

Now, back to the point of this post.

I truly feel that "The Great One" is no longer so great. Since becoming a partial owner, and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, Gretzky has become some sort of hypocritical prima donna of a man, who constantly berates opposing teams for physical play and fighting. Gee Wayne, last I looked, that was part of the game.

What could possibly have brought on this change of heart? Here are a couple of clips for you.

First, Cal Clutterbuck of the Wild gets a mouth full from Gretzky.

This is a fight between the Wild's Cal Clutterbuck and the 'Yotes Yandle. After the handy beat down C-Buck handed out, the Great One was yelling at Cluts to take off his helmet during a fight, due to the fact he wears a visor. I can't find the video of the Great One's melt down, but it was classic (If anyone out there can find it, please post it in the comments.)

Now, from last night is this fight:

And the following quote, "I don't think an 18-year-old kid should get grabbed from a pile and take a beating." The 18 year old he is referring to is Kyle Turris.

Sorry Wayne, watch the video. Looks to me like one, Turris didn't get pulled anywhere, and two, did not take a beating. I would say he held his own just fine. Give your boy some credit, will ya? Versteeg got what he deserved, and Turris dropped the gloves too. Versteeg will get a fine, as will his coach, due to the fact there was only 1.1 seconds left in the game. Oh, and Mr. Gretzky? Your boy was wearing a visor, and didn't remove it, can we assume you read him the riot act in the locker room for that?

However, after the dust settles on this, Versteeg pays his fine, and Turris licks his wounds from being called a sissy by his coach, Gretzky will still have lost more respect in my eyes. Coaches need to remain calm, at least for the majority of the time, and when players fight, unless someone is brutalized in some manner, the coach needs to keep his yapper shut. Getting in a shouting match across the ice with a rookie doesn't help your image either.

Gretzky has lost the luster of the Great One, and simply become the less than ordinary one while behind the bench in Phoenix. Maybe we can chalk it up to being a rather in experienced coach at this point, but is there not someone in the NHL who could tell him to act like the man he is?

I want to remain a fan of the man he used to be, so I will. You will always be "The Great One," Mr. Gretzky, but if you continue to act like a child behind the bench, your history will go down as "The greatest player on ice, who went on to become a loud mouthed, mediocre coach..."

Let's not let that happen, shall we?

-Buddha

Fantasy Hockey Update - Wild Times League

2008-12-04T22:29:00.007-06:00

The final stop on our roller coaster ride is the league in which I am the commish. It is a roto league, not head-to-head, so there is no record per se. Instead, each category awards points based on position, and I set it up so there are 17 skater categories, and 7 goalie categories (24 total categories worth ten points each) I currently have 144.5 and sit in fourth place out of ten teams.

This league shows the most promise, and I feel I have the most solid team. Mostly because I really feel I see the big picture a lot better than I see the small week to week picture in the other leagues. I can get my head around this more.

Anywho... here's the squad.

Centers:

Stastny (COL) - See the post about Hedge Duck in the previous post. The numbers here are OK, but he cooled off fast.

Toews (Chi) - ARRRRRGGGGG.... two leagues, and this guy decides to take the first quarter of the season off.

Kesler (Van) - Part of a trade earlier this year... he is going away. Soon.

Umberger (CLB) - Disappointing as of late, but hopefully he will pick it back up.

Stajan (Tor) - Everytime I go to drop him, he has a good game.

Left Wings:

Ovechkin (Was) -Yep. AO. Sweeeeeeeettttt...

Zetterberg (Det) - Yep, him too.

Clowe (SJ) - Still love this pick.

Frolov (LA) - Apparently he has pissed off the coach, but still putting up numbers, so... OK.

Chimera (CLB) - This hasn't worked out as well as I wanted...

Right Wings:

Samuelsson (Det)- Power Play specialist, and usually on the same line with Zets.

Hunter (NYI) - Challenging Clowe for best pick up. Grabbed him to help with hits, but has been on an offensive tear.

Defense:

I will just list them and say one thing. Blah.

Streit (NYI), Coburn (Phi), Suter (Nash), Tyutin (CLB), Barker (Chi), Quincey (LA) I also have Komaserik (Mtl) on IR

Goalies:

I just dropped Khabibulin in this league, as of today. Hope it works out.

Backstrom (Wild) - Very proud of this move. Traded for him (Kesler trade) for Selanne and Turco. Selanne doing well for the other owner, and Backs is well... Backs.

Kiprusoff (Cal) - See previous post.

Auld (OTT) - Just picked him up today. GAA under 2, new #1 starter on a team with Heatly, Spezza, and Alfy... only a matter of time?

I am leading in a few categories, mostly the "grit" numbers as Kevin would call them. Hits, blocks, PIMs... falling behind in the flashy numbers... goals, assists, etc. but I am coming up strong in those too. Goaltending is my strength here, and I plan to pass Kevin in every category in the next week or two.

I have been as high as second in this league, but not for very long. One bad day can make a big difference in this league. Injuries are very bad, and some teams have felt that.

Kevin has been in the top spot since week 2, but a few of us are moving in fast. Watch for a headline post here when he drops to second!

Fantasy Hockey Update - Wild Bloggers League

2008-12-04T22:04:00.004-06:00

Part two of our swing through my hell of fantasy hockey brings us to the Wild Bloggers League.

Things are not all that much better here, so don't get your hopes up.
My record stands at 32-27-11, good for 5th out of ten teams, 15 points out of the top spot. I have hope in this league, I just feel my guys need time to sort it all out, and the head-to-head format just doesn;t bode well for me I guess.

Goaltending is a weak spot again.

Centers:

Richards (Phi) - Yep. got him in both leagues. Wish I had him in the third...

Thornton (SJ) - I have zero complaints here.

Drury (NYR) - Weak numbers for a center. May need to look for a replacement soon.

Left Wings:

Clowe (SJ) - Pick up of the year thus far. I have him in my roto league too.

Michalek (SJ) - Happy here too. (Added as an IR replacement)

Nash (CLB) - One of the best.

Kariya (Stl) - Singing the Blues here... HA HA ha ugh...

Right Wings:

Hejduk (Col) - Not a great year in ol' CO, but Hedge Duck seems to be OK.

Pominville (Buf) - 18 points, I can't complain too much.

Dumont (Nash) - Good numbers. Really good.

Defense:

Neidermayer (Ana) - I hate him.

Weidman (Bos) - Blah.

Weber (Nash)- Suck it Kevin. Weber is ON FIRE!

McCabe (Fla) - See previous post.

Goaltending:

Only slightly better here.

Legace (Stl) - Eh.

Khabibulin (Chi)- Solid season, stupid situation, and now he's hurt.

Kiprusoff (Cal) - After a horrible start, he has settled down. A little.

Nick doesn't pick on me as much as Kevin does, so to him I say, Thanks Nick, for not running over my self-esteem anymore than need be.

Final fantasy team update coming up... you know you're excited.

Fantasy Hockey Update - Russoville League

2008-12-04T21:45:00.007-06:00

I haven't updated on my fantasy hockey teams as of late, so here is a quick peek into the hell that I am suffering through.

We will start with the two Yahoo! leagues I am in.

First, the Russoville League. Currently I sit with a record of

46-59-7, in dead last. My team looks like this right now:

Centers:

Briere (Phi) yeah, he is hurt, I know. I have a trade pending at which point Danny boy will be gone.

Richards (Phi) - Likely my most solid player, which is scary.

