Wild - 2009-2010

[Handyman]

Wild go into the 2nd period down 2-0 and then EXPLODE! 3 goals on 3 shots in less than 3 minutes. Burns at 31 seconds, then Clutterbuck at 2 minutes then Nolen at 2:18...Ellis pulled!

[dxmnkd316]

Wild go into the 2nd period down 2-0 and then EXPLODE! 3 goals on 3 shots in less than 3 minutes. Burns at 31 seconds, then Clutterbuck at 2 minutes then Nolen at 2:18...Ellis pulled!

Wow! That's pretty slick! Good to hear the guys are doing well tonight against the Preds.

[ex_goldy]

Nashville with the go ahead goal and they showed Richards and he looked like he wanted to go hide somewhere. I hope he's not out of his league here. Jacque didn't seem to show any emotion, always sounded the same and said the same thing when they lost. I hope Todd isn't shoved aside anytime this year.

[Handyman]

Yeah too bad Backstrom is continuing to show he was just a product of Lemaire's system. Wow he looks terrible.

4-3 Preds on a SH goal.

Why would Todd e shoved aside? Fletcher chose him he has to live and die by that decision for the next few years.

[fightclub30]

Yeah too bad Backstrom is continuing to show he was just a product of Lemaire's system. Wow he looks terrible.

4-3 Preds on a SH goal.

Why would Todd e shoved aside? Fletcher chose him he has to live and die by that decision for the next few years.

WOW!!! When was Backy terrible???? The wild are giving no defensive help, they shot it at their OWN NET TWICE!!!! from the corner and backy had to make the save. Poor puck decisions, not being able to clear the zone, chasing puck carriers instead of pursuing the puck and winning battles, letting Nashville dictate play, etc. Backs made 2 big breakaway saves to keep them in this game, among other big saves. Only one goal i thought was "soft" others were good goals, or he was left hung out to dry.

They played about 5 mintues of hard-nosed inspiried hockey early in the 2nd... only 1 shot the rest of the period after their 3 goals. ZERO sense of urgency.

It's ugly, I dont blame the coach, the players look like they dont care on the ice. After they got the 3-2 lead they went into retreat mode and looked like they were playing for OT mid-way through the second, not playing to win the game.

[Handyman]

Oh please the SH goal was a disgusting goal and he was beat terribly at least one other time and got bailed out by the post. Even Greenlay and Terhaar were saying he didnt look good (that is akin to Glen Sonmor criticizing the Gophers!!) only excusing him for the 3rd goal which went off a skate. Sure he made some nice saves but he doesn't look nearly as good as he did when the Wild were trapping in front of him bailing him out. He was no better than Ellis who got yanked.

[mnwildfan79]

Yeah too bad Backstrom is continuing to show he was just a product of Lemaire's system. Wow he looks terrible.

4-3 Preds on a SH goal.

Why would Todd e shoved aside? Fletcher chose him he has to live and die by that decision for the next few years.

WOW!!! When was Backy terrible???? The wild are giving no defensive help, they shot it at their OWN NET TWICE!!!! from the corner and backy had to make the save. Poor puck decisions, not being able to clear the zone, chasing puck carriers instead of pursuing the puck and winning battles, letting Nashville dictate play, etc. Backs made 2 big breakaway saves to keep them in this game, among other big saves. Only one goal i thought was "soft" others were good goals, or he was left hung out to dry.

They played about 5 mintues of hard-nosed inspiried hockey early in the 2nd... only 1 shot the rest of the period after their 3 goals. ZERO sense of urgency.

It's ugly, I dont blame the coach, the players look like they dont care on the ice. After they got the 3-2 lead they went into retreat mode and looked like they were playing for OT mid-way through the second, not playing to win the game.

The first 2 goals he gave up were absolutely atrocious. He had clear vision on the shooter and just got beat. The 3rd goal was tipped but still very stoppable.

