Showing posts with label Minnesota Wild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Wild. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Maple Leafs' Kadri suspended three games for Bush League hit (Video)



First, I was out of town and away from the computer, but this hit did get my ire. I don't like this hit one bit, it's a dangerous hit and it's unneeded. In my opinion, the headline should read, Maple Leafs' forward Kadri suspended five games for bush league hits. Second, why isn't there any supplemental discipline for the hit on Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund? That's a dirty hit in my opinion as well. I don't know, maybe I am not looking at this objectively because I am Wild fan? Thoughts on this?

But I digress.

Nazem Kadri's hit on Niklas Backstrom is a chicken wing elbow. Anytime a player extends the elbow like this, it's intentional. I don't care what the players says at his hearing. The NHL has suspended Nazem Kadri three-games for his elbow on Backstrom.  Also, watch the suspension video, it's utter crap. I would use another word, but it's now a word that is used on this blog.


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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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Monday, October 28, 2013

Brandon Saad's spin-o-rama sets up Patrick Kane goal


s/t to sporting news. What a dirty goal. This spin-o-rama move would make Dennis Savard proud. This goal in the third period gave the Chicago Blackhawks a 4-1 lead and broke the Minnesota Wild's back.
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Minnesota Wild: Brodin picks shield over the bird cage



Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin has decided to go with the shield instead of the bird cage. According to Michael Russo, Brodin skated today. Hopefully, the Wild defenseman will return to the lineup soon.
Jonas Brodin skated on his own again today and his face is apparently still swollen, so it’s uncertain if he’ll practice Wednesday yet (Wild has the day off tomorrow). Charlie Coyle is improving and hopes to play Friday, but he said understandably he will only do so if he’s 100 percent. Keith Ballard and Mike Rupp again practiced today.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Minnesota Wild: Revisiting the Justin Fontaine Question: Oh yeah! He's scores again (Video)



Nothing beats the taste of sweet vindication. I wish I had made some bets on this one. Former Minnesota Duluth Bulldog Justin Fontaine is giving the Minnesota Wild reasons to keep him in the line up. Fontaine has played in 10 games so far and has scored (2g-0a—2pts) so far this season and he’s a plus +5. Last Summer, I wrote this.
Hockey Wilderness -- Based on what I had seen over the years, Justin Fontaine is a very skilled, crafty, offensive-minded forward with a knack for the net. Fontaine has above average speed and is a very good skater. He is a forward that you can't leave alone unchecked in the slot, and is dangerous on the power-play.

The knock on Fontaine according to Hockey's Future, "He is a little undersized for the NHL level." This shouldn't matter in today's NHL based the new rules that focus on the obstruction and protecting the puck carrier.

So, many college hockey fans in the State of Hockey want to know, will this be the year that Justin Fontaine finally makes the Minnesota Wild and dons the Wild sweater?

My question is, why not? Why is it that every time someone is called up to the Minnesota Wild, Fontaine is over looked? In his two season with the Houston Aeros, he has finished second and first in scoring, two seasons in a row, respectively. I guess only time will tell, if Justin Fontaine makes the Minnesota Wild roster.

Please feel free to tell me where I am wrong. I love a good debate.  Got to love those ex-college hockey players.

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Brock Nelson Scores First NHL goal



Former UND forward Brock Nelson scored his first NHL goal tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. assisting on the Nelson goal was Peter Regin and former Minnesota Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck. So far in five-games this season, Nelson has scored (1g-1a—2pts).




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Friday, October 04, 2013

Minnesota Wild: Matt Cooke scores his first goal as a Wild



I am actually surprised that Matt Cookes' shot off of the foot counted as a goal.

At 1:04 of the first period in the Kings/Wild game, video review confirmed the referee's call on the ice that Kyle Brodziak's shot deflected off Matt Cooke's skate and into the net in a legal fashion. The determining factor was that the speed of the puck propelled it into the net and that Cooke's skate only redirected it. According to Rule 49.2 "A puck that deflects into the net off an attacking player's skate who does not use a distinct kicking motion is a legitimate goal." Good goal Minnesota.
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Thursday, October 03, 2013

Thursday Dreaming: Hockey Season is Here



Change is the theme around the UND locker room this year.



The Minnesota Wild have resigned Jason Pominville to a nice contract.











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Monday, September 16, 2013

Matt Cooke trying to change the minds of the fans in the State Hockey

Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Matt Cooke of the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I am sure we're going to see a bunch of these types of articles leading up to the season. Needless to say, I am not all that thrilled about him being a member of the Minnesota Wild.
Jess Myers, 1500ESPN.com -- "He was pretty dirty," Parise said. "He got under your skin, and he's got that ability to take your focus off the game and off scoring goals, and he puts your focus on him. That's a good trait to have, and that's a good player for us to have."