Modano (Dal) - The old man is still producing, what can I say?

Toews (Chi) - This guy needs to pull his head out of his arse and start playing some f'ing hockey.

Left Wings:

Eriksson (Dal) - May have been an impulse pick up, but he is helping more than most thus far.

Naslund (NYR) - Having an OK year, no complaints.

Frolov (LA) - Roller coaster ride with this guy.

Right Wings:

Cheecoo (SJ) - This is one of the biggest disappointments of the young season.

Erat (Nash) - No complaints, except that he plays for Nashville

Defense:

Lidstrom (Det): Having another solid year, but with so many weapons available, not up to his standard.

Barker (Chi) - Solid numbers for a D, problem is I need better than solid.

Vlasic (SJ) - I was happy with this pick. Key word... was.

McCabe (Fla) - Eh. At least he is there.

Visnovski (edm) - Again, solid numbers.

Kuba (OTT) - I gag a little eveytime I see his name on my roster, but with 17 assists...

Goaltending:

This is where my team really sucks, and there is no help available.

McDonald (NYI) - Had a great month, but he plays for the Isles, so it will come to a crashing halt.

Fernandez (Bos) - Enough said. I had to pick up Manny.

Theodore (Wash) - Guy was supposed to be a stud... wasn't he?

So. It's not hard to see why I am in last place. I have a 30 move limit, and I have used 12 of them already, but to no avail. It is certainly fun to see what kevin is going to come up with to rub my face in it eachweek though.

Next up... Wild Blogger's League

And Hilarity Ensued...

2008-12-04T16:19:00.002-06:00

If you haven't been yet, visit nhLOL. That's it. Just visit.

You'll understand.

See the picture? Just a taste.

Thanks to Ms. C for pointing out this site.

King of all Idiots Suspended by Emperor of all Idiotdom

2008-12-03T09:03:00.008-06:00

There is one of those stories out there that just begs for the world to talk about it. It has all of the juicy stuff; sex, stupidity, arrogance. The story of course is the King of all Idiots, Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars.

Those of you who follow hockey other than the wild know this guy. He is what the polite people in our world call an "agitator." He goes out on the ice and stirs up trouble by hitting the people you aren't supposed to hit (captains, stars, goalies) in ways you aren't supposed to hit them (from behind, in the head, in the knee). He then, as an elite "agitator," turtles and hides behind a referee in order to avoid being broken in half by a hockey player with honor.

Earlier this year, he call Jerome Iginla "boring," and said the NHL should market its players in the hero / villain method that the WWE uses. Yesterday, just before the game against the Calgary Flames, there was this:

After a short research stint, I find out that Dion Phaneuf is dating Avery's ex-girlfriend, who is some Hollywood harlot no one really cares about.

In the video, notice that Avery knows exactly what he is doing, and even asks if they have a camera, as he "Wants to make a statement." He makes his comment with a smirk on his face, in that "I'm Sean Avery and nothing can happen to me" way that he has. He then turtles, as he does, and runs away from the cameras before anyone can ask any questions.

The fact that this is a childish stunt pulled off by a childish man is obvious. It is Bush League, junior high dribble spewed by a "man" who acts as though he never progressed past the age when his voice changed. It should have been another non-story about a unintelligent man with no ability to play the game of hockey at the level he is at.

Then the Emperor stepped in and the NHL suspended him "indefinitely" and lent his comment a bull horn. It broadcast the story all over the world, and gave Avery exactly what he wanted, all of the attention.

If you head over to Puck Daddy, he has the same opinion I do, and could not have said it better. The NHL fell right into his trap, and he now wins. He got what he wanted, a comment meant to disparage one of the best defensemen in the league (remember, I am a Wild fan, so he must be really good to get that comment) is now being viewed by everyone who reads a newspaper, turns on the local news, or reads a blog today.

Bettman himself suspended Avery, and the Dallas Stars agreed with the suspension. Big deal. Let's see how many games the NHL actually suspends him, and then if the Stars feel he is that big of a cancer, see if they add on to it, or do what I would do and send him packing. Pretty sure he would clear waivers and they could send him to the AHL.

Let's take a short visit to coo-coo land, shall we?

The NHL did not suspend Darcy Tucker earlier this season when he attempted to end Nick Shultz's career. They have passed on multiple example making cases where players were slammed into the boards from behind with intent to injure. They have suspended a couple of guys for a handful of games, and they did have that strongly worded memo.

NHL discipline is out of control. It makes no sense to fans, to organizations, and more dangerous, it makes no sense to the players. No one knows what the rules are, or what happens when you break them. Ever deal with a three-year-old that doesn't know the rules or the consequences? They will do whatever they want, and continue to escalate, until someone sets a boundary. Same thing will happen in the NHL.

Someone will have to be seriously injured or die before the league will do something to stop it.

A guy has his head slammed into the boards with intent to injure, in such a manner that it could have broken his neck. Punishment is 3 games in the press box.

Sean Avery hurts Phaneuf's feelings and the punishment is an indefinite suspension.

Anyone else confused yet?

(Image above is from Depair.com... go there. Buy their stuff)

Giving Thanks - Cheap Rip Off Style

2008-11-27T13:52:00.004-06:00

I figure if Ms. Conduct can rip off the many number of hockey bloggers giving thanks today, so can I. Besides, Going Five Hole, Puck Daddy, and Bucci all did, so why can't I?

Thank you for Jack Falla. While Jack may be gone from this world, his work, and his spirit will live on. Thank you, Jack for the brief, yet priceless, conversation we were able to have.

Thank you for the Minnesota Wild. I watched, and cried my eyes out as the North Stars left for the hockey forsaken land of Texas. I thought hockey was dead for sure. Despite the fact that they can't hold a lead in the third period to save their souls, I still appreciate their being here.

Thank you for really stupid calls by Kerry Fraser. Despite being the most senior referee in the NHL, he still can't seem to get them right. Here's hoping you retire, and soon.

Thank you for blown calls by referees everywhere. You give us something to unite in hatred against. Thank you also, for occasionally getting them right.

Thank you to Marty Turco for being such a pompous wind bag, and always having a childish trick up his sleeve to save his rear end. "I have pushed it off on purpose before, but this one was really unintentional." Right Marty, and my six year old really didn't mean to color on the wall either.

Thank you to Hockey Wilderness for giving me the chance to spread the enlightened word of Buddha. It feels good to be able to share with fellow rabid fans.

Thank you to my parents for introducing me to the game of hockey, and specifically to my dad for finding the one sport that in his words, "Would make sure you weren't such a sissy."
Thank you to the hockey blogging world. I read upwards of 150 hockey blogs a day. Some are blatantly bitter and angry, some are truly knowledgeable, and some are just outright hilarious. If you ever need a blog to read, let me know.

Thank you to Pro Hockey News for giving me a legitimate claim on the journalistic side of hockey.

Thank you to Canada, just for being Canada. We would not have the game if it was not for you.
While some of these thank you's are sarcastic, most of them are not. I truly love the sport of hockey, and I hope I can cover it for years to come. I will close with the cheeseball thank you for the ages.

Thank you to my family and friends for putting up with me while I blog or write in the middle of family functions, parties, or other rather important events. Without the understanding of the passion I have for the game and for writing, I am certain one or more of you would have broken my laptop quite awhile ago.

Hope everyone in the US is enjoying Thanksgiving, and as so many other have said, I hope everyone in Canada is enjoying the fourth Thursday in November. I apologize to all Canadians or the lack of hockey today, I'm sure it has something to do with the US TV market, so we'll take the blame.

