Tonight, the Wild face off against the Chicago Blackhawks for the second time of this preseason. For the record, the 'Hawks took the game Friday night 4-3, which was especially troubling after the Wild ended the first period with a 3-0 lead. While it's hard to pin that game on any one player, Eric Reitz may have dodged a bullet with Tomas Mojzis being placed on waivers.
Of course, Reitz may not be able to stop looking over his shoulder, as the Wild's first-round draft pick, Tyler Cuma, turned in a good enough game in the Wild's 2-1 shootout win over Buffalo that he'll be back for another game tonight. The kid's 18, and isn't expected to even play in Houston this year, but he could surprise everyone. The Wild is also known for pulling some very young players into the line-up if they have the skills.
But a bigger story than the saga of the defensemen is that tonight, for the first time this preseason, Marian Gaborik is expected to be on the ice. This is very important for both Minnesota and Gaby, since we're a little under two weeks away from the start of the season, and his contract status is still up in the air. If Gaby can turn in a strong performance against the young Blackhawks, we almost expect the Wild to hand him a huge salary on a silver platter. If he struggles in the slightest (or, worse, reinjures himself), we can see Minnesota try to low-ball their guaranteed superstar, and then watch him leave shortly into the year. The Wild need a gamebreaker, and the only one they've got is #10. It's time to (potentially) overpay.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Preseason Game One: Minnesota 2, Columbus 1
Preseason hockey is always rough, at least at the very beginning. Like every other sport, coaches are trying to get used to players, players are trying to get used to their teammates, and the officials are trying to remember how to call the game itself. To top that off, at least with regards to the Wild, if you don't have a ticket for the game, you aren't going to see (or hear) anything while it's happening, and need to rely on other media the next day.
Well, one thing that it seems everyone can agree on is that, while the Wild won the game 2-1, it wasn't pretty. Penalties called left and right, including, according to some scribes, some questionable calls (and one very questionable call that could result in Danny Irmen being sent back to Houston soon), and a lot of time spent by both teams on the power play or penalty kill. Of course, special teams can often be what wins hockey games, and the lone Blue Jackets goal came on the power play.
The other thing everyone seems to be in agreement on? Benoit Pouliot. From what we've read thus far, the kid just plain out-skated everybody last night at the Xcel, put some terrific moves out on the ice, and played a very solid game. It sure won't hurt his chances of locking down that 4th line center spot (which might lead to a quick promotion to 3rd line, behind Koivu and Sheppard) to have a solid game. And, by all accounts, his 3rd period game-winner was a beautiful backhand, and it helped to remind the fans that they weren't just watching a march to the penalty box.
Tomorrow, the Wild head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks. We'll probably be back after the weekend to see what we can find on that game. We're also watching to see which big names get sent down from the NHL club, just in case there are any surprises (and to see if Irmen really did shoot himself in the foot with that boarding call).
Well, one thing that it seems everyone can agree on is that, while the Wild won the game 2-1, it wasn't pretty. Penalties called left and right, including, according to some scribes, some questionable calls (and one very questionable call that could result in Danny Irmen being sent back to Houston soon), and a lot of time spent by both teams on the power play or penalty kill. Of course, special teams can often be what wins hockey games, and the lone Blue Jackets goal came on the power play.
The other thing everyone seems to be in agreement on? Benoit Pouliot. From what we've read thus far, the kid just plain out-skated everybody last night at the Xcel, put some terrific moves out on the ice, and played a very solid game. It sure won't hurt his chances of locking down that 4th line center spot (which might lead to a quick promotion to 3rd line, behind Koivu and Sheppard) to have a solid game. And, by all accounts, his 3rd period game-winner was a beautiful backhand, and it helped to remind the fans that they weren't just watching a march to the penalty box.
Tomorrow, the Wild head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks. We'll probably be back after the weekend to see what we can find on that game. We're also watching to see which big names get sent down from the NHL club, just in case there are any surprises (and to see if Irmen really did shoot himself in the foot with that boarding call).
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Trained and restrained
Well, folks, we haven't really been following too intensely the Wild's training camp, and now it's over. Scrimmages over the past couple of days, and some hard practice sessions, according to all reports that we've seen. All of this is in preparation for the Wild's first preseason game tomorrow night, against Columbus.
The Wild are looking at a bunch of skaters, and will probably keep 23 on the team when it comes down to it. Aside from their off-season acquisitions, it seems almost a lock that Benoit Pouliot and Eric Reitz will be up with the team, and Cal Clutterbuck has an outside shot. People keep talking about the chances of Krys Kolanos making the trip, with others quick to point out that bringing him along would cause Pouliot (and possibly Belanger) to be looking over their shoulders all season, and could be an unhealthy distraction. Still, the Wild are only running with 4 centers, and only two of those are really reliable (Koivu and Bouchard). The defensive corps are also going to be called on, as both goaltenders are looking at contract years.
