Wilderness Walk for 1-12-2012: Game Day Edition

by BReynolds on Jan 12, 2012 9:54 AM CST in Wilderness Walks

This and that, as a matter of fact, she hasn't had a day to relax...

Come on now. Everyone needs to plug in a little Jack Johnson (no, not the Kings D-man), or some Bob Marley and just relax a bit. One Yahoo message board post this morning says the Wild should trade Mikko Koivu for Marc-Andre Fleury. Yeah. Really. Come on.

It is game day, once again. This time against the We love the Hawks, yeah we always loved the Hawks. This is going to be a fun rivalry next year when the... oh wait. Never mind. Still, these two teams play some fun hockey when they get together, so the game should be entertaining, if nothing else. Maybe we can even see a shootout move that isn't even really so much a move as a lack of moving.

We can hope.

Your Walk is a fun one. Players anonymously calling each other over rated (hopefully from their respective mom's basement), NHL.com being passive aggressively anti-Wild... all kinds of fun.

Wild News

Apologetic Setoguchi back on Wild's top line | StarTribune.com - As I teach my children... saying your sorry only goes so far. Show it. And don't let it happen again.

Wild's Bouchard stays hopeful as concussion hits again | StarTribune.com - This guy needs a break from the hockey gods.

Harding Sick; Hackett Expected To Be Recalled | - Hackett is indeed around. Anyone think he plays? Ha ha.

Enemy News

Chicago Blackhawks: Andrew Brunette is making the most of limited minutes - chicagotribune.com - Good ol' Bruno.

Second City Hockey - SBNation home for all things Blackhawks. Also, just a swell group of people. Head over. You'll be whelmed for sure.

Tending the Fields

First Round Bust: Prospect Viewing: Erik Haula - Ah yes, the kid so few even know. Great pick in the 7th round.

The Third Intermission: #RoadWarriors win it 3-2 (SO) - The Aeors win the penn... game.

Off the Trail

Dion Phaneuf - Toronto Maple Leafs - NHL Players Poll: Most Overrated - Photos - SI.com - Dany Heatley takes home the 6th spot.

Filling NHL All-Star Game roster no easy task - 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star Game - ASG rosters announced today. Much to the little care of anyone in Minnesota. Please note, however, that this particular NHL.com writer feels only Nick Johnson, yes THAT Nick Johnson, deserves to be there for the Wild.

Myers: Change hockey's culture, not the rules of the game - Minnesota Wild news | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities – Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) - I'm OK with changing the culture. The only problem is, unless these guys get punished for the hits they make, nothing is going to change.

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Comments

Ha!

Yea, Koivu for Fluery, Letang, Malkin and a pick, still not close …..

Twitterverse: @hobey_baker

by The Nooge on Jan 12, 2012 10:03 AM CST via Android app reply actions

Pens fan here.

You know Malkin is 5 points out of the scoring lead in the NHL right? He has scored 17 goals, 28 assists in only 35 games, and is basically tied with Giroux for the lead in points per game. He also plays solid D. Letang would be in conversations for the Norris if he didn’t get concussed – probably wouldn’t win, but he’s a rock. Fleury I will grant is not that great.

But yeah, I agree with the post – whoever had the idea to trade Koivu for Fleury is a freaking idiot.

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Jan 12, 2012 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

Fairly Certain

He was being facetious

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

Pretty likely

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

I hope

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

I like that word

Facetious … Hehe

Twitterverse: @hobey_baker

by The Nooge on Jan 12, 2012 12:57 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

Uhhh...

If Letang was healthy, I would do that deal in a heartbeat and laugh my ass off at the Penguins. A playoff MVP, a defensman that was having a Norris-type season, and a top-5 goalie for Koivu? I love the Kaptain, but that would be fleecing the Penguins.

You know you're a Wild fan if Spam Whoopie Gerald-buns comes up in conversation
Regressing all the way back to high school hockey.
Mikael Granlund = Suomi Savior

by JDesthubert on Jan 12, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

Alright

Where is the link to the Koivu for MA Fleury message board post. I can’t find it and am suddenly in the mood to do some angry internet yelling…

May even bust into the ALL CAPS for effect…

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 10:06 AM CST reply actions

Who from the Wild really deserves to go from the all-star game?

I’m sorry, but I think NHL.com ’s “snub” of Wild players is totally defensible.