Happy food coma to all, and to all a good night.

(And yes, even the picture is a rip off...)

Reader Request - Goalie Contact Debate

2008-11-25T11:35:00.005-06:00

From avid and rabid reader (and one of the author's best friends) Newnik, comes a request to "reflect" on the debate concerning the trapezoid in which goalies cannot play the puck, and the close following debate about contact with the goalie.

Let me start by saying that the post over on Puck Daddy barely raised a flag with me, mainly due to the fact that it is a non-starter. Goalies are going to be protected, always have been, always will be. Whether it be by the league, or guys who look like this. Go ahead, get rid of the pseudo-rule that says you cannot hit the goalie outside the crease. Then go ahead and take a run at Niklas Backstrom. Hope you didn't need your jaw bones.

All that said, let's take a look at the guy's argument (click on the "Puck Daddy" link above for the full text). Let me preface by saying that my argument simply goes back to his points by asking follow up questions. The answers to these questions should be obvious enough that they need not be asked, but no one seems to be asking them.

First, this gem:

"Goalies in the NHL are hockey's Politically Correct card. The NHL and NHLPA go out of their way to make sure this special interest group is looked after and taken care of, and as is the case with most PC things the goalies cry about how hard done by they are and take as much as they can get."

Find me, if you will, one quote from a goaltender crying about not being protected enough. Please do so quickly. Got one? No. OK, we'll just move on then.

Next we have this:

"The problems started when goalies that shouldn't be playing the puck started to. I have never understood why goalies think that they should be untouchable anywhere on the ice. The only place they should be safe from contact is their crease."

So the problem is due to the fact that goalies like Manny Fernandez started playing the puck? Or are you saying only Matin Brodeur should be allowed to play the puck? To the second sentence, again, please show me one quote from a goalie who has said they think they are untouchable. The reason they think they are safe other places than the crease are because the NHL rulebook says they are. Plain and simple. Oh, and that guy in the picture...

"I think keeping the trapezoid as a safe zone is still a good idea. What they need to change are the "no play" zones. Rather than giving the goalies a penalty for playing the puck in the "no play" zones, they should make it so that goalies face the same obstruction rules as players. "

Last I checked, they were still subject to the same obstruction rules, and the trapezoid is not a safe zone. Show me the rule that says it is. And please tell me how a goalie playing a puck is obstruction?

"This is what was slowing the game down. Goalies were coming out to play the puck and blocking the fore-checker from getting the puck."

Goalies playing the puck does not slow the game down. Would you prefer the puck sit behind the net for ten seconds while someone comes to get it? Would you prefer there be more crazy stupid rushes for the puck that lead to players like Kurtis Foster having his leg broken?

My favorite, most counter-your-own-argument moment in the entire post is this:

"The other option, which I think would be a little more controversial, would be to allow players to check goalies in the corner.

Not hit them like they can with a defenseman, but tie them up on the boards. If a goalie is in the corner playing the puck, a player should be allowed to fight him for the puck along the boards just like as if he was a defenseman."

So you say the goalie should be able to be checked, but not hit? Please explain the difference. Your entire argument is that goalies not be protected and treated differently than other players, but then you say "Not hit them like they are a defenseman." A player can certainly tie up the goalie on the boards, just so long as the goaltender has the puck. Once the puck is gone, he reverts back to being a goaltender, and you cannot interfere with a goaltender attempting to get back to the crease. That, my friend, has been the rule for a very long time, longer than the twenty years you mention earlier.

"No one seems to want to put goalie contact on the table unless it is protecting them from it. I would love to hear a goalie try and explain why they should be protected when playing a puck in the corner."

Goalies are not allowed to play a puck in the corner, so what are you arguing here? Why do goalies need to explain why they need to be protected? Let the NHL or NHLPA do that, or hey, ask the rest of the team. Goalies are protected because no team wants their goalie hurt. No team wants the opposition to be able to hit their goalie, and thus, they don't hit the opposing goalie. It is a respect issue more than rule issue.

Change the rule, go ahead. Players still won't hit the goalie. Goalies will still play the puck, and players will still avoid hitting them.

Now, would I love to see a forechecker come in hard and lift the goal stick and steal the puck? Damn right I would. Good luck with that, though, goalies generally do not play the puck unless the are confident they have the time to do so, and I have seen many goalies pay the price for doing so when they didn't have that time.

Wysh touches on the point a bit at the end, but goalies also need to be protected because their team's seasons are riding on their backs. Take one look at the Devils. Brodeur goes down, Weekes and whoever that other guy is can't stack up. The Devils have to change their game, and they likely will not make the playoffs, or will make a very early exit without Brodeur. No, Brodeur's injury is not due to contact, but you can see how an injury could happen very quickly if goalies are fair game.

To change this rule is to change the game fundamentally. Similar to those who call for the enforcer position to be done away with, or those who ask the enforcer to simply jump the opposing agitator in the corner and break his jaw. None of this will happen without fundamental changes in the way the game is played and coached at every level. Respect for the goalie is taught and drilled very early in a hockey player's career.

It would take a decades or better in order to make goalies fair game in hockey. Goalies are not trained on how to take a hit like skaters are. They are not trained to keep their heads on a swivel like skaters are. Players are taught and drilled on how to avoid contact with goalies. They would now need to be coached (by coaches who were taught the opposite) to hit the goalie.

You can see how a fundamental change would take so long to change. Like turning the Titanic, it doesn't happen quickly. To be honest, it doesn't happen at all, because no one inside the game wants it to.

All of what is said above simply serves as a way to pick apart the argument that the goalie should be fair game. Nothing to this point has countered the overall theme of the argument, that if a goalie was fair game, the flow of the game would be better, and I am assuming you think scoring would go up because of it.

It wouldn't, and it wouldn't.

A goaltender keeping the puck in play keeps the game moving. See reference to the puck sitting behind the net above. The only thing making a goalie unable to play the puck, or making them fair game does is slow down the play. It allows which ever team is attacking to continue attacking, if only for a few seconds, until the defenseman can play the puck. A goalie playing the puck does little more than change which team is attacking, and which is defending.

I also assume the author thinks that the goalie being fair game would be a benefit to whichever team he is watching or is a fan of. I ask him then, what would you say if your goalie is the first to go down because of this rule change?

One final quote from the original argument:

"Their job is to stop the puck from going in the net."

No, their job is to do whatever it takes to help their team win the game. Just like every other guy out on the ice.

Hits to the Head

2008-11-21T10:26:00.006-06:00

I have been asked in recent months why I don't cover the "breaking news" stories in the NHL. Stories such as putting a second team in Toronto, Avery being an idiot and Modano calling him out for it, stories like that. The only answer I have is that some of these stories are just so absurdly boring, have become cliche, or have no real grit to them, so why bother?

Then there are stories like today's topic. I like to let issues like this play themselves out a bit, see what the all of the proverbial players have to say about it before rendering a judgement. Sometimes, it is better to stay out of the battle altogether, and sometimes it is best to pick your battles. Today, we jump... um... head long in to the debate on head shots.

I am not sure what the NHL can do here. Colin Campbell has made the discipline office a farce, and Gary Bettman is too much of a patsy to do much of anything to change that. When your disciplinarian has made discipline a joke, it is really rather difficult to say you are going to punish much of anything new. It may literally take someone being paralyzed by a dirty hit before the NHL takes action. It took career ending knee injuries before they made rules against going knee to knee with your opponent.

