Update on Darryl Sydor

Looks like Darryl Sydor is making some progress and has extended his stay in treatment. Here's hoping Sydor's treatment is successful and that he will be back with the Wild soon.

Per Michael Russo:

Assistant coach Darryl Sydor, who entered a treatment facility for alcoholism on Aug. 23, has voluntarily extended his stay in California beyond 30 days, his attorney, Ryan Pacyga, told me today.

“I speak with him several times per week,” Pacyga said. “He is making great progress and is doing exactly what he should be doing right now (trying to get better).”

The Wild continues to support Sydor and the hope from his end is that he can return to the team when deemed appropriate.

Sydor was arrested Aug. 20 for drunken driving. He will be arraigned Oct. 12 on two counts of second-degree driving while impaired with two aggravating factors – the endangerment of his child who was in the car and having a blood alcohol content of .16 or more.

Star Tribune: Wild Assistant coach Darryl Sydor arrested For DUI

Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor has been arrested and charged with second DUI. This is a very serious charge and nothing to sneeze at. Driving under the influence with your children in the back of your vehicle is a serious offense. Also, blowing a .30 is is highly intoxicated.

In my opinion, Sydor will/should be charged with child endangerment.

Per the Star Tribune:

According to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Sydor was still listed in jail Friday morning and could face drunken driving as well as child endangerment charges.

Sydor was arrested by Fridley police at 5:15 p.m. Thursday near Medtronic Parkway and Highway 65 in Fridley, said Lt. Mike Monsrud of the Fridley police.

A citizen had called police to report Sydor as a possible drunken driver, and police observed Sydor displaying “erratic behavior” such as swerving and making wide turns, Monsrud said.

When stopped, police noticed Sydor had bloodshot, watery eyes and “slow, slurred speech,” Monsrud said.

Sydor, who lives in Woodbury, had difficulty finding his driver’s license in his wallet and passed by it several times after police requested it, Monsrud said.

Thoughts on this one?

Update: According to Chad Graf, "Darryl Sydor has been booked for second degree DUI and child endangerment, according to Fridley Police. Court appearance this afternoon."

Wild Fans Exhale: Devan Dubnyk Re-Signs with the Wild

View image | gettyimages.com

Crosses fingers. I think we don't have to worry about backup goalie Niklas Backstrom being in the mix next season., unless there's a lot of injuries. Or at least I hope we don't. The Wild have re-signed Devan Dubnyk. Wild fans can now exhale.

Per Michael Russo:

After three days of heavy-duty negotiation, the Wild has agreed to terms with the goaltender on a six-year, $26 million deal, sources say. That's a $4.33 million cap hit, making Dubnyk the 21st-highest paid goaltender in the game. He makes $5 million each of the first four years, $3.5 million and $2.5 million the last two. There is a limited no-trade clause for part of the deal.

"Like I said from the outset, he’s been very clear that he wanted to remain in Minnesota and we’ve been adamant about trying to keep him," GM Chuck Fletcher said. "We’ve been chasing stability in the goaltending position and we’re hopeful that Devan can be a steadying influence back there."

The deal almost certainly makes young goalie Darcy Kuemper expendable at some point. But at a $1.25 million salary and the Wild in the need of a backup this year, the time to trade Kuemper could come later in the season or next summer.

Update on Dubnyk contract: It's $26M for 6 for a 4.33M AAV. 20th highest-paid goalie. $5M per 1st 4 years, $3.5, $2.5 last 2

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

Dubnyk's deal will have a limited no-trade for part of contract.

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 27, 2015

The Wild Are Going to the Gophers: Mike Reilly Picks Wild

If you're a Minnesota Gopher fan, you're probably really happy right now. The highly-sought free agent and former Minnesota Golden Gopher Mike Reilly had narrowed his choices down to four teams, the Wild, Blackhawks, Kings and Penguins were said to be in the running for Reilly's services. If you're  a Columbus Blue Jacket fan, you're probably not all that happy.  

Michael Russo, Russo's Rants -- The Mike Reilly sweepstakes are coming to an end this afternoon and unless something backfires, he will be signing with the Wild.

But in other much-anticipated news, sources tell me agent Pat Brisson is expected to call Fletcher this afternoon with the news that Reilly has chosen the Wild. He can not officially sign until Wednesday.