One thing is for sure: the honeymoon is over. I'm never a fan of booing the home team but even I let out a boo during that 3 minutes we couldn't clear the zone in the 1st including 2 seperate pathetic attempts by Brodziak. But a decent chunk of fans were booing throughout the game at some (IMO) ridiculous moments. At one point people starting screaming at Zidlicky for regrouping behind our own net and the game was tied at that point! I get that it's a frusterating time to be a Wild fan but the level of impatience rivals that of a kindergarden class waiting to go out for recess.

[g_manpucker]

I tuned into the game at the beginning of the 2nd period, in time to see the goal-fest by the Wild. For about 4 minutes of the period Nashville couldn't handle what the Wild were bringing. When they got the lead they just stopped...for the rest of the game they had one hell of a time getting the puck through the neutral zone! Then they reverted back to that stupid drop pass crap when they enter their own zone and just about EVERY time they turned the puck over. I think its a game who can make the longer pass, problem is that they don't see the defender in between them and they turn the puck over! I hope Richards is skating the out of these girls because they need to show some balls for more than 4 minutes out of a 60 minute game!

[Where is Spehar ?]

Yeah too bad Backstrom is continuing to show he was just a product of Lemaire's system. Wow he looks terrible.

4-3 Preds on a SH goal.

Why would Todd e shoved aside? Fletcher chose him he has to live and die by that decision for the next few years.

WOW!!! When was Backy terrible???? The wild are giving no defensive help, they shot it at their OWN NET TWICE!!!! from the corner and backy had to make the save. Poor puck decisions, not being able to clear the zone, chasing puck carriers instead of pursuing the puck and winning battles, letting Nashville dictate play, etc. Backs made 2 big breakaway saves to keep them in this game, among other big saves. Only one goal i thought was "soft" others were good goals, or he was left hung out to dry.

They played about 5 mintues of hard-nosed inspiried hockey early in the 2nd... only 1 shot the rest of the period after their 3 goals. ZERO sense of urgency.

It's ugly, I dont blame the coach, the players look like they dont care on the ice. After they got the 3-2 lead they went into retreat mode and looked like they were playing for OT mid-way through the second, not playing to win the game.

That's exactly what coaching supposed to do. Fire up players, motivate, make them care. At this level, the talent is there, it's the coaches job to motivate and implement their system.

[Hobey Baker]

How about Nashville contolling the puck in our zone for about 2 minutes in a 5 on 5 situation in the first period? The defense is now soft and pourous!!! A lot of boo birds at the X and deservedly so!!! This team is offensively challanged .. there is no creativity. I can't believe how bad the passing is?

This team is very tough to watch right now!

Richards does look like a kid behind the bench .. almost Granato like!!!

[Dolphin275]

How about Nashville contolling the puck in our zone for about 2 minutes in a 5 on 5 situation in the first period? The defense is now soft and pourous!!! A lot of boo birds at the X and deservedly so!!! This team is offensively challanged .. there is no creativity. I can't believe how bad the passing is?

This team is very tough to watch right now!

Richards does look like a kid behind the bench .. almost Granato like!!!

The Wild players were just standing there, like waiting for them to score. Hard to watch!

[Handyman]

Well...what did you guys expect? 3/4 of this team doesn't belong on a squad that plays an uptempo style. These are Lemaire style players playing in the wrong system. Massive overhaul is needed, and a hellluva lot of patience. We need to trade anyone we can get good value for, stockpile picks and young talent and play for next year and beyond. The team still shows flashes where they seem to get it, but they just dont have enough horses to do it. Do what the Blackhawks did and go young.

Hearing the fans boo always ticks me off but that is their prerogative. If the Wild fans give up now, after they spent years whining about a coaching change, a style change and a GM change that is just stupid. It is like the Gopher fans that expected them to be awesome when they stunk last year and returned almost the entire team that sucked except their best scorer. Things don't turn around overnight it takes time. We all wanted this, it is time to reap what we sow.