The result of a ling chat about these head shots was what? A strongly worded memo to the collective group. Did I say strongly worded? What i meant was politically and meekly worded in order to leave as much wiggle room for the league as is humanly possible, and leaving loopholes big enough for the Spruce Goose to fly through.

Let's say Matt Cooke goes out and takes a head shot at Alexander Ovechkin (a editor's note... I put Sidney Crosby there first, then realized they play for the same team). Let's say he injures him to the point where AO's career is in jeopardy. Now let's say it ends up on Campbell's desk. He will what? Suspend Cooke for eternity? Doubtful, but he will likely get a hefty suspension, possibly a fine. Now let's say Ovechkin does the same thing to say, Matt Cooke. What do think the suspension would be? A couple games? If that.

The NHL has no idea how to discipline its players, because its players are its marketing campaign. Without them, there is no way to make money. So to suspend the players people know is counter productive to their cause.

So, you ask, what do we do then, nothing? Nah, we can't do nothing. However, I wonder where the NHLPA is on this topic. They represent both sides of the argument, the hitter and the victim, but shouldn't they be more willing to protect players than defend dirty hits that could cause one of their members to be hurt or even killed?

What type of sanctions does the union have at its disposal becomes the new issue. Banishment from the union, fines, removal from the league maybe? If the union were more willing to step up and address the hits with the league, or even instead of waiting for the league, maybe the hits would stop.

So the union getting involved is one course of action, but is even less likely than the league doing anything. The next alternative is built on the fact that hockey has always shown pride in letting the players police themselves. But this problem is a direct result of the instigator rule. If you would let the Boogey man rip a guys head off without his coach needing to worry about the extra two minutes, the hits would likely go way down. Instead, he has to wait for the exact right moment to exact his revenge on some guy who had nothing to o with it in the first place.

The last action that would clean the hits up, and likely fast, would be if the league would crack down on "agitators." They stir up trouble in the game, something I was told lately by Canucks fans makes the game more interesting. It also makes the game more dangerous, and that is something hockey does fine simply by being played.

The respect players had for each other is gone. Is it the fact that the game is being played by players from around the world, with personal and nationalistic grudges to wage? Is it the fact that the coaches have lost control of the players? This are what fans are saying.

I say the league has lost control of the game due to inconsistent enforcement of the rules they do have, the lack of clear rules regarding potentially injurious situations, and the belief that the instigator rule does anything except empower people like Sean Avery.

The hits to the head are not going to go away folks. As much as you want to complain, as much as the players beg for it, they are here to stay, because the NHL and the NHLPA do not ever move quickly to do anything. They could, but they don't. It will take someone being injured in a life threatening manner, or God forbid, someone being killed on the ice before the collective group of suits does anything to curb the hits.

Bloggers are the Problem... Right?

2008-11-19T19:20:00.008-06:00

Here's a post that will get your collective blood boiling. At least, I can hope it will. Japers' Rink: Hey, That Quick Chat Looks Familiar...

To summarize, there was a conference call with one Mr. Alexander Ovechkin conducted via the NHL. Jasper's blog posted the transcript, with complete and clear credit given to the NHL. However, one of our supposedly superior main stream media folks posted the same transcript, but passed it off as her own interview with AO.

You see, plagiarism is one of those things that the Professional Hockey Writers Association would tend to frown on. At least, I would hope they would. I can't seem to find a website for the organization to ask them about it. Interesting that they would make themselves that difficult to find.

All of this leads me to ask a question. Who exactly is the "professional" and who exactly is the "hack" in this situation?

I know the answer, do you?

By the way. Ms. Amundson? The picture above is for you.

**** I forgot to spell check this before I posted it originally, I apologize for that.****

The Next Big Thing: More Moneybags Talk

2008-11-18T10:46:00.003-06:00

The Next Big Thing is a series of posts, focusing in on what has the Team of 18,000's collective minds buzzing.

In this vast world of 24 hour news, stock tickers, and news crawls, there is little that makes me smile anymore. At least, beyond family and friends. Today is not much better. Apparently, we are going to bailout the auto industry, despite the best minds in the world telling the feds it is a bad idea, and will do nothing except waste $50 billion dollars.

However, then comes the chance to read the full details on the extension Colorado signed with center Paul Stastny. The deal is reportedly five years, for a total of around $33 million. Quick elementary math tells us that that is just over $6 million per year as a cap hit.

Not bad for 78 points in 82 games his rookie season, and 71 in 66 games last season, eh? Oh, and he's on pace to have near 80 points this season as well. Sakic who?

Why you ask, would this make me smile? Maybe we haven't been acquainted long enough. I'm a sadistic, sarcastic, mean spirited kind of person when it comes to sports figures and their quest to make more money than God.

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

Carney Retires

2008-11-12T09:15:00.001-06:00

Yeah, yeah. Keith Carney was never one for the spotlight, never one to call attention to himself. For 17 seasons in the NHL he was the consumate professional. Show up, do his job, teach the kids, keep his mouth shut, stay out of trouble.

I have nothing but absolute and utter respect for you Mr. Carney, but to try to pull a stunt like this is down right unacceptable, sir.

For those of you who refuse to follow the link, Carns has retired. There was no press conference, no hoopla, no crying in front of the cameras (Yeah, you're busted Keith, you would have sobbed like a school girl). Heck, the local MSM has no coverage of it at all. I'll give Russo a pass for now, he's otherwise involved, but where is Shipley? Powers? Reusse? I have to get this news from the Pawtucket Press? Sad day for the State of Hockey.

Well, Mr. Carney, as much as I know you have no desire for hoopla and grandstanding, I simply cannot let a career such as yours go with out the biggest celebration I can muster from this small little piece of the interweb.

Than you, Keith, from the bottom of my hockey loving heart. You are the example of how to play the game. with passion, with heart, and without the gum flapping.

Keith Carney's Carrer Stats

To read the rest, and be able to visit the link above, go to: Hockey Wilderness

Darcy Tucker is a Piece of Human Waste

2008-11-07T22:21:00.002-06:00

Let me start by saying this: Darcy Tucker is a pile of human waste that needs his face re-arranged.

That said, there is an excellent blog that many of you likely already read. Elise over at 18,568 Reasons Why says there has been little reaction from the Wild blogosphere on this Darcy Tucker hit. (See Neide's earlier post, or Russo's blog for deails.)

I would suggest this: Wild bloggers know better than to get too excited about this, as do Wild fans.

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

VOTE

2008-11-04T14:32:00.002-06:00

If you live in the United States, go vote.

I know I have been absent for a bit, but hockey can wait until tomorrow.

Please, go vote. I'll meet you here tomorrow, and we'll pick up where we left off.

Where the Focus Should Be

2008-10-28T10:38:00.005-05:00

I cannot explain in words how easy it is to criticize Marian Gaborik. My opinion of his play, his attitude, and him as a man have been made clear. The fact that he is in a contract negotiation makes it that much easier, and all that much more visible.

What isn't visible is the other side of the coin. The ease at which the criticism could be aimed at the management of the Wild. Today, you get to see just how easy the coin could be flipped, and how easy it would have been for Salcer and Moneybags to make DR and the crew look like the bad guys.

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

A Quick Look at the Past, Part 2

2008-10-27T14:45:00.005-05:00

A week or so ago, I took a look at the 10 players that left during the off season. Today, I take another look, if altogether brief.