Who from the team has played well enough as an individual to get in? If Heatley were even on a 30-goal pace than maybe. Seto and Koivu aren’t having great seasons (injuries of course a factor). Bouchard is hurt of course. The defense may be deep, but they don’t have a star-shutdown guy.

Johnson was nominated among the rookie group, and for his ability to contribute wherever he is in the lineup, that is well deserved. But who on the Wild do you really want to argue for over who’s already in?

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 10:12 AM CST reply actions

Change the headline to "deserves to go TO the all-star game"

Sry

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

What is wrong with Koivu's season?

He is doing exactly what he always has. Playing huge minutes for a forward, playing great defensive hockey and scoring at a .85 PPG clip. Pretty much spot on what he has done for the previous four seasons.

Koivu should be an all-star, but the only reason he won’t be is because all they look for are the fancy goal totals.

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

The only legitimate criticism of Koivu this year would be...

that his stats haven’t changed despite having arguably better line-mates than he has the previous few seasons. And that would only be a criticism of expectation versus past performance. Koivu has been, and is still, the best individual player on the Wild. He is a top-level two way center, that is good in the circle, in all special teams situations, and can elevate his individual play during a game to change an outcome or force a comeback on occasion.

What he seems to struggle with is in finding chemistry with new guys on his line. Though, as much as everyone talks about instant chemistry, I think true chemistry with a player as active as Koivu is takes time to build. I’m curious to see what happens as Heatley’s offensive game seems to be rounding out a bit more, and if the team can get back to that aggressive, attacking style… numbers could follow.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

Koivu playing with better linemates

By name, sure, but have they really been playing better than Bruno and Mittens? I know this sounds crazy, but I don’t think they have.

the only reason he won’t be is because all they look for are the fancy goal totals.

Exactly why they picked Havlat over Koivu last time. Koivu isn’t the flashy player they want for the all-star game.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly

But they should pick Koivu, mostly just cause I want to see him in the shootout competition.

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

Koivu’s in, according to Russo. Woohoo!

Son-of-a-bitch is dug in like an Alabama tick!

by Mark It Zero! on Jan 12, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

And whose fault is that?

Yes, you’ve hit the nail on the head though. That’s the question that people can and should be asking. As I said, it’s a legitimate question, though one of perception versus reality.

Koivu has been consistently very good for the Wild. He has what most people consider actual top 6 wingers this year. Yet, they aren’t performing all that better than Bruno and Mittens and Koivu is pretty much performing the same way. How much is that the fault of everyone else? How much is that just circumstance? Is any of that just how players mesh with Koivu’s style of play?

I wasn’t trying to frame a real All Star game argument though. It was in response to the suggestion that Koivu isn’t having a ‘great season’. I don’t see him having a dip in his game at all. I think what most people are reacting too, who criticize Koivu, is that they see the names and expected him to have much better stats this year… and they are partially blaming Koivu for that. I’m not in that camp. I think that the Kaptain is having another very strong season.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

Yay Mikko!

Well I’m glad he got in, I just wasn’t sure who to argue out of the game to take is place.

But good job Mikko, represent us proud.

And congrats to Johnson as well :)

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

I agree 100%

I’m not blaming Koivu for anything. If anything, Heater and Seto should be happy to be playing with Koivu, because things could be much worse for them.

I’m with you, lots of people looking at Koivu thinking he should have some better stats right now, but the fact is, he’s carrying THEM.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

Yes because playing with Thornton, Marleau, Pavelski, and Couture is far worse. I’m not saying you’re wrong, but playing with those forwards is arguably much more desirable.

by Bouchy Mane on Jan 12, 2012 2:32 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

You've got me all wrong

I’m saying Koivu’s their best option in Minnesota by far. They’re not in SJ anymore, so in Minnesota, without Koivu, they don’t do all that much.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

okay

Thanks for clarifying. I had that way wrong.

by Bouchy Mane on Jan 12, 2012 3:41 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

It's all good :)

I love Koivu, but he can’t compare to one of the best collection of offensive players in the league. Still though, Heater and Seto had slowed down in SJ too.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

agree.

Koivu is just a stud. Watching him play is amazing. It just sucks not having the help he deserves right now.

by Bouchy Mane on Jan 12, 2012 3:54 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

I like what Koivu brings...

It’s obvious the Wild are much better with him, and he is vital to the team, but as you said ASG selections are about numbers, and Koivu missing time unfortunately didn’t help his case.

