Wilderness Walk for 12-30-2010

by BReynolds on Dec 30, 2010 9:28 AM CST in Wilderness Walks

Without adding to the "OMG, the Wild should claim Rolston!" chants, it sure would be nice to have his presence in the locker room. Not too high, not too low. That was his mantra. The Wild could use that right now.

Reading quotes from last night, the Wild are high on this victory, which is great. There should be excitement after a win. At the same time, there needs to be an understanding that it is only one game, and they have yet to prove anything. Without taking away from a strong game, which the fans appreciated, the Sharks are a team that is slumping hard.

A win is a win. However, it is only one. Build from the positives, but the fans, just like the team, need to temper the high just a bit. Not too high, not too low. OK?

No game today, so you are all stuck watching the WJC on the NHL Network. I know, it's quite the punishment, and I apologize for having to do that to you. You'll like it, I promise. Until then, head over to Facebook for the Question of the Day, and send in some "fact" based information for the HWRG2000. Still shooting to fire it up this week.

Wild News

Wild's win over Sharks puts charge back in Xcel | StarTribune.com - Don't want to get booed, play hockey. I hate to say "I told you so," but...

Latendresse stays upbeat; Zidlicky hurt | StarTribune.com - Can we all agree to mercilessly mock anyone who asks Russo for an update on Latendresse? As for Zidlicky, it's still blowing me away that no penalty was called. Amazing.

Intensity has become a priority - TwinCities.com - I made it as far as asking Brad Staubitz about Sidney Crosby. Let me know how the rest went.

Wild take boos to heart with victory over Sharks - TwinCities.com - I'm still stuck on Staubitz talking about Sidney Crosby... sorry.

Off the Trail

Schell’s Rauchbier on deck in Stag Series | Beernews.org - If you like beer, and let;s face it... you either like beer or you aren't old enough to drink... Schell's Stag Series 3 is due to come out on March 1st. Should be tasty, yet again.

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Comments

If anyone watched 24/7 after the game...

Kelly Sutherland is still a putz.

by redheadzeb on Dec 30, 2010 10:36 AM CST reply actions

Boooo

If I’m ever feeling like a happy Wild fan I can always count on coming to Hockey Wilderness to bring me back down. Instead of the Wild winning a hard working game against a very good Sharks team that also put in a good effort I get “it is only one game” against a team that is “slumping hard”. Winning 4 of 5 before facing us isn’t slumping hard in my mind. I know you are more based in reality then the cheerleaders Greenlay, Terhaar and Wild.com but come on!

by HonorableH on Dec 30, 2010 11:22 AM CST reply actions

Come on? OK, I’ll come on. Would you prefer we jump on the roller coaster? When they lose we should give out directions to the nearest bridge, and when they win we should pop champagne corks and have a parade? The fact is, they are still as many points away from the playoffs as they are from second to last in the conference. If not for the complete ineptitude of the Flames and Oilers, the Wild would be in much worse shape.

I was not trying to take away from the win, and I even stated that. It was a good win. However, I am not about to book the Capital rotunda for a Cup celebration because they beat the Sharks. What I was attempting to do was avoid people coming here after the next loss and threatening to slit their wrists. A win is a win, a loss is a loss. That was the point.

If you want cheerleaders, you came to the wrong place. We are rooted firmly in reality. And reality says that the Wild beat a terrible Flames team twice, beat an Avs team they had no business winning against, and then got absolutely steamrolled by the Red Wings. They followed that up with another loss to a team that, if we are to be truly excited for the playoffs, the Wild should have beaten easily.

They played arguably their best game of the year against the Sharks. The problem is that the Wild’s best game is still not nearly close enough to how good they need to be to make the playoffs. They came out, and for one game this season, they played hockey. I’m not about to write a ra-ra post after one win. When they show me something, you can count on there being a strong, likely overwhelming show of positive energy.

Until that happens, and until they win the 8 in row they need to win just to get out of the basement, I’m not going to exude love and happiness. They haven’t earned it yet. If you want to ride the roller coaster, feel free. You, as a fan, have that right, and I applaud your level of commitment to the team that you are willing to do so. I, however, do not feel they have done anything worth celebrating yet.

I gave them credit where it was due. They, and the fans, need to understand that while it was a good game, it is over. They have Nashville tomorrow, and if they get too high on themselves, they are going to fall. All I was trying to do was to temper the swings of emotion that I see in the fans. There is no need to set yourself up for disappointment.

Cautious optimism. Guard yourself against what looks to be the inevitable let down. If it doesn’t happen, good. You can celebrate just like everyone else. If it does happen, we don’t have to scrape you off the pavement. I don’t see the issue here.