We can dispense with a few in one swipe. Sean Hill, Pettri Nummelin, Branko, and Simon are all still plying their trade in Europe. Some with success, some not so much. Keith Carney signed up with tonight's opponent, the Blackhawks, for a try out, but did not make the squad. Last report had him continuing to work out and stay in "hockey shape," and he could still end up on a team if they run into major injury trouble. In future "Look at the Past" post, these five will simply be left out, as they have become fairly inconsequential. Unless, of course, there is some change in their status.

That said, let's take a look at how the other five are fairing in the early days of the season.

Read the rest at: Hockey Wilderness

Debate Topic Number 2

2008-10-26T21:36:00.003-05:00

Our second debate topic for the evening is one that continues to hang on, despite the fact that it will never go away. If you are not a fan of it, or at least OK with it happening, go watch soccer.

The topic is, of course, fighting. Bucci puts his two cents in for the season over on his weekly blog. He starts the blog with this:

"I have never been punched in the face."

Well Bucci, I have. I know how bad it hurts, and I know how bad it hurts to hit someone else in the face. Still, I am OK with fighting in hockey. I rather enjoy it. I have seen the way the game can get out of control when Boogey isn't in the line up. I have seen the swift calm Boogey can instill by shutting up an entire bench after turtle man Brad May sucker punches Kim Johnsson. It is not by accident they are called enforcers, or sheriffs. They provide the justice when people like Sean Avery, Matt Cooke, and Jarkko Rutuu do what they do (which is of course not necessary most of the time).

As usual, I bring you the best lines in the article:

"As readers of this space know, I've written here before that I love NHL fights. They are usually exciting, honorable and consensual: Probert vs. Domi; Peat vs. Stock; Neely vs. Tocchet; Boogaard vs. Chuck Norris. Fights can add entertainment value, change a game and have fans talking for days.

I would still watch NHL games if fighting was "banned," and I certainly understand someone could actually get killed in an NHL fight; but I also get that people have died slipping in their own bathrooms, and they still haven't banned showers."

I would pay to see Norris try and take Boogey on the ice. I really would. I really post this part of the entry for the line about showers. I have heard this argument. It is the same argument as our previous debate topic. "People might get hurt."

Yep, they might, and they will.

Don't want to get hurt? Don't play hockey. Plain and simple, cut and dry. You may also want to avoid leaving the house. Ever again. People get hurt everyday doing everyday things. People are killed by vending machines, dishwashers, and bubble gum.

I would have to refer to further research, but I know not of any fatalities from a hockey fight.

Fighting has a five minute penalty in hockey. Not because the NHL wants there to be four fights a game, but because they know it is necessary. It is part of the game, has been since the game was made, and will be for all time. It is a necessary evil. And the part that irritates those pacifist morons who say it should be banned... it's down right entertaining.

Again, if you don't want to see fighting in hockey, stop watching hockey. I have said it for several different reasons, but despite the fact that hockey needs all the fans it can get, we don't need you.

Go watch golf. Or tennis. There's some excitement there.

A Couple of Debates

2008-10-26T21:20:00.004-05:00

When Puck Daddy says debate, the blog world debates. It's what we do. I really think he may be the unofficial leader of the hockey blog world, and one day, I hope to take him down. I'm kidding Wysh. You do good work.

Anyway, first debate. The video posted below shows Doug Weight level Brandon Sutter.

The debate is this. Should hits like this be illegal? The hit did not earn Weight a penalty, nor will it be reviewed by the league. Critics say that this type of hit are unnecessary, and that Weight should have played the puck, not run Sutter over.

I for one am with Wysh on this one. This is hockey. This type of hit is what makes hockey, hockey. The rookie skating with his head down, oblivious to the world that is the NHL got his clock cleaned. Fair hit, clean hit, perfect hit. The veteran Weight knew it was going to be a big hit, thus you see him prepare and level his shoulder into Sutter's shoulder. Sutter then makes an even more rookie mistake by putting his head down further.

The fact that the hit is vicious (in a good way) and powerful should not mean that hockey players should not be allowed to run each other over. Paul Kariya learned his lesson. It's the old school way of thinking, and it is the right way for a sport like hockey. The kid got ran over, next time, he'll keep his head up. Like letting your kid trip over their untied shoe lace. Ultimately, pain is the best teacher.

The hit was and is clean. Weight did not mean to hurt Sutter. Weight is a class act, and has been around the game long enough to know how to hit a guy. Sutter however, has not been around the game long enough to know how to take such a hit, or how to avoid it. Outlawing hits like this would be like outlawing old pickup trucks in order to make the guy in the Aveo feel safer.

Or maybe we could just play the game on a padded surface with cotton lined slippers on our feet.

Next debate in the next post. Hope to see you there.

No Fun?

2008-10-23T10:39:00.004-05:00

I have never heard of this guy over at About.com, Jamie Fitzpatrick, and I am not certain if he is a legitimate source of information. I will let you be the judge. However, he does bring up an interesting point.

After last night's 7-6 Sharks win over the Flyers, Bettman is likely dancing a jig. Maybe the new power play rules, the smaller goalie equipment, who knows, but scoring feels like it is up. I do not have the numbers to support it, but the goal totals this year sure feel like they are higher than last year. Hell, the Wild have scored 14 goals (one in a shootout)already.

Fitzpatrick brings up the fact that the players and coaches are none too thrilled with the 7-6 final. No one, in either locker room showed any interest in being happy about 13 goals in one game. He quotes several people in the short article, but John Stevens' sums it up pretty well:

"Our goalies can play better, ...Our defense can play better. We can all play better."

The question is, can they really? Maybe 7-6 is the new normal, this is, after all, what Gary Bettman dreams of while 14 year old boys dream of Brooke Burke.

The question Fitzpatrick raises at the end is this:

"Would it kill them all to admit that a 7-6 game might be fun?"

My question is this: Would it kill Bettman and Mr. Fitzpatrick to admit that a 1-0 game can be fun? Baseball teams that win 7-6 sound the same way as the Sharks did. They question their pitching, their defensive play.

Games such as hockey and baseball are not the NFL, and they are not the NBA. If they want the scores to be higher, they will need to change the way the game is scored. Perhaps a three point line behind the blue line? Or how about a two point conversion available after a power play goal?

The argument by casual fans, and those outside the hockey mind is that hockey is boring because the games all end 1-0, or 2-1, and that makes it play out like soccer. There used to be a day when baseball games ended 2-1, 3-2, etc. We called those the glory days, back before steroids and corked bats.

Hockey is not boring, plain and simple. People who find it boring fall in two categories to me. Those who simply do not like hockey, which is OK with me, and those that are not intelligent enough to understand hockey.

Would it kill me to admit a 7-6 game can be fun? No, but I really hope 7-6 stays an exception. 3-2 games are exciting enough. The 1-0 goaltenders duel is probably even more exciting than that 3-2 win to me, but I am a die hard fan. I like the 1-0 pitcher's duel in baseball too.

I also don't like NBA games that end 110-108, or NFL games that end 63-49. All they show is that the teams did not play well on the defensive side. They are not exciting, they are sloppy and ugly.

And so is a 7-6 shoot out win in hockey.

A Quick Question

2008-10-23T09:39:00.001-05:00

If Moneybags is the victim of a character assassination, doesn't that imply that he had character to begin with?

