Wilderness Walk for 2-9-2012: Game Day Edition

by BReynolds on Feb 9, 2012 11:17 AM CST in Wilderness Walks

Late starts to the things you really want to do are horrible. Apologies on the monstrously late Walk.

Tonight should be fun, right? That's the word we want to use? Fun? Roberto Luongo is benched in St. Paul. Again. But it's small sample size and AV would never doubt his goalie's abilities. Or, so I'm told. Truth is, the X is a house of horrors for Bobby Lu, and his coach knows it. I wouldn't bet he never starts here again, after all, his contract runs through 2057, so the law of large numbers applies.

I would bet he gets chased in his next start here, though.

Quick Walk today, so you weren't missing much with my tardiness. Enjoy the day, if we don't talk between, we'll talk to you for the game.

First Things First

VOTE - Have you voted today? It's time.

Wild News

First Round Bust: A Call To Arms (Vote For Defending The Blueline) - See? Even FRB wants you to vote.

Koivu takes full part in Wild practice | StarTribune.com - Waiting for Mikko, showing at the Orpheum.

Koivu's return looking likely | StarTribune.com - Skating with Heatley and Setoguchi, too.

Koivu's return should help Setoguchi improve - Could. Should have used could.

Enemy News

Sports - Hockey - The Vancouver Sun - "News"paper version.

Nucks Misconduct - SBN home for the Nucks. Good people, despite poor taste in hockey teams.

Tending the Fields

The Third Intermission: Road trip starts out with a loss to Chicago - Stop losing. We need something up here to get us through.

Off the Trail

Person familiar with plan tells AP: Red Wings vs Maple Leafs in Winter Classic at Big House | StarTribune.com - Leafs / Wings? Would you watch that?

Tweet Comment 64 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Missed one

And they even reference you in it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/wild-captain-mikko-koivu-expected-back-injury-save-153146732.html

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 11:20 AM CST reply actions

Ha ha. Must have been published today. I was in a bit of a hurry…

Thanks for posting it.

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Swarm Beat Writer:In Lax We Trust Now with more Twitterness: ReynoldsSBN

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Feb 9, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

Looks like Schneider is in...

We should start a pool on when Luongo gets his next start in Minnesota. I haev money on 2nd Wild Nucks game in 2013.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 11:22 AM CST reply actions

"I wouldn't bet he never starts here again"

Took me a little bit. A few negatives in there. But I’m slow.

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 11:23 AM CST reply actions

I never said you aren’t not slow. ;-)

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Swarm Beat Writer:In Lax We Trust Now with more Twitterness: ReynoldsSBN

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Feb 9, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

well played....uh....uh...sir :)

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

As I mentioned in my fan post...

I am surprised that the Winter Classic decided to pick a Canadian team this time around. As it is a NBC game, and Canadian teams do the Heritage Classic, I think it’s a bit of an interesting choice. It’s a hockey game, on free TV, so I’m pretty sure that I’ll be watching it regardless of the teams.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 11:57 AM CST reply actions

*fanshot not fan post.

Still…

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

ehh

I’m not really. Sooner or later Montreal or Toronto was going to get in so they can hype up the “ORIGINAL SIX” rivalry thing. I would put a lot of money down that within 5 years we will see a Boston vs Montreal one as well.

Even in the U.S. everything Toronto does or Burke says gets printed a thousand times and over analyzed to death.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Boston vs Montreal would be interesting, IMO

Think we’ll see a Winnipeg vs Minnesota?

by Rhomy777 on Feb 9, 2012 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

No, never.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

This is perfect

First, it is a win-win for the NHL. One, they made Canada happy. Two, think of the interest the NHL will be able to build on all the ticket money before they have to give everyone a refund thanks to the lockout. It is just bonus to NBC that they don’t have to show a Canadian team.

Second, with the two fan-bases involved , the rest of us will have a really good LOL at their expense.

