Showing posts with label Mikko Koivu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mikko Koivu. Show all posts

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Battle of California: Koivu Announces Retirement

You may have seen this already, maybe not. Going against my better judgment, I probably shouldn't even link this silly article. I know it's an attempt to be funny, but as a member of the SB Nation I am not impressed, not one bit. This person is definitely not Down Goes Brown. Meh.
Jared Dobias, Battle of California -- At age 44, future hall of famer and Team Sweden Olympic Gold Medal winner Mikko Koivu announced his retirement today. Koivu was a bit of a journeyman in his 14-season career, first being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2004 before playing seven seasons with the Montreal Canadiens starting in 2007, another eight seasons for the Minnesota Wild, and then coming back to finish his career with Anaheim in 2011 where he played six more seasons.
Michael Russo, wasn't impressed either. An unfunny Onion, I agree.




Monday, August 11, 2014

Minnesota Wild All Time Greatest Player



Well we all heard Eric's opinion on who the greatest player in franchise history for the Minnesota Wild is, Marian Gaborik, and that will probably be a lot of other peoples choices because of how dynamic of a goal scorer he is.

However, one has to argue for Mikko Koivu. The captain has been with the team for 601 games played, plus three playoff runs.  The captain is much deserving of this honor along with his 452 points and a +26 rating in his career, I'd say this honor goes to Mikko Koivu.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Who's to Blame for Home Loss?

Not much can be said about tonight's game for the Wild, except, well I can't think of anything to say. This game left me with no words and scratching my head wondering what they need to do to find the net.

The Minnesota Wild would control much of the play in tonight's home game against Vancouver, but would find themselves surrendering the first goal to David Booth. However, just over a minute later, Charlie Coyle would find the twine when he would flat out snipe Eddie Lack. The teams would go into the locker room tied at one, but Minnesota probably should have been up by two goals for how much they controlled play. They just were not getting the bounces they needed.

As the game went on, things were still being controlled by the Wild, but the flood gates would open up in the third for the Canucks. A couple of power plays and bad turnovers later, the game was quickly 5-1 in favor of the bad guys. Nino Niederreiter would put one late goal in for the Wild, but that's exactly what it would be, too little too late.

Outshooting the Canucks 31-19 tonight, the Minnesota Wild and fans like me are left scratching their heads wondering what they could have done different tonight. More often then not, they did not get any second or third quality chances in the offensive zone, even though they were controlling most of the play.

Another thing that would cost them is too many costly turnovers. The Canucks are a team you can't make these kind of mistakes against or they will find the back of the net and tonight was a good example of this.

Goalie Darcy Kuemper also looked a bit off tonight, however, each and every Vancouver goal was scored from a high percentage scoring area, or off of a deflection. Kuemper can't be completely to blame for this loss. That being said, five goals against on 19 shots isn't that good at any level of play, and improvement is needed.

The gist of it all is that our key guys need to contribute more consistently in key games like tonight, and on the upcoming road trip. With guys like Parise, Pominville, and Moulson not finding the net as much as they should, it leaves playmakers like Koivu and Granlund sitting in the dust getting ridiculed because they aren't producing points either.

It's time for the veteran leaders to take charge and lead this team into the playoffs. They can't keep missing out on key points coming down the stretch, otherwise they could be sitting on the outside, much like the Toronto Maple Leafs are right now in the east.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Captain Scores a lot - Mikko Koivu


Congrats to the Wild Captain for becoming the All-Time leading scorer for the Minnesota Wild
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Tuesday, January 07, 2014

The Finnish 2014 Olympic Hockey Team

English: Sami Vatanen accepts his player of th...
English: Sami Vatanen accepts his player of the game award during the 2010 World Junior Championships. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Forwards

Juhamatti Aaltonen (Karpat, SM-liiga)
Aleksander Barkov (Florida)
Valtteri Filppula (Tampa Bay)
Mikael Granlund (Minnesota)
Jussi Jokinen (Pittsburgh)
Olli Jokinen (Winnipeg)
Mikko Koivu (Minnesota)
Leo Komarov (Toronto)
Petri Kontiola (Anaheim)
Lauri Korpikoski (Phoenix)
Jori Lehtera (St. Louis)
Antti Pihlstrom (Nashville)
Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina)
Teemu Selanne (Anaheim)

Defense

Lasse Kukkonen (Philadelphia)
Juuso Hietanen
Sami Lepisto (Chicago)
Olli Maatta (Pittsburgh)
Sami Salo (Tampa Bay)
Kimmo Timonen (Philadelphia)
Ossi Vaananen (Vancouver)
Sami Vatanen (Anaheim)

Goaltenders

Kari Lehtonen (Dallas)
Antti Niemi (San Jose)
Tuukka Rask (Boston)
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Monday, January 06, 2014

Minnesota Wild: The Hits Keep Coming

This is not good news for the Minnesota Wild. Mikko Koiuv and Josh Harding were placed on the injured reserve list. With forward Zach Parise out, the Wild are even more offensively challenged. If my math is right, that's tree players out with foot injuries as well (Koiuv, Spurgeon and Parise). The loss of Harding is huge as well. He is 18-7-3 with a 1.65 goals-against average, a .933 save percentage
Chad Graff, Pioneer Press -- The Wild placed captain Mikko Koivu and goalie Josh Harding on injured reserve Monday.