I don't know that there is a lot more that can be said about this, but it just keeps sticking to the headline. Trade rumors that Moneybags claims not to know anything about, and Risebrough gets irritated about hearing. The team being pulled off the practice ice so the PR guys could no doubt tell them what they are supposed to say. Gee guys, did you really think the media wasn't going to cover the story? I think in July when Russo first mentioned that the two sides were going to start talking, everyone knew it would be a circus if it wasn't done by the time the season started, and yet here we are.

To read the rest, head over to: Hockey Wilderness

And Now You Know... the Rest of the Story

2008-10-21T12:19:00.003-05:00

In post #100, I defended DMFB over at Covered in Oil, after he was thrown out of the press box for posting a live blog. In that post, I defended him based on his side of the story, as it seemed plausible. To this very moment, it seems everything he has said is completely true. Problem is, he didn't tell the whole story.

There are two posts I will link to. First, over at Puck Daddy, Elliotte Friedman of CBC sports gives his take. First, this quote from Friedman:

"I understand why much of the blogosphere is hammering the Edmonton Oilers on this one. You're supporting a teammate, and that's hockey. You stand together. To you, this is an access issue. To me, it's not."

I post this because I like it, not because it has much to do with the point of this post. It is hockey, and I was defending a teammate. Turns out the teammate was wrong, but alas, I defend him anyway.

Despite the fact that he deleted the post, a screen shot of it still exists, as Friedman links to here. I'll let you read it, should you choose to, but I can now see where the Oilers were coming from. It seems more like they were upset about the content of the live blog, being broadcast from their building, attacking their players, while the game was happening. The fact that they asked him to leave is them defending their teammates, and I can respect that.

He was posting things like:

"Zack Stortini is just a disgusting hockey player."

And:

"We had better be good on the powerplay, because we can't do [expletive] all at even strength: that whole sequence before the disallowed goal was just horrific."

As I learned, using cuss words is not necessary, and really only shows that you were not smart enough to find a better way to insult someone. As for the line about Stortini, Friedman says it is about accountability. DMFB was not, and is not going to give Stortini a chance to challenge that, at least not face to face. DMFB can say whatever he wants, but he should also have the guts to stand up and let Stortini have his say about it.

The other link I will post is to David Staples at the Edmonton Journal. While he says a lot of the same things as Friedman, his post has the first take direct from the Oilers PR team. He quotes Allan Watt, VP of Oilers Communications and JJ Hebert, media relations director:

"It was disrespectful, it was embarrassing and we simply do not need it," Hebert says.
"What triggered it initially was the content," adds Watt, "It was profane."

I ask you to link over to Staples' article and read the entire thing. It is only fair to get both sides to the story, and his is the best I have seen from the Oilers side.

I have now read DMFB's side, the Oilers' side, the bloggers' side, my side, Puck Daddy's side, and all kinds of other takes on the story.

Here is my current opinion, subject of course, to change should more information come to light. DMFB was wrong, not because he was live blogging (despite the fact it violated Oilers policy, I am thinking they would have looked past that), but because of the content. He has the right to write whatever he wants. He also needs to know there are consequences for writing certain things. The consequence this time was to be permanently removed from the press box the rest of us would kill to get into. He gave bloggers a bad name, and a black eye. He set back the movement to get us into the box.

At the same time, the incident has highlighted the problem with bloggers having access to the press box, which they still don't. DMFB never would have been there in the first place, had he not had a traditional media outlet to write for.

I like that the Oilers took the time to submit their side for the record. I can now see why they wanted him out so badly, and admittedly, would have thrown him out too. They may not be able to stem the tide of angry bloggers right now, but their side is out there for the rest of us to measure against.

Both sides agree that DMFB was contrite and apologized. In this situation, that isn't enough. While I wish DMFB would continue to write, and to learn his lesson, I am going to say the Oilers acted appropriately. DMFB has the talent to be a very good writer, but he let the colorful side of himself get the best of him.

One of my favorite saying is, "The only way to learn from failure is to learn from it." Seems DMFB would prefer to hang it up, rather than learn from his failure. In my original post I stated that the saddest part of all this was that the Oilers lost a fan. It now seems even sadder that rather than learn from this and grow, DMFB chooses to go hide in his room and not talk to anyone like a spoiled child.

My original take on the situation was wrong. I have admitted that. I hope DMFB can find a way to do the same.

The Next Big Thing: Trading Gaborik

2008-10-21T10:01:00.008-05:00

The Next Big Thing is an ongoing series of blogs about what has Wild fans spinning, what has the bees in our collective bonnets buzzing.

A small disclaimer before I post my first entry to the Wilderness. A couple weeks ago, Marian Gaborik made the comment that "If they would just give me what I want, we wouldn't be talking about it." This led to an entry on my old blog declaring that I have lost all respect for Gaborik, and I gave him a new moniker, "Uncle Moneybags." So as to not involve this blog in the current hullabaloo going on over at Covered in Oil, I hereby offer Mr. Gaborik the opportunity to reply. I am not trying to hide behind an anonymous blog, throwing insults out there. My email is posted, if Mr. Gaborik would like to challenge the new nickname, I am more than willing to listen. I also will not link back to my old blog going forward, but I wanted you, the reader to be able to see some of the background from my angle. With that said...

Read the rest at Hockey Wilderness.

Hockey Wilderness

2008-10-20T23:50:00.006-05:00

I'm not quite sure how to say this, so I just will. I have accepted a position with SBN, and more specifically Hockey Wilderness. This comes after James Mirtle left his own blog to run the NHL blogs on SBN, and talking to him about moving over there.

After a few emails back and forth between myself, him, and Nathan (the main Wild blogger there), I have decided to join up and put the Wild related posts over there.

This blog will remain here. The Wild posts will be cross linked, with the full post over on the Wilderness. Everything else will still be here. NHL related posts, fantasy hockey, and general opinion stuff will still have its home over here.

I hope you will still visit often, and keep your RSS feeds live, plus add www.hockeywilderness.com/rss to your Google Readers, etc.

My work with Pro Hockey News will also continue, and will also be cross posted here.

So really, only the core posts, the truly Wild related stuff will simply be an extra click to get to. Nothing too drastic, but the number of people who will be able to get a taste of what all of you already enjoy will increase exponentially.

If you haven't visited the Wilderness before, check it out. The authors already posting there have some real talent.

Here's hoping to see some comments flying my way over on the new site, and hopefully maintaining some fun over here too.

GO WILD!

Fantasy Update, Week 2

2008-10-20T14:29:00.002-05:00

Here is a quick breakdown of where I sit in the three leagues of pure hockey hell, more commonly referred to as Fantasy Hockey.

In the ESPN league in which I am the commissioner, I currently sit in sixth place. This is due mainly to the fact that Turco and Kipper haven't figured out that they are goaltenders and not puck herders. Oh, and Ovechkin has two points, while his line mate, the other Backstom, has none.

The standings bounce around all the time. I have been as high as second, and as low as ninth. As the season goes on, I hope it will shake out a little better for me.

In one Yahoo! league (KiPAs league), I am 11-15-2 after another not-so-stellar week and yet another minor beat down. In this league, I do have Brodeur, so I can at least be competitive in the goalie categories.

In the other league I am 4-5-1, and not struggling quite as much, but still not exactly lighting the world on fire.

Hopefully one or more of these teams can find a way to win. I am awfully embarrassed as of late. After all, I'm supposed to be this massive hockey genius...

Go Wild!

