Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul)-
There's the old adage that if isn't broke, don't fix it. This holds true for the Minnesota Wild this offseason. But what may not be broke, does need some tinkering when players are lost with no compensation (retirement).
Coming off a disappointing end to an otherwise superb season, Wild management made the decision to wait until after players announced their retirement, whether or not to take this season off and get younger.
"We have a core group of players that are a mixture of young and well, not so young guys," said Wild GM, Blake Wendt. "Early on we were prepared to take a step back if we lost alot of guys to retirement. We have a handful that are on that bubble every offseason."
The retirement process came, and the only player lost from the Wild roster was defensive center, Wes Walz. A player who will be missed, but not someone to take this hockey club away from their goal of another championship.
"I kind of just let the players be in their decisions," said Wendt. "I wasn't going to try and sway any of them in them coming back next season. With Wes, we kind of figured he wasn't coming back. Although an integral part to our success and in winning the Cup a season ago, he just wasn't getting the same ice time and was a healthy scratch for several games. Wes won't be going too far though. He's staying with the organization as 'special assistant' who will break down video for us during games and keep us updated during intermissions and help in preparing the team for the game."
With losing a defensive center like Walz, the Wild were not looking forward to having to release another to waivers. But they did as Michael Peca was reluctantly released this week.
"It's tough to lose a guy like Mike," said Wendt. "His play on the ice, the passion for for the game, his penalty killing and leadership... that's hard to replace, if not impossible."
They addressed that need for defense up front by making a trade with the Boston Bruins on Saturday. Sending Ales Hemsky, Jeff Taffe and Kurt Sauer to Beantown, for Todd Marchant and David Backes.
"We not only brought back a defensive-minded center to help ease the loss of Peca and Walz, but we weren't left completely empty on the right wing in losing Hemsky," said Wendt. "Plus we got a tougher player in David Backes to give the Sedin line some punch."
It is believed that Hemsky's time with the Wild was wearing thin after a sub par regular season, and an ice cold post-season.
Next up for the Wild will be selecting a player from the waiver pool that Peca was sent to. They will pick second to last at the 29th spot.
Is Minnesota's roster set for GLHL Season 15?
"We're close, if not there," said Wendt. "I don't think we'll actively be shopping around. But if someone comes to us, we always look at every offer to see if it makes us better."
Will the Wild make a deal in reaction to someone within the division making a trade?
"We never make trades to counter a trade made by someone else in the Northwest. Our division is one of the most active divisions in the league. Especially this off season it seems. But they are making those moves to get to our level. We see no need to adjust our roster based on another teams roster moves. I am more than confident that we have a solid, strong hockey club."
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, December 21, 2008
WILD REFLECT ON SEASON 14
Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul)-
It was a quiet, solemn flight home from Long Island for the Minnesota Wild. A week ago they were the most dominant hockey club in the GLHL. They had just swept the Chicago Blackhawks for their second Western Conference title in as many years. They had swept the St. Louis Blues in the quarter-finals and beat their divisional fow, Vancouver Canucks in the semis. They were running on all cylinders. They were the best defense in the league all season, and only took it up a notch in the playoffs. Defense wins championships. It did for Minnesota last season. But they didn't face an offense like the New York Islanders last season.
The mood in St. Paul was electric for Game 1 of the GLHL Cup Final. In keeping with tradition from last season, the Wild hung their third consecutive Northwest Division Champions banner prior to this game. During player introductions, if it wasn't for their pictures plastered on the scoreboard, you wouldn't know who was stepping on the ice it was so loud.
Minnesota took Game 1 by a convincing 6-3 win. The first line was clicking and Luongo was steller.
Game 2 wasn't the same for the Wild. They lost 4-3 in a game that they generally dominated in.
Game 3 on Long Island was much of the same for Minnesota. Joe Sakic opened the scoring in the second, but Byron Dafoe was unflappable and the Wild couldn't break him. Bryan McCabe finally got the Islanders back in the third and former Wild player, Josh Langfeld dropped his former team with the game-winner in overtime.
Game 4 was a must win of sorts for the Wild. They couldn't go home without at least a split in New York and the series. A win they needed, and a win they very much got. Going 2-for-4 on the powerplay and winning 7-2. Sakic scored both of Minnesota's PP tallies and added a third to complete the hattrick. He also added two helpers to finish the night with five points. Markus Naslund netted two of his own and two assists, and Jason Blake scored one goal to go along with his five assists. Everything was clicking for the trip home.
Game 5 and the series lead was well within reach for the Wild. They took the momentum from Game 4 and peppered Byron Dafoe with 47 shots. But Dafoe was the difference maker. Despite giving up two powerplay goals and four total, Lord Byron stopped enough for the Isles high-powered offense to score one more than Minnesota. The final score was 5-4 Islanders. It was now elimination time going back to New York.
Game 6 was not to be for Minnesota. Giving up the first two goals of the game, Roberto Luongo and his team could not come back and never took the lead in their final game of Season 14. The Islanders beat the Wild 4-3 to take their second GLHL Cup.
"It's been a couple days, and it's still a tough pill to swallow," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "We had so many oppurtunities, so many chances to win. We dismantled them in both our wins (6-3 and 7-2) and lost by only a goal in every other game. We knew coming into this series that they were sickening with their offense (105 GF). But we felt that our defense (53 GA) and Louie (Luongo) were enough to shut them down, and our offense would take over. We did for those two games, but just couldn't figure out Dafoe in the rest. But we can't dwell on it. It's over and obviously the better team won. Congratulations to the Islanders. They got it done. For us, we have to see what transpires in the offseason to see what direction we go. If I had it my way I'd keep this team intact. With the waivers rule, we'll probably going to lose Michael Peca for sure. Mike's leadership and penalty killing are invaluable to this team. But if he is all we lose, then I see no need for much change beyond that. But we are a veteren team and some guys have to decide if they're going to continue or hang it up. If we lose one or two guys to retirement, then we'll have to re-adjust our thinking and maybe take a step back. But that's out of my hands right now. All we can do is remain hopeful that everyone returns. We'll have another successful season if that happens."
It was a quiet, solemn flight home from Long Island for the Minnesota Wild. A week ago they were the most dominant hockey club in the GLHL. They had just swept the Chicago Blackhawks for their second Western Conference title in as many years. They had swept the St. Louis Blues in the quarter-finals and beat their divisional fow, Vancouver Canucks in the semis. They were running on all cylinders. They were the best defense in the league all season, and only took it up a notch in the playoffs. Defense wins championships. It did for Minnesota last season. But they didn't face an offense like the New York Islanders last season.
The mood in St. Paul was electric for Game 1 of the GLHL Cup Final. In keeping with tradition from last season, the Wild hung their third consecutive Northwest Division Champions banner prior to this game. During player introductions, if it wasn't for their pictures plastered on the scoreboard, you wouldn't know who was stepping on the ice it was so loud.
Minnesota took Game 1 by a convincing 6-3 win. The first line was clicking and Luongo was steller.
Game 2 wasn't the same for the Wild. They lost 4-3 in a game that they generally dominated in.
Game 3 on Long Island was much of the same for Minnesota. Joe Sakic opened the scoring in the second, but Byron Dafoe was unflappable and the Wild couldn't break him. Bryan McCabe finally got the Islanders back in the third and former Wild player, Josh Langfeld dropped his former team with the game-winner in overtime.
Game 4 was a must win of sorts for the Wild. They couldn't go home without at least a split in New York and the series. A win they needed, and a win they very much got. Going 2-for-4 on the powerplay and winning 7-2. Sakic scored both of Minnesota's PP tallies and added a third to complete the hattrick. He also added two helpers to finish the night with five points. Markus Naslund netted two of his own and two assists, and Jason Blake scored one goal to go along with his five assists. Everything was clicking for the trip home.
Game 5 and the series lead was well within reach for the Wild. They took the momentum from Game 4 and peppered Byron Dafoe with 47 shots. But Dafoe was the difference maker. Despite giving up two powerplay goals and four total, Lord Byron stopped enough for the Isles high-powered offense to score one more than Minnesota. The final score was 5-4 Islanders. It was now elimination time going back to New York.
Game 6 was not to be for Minnesota. Giving up the first two goals of the game, Roberto Luongo and his team could not come back and never took the lead in their final game of Season 14. The Islanders beat the Wild 4-3 to take their second GLHL Cup.
