Sunday, January 11, 2009
Matt Hunwick schools Justin Williams.
Sioux7 and I watched this game yesterday and this was supposed to be former Michigan star and Boston Bruins rookie Matt Hunwick's first NHL fight. One punch hay maker. I guess you can expect a fight when you're team is being run out of the building.
Sour Grapes from Hill.
Props to Sioux sports for this video. This is why I love it when the Sioux beat the Gophers. Their sport channel plays right into the whole the Sioux is a bunch of goons when it was clear all weekend long that their players were the ones initiating the after the Whistle stuff. So now we are to believe that spears are actually a little tap and some how acceptable. What class act John Hill is did you mean that Trupp was faking or embellishing. All this does if Fire up the Sioux more for the next game. No wonder UAA fans hate this guy.
Here is some of the video from the weekend example one Stoa the sore loser.
The incident where Hill thinks Trupp is embellishing.
What's Kessel worth?
With former Golden Gophers Phil Kessel in a contract year one of the question is what will Kessel sign for? The Bruins are going to have to show him the money. I also think that Kessel is a more complete player than Staal.
Kessel makes fast progress
Jordan Staal's new deal in Pittsburgh - $16 million for the next four years - will be the starting point for Kessel's talks with the Bruins. Selected second overall in the '06draft, just three slots ahead of Kessel, Staal, on the day he agreed to the deal, had career numbers of 52-39-91 in 204 games. Kessel's numbers the same day: 54-52 -106 in 192 games, and Kessel this season has made his mark as a bona fide game-breaker. The bet here is that Kessel gets a two-year pact that averages upward of $5 million, or gets pushed out to five years/$30 million. Quite a turnaround for a kid who suited up for only four of seven playoff games last spring.
Goon's illegal curve article.
Here is the latest article I wrote for the illegalcurve.com
Minnesota Wild: Courtesy of Goon’s World
The Minnesota Wild were mired in a tough stretch during the month of December going 4-9-1. Early on it became very apparent to the fans that the Wild didn’t have enough firepower up front to win on a regular basis. Then to kick off the New Year, the Wild found out that their top star Marian Gaborik was going to be out 10-14 weeks after surgery on his hip.
This revelation was made after a lot of tension between the Wild management and Marian Gaborik, because no one was able to figure out what was wrong with Gaborik. Then it was announced right during the Christmas break that Gaborik was going to be held out of a few games and practice to rest Marian’s beat up and fragile body. Then January 2nd, it was announced that Marian Gaborik was going to have surgery on his hip at the recommendation of his doctor.
Gabby had successful hip surgery on January 5th. There is a lot of speculation that we may have seen Marian’s last days in a Wild uniform. Most of us believe that Gaborik’s time in Minnesota has come to an end. I, like a lot of fans, have grown tired of Gaborik’s self-centered ungratefulness. I don’t understand where Gaborik gets this selfishness, because he has been treated well in Minnesota. I am also bored with Gaborik’s attitude; he won’t play unless he is 100%. Gaborik is one of the most prolific players when he is healthy, but the guy is made out of glass and is easily injured. The fact that he turned down $80+ million to stay with the Wild makes me upset more as a Wild fan. In my mind, general manager Doug Risebrough couldn’t get rid of Gaborik fast enough to make me happy. It’s time for this prima donna to move on.
Fans in Minnesota not happy
To top all of this off, there is a building tension between the Wild management and the Wild fans. The fans actually started booing the Minnesota Wild during a recent game at the Xcel Energy Center. Michael Russo wrote a nice article on the state of the fan base in the Twin Cities on December 31st in the Star Tribune. Russo’s article took the Wild management to task for their mismanagement of the team and basically became the sounding board of what the fans are feeling. There are lot of us that are unhappy with the way the Wild have been managed. To some of us, the only way to make this situation better is to get rid of the head coach Jacques Lemaire as well as Risebrough. The team has grown stagnant under these two men and it is time for change.
Last year the Wild had a chance to get Ollie Jokinen, but Risebrough didn’t want to give up Pierre Marc Bouchard (7-12-19 in 36 games) or James Sheppard (2-6-8 in 39 games) to get Jokinen. For whatever reason, Risebrough deemed these two underachievers as untouchable and not on the trading block. Who in their right mind would make such a statement? These players have been an utter disappointment this season. How would Jokinen look in a Wild uniform? I bet with him in the lineup, the Wild would have won five more games.
Wild’s winning ways
Since December 31th the Minnesota Wild have gone 3-1, losing in a shootout to the Detroit Redwings and beating San Jose, Boston and Colorado. Two of these teams are the best hockey teams in the NHL. During the last four games the Wild have given up a grand total of four goals and shut out their last two opponents. I think the reason for the turnaround is that the Wild players have accepted the fact that they aren’t going to have the services of Gaborik and the return of Owen Nolan to the lineup. If there has been a bright spot to this season it has been the play of Nolan when he has been healthy. The Wild are going to need more than one bright spot if they are going to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Seems like everytime I talk/write about the Wild they start losing. Yikes!
Minnesota Wild: Courtesy of Goon’s World
The Minnesota Wild were mired in a tough stretch during the month of December going 4-9-1. Early on it became very apparent to the fans that the Wild didn’t have enough firepower up front to win on a regular basis. Then to kick off the New Year, the Wild found out that their top star Marian Gaborik was going to be out 10-14 weeks after surgery on his hip.
This revelation was made after a lot of tension between the Wild management and Marian Gaborik, because no one was able to figure out what was wrong with Gaborik. Then it was announced right during the Christmas break that Gaborik was going to be held out of a few games and practice to rest Marian’s beat up and fragile body. Then January 2nd, it was announced that Marian Gaborik was going to have surgery on his hip at the recommendation of his doctor.
Gabby had successful hip surgery on January 5th. There is a lot of speculation that we may have seen Marian’s last days in a Wild uniform. Most of us believe that Gaborik’s time in Minnesota has come to an end. I, like a lot of fans, have grown tired of Gaborik’s self-centered ungratefulness. I don’t understand where Gaborik gets this selfishness, because he has been treated well in Minnesota. I am also bored with Gaborik’s attitude; he won’t play unless he is 100%. Gaborik is one of the most prolific players when he is healthy, but the guy is made out of glass and is easily injured. The fact that he turned down $80+ million to stay with the Wild makes me upset more as a Wild fan. In my mind, general manager Doug Risebrough couldn’t get rid of Gaborik fast enough to make me happy. It’s time for this prima donna to move on.