A quick check of Cooke's online bio shows nearly as many NHL suspensions for dirty and dangerous plays as trips to the playoffs. It also shows a Stanley Cup ring that Cooke won with the Penguins (who had an assistant coach named Mike Yeo back then) in 2009. Still, over the summer when the Wild inked Cooke to a free agent pact, the reaction of some fans was akin to announcing that a tried and true goon like Ulf Samuelsson, or Todd Bertuzzi or Chris Simon (again) would be wearing green and red.

"I understand their reaction. I don't blame them for it, and they're entitled to it," said Cooke on Sunday. "But I'm a different player now, and somehow, some way, with this being the State of Hockey, I believe if for some reason I was on this side doing the same things, they'd be loving me. So I ask for patience, and hopefully after three or four shifts their opinions will change."
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Saturday, September 14, 2013

Saturday Afternoon Links: Beat Montana...












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Thursday, September 05, 2013

Hockey Buzz: Is Thomas Vanek Minnesota Bound?

Minnesota Wild
Minnesota Wild (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I found this article over on Hockey Buzz. I wonder if this unconfirmed rumor is an e3 or an e5? Look, I like many Wild fans would like to see this happen, but you have to consider the source. If the news pertains to the Wild and it doesn’t come from Michael Russo, I am going to be skeptical.
Josh Rimer, Hockey Buzz -- Last night a solid source informed me that If Thomas Vanek is moved prior to the Trade Deadline, his destination of choice would be Minnesota Wild. Fitting since he played for the Gophers in 2004, Vanek has had his off-season home in Minneapolis and trains in Edina, Minnesota. His wife is from Minnesota and he has always wanted to play in Minny, especially having good friend Jason Pominville there increases his desire to be there.
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Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Minnesota Wild: Tuesday at the Links

The NHL and college hockey season is right around the corner.

Via Puck Daddy

Minnesota Wild: If he hits UFA status, should the Wild try to acquire Phil Kessel? Oh I don't know he's probably one of the world's premier goalscoring right wings so I guess they probably shouldn't because who likes guys who can score goals not me and definitely not Toronto and definitely definitely not Minnesota.

Russo's Rants: Pominville extension talks going "back and forth"

Globe and Mail: Contract talks with Sedin brothers could be complicated

Russo's Rants: Wild unveils new white road jersey

Hockey Wilderness: Feeling Minnesota: Why not Phil Kessel?

NCHC Hockey: Top Stories Surrounding New League

Globe and Mail: Campaign against bear hunt catches NHL blueliner in graphic film

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wild Hockey: Would the Wild go after the Leafs Phil Kessel?

Last week over on the Hockey Wilderness, I touched on the subject about the possibility of the NHL’s salary cap moving to $80 Million, over the next four years. One of the big-time free agents that’s going to come available is Phil Kessel, Toronto might be willing to let him go. I am just throwing it out there, I wonder if the Wild management would consider taking a run at Kessel

A dynamic player like Kessel might fit into the Wild’s offensively challenged offense, and he could give the offensive spark that the Wild are begging for.

Currently, Kessel is in the last year of a five-year deal that is paying him $ 5.4 Million dollars a year. Based on his play during the last three seasons, you have to think that he’s going to be worth more. I am betting he’s going to command 6-7 million.

The Leafs might be ready to part with Kessel because they might not have a lot of salary room left. Here’s the deal, the Toronto Maple leafs have $19.5 million wrapped up annually in David Clarkson, Tyler Bozak, James van Riemsdyk and Joffrey Lupul until the 2018 season. Now, Kessel is on record as saying that he would like to stay in Toronto.
“Phil (Kessel) is still a really young man,” Arnott told the SportsNet Fan590. “He really enjoys living in Toronto and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“This young man lives and breathes hockey. He was very excited to come here four years ago. I think if you asked Phil today, he’d love to finish his career here in Toronto. But it’s still young in his career right now.”
So, anything could be possible. Again, with the salary cap possibly moving to $80 Million dollars, there could be a lot of money being thrown around.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Minnesota Wild depth chart



Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune has the depth chart posted on Russo's Rants and apparently this this team that the Minnesota Wild are going to go forward with. Looks like a decent lineup.
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

WILD GM: Core in place

I have been on record to saying this when it comes to the Minnesota Wild. In my opinion, the Minnesota Wild are "very" close to being a very good hockey team for a very long time, based on the make-up of their current roster and the young players that the Wild have in their farm system. I don't think it's a stretch to say that they could be a Stanley Cup contender with the right mix of players. A player like Thomas Vanek would put the Minnesota Wild over the top and to the next level.

