Is James Sheppard a bust?

There is this mind set that we have to give James Sheppard a break because he is young and needs to grow. Under Doug Risebrough he was untouchable. I don't see anything in this kids play that leads me to believe that he is going to come to camp next season and light it up. Just think the Wild could have had Olli Jokinen (29g-28a-57pts) but Rishebrough wouldn't trade Sheppard to get him, Sheppard was untouchable.

Now that Doug Risebrough is finished with the Wild lets look at some of the players drafted after Sheppard in the 2006 entry draft.

9. James Sheppard Minnesota 160 games (9g-34a-43pts)
10. Michael Frolik Florida 79 games (21g-24a-45pts)
12. Bryan Little Atlanta 127 games (37g-30a-67pts)
25. Patrik Berglund St. Louis 76 games (21g-26g-47pts)
28. Nick Foligno Ottawa 126 games (23g-18a-41pts)
44. Nikolai Kulemin Toronto 73 games (15g-16a-31pts)
50. Milan Lucic Boston 149 games (25g-44a-69pts)

Yep Mike Komisarek is still a hack.

I am going to say this is one of the dirtier things that I have seen in some time. Check it out; this is at the end of the game time clock at 0:00 and watch where Bruins defenseman Matt Hunwick gets his eye gouged by his a fellow former Wolverine Mike Komisarek. This is why Bruins fans hate Mike Komisarek and he is public enemy number one in Boston. This should make for an exciting game two tomorrow night.

Matt Gilroy signs with Rangers.

Former BU star and Hobey Baker Memorial winner Matt Gilroy has signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers.

TSN ----- Boston University free agent defenceman Matt Gilroy has signed a two-year deal worth $3.5 million with the New York Rangers.

It is a one-way contract however, he is not eligible to play for the Rangers in this year's playoffs. He will be eligible for free agency in three years.

Last week, Gilroy was named the winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the best U.S. college hockey player.

He followed that with a victory over Miami of Ohio in the national championship game at the NCAA's Frozen Four tournament.

One of the most sought-after free agent players, Gilroy scored eight goals and added 29 assists for 37 points in 45 games this past season.

BU's Wilson signs with the Preds.

It's offical BU's super star Colin Wilson has signed an entry level professional contract with the Nashville Predators. Ussually it is the WCHA that gets hit hard in the off season but this is the third underclass man to leave Hockey East in the last two weeks (James van Riemsdyk Flyers, Colin Wilson Predators and Viktor Stahlberg Leafs).

Predators sign top prospect Wilson
By John Glennon • THE TENNESSEAN • April 17, 2009

The Predators have signed top prospect Colin Wilson to a three-year entry-level contract.

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available, but it’s likely that Wilson will receive the maximum allowed for an entry-level contract.

Wilson, who just finished his sophomore season at Boston University, will leave Sunday for the World Championship in Switzerland. He’ll be playing there for the U.S. team and under the watch of Predators general manager David Poile, who’s an associate GM for Team USA.

A finalist this season for the Hobey Baker award as college hockey’s best player, Wilson is likely to challenge for an NHL roster spot at Nashville’s training camp this fall.

He helped Boston University win the NCAA championship earlier this month, posting a team-best 55 points (17 goals, 38 assists) in 43 games.

The 6-foot-1, 213-pound Wilson was the seventh overall pick in the 2008 draft.

The Canucks are a bunch of whimps.

This one is way too funny the Canucks are crying about the St. Louis Blues skating through Roberto Luongo's crease and spraying him with snow. This is hockey and it's game played by men not a bunch of girls. Come on Roberto your 6+ feet tall be a man not some sniveling junior high girl.

Well, if you are one who thinks the game has tamed down perhaps too much over the years, the latest round of whining out of Vancouver will make you laugh.

After Game 1 Canucks coach Alain Vigneault complained that the St. Louis Blues weren't just skating through Roberto Luongo's crease and bumping into him a couple of times, they were spraying him with (gasp!) snow.

"I'm embarrassed to talk about that. It's ridiculous. Nonsense," said St. Louis winger Keith Tkachuk. "There is no way our game plan is to go out and try to spray their goalie. You have to stop on the puck - just in case he tries to play it.