Fans in Minnesota not happy
To top all of this off, there is a building tension between the Wild management and the Wild fans. The fans actually started booing the Minnesota Wild during a recent game at the Xcel Energy Center. Michael Russo wrote a nice article on the state of the fan base in the Twin Cities on December 31st in the Star Tribune. Russo’s article took the Wild management to task for their mismanagement of the team and basically became the sounding board of what the fans are feeling. There are lot of us that are unhappy with the way the Wild have been managed. To some of us, the only way to make this situation better is to get rid of the head coach Jacques Lemaire as well as Risebrough. The team has grown stagnant under these two men and it is time for change.
Last year the Wild had a chance to get Ollie Jokinen, but Risebrough didn’t want to give up Pierre Marc Bouchard (7-12-19 in 36 games) or James Sheppard (2-6-8 in 39 games) to get Jokinen. For whatever reason, Risebrough deemed these two underachievers as untouchable and not on the trading block. Who in their right mind would make such a statement? These players have been an utter disappointment this season. How would Jokinen look in a Wild uniform? I bet with him in the lineup, the Wild would have won five more games.
Wild’s winning ways
Since December 31th the Minnesota Wild have gone 3-1, losing in a shootout to the Detroit Redwings and beating San Jose, Boston and Colorado. Two of these teams are the best hockey teams in the NHL. During the last four games the Wild have given up a grand total of four goals and shut out their last two opponents. I think the reason for the turnaround is that the Wild players have accepted the fact that they aren’t going to have the services of Gaborik and the return of Owen Nolan to the lineup. If there has been a bright spot to this season it has been the play of Nolan when he has been healthy. The Wild are going to need more than one bright spot if they are going to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Seems like everytime I talk/write about the Wild they start losing. Yikes!
Scores from 01-10-2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Atlantic Hockey
Mercyhurst 3 at Army 4
Bentley 4 at Canisius 3
Holy Cross 5 at American Int'l 1
Connecticut 4 at RIT 7
Analysis
Yawn! The Strenght of Schedule of the AHA: Canisius 58, Army 57, American Int'l 56, Holy Cross 55, RIT 54, Mercyhurst 53, Bently 52, Connectiut 51, Sacred Heart 50, Air Farce 49... That is not impressive folks.
CCHA
Alaska 0 at Notre Dame 3
Ferris State 4 at Western Michigan 2
Ohio State 4 at Bowling Green 3 ot
Miami 1 at Michigan 5
Northern Michigan 3 at Nebraska-Omaha 2
Analysis
Michigan is on fire right now and the Redhawks have lost 3 straight games. The big question; who is number one again this week. I say Notre Dame for now until they prove other wise, the Irish are 16-0-2 their last 18 games . tOSU keeps winning and are 10-0 their last ten games.
CHA
Robert Morris 2 at Alabama-Huntsville 2 ot
ECAC
Yale 6 at Harvard 2
Rensselaer 5 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 5
Union 4 at Quinnipiac 2
Analysis
I have said this before and I will say this again; Princeton is over rated and proves it by losing to two mediocre teams this weekend Union (SOS 37) and Rensselaer (SOS 49).
Hockey East
Northeastern 2 at Merrimack 1
Boston College 2 at Vermont 4
Maine 1 at Boston University 4
Mass.-Lowell 2 at Providence 4
Massachusetts 2 at New Hampshire 3 ot
Analysis
Boston College gets one point on the weekend.
WCHA
Minnesota-Duluth 3 at St. Cloud State 6
Michigan Tech 1 at Denver 3
Wisconsin 6 at Alaska-Anchorage 3
Minnesota 1 at North Dakota 6
Minnesota State 3 at Colorado College 1
Analysis
I am not sure if I jinxed the Bull Dogs or not but Sioux7 got that prediction right, I guess Donna is going to de-friend the both of us on Facebook. Wisconsin sweeps UAA and now the question; are the Seawolves poised for a second half disappearing act? The real Huskies stay cold. Up next UND, I am going to talk to Sioux7 and have him hold off making any grand prediction on the UND series, this series scares me more than the Gophers series. MSU-M wins against C.C. and Amy from Lets-go-Mavs gets down from the ledge.
Non-Conference
Clarkson 1 at St. Lawrence 5
Niagara 1 at Cornell 2
Atlantic Hockey
Mercyhurst 3 at Army 4
Bentley 4 at Canisius 3
Holy Cross 5 at American Int'l 1
Connecticut 4 at RIT 7
Analysis
Yawn! The Strenght of Schedule of the AHA: Canisius 58, Army 57, American Int'l 56, Holy Cross 55, RIT 54, Mercyhurst 53, Bently 52, Connectiut 51, Sacred Heart 50, Air Farce 49... That is not impressive folks.
CCHA
Alaska 0 at Notre Dame 3
Ferris State 4 at Western Michigan 2
Ohio State 4 at Bowling Green 3 ot
Miami 1 at Michigan 5
Northern Michigan 3 at Nebraska-Omaha 2
Analysis
Michigan is on fire right now and the Redhawks have lost 3 straight games. The big question; who is number one again this week. I say Notre Dame for now until they prove other wise, the Irish are 16-0-2 their last 18 games . tOSU keeps winning and are 10-0 their last ten games.
CHA
Robert Morris 2 at Alabama-Huntsville 2 ot
ECAC
Yale 6 at Harvard 2
Rensselaer 5 at Princeton 1
Brown 1 at Dartmouth 5
Union 4 at Quinnipiac 2
Analysis
I have said this before and I will say this again; Princeton is over rated and proves it by losing to two mediocre teams this weekend Union (SOS 37) and Rensselaer (SOS 49).
Hockey East
Northeastern 2 at Merrimack 1
Boston College 2 at Vermont 4
Maine 1 at Boston University 4
Mass.-Lowell 2 at Providence 4
Massachusetts 2 at New Hampshire 3 ot
Analysis
Boston College gets one point on the weekend.