I think this shows though that LeMaire wasn't the problem...that he took this team to playoffs (often without Maryann) or even had them in the hunt at all last year was remarkable.

[Dolphin275]

What I don't understand, and maybe someone here can help me out.

How hard is it to go from a trapping style to an up tempo style. My guess is most of these players have sometime in there life played an up tempo style.

I mean were not re-inventing the wheel here..

[theskillz]

Completely agree with Handy. The bulk of the current Wild lineup just don't have the skillset to be successful in the new system. Get the draft picks, go young, give it a couple of years, and things will be much, much better.

[mnwildfan79]

What I don't understand, and maybe someone here can help me out.

How hard is it to go from a trapping style to an up tempo style. My guess is most of these players have sometime in there life played an up tempo style.

I mean were not re-inventing the wheel here..

Extremely hard.

Richards' entire system is predicated on throwing the puck in deep and having 2 forwards forcheck hard. The idea is you get in the defenseman's heads and over the course of the game cause them to become tentative and make mistakes with the puck behind their net creating turnovers and scoring chances. If you don't have the players crashing hard on the forcheck you lose the confidence to throw the puck in deep as you'll end up just giving the puck up. They have no confidence in the system right now, and rightfully so as they don't have the players to make it work.

[Don Adams Wheel of Justice]

Get the draft picks, go young, give it a couple of years, and things will be much, much better.

This has been the Wild's philosophy since their inception. "Wild Hockey, Wait 'til Next Year!"

[Luckygirl#13]

Well...what did you guys expect? 3/4 of this team doesn't belong on a squad that plays an uptempo style. These are Lemaire style players playing in the wrong system. Massive overhaul is needed, and a hellluva lot of patience. We need to trade anyone we can get good value for, stockpile picks and young talent and play for next year and beyond. The team still shows flashes where they seem to get it, but they just dont have enough horses to do it. Do what the Blackhawks did and go young.

Hearing the fans boo always ticks me off but that is their prerogative. If the Wild fans give up now, after they spent years whining about a coaching change, a style change and a GM change that is just stupid. It is like the Gopher fans that expected them to be awesome when they stunk last year and returned almost the entire team that sucked except their best scorer. Things don't turn around overnight it takes time. We all wanted this, it is time to reap what we sow.

I think this shows though that LeMaire wasn't the problem...that he took this team to playoffs (often without Maryann) or even had them in the hunt at all last year was remarkable.

AMEN!!!!

[ScoobyDoo]

I think this shows though that LeMaire wasn't the problem...that he took this team to playoffs (often without Maryann) or even had them in the hunt at all last year was remarkable.

I said that up above. Lemaire is a genius for getting as far with the players that are on this team as he did. Pure genius.

[Hobey Baker]

Completely agree with Handy. The bulk of the current Wild lineup just don't have the skillset to be successful in the new system. Get the draft picks, go young, give it a couple of years, and things will be much, much better.

The only problem with what you and Handy are saying is that the "supposed" forecheck has nothing to do with how they are playing in their own end of the rink. Being up tempo doesn't mean you can't play defense!!!!

[sagard]

The boys need to bottom out. They will need to be the Black Hawks / Pens for a few years and get some top of the draft talent. The coach isn't going to succeed here unless he is given four/five years, but I can't see that happening.

[Handyman]

The boys need to bottom out. They will need to be the Black Hawks / Pens for a few years and get some top of the draft talent. The coach isn't going to succeed here unless he is given four/five years, but I can't see that happening.

He is "One of Us" no way he gets fired anytime soon as long as he shows progress. Part of me is kidding, but you know I am right.

[sunbone]

Get the draft picks, go young, give it a couple of years, and things will be much, much better.

This has been the Wild's philosophy since their inception. "Wild Hockey, Wait 'til Next Year!"

I must have missed the part where we got the draft picks. It was more like, trade a lot draft picks, whiff on the picks you have left, sign marginal free agents, then pray Lemaire could get enough out of them to slip into the playoffs and keep the fans happy. This team needed an infusion of talent and it isn't going to happen overnight.