"You can tell the game has changed over my 17-year career, when you complain about something like that. As opposed to runnin' someone from behind or starting a brawl."

Vigneault did not want to address the situation again on Thursday. He said on Wednesday that he would talk to the league about his concerns.

Risebrough gong show is over.

As WCHA Dominates mentioned earlier, Leipold had decided a month a go that Risebrough was gone, this is right decision and it couldn't have been made a minute too soon. I will be tossing back a few beers this weekend to celebrate this event. This feels like Christmas in April

These are some of the questions/answers that MICHAEL RUSSO has come up with. As you can see Russo has touch on a lot of the issues the team of 18,000 were also frustrated with. One of them is the inaction of Risebrough and his willingness not to trade a couple of players to make the team better. Josh Harding could have gotten the Wild a top player at the dead line.

It would have been interesting to see what Harding would have gotten from the Redwings in a trade at the dead line. From reading all of the rumors it would appear James Sheppard is a cancer, a prima donna and needs to go. I would also like to see some players from the area that could help the Wild.

When did owner Craig Leipold decide?

A month ago, but he didn't want to disrupt a potential playoff run.

Does Leipold have a candidate in mind?

He has compiled a list, and was solicited by candidates Thursday.

How does this affect the hiring of a coach?

The new GM will determine the new coach and style of coach he wants, and this will be Priority No. 1.

In the past, James Sheppard and Josh Harding have been untouchable in trades. Has that changed?

Leipold said it was important to get "new eyes" in here, which usually means new opinions.

It's official Risebrough is gone.

I have to say that I am giddy as well. Today is a good day. The Wild will be better for this move. I would like to see the Wild hire a GM that is more user friendly, one that likes draft players from the CHL and the NCAA.

Wild owner Craig Leipold thanked the Wild GM, but decided a change at the top was in order.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune --- Last update: April 16, 2009 - 12:40 PM

Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold, in a surprise decision annouced by the team today.

The Wild, in an annoucement released to the media just after noon, said Risebrough's contract will not be renewed "beyond the 2008-2009 season."

“The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise’s solid foundation and winning tradition,” said Leipold in the statement. “The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”

The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the Team’s next Head Coach.

Until a replacement is found, Assistant General Manager Tom Lynn, will be acting-general manager, the team said.

Is Risebrough gone?

Props to BigGreyAnt41 Michael Russo is a good blogger and I can't see him printing this without being true. This would make my whole summer. Risebrough has done a horrible job running the Wild and it's time for him to go. Out next should be James Sheppard.

Sources: Risebrough fired as Wild GM According to two outside NHL sources, Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune ---- Last update: April 16, 2009 - 12:04 PM
According to two outside NHL sources, Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold.

The report has not yet been confirmed by members of the Wild organization.

Come back to startribune.com for more details.

Show us the money MSU-M

We keep hearing a lot of talk about MSU-M has the money to start and support a division one hockey program. First thing that comes to mind is the line from the movie Jerry McGuire, "show me the money." Talk is cheap it takes a lot of money to sustain a hockey program. It will cost the university even more money if they are going to run both a woman's and men's program.

I also disagree with the comment that their program would be on the level of a North Dakota or Minnesota, I think that is a ridiculous statement. It takes a long time to develop a hockey program and they would be lucky to get to the same level of an SCSU, MSU-M Mankato or a BSU.

Now comes Minnesota State University Moorhead with an intriguing proposal to add Division I men’s and women’s hockey to its sports programs. MSUM is serious about taking the plunge if all the pieces of the D-I puzzle can be put into place. It’s very early in the process, but a couple of the major pieces – affiliation with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and playing at the new Urban Plains Center – appear to be sliding into place.

But there is a much bigger piece: money, at least $10 million in external funding, said MSUM President Edna Szymanski. The president said a D-I hockey program could be very good for the school in terms of profile and student recruiting, but she said MSUM will not proceed unless the money is on the table.