WCHA
Minnesota-Duluth 3 at St. Cloud State 6
Michigan Tech 1 at Denver 3
Wisconsin 6 at Alaska-Anchorage 3
Minnesota 1 at North Dakota 6
Minnesota State 3 at Colorado College 1
Analysis
I am not sure if I jinxed the Bull Dogs or not but Sioux7 got that prediction right, I guess Donna is going to de-friend the both of us on Facebook. Wisconsin sweeps UAA and now the question; are the Seawolves poised for a second half disappearing act? The real Huskies stay cold. Up next UND, I am going to talk to Sioux7 and have him hold off making any grand prediction on the UND series, this series scares me more than the Gophers series. MSU-M wins against C.C. and Amy from Lets-go-Mavs gets down from the ledge.
Non-Conference
Clarkson 1 at St. Lawrence 5
Niagara 1 at Cornell 2
Yep still smiling.
I think this Gopher player R.J. Anderson summed it up the best.
"They came to a war with guns, and we came with butter knives," Gophers defenseman R.J. Anderson said. "They beat us up and down the ice every shift all weekend. They deserved to win."
At the beginning of the week, "I said if the Gophers over look the Fighting Sioux and are as over confident as their fans were going into this series the Sioux will bury them." To take a page from GWB's book; "Mission accomplished." Hum, this seems awfully familiar. Since the Sioux started the season 5-8-1 they have gone 8-2.
A few observations
*Like Scotty D said, "Kangas has gone Frazee." The Sioux lit his ass up by hanging 11 goals on a very good goalie.
*While waiting for my wife to use the bathroom after the game someone walked by me wearing a Holy Cross Jersey. Hum, maybe I might have to agree with the Gophers fans. Like I told Sioux7 I think those jerseys have run their course and maybe it is time to move on. Maybe it is time to sell them Holy Cross Jerseys on EBay.
*UND is 11-6-1 during the Hakstol era against the Minnesota Gophers.
*I want to give the REA arena leafy spurge for the the captions next to Gopher's goalie Alex Kangas head that said, what's a sieve? Also, the caption that said, "I wish I had played for the Sioux." I have to say not cool; both of these comments lacked class. We are the University of North Dakota, we are better program than that.
I like anyone want our team to bury the dirty Gophers every chance we get, especially after some of their antics on and off the ice this past weekend. I want our team to hang ten goals on the Gophers every time they play. Great programs win and lose with class, you won't hear one of the Fighting Sioux coaches saying the there is no such thing as sportmanship during this series (John Hill on FSN Saturday night). With the Sioux sweeping the Gophers series this past weekend and watching the FSN broadcast crew and their antics makes this just makes the win even more special.
*Went back and listened to the Beyond the Pond podcast and Pat Micheletti gave the Sioux a lot of props. Coaching staff is outstanding. Dave Hakstol and Cary Eades don't panic. They stay consistent in what they do.
*From the Forum's Mike McFeely: From Minnesota’s perspective, the larger worry is its defense. The Gopher defensemen looked overwhelmed and slow all weekend, often offering little aid to their goaltenders. Too many odd-man rushes, too many turnovers at the blue line, too many rebound chances, too few Sioux players being cleared from in front of the net. (from a guy that doesn't like the Sioux or their fans hit the nail on the head).
*Ryan Duncan had three goals on the weekend and now leads the team with 10 goals.
*Jason Gregoire was clutch this weekend scoring three goals and adding an assist. Gregoire is now 8-8-16 in 24 games this season.
*Brad Eidsness was big on Saturday night and is now 13-7-1 with a goals against average of 2.62 and a save percentage of .908. Not too bad for a freshman goalie.
*Evan Trupp started the year out slow but has 10 points in 8 games (4-6-10).
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Season on: Sioux 6 Gophers 1
I have a smile on my face is going to take surgery to remove. This completes the perfect weekend. Nothing pleases me more than watching the Sioux sweep/beat the golden rodents. Well except for shooting green head Mallards that is pretty fun too.
At the beginning of this week true to form we heard from Gopher fans and Mike Eidelbes of INCH that Minnesota would sweep North Dakota. It wasn't even going to be close. Sioux fans heard from numerous cocky Gopher fans how Minnesota was going to run North Dakota out of the building. We also heard the same old tired crap about REA being Marriucci West. While I heard these claims I told people to have faith. I also predicted that UND would probably get at least three points this weekend. My friend Doug sent me a text message that said, BSU put up a bigger fight than the Gophers. That my friends is true.
I went back and watched the tape of the game again, Wooger and the Rug were pretty subdued. It was fun to see the classic Jones snap. My question to Sioux fans; is there a bigger hack than Ryan Flynn? Seriously! I would say that this is something the young Sioux can build on and save their season. More tomorrow I am going to bed, I have to work in the morning.
Question?
Do the Sioux make the Polls/Power Rankings after this weekend's sweep of the number three team in the nation? Are the Gophers over rated or are the Sioux better than they are being given credit for? I said this before; this team is better than they are being given credit for. It may not show up in the polls now but I still think the Sioux can make a run. The WCHA is wide open and down this season, due to players leaving early. Also, as far as WCHA teams go UMD gave us the toughest fight so far this season. With the Win tonight UND moved from 23 to 18 in the Pair Wise rankings.
