Well, this was the first weekend since I can remember only having caught maybe 20 minutes of a Wild game and it was on Friday. Sheppard and Pouliot were both scratched Saturday, with Clutterbuck returning to score the OT winner.
Big game tonight in Chicago. Havlat returns. Wild can get their first road win. Wild can get their first regulation win. Jeez, that's a lot of firsts and I am probably forgetting a few.
Even though everyone has heard this from bloggers, journalists, and message board posters, this has got to be the biggest point in Sheppard's Wild career to date. He has been benched, is doing horrible in the faceoff circle, hasn't scored a point and appears lost. He needs to start showing something when he returns. And I have to eat crow because 3 games ago, and in my last blog, I thought he looked good. But, he does that from time to time. And that is why he is so frustrating. Sheppard seems to have the mental capacity to understand the game but his media persona is that of a premadonna that is too stubborn to realize that he has to produce in order to get the recognition he probably had the first 19 years of his life. And you wonder if he doesn't get it soon, he never will unless he has a change of scenery. And that will really cripple an already crippled team. To have another first rounder not be a part of the core or be used as an asset in a trade will cause us Wild fans to be even more patient. The reason I feel this way is because if Sheppard and Pouliot were top 6 forwards, we'd lock them up for awhile and have a much more solid core. Look at Duchene and O'reilly of Colorado in comparison. They are two 18 year olds that are already contributing and will for years to come. Colorado did add a solid goaltender (thus far) but they lost Sakic. So, I would contend that having two youngsters being able to step in and be a part of the core is what has changed that franchise. And with having Sheppard struggle, it really causes problems, both short-term and long-term, for Fletcher.
As far as Pouliot is concerned, it is really a broken record. He has played much better this season this far but I still question whether or not he has the Alexandre Daigle sydrome, in that he doesn't come across as someone that truly loves the game. But, this is from a guy watching him on TV. I did see Koivu talking to him on the bench a few games ago and maybe the guy is getting down on himself...now, I won't pretend him getting down on himself means the guy is going to make it, I am saying that showing some sort of emotion would be a much better sign than him simply being uninterested.
While I would love to be able to get access to these two guys, Marco Scandella and Harri Ilvonen, two Wild defensive prospects, are putting up good statistics for their respective teams. Hopefully, sometime throughout the year, I will try to contact the teams and see if I can interview them (along with any other prospects that are worth keeping an eye on).
With that, HAPPY MONDAY
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
C is for Cook...Captain!; Shepp; Kobasew
Mr. Koivu, the first permanent captain in Wild history...man-crush on that guy. In fact, I ordered the new Wild Third Jersey with 9 and C on it!
I don't know about all of you...well, I'll pretend that there are actually people who read this blog from time to time, but Koivu looked possessed last night. I would never question his effort or game but he appeared to have confidence with the puck that he had last year during his few month stint as captain.
Call me crazy but when Koivu is on, he is Forsberg-lite down low. He protects the puck, goes to the net and has good hands. He also gets into spitting matches with other defensemen (Foote last night). And he doesn't dive!! OK, low blow but oh so deserved.
In other news, I thought Sheppard actually moved his feet and looked good on the forecheck. Yes, he did fan on a beautiful opportunity from Havlat but that looks more like confidence than talent. I go back and forth with this kid every game...when he moves his feet, I think he will make it as a second liner. But, when he doesn't, then I want to make him do Herbies for hours...
I like Kobasew. I knew what we were getting since I have watched him play several times but the speed and work ethic is there. And once Clutterbuck comes back, I can't help but think defensemen will start hating playing the Wild...nothing like speed, effort and physical play to take time and space away from defensemen. It was only one game but expect the same effort every night with a point here and there every few games.
C IS FOR COOKIE--NUM NUM NUM
I don't know about all of you...well, I'll pretend that there are actually people who read this blog from time to time, but Koivu looked possessed last night. I would never question his effort or game but he appeared to have confidence with the puck that he had last year during his few month stint as captain.
Call me crazy but when Koivu is on, he is Forsberg-lite down low. He protects the puck, goes to the net and has good hands. He also gets into spitting matches with other defensemen (Foote last night). And he doesn't dive!! OK, low blow but oh so deserved.
In other news, I thought Sheppard actually moved his feet and looked good on the forecheck. Yes, he did fan on a beautiful opportunity from Havlat but that looks more like confidence than talent. I go back and forth with this kid every game...when he moves his feet, I think he will make it as a second liner. But, when he doesn't, then I want to make him do Herbies for hours...