/Relax, I’m mostly kidding ;-D

Being from Minnesota, it would be rude to put something clever here.

by redheadzeb on Feb 9, 2012 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

I meant to reply to the original from Kroz, but you get the point :)

Being from Minnesota, it would be rude to put something clever here.

by redheadzeb on Feb 9, 2012 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think they're going to do the Heritage Classic again.

I think they want to keep the Winter Classic a novelty, and having too many outdoor games would wreck that.

by Rhomy777 on Feb 9, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Different TV markets for the most part

So, I don’t know that there truly is an issue with that.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

I think we will

But it will be a rotating schedule. Will never be every year, not enough teams. Probably every 3 or 4 years type of thing.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

The attendance potential at the Big House eases the NHL’s concern over TV ratings. Selling an extra 70,000 tickets is a ton of money. Plus, all the extra concessions and merchandising is expected to help cover the TV losses.
Plus, it sounds like the NHL is using this as a test to see if the Winter Classic has a strong enough hold that people will watch, regardless of the teams playing.

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 Feb 9, 2012 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

That was my thought as well.

The Big House is a huge attendance possibility… a lot of money to be made, especially as both fan bases are so close together there. The question is, who carries the game in Canada?

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

CBC

As usual. They carry the WC every year.

Being from Minnesota, it would be rude to put something clever here.

by redheadzeb on Feb 9, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks...

didn’t know the carrier for the game. My friend has a satellite package out of Winnipeg, his home town, which gets all the Canadian hockey coverage in English and French, but he always watches the Winter Classic on NBC, for some reason.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

From Russo

#mnwild GM Chuck Fletcher told me again that unless there’s stroke of luck, he’s not assuming Latendresse/Bouchard will play again this yr

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 9, 2012 12:04 PM CST reply actions

Christensen playing with Cullen and Clutterbuck tonight

A makeshift Bouchard

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 9, 2012 12:05 PM CST reply actions

Hmm. C cubed eh?

eC, mC, CC …. why not?

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

C to the 4th

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

I like it

It gives Christensen the type of players he needs to play with to be successful. I thought he had some good looks on the PP. Plus, why the hell not try it, it might get Cullen going again.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 9, 2012 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

this

That’s what I’m thinking.

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly

Christensen wasn’t gonna be able to get any offense from McMillan and Powe. Hopefully those two, along with CC, will be able to get going and score a few goals. Also, this gives us a good face off guy when Cullen gets kicked out.

by J.A.Berty1330 on Feb 9, 2012 12:37 PM CST up reply actions

By 'those two' I mean Christensen and Cullen

by J.A.Berty1330 on Feb 9, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

Yep, I agree.

The Wild might as well try to maximize any impact that Christensen could have by putting the right sort of players around him. That’s as good a ‘2nd’ line as any the Wild could put out there right now.

Though, I had hoped they’d maybe keep the Johnson – Brodziak – Heatley line intact…

Setoguchi – Koivu – Christensen

Clutterbuck – Cullen -

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

Jackets have extended Vinny Prospal

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Ao5vD7f1QnEFyor.elnFfyZ7vLYF?slug=ap-bluejackets-prospal

I’m assuming that Columbus believes they will contend next year. Confusing move, as they could have dealt Prospal for some defensive help. I feel like Columbus has the offense to do things, but lack any stability on the blueline or in goal.

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 Feb 9, 2012 12:55 PM CST reply actions

I think its a longer term thing

Like he wants to play one more year. It included a “gentlemens agreement” of work at the CBJ organization after his playing days are done.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

Hi. It's been a while since I've been around.

I’ve been reading some articles regarding possible trades. One name that popped up was Greg Zanon. So:

Are the Wild likely to be “sellers” at the deadline,
If so, is Zanon a guy that the Wild would move,
If so, what would the Wild reasonably expect in return?

Not trolling, just a serious question and seeking serious and rational opinions.

by mtitanic on Feb 9, 2012 12:56 PM CST reply actions

Heck...