(Box Score)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Chris VandeVelde (8) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 1:38
NDK (+): 29,19,21,25,14,G31 MIN (-): 7,13,14,2,28,G33
MIN-1 Nick Larson (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-2 Jason Gregoire (2-Slashing) MIN 0x1 3:39
MIN-2 Justin Bostrom (2-Hooking) NDK 0x1 8:46
MIN-3 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 11:57
MIN-4 Brian Schack (2-Instigating) NDK 0x2 11:57
NDK-3 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 11:57
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Ryan Duncan (9) (Brett Hextall, Joe Finley) 14:49
NDK (+): 16,22,26,2,5,G31 MIN (-): 12,3,26,19,13,G33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Andrew Kozek (5) (David Toews) 11:08
NDK (+): 10,18,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 18,27,3,21,15,G33
NDK 4 - 0 6x6 Jason Gregoire (8) (Brett Hextall, Chay Genoway) 12:11
NDK (+): 17,26,5,16,2,G31 MIN (-): 26,19,28,12,2,G33
NDK 5 - 0 6x6 David Toews (4) (Andrew Kozek, Brad Malone) 14:58
NDK (+): 18,10,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 3,19,26,28,12,G33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIN-5 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Brian Schack) NDK 1x3 4:56
MIN-6 Jay Barriball (2-Slashing) 6:02
MIN-7 Jay Barriball (10-Misconduct) 6:02
MIN-8 Jay Barriball (2-Roughing) NDK 1x4 6:02
NDK-4 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 6:02
NDK-5 Brett Hextall (10-Misconduct) 6:02
NDK 6 - 0 6x4 PP Ryan Duncan (10) (Brad Miller, Chay Genoway) 6:12
NDK: 16,14,5,29,18,G31 MIN: 22,28,16,G35
MIN-9 Ryan Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x5 8:11
MIN-10 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-11 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-12 Brian Schack (10-Misconduct) 9:41
MIN-13 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-14 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-7 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-8 Matt Frattin (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-10 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-11 Zach Jones (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-12 Zach Jones (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Served by David Toews) MIN 0x2 9:41
NDK-13 Andrew Kozek (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) MIN 0x3 10:09
MIN 1 - 6 6x6 Cade Fairchild (4) (Ryan Flynn, Jordan Schroeder) 12:10
MIN (+): 28,22,19,3,16,G35 NDK (-): 17,11,10,3,18,G31
NDK-14 Andrew Kozek (2-Hooking) MIN 0x4 16:43
MIN-15 Cade Fairchild (2-Hooking) NDK 1x6 17:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
At the beginning of this week true to form we heard from Gopher fans and Mike Eidelbes of INCH that Minnesota would sweep North Dakota. It wasn't even going to be close. Sioux fans heard from numerous cocky Gopher fans how Minnesota was going to run North Dakota out of the building. We also heard the same old tired crap about REA being Marriucci West. While I heard these claims I told people to have faith. I also predicted that UND would probably get at least three points this weekend. My friend Doug sent me a text message that said, BSU put up a bigger fight than the Gophers. That my friends is true.
I went back and watched the tape of the game again, Wooger and the Rug were pretty subdued. It was fun to see the classic Jones snap. My question to Sioux fans; is there a bigger hack than Ryan Flynn? Seriously! I would say that this is something the young Sioux can build on and save their season. More tomorrow I am going to bed, I have to work in the morning.
Question?
Do the Sioux make the Polls/Power Rankings after this weekend's sweep of the number three team in the nation? Are the Gophers over rated or are the Sioux better than they are being given credit for? I said this before; this team is better than they are being given credit for. It may not show up in the polls now but I still think the Sioux can make a run. The WCHA is wide open and down this season, due to players leaving early. Also, as far as WCHA teams go UMD gave us the toughest fight so far this season. With the Win tonight UND moved from 23 to 18 in the Pair Wise rankings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK 1 - 0 6x6 LL Chris VandeVelde (8) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 1:38
NDK (+): 29,19,21,25,14,G31 MIN (-): 7,13,14,2,28,G33
MIN-1 Nick Larson (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-1 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 2:12
NDK-2 Jason Gregoire (2-Slashing) MIN 0x1 3:39
MIN-2 Justin Bostrom (2-Hooking) NDK 0x1 8:46
MIN-3 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 11:57
MIN-4 Brian Schack (2-Instigating) NDK 0x2 11:57
NDK-3 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 11:57
NDK 2 - 0 6x6 GW Ryan Duncan (9) (Brett Hextall, Joe Finley) 14:49
NDK (+): 16,22,26,2,5,G31 MIN (-): 12,3,26,19,13,G33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK 3 - 0 6x6 Andrew Kozek (5) (David Toews) 11:08
NDK (+): 10,18,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 18,27,3,21,15,G33
NDK 4 - 0 6x6 Jason Gregoire (8) (Brett Hextall, Chay Genoway) 12:11
NDK (+): 17,26,5,16,2,G31 MIN (-): 26,19,28,12,2,G33
NDK 5 - 0 6x6 David Toews (4) (Andrew Kozek, Brad Malone) 14:58
NDK (+): 18,10,22,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 3,19,26,28,12,G33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIN-5 BENCH (2-TOO MANY PLAYERS ON ICE) (Served by Brian Schack) NDK 1x3 4:56
MIN-6 Jay Barriball (2-Slashing) 6:02
MIN-7 Jay Barriball (10-Misconduct) 6:02
MIN-8 Jay Barriball (2-Roughing) NDK 1x4 6:02
NDK-4 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 6:02
NDK-5 Brett Hextall (10-Misconduct) 6:02
NDK 6 - 0 6x4 PP Ryan Duncan (10) (Brad Miller, Chay Genoway) 6:12
NDK: 16,14,5,29,18,G31 MIN: 22,28,16,G35
MIN-9 Ryan Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) NDK 1x5 8:11
MIN-10 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-11 Brian Schack (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-12 Brian Schack (10-Misconduct) 9:41
MIN-13 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
MIN-14 Tony Lucia (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-6 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-7 Matt Frattin (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-8 Matt Frattin (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-9 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-10 Brad Malone (2-Roughing) 9:41
NDK-11 Zach Jones (10-Misconduct) 9:41
NDK-12 Zach Jones (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Served by David Toews) MIN 0x2 9:41
NDK-13 Andrew Kozek (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) MIN 0x3 10:09
MIN 1 - 6 6x6 Cade Fairchild (4) (Ryan Flynn, Jordan Schroeder) 12:10
MIN (+): 28,22,19,3,16,G35 NDK (-): 17,11,10,3,18,G31
NDK-14 Andrew Kozek (2-Hooking) MIN 0x4 16:43
MIN-15 Cade Fairchild (2-Hooking) NDK 1x6 17:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Game
Sioux 6 - Gophers 3
The Fighting Sioux fans were urged to wear white t-shirts this weekend by Fighting Sioux captain Ryan Ducan. The white out by the fans ended up being a smashing success, and the night ended up being a white wash for the Gophers as the Sioux ran the Gophers out of the rink on the way to a 6-3 butt kicking.
The Sioux were dominating from the drop of the first puck to the game’s final horn. If one had not watched the game the box score illustrates how dominate the Sioux were; the edge in shots after two periods of hockey was 37-12 and goals 4-1.
Positives from the game
The play of Evan Trupp (1-1-2) and Jason Gregoire (2-1-3) these two players were the difference in the game. Big time player score big goal at just right time. Evan Trupp's shorthanded goal got the rolling Sioux in the second period as they scored four goals.
The Sioux win the game and get no points from Brad Miller or Chay Genoway while both players didn't figure in the scoring they both chipped in solid play in the defensive zone, Genoway was a +2 on the night.
Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIN-1 Ryan Flynn (2-Cross-Checking) 12:05
NDK-1 Brett Hextall (2-HITTING AFTER WHISTLE) 12:05
MIN-2 Sam Lofquist (2-High-Sticking) NDK 0x1 16:38
NDK-2 Brad Malone (2-Cross-Checking) MIN 0x1 20:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Period (20:00)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDK 1 - 0 5x6 SH LL Evan Trupp (4) (unassisted) 1:17
NDK (+): 19,5,29,2,G31 MIN (-): 28,29,26,11,19,G33
MIN-3 R.J. Anderson (2-Hooking) NDK 1x2 3:28
NDK 2 - 0 6x5 PP Jason Gregoire (6) (Evan Trupp, Matt Frattin) 5:13
NDK: 17,19,21,5,14,G31 MIN: 19,28,12,10,G33
MIN 1 - 2 6x6 Ryan Stoa (12) (Sam Lofquist, Cade Fairchild) 7:41
MIN (+): 29,3,28,19,26,G33 NDK (-): 26,2,22,17,5,G31
MIN-4 R.J. Anderson (2-Holding) NDK 1x3 8:21
NDK 3 - 1 6x6 Ryan Duncan (8) (Jason Gregoire, Brett Hextall) 11:25
NDK (+): 16,17,26,5,25,G31 MIN (-): 29,28,3,26,19,G33
NDK-3 Jake Marto (2-High-Sticking) MIN 0x2 14:11
NDK 4 - 1 6x6 GW Jason Gregoire (7) (unassisted) 17:29
NDK (+): 17,26,16,5,2,G31 MIN (-): 19,28,10,29,26,G33
MIN-5 Jay Barriball (2-Cross-Checking) 17:29
MIN-6 Jay Barriball (10-Misconduct) (Served by Patrick White) 17:29
NDK-4 Joe Finley (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 17:29
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3rd Period (20:00)
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MIN 2 - 4 6x6 Ryan Stoa (13) (Cade Fairchild, Jordan Schroeder) 4:29
MIN (+): 29,28,19,10,22,G33 NDK (-): 17,6,16,26,14,G31
NDK-5 Chris VandeVelde (2-Hooking) MIN 0x3 5:38
NDK 5 - 2 6x6 Andrew Kozek (4) (Chris VandeVelde) 8:46 NDK (+): 10,29,21,25,3,G31 MIN (-): 7,13,28,3,11,G33
NDK 6 - 2 6x6 Ryan Martens (9) (Joe Finley, Darcy Zajac) 9:48
NDK (+): 8,2,11,20,5,G31 MIN (-): 12,22,6,2,16,G33
MIN 3 - 6 6x6 Jordan Schroeder (8) (Jay Barriball, Ryan Stoa) 12:24
MIN (+): 19,26,29,10,28,G35 NDK (-): 16,5,26,2,20,G31
MIN-7 Jordan Schroeder (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-8 Cade Fairchild (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-9 Cade Fairchild (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-10 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-11 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) NDK 1x4 18:05
MIN-12 Ryan Stoa (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-6 Chay Genoway (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-7 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-8 Darcy Zajac (2-Roughing) 18:05
NDK-9 Brett Hextall (2-Roughing) 18:05
MIN-13 R.J. Anderson (2-Roughing) 18:17
NDK-10 Andrew Kozek (2-Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 18:17
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End of Game
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Friday, January 09, 2009
What about Norse?
With the Fighting Sioux logo debate up front and center with the dust up from the Summit league’s decision to not consider UND until the nickname issue is behind it.
As well all know this is should not be an issue because UND has to change their name/logo if the University can not get approval by both tribes. The issue is not going away and its time to consider the inevitable. Life without the Fighting Sioux nick name and logo. like I have said in the past the name is gone there is no way we can fight off political correctness gone amuck. It is just a matter of time before the name is gone for good.
I an not happy with the fact that there will no longer be a Fighting Sioux name/logo connected to the University of North Dakota. I have made my feeling known, I am on record of being against this change, this is a train we can not stop. I like a lot of fans are tired of fighting the battle with the people in the pro-name change crowd. The cards are against us and we can not win.
Maybe it is time to consider some new names to replace the Fighting Sioux with. My suggestion is Norse. Why not? North Dakota and Minnesota have one of the biggest populations of people of Scandinavian decent in the USA.
Sioux player's perspective on the Sioux vs Gopher series.
This was in today's Red Star and Sickle. Only 8 1/2 hours unitl game time.
* Best quote from a Sioux player on this weekend’s series: “When you see the M on their jerseys, something kind of just boils a little bit in your blood.” — junior defenseman Chay Genoway
* Sioux junior forward Chris VandeVelde of Moorhead said his favorite memory of past series with the Gophers was the North Dakota sweep of the U at Mariucci his freshman year. “Obviously it’s a rivalry,” he said. “Both teams are going to want it really bad. They are a play-making team, very talented. They have some high-end guys over there.”
* Senior defenseman Brad Miller of North Dakota on the rivalry with the Gophers: “It for sure will be heated.” … He was asked if there may be any carryover from the last game they played when 17 penalties were called and 160 minutes of penalties were assessed. “To forsee any incidents like that, I don’t know,” he said.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
INCH Chat.
The INCH Chat is going on right now as we speak. It seems like the Sioux don't even need to bother showing up to play this weekend, since the Sioux are so bad this season. Hell, since the boys from INCH aren't giving the Sioux a chance maybe I should just sell my tickets and stay home and sit in the living room and drink beer. These clowns wonder why Sioux fans take issue with them. LOL... Records mean nothing in this series and if either team fails to respect their opponent they will get buried.
Reggie (Orlando): Who do ya like this weekend? Minnesota or UND?
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William (Atlanta): Although there has been a lot of great stuff going on lately (world juniors, some great holiday tournament matchups, etc) I am curious to how you guys at INCH view the Sioux Gopher series this weekend. This series has produced some great moments the last few years (Wheeler's spectacular goal, Trupp's Diving Goal and Bina's 180 foot shot), do you foresee any memorable moments coming out of this particular series?