Again, unless something backfires (I keep saying that because Reilly's camp has not informed the Wild yet), Reilly is expected to agree to a two-year, $1.85 million deal (plus bonuses) with the Wild, sources say.

So, if you're a Wild fan that's not a Gopher fan, are there too many ex-Gophers on the Wild? I am sure that Drunk Hockey Guy will go out and buy a new Minnesota Wild jersey with Reilly's name on the back. :)

View image | gettyimages.com

Matt Cooke is Waived, Twitter Responds

Today is a very good day. Since my least favorite player in the NHL was finally waived from the Minnesota Wild, I thought I would celebrate by posting some of the Tweets that I found on Twitter.

@sexyreximacrexy I hate Matt Cooke so much and it basically broke my heart when he signed with Minnesota

— CorneliusHardenbergh (@HBAdventure) June 18, 2015

@mnwild I hate Matt Cooke he's a cheap shot artist...he's a disgrace to hockey....

— Richy (@ricnels12) June 18, 2015

Matt Cooke is a fucking joke im glad he on waivers he shouldn't be in the league for what he has done

— Mat Wilson (@matttyboy5150) June 18, 2015

See you never, hopefully! RT @goon48: Breaking News: Matt Cooke put on Waivers in Minnesota http://t.co/IgXEnrPsXR

— JS Landry (@JSLandry20) June 18, 2015

Bye Matt Cooke👋🏽👋🏽 pic.twitter.com/1vk7s2QFQa

— abby☀️ (@ybba2026) June 18, 2015

Wild put Matt Cooke on waivers, will buy him out #nhl http://t.co/NnluPDPJ6o pic.twitter.com/noCHLhWFFm

— WordLink #NHL (@NHLbyWordLink) June 18, 2015

Matt Cooke placed on waivers to be bought out http://t.co/hufP8vUxBf pic.twitter.com/X5eSSJlCC5

— Pominville News (@PominvilleNews) June 18, 2015

Matt Cooke is a LW who is about to be bought out. Matt Cooke plays #classless and #flyera hockey Flyera sign Matt Cooke to a 1 yr 2 way

— #ThankYouKimmo (@FauxGudas) June 18, 2015

See, it's not just me. Many other fans feel the same way. And yes, I agree Cooke is one of the dirtiest players ever to play the game of hockey. He makes Ulf Samuelsson look semi-clean.

Happy to see Matt Cooke being bought out by the Wild. One of the dirtiest players of all time. Doesn't deserve to be in the league. #NHL

— Tom Siino (@rangers_tom72) June 18, 2015

If Cooke being on waivers means he is going to be bought out, I could not be more pleased. I hope no one signs the pile of filth.

— Bryan Reynolds (@BReynoldsMN) June 18, 2015

Breaking News: Matt Cooke put on Waivers in Minnesota

According to Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada fame, the Minnesota Wild have put Matt Cooke on waivers for purpose to buy out his contract.

First off, I am friggin ecstatic. I couldn't be happier. It's well documented, I have never been much of a Cooke fan, I think he's one of the dirtiest players to have play in the NHL. Second only to Ulfie Samuelsson. What sold it for me was Cooke's career-ending, dirty hit on former Boston Bruins forward Marc Savard.

Also, this means a couple of things, the Wild are going to move forward with some of the talented, younger and less expensive forward prospects.

Second, the Wild need to clear some cap space to make room for Devan Dubnyk. Per Michael Russo.

The Wild, looking to clear cap space this offseason, has placed veteran Matt Cooke on waivers. If he clears, the next route would be a buyout.

Cooke, 36, who had an injury-ravaged season and was limited to only 29 regular-season games and seven playoff games, has one more year left on his contract at a $2.5 million cap hit with a $3 million salary.

Finally, I am sure that the Colorado Avalanche fans will be ecstatic with this move as well. Finally, Goon's World would like to wish Cookie well in his next endeavor. Maybe the Pittsburgh Penguins will pick him up off waivers? Probably not though.

View image | gettyimages.com

Crawford takes a Scandella Slap Shot off the Mask

What a slap shot by Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella. Also, it looks like the Scandella slap shot stunned Cory Crawford. No quiet room for Crawford.

Minnesota Wild: Vanek Victim of Poor Officiating

Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek was assessed a two-minute minor for goalie interference. You can watch this play all day long and it's still not a penalty. The on-ice officials in this game should be ashamed of themselves. This is brutal, and some of the worst officiating that I have seen in some time.