I like Kobasew. I knew what we were getting since I have watched him play several times but the speed and work ethic is there. And once Clutterbuck comes back, I can't help but think defensemen will start hating playing the Wild...nothing like speed, effort and physical play to take time and space away from defensemen. It was only one game but expect the same effort every night with a point here and there every few games.
C IS FOR COOKIE--NUM NUM NUM
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Wild Acquire Kobasew
Per Russo, the Wild have acquired Chuck Kobasew for Craig Weller, 2011 2nd and Alexander Fallstrom.
Bouchard placed on LTIR.
2011 2nd and Fallstrom plus salary dump in Weller is not bad for Kobasew. I originally panicked and thought it was this year's 2nd rounder which might end up being 31-35 but it isn't.
Overall, this trade shows Fletcher is not giving up on the season and Kobasew is another guy who is good on the forecheck, works hard every game and will show up on the scoresheet. The 2nd that was given up will most likely be returned as our vets or UFAs are traded near the deadline, assuming we are out of the playoffs come the trade deadline.
Bouchard placed on LTIR.
2011 2nd and Fallstrom plus salary dump in Weller is not bad for Kobasew. I originally panicked and thought it was this year's 2nd rounder which might end up being 31-35 but it isn't.
Overall, this trade shows Fletcher is not giving up on the season and Kobasew is another guy who is good on the forecheck, works hard every game and will show up on the scoresheet. The 2nd that was given up will most likely be returned as our vets or UFAs are traded near the deadline, assuming we are out of the playoffs come the trade deadline.
Lemaire is NOT Coming Back!!; Prospects Sheet Update
Not a lot of good news regarding the Wild except that they get a few days off, get to play at home and hopefully Sykora and Havlat will be back in the lineup. But, I am not here today to point out the obvious...no, that would be too easy. Instead, I want to point out to all of the Wild fans that Lemaire is not coming back.......NEVER EVER EVER. I have seen so many Wild fans blurt this out...often times they are the same people that were complaining about his coaching style mid-way through last season.
Ok...
AND, in the make-believe world that some Wild fans live in, they think Lemaire would make this team more competitive. Well, maybe he would. But, he would only delay the inevitable. The problem is not the coaching or the GM, it's the lack of potential in their prospect pool. If Lemaire were here and the Wild finished 8th-10th, the Wild would have another mid-round pick that would most likely take a few years to make the team. And for those that think we can just dive into free agency and add elite talent, sorry. This is the era of the Cap (and the Wild are near the Cap). Strong teams are built through the draft. Free agency and trades are used to add the missing elements to teams that are contenders. And the truth is, the Wild are not a contender with or without Lemaire. The sooner that Wild fans realize this, the better.
The other truth is that the team will have to be rebuilt through the draft, and it may take a few drafts to not only obtain the necessary depth, but also allow time for the draftees to become NHL caliber players. So, watch the games, get pissed about effort and lack of talent, but don't think that Lemaire would take this franchise any closer to Cup than any other coach.
Ok...
AND, in the make-believe world that some Wild fans live in, they think Lemaire would make this team more competitive. Well, maybe he would. But, he would only delay the inevitable. The problem is not the coaching or the GM, it's the lack of potential in their prospect pool. If Lemaire were here and the Wild finished 8th-10th, the Wild would have another mid-round pick that would most likely take a few years to make the team. And for those that think we can just dive into free agency and add elite talent, sorry. This is the era of the Cap (and the Wild are near the Cap). Strong teams are built through the draft. Free agency and trades are used to add the missing elements to teams that are contenders. And the truth is, the Wild are not a contender with or without Lemaire. The sooner that Wild fans realize this, the better.
The other truth is that the team will have to be rebuilt through the draft, and it may take a few drafts to not only obtain the necessary depth, but also allow time for the draftees to become NHL caliber players. So, watch the games, get pissed about effort and lack of talent, but don't think that Lemaire would take this franchise any closer to Cup than any other coach.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Prospect Sheet Update
This last weekend wasn't quite as exciting as the last one...the Wild lost, the Twinkies swept and the Vikes won easily.
The trend continues with the Wild--flashes of a strong forecheck and dominance for a few minutes but then defense lapses that cost them the game. And the last game proved costly as Clutterbuck and Sykora were injured. Cal is a huge part of this new system and is already a Richards favorite so hopefully his ankle injury does not keep him out long.
It will be interesting who gets the call from Houston...