Even if the Wild decide to be buyers, they’d probably be willing to trade Zanon and/or Zidlicky. Zanon would not return much of anything as he’s really only a depth D-man with ever decreasing mobility.

It IS likely that the Wild would like to be sellers at the deadline, but I just don’t see much happening this year. Still, keep an eye open for rumors about Brodziak, Zanon, Zidlicky, Stoner… heck, I’ve even heard rumors about Heatley waiving the no movement and getting traded (doubt that will happen at this deadline). Brodziak would probably get the best return of the likely names, though I don’t know if the Wild trade him or resign him.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah

I would suspect Zanon is available for picks/prospects no matter what.

Zids is available for spare Zamboni parts yesterday.

Being from Minnesota, it would be rude to put something clever here.

by redheadzeb on Feb 9, 2012 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

Just so you know...

Kaberle was dealt to Boston for a prospect, a 1st-round pick, and a 2nd-round pick. He’s a PP specialist like Zids, and he’s even worse in 5-on-5 hockey to the point where every team that has Kaberle has to dress 7 defensmen.

Don’t let your anger as a fan cloud the reality that Zids is a valuable player to the right team.

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 Feb 9, 2012 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

didn't really think about that

but finding a d-man that is going to be able to become a consistent NHLer is pretty hard to predict. It takes a lot longer to develop. So I guess he would be more valuable than I would have first thought. But that being said, I still would be willing to take a “low-ball” offer for him.

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

Zids certainly has more value than the other D candidates...

Though that extra year at $4 million sort of dampens some of the possibilities… that and the fact that he’s been awful this year.

Kaberle was in the last year of his contract when he went to Boston, was he not? I could be mistaken there.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

Kaberle was in his last year

But packaged to the right team, Zidlicky still has plenty of value. Would it be as big a haul as the Kaberle deal? Maybe not. Does he still have good value? Better believe it.

I was simply making a point that just because people don’t like Zidlicky personally doesn’t mean he has zero value. Complaining that Fletcher can’t get a “bag of pucks” or “spare parts for the arena” is getting old and it’s not informed. It’s just wasted complaining.

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 Feb 9, 2012 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, I agree.

I was just trying to jog my memory for a bit of context. I would love to see Zidlicky moved, and I think the could bring back something useful. As I don’t like his game, at all, I wouldn’t mind seeing a 2nd and a 4th back for him, but that is aiming awfully low for a guy who COULD still be dynamic on a real power play unit. What the Wild passes for a PP has to be an attempt at being ironic.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 9, 2012 2:18 PM CST up reply actions

Haha

What the Wild passes for a PP has to be an attempt at being ironic.

I agree.
As for trade partners, maybe Detroit would be interested. A lot of the talk was how they don’t have a real replacement for Rafalski. Maybe Zids could help fill that void. Plus, Detroit has a middle-of-the-pack PP, so a gunner like Zids should help.
In addition, the Wings are a better possession team than Minnesota, so one would have to assume a guy like Zidlicky would look better in that system.
Maybe a trade involving Zid and a pick in exchange for Tatar? I’m sure more pieces would have to be involved, but would Detroit make a move like that to help get Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Holmstrom at least one more Cup?

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 Feb 9, 2012 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

Talk about ironic...

If Zids is the missing piece for Detroit to get that great Detroit core one more cup. If I were them, and if a pp specialist at D is really one of the biggest missing pieces, Zids could be a pretty good addition for all the reasons that you’ve said… and especially because of players like Holmstrom and their play around the crease.

by Krotz the Wall on Feb 10, 2012 8:13 AM CST up reply actions

Good God...

Are the Wild Hipsters?