You can see that Vanek didn't agree with the call either.

Video: Parise vs Toews

A nice video tribute to two former UND fighting Sioux Hockey Players Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews.

Odds for the Stanley Cup

Odds to win the 2015 Stanley Cup

New York Rangers                     13/4 

Chicago Blackhawks                 4/1 

Anaheim Ducks                         9/2 

Minnesota Wild                         11/2 

Montreal Canadiens                   13/2 

Tampa Bay Lightning                 15/2 

Washington Capitals                  9/1 

Calgary Flames                         12/1 

The odds to win the Stanley Cup come from Bovada,

Minnesota Wild's Second Round Schedule

The NHL has finally released the schedule for the Blackhawks vs. Wildseries.

Friday, May 1 8:30 p.m. (central) Minnesota at Chicago NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Sunday, May 3 7:30 p.m. (central) Minnesota at Chicago NBCSN, CBC, SN360, TVA Sports

Tuesday, May 5 7:00 p.m. (central) Chicago at Minnesota NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Thursday, May 7 8:30 p.m. (central) Chicago at Minnesota NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

*Saturday, May 9 TBD Minnesota at Chicago TBD, TVA Sports

*Monday, May 11 TBD Chicago at Minnesota TBD, TVA Sports

*Wednesday, May 13 TBD Minnesota at Chicago TBD, TVA Sports

*If Necessary

Minnesota Wild Move On: Handshake Line; No One Threatened

Tonight, Minnesota finally won a Stanley Cup Playoff series on their home ice. This was the first time ever. I love the end of the series handshakes. No one from either team threatened to kill anyone or kick their ass. No one was pulled out of line.

While the Blues are a great rivalry, there doesn't seem to be a lot of hatred between the two teams. Maybe it's because the players on both teams know each other very well.

Video: Zach Parise Has Filthy Mitts #Buccigross

Today, the Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-1. With the win, the Wild win the series 4-2. What's more impressive, there were five goals scored in this game: Four-of-five goals were scored by former college/WCHA hockey players.

Hey, I am not done yet, three-of-four goals were scored by former Fighting Sioux forwards.

This Pretty Much Sums up the Wild's Night

Tonight, the Wild got outplayed, out worked and looked like a bunch deer in the headlights. I think Zach Parise sums it up best with his post-gane comments. Not a great effort by the hometown team, but the series is tied 2-2.

Zach Parise was blunt after the #mnwild's 6-1 loss. "I thought we were pretty brutal to be honest."
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) April 23, 2015

Yep, Steve Ott is a Rodeo Clown

Yes it's true, Steve Ott is a rodeo clown. Personally, I would recommend circus clown instead. Rodeo clowns actually have a purpose in life.

I am so glad that someone from that national media has finally said this. I think the Wild should be applauded for their restraint and not taking the bait from the St. Louis Blues. It has been fun to watch the Wild players just look Ott and smile and skate away.

Jim Souhan, Star Tribune – Wild fans will want to treat Steve Ott as a villain. He’s not. Villains are frightening. Ott is more like junk mail — annoying but meaningless, and soon to be stuffed in the proper recycling bin.

If the St. Louis Blues were intelligent, they would be feeding off the talent of Vladimir Tarasenko. Instead, they are feeding off the idiocy of Ott, a supposed enforcer who plays like a child, holding sticks and patting heads instead of just once hitting someone square.

When Ott actually had a chance to help his team with a third-period breakaway, he lost the puck, then fanned on a pass in the crease. He’s not a hockey player; he’s a rodeo clown.

Sometimes Ott mimics a tough guy late in games, when the hockey portion of the evening has ended. Monday, with his team down by three goals in the waning moments, he jumped on the smallest player in the game, Jared Spurgeon.

I think that Ott's attacking Jared Spurgeon needs to be addressed at the right time and place. For the most part, that’s not the Wild game. The Wild are ranked 20th in the NHL in fighting majors and don’t have any players with more than five fights. Wild forward Chris Stewart has been in eight fights this season, but has only been in three as a member of the Wild.

(Video) Jason Zucker Goal in Game One Against the Blues

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker scores an absolutely beautiful goal in game one against the St. Louis Blues. Zucker missed 27 games to a broken Clavicle. Zucker's return is like getting a player at the trade deadline. Zucker adds another speedy forward to an already fast lineup.