An interesting note is that our top line has the worst +/- rating. Now, I know that many people feel that the plus/minus is a poor stat but I do believe it holds some weight when it is compared to members of the same team. I think that Johnsson and Schultz are really having difficulty with their timing--pinching in, etc. They also have not been physical enough in front of the net.
This week is crucial for the Wild as it is obvious everyone from the team to the fans are frustrated with the start. The Wild see Anaheim on Wednesday, Edmonton on Friday and Vancouver on Saturday. If the Wild can grab two wins, especially against divison rivals, then they stop from digging themselves out of a hole that will be hard to get out of.
The prospect sheet has been updated. Foucault had a great weekend but keep in mind he is playing on a stacked Calgary Hitmen team.
The Aeros split 1-1 with Texas but Wild prospects Carson Mcmillan and Cody Almond made their debuts. Please checkout The Third Intermission for great Houston Aeros coverage.
The trend continues with the Wild--flashes of a strong forecheck and dominance for a few minutes but then defense lapses that cost them the game. And the last game proved costly as Clutterbuck and Sykora were injured. Cal is a huge part of this new system and is already a Richards favorite so hopefully his ankle injury does not keep him out long.
It will be interesting who gets the call from Houston...
An interesting note is that our top line has the worst +/- rating. Now, I know that many people feel that the plus/minus is a poor stat but I do believe it holds some weight when it is compared to members of the same team. I think that Johnsson and Schultz are really having difficulty with their timing--pinching in, etc. They also have not been physical enough in front of the net.
This week is crucial for the Wild as it is obvious everyone from the team to the fans are frustrated with the start. The Wild see Anaheim on Wednesday, Edmonton on Friday and Vancouver on Saturday. If the Wild can grab two wins, especially against divison rivals, then they stop from digging themselves out of a hole that will be hard to get out of.
The prospect sheet has been updated. Foucault had a great weekend but keep in mind he is playing on a stacked Calgary Hitmen team.
The Aeros split 1-1 with Texas but Wild prospects Carson Mcmillan and Cody Almond made their debuts. Please checkout The Third Intermission for great Houston Aeros coverage.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
With Bouchard and Boogard Out, Opportunities Arise
First off, what a day yesterday, eh?
I wasn't one of the lucky individuals who got to attend one (or both) of the Twins or Wild games but I certainly went through every emotion possible, from swearing at the TV and turning channels uncontrollably to fist pumping my dog. And, by the way, my dog fist pumps!
As for the Wild, lots of good things to take away:
The Wild are still getting deprogrammed of Lemaire's breakouts and defensive system, which does cause some untimely turnovers. Only continued practice, games and time will be the cure of that. I or anyone else can write about that after every game from now until December, so no point going into that once again...
Scott is quickly showing that he can play the same role that Boogy does. He may not have the intimidation factor but he is cheaper and better at playing hockey...yea, the game. And for those that say I am jumping to conclusions because he won one fight...Scott doesn't need to win fights. As long as Scott is physical, willing to drop the gloves when the time is right and doesn't take dumb penalties, he fulfills Boogie's role and then Boogaard is not needed.
Also, with Bouchard out, guys like Clutterbuck, Sheppard and Pouliot will get more ice time. If they can grab these opportunities and run with them, then the Wild will be a much deeper team when Bouchard comes back healthy. Hell, I acknowledge that Bouchard has probably the best hands and hockey IQs on the team but I would be lying if I said it wasn't nice not screaming at him last night because he isn't effective on the forecheck or along the walls due to his size/tenacity.
LETS GO TWINS!
I wasn't one of the lucky individuals who got to attend one (or both) of the Twins or Wild games but I certainly went through every emotion possible, from swearing at the TV and turning channels uncontrollably to fist pumping my dog. And, by the way, my dog fist pumps!
As for the Wild, lots of good things to take away:
- Havlat and Sykora reunited which proved to be another line that can create offense.
- Scott demolished Pornstar Parros. YOUTUBEY
- Forecheck was great. The speed and physical play was often too much for the Ducks' rebuilt defensive core.
The Wild are still getting deprogrammed of Lemaire's breakouts and defensive system, which does cause some untimely turnovers. Only continued practice, games and time will be the cure of that. I or anyone else can write about that after every game from now until December, so no point going into that once again...