That means each will sit out at least seven days.

Koivu was injured Saturday night when he apparently blocked a shot with his ankle. The Wild did not announce a time frame for Koivu's return, but an update is expected Monday afternoon after the team practices in Los Angeles.

Harding was termed "ill" in the days leading to Monday. He had been placed on IR last month to adjust to treatment changes for multiple sclerosis. The changes were termed "minor" by Harding and the team, but he only appeared in two games after being activated in late December.
With a offensively challenged line-up and with the current injuries, the Wild are going to have to have someone step up and chip in offensively.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Minnesota Wild: Parise Leads the Wild past the Flames with two goals



Former Fighting Sioux Forward Zach Parise is having a good season with the Minnesota Wild. Tonight he was on fire as he led the Minnesota Wild past the Calgary Flames when he scored (2g-1a—3pts). On the season, Parise has (8g-6a—14pts) in 16 games. His line mate Mikko Koivu also had (1g-2a—3pts) as well.


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Sunday, April 07, 2013

Jason Pominville's scores his first goal from Zach Parise



I am sure that the Buffalo Sabre fans aren't going to be too pleased with this goal but, newly acquired Wild forward Jason Pominville's scores this beautiful goal, his first wearing a uniform for the Minnesota Wild. Chalk up a nice set up from former Fighting Sioux forward Zach Parise. Pominville had a (1g-1a—2pts)tonight against the Bluejackets.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wild win in a Shootout 3-2



The WCHA was well represented tonight. Here is the video of the shootout. Shooting is former Fighting Sioux forwards Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews. Also, Mikko Koivu, Patrick. Kane, former Saint Cloud State Husky Matt Cullen and Patrick Sharp shootout attempts.

Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews has a 50 percent success rate in the shootouts. That's incredible in my opinion.
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Zach Parise's no goal.



At first look, it appeared that Zach Parise had scored with 4:37 left in the second period of tonight's game between Columbus Blue Jackets and the Minnesota Wild. After further review, the refs determined correctly that Zach had punched the puck into the net with his glove.
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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Dany Heatley and Zach Parise's magical night



While the game didn't go the way that Wild fans would have wanted, Zach Parise (2g-1a-3—pts), Mikko Koivu (1g-1a—2pts) and Dany Heatley (1g-1a—2pts) all had a pretty good night and scored all four of the Wild goals. The Blues would win the game in overtime with a goal from former Boston Bruins forward Vladimir Sobotka.
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Monday, July 16, 2012

Updated Wild Wild Depth Chart


Michael Russo of the Star Tribune has the updated the depth chart for the Minnesota Wild. Seems like the Wild have a lot more talent to work with than other years. It will be interesting to see if former Denver Pioneer Jason Zucker can make the Wild out of training camp or if he will need a year in the minors before he makes the Wild.

It also seems like the Wild have a few pieces that they could trade if they had to. One question mark is whether Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard will be able to make a comeback after suffering another concussion last season.

FORWARDS

Left wing-Center-Right wing
First line: Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Dany Heatley
Second line: Devin Setoguchi -Mikael Granlund-Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Third line: Matt Cullen-Kyle Brodziak-Cal Clutterbuck
Fourth line: Darroll Powe-Zenon Konopka-Torrey Mitchell
Extra: Matt Kassian

Vying for spots: Kassian, Stephane Veilleux, Jake Dowell, Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Charlie Coyle, Johan Larsson, Nick Palmieri, Zack Phillips, Chad Rau, Jarod Palmer, Kris Foucault, David McIntyre, Carson McMillan, Justin Fontaine, Joel Broda.

DEFENSEMEN

Left-Right
First pair: Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon
Second pair: Marco Scandella-Tom Gilbert
Third pair: Clayton Stoner-Justin Falk/Nate Prosser
Extra: Falk/Prosser
Vying for spots: Falk, Prosser, Jonas Brodin, Steven Kampfer, Matt Dumba, Brian Connelly, Tyler Cuma, Chay Genoway, Drew Bagnall, Kyle Medvec, Josh Caron, Colton Jobke

GOALTENDERS

No. 1: Niklas Backstrom
No. 2: Josh Harding
In the wings: Matt Hackett, Darcy Kuemper

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Thursday, July 05, 2012

A quick look at the Wild Roster

Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune posted a depth chart of what the Minnesota Wild cold look like this season with their new additions. With the big free agent signing yesterday the Minnesota Wild look to have improved their formally depleted line up.