Enter Devan Dubnyk

Here's some of an article that I wrote for the Hockey Writers. 

On January 14, 2015, the Minnesota Wild acquired Devan Dubnyk (97-91-26, 2.69 GAA, .914 SV%) from the Arizona Coyotes for a third round draft pick in the 2015 NHL entry.

That move appeared to be a steal as Dubnyk started 38 games in a row for the Wild. During those 38 games, Dubnyk went (27-8-2, 1.78 GAA, .936 SV%) and helped the Wild qualify for the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Wild finished with a (48-26-8) record and will play the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Needless to say, Dubnyk helped Wild turn their season around. Without Dubnyk, the Wild would be scheduling their tee times and playing golf. Since the Wild acquired Dubnyk, they’re a plus-43 goal differential. That’s the best in the NHL.

In three games against the Blues, Dubnyk is (2-1-0, 2.62 GAA, and .918 SV%) against the Blues this season.

Last summer, Dubnyk signed a one-year deal worth $800,000.00 with the Arizona Coyotes and will soon to be an unrestricted free agent. Based on his performance with the Wild, Dubnyk is set to cash in during the NHL’s 2015 free agent signing period. The Wild might want to consider offering him to a contract as soon as possible.

Wild Are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Back in January, I wrote this for the Hockey Writers.

The Minnesota Wild are going through a rough stretch. The Wild have lost 11-of-13 games (2-7-4) and if the Stanley Cup Playoffs started today, the Wild would be golfing.

Currently, the Wild (18-18-5) are in 12th place in the Western Conference and are seven points out of the final Wild Card spot.

Even though the Wild are struggling, head coach Mike Yeo still has confidence in his team. To many Wild fans, these are empty, meaningless words. They want wins, not platitudes.

“I still have confidence in this group,” Yeo said after Sunday’s game. “Still know what we’re capable of, but there’s no doubt the clock is ticking here.” (Michael Russo)

While there are some fans that will disagree with me. I think it’s a good thing the Wild didn’t fire Mike Yeo. The Wild (45-27-8) are going back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and since January 13, 2015 have gone 27-9-3 (.730). 

The Wild acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk (27-8-2, 1.73 GAA, .938 SV%). Also, Dubnyk five shutouts and has added two assists. I guess you could say that the rest is pretty much history. 

How the Wild Make the Playoffs

Startribune’sMichael Russo had the Wild Playoffs Possibilities’. All of these possibilities make your head spin.  

The Wild would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Blackhawks in regulation OR if they win in a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Flames fail to win in regulation or overtime;
• the Jets lose in any fashion; or
• the Kings lose in any fashion.
  * The Wild also would clinch a playoff berth if they lose to the Blackhawks in overtime or a shootout AND any of the following occurs:

• the Kings lose in regulation;
• the Kings lose in overtime or a shootout AND the Jets lose in regulation;
• both the Flames and Kings lose in any fashion; or
• the Flames lose in any fashion AND the Jets lose in regulation.

Zucker May Return to Wild Sooner than Expected

View image | gettyimages.com

The Minnesota Wild received some really good news. Their speedy forward Jason Zucker may return to the lineup sooner than expected. In 48 games, Zucker has scored (18g-5a—23pts). Zucker's 18 goals rank him fourth on the team in goal scoring despite missing the last 24 games.

Rachel Blount, Star Tribune – After watching Jason Zucker skate through a full-throttle practice Friday, Mike Yeo was asked if the timetable for the Wild winger’s return had been accelerated. The coach said no, then added — although with lots of qualifiers — that the answer might be an unexpected yes.

“Kind of eyeing possibly the last couple of games [of the regular season],” Yeo said. “But we’ll make sure on that first.”

Translation: Zucker, who broke his collarbone on Feb. 9 and wasn’t expected to play for three months, might be back in the lineup next week. Though it was hardly definitive, Yeo’s pronouncement was so surprising that he was asked to clarify it, just to ensure he had been heard correctly. After saying for the past couple of weeks that Zucker was still “a ways away” from getting the green light to play again, Yeo now hopes to get him into the lineup during the three-game road trip that ends the regular season.

The popular winger was clearly overjoyed to hold his own during a demanding, fast-paced practice at St. Thomas Ice Arena. Yeo was almost as happy as Zucker was.