Scott is quickly showing that he can play the same role that Boogy does. He may not have the intimidation factor but he is cheaper and better at playing hockey...yea, the game. And for those that say I am jumping to conclusions because he won one fight...Scott doesn't need to win fights. As long as Scott is physical, willing to drop the gloves when the time is right and doesn't take dumb penalties, he fulfills Boogie's role and then Boogaard is not needed.
Also, with Bouchard out, guys like Clutterbuck, Sheppard and Pouliot will get more ice time. If they can grab these opportunities and run with them, then the Wild will be a much deeper team when Bouchard comes back healthy. Hell, I acknowledge that Bouchard has probably the best hands and hockey IQs on the team but I would be lying if I said it wasn't nice not screaming at him last night because he isn't effective on the forecheck or along the walls due to his size/tenacity.
LETS GO TWINS!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Weekend Update
Well, the Wild has officially begun. It was a loss but it was great to see an aggressive forecheck. There were many turnovers and a lot of times where I was scratching my head but these guys haven't had a lot of time to play together. If they are still making that many mistakes come December, then I will start to worry.
Bouchard was the worst player on the ice for both teams. He does bring a lot of skill to the team but appears scared to go anywhere near traffic. While he wasn't the only one to turnover the puck, he certainly didn't make up for it in any other area. While he is very frustrating to watch, he is important to this team, so let's hope he gets better.
Notable prospects update:
Bouchard was the worst player on the ice for both teams. He does bring a lot of skill to the team but appears scared to go anywhere near traffic. While he wasn't the only one to turnover the puck, he certainly didn't make up for it in any other area. While he is very frustrating to watch, he is important to this team, so let's hope he gets better.
Notable prospects update:
- Houston Aeros went 1-1 with Gillies having a goal and an assist in the first game.
- Tyler Cuma had two assists.
- Teammates Erik Haula and Anthony Hamburg of the Omaha Lancers picked up one point each in their open yesterday.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Let's Do This!
The Wild season is almost here!!
I don't know about the rest of you but I have watched just about every game broadcast thus far. Some of it is because I love hockey but most of it is because I am anxiously awaiting tomorrow night's game and can't think of a better way to pass the time...
With that said, I was really impressed with Toronto last night. I know they ended up losing in overtime but they are definitely not an easy team to play against...but, then again, has any Burke team been an easy team to play against?
Bad news in Montreal as they have lost Markov for about 4 months. And, if the Wild were out of a playoff spot and the deadline tomorrow, I'd start a rumor of Marek Zidlicky going to Montreal...but it's not...
Booth and Koistinen the heroes for Florida against Chicago. Those guys both showed some "twisted wristas". Too bad I don't have either of them on any of my 5 fantasy hockey teams...
Well, the Houston Aeros begin their season tonight and I am currently contemplating whether to watch the game online. I have almost reached my hockey capacity for the past two days but I really want to see Gillies get 20 min....oh, so much season left but nothing like the first few days of the season....
Rumor has it that Pouliot has the green light to play tomorrow for the Wild. Will he suit up tomorrow? And if so, does he play on the bottom two lines and get some PP time, or does he play on the top two? I would venture a guess that he starts out on the bottom line with Belanger and Brodziak (which is a hell of a 4th line imo) while Richards continues his experiment with Bouchard between Sykora and Nolan.
I don't know about the rest of you but I have watched just about every game broadcast thus far. Some of it is because I love hockey but most of it is because I am anxiously awaiting tomorrow night's game and can't think of a better way to pass the time...
With that said, I was really impressed with Toronto last night. I know they ended up losing in overtime but they are definitely not an easy team to play against...but, then again, has any Burke team been an easy team to play against?
Bad news in Montreal as they have lost Markov for about 4 months. And, if the Wild were out of a playoff spot and the deadline tomorrow, I'd start a rumor of Marek Zidlicky going to Montreal...but it's not...
Booth and Koistinen the heroes for Florida against Chicago. Those guys both showed some "twisted wristas". Too bad I don't have either of them on any of my 5 fantasy hockey teams...
Well, the Houston Aeros begin their season tonight and I am currently contemplating whether to watch the game online. I have almost reached my hockey capacity for the past two days but I really want to see Gillies get 20 min....oh, so much season left but nothing like the first few days of the season....
Rumor has it that Pouliot has the green light to play tomorrow for the Wild. Will he suit up tomorrow? And if so, does he play on the bottom two lines and get some PP time, or does he play on the top two? I would venture a guess that he starts out on the bottom line with Belanger and Brodziak (which is a hell of a 4th line imo) while Richards continues his experiment with Bouchard between Sykora and Nolan.
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