But what about the biggest question mark the Wild have right now? Well, it seems as though the Team of 18,000 is no closer to signing Marian Gaborik, who is trying to position himself as a top 5 player (not top 5 for the Wild, but top 5 for the NHL). He's asking for too much, but he's also a key piece that the Wild need if they want to be able to vie for #7 or #8 in the conference this season. Besides, if Gaby gets the contract he wants and turns out a career season, it'll make the Wild bosses look like geniuses. The problem (other than the difference in money)? The injury-prone winger is out with a leg injury that could trouble him the rest of the pre-season, and into October. The longer he sits, the less likely that the Wild will pull the trigger and grant him the cash he's looking for.
We'll know a lot more about this year's team after we get a couple of preseason games under our belts. That being said, let's bring on the Blue Jackets.
The Wild are looking at a bunch of skaters, and will probably keep 23 on the team when it comes down to it. Aside from their off-season acquisitions, it seems almost a lock that Benoit Pouliot and Eric Reitz will be up with the team, and Cal Clutterbuck has an outside shot. People keep talking about the chances of Krys Kolanos making the trip, with others quick to point out that bringing him along would cause Pouliot (and possibly Belanger) to be looking over their shoulders all season, and could be an unhealthy distraction. Still, the Wild are only running with 4 centers, and only two of those are really reliable (Koivu and Bouchard). The defensive corps are also going to be called on, as both goaltenders are looking at contract years.
But what about the biggest question mark the Wild have right now? Well, it seems as though the Team of 18,000 is no closer to signing Marian Gaborik, who is trying to position himself as a top 5 player (not top 5 for the Wild, but top 5 for the NHL). He's asking for too much, but he's also a key piece that the Wild need if they want to be able to vie for #7 or #8 in the conference this season. Besides, if Gaby gets the contract he wants and turns out a career season, it'll make the Wild bosses look like geniuses. The problem (other than the difference in money)? The injury-prone winger is out with a leg injury that could trouble him the rest of the pre-season, and into October. The longer he sits, the less likely that the Wild will pull the trigger and grant him the cash he's looking for.
We'll know a lot more about this year's team after we get a couple of preseason games under our belts. That being said, let's bring on the Blue Jackets.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
In town, but for how long?
The Minnesota Wild are holding some early training camps, getting prospects and young players up to speed before the season begins. A surprise guest at the camps was none other than the Wild's 7.5 million dollar man, Marian Gaborik.
This could be a very good sign, especially as Gabby's getting back into condition following his off-season hip surgery, repairing something that he said plagued him during his 83 point season last year. It also could be an indication that the contract negotiations between Gaborik and the Wild are moving in a positive direction.
But there is a dark lining. Gaborik is being non-committal at this point, simply saying that negotiations are progressing, that he's got one season left on his contract, and indicating that he knows he'll be highly sought after should he become an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season. Could those lures be too big for this large fish in an admittedly small pond? Only time will tell, and Gabby appears to be focused on the game on ice, preferring to let his agent and Wild management handle the game on paper.
All we can really know is that, if the Wild are forced to let Gaborik go by failing to sign him to an extension, the team's faithful may start pounding down the doors of the Xcel, looking for management's heads on pikes.
This could be a very good sign, especially as Gabby's getting back into condition following his off-season hip surgery, repairing something that he said plagued him during his 83 point season last year. It also could be an indication that the contract negotiations between Gaborik and the Wild are moving in a positive direction.
But there is a dark lining. Gaborik is being non-committal at this point, simply saying that negotiations are progressing, that he's got one season left on his contract, and indicating that he knows he'll be highly sought after should he become an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season. Could those lures be too big for this large fish in an admittedly small pond? Only time will tell, and Gabby appears to be focused on the game on ice, preferring to let his agent and Wild management handle the game on paper.
All we can really know is that, if the Wild are forced to let Gaborik go by failing to sign him to an extension, the team's faithful may start pounding down the doors of the Xcel, looking for management's heads on pikes.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Let's do lunch
If you call yourself a Wild fan at all, you've probably been at least attempting to follow the progress on Marian Gaborik. Heck, if you're a hockey fan in general, you've probably been trying to keep one eye on this story. After all, Gabby has one year remaining on his contract, so it seems logical that either the Wild are going to try to sign him, or they're looking to avoid a Hossa-like situation and see what they can possibly get in a trade. Either way, one of the most electrifying players in the league should be getting plenty of attention this off-season.