[g_manpucker]

Here's a question I have been pondering....Would it be easier to go from another style of hockey to Jacques hockey or doing what the Wild are doing by going away from it? Thoughts anyone...

[Where is Spehar ?]

Bottom line is they don't have the talent. Take a look at the top teams across the league. They all have 3-5 all-stars on their squad, a few middle of the road players and then a bunch of bit/role players. We have none. And with Richards style he will falter until they get top talent. Jacque was able to use the trap to mitigate damages and win every other game. Will the fans/management be able to wait 3-5 years in order to get top talent required in this system to win consistently? That is the question in my opinion. Which I think the answer is No. Maybe 2 years.

[Golden FE Ranger]

Bottom line is they don't have the talent. Take a look at the top teams across the league. They all have 3-5 all-stars on their squad, a few middle of the road players and then a bunch of bit/role players. We have none.

I think this is a poor assessment of the situation. To say we have no all star caliber players on this team is a miss when it comes to talent assessment. First, you have Koivu, who would be a top line player on nearly every team in the league. He should have been on last years all star team if the selection was based on performance and not reputation. Second, Burns is a very talented defensemen. The fact that he is in the picture for the CA Olympic team sums that up. Last year Havlatt lead his team in both regular season and playoff point production on their way to the conference finals. There are your three stars, now that is not saying they are playing up to their potential. There are plenty of problems right now with the Wild, but I do not think it is a function of having three elite players or not. There have been system breakdowns, especially defensively, that are killing them right now.

[Kessel Guy]

the "supposed" forecheck has nothing to do with how they are playing in their own end of the rink. Being up tempo doesn't mean you can't play defense!!!!

This is the best statement in the thread. The terrible defensive play is the key to why this team is struggling. Backstrom has been this teams best player (we will excuse the Nashville game). Poor decision making. Terrible positioning. Horrible passing. The continued lack of physical play are what is killing this team. If things don't improve in the defensive zone, it isn't going to matter how well we forecheck.

[Where is Spehar ?]

Bottom line is they don't have the talent. Take a look at the top teams across the league. They all have 3-5 all-stars on their squad, a few middle of the road players and then a bunch of bit/role players. We have none.

I think this is a poor assessment of the situation. To say we have no all star caliber players on this team is a miss when it comes to talent assessment. First, you have Koivu, who would be a top line player on nearly every team in the league. He should have been on last years all star team if the selection was based on performance and not reputation. Second, Burns is a very talented defensemen. The fact that he is in the picture for the CA Olympic team sums that up. Last year Havlatt lead his team in both regular season and playoff point production on their way to the conference finals. There are your three stars, now that is not saying they are playing up to their potential. There are plenty of problems right now with the Wild, but I do not think it is a function of having three elite players or not. There have been system breakdowns, especially defensively, that are killing them right now.

First of all I never said we have 'no all stars'. Aside from that, you are kidding yourself if you think Koivu, Burns and Havlat are elite players. They are good, and potentially bubble all stars, but they are no where near the elite caliber of the crosby's, malkins, heatley, carter,datysuk..etc. They just aren't. And with this style of play, that's what it takes..

[JC65]

First of all I never said we have 'no all stars'. Aside from that, you are kidding yourself if you think Koivu, Burns and Havlat are elite players.

I'm not going to disagree with that assessment. But remember that the Pens were the worst team in the league for close to 10 years and had their beloved owner threatening to move the team to K.C. before they were able to amass the talent pool they have right.

Does any Wild fan really want to go through that?

[Where is Spehar ?]

First of all I never said we have 'no all stars'. Aside from that, you are kidding yourself if you think Koivu, Burns and Havlat are elite players.

I'm not going to disagree with that assessment. But remember that the Pens were the worst team in the league for close to 10 years and had their beloved owner threatening to move the team to K.C. before they were able to amass the talent pool they have right.