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota Owner: Komissaari erämaa

Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.

by BReynolds on Dec 30, 2010 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Very well said good sir.

The win was fun, but it was but a small step in the quest for a playoff spot. It might only make the Wild end up with a worst draft position.

JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!

Not the loser of the first official Hockey Wilderness Fantasy Hockey League

Owner of the Bertrand Acadians of the Hockey Wilderness Fantasy Hockey League

Author, watchdog, enforcer and french-canadian connection for Hockey Wilderness.

twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 30, 2010 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

OK Fine

I get your point. Like I said, you are more based in reality then the cheerleaders. I guess it’s kind of like the Vikings. I’m a fan. I want them to win. I also know they will always let me down every single damn year.

by HonorableH on Dec 30, 2010 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

There is nothing wrong with having both feet on the ground and taking the win for what it was. An effort by the whole team that resulted in a deserved win. However, you’re right, 8 wins in a row would prove that the team has finally come together and can play hockey for more than one night. After all the playoffs require you to win multiple games against one opponent, and getting your ass kicked one night and being a world beater the next won’t cut it.
As of right now, I’d be happy in tenth. At least the wild would be on the second page of the standings on the nhl network. They would be talked about and not be just a footnote for the night. When you’re listed as a competitor it goes a long way in team confidence and that is what this team needs.

by mckay10 on Dec 31, 2010 7:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

My Wild high doesn't have much to do with that win.

While it does play apart, I was having a euphoric moment from the moment I read Gui’s comments from Russo. I don’t expect him to be Wild’s answer to winning. I think you are a moron if you decide to rest on one player alone, but if he’s got most of the passion and drive from last season, we will fight to the end like we did last night.

While I was excited, for the win, during the actual game, I felt bummed and scared when they were tied up at 2, and not surprised when San Jose got their 3rd goal of the night.

I’m thrilled with their performance in the third, and I wasn’t horribly embarrassed by “Come on now” turnovers. I don’t like the roller coaster effect but sometimes that happens.

On another note, I would hate to be San Jose right now, after reading the other sides comments on Fear The Fin. I feel so bad for them. 7 goals just in the last 2 games 3rd periods? OUCH. That coach must be pleased.

According to my friends: I talk about hockey way too much.

by Jilliette on Dec 30, 2010 1:35 PM CST reply actions

First Xcel experience last night

My father was visiting from NY so we decided to go. We were in nosebleeds (Section 213), but he said the atmosphere and the seats reminded him a lot of the old Madison Square Garden when he would go to the Sunday afternoon special games in the 60’s (Yes, my father is a die hard Rangers fan and I wound up a die hard Isles fan. It happens). Overall it was a good experience. I’ve forgotten in the last seven years what it’s like to be in a hockey arena that has more than 10,000 fans in it. Nassau Veterans Memorial Colliseum has been a ghastly town since the lockout.

I agree with the hit on Zidlicky, how the hell was there no penalty on that hit? At a minimum it was charging/boarding, max it should have been a misconduct for a head shot.

And finally Schells makes good beer? All the Schells I’ve ever had tasted like cat piss. I think I’ll stick with Summit.

In other news, Rolston went unclaimed. I guess 2.5 mil cap hit for another year and a half is too much for teams who could probably use him. Or no GM wants to willingly help Lou out.

It was worth posting my drivel to get that link… That was the Shizzle my HansunFrizzle! - JPinVA

After being fired as head coach, now a "Special Adviser" to Lighthouse Hockey

Hockey Wilderness - Because misery loves company.

by David Hanssen on Dec 30, 2010 1:53 PM CST reply actions

Try the firebrick. I don’t drink beer much, but the firebrick is good.

by mckay10 on Dec 31, 2010 6:46 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Firebrick is phenomenal beer. Pils is also very good, if you like a little stronger flavor. Now… if you really want good beer, have some GrainBelt Premium. Best. Beer. Ever. OK, OK, a lot of people hate it, but I love it.

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota Owner: Komissaari erämaa

Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.

by BReynolds on Dec 31, 2010 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

Grain Belt, I also like.

by mckay10 on Dec 31, 2010 11:40 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I’m Grain Belt indifferent. Same with Leinie’s. It’s relatively cheep on tap and actually has some flavor. It’s kind of like the upper Midwest’s version of Yuengling. I did really like the Nordeast they put out this summer.

It was worth posting my drivel to get that link… That was the Shizzle my HansunFrizzle! - JPinVA

After being fired as head coach, now a "Special Adviser" to Lighthouse Hockey

Hockey Wilderness - Because misery loves company.

by David Hanssen on Dec 31, 2010 12:01 PM CST up reply actions