Mike Eidelbes: (2:44 PM ET ) This is one of those series that is predictably unpredictable, but I think the Gophers will get a boost by finally getting the whole band back together from injuries (Barriball, Carman) and the WJC (Fairchild, Hoeffel, Schroeder). Even without Don Lucia behind the bench, Minnesota will sweep the Fighting Sioux. NoDak was awful in losses to Michigan State and Michigan Tech at the GLI, and Bemidji State gave them all they could handle.
The heated rival, The Gophers come to town.
Dave Berger has a interesting piece on the Sioux vs Gophers matchup.
Here are some fan’s opinions on both sides of the Sioux/Gopher rivalry:
“Proximity. UM is the closest elite team to UND. Going to games in Grand Forks, you would see tons of Gopher fans, and that always makes for a heated atmosphere.” OETKB
“I hate the way (North Dakota) steals all of our home grown talent.” Go4er
“(The Gophers) always get the night games at the Final Five - that makes lots of UND fans angry.” dj_hoime
“From the maroon and gold side of things - I’ve come to love the intensity of this rivalry and put this matchup at the top of all rivalries in college sports today.” hoop
And one that sums up what all of us are thinking:
“It comes down to one thing at the end of the day - the scoreboard. Is it 7:30 yet?” Go4er...
This is one of my favorite rivalries that the Fighting Sioux play the Wisconsin BADgers are my second favorite rivalry, Denver University is number three, I find that Denver fans are the more reasonable of the three. Badger fans are a lot of fun as well.
As a rabid Sioux fan nothing is more offensive to me and other Sioux fans than the hated Golden Rodent, maroon and gold and that cheesy “ M”. Their fans come up the Ralph and act like they own the place, maybe why that is why the Holy Cross defeat is so funny. No I didn't by a Holy Cross shirt, but I used to go to their football games when I lived in Massachusetts. I am not sure the Gopher football team could beat them either. I don’t care to this day the Gopher defeat to the Holy Cross is funny to me and I could care less if anyone takes issue with it. I have never seen a fan bass leave town so fast. Actually, I think Minnesota is one of the few WCHA teams to have the honor of losing to both RIT and Holy Cross.
Of my Brother and sisters there are five us, only two of us like the Fighting Sioux, my sister Kim is also a 1992 graduate of the University of North Dakota. One of my sisters is married to a former Golden Gopher Hockey player; some refer to as the golden golfer. I know the question you are going to ask; No I don’t hate my family members. I can’t help it they make poor choices in their sports teams. I also don’t hate Gophers fans, it’s like democrats and republican we are all Americans. Living in a border town we are surrounded by Gopher Fans and have many friends that also make poor choices in their sports teams. I like the Gopher football team but hate the Hockey team. Some have said that makes no sense, I can’t explain it.
I just want the Sioux to crush the Gophers and beat them up doing it. I want to see the Sioux send their chirping fans home down I-29 and I-94 with their tails between their legs. The Sioux have had a lot of success lately playing the Gophers as they are 9-6-1 since Dave Hakstol took over the Fighting Sioux reigns. Who is going to win this weekend I don’t have a clue, while I did make the prediction of three points for the Sioux I believe a split or two ties could happen as well.
(If you take offense to this article your too thin skinned)
Zach Parise makes the Eastern All Star Team.
Former Fighting Sioux and New Jersey Devils star Zach Parise has made the NHL All Star Game's Eastern squad as a reserve. Former Sioux Jonathan Toews made the Western Squad as a starter.
Other Former WCHA players making the Eastern Roster are former Wisconsin Badger Danny Heatly Ottawa Senaters and Former Golden Gopher Thomas Vanek Buffalo Sabres.
Weekend Series (Sioux 7)
Welcome back hockey fans, I hope every one had Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are now entering the second half of the season. The standings are close, like they are every year, only MTU is really out of the running for a top 5 finish. Depending on how the games end this weekend, you could 7 teams with .500 records or better in the league!
Minnesota State(5-7-2) at #10 Colorado College(7-5-2)
Both of these teams have had hit a little bit of a bump in road, but MSUM started off January with a win against UNO. CC has not played a game since Dec.20, a win over Sacred Heart. CC is 3-4-3 his season on the road, and MSUM is 5-5-0 at home. I think CC will show some rust on Friday night and pounce back Saturday. I'm calling this series a split.
#20 Minnesota-Duluth(5-4-5) at St. Cloud State(5-7-0)
These teams met for 1 game back on Nov. 1, with the Bulldogs winning 5-1. Since then UMD has only 1 road win (at CC) and SCSU has lost only 1 at home game. In this battle of the dogs, I'm going with the fuzzy/furry breed, Husky Sweep.
Michigan Tech(1-11-2) at #5 Denver(9-4-1)
On paper this looks like it should be a Boom for Boone, but MTU is not going to go quietly. I think the Huskies will want revenge for the 6-0 and 6-1 lossed to DU in early December in Houghton. I'm going with the Friday upset, MTU over DU, and DU rebounds on Saturday, with a win.
#17 Wisconsin(7-5-2) at Alaska-Anchorage(4-6-2)
It has been a MONTH since the Seawolves have played a series, or a game. The last games they played were against... Wisconsin. How about that back-to-back series with the same team. In that series UW won both games in Madison, but this is a new and UAA should be really well rested. I just hope UAA isn't so rusty they forgot how to play hockey. UW is now on a 3-game winless streak, not how you want to start off the new year. I think the boys from Anchorage will show some tarnish on Friday, but rebound nicely on Saturday, splitsville.
#3 Minnesota(7-2-3) at North Dakota(6-5-1)
Our get well soon wishes go out to Coach Lucia, hope you feel better :)
UND is hoping to continue their winning ways the second half of the season, which has been the M.O. the last few years. If the Sioux sweep the Gophers, they would be tied in the standings. UM is also coming off a weekend pair of wins. This is the only scheduled meeting between UND and UM this season, so it is that much more important for both schools. UM has been the more consistent team, whereas UND has been a more Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde team the first half. Suprising fact of the series - neither has been swept this season. So with that I'm calling this a split.
Minnesota State(5-7-2) at #10 Colorado College(7-5-2)
Both of these teams have had hit a little bit of a bump in road, but MSUM started off January with a win against UNO. CC has not played a game since Dec.20, a win over Sacred Heart. CC is 3-4-3 his season on the road, and MSUM is 5-5-0 at home. I think CC will show some rust on Friday night and pounce back Saturday. I'm calling this series a split.
#20 Minnesota-Duluth(5-4-5) at St. Cloud State(5-7-0)
These teams met for 1 game back on Nov. 1, with the Bulldogs winning 5-1. Since then UMD has only 1 road win (at CC) and SCSU has lost only 1 at home game. In this battle of the dogs, I'm going with the fuzzy/furry breed, Husky Sweep.
Michigan Tech(1-11-2) at #5 Denver(9-4-1)
On paper this looks like it should be a Boom for Boone, but MTU is not going to go quietly. I think the Huskies will want revenge for the 6-0 and 6-1 lossed to DU in early December in Houghton. I'm going with the Friday upset, MTU over DU, and DU rebounds on Saturday, with a win.
#17 Wisconsin(7-5-2) at Alaska-Anchorage(4-6-2)
It has been a MONTH since the Seawolves have played a series, or a game. The last games they played were against... Wisconsin. How about that back-to-back series with the same team. In that series UW won both games in Madison, but this is a new and UAA should be really well rested. I just hope UAA isn't so rusty they forgot how to play hockey. UW is now on a 3-game winless streak, not how you want to start off the new year. I think the boys from Anchorage will show some tarnish on Friday, but rebound nicely on Saturday, splitsville.
#3 Minnesota(7-2-3) at North Dakota(6-5-1)
Our get well soon wishes go out to Coach Lucia, hope you feel better :)
UND is hoping to continue their winning ways the second half of the season, which has been the M.O. the last few years. If the Sioux sweep the Gophers, they would be tied in the standings. UM is also coming off a weekend pair of wins. This is the only scheduled meeting between UND and UM this season, so it is that much more important for both schools. UM has been the more consistent team, whereas UND has been a more Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde team the first half. Suprising fact of the series - neither has been swept this season. So with that I'm calling this a split.
TOM COCHRANE- Big League (about a former Sioux)
I was checking my stats from my blog tonight and I came across this link, it brought me back down memory lane: Tom Cochrane a Canadian wrote this song about former Sioux Hockey recruit George Pelawa. I like I mentioned earlier I had the opportunity to know big George Pelawa I played football with him in High School at Bemidji High School and he was as special athlete, God definately blessed him with unbelievable athletic gifts.
George Pelawa (1968-1986) was a high school hockey right winger[1] from Bemidji, Minnesota. Pelawa was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 1986 as the top high-school player in the state, beating out (among others) future National Hockey League player Lance Pitlick for the award.[2] He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.[3]
Pelawa, who had planned to play for collegiately for the University of North Dakota,[4] was killed in an automobile accident just months after the draft.[1] Tom Cochrane's song "Big League" is rumoured to be about Pelawa. Cochrane says the lyrics are based on a true story, but does not assert the song is about Pelawa.[5] The Flames, meanwhile, honor Pelawa by offering a scholarship to Bemidji High School students in his name.[6]
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
A few things Sioux and Gophers.
The weather forcast for Sioux vs Gophers weekend looks really rough. I guess you can't expect any less for a Sioux and Gopher weekend in Grand Forks, ND. Thank God this isn't an outdoor game. I hope no one ever proposes that idea up here. JUST TOO COLD.
For those going to the Long Haul Saloon in Friday morning There is going to be a star studded line up in attendance. I think Jess Myers is calling in but the other guys like Hennessey, the Wooger and Gorg should be live. I always wondered why the Rug doesn't show up at these things? I recommend going for the breakfast the food at the Long Haul is really good, their eggs and omlets are second to none.
Close series
Four of the last six games between the Sioux and Gophers have gone to over time.
In those 4 games that went to overtime UND is 2-1-1. While I predicted a win and tie I wouldn't be surprised if both games ended in a tie.
Clearing a few things up
I wrote an article on the Bruins and Wild game last night title Bruins 0 - Wild 1 (Kessel and Wheeler pointless). A Gopher fan took issue with it and thought it was a slight against the Gophers. He shouldn’t have. It isn’t like that. Frankly, contrary to public belief it’s not always about the Gophers. Not that I don’t like banter with Gophers fans, because I do, that makes the Final Five fun. Some people just take it way too far and wear their feeling on their sleeves. Frankly, some of the most fun I have had is drinking with Badger fans at the final five; they are not all up in your face about their team all the time either. We didn’t talk about hockey that much we talked about shooting green head mallards, hunting and our bird dogs. We also talked about the Packer football more than we did about hockey.
Lastly, I watch close to a 100 NHL games every season on NHL center ice and if you have followed the Bruins you will know that the Kessel, Savard and Lucic line is one of the more prolific lines in the NHL. Shutting them down is no easy task and the Wild shut them down cold. Also, the line with Wheeler, Krejci, and Ryder line has been on fire as well.
Friday: Areas of blowing snow and a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 11. North northwest wind between 9 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around -8. North northwest wind 9 to 16 mph becoming west southwest. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 6.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -7.
Sunday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 10.
For those going to the Long Haul Saloon in Friday morning There is going to be a star studded line up in attendance. I think Jess Myers is calling in but the other guys like Hennessey, the Wooger and Gorg should be live. I always wondered why the Rug doesn't show up at these things? I recommend going for the breakfast the food at the Long Haul is really good, their eggs and omlets are second to none.
FRIDAY: **LIVE FROM LONG HAUL SALOON/TRUCK STOP IN GRAND FORKS** Hockey Heaven for those who care. UND VOX TIM HENNESSEY around 9:25 a.m. on-site. JESS MYERS of insidecollegehockey.com at 10:05 a.m. Former coach DOUG WOOG in the second hour and in person. KENT HRBEK on the death of Carl Pohlad around 11:05 a.m. FSN North's KEVIN GORG around 11:40 a.m. on Wild-Philly and Gophs-UND
Close series
Four of the last six games between the Sioux and Gophers have gone to over time.
In those 4 games that went to overtime UND is 2-1-1. While I predicted a win and tie I wouldn't be surprised if both games ended in a tie.
Clearing a few things up
I wrote an article on the Bruins and Wild game last night title Bruins 0 - Wild 1 (Kessel and Wheeler pointless). A Gopher fan took issue with it and thought it was a slight against the Gophers. He shouldn’t have. It isn’t like that. Frankly, contrary to public belief it’s not always about the Gophers. Not that I don’t like banter with Gophers fans, because I do, that makes the Final Five fun. Some people just take it way too far and wear their feeling on their sleeves. Frankly, some of the most fun I have had is drinking with Badger fans at the final five; they are not all up in your face about their team all the time either. We didn’t talk about hockey that much we talked about shooting green head mallards, hunting and our bird dogs. We also talked about the Packer football more than we did about hockey.
Lastly, I watch close to a 100 NHL games every season on NHL center ice and if you have followed the Bruins you will know that the Kessel, Savard and Lucic line is one of the more prolific lines in the NHL. Shutting them down is no easy task and the Wild shut them down cold. Also, the line with Wheeler, Krejci, and Ryder line has been on fire as well.
Its official biting someone is only worth two games.
Its official: Saying sloppy seconds is more offensive that biting your opponent on the ice during an NHL hockey game. WTF is that? Is our society so far out of whack that we are to be more offended by some one's crude statements about a former girl friend than biting someone on the ice? I think it's time to remove Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman from the league office because they have their priorities out of whack. We have Randy Jones putting Bruins star Patrice Bergeron out for the Season he get 2 games. That's it. What the hell is wrong with the league office?
Then Marko Ruutu lies about it on camera they should suspend him more games for lacking integrity. Marko Ruutu is a gutless thug that goes around the ice taking liberties with the opposition team's skilled players. Some day he is going to get his and I can't wait for the replay between Buffalo and Ottawa. This why I don't shed a tear when I see these agitators get beat up in a fight on the ice.
(Press Release from the NHL):
Ottawa's Ruutu suspended two games Wednesday, Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended for two games by the NHL for a biting incident that occurred in Tuesday night's loss to Buffalo.
Ruutu was suspended after a Wednesday morning's disciplinary hearing with NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell, a phone conversation between the two parties that began at 11:30 a.m.
In Tuesday's incident, Ruutu bit the gloved thumb of Buffalo's Andrew Peters, breaking the skin's surface, during a first-period altercation at the 13:13 mark.
Wednessday Linkorama.
I think Wheeler made the right move by deciding to not play for Phoenix and signing with the Boston Bruins. Also a smart move to not play for the Wild either. If Wheeler had signed to play with the Wild he could have been stuck with the Areos down in Houston playing in the AHL. From past experience the Wild don't have a lot of ex-NCAA college hockey players currently on their roster. I think that is unforunate based on all the ex-college players currently playing in the NHL from the upper Midwest.
Former Sioux Jonathan Toews is on the Western All-Star team. Toews also scored two goals in last nights win as Chicago beat Phoenix 6-0.
According to XM-204 today there is a good chance that former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devil Zach Parise could be on the Eastern Division's All-Star team when the reserves are announced tomorrow.
From today Paul Allen broadcast: PA from KFAN 1130 and _______ will be at the Long Haul Saloon in Grand Forks, North Dakota for their 9-12 show on Friday. It looks like it could be Doug Woog, Kevin Gorg and Tim Hennesey.
BOSTON - Like virtually every NHL team, the Wild went after former Gophers forward and Breck School star Blake Wheeler last summer.
But Wheeler, a native of Plymouth, never considered playing for his hometown Wild.
Wheeler, 22, didn't want the pressure of playing in Minnesota. He wanted a new life experience, and after signing with the Boston Bruins, he's enjoying a stellar rookie year with 13 goals, 12 assists and a plus-22 before Tuesday's game against the Wild.
"Being a hometown kid, I'd love to stay in Minnesota my whole life, but after my three years at the U, I think it was important for me to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things,"
Former Sioux Jonathan Toews is on the Western All-Star team. Toews also scored two goals in last nights win as Chicago beat Phoenix 6-0.
According to XM-204 today there is a good chance that former Fighting Sioux and current New Jersey Devil Zach Parise could be on the Eastern Division's All-Star team when the reserves are announced tomorrow.
From today Paul Allen broadcast: PA from KFAN 1130 and _______ will be at the Long Haul Saloon in Grand Forks, North Dakota for their 9-12 show on Friday. It looks like it could be Doug Woog, Kevin Gorg and Tim Hennesey.
Jarko Ruutu has rabies.
This has to be a big time suspension. The NHL decided that sloppy seconds warrants 6 games then this move by one of the biggest, guttless, classless hacks in the NHL has to be supsended 10 games. In my opinion this is way more disgusting than saying something vile and disgusting, like sloppy seconds. Think about this Jarko Ruutu bit Buffalo Sabres tough guy Andrew Peters. I don't know about you but I find that absolutely offensive.
Bruins 0 - Wild 1 (Kessel and Wheeler pointless)
I guess I can't lose when two of my favorite teams face off on the same sheet of ice. Of course one of my favorite teams is going to win and the other is going to lose, but I still win either way. What was impressive is that the Bruins known for scoring goals this season were shut down cold.
Tonight The Minnesota Wild played their patiented air tight defense, and made the game exciting even when it was only a 1-0 game. Both Goal tenders (Fernandez and Backstrom ) were awesome. What does this mean? Basically once Marian Gaborik announced that he was having surgery on his hip and would be on the shelf for the Wild, they have gone 3-0-1 against some of the best teams in the NHL. My interpretation of that is Gaborik was a distraction to the team and once it was clear he isn't probably coming back, they Wild went out and played better without him.
When I first saw their schedule I thought there was a good possibility that they could go 0-4. After the Wild play the Flyers their schedule gets a little easier.
Think of this, the Wild shut down the high flying Boston Bruins lead by Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic and Mark Savard two of three players are two of the more dynamic offensive players in the North Eastern Division. Lucic is becoming one of the grittiest power forwards in the NHL. (Of course Parise and Vanek have been awesome too). Just saying its no small feat. Check out Wild blog extrodinare Mike Russos comments on the win. I guess the Wild like to play against the leagues best, even without Gabby.
In the past four games, the Wild’s played three division leaders, three of the best teams in the NHL (I’m not including Colorado obviously) and the Wild’s 3-0-1 in the past four.
Two of those wins have come against the two best teams in each conference — first San Jose, and now Boston, the highest-scoring team in the NHL who hadn’t been shut out all season.
As James Sheppard said, “We needed to play against the best teams in the league to get us to find our true game.”
Until tonight. Niklas Backstrom again sparkled for his second consecutive shutout. He’s now got five and 14 in his career. He’s got 19 wins, a 2.14 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Seems like All-Star worthy numbers to me.
(check out the rest of Mike Russo's article)
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