Does any Wild fan really want to go through that?

That's a good question. Maybe I would to get a cup and potential dynasty for several years. But, my original point acknowledged that fact and I guess I was asking how long do you think the fans/management will put up with poor play. How many coaches did the pens go through in 10 years??

[JWG]

Nice win tonight.

[g_manpucker]

Good hockey night in the cities!

[Golden FE Ranger]

Bottom line is they don't have the talent. Take a look at the top teams across the league. They all have 3-5 all-stars on their squad, a few middle of the road players and then a bunch of bit/role players. We have none.

First of all I never said we have 'no all stars'. Aside from that, you are kidding yourself if you think Koivu, Burns and Havlat are elite players. They are good, and potentially bubble all stars, but they are no where near the elite caliber of the crosby's, malkins, heatley, carter,datysuk..etc. They just aren't. And with this style of play, that's what it takes..

I guess I misread your post. Like I said, the three players I mentioned (because of your 3-5 reference) are all-star caliber players, IMHO. You could throw Backstrom in there also. Not all players of that caliber play to their potential all the time, but I think these guys have the potential. Now if you are going to talk about elite players, that is another subject. The Crosbys, Ovies, and Malkins are #1 overall picks and like JC65 said, you have to be REALLY bad to land that selection. There are usually only a couple no brainers in the NHL draft each year. I guess the bottom line is I agree that the Wild could use some more top end talent, but I do not think that is their main issue right now. The biggest struggle I can see is just getting everyone to play good systems hockey. If the defensive breakdowns can be reigned in, it will help alot.

Nice to beat the Rangers last night...lets see how they do against Cindy and the Pens.

[Handyman]

I still dont understand this belief that Mikko should have been an All-Star last year...he didnt have the stats in the first half to justify it and yet you would think INCH they left Paul Martin off the All-America list again (old school joke for anyone that remembers back that far ) the way people whined about it. I like Koivu, he is a very good player but I don't think he is an All-Star.

The Wild do have 3 or 4 really good players but they have so much mediocre talent that has to play they make little difference.

Nice to see they got a win though...I won my bet that Maryann would be hurt before he ever got a chance to play at the X. My lord how many times can one man break his vagina?

[dxmnkd316]

Nice to see they got a win though...I won my bet that Maryann would be hurt before he ever got a chance to play at the X. My lord how many times can one man break his vagina?

I am going to start to refer to gabby as the "Fabergé Vagina"

[Handyman]

Wild playing well and still leading in Pittsburgh and I will say that Backstrom has been fantastic this game. Way better than 2 games ago when he was Cloutier-esque

[JC65]

The Wild hand the Pens their first home loss, and the fans in Pittsburgh are whining. The Wild got away with hook-and-grab, this never would have happened if Malkin, Kennedy or Talbot were in the line up, it was really only Backstrom who beat the Pens...

Living in Pittsburgh I get ample opportunity to remind Pens they only have Crosby, Fleury, Staal and Malkin because the Pens were the worst team in the league for along time. The Wild have never been the worst team in the league (before this year) and therefore have never even sniffed a #1 or #2 overall pick.

[Hobey Baker]

Wild playing well and still leading in Pittsburgh and I will say that Backstrom has been fantastic this game. Way better than 2 games ago when he was Cloutier-esque

Pitt threw the kitchen sink at the boys but they held on. Goli looked very good!

It is good to see TR get his first road win.

[UncleZeb]

Saw actual glimpses of the what a good Wild team can do with the new system, lots of pressure by the forecheckers in the neutral zone which caused a lot of errant passes by the pens. Great game to watch.

On a side note, Crosby should look to not try and pull the jersey over a guy then start punching him, really, how old is he, this isn't the Mighty Ducks here, if you can't fight right, don't fight at all.

[Hobey Baker]

Wild lead 2-1 at Tampa tonight! Pouliot scored his 2nd in the first and Johnson with a pretty goal on the PP for his 2nd and the teams second. Tampa scored on a wierd shorty by Stamkos.

Wild look much more fluid on offense and have tightened things up in the defensive zone ..

What a goal by Owen Nolan to make it 3-1!!!!!!! Coast to Coast!!!

[Greyeagle]

The old man still has some skill!

[g_manpucker]

The ole wirery Irishman still has a little left in the tank!

[gator]

Wild starting to look better and better every night they play.

[Greyeagle]

Ouch.

[Hobey Baker]

Ouch.

Tampa's Ryan Malone ties it with 14.7 seconds to go.

Wild give up 2 in the third and were outshot 7-0 the last 9:00 minutes of the third period.

[Hobey Baker]

Wild lose in shootout.

[gopher wes]

I think I realized after last night why I haven't watched much of the WIld this year. That was unexcusable. I love how the announcers play it off like there is some kind of moral victory in getting the one point and it isn't a big deal to give away the extra point to an Eastern Conference team. Late in the season I can see that maybe but it's too early to be talking like that. Bottom line is they had that game wrapped up had they just come out and performed in the third period. That was unacceptable IMO.

[alignrock]

I love how the announcers play it off like there is some kind of moral victory in getting the one point and it isn't a big deal to give away the extra point to an Eastern Conference team.

Yep...sounds like Terhaar and Greenlay.

[gator]

Because of the Olympics and no All-Star game the Wild are hosting a Skills Competition.

Also, here's a press release:

The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced today that the team will hold a Skills Competition, a fan orientated skills event featuring Wild players on Sunday, Jan. 24 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Xcel Energy Center. Gate 1 (southeast corner of Xcel Energy Center off of Kellogg Boulevard) will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Minnesota Wild Foundation.

Tickets for the Minnesota Wild Skills Competition are on sale now at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com) locations or charge by phone by calling (800) 745-3000. General admission tickets are $10.00 in advance or $15.00 if purchased on January 24. Minnesota Wild season ticket holders will receive a complimentary ticket to the Skills Competition for each season ticket on their account.

Fans that purchase a lower level or Treasure Island Resort & Casino Club Level ticket to any Minnesota Wild non-premium home game in December will receive a complimentary Skills Competition ticket in an event suite, a private meet and greet with the Wild coaching staff and a 2009-10 team yearbook.

Minnesota Wild players will be situated at different autograph stations and sign autographs beginning at 11:00 a.m. A $10 autograph ticket must be purchased at each autograph station. Autograph tickets will be distributed to the first 250 fans in line at each station.

Following autographs, players will participate in a variety of on-ice competitions starting at approximately 1:00 p.m. All fans in attendance will also be able to participate in interactive hockey games, a silent auction, raffle and grab bags featuring Minnesota Wild autographed merchandise. The Wild last held a Skills Competition on Jan. 12, 2003.

Great seats are still available for all Minnesota Wild home games. For more information on single game ticket packages visit http://www.wild.com/ticketpacks.

[g_manpucker]

I think I realized after last night why I haven't watched much of the WIld this year. That was unexcusable. I love how the announcers play it off like there is some kind of moral victory in getting the one point and it isn't a big deal to give away the extra point to an Eastern Conference team. Late in the season I can see that maybe but it's too early to be talking like that. Bottom line is they had that game wrapped up had they just come out and performed in the third period. That was unacceptable IMO.

Moral victories after a dominating game like that suck! That was definitely the blueprint on how to lose a game in the closing seconds of a game. That last penalty kill in regulation was going perfect, I mean TB spent over a minute in their defensive zone trying to get the puck across the red line...one time they get the puck in deep the Wild stand there and don't check anyone off the puck! Richards was pleased in his interview after the game but to have a 3-1 lead evaporate in the last half of the last period, NO offense what so ever in OT, then two pitiful shots in the shoot-out? Like I said that was the blueprint on how to lose a game.

[Next Crosby]

The Wild suck this year.

Big surprise.