The GM of the Minnesota Wild had this to say about his hockey team.
"We were fortunate to sign both Zach and Ryan," Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "Looking back now, in hindsight with a year removed, I can't even say how lucky we are that we did sign them. You hear horror stories of all these big free-agent signings that don't pan out, and we signed arguably the best defenseman in the League and one of the best goal scorers in the League. Both players lived up to expectations. They're great people."

The Wild's return to the postseason was short-lived. Minnesota was ousted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals in five games, scoring seven goals. The team obviously was frustrated, but the emergence of defenseman and forwards Charlie Coyle and Jason Zucker has everyone within the organization excited about what lies ahead.

" Fletcher said. "We have a good mix of veteran players and young players up front. We like our defense with the addition of Ballard. Certainly, with Nik Backstrom and Josh Harding and the emergence of Darcy Kuemper last year, we like our depth in goal. Every team could always use upgrades, but right now we're really happy with where we're at. There will be some good competition in camp and we're excited to see where some of our young players will sort out." [Brian Compton - NHL.com ]
The Wild if they get the right breaks and some players develop I think they could, this could be a breakout season for the Minnesota Wild. Young players like Charlie Coyle, Jason Zucker and Mikael Granlund. I have to say that I am excited for the season to start.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Shooter Strikes Again: Don’t Count on the Wild Going Anywhere Except the WCF

Yesterday, there was a blog post over on Kukla's Korner that caused quite a stir. The post was basically a hook, line and sinker post about a newspaper article that Charlie Walters aka “Shooter” wrote in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press.

The article is still causing some blow back to day on twitter today. Check out Bruce Ciskie's twitter feed for the fire works.

Apparently, the story in question just keeps disappearing, or someone at the Pioneer Press edited the story after it created an unneeded fire storm. Why? Because there is no actual evidence provided in that story at all, sure anyone can say that the Wild are moving, but you might want to actually prove that you have some hard evidence in your article in question before you submit it, or at least ask someone other than a little blue bird. Like most of us suspected, Shooter put an article in the paper and it wasn’t based in any fact what-so-ever, probably got called on it and took it down or the paper took it down.

Former Editor B.Reynolds, who’s decided to retire from hockey blogging and move off of the Minnesota Wilderness beat, came out of his self-imposed retirement to respond to this fallacious rumor.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Shooter: Wild could leave Minnesota?

Over on Kukla’s Korner, there was a blog post this morning making reference to a report that the Minnesota Wild could be leaving Minnesota. Of course, the story was written by Charley Walters, aka. Shooter. If you go to the story, it appears to that the article has already been edited, because if you go the link you will not see the article text that is mention in this blog post... WTF? Hum, interesting.

Reports are out that the Minnesota Wild have recorded a $30 Million loss this past season; according to Charley Walters of TwinCities.com out of St. Paul.

Is the State of Hockey at risk of losing their second National Hockey League Franchise?

It has been 20 years, nearly to the day, that the Minnesota North Stars packed up and moved to the sunbelt and became the Dallas Stars; and low attendance and lost revenue during seasons where the team did not play up to the standards of their fan base.

The NHL granted Minnesota the Wild in the 2000-01 Season (though announced back in 1997 that the team would be part of the expansion); and after finally making the playoffs this season after not qualifying for the past four seasons. The lockout may be in part to blame for the $30 Million loss this past season. If the season had started on time than there would have been more revenue generated – but also more money paid out to employees’ and game day crew. Another hit to the books for the Wild would be the $10 Million bonuses’ for each Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The two big ticket UFA’s from last summer where each awarded a lockout proof bonus.

A short term financial fall has hit the State of Hockey: the questions that remain to be answered is if it is just a case of spending money to make money or if this hit is just the start of a financial mess with economic down times across the country? or may Minnesota lose another NHL franchise in the coming years? Time can only reveal the answers to these questions.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Men's National Team Orientation Camp Roster Set

Zach Parise, the United States during the 2010...
The Minnesota Wild have landed two of their star players (Zach Parise and Ryan Suter) on the U.S. Men's National Team Orientation Camp roster, The orientation camp will take place from Aug. 26-27, at Kettler Capitals IcePlex in Arlington, Va. If you look at the roster you will see a good number of players on team USA played Division I College Hockey

Also, there are two former Fighting Sioux forwards on the U.S. Men's National Team Orientation Camp roster in Zach Parise and T.J. Oshie. 