For those that don't know, Wild honchos met with Gaborik in Slovakia, talked about the direction of the team, and made it clear that they think the best fit for Marian is Minnesota. This doesn't necessarily mean that Marian agrees, but we at least can get a good handle on what the Wild bosses would like to see. And, well, seeing that kind of dedication and pursuit of the franchise's number one player is nice, especially in an off-season that saw some productive (and some potential) pieces jump around the NHL like oil on a hot pan.
The Wild are looking ahead towards Oct. 11, and their season opener. Obviously, the team would like to get Gaborik inked to an extension before that first puck drops. Meanwhile, Gabby may be getting intrigued by the potential lure of high dollars from other teams as a UFA in one season. Will he sign with the Wild? We have to think that he will, if the money's right (and the rumors have him getting an offer that would be right around fourth-highest in the league). If he doesn't sign by Oct. 11, will the Wild abandon hope and start looking at trades? We have to think that the team would be willing to try at least through the end of November to attempt to keep their star. But you can bet that if Gabby hasn't signed by Christmas, he will not be finishing this season in Iron Range Red.
For those that don't know, Wild honchos met with Gaborik in Slovakia, talked about the direction of the team, and made it clear that they think the best fit for Marian is Minnesota. This doesn't necessarily mean that Marian agrees, but we at least can get a good handle on what the Wild bosses would like to see. And, well, seeing that kind of dedication and pursuit of the franchise's number one player is nice, especially in an off-season that saw some productive (and some potential) pieces jump around the NHL like oil on a hot pan.
The Wild are looking ahead towards Oct. 11, and their season opener. Obviously, the team would like to get Gaborik inked to an extension before that first puck drops. Meanwhile, Gabby may be getting intrigued by the potential lure of high dollars from other teams as a UFA in one season. Will he sign with the Wild? We have to think that he will, if the money's right (and the rumors have him getting an offer that would be right around fourth-highest in the league). If he doesn't sign by Oct. 11, will the Wild abandon hope and start looking at trades? We have to think that the team would be willing to try at least through the end of November to attempt to keep their star. But you can bet that if Gabby hasn't signed by Christmas, he will not be finishing this season in Iron Range Red.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
About retirement
So there's a whole gigantic mess in the sporting world right now. And, unless you've been living under a rock, or just outside of North America, you're probably quite versed in many of the inner workings of Brett Favre and his decision to come out of retirement. Living where we do, we've been hearing plenty about how he's showing himself to be a destructive personality, that it's all about his ego, and that he should have just faded off into the sunset.
The biggest problem, so far as we can tell? The guy decided that, at 38, he wasn't as done playing the game as he thought he was. It's not like it's never happened before where players have come out of retirement. In fact, more often than not, when it's someone of a similar pedigree in their chosen sport, they are welcomed with open arms.
Just last year, the Anaheim Ducks had two different players that had hung up their skates decide to lace them on again. Colorado saw Peter Forsberg back on the ice. It's happened before, and it'll happen again. These teams were forced to move on without their respective pieces, and then shuffled things when the player wanted to come back. In the meantime, the Minnesota Wild were dealing with Wes Walz, an on-ice leader, trying to decide if he still loved the game enough to put himself through the physical punishment.
Green Bay had moved on from Favre. Favre obviously had not completely moved on from the game. Scott Neidermayer and Anaheim had moved on from each other, until Scott decided that he just couldn't be done as a hockey player. When he made his announcement, the Ducks cleared a space on their roster, inserted him back into his old role, and let the transition happen as it should. And many other sports have done the same with key players (Roger Clemens ring a bell? Admittedly, not completely fair because of the financial element, but still somewhat apt). Why should the Packers not being willing to take Favre back, when it's clear that he rushed into his decision to leave football behind?
It seems like, largely, this is coming down to a matter of pride, and that pride is not the pride being displayed by Brett Favre. He simply wants to play again, and originally hoped to do it with the team that made him a Hall of Fame player. It was clear a month ago that he couldn't do that, because the Packers management was too proud to admit that their heir apparent wasn't ready to helm a college team, let alone a team that was one win away from the Super Bowl.
Is Brett innocent in this? No. Not in the slightest. But then, neither are any of the other players that have decided that they just want one more shot at the big time. The onus falls on the team that owns the rights. Either accept them with open arms from the get-go, and force them to prove that they still deserve the job they left behind, or cut them loose from the beginning, saving hard feelings, and give them that chance to make their mark elsewhere.