It would also appear that the Minnesota Wild have a few extra players that they could trade as well if they need to shore up a position.

FORWARDS

Left wing-Center-Right wing

First line: Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Dany Heatley
Second line: Devin Setoguchi -Mikael Granlund- Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Third line: Matt Cullen-Kyle Brodziak-Cal Clutterbuck
Fourth line: Darroll Powe-Zenon Konopka- Torrey Mitchell
Extra: Matt Kassian
Potential other extra: XXXXXX


Vying for spots: Stephane Veilleux, Jake Dowell, Charlie Coyle, Johan Larsson, Brett Bulmer, Jason Zucker, Zack Phillips, Nick Palmieri, Chad Rau, Jarod Palmer, David McIntyre, Carson McMillan, Kris Foucault, Justin Fontaine, Joel Broda

DEFENSEMEN

Left-Right

First pair: Ryan Suter-Tom Gilbert
Second pair: Marco Scandella-Jared Spurgeon
Third pair: Clayton Stoner-Nate Prosser
Extra: Justin Falk
Potential other extra: XXXXXX

Vying for spots: Falk, Prosser, Jonas Brodin, Matt Dumba, Steven Kampfer, Tyler Cuma, Chay Genoway, Drew Bagnall, Kyle Medvec, Josh Caron, Colton Jobke

GOALTENDERS

No. 1: Niklas Backstrom
No. 2: Josh Harding

In the wings: Matt Hackett, Darcy Kuemper

Note: XXXXXX signifies open spot.
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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Classic Sid - Granlund would look better with Parise

English: Zach Parise
English: Zach Parise (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Duh! I wonder if Sid has even been to a hockey game lately? I always get a kick out of Sid Hartman's writings - although hockey has never been a strong subject for Sid. Of course Parise would look better along side Mikael Granlund and or Mikko Koivu for that matter. There are probably 25-29 teams that are interested in the services of Zach Parise.
Sid Hartman, Star Tribune --- Lou Nanne, whom I describe as Mr. Hockey in this state, has been a close friend of J.P. Parise (Zach's father and a former Minnesota North Star) for a long, long time, and he has been a confidant of young Parise since the young man hung around local NHL teams.

Nanne is convinced that the Wild would have a good chance of signing Parise if New Jersey is fortunate enough to win the Stanley Cup -- they have a 3-2 lead on the Rangers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Parise has been great for New Jersey in the playoffs, with 14 points in 17 games on seven goals and seven assists.

"If Jersey does win, it could really benefit the Wild because Zach Parise is a free agent and he wants to win a Cup," Nanne said. "It might be tough for him to come here right away, but if he wins a Cup in New Jersey then that goal has already been met and then it might be really reasonable for him to come to the Wild as a free agent."

Nanne said Parise hasn't ruled out signing with anyone.
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Monday, May 14, 2012

Anthony LaPanta is going to be the play-by-play for the Wild

I posted on the on Sunday, that Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune was reporting on Russo's Rants  that Anthony LaPanta was going to be selected to be the play-by-play voice of the Minnesota Wild on FSN. This story kind of went viral - Minnesota Wild fans are not happy with the selection of LaPanta. In fact, it's getting down right ugly and here is a sample of a few of the recent tweets that I found. You can also see some of the comments here at the Star and Tribune site.

While I am not really a fan of LaPanta per se - I am not a hater of LaPanta either. So I guess I don't know what all of the furor is about either, who did the fans think that FSN was going to hire, they already have a person on payroll so they don't really have to bring anyone else in it makes sense from a business stand point.

While there probably are better choices than LaPanta - is this really an issue that Wild fans need to get totally bent out of shape about? I have listened to LaPanta a lot while he was the play-by-play for the Minnesota Gopher broadcasts on FSN, I don't think he did that bad of a job.  Enhanced by Zemanta

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Matt Kassian vs. George Parros


I think this is the reason that the Wild have sent Brad Staubitz down to Houston and probably the reason we will never see Staubitz in a Wild uniform again. The emergence of Matt Kassian has made Staubitz expendable. Maybe the Wild can trade him to a team that needs toughness.
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Monday, December 26, 2011

Cal Clutterbuck goal against the AV's


On the score sheet it will read; Cal Clutterbuck (10) Wrist Shot - Assists: M. Koivu (21) & D. Heatley (15). What a great effort by Koivu and Heatly down low to get the puck to Clutterbuck who shot the puck past the Av's goalie Semyon Varlamov. That is the 10th goal of the year for Cal Clutterbuck. I am sure that Adrian Dater head spun because his favorite Wild Player Cal Clutterbuck has scored.
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