"It's been a couple days, and it's still a tough pill to swallow," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "We had so many oppurtunities, so many chances to win. We dismantled them in both our wins (6-3 and 7-2) and lost by only a goal in every other game. We knew coming into this series that they were sickening with their offense (105 GF). But we felt that our defense (53 GA) and Louie (Luongo) were enough to shut them down, and our offense would take over. We did for those two games, but just couldn't figure out Dafoe in the rest. But we can't dwell on it. It's over and obviously the better team won. Congratulations to the Islanders. They got it done. For us, we have to see what transpires in the offseason to see what direction we go. If I had it my way I'd keep this team intact. With the waivers rule, we'll probably going to lose Michael Peca for sure. Mike's leadership and penalty killing are invaluable to this team. But if he is all we lose, then I see no need for much change beyond that. But we are a veteren team and some guys have to decide if they're going to continue or hang it up. If we lose one or two guys to retirement, then we'll have to re-adjust our thinking and maybe take a step back. But that's out of my hands right now. All we can do is remain hopeful that everyone returns. We'll have another successful season if that happens."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
WILD FACE HAWKS IN WEST FINAL
Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul)- After spending most of past week practicing and facing each other, the Minnesota Wild finally know who they will play against in the Western Conference Final. The Chicago Blackhawks.
It took the Blackhawks a overtime in a Game 7 against Detroit to advance.
Having swept in their semi-final series against the Blues, the Wild are more than ready to get into some game action.
"We're getting sick of each other," joked Michael Peca. "Our practices have been tough this week. Two hours everyday. Lots of video and watching their (CHI-DET) series. Hopefully we can match their game speed. They're going to be pumped after such a big win against Detroit. Obviously scoring early and trying to slow them down will be a priority."
The Wild played the 'Hawks four times in the regular season. Going 2-1-1. Minnesota won the first two contests 2-1 and 2-0 respectively. Chicago tied the next 4-4 and won the last 4-2. Each team scoring nine goals total.
"I think we match up pretty well," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "I envision close games throughout this series. Whoever scores last will probably win. Which makes small mistakes or match-up mix ups even more magnified. Should be a great series for fans, and take a couple years off the lives of the coaches."
It took the Blackhawks a overtime in a Game 7 against Detroit to advance.
Having swept in their semi-final series against the Blues, the Wild are more than ready to get into some game action.
"We're getting sick of each other," joked Michael Peca. "Our practices have been tough this week. Two hours everyday. Lots of video and watching their (CHI-DET) series. Hopefully we can match their game speed. They're going to be pumped after such a big win against Detroit. Obviously scoring early and trying to slow them down will be a priority."
The Wild played the 'Hawks four times in the regular season. Going 2-1-1. Minnesota won the first two contests 2-1 and 2-0 respectively. Chicago tied the next 4-4 and won the last 4-2. Each team scoring nine goals total.
"I think we match up pretty well," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "I envision close games throughout this series. Whoever scores last will probably win. Which makes small mistakes or match-up mix ups even more magnified. Should be a great series for fans, and take a couple years off the lives of the coaches."
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
MINNY SWEEP TO WEST FINAL
Scottrade Center (St. Louis)- For the first time in their playoff history, the Minnesota Wild have swept a series to advance to the Western Conference Final.
-Game 4 in St. Louis was anything but an automatic win for the Wild. Neither team scored in the first period. The Blues won the period in shots at 11-7.
-"I think it was good for Louie (Luongo) to get those shots early," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "The defense did a good job clearing lanes for him to see the shots. But Roberto made some nice saves on his own to keep this game to our advantage."
-Within a minute of the second period and the Blues were finally rewarded with their shots and were up 1-0 from a Martin Havlat goal.
-The celebration was short lived as before the PA announcer had time to announce the home team's tally, Minnesota's Colin White blasted the puck from the blueline past a blind Martin Brodeur. -The Wild would not trail again in this game.
-Five minutes later and the lead was taken after a Ian Laperriere breakaway.
-The smell of blood was in the air, and the Wild were thirsty for goals. Jason Blake took a feed from Markus Naslund and Joe Sakic to make it 3-1 Wild.
-The Blues would not go down though. Brendan Morrow scored with the man-advantage to bring his team within one.
-"Their fans were back in the game after Morrow's goal," said Wendt. "It was important for us to not let them change our game. We were still ahead, and it needed to stay that way."
-Joe Sakic did his part in keeping the advantage on Minnesota's side. Scoring at 14:07 to put the Wild up 4-2. That score would hold going into the second intermission.
-St. Louis would not go down without a fight. Literally. Rob Brind'Amour decided it was time to square off with someone to spark his teammates. After trying to crash the net, Alexei Zhitnik took exception to Brind'Amour and the two drops their gloves. Brind'Amour started the bout off well, but Zhitnik waited for his opening and knocked down his opponent with a series of haymakers.
-With a minute left in the game, Brodeur was pulled for the Blues' last chance.
-Sakic ended that chance and finished off St. Louis with and empty netter at 19:14.
-Although outshot 28-41, Minnesota prevailed due in large part to their netminder.
-"Louie took his game to the next level tonight," said Naslund. "We hung him out to dry too often, and he only rewarded us with amazing stops. He's the heart and soul of this team and we wouldn't have had the success we've had without him. Guess he gets some dinners paid for from now on."
-The Wild will have at least the next two days off before they find out who they play in the Western Conference Final. Detroit and Chicago are all tied up at 2-2 in their series.
-"It will be nice to get healed up a little bit," said Michael Peca. "This time is important in a physical sense. The mental part is key though. We have to stay focused and not take our game down. I imagine our practices will be pretty intense before we get some games in again."
-3 STARS from Game 4...
#1 Roberto Luongo (MIN) - 39 saves while only allowing 2 goals in win
#2 Joe Sakic (MIN) - 2 goals and an assist
#3 Jason Blake (MIN) - Game-winning goal and 2 assists
-Game 4 in St. Louis was anything but an automatic win for the Wild. Neither team scored in the first period. The Blues won the period in shots at 11-7.
-"I think it was good for Louie (Luongo) to get those shots early," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "The defense did a good job clearing lanes for him to see the shots. But Roberto made some nice saves on his own to keep this game to our advantage."
-Within a minute of the second period and the Blues were finally rewarded with their shots and were up 1-0 from a Martin Havlat goal.
-The celebration was short lived as before the PA announcer had time to announce the home team's tally, Minnesota's Colin White blasted the puck from the blueline past a blind Martin Brodeur. -The Wild would not trail again in this game.
-Five minutes later and the lead was taken after a Ian Laperriere breakaway.
-The smell of blood was in the air, and the Wild were thirsty for goals. Jason Blake took a feed from Markus Naslund and Joe Sakic to make it 3-1 Wild.
-The Blues would not go down though. Brendan Morrow scored with the man-advantage to bring his team within one.
-"Their fans were back in the game after Morrow's goal," said Wendt. "It was important for us to not let them change our game. We were still ahead, and it needed to stay that way."
-Joe Sakic did his part in keeping the advantage on Minnesota's side. Scoring at 14:07 to put the Wild up 4-2. That score would hold going into the second intermission.
-St. Louis would not go down without a fight. Literally. Rob Brind'Amour decided it was time to square off with someone to spark his teammates. After trying to crash the net, Alexei Zhitnik took exception to Brind'Amour and the two drops their gloves. Brind'Amour started the bout off well, but Zhitnik waited for his opening and knocked down his opponent with a series of haymakers.
-With a minute left in the game, Brodeur was pulled for the Blues' last chance.
-Sakic ended that chance and finished off St. Louis with and empty netter at 19:14.
-Although outshot 28-41, Minnesota prevailed due in large part to their netminder.
-"Louie took his game to the next level tonight," said Naslund. "We hung him out to dry too often, and he only rewarded us with amazing stops. He's the heart and soul of this team and we wouldn't have had the success we've had without him. Guess he gets some dinners paid for from now on."
-The Wild will have at least the next two days off before they find out who they play in the Western Conference Final. Detroit and Chicago are all tied up at 2-2 in their series.
-"It will be nice to get healed up a little bit," said Michael Peca. "This time is important in a physical sense. The mental part is key though. We have to stay focused and not take our game down. I imagine our practices will be pretty intense before we get some games in again."
-3 STARS from Game 4...
#1 Roberto Luongo (MIN) - 39 saves while only allowing 2 goals in win
#2 Joe Sakic (MIN) - 2 goals and an assist
#3 Jason Blake (MIN) - Game-winning goal and 2 assists
Sunday, November 23, 2008
WILD PREVAIL, MOVE ON
GM Place (Vancouver)- It took six games after going up 3-0 in the series. But the Minnesota Wild have finally put away the Vancouver Canucks are moving onto the Western Conference Semi-finals against either the Calgary Flames or St. Louis Blues.
-Last nights contest was a nail-biter for both clubs. The Canucks needed to win to stay alive, and the Wild did not want to repeat what happened two seasons ago. When Vancouver came back from a 3-1 series deficit to win a game seven in overtime.
-Fourteen minutes into the first, Vancouver defenseman Mark Streit beat Roberto Luongo to put the Canucks ahead. This was Luongo's first game back from an injury in Game 4. Vancouver took that lead into the second period.
-In the second though, Minnesota's Joe Sakic netted his first goal of the series. The BC native was overdue, as he was the Wild's leading scorer during the regular season.
-"Goals are hard to come by against this team," said Sakic. "They played us tough all season, and it wasn't any different in the playoffs. They shutdown our scoring lines pretty well, so we are always pressing and trying to get a break."
-The third period seen no goals. But Minnesota played most of the period on the attack, outshooting their opponent 11-6.
-"Our gameplan was pretty simple in the third, and in OT," said Michael Peca. "Whenever we had a shot, we took it. This is when fluke goals go in, so we weren't picky about placement. Just try and get them on Theodore and see what happens."
-Overtime was the same for the Wild. Outshooting the Canucks 8-5 before Peca won the game and the series off a deflection from an Ales Hemsky shot under the glove of Jose Theodore.
-"We were not looking forward to playing these guys in the first round," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "I wouldn't say we were worried. But they played us tough all season and seemed to have our number too often. They're a resiliant team that has been in playoff-mode for a long time just to get in and stay in. As long as they keep doing what they're doing, we'll continue to play tight in the Northwest."
-Game seven between the Flames and Blues will be tonight. The Wild have no preference on either.
-"Obviously we're more familiar with Calgary," said Wild captain Markus Naslund. "But both are very dangerous teams. I wouldn't say we would want to play one over the other. Both are respected and we can't take either lightly. It's the playoffs. No one is ever underestimated."
-Last nights contest was a nail-biter for both clubs. The Canucks needed to win to stay alive, and the Wild did not want to repeat what happened two seasons ago. When Vancouver came back from a 3-1 series deficit to win a game seven in overtime.
-Fourteen minutes into the first, Vancouver defenseman Mark Streit beat Roberto Luongo to put the Canucks ahead. This was Luongo's first game back from an injury in Game 4. Vancouver took that lead into the second period.
-In the second though, Minnesota's Joe Sakic netted his first goal of the series. The BC native was overdue, as he was the Wild's leading scorer during the regular season.
-"Goals are hard to come by against this team," said Sakic. "They played us tough all season, and it wasn't any different in the playoffs. They shutdown our scoring lines pretty well, so we are always pressing and trying to get a break."
-The third period seen no goals. But Minnesota played most of the period on the attack, outshooting their opponent 11-6.
-"Our gameplan was pretty simple in the third, and in OT," said Michael Peca. "Whenever we had a shot, we took it. This is when fluke goals go in, so we weren't picky about placement. Just try and get them on Theodore and see what happens."
-Overtime was the same for the Wild. Outshooting the Canucks 8-5 before Peca won the game and the series off a deflection from an Ales Hemsky shot under the glove of Jose Theodore.
-"We were not looking forward to playing these guys in the first round," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "I wouldn't say we were worried. But they played us tough all season and seemed to have our number too often. They're a resiliant team that has been in playoff-mode for a long time just to get in and stay in. As long as they keep doing what they're doing, we'll continue to play tight in the Northwest."
-Game seven between the Flames and Blues will be tonight. The Wild have no preference on either.
-"Obviously we're more familiar with Calgary," said Wild captain Markus Naslund. "But both are very dangerous teams. I wouldn't say we would want to play one over the other. Both are respected and we can't take either lightly. It's the playoffs. No one is ever underestimated."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
LUONGO HURT IN MINNY LOSS
GM Place (Vancouver)- The Minnesota Wild were clicking on all cylinders for Game 4 in Vancouver. Leading 3-0 in the Best-of-7 series, the Wild looked to finish off their division rival with a sweep.
-Things started off well enough for Minnesota. Alexei Zhitnik scored his first goal of the series at the 3:04 mark of the first period.
-Vancouver would answer almost two minutes later to even things up again.
-"Like what seems like every time we play these guys, things were very tight," said Wild forward Michael Peca. "We knew coming into this game that they were not going to go down easy. They hadn't all season. Why would they now?"
-Both teams played a defense-first game for most of the second period. Neither wanting to give the other a scoring opportunity, while also not pressing for their own goal.
-That ended at the 11:21 mark of the second, when Canucks defenseman Pavel Kubina blasted a shot from the point through a screen. The puck deflecting off of Roberto Luongo's right shoulder. The same shoulder the Wild tender hurt in pre-season.
-Luongo laid on the ice in agony as people in the Land of 10,000 lakes held their collective breaths. He struggled to moved the shoulder at all when trainers worked on him at his crease.
-After a few minutes it was decided that Luongo's backup, Jamie Storr would finish the game.
-Storr played in nine games during the regular season. Going undefeated at 8-0.
-"You never want to see a guy like Louie (Luongo) go down," said Wild forward Daniel Sedin. "Especially in such a big game. But we have all the confidence in the world with Jamie also. He played great in every game all season."
-Storr would finish out the second facing only one shot.
-As both teams readied for the third period, Storr remained in net for the Wild, and Luongo was very much not visible on Minnesota's bench.
-At 1:06 in the third, Zhitnik scored again for the Wild. A goal that took alot of pressure of of Storr and much needed momentum for Minnesota.
-But at the 7:25 mark, Zhitnik took a holding the stick penalty and at 8:50 Mike Sillinger made him pay with the go ahead and game winning goal for the Canucks.
-"I didn't think I held his stick," said Zhitnik. "But they called it and I sat to watch them score. It sucks, but we'll come back."
-As for Luongo, he flew back with the team to Minnesota but is not expected to play in Game 5. He skated with the team in the morning skate. But did not take shots and was only on the ice for thirty minutes. Storr and third-string goalie, Curtis McElhinney finished out the skate.
-"Unless something miraculous happens, I don't think Roberto plays tonight," said Wild head coach Kevin Constantine.
-Officially, Roberto Luongo is listed as day-to-day with an "upper body injury."
-Things started off well enough for Minnesota. Alexei Zhitnik scored his first goal of the series at the 3:04 mark of the first period.
-Vancouver would answer almost two minutes later to even things up again.
-"Like what seems like every time we play these guys, things were very tight," said Wild forward Michael Peca. "We knew coming into this game that they were not going to go down easy. They hadn't all season. Why would they now?"
-Both teams played a defense-first game for most of the second period. Neither wanting to give the other a scoring opportunity, while also not pressing for their own goal.
-That ended at the 11:21 mark of the second, when Canucks defenseman Pavel Kubina blasted a shot from the point through a screen. The puck deflecting off of Roberto Luongo's right shoulder. The same shoulder the Wild tender hurt in pre-season.
-Luongo laid on the ice in agony as people in the Land of 10,000 lakes held their collective breaths. He struggled to moved the shoulder at all when trainers worked on him at his crease.
-After a few minutes it was decided that Luongo's backup, Jamie Storr would finish the game.
-Storr played in nine games during the regular season. Going undefeated at 8-0.
-"You never want to see a guy like Louie (Luongo) go down," said Wild forward Daniel Sedin. "Especially in such a big game. But we have all the confidence in the world with Jamie also. He played great in every game all season."
-Storr would finish out the second facing only one shot.
-As both teams readied for the third period, Storr remained in net for the Wild, and Luongo was very much not visible on Minnesota's bench.
-At 1:06 in the third, Zhitnik scored again for the Wild. A goal that took alot of pressure of of Storr and much needed momentum for Minnesota.
-But at the 7:25 mark, Zhitnik took a holding the stick penalty and at 8:50 Mike Sillinger made him pay with the go ahead and game winning goal for the Canucks.
-"I didn't think I held his stick," said Zhitnik. "But they called it and I sat to watch them score. It sucks, but we'll come back."
-As for Luongo, he flew back with the team to Minnesota but is not expected to play in Game 5. He skated with the team in the morning skate. But did not take shots and was only on the ice for thirty minutes. Storr and third-string goalie, Curtis McElhinney finished out the skate.
-"Unless something miraculous happens, I don't think Roberto plays tonight," said Wild head coach Kevin Constantine.
-Officially, Roberto Luongo is listed as day-to-day with an "upper body injury."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
CAPTAIN LIFTS WILD IN NUCKLAND
GM Place (Vancouver)- In the biggest game of this best of seven series against the Vancouver Canucks, the Minnesota Wild came out on top after some last second heroics from their long-standing leader. Putting the defending GLHL Cup champions one win away from advancing.
-Within the first five minutes of the first period, Markus Naslund had already managed two goals with one on the power play. The Canucks would answer with one of their own to finish the period.
-The second period found both hockey clubs jockeying for position. Both not wanting to give up the next very big goal.
-"They were picking their shots," said Roberto Luongo. "Seemed like they were hesitant to press too far for fear of getting caught deep."
-Vancouver would finally crack the Wild defense and tied the game at the 8:42 mark of the third period. Minnesota would answer a minute later with Daniel Sedin's first goal of the playoffs.
-The game seemed destined for overtime when Mike Sillinger brought the Canucks back at the 17:34 mark of the third period.
-"We had no intentions of continuing this game," said Wild defenseman Teppo Numminen. "We knew if we let them build on their momentum and their crowd pushing them along, especially so close to the end of the period. We'd be hosed in OT."
-The Canucks didn't help themselves when Ladislav Nagy took an unnecessary hooking penalty with a minute and fifteen seconds remaining. Plenty of time for the Wild to end the game in regulation.
-That they did. Naslund one timed a quick pass from Numminen and the puck deflected off the outside leg of an out-of-position Jose Theodore to win the game for the Wild with eighteen seconds remaining in regulation.
-"Anyone who thought this series would be a one-sided affair is crazy and didn't see these two teams play all season," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "We don't fear anyone in this league. But we respect the Canucks very much. Their game counters ours very well. For whatever reason they play very well against us, and we have to be at the top of our game to beat them. Being up 3-0 in this series doesn't make us anymore comfortable. We're not expecting them to roll over and let us just move on."
-Minnesota plays again tonight in Vancouver for what could be a deciding game four.
-Within the first five minutes of the first period, Markus Naslund had already managed two goals with one on the power play. The Canucks would answer with one of their own to finish the period.
-The second period found both hockey clubs jockeying for position. Both not wanting to give up the next very big goal.
-"They were picking their shots," said Roberto Luongo. "Seemed like they were hesitant to press too far for fear of getting caught deep."
-Vancouver would finally crack the Wild defense and tied the game at the 8:42 mark of the third period. Minnesota would answer a minute later with Daniel Sedin's first goal of the playoffs.
-The game seemed destined for overtime when Mike Sillinger brought the Canucks back at the 17:34 mark of the third period.
-"We had no intentions of continuing this game," said Wild defenseman Teppo Numminen. "We knew if we let them build on their momentum and their crowd pushing them along, especially so close to the end of the period. We'd be hosed in OT."
-The Canucks didn't help themselves when Ladislav Nagy took an unnecessary hooking penalty with a minute and fifteen seconds remaining. Plenty of time for the Wild to end the game in regulation.
-That they did. Naslund one timed a quick pass from Numminen and the puck deflected off the outside leg of an out-of-position Jose Theodore to win the game for the Wild with eighteen seconds remaining in regulation.
-"Anyone who thought this series would be a one-sided affair is crazy and didn't see these two teams play all season," said Wild GM Blake Wendt. "We don't fear anyone in this league. But we respect the Canucks very much. Their game counters ours very well. For whatever reason they play very well against us, and we have to be at the top of our game to beat them. Being up 3-0 in this series doesn't make us anymore comfortable. We're not expecting them to roll over and let us just move on."
-Minnesota plays again tonight in Vancouver for what could be a deciding game four.
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