But when a player wants to reverse his decision to retire, never offer them a financial settlement to keep them off of the field. It's just a slap in the face.
The biggest problem, so far as we can tell? The guy decided that, at 38, he wasn't as done playing the game as he thought he was. It's not like it's never happened before where players have come out of retirement. In fact, more often than not, when it's someone of a similar pedigree in their chosen sport, they are welcomed with open arms.
Just last year, the Anaheim Ducks had two different players that had hung up their skates decide to lace them on again. Colorado saw Peter Forsberg back on the ice. It's happened before, and it'll happen again. These teams were forced to move on without their respective pieces, and then shuffled things when the player wanted to come back. In the meantime, the Minnesota Wild were dealing with Wes Walz, an on-ice leader, trying to decide if he still loved the game enough to put himself through the physical punishment.
Green Bay had moved on from Favre. Favre obviously had not completely moved on from the game. Scott Neidermayer and Anaheim had moved on from each other, until Scott decided that he just couldn't be done as a hockey player. When he made his announcement, the Ducks cleared a space on their roster, inserted him back into his old role, and let the transition happen as it should. And many other sports have done the same with key players (Roger Clemens ring a bell? Admittedly, not completely fair because of the financial element, but still somewhat apt). Why should the Packers not being willing to take Favre back, when it's clear that he rushed into his decision to leave football behind?
It seems like, largely, this is coming down to a matter of pride, and that pride is not the pride being displayed by Brett Favre. He simply wants to play again, and originally hoped to do it with the team that made him a Hall of Fame player. It was clear a month ago that he couldn't do that, because the Packers management was too proud to admit that their heir apparent wasn't ready to helm a college team, let alone a team that was one win away from the Super Bowl.
Is Brett innocent in this? No. Not in the slightest. But then, neither are any of the other players that have decided that they just want one more shot at the big time. The onus falls on the team that owns the rights. Either accept them with open arms from the get-go, and force them to prove that they still deserve the job they left behind, or cut them loose from the beginning, saving hard feelings, and give them that chance to make their mark elsewhere.
But when a player wants to reverse his decision to retire, never offer them a financial settlement to keep them off of the field. It's just a slap in the face.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A shuffle
After the Minnesota Wild signed Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, it seemed like all they had left to do this season was to give Marian Gaborik an attractive contract extension, and the team would be ready to start their season on October 12 against the Boston Bruins.
Well, as we've recently learned, when it seems like there's only one thing left to do, it's probably more reasonable that certain things are being played close to the vest. And that's why, with the new acquisitions and contracts, it was probably only a matter of time before news like Mark Parrish's hit the internet.
For those that haven't heard, Parrish was placed on waivers by the team. Like Veilleux, Parrish was unclaimed by the rest of the league. Unlike Veilleux, the Wild seem to be working on buying out the remainder of the Parrish contract, making him a free agent and allowing him to start somewhere else from scratch.
Honestly, this seems like a bit of a shocking move by the Wild, but it also makes sense. Parrish has been injured a lot in his couple of Minnesota seasons, and he's also been one who's often been flagged by coach Jacques Lemaire as not putting in sufficient effort. By buying out his contract, the Wild are accepting that there was a mistake made in the original numbers, and they're giving him a chance to get a fresh start elsewhere. This will also give the Wild some room to call up prospects and have some cap room left over for emergencies.
It will be sad to see Parrish go, but, quite honestly, he wasn't able to contribute for the Wild what his contract required. Here's hoping he gets that fresh start and makes the most of it.
Well, as we've recently learned, when it seems like there's only one thing left to do, it's probably more reasonable that certain things are being played close to the vest. And that's why, with the new acquisitions and contracts, it was probably only a matter of time before news like Mark Parrish's hit the internet.
For those that haven't heard, Parrish was placed on waivers by the team. Like Veilleux, Parrish was unclaimed by the rest of the league. Unlike Veilleux, the Wild seem to be working on buying out the remainder of the Parrish contract, making him a free agent and allowing him to start somewhere else from scratch.
Honestly, this seems like a bit of a shocking move by the Wild, but it also makes sense. Parrish has been injured a lot in his couple of Minnesota seasons, and he's also been one who's often been flagged by coach Jacques Lemaire as not putting in sufficient effort. By buying out his contract, the Wild are accepting that there was a mistake made in the original numbers, and they're giving him a chance to get a fresh start elsewhere. This will also give the Wild some room to call up prospects and have some cap room left over for emergencies.
It will be sad to see Parrish go, but, quite honestly, he wasn't able to contribute for the Wild what his contract required. Here's hoping he gets that fresh start and makes the most of it.
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