I just don’t think it’s any grand conspiracy on NHL.com’s part to snub Wild players. Even though Koivu would be the guy I would make a case for, I just can’t see who is on this “projected” list that deserves it any less than Mikko does.

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

Koivu for Fleury is ridiculous...

Last I checked we’re working on getting interest in Harding so we can bring Hackett up, what do we want with another goaltender?

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 10:18 AM CST reply actions

Also,

The Penguins aren’t exactly looking for yet another center either.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

Well played sir,

Well Played.

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

Shame on you!

Jack Johnson?

That’s okay, I’m in a ’Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ sort of mood today.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 10:19 AM CST reply actions

Fluery is good..

Randomly. I have him on my FF team and consistently bench him for his 3-5GAA streaks. No doubt that he HAS been good, but this year and parts of last year.. He’s worse than ANY of our Goalies.. including our Aeros.

Plus why the F would we trade away Koivu. He IS our team, he is our Kaptain. Without him, the team would be in a FULL-ON rebuild mode again, with no one solid leader. Points and goals aside, Koivu leads us very well.

by jonogo on Jan 12, 2012 11:45 AM CST reply actions

I wouldn't trade our goalies for Fluery.

The reality is that there probably isn’t any hockey player who truly should be considered untouchable. It always depends on the offer and the team vision. Of course, for a player like Koivu, I imagine that the Wild management would have to feel like they are being overcompensated in order to trade Koivu.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed re:Koivu.

If we traded him away, it would require the team to essentially “restart”, since I believe he is the nucleus of our team.

by jonogo on Jan 12, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions

Very few are untouchable

But a Koivu, where he is by far your best player, fan favorite and pretty much makes the team run has to be somewhat lopsided. Espiecially if he is not an upcoming UFA.

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

Oh?

No one is untouchable. Nearly so? Sure. If someone really got desperate and offered a ton of actual NHL talent for the guy, the offer would be considered… especially if the Wild find themselves outside of the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong, Koivu isn’t going to be traded, but he isn’t untouchable. The team would just need to be absolutely blown away by the deal.

by Krotz the Wall on Jan 12, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

Very Few

I am talking about is like Crosby, Lidstrom, etc. Those guys aren’t moving unless they ASK to be moved. In that sense I would say they are untouchable. Also untouchable at the moment does not necassarly mean untouchable for ever.

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

NHL.com predicitions tallied

Compared to the actual roster released I count this many correct predictions

14/21 – Forwards
7/10 – Defensemen
5/5 – Goaltenders

Tweets @sotsohockey

by Justin J on Jan 12, 2012 12:53 PM CST reply actions

FYI

Russo is on puck daddy Radio takling Wild, Setoguchi and likely Koivu All-Star game.

Listen here

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 12:59 PM CST reply actions

Evening all!

things have changed a little since last we met, haven’t they? This should be a good one as both teams really, really need to start a streak…

"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"

by mightymike D on Jan 12, 2012 1:18 PM CST reply actions

Welcome back!

Should be another good game…but the Wild need the win more ;)

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

heh.

trust me, the Ledge over at SCH has been getting a mite crowded of late. One win in 2012 (and that was just the Beej so it doesn’t count).. although that said, if we’d been on a run like you guys that ledge would probably be eerily empty..

"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"

by mightymike D on Jan 12, 2012 1:35 PM CST up reply actions

It’s uncanny that a team that remained 1st place for nearly a month could go on such a sucky streak. This isn’t even ‘’things returning to normal’’ with the Wild dropping. 2 of 13 is not normal.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Jan 12, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

well, you've been sicker than a small hospital

in terms of injuries.. but yeah, this ain’t the famed “Regression To The Mean”, this is the wheels coming off… and the WC this season is no place to be doing that (have you seen that table? it’s freaking terrifying!)

"Kevin, You can't play Doom Metal while wearing a scarf"

by mightymike D on Jan 12, 2012 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

So Koivu has to be in the running for last Pick right?

The only guys he has ever played with are Gaborik and Kimmo Timmonen, neither are likely to be captains, so their is little familiarity aspect with any of the other players.

Plays in flyover country, with little national attention.

Goalies and Defensemen half to be picked by a certain round if I remember, so he has to be on the short list of forwards that are not superstar level and likely to be among the last picked right?

by ThatGuy22 on Jan 12, 2012 2:54 PM CST reply actions