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

Sure, when you bring logic an reason into play

As much as “logic and reason” apply to the NHL GM’s seat, anyway… But, it isn’t nearly as funny ;)

Being from Minnesota, it would be rude to put something clever here.

by redheadzeb on Feb 9, 2012 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Heatley

heck, I’ve even heard rumors about Heatley waiving the no movement and getting traded

Hope there’s ZERO truth to that rumor. I’m thinking of buying my first Wild Jersey … and it’s gonna be a Heatley jersey.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 9, 2012 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

Get a Zidlicky one. ;)

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

And get pelted with popcorn by disgruntled fans? Tempting, but no. :)

Truth be told, I used to be a huge fan of Zidlicky a couple of years ago when he actually put up points and goals. His defensive game still sucked ass, but atleast he wasn’t a complete tool.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 9, 2012 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

me too

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

I bought a Burns jersey last year...

Big mistake. Hopefully I can turn it into a Clutterbuck jersey at a hockey shop or something.

by GooterBaby on Feb 9, 2012 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

Hence the reason I bought a Koivu one.

He’s locked in for 6 years now. No need to change that anytime soon.

by Rhomy777 on Feb 9, 2012 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

I have a Butch one...

I’ve been on pins and needles every year wondering if he will still be on the team.

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

I'm waiting to turn my Burns

into a Parise…

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 9, 2012 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

Same

I wonder if SB Nation account names work the same way?

by Burnsie4mvp on Feb 9, 2012 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Brings up a sensitive topic...

My gf bought me a Green Havlat for Xmas last year (2010), then he got traded on my birthday. I was bummed cuz I like Havlat, but I really like Heater and am glad it worked out for us. Anyways, my mom works for an embroidery shop that does custom jerseys so I figured I could have it changed to Heatley or anyone. She checked out the jersey (which was purchased from the X HL, roughly $280) and the nameplate/numbers were stitched then glued on, in that order, and if they were to be removed, it would essentially destroy the jersey, which isn’t how normal tackle twill works. Frankly, I’m pissed, and now stuck with a Havlat Jersey.

by iLoveHockey on Feb 9, 2012 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

You could always make a different name plate and sew it on over the Havlat. Will look tacky as hell, but you could put anything you wanted on it.

by eamon17 on Feb 9, 2012 7:50 PM CST up reply actions

Not sure if you posted this one already buts its a pretty good story about something that doesn't get talked about a lot...

http://thehockeywriters.com/minnesota-wild-prospects-dissecting-gustaffson-kuemper-and-hackett/

by GooterBaby on Feb 9, 2012 1:22 PM CST reply actions

I like how Russo puts a teaser about Ruutu in his blog today.

Not that getting him would make much difference now, but maybe they sign him as a UFA this summer.

by cgp711 on Feb 9, 2012 1:47 PM CST reply actions

hi

ready to face Schneider again tonight?

Nucks Misconduct writer, ambassador and prima donna.
Note to self: there's always a dirty joke somewhere in there....
@NM_missy

by missy on Feb 9, 2012 2:45 PM CST reply actions

Always

Bring it! The heart and soul of the team is back, we’re going to….lose less badly?

Nah, we can win. What of Hank? Is he in?

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 9, 2012 2:47 PM CST up reply actions

his foot isn’t seriously injured, and he took the morning skate, so he’s a game-time decision.

Nucks Misconduct writer, ambassador and prima donna.
Note to self: there's always a dirty joke somewhere in there....
@NM_missy

by missy on Feb 9, 2012 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

I see

Wouldn’t it be better to sit him out…tonight….please? :)

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 9, 2012 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

we like the idea of giving him rest, but we’ll have to see what happens.

Nucks Misconduct writer, ambassador and prima donna.
Note to self: there's always a dirty joke somewhere in there....
@NM_missy

by missy on Feb 9, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

Well, the Nucks could sit Hank and still drop the People’s Elbow on the Wild, so it will be interesting to see if they err on the side of caution or not. The 13-point lead in the division could also lead to a break.

You know you're a Wild fan if Spam Whoopie Gerald-buns comes up in conversation
Mikael Granlund = Suomi Savior

by JDesthubert on Feb 9, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions