Got my computer reformatted so I'm back and it's time to blog!
I'll start with saying it is great to see the Minnesota Wild play with 100% effort, winning on the road and starting to become a team no one can take lightly.
Yes, the team is starting to get the system. Yes, Havlat is starting to get on the board. Yes, Lats seems to bring a lot more to the team than Pouliot did. But Backstrom is the reason this team is where it is. The Wild pepper teams with shots, forecheck teams' defenses into the ground and are playing aggressive hockey. However, they still lack goalscoring.
I have to eat crow for a second. I was worried about Backstrom when we first hired Richards. We all knew he was a very disciplined goalie, in that he is calm and positionally sound. I was worried that he didn't have the acrobatics or athleticism to be able to stop odd-man rushes. Boy, was I wrong. Over the Wild's recent road trip, Backstrom has made key saves at key times. He was already receiving well deserved recognition over the past few seasons but is now being mentioned as an elite goalie.
At first, I thought his contract would hinder the Wild since I felt the Wild would not make the playoffs the next few seasons as CF rebuilds the team. But, it is hard to argue that having one of the best goaltenders in the game is a bad thing. So, cheers for Backstrom.
Clayton Stoner played in his first game tonight against Montreal. I thought he played a very basic and smart game. I hope he continues to get ice time and proves to be a good 5th-6th defenseman. He can play physical, can pass, is mobile and is young. Having this many defensemen come the trade deadline should make things interesting.
Tyler Cuma and Matthew Hackett did not make the Canadian Junior U20s team but Marco Scandella secured his spot. It will be good to see how both Cuma (who everyone thought would be a shoe-in a few months ago) and Scandella respond. Hopefully, it lights a fire under Cuma's ass and Scandella shows the world what he has to offer. Either way, it appears that the Wild do have great defense prospective depth.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wild Coming Into Their Own; Prospects Sheet Updated
It has been awhile...damn life got in the way.
But, it does seem that the Wild are starting to get the system down. Since I last blogged, a couple of changes to the Wild have taken place:
The most noticeable move is obviously the Pouliot for Latendresse trade. Now, after two viewings of Latendresse, I like what I see. But, it is a new team and a contract year so if anything can get a hockey player up, it is those two things.
He's 6'2 and 230 pounds, skates a little better than Bruno and has decent hands. The knock on him from the various websites across the interwebs is that he will play hard one game and everyone will think he's a top-6 player, then he will play soft and uninterested. Well, that sounds a little like Pouliot so the theory is they might thrive with a change of scenery.
As with most trades and younger players, only time will tell.
Ebbett has been around the net in his first few games and appears to have a shooting mentality, something that the Wild lacks. His energy has been great but you wonder what his role will be once Havlat, Miettinen, Sykora and Bouchard come back (not counting on Bouchard, but you get the point). A 5'9 winger with speed can be good on the forecheck but I'd rather have someone who can bang and wear down the defensemen, ALA Clutterbuck and Brodziak. But, he certainly doesn't hurt us as we gave up nothing to get him and he isn't under contract. If he works out, great, and if he doesn't, then he will find himself on waivers once again.
I actually thought Robbie Earl was a great bottom six player. He isn't very big but will take the body, has speed to get there and showed he has an NHL caliber shot when he scored his first ever two goals. He played as well as Ebbett has but is not a center and he can be sent down to Houston with no risk of being claimed since he has already passed through waivers.
All in all, as the local press has stated, the Wild have shown they can win games when they outwork the opposing team. They don't have any snipers or game-breakers (although Koivu continues to make my man-crush grow with all the little things he does) but they are starting to become a team that no one will want to play. But, with other guys coming back into the lineup, one wonders if the inconsistencies that were there early on will come back. Yes, I'm talking about Havlat and Sykora (and Bouchard if he ever comes back). Heck yea, they add skill to a team and an ingredient that would make this team even better. But, if you take out two guys that have been busting their balls off and start losing games, then what happens? You aren't going to bench Havlat because there is just too much skill there. And Sykora is a goal scorer who might be able to get us something come trade deadline. The positive spin on this is that we know we have players that will hustle. Yea, it is more fun watching a team win with a bunch of nice moves, passes and highlight reel goals. But, losing sucks. And it sucks even more when a bunch of guys float around, uninterested.
It will be interesting to see the decisions Fletcher and Richards make once some of these injured players return to the lineup.
But, it does seem that the Wild are starting to get the system down. Since I last blogged, a couple of changes to the Wild have taken place:
- Claimed Andrew Ebbett off waivers
- Traded Pouliot for Latendresse
- Robbie Earl called up (sent down over weekend)
The most noticeable move is obviously the Pouliot for Latendresse trade. Now, after two viewings of Latendresse, I like what I see. But, it is a new team and a contract year so if anything can get a hockey player up, it is those two things.