The Next Big Thing: Questioning "The Kids"

2008-10-20T11:22:00.005-05:00

In my ongoing coverage of the issues consuming Wild Fandom, we turn our attention toward the criticism of "The Kids," Gilles, Sheppard, Pouliot, and Reitz. Both Russo and Shipley are both writing that Lemaire is so peeved at the play that he cannot even put it into words. I won't go into the individual stats, I'm sure you are all capable of pulling up wild.com to see the numbers. Suffice to say, they aren't pretty.

While I respect the opinion of the Hall of Fame coach, I respectfully disagree, at least right now I do. It is obvious he saw something he liked in Gilles, or he wouldn't be here still. He would be back in juniors. Lemaire made the call to have him around, and now he criticizes him four games in. Just because Nolan, Moneybags, and Butch are hurt does not automatically make these kids better players than they are.

We are four games in coach. Four. Hell, Kipper and Turco haven't even figured out the season has started yet, and they are superstars in the league. Ovechkin has two points. It may be time for coach to take a deep breath. Just maybe. I don't see them in the locker room, and I don't see them in practice. Maybe they are out partying like drunken rock stars at night and coming in hung over. I just don't know. I see the mistakes being made, and I see that they aren't making the box score, but again, we are four games in. Is it really time for the meltdown already?

Does someone need to step up, sure they do, and they have. Mikko, Bruno, and Mittens have stepped up big time. The team is winning, so I am unsure as to why the harsh words in the media. You want to call them out to their face, great, but save the media stuff for when the team is falling on its face. At 4-0-0, I'm not sure it is time to break out the bull whip.

No, you should not need to bench the kids when the vets get hurt, and yes it makes your job difficult. But as my subordinates used to tell me, that's why you get the big money.

I hope for their sake that they are busting their butts in practice and in the games. I'm not close enough to the action to see the effort side of it, but I really hope they are. I hope for Lemaire's sake that he finds a way to relax a bit, and I hope for the team's sake he reigns it in a bit and gets it out of the media.

GO WILD!

100th Post - In Defense of the Blogger

2008-10-19T20:22:00.005-05:00

I hate to use my 100th post to defend a man with obviously questionable taste in hockey teams (come on, I'm a Wild fan, you had to see that coming), but here it is.

I have to admit, I read the post telling us that DMFB was leaving Covered in Oil, I was shocked, but not surprised by the way he was treated. I can understand the frustration he is feeling, and have had my own battles with the debate of whether to blog or not. Do you risk the paid, print media gig for the non-paid, mostly for love of the game style blogging, or do you scrap the blog in hopes that you can continue to grow the paid stuff?

He went one way, I went the other. Can't hold it against him.

For those of you who have clicked through to my profile, you may have seen my other blog, one in which the silver tongued snake comes out every so often and lashes out in the most sarcastic and bitter manner possible.

If I may indulge myself for a moment, I believe I will use that side of my personality to defend my fellow blogger, despite the fact that every one from the mack daddies of hockey bloggers, Puck Daddy and James Mirtle have come to his defense already. Perhaps my little corner of the blogosphere will not even get noticed after the heavyweights have weighed in, but I still feel the need to put my two cents into the mix.

If you go to Covered in Oil, and read his take of what happened, and take it for what it says, DMFB was nothing but professional, and apologized profusely for the mistake he had made with no malice intended. He was met with the mentality that he had sold the nuclear launch codes to Al Qaeda. He was met by King Nothing, who to his credit he does not name, and his "I'd throw you out if you didn't have a job to do." Wow, you'll throw me out? That must make your junk move a little, to justify your internship by being able to throw out the press covering your team.

I can see the side that Mirtle points out, that the blogosphere is growing so fast, that the teams will have a difficult time issuing passes to everyone. However, they (as a group) have yet to accept that blogs are legitimate media. They have yet to accept the fact that many on the web have better writing skills, and could do more for their team, than much of the MSM. The argument that bloggers cannot be issued passes because there just isn't enough room seems to be bunk to me. It is because they have no respect for bloggers, and that is sad.

There are bloggers out there that use their blogs to express an opinion, unfounded and completely useless to the world. Then there are those of us that use facts, statistics, and actual quotes to support our opinion, much like any other MSM columnist would do. Hell, they still give Patrick Reusse a column in the StarTribune, and the last time he had a legitimate opinion about hockey was when the Seals were a contender.

As Wysh and Mirtle pointed out, the actions of the Oilers is nothing short of censorship, and last I checked, that was not allowed in the US, or Canada. While the Oilers are a privately owned organization, as is the NHL, they have no reason to exist without the fans. For those of you who missed the above text bloggers = fans. The NHL cannot afford to lose even one fan at this point, let alone a fan with a bull horn the size of CinO.

That, right there, is where the Oilers and their sad little PR intern went wrong. They assumed that throwing out the insipid cancer that is a blogger from their elitist, hypocritical ivory tower, the story would end there. This is a mistake that politicians and school boards have been making for centuries. To throw out those with the loudest voices of dissent generally only leads to louder dissent.

The Oilers have flexed their proverbial muscle, and shown that they don't need to sit idly by while some non-print media know nothing promotes their team by putting out another avenue for fans to track the team. The Oilers have shown simply that rather than be bigoted to a racial or ethnic group, they would prefer to be bigoted toward a stream of media they do not understand, and segregate them from the rest of the "real media."

If this was a team in the United States, I would call for his pass to be reinstated due to his first amendment right to report on the team however he should choose (and our freedom of the press does not limit the right to the main-stream media). However, the incident occurred in Canada, though I have a feeling the press has a right to report there as well.

What the Oilers did was indecent, morally wrong, counter-intuitive, and flat out stupid. I wish that the outpouring of support from his fellow blogger would have convinced him to change his mind, but it seems DMFB is set on hanging up his keyboard, at least for now.

That is a bigger loss for us, and for the rest of the hockey world than it is for him. Little do they know it, but it is a huge loss for the Oilers organization as well.

Another Quick Preview

2008-10-18T10:57:00.005-05:00

Since I have to miss yet another Wild game due to that stupid thing called work, here is your quick preview for the game tonight.

The Lightning are built around offense. With Vinny signed long term, St. Louis flying around, Stamkos on board, newcomer Ryan Malone working the front of the net, and that one guy in net, you know, the one guy? Or how about that stud back on the blue line? Yeah, that one...

You see the point. They have little or no defensive capability. They are geared toward an 8-7 style of game, which just isn't how the NHL works, and especially a Western Conference team such as the Wild.

Look for the Wild to choke the potent offense of the Bolts, and cause them to make a ton of turn overs. This of course, plays right into the hands of the waiting Wild offensive juggernaut.

I really see the Wild scoring 5 or 6 again tonight, with that line of Bruno-Koivu-Mittens doing most of the damage yet again. The Lighting just do not have anything to slow these three down. Well, except maybe Melrose's mullet... oh wait, he cut that off. Never mind, they've got nothing.

In the warm and fuzzy portion of the story, Wes Walz is now an assistant coach for the Bolts, and will be there tonight. Should be a very odd sight to see him on the other team's bench.

Can I ask why the Wild haven't retired 37 yet?

Final score tonight is somewhere around 5-1. Koivu pots two, Mittens two more, with assists all around for the terrible threesome. The other goal goes to a defenseman, let's say MAB.

GO WILD!

We're Rabid, Bloodthirsty, and...

2008-10-18T10:44:00.003-05:00

In Nashville, they just aren't.

As one of the reporters for the Nashville Pro Sports Examiner, Lindsay Rutledge has finally figured out it's hockey season.

As always, I bring you the best quote from the article:

"Someone told me the other day that hockey season had started. Which meant little to me because this is Nashville, not Canada, and we’re in the middle of football season in the South. Besides, hockey season is so long that we’re a week or so into the season and nothing noteworthy has happened."

I can tell you she goes on to try to cover her tracks, but then she makes the comment that she is going to use football comparisons all season. Reminds me of when I went to see the Wild play in Phoenix, and I was given a brochure walking in explaining how the game of hockey was played, using basketball as a reference.

Gary Bettman? Are you reading this? The reporters in Nashville don't even realize hockey is happening, how do you expect anyone else to?

Move the Preds to Winnipeg. I know, the NHL likes Hamilton, or Hartford, or somewhere in Europe, but I like Winnipeg. I can drive there and go see the Wild play. At least, that is, if I remember it's hockey season.

Go Wild!

The Article I Would Love to Write

2008-10-17T13:35:00.005-05:00

Todd J. Smith over at The Rake has written the article I would love to write. In it, he details how he moved from regular Joe sports fan, to above average sports reporter in just two weeks.

After detailing how he trumped Sid Hartman for the elevator ride of his life, and gorged himself on free nacho cheese and prime rib, Todd offers us this:

"My dream night wrapped up in the Wild locker room of course. Amongst the burly players, jerseys, and equipment, I stood on sacred ground. It was virtually the epicenter of the Minnesota hockey universe. I could barely write in my notebook my hands were shaking so badly. I feared that if I asked a player a question I might (A) vomit (B) stutter or (C) hug him."

That is a feeling I know all too well. I am going to attempt to make it to some practice sessions this season through Pro Hockey News. this will likely entitle me to do some interviews with players i have watched and cheered for for the past eight years.

I'm glad to see that Todd has paved the way for all of us "fringe" journalists.

As for my opinion of the man, the myth, the legend that is Todd J. Smith, it is abundantly clear he is already more talented and deserving of that shiny press pass than Sid ever was or will be.

Go Wild!

More News, but Less Funny

2008-10-17T12:13:00.006-05:00

It seems that as the NHL kicks in to full gear, the news coming out of the league has multiplied exponentially. However, at the same time, it has become much less funny. With less to joke about at the moment, let's turn our attention to our favorite blade wearing heroes.

The Wild are now 3-0-0. They have scored 14 goals in those three games. Let me say that again, just so everyone can soak it in. 14 goals in three games. For a team that has been called the most boring team in hockey, that's pretty exciting.

Who's scoring these goals, you may ask. It seems that the loss of Rolston, Demo, and the rest of the crew has not affected the team quite as much as everyone thought they would. Well, everyone except me that is. Mittens is an absolute killer, Bruno is back to his old ways, and Koivu, he's just a flat out stud.

Oh, and Boogey got a point last night. That right there, should tell you things are a bit different this season. Of course, everyone knows, if he had earned that point at the X, the Wild may have needed a new building to play in, because the fans would have blew the lid off of it.

Granted the Wild have not faced any of the stiff competition we are used to. They have not faced the Flames, the 'Nucks, the Oilers, or the Avs yet. They will though, and soon. The only team that seems set up to pose much competition is the 'Nucks, but those other guys are likely getting desperate. Never good to play against a team that is failing to meet expectations, and has it's captain and 50 goal scorer throwing punches.

You can bet when the Wild run into the brick wall that is the NW division, things will shake out a little better. No one is under the impression the boys will finish 82-0, but hopefully they don't hit that wall too hard.

An injury update from today:

Butch will be put on the IR to make room for Krys Kolanos. Kolanos you will remember, made it very difficult to send him to Houston. Ms. C, our favorite Aeros blogger of all time, says Kolanos is on fire, and hates to see him get called back up.

Nolan is still out as far as anyone can tell, especially since they are keeping Clutterbuck up, and calling in additional reserves.

Zidlicky is still out. No new news here.

No news from anyone on Uncle Moneybags. I'm guessing no one wants to approach the press with anything to do with the guy, so news may not come until tomorrow, closer to game time. So... we'll list him as day-today.

That's about it for now. I'm still searching the interweb for anything new and fun to talk about. If you come up with anything, let me know.

GO WILD!

A Very Quick Preview

2008-10-16T13:52:00.004-05:00

I still feel it is too early in the year to put much stock in a preview of any game. There just has not been enough time to see the chemistry, see how players are responding to each other, where the weaknesses are, etc.

That said, we'll take a quick look at tonight's battle.

The Wild come in truly hobbled. They are down Gaborik, Nolan, Bouchard, and Zidlicky. Three of the top six up front, and top four blueliner. Should make things really interesting. Maybe they should start Backs tonight. Seems to be about their speed, throw him in situations where the team is already weakened.

Florida is by definition not a very good team. Sure they have Bouwmeester, and Vokoun could be a solid goalie on any other team, but that's all they have.

The Wild should still be able to win this game, despite all of the injuries. Look for Mittens and Bruno to carry the team yet again. The d-men are going to have to play near perfection, but if anyone can do it, it's them.

Final score, 3-1 Wild. Mittens gets 2 more tonight.

GO WILD!

A Couple of Hmmms...

2008-10-16T13:44:00.005-05:00

Russo updated his info on the Rant, so i thought I would share a couple of hmmmm moments.

First, Tomas Mojzis will make his Wild debut. On... the... wing. Yeah, he's a defenseman. This should be an interesting experiment. Russo says he has the offensive instinct to do well. I'll believe it when I see it.

Second, and I'll quote this from Russo so as to not sound like I'm piling on:

"I don’t know when Gaborik hurt his “lower body” because he was certainly playing soccer hackysack/volleyball for about 45 minutes yesterday with Andrew Brunette, Mikko Koivu, Antti Miettinen and Eric Belanger."

Funny. That's probably when he hurt it.

Russo also tried to put to rest the rampant rumors on the rant about Moneybags being held out because he was being traded. I agree. I don't see them saying he is injured to cover that they are trading him. That seems a little unmarked helicopterish to me.

I'll save my really bitter, sarcastic, angry rant for now. I agree with a few others that say he may only miss one game. If so, great. If he misses more, expect to see that rant in full.

Go Wild!

In the Latest DUH Moment

2008-10-16T11:14:00.005-05:00

Russo is reporting, in an ever so short manner, Uncle Moenybags is hurt.
He has called it, in the best NHL terms, a "lower body injury." This of course, means groin.

Whatever, Moneybags. Put some ice on it, put your skates on, and suck it up. Eight seasons in, never once have you played every game. Not one season. How do you expect to be the highest paid player in the league, or one of the top depending on who you ask, when you cannot even play the entire year?

How many games did Ovechkin miss last year? Wait... none. Malkin? Yep, none. Crosby missed a few last year, but they were the first he had missed, ever. You, Moneybags have missed 11, 4, 1, 17, 17, 34, and 5 for the respective years you have been in the league.
I will give you that you are fast, and that you have some raw talent to put the puck in the net. You, however, are not special. Not in the slightest. You are a Sally Sore Sac, and you need to grow up and realize hockey players play hurt. Deal with it, or pack up and move on.

I hope the injury doesn't hurt your chances on your F1 Sim.

Maybe it really is time to consider a new career. I hear Sir Flopsalot needs a ice dance partner for the Icecapades.