GOALTENDERS

Name
Height
Weight
Date of Birth
Shoots
Hometown
Current Team
6-2 (188)
180 (82)
1981-05-21
L
Park Ridge, Ill.
6-3 (191)
209 (95)
1993-07-14
L
Pittsburgh, Pa.
6-0 (183)
218 (99)
1984-03-26
L
Syracuse, N.Y.
Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
6-2 (188)
175 (79)
1980-07-17
L
East Lansing, Mich.
Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
6-1 (185)
218 (99)
1986-01-21
L
Milford, Conn.
Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
6-2 (188)
195 (88)
1986-03-18
L
Marblehead, Mass.
New Jersey Devils (NHL)
DEFENSEMEN
Name
Height
Weight
Date of Birth
Shoots
Hometown
Current Team
6-3 (191)
215 (98)
1990-07-15
R
Massena, N.Y.
Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
6-5 (198)
265 (120)
1985-03-27
R
Roseau, Minn.
Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
6-3 (191)
212 (96)
1990-01-10
R
Colonia, N.J.
Washington Capitals (NHL)
6-3 (191)
198 (90)
1990-03-07
L
Clay Township, Mich.
Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
6-0 (183)
215 (98)
1992-03-20
R
South St. Paul, Minn.
Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
6-1 (185)
196 (89)
1991-03-05
L
Farmington Hills, Mich.
Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
6-2 (188)
184 (83)
1990-07-04
L
Minnetonka, Minn.
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
6-4 (195)
232 (105)
1988-03-21
R
Bloomington, Minn.
Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
6-1 (185)
231 (105)
1987-01-13
L
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
6-4 (195)
206 (93)
1994-10-03
R
Plano, Texas
Nashville Predators (NHL)
6-0 (183)
191 (87)
1991-03-20
L
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
6-1 (185)
200 (91)
1981-03-05
L
Minneapolis, Minn.
Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
6-1 (185)
213 (97)
1989-06-13
L
St. Paul, Minn.
New York Rangers (NHL)
6-2 (188)
219 (99)
1980-09-26
L
San Francisco, Calif.
Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
5-11 (180)
207 (94)
1989-01-29
R
Greenwich, Conn.
St. Louis Blues (NHL)
6-1 (185)
198 (90)
1985-01-21
L
Madison, Wis.
Minnesota Wild (NHL)
6-1 (185)
196 (89)
1994-02-26
R
Rochester, Mich.
Winnipeg Jets (NHL)
6-1 (185)
190 (86)
1986-09-09
L
Boston, Mass.
Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
FORWARDS
Name
Height
Weight
Date of Birth
Shoots
Hometown
Current Team
6-1 (185)
219 (99)
1987-02-25
L
Muskegon, Mich.
Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
6-3 (191)
221 (100)
1984-05-01
R
Minneapolis, Minn.
St. Louis Blues (NHL)
6-2 (188)
207 (94)
1991-11-27
R
Gardena, Calif.
Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
6-6 (198)
215 (98)
1992-07-17
R
Minneapolis, Minn.
Florida Panthers (NHL)
6-0 (183)
212 (96)
1984-11-04
L
Ithaca, N.Y.
Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
5-11 (180)
180 (82)
1985-03-21
R
Rochester, N.Y.
New York Rangers (NHL)
6-1 (185)
196 (89)
1994-02-12
L
Milwaukee, Wis.
Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
5-11 (180)
181 (82)
1988-11-19
L
Buffalo, N.Y.
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
6-2 (188)
202 (92)
1984-08-31
R
Livonia, Mich.
Vancouver Canucks (NHL)
6-0 (183)
202 (92)
1987-10-02
R
Madison, Wis.
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
6-1 (185)
199 (90)
1987-01-08
R
Salt Lake City, Utah
Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
6-0 (183)
212 (96)
1988-03-16
R
St. Paul, Minn.
New York Islanders (NHL)
5-11 (180)
189 (86)
1986-12-23
R
Warroad, Minn.
St. Louis Blues (NHL)
6-2 (188)
219 (99)
1988-11-20
L
New Canaan, Conn.
Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
5-11 (180)
197 (90)
1991-02-01
R
Smithtown, N.Y.
Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
5-11 (180)
190 (86)
1984-07-28
L
Minneapolis, Minn.
Minnesota Wild (NHL)
5-11 (180)
190 (86)
1984-07-11
R
Plover, Wis.
San Jose Sharks (NHL)
6-2 (188)
200 (91)
1987-03-17
R
Cherry Hills, N.J.
Ottawa Senators (NHL)
6-1 (185)
202 (92)
1992-10-27
L
Gibsonia, Pa.
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
6-1 (185)
202 (92)
1989-09-05
R
Madison, Wis.
Nashville Predators (NHL)
6-0 (183)
205 (93)
1985-12-27
L
St. Louis, Mo.
Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
6-0 (183)
196 (90)
1990-06-18
R
Hastings, Minn.
New York Rangers (NHL)
6-3 (191)
200 (91)
1989-05-04
L
Middletown, N.J.
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
6-5 (198)
205 (93)
1986-08-31
R
Robbinsdale, Minn.
Winnipeg Jets (NHL)

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