He's 6'2 and 230 pounds, skates a little better than Bruno and has decent hands. The knock on him from the various websites across the interwebs is that he will play hard one game and everyone will think he's a top-6 player, then he will play soft and uninterested. Well, that sounds a little like Pouliot so the theory is they might thrive with a change of scenery.
As with most trades and younger players, only time will tell.
Ebbett has been around the net in his first few games and appears to have a shooting mentality, something that the Wild lacks. His energy has been great but you wonder what his role will be once Havlat, Miettinen, Sykora and Bouchard come back (not counting on Bouchard, but you get the point). A 5'9 winger with speed can be good on the forecheck but I'd rather have someone who can bang and wear down the defensemen, ALA Clutterbuck and Brodziak. But, he certainly doesn't hurt us as we gave up nothing to get him and he isn't under contract. If he works out, great, and if he doesn't, then he will find himself on waivers once again.
I actually thought Robbie Earl was a great bottom six player. He isn't very big but will take the body, has speed to get there and showed he has an NHL caliber shot when he scored his first ever two goals. He played as well as Ebbett has but is not a center and he can be sent down to Houston with no risk of being claimed since he has already passed through waivers.
All in all, as the local press has stated, the Wild have shown they can win games when they outwork the opposing team. They don't have any snipers or game-breakers (although Koivu continues to make my man-crush grow with all the little things he does) but they are starting to become a team that no one will want to play. But, with other guys coming back into the lineup, one wonders if the inconsistencies that were there early on will come back. Yes, I'm talking about Havlat and Sykora (and Bouchard if he ever comes back). Heck yea, they add skill to a team and an ingredient that would make this team even better. But, if you take out two guys that have been busting their balls off and start losing games, then what happens? You aren't going to bench Havlat because there is just too much skill there. And Sykora is a goal scorer who might be able to get us something come trade deadline. The positive spin on this is that we know we have players that will hustle. Yea, it is more fun watching a team win with a bunch of nice moves, passes and highlight reel goals. But, losing sucks. And it sucks even more when a bunch of guys float around, uninterested.
It will be interesting to see the decisions Fletcher and Richards make once some of these injured players return to the lineup.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Oh, That Clutterbuck; Prospects Stats Update
Calvin Clutterbuck-what a shot last night, eh? I also really thought he looked good on the powerplay, something I hope Richards considers more often. He took three shots, one missing the far corner, then hitting the pipe on the second shot and the third going into the goalie's chest. But, he keeps it simple and has a great shot.
Also, I love the mustache on him. He also has the good ol' yellow teeth with the chew spots which was shown as he was jawing at the ref after he felt he was interfered with on the penalty kill late in the game.
For any of you who play EHM Fantasy Hockey Manager 2007 with the updated rosters, the 2009/2010 rosters came out today at The Blue Line. All I know is Clutterbuck better be a good third liner because I intend on taking him early!
In other news, I thought Russo's blog the other day calling out Burns was necessary. Burns does appear to have such a great personality but he almost seems too positive to be able to take some criticism and say "Yea, I sucked it up and have to play better.". Burns, after Koivu (sorry Clutterbuck), is my favorite player. But I really had high hopes for him this season. I still think he has so much potential but is either trying to do too much, or doesn't have the mental side I was hoping he would develop.
Also, has anyone missed Johnsson? Scott has not made any dumb plays, keeps it simple and brings that presence to the front of the net. I know Johnsson is a great skater and makes a good first pass but he has looked horrendous this year. It will really be telling when he comes back because if the Wild start having a whole bunch of odd-man rushes again, I will fault Johnsson.
Zidlicky has looked great even if he does get a little too aggressive. But, with Schultz no longer pinching in every time and Burns being more cautious, Zidlicky works because people are back to support him.
Brodziak is really growing on me as well. In fact, I love the Kobasew-Brodziak-Clutter line. They all finish their checks, hustle and have some finish to them.
The Gophs split. After a rough Friday night, they won last night, even after being outshot roughly 2-1.
A good weekend for the Houston Aeros as well, going 2-0. As I have mentioned in other blogs, please checkout The Third Intermission for awesome Aeros coverage!
Have a good week!
Also, I love the mustache on him. He also has the good ol' yellow teeth with the chew spots which was shown as he was jawing at the ref after he felt he was interfered with on the penalty kill late in the game.
For any of you who play EHM Fantasy Hockey Manager 2007 with the updated rosters, the 2009/2010 rosters came out today at The Blue Line. All I know is Clutterbuck better be a good third liner because I intend on taking him early!
