Another big walk today. News of the sellout streak ending, the first preseason game, and some news on the blogger front. Makes for an excellent way to put off doing any work for the next hour or so get caught up on the day's happenings.
Enjoy your day, Wilderness readers.
Random Wild Video of the Day:
I know Stoner had a bad night last night. Just like a team that is struggling could use a good fight to rile them back up, maybe that's what he needs. Go out against the next opponent and throw some fists. Get yourself back in the game. To quote Tom Green: "Release the fury."
Wild News:
Schultz goes back to doing what he does best | StarTribune.com - Russo has the story of Schultz and his move (hopefully) back to the Nick Schultz we all know.
Something's missing: in stands, on ice | StarTribune.com - Russo's gamer.
St. Louis Blues 5, Wild 1; First non-sellout at X; #mnwild close to signing 3 | StarTribune.com - Russo's Rants, including some info on potential signings.
Minnesota Wild sellout streak ends at 409 games - TwinCities.com - Brothers' gamer, with a heavy dose of non-sellout.
Wild, 409-game sellout streak, fall in preseason opener | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities - Please welcome Jess Myers to the list of people we get to (hopefully) read on a regular basis.
The Wild Sellout Streak Is Over - And Maybe That's For The Best - SB Nation Minnesota - SBN Minnesota has a look at why the sellout streak being over is a good thing.
Wild play at home in front of non-sellout crowd for first time ever, hysteria ensues - ProHockeyTalk - Hockey - NBC Sports - I'm not sure I would use the word "hysteria." It is disappointing it is over, but at the same time, as Craig Leipold said, it was inevitable. Even though something can be seen coming for years, it can still be disappointing when it happens.
A Letter from Craig Leipold - A thank you to fans for their support, and confidence that new sell out streak can be created.
KuklasKorner : The Puck Stops Here : Why James Sheppard Has Such A Bad GVT - In a rare link to KK, we get to read about the statistical reasons why James Sheppard is not very good. Reading this, I want to note a few things. One, GVT makes my head hurt. Two, any stat based reasoning behind what is going on with Sheppard is welcome. Three, if it takes this much analysis to figure out that Shep isn't cutting it, I think someone needs to pay just a bit more attention to their surroundings.
And, as happens with nearly every Walk, something new just came up:
Puck Daddy - Talking with Eric Nystrom - Justin Bourne talks with the Wild's Eric Nystrom on several topics.
Off the Trail:
NHL's New Blogger Policy in Place -- NHL FanHouse - In the most disappointing news of the day, the NHL caved in to a handful of teams and has created the "Separate but Equal" rule for bloggers. If you read the link to Craig Leipold's letter, you will see he lists himself as a blogger. Russo is also a blogger. Most MSM guys are. I sure hope the Rangers and Oilers decide they don't get access to their players too. I mean... since it is the term "blogger" they have so much trouble with.
WHL Network - A nice overview of the WHL Western Conference with some name dropping of Wild prospects Dylen McKinlay and Brett Bulmer.