Which brings us back to the intensity and dedication of hockey fans: The $10 million would have to come from sources other than public higher education appropriations. Private money will fund the hockey venture. MSUM Athletic Director Doug Peters says at this point getting a program up and running has a 50-50 chance. But it is unlikely the school would have gone public without some sort of commitment from a heavy hitter, or two or three, regarding the $10 million.

Make no mistake about it: D-I hockey at MSUM would mean world-class hockey in the style of the University of North Dakota Sioux and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers would come to town. Collegiate hockey does not get any better. It would be a huge coup for obsessive fans and a high-quality sports attraction for casual fans.

It’s worth a look. It’s worth a hard-headed, eyes-wide-open analysis. When all is said and done, it will mean one of two things: another successful D-I sport for Fargo-Moorhead or another indication Fargo is not a hockey town.
(read the whole article here)

Habs want to play the Bruins.

Check this quote posted below. This should be up in the Bruins locker room either written on the black board or posted on the bulletin board. It would be interesting to see who this unnamed player was. Funny that they would say this to a former Bruin's players as well.

Interestingly enough, former Bruins scrapper P.J. Stock works as a TV analyst for CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada” and said prior to Saturday night’s Canadiens game that an unnamed Habs player told Stock that the Canadiens preferred to play the B’s rather than face Alexander Ovechkin and the second-seeded Washington Capitals. According to Stock, the Canadiens believe that they can do damage against Boston’s second and third D pairings. That doesn’t exactly scream out the sort of cliched athlete-speak you normally hear from hockey teams prior to a playoff series. Let the war of words — and gloved fists — begin.

Here is why this unamed Hab's logic is flawed. 1.) The Habs have not beat the Bruins in regulation this season. 2.) The Bruins defense has played well against the Habs. The Canadians have scored something like a whopping 12 goals in 6 games that isn't very good. 3.) The Bruins aren't starved for offense as they have seven players with 20 goals or more.

This should worry logo supporters.

This statement should worry Sioux fans that want to keep the Fighting Sioux name. I interpret this as a plea to get the name/logo issue solved (Fighting Sioux name changed very quickly) so we can get into the less than stellar Summit League. There is a lot of pressure from the football and basketball cabal to change the name so they can find a conference.

Personally, I would like to see UND still try to get into the Big Sky Conference because I feel there are better more attractive teams in the BSC than the Summit. I think that the nick name committee should be allowed to see transpires at Standing Rock and Spirit Lake before the University moves with their decision. Again, the Fighting Sioux should not be changed on a whim but after all avenues have been exhausted with the two tribes. The university and the State board of higher education owe it to the people that helped fund the lawsuit with their donations. If not; please tell me why they spent a million plus suing the NCAA if the University was going to just change the name anyways? It isn't just about football and basketball. I also don't believe that the University needs to rush change the name and undo the work of Sam Dupris who seems to be making progress with his out reach to the two Sioux tribes.

USD to announce Summit League acceptance today
“From my perspective, it’s been urgent all along,” Faison said. “It isn’t any less urgent. There’s a new committee and they’re in the process of going through their work.

“Obviously it makes it even more problematic in terms of our league affiliation,” UND athletic director Brian Faison said. “We’ll have lost an important part of that conference.”

On Tuesday, the Summit’s Presidents Council voted unanimously to invite the school into the conference beginning July 1, 2011, according to an e-mail sent to Summit League member schools. USD will not compete in team tournaments that season, the last that the Coyotes are ineligible for NCAA postseason competitions.

In 2012-13 USD will be an active member of NCAA Division I and will participate in Summit League tournaments.

USD announced it would lift its athletic programs from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2006 and is now competing as a Division I independent. UND is in the same situation.

USD and South Dakota State, a member of the Summit League, will resume head-to-head competitions in sports other than football by fall 2011. The in-state rivals have not competed against each other in most sports since SDSU left Division II after the 2003-04 season.

The same is true for North Dakota State, a member of the Summit League, and UND.

So South Dakota’s good fortune means UND’s ability to resolve the nickname and logo issue quickly has heightened.

“From my perspective, it’s been urgent all along,” Faison said. “It isn’t any less urgent. There’s a new committee and they’re in the process of going through their work.

But again that’s a time line that we don’t really control. All we can do is encourage that they go as quickly as they can, and I’m sure they are.”

Faison said the nickname and logo issue has affected many UND programs. The University of Minnesota, for instance, won’t play UND in sports hosted by the school.

Faison said the Sioux might have been able to get the Gophers on the schedule for football, if the issue had been resolved.

The Gophers play South Dakota State this year, South Dakota in 2010 and NDSU in 2011.

Minnesota plans to play at least one BCS opponent every year while also committing to play Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) opponents from the region.

“If we would have had things resolved, I think we could have been in the mix,” Faison said.

It’s hurting other programs, too. They can’t get games or competitions against Minnesota. It means fewer opportunities to compete close to home, Faison said.

“At this point we need to get the nickname and logo issue resolved so we can move on,” he said.

Komisarek "you must be in control of your emotions.

Former Michigan Star Mike Komisarek is public enemy #1 to Bruins and their fans but he is right. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs you have to play with controlled recklessnes, meaning you can not lose your mind. You must pick your time and place to exact revenge. Use also must use your head and don't put your team in a bad situation.

The Canadiens defenceman got a generous taste of Boston leather last Thursday, his face massaged by the gauntlets of Milan Lucic and used as a speed bag by Zdeno Chara in a boxing match that earned the Bruins captain a double minor for roughing, a great non-call in a game teeming with them.

Komisarek must play on the edge. He’s an imposing presence who must ticket the Bruins for parking – even idling – in front of the Canadiens net. He must win the battles, or at least wage ruggedly good ones, on the walls in Montreal’s zone.

“Controlled recklessness,” Komisarek called it Monday as his team set up three days of practice shop in Brossard. “You have to be in control of your emotions and intensity.”

Stanley Cup playoffs begin tonight.

East

Montreal at Boston, I predict the Bruins will win in 5 games.
NY Rangers at Washington, I predict the Caps will win in 6 games
Carolina at New Jersey I predict the Canes to win in 7 games.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh I predict the Pittsburgh in 6 games.

West

Anaheim at San Jose, I predict the Sharks will win in 5 games.
Columbus at Detroit, I predict the Blue Jackets will win in 7 games.
St. Louis at Vancouver, I predict the Canucks will win in 7 games.
Calgary at Chicago, I predict the Blackhawks will win in 7 games.

3-2-1 points systems?

Our friend Kyle from the illegalcurve.com has an idea for points in NHL hockey games. Personally, I think that the NHL will never take this approach because there would be less parity in the leagues and teams would be out of the races for a playoff spots earlier in the season and would effect attendance and the over-all dollar. The idea does make you think though. Makes you think how long the Wild would have been in the race with this system?

I thought I could gain some traction for a 3-2-1 system of points. Since I am now a lame duck, I doubt this idea will go anywhere but thought I should share it with readers to get some feedback.

The idea is certainly not new or original by any means, but merely stems by the growing dislike of the “loser point”. My proposal was to change the points system for wins to a 3-2-1 system. 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an overtime win and 1 point for a shootout win. Losing teams would be awarded no points. The idea behind this is to not only eliminate the loser point, but to give teams incentives to win games in regulation. I believe this was the NHL’s original intent when it instituted the shootout and the loser point.

Tavares is No. 1 target for Burke

In a way you kinda have to admire Burke's bravado but there is no way in hell the Islanders are going to give up John Tavares, not in a million years. Also, what does Burke have to bargain with, there is not a lot of talent on the Leafs.

TORONTO -- The Maple Leafs are going to aggressively pursue a top NHL entry draft spot, perhaps even the No. 1 position, says GM Brian Burke.

Going into the draft lottery Tuesday night, Toronto was seventh in the selection order and could move up a maximum of four spots if it wins the weighted draw.

Burke intends to be wheeling and dealing before the top teen talent is dispersed in Montreal with an eye on landing highly touted forward John Tavares.

"We'll immediately attempt to move up," Burke said during a news conference Tuesday morning. "We're going to talk to everyone between us and the first pick and see what the landscape is.

This is the type of General Manager the Minnesota Wild need to hire. I also think there are a few players on the Wild that feel they are entitled as well and don't respect the game, or think the name on the back of the jersey is more important than the logo on the front. After reading all of the crap that James Sheppard has pulled this past season with the Wild a good GM would have shipped his ass off to Houston faster in a New York Minute. Untouchable, I don't know what Risebrough sees in James Sheppard because he has done nothing in his two shorts years for the Wild. Ryan Jones the player they traded away to Nashville is developing at a faster rate than James Sheppard. Ryan Jones has scored two less goals than James Sheppard in 114 less games. Tell me who you would rather have traded last summer?

Burke said he and head coach Ron Wilson have progressed in their attempt to end the "culture of entitlement" some players feel when they play for the Leafs.

"Anyone who thinks he's on this roster because he has a contract is sadly mistaken," he said, adding a mention that the buyout option kicks in July 1.

Joe Finley's first professional fight.

Former Sioux Joe Finley probably was a little rusty and hasn't fought for a while. First off the announcer needs to work on reading the rosters, it's not that hard to do. I mean seriously, it's Joe Finley and not Jeff Finley. Second, politely and professionally my ass, the goon whacked him two more times with Joe's jersey pulled over his head.

Bruins in 6?

Neil from the illegal curve predicts that the Bruins will win in 6. I am going to say Bruins in 5 because Boston has not lost to the Habs in regulation all season and they for the most part have dominated them. Bruins beat them in Offense, Defense and goaltending.

Prediction:

Overall, the Bruins’ offense (especially on the power play), should be the difference maker. As we all know, special teams is always of upmost importance come playoff time. The Habs may have a chance if Price catches fire and steals the series, but the likely outcome will be the B’s heading to the second round and Price heading to Crescent St. for a smoke.

Bruins in 6

.

Game winning goal BU and Miami

Check out this game winning goal. This an incredible ending to one of the most exciting NCAA FROZEN FOURS that I have ever seen.

Vandy 75/25 staying at UND.

Someone had this posted over on Sioux Sports; man I hope Chris VandeVelde comes back for his senior season at UND. This would be some welcome news if it turns out to be true this is some really good news for the Fighting Sioux. This season VandeVelde scored some big goals at crucial times in important games.

VandeVelde ‘75 percent’ on staying with Sioux
VandeVelde said Friday that there is about a 75-percent chance he will stay with the Sioux instead of signing with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers drafted the forward in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL draft.

The decision will be made in the next two weeks, VandeVelde said.

“I still have holes in my game that I think I can get better,” he said. “… I think (staying) would help me out.”

BU wins the 2009 NCAA title.

I was on Face book last night after watching the NCAA title game and people were instant messaging me and telling me they were unhappy with the results of the game. Personally, I have to say that I am not all that unhappy with the results; I think the best team in division one hockey won last night (21-1-3 since Jan. 15) and last played in a game that will go down in history as being one of the most exciting NCAA division one finals ever. This was one of the most exciting finals that I have ever witnessed. The Miami Redhawks had the game in the proverbial bag when they were up 3-1 with about 3:24 to go and lost the game.

If BSU wasn’t going to be the winner in the NCAA tourney I would rather see BU win the tourney than Miami or Vermont. I am not into the whole underdog thing, it’s just me. In my opinion, Boston University was the best team in hockey all season long and played the game of hockey the way it should be. The Terriers were fast up front and could score in bunches and were fun to watch. In the era of the neutral zone trap, college hockey has become less watchable than the NHL and this year’s version of Boston University is a breath of fresh air because they attack and counter attack. It just seemed that no lead was possible when playing BU as they found another gear, shifted and won the game when they needed to. Colin Wilson is and awesome player and is probably going to make an immediate impact with the Nashville preditors.

Defensively I thought the BU Terrier were really impressive and I could see why NHL teams are drooling at the prospects of getting free agent Matt Gilroy, he would be a nice addition to any team’s defensive corps. On the blue line the players that stuck out the most for me were Matt Gilroy, Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen.

This season Boston University was at the top or near the top nationally in a lot of categories: 1st in scoring offense, 3rd in scoring defense, 1st in scoring margin, 12th in penalty minutes, 2nd in power play, 12th penalty kill. So there victory is no fluke.