In other news, I thought Russo's blog the other day calling out Burns was necessary. Burns does appear to have such a great personality but he almost seems too positive to be able to take some criticism and say "Yea, I sucked it up and have to play better.". Burns, after Koivu (sorry Clutterbuck), is my favorite player. But I really had high hopes for him this season. I still think he has so much potential but is either trying to do too much, or doesn't have the mental side I was hoping he would develop.
Also, has anyone missed Johnsson? Scott has not made any dumb plays, keeps it simple and brings that presence to the front of the net. I know Johnsson is a great skater and makes a good first pass but he has looked horrendous this year. It will really be telling when he comes back because if the Wild start having a whole bunch of odd-man rushes again, I will fault Johnsson.
Zidlicky has looked great even if he does get a little too aggressive. But, with Schultz no longer pinching in every time and Burns being more cautious, Zidlicky works because people are back to support him.
Brodziak is really growing on me as well. In fact, I love the Kobasew-Brodziak-Clutter line. They all finish their checks, hustle and have some finish to them.
The Gophs split. After a rough Friday night, they won last night, even after being outshot roughly 2-1.
A good weekend for the Houston Aeros as well, going 2-0. As I have mentioned in other blogs, please checkout The Third Intermission for awesome Aeros coverage!
Have a good week!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Good Weekend for Wild, Gophers and Vikes; Prospects Sheet Update
Wow, this is an odd feeling. I am not frustrated while writing the blog! The Wild beat Gaborik-less Rangers and a Malkin-less Penguins. But, I thought the team, as a whole, looked great for the full 60 minutes in each game. Sure, they were outshot by the Penguins but we didn't give them a hand full of odd-man rushes. I felt that Koivu was dominant in both games, winning faceoffs, strong along the wall and being good on the forecheck/backcheck. Backstrom was the obvious star of the weekend but Zanon has to be mentioned as well. He made several nice defensive plays and was very consistent defensively...something our defensemen have not been this season thus far.
And about Backstrom, what a goalie. I was one of those who was curious to see how he would do in a new system...not because I didn't think he was mentally tough or not positionally sound, but because I questioned his athleticism. Man, he is so positionally sound and mentally strong, he doesn't have to make the acrobatic saves...so, I EAT CROW.
Boogaard played a lot more and I didn't feel he did all that bad. It makes you question just where Pouliot is with this organization since he was a healthy scratch the past two games for Boogaard. Personally, I thought he had been playing much better, competing and trying to make plays instead of trying to toe-drag everyone in the neutral zone.
Scott and Belanger have really impressed me. Belanger has been competing every game, has shown his speed and has also finishing plays. It is his contract year so lets see if he can keep it up. Scott, has been mobile and tough along the wall, making simple plays. To be honest, I think our defense has appeared to be settled down without Johnsson in the lineup. That isn't to say I don't think Johnsson is a great skater, a smart passer...but I think Johnsson and Burns have been trying to do too much this year and the harder they try, the worse it becomes.
Wild get some rest.
Gophers sweep Alaska Anchorage. Nick Leddy sustained a broken jaw on Friday and will be out about 6 weeks. Lucia and Kangas were the MVPs, imo.
Vikes beat Cheeseheads!!!
Prospects:
And about Backstrom, what a goalie. I was one of those who was curious to see how he would do in a new system...not because I didn't think he was mentally tough or not positionally sound, but because I questioned his athleticism. Man, he is so positionally sound and mentally strong, he doesn't have to make the acrobatic saves...so, I EAT CROW.
Boogaard played a lot more and I didn't feel he did all that bad. It makes you question just where Pouliot is with this organization since he was a healthy scratch the past two games for Boogaard. Personally, I thought he had been playing much better, competing and trying to make plays instead of trying to toe-drag everyone in the neutral zone.
Scott and Belanger have really impressed me. Belanger has been competing every game, has shown his speed and has also finishing plays. It is his contract year so lets see if he can keep it up. Scott, has been mobile and tough along the wall, making simple plays. To be honest, I think our defense has appeared to be settled down without Johnsson in the lineup. That isn't to say I don't think Johnsson is a great skater, a smart passer...but I think Johnsson and Burns have been trying to do too much this year and the harder they try, the worse it becomes.
Wild get some rest.
Gophers sweep Alaska Anchorage. Nick Leddy sustained a broken jaw on Friday and will be out about 6 weeks. Lucia and Kangas were the MVPs, imo.
Vikes beat Cheeseheads!!!
Prospects:
- Leddy out 6 weeks with a broken jaw.
- Cody Almond out with broken wrist for around 4 weeks.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Prospects Stats Sheet Updated; Weekend Thoughts
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)