Forget Alberta

Here at Wild Puck Banter we're just going to pretend those last 2 games in Alberta didn't happen. We're going to pretend that Dion Phaneuf didn't single-handedly push our entire team around. We're going to forget about coughing up a 3 goal lead for the first time in team history. Didn't happen. Nik Backstrom suck in the shootout? No, I don't recall that. Mikko miss in the shootout? Nope. And did Boogey only play a total of 3 minutes in both games combined? No, that'd be insane!

WTF?

Let's just forget last night's game in Calgary, shall we?

Avalanche Dead, 81-0-01 Next?

I broached the topic with my wife a few weeks back about going to a Wild game with another hockey blogger and tried to explain to her what a unique experience it would be. Being able to watch a game with a person who's not only very knowledgeable about the NHL, but a person who shares the same passion that I have for the greatest sport on earth. Beer, nachos and a blogger by my side, what could be better than that? Her response was to the point, and to which I didn't have an adequate response:

"So, you mean to tell me that you're going to a hockey game with some guy you met on the internet?"

How does one respond to that? Yes, I did meet him on the internet, but I felt like I had known him for many years. Tapeleg was like an old hockey buddy of mine and I was looking forward to the game a great deal.

Neither the game nor Mr. Tapeleg disappointed. The Wild won a 3-2, tight-checking game and now move to 7-0-1. Taper was exactly as advertised. He's a hockey fan who genuinely loves being at the rink. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel smarter about Avs hockey by being near him.

Road trip to Alberta this week for the best team in hockey. Calgary's going to be tough.

Next!

3-1 in St. Louis. Pavol is on a tear! Avs tonight. Of all the teams the Wild face, I think I enjoy watching them play Colorado most. Watching the up-tempo, free-wheeling, star-laden(*), injured Leopold-esque Avalanche against what many consider the best defensive team in hockey is a true clash of styles. What will win out?

As I've stated before, game previews and "keys to the game" are overdone. This is not the place where you'll often find them. For me, tonight's biggest key to the game is (1) scoring goals and (2) not letting your opponent score goals. Whichever team does both 1 and 2 will come out on top tonight. Breaking news indeed.

Looking around the rest of the Northwest Division, when exactly did Vancouver start sucking? I watched their game against the Kings a few nights ago and came away very happy. The Canucks were worthless in their zone, leaving guys uncovered, turning the puck over constantly and Luongo even looked mortal. Was last year's team just a fluke and is this the real Vancouver team? I believe so; look for them to stumble mightily this year and struggle to reach the 8th seed.

(*) I've got this theory that Joe Sakic has the same regenerating skills as the cheerleader on "Heroes". He'll take a stick to the chin and there's nothing there. He'll pull a hamstring in the 2nd period and come out flying in the third. Clearly someone should check his neck for "the sign".

It's a Trap!

Tonight's game in St. Louis concerns me. The Blues have been playing some really good hockey this season and have a bit of angst built up for the Wild based on some fracases from the pre-season. Since coach Andy Murray took over last year they've been a playoff-caliber team and I'm sure they're up for the game tonight.

Tomorrow the Wild come home to play the Avalanche. I'll be in attendance at the game with fellow blogger, Tapeleg, from Jerseys and Hockey Love. I've never watched a game with a hockey blogger before, so it'll be interesting to get his opinion on the game. Look for some entertaining recaps of that game from both of our sites on Monday.

Game 4: Wild 3, Coyotes 2

Well, this gets the road trip off on the right foot; the moms can stay for another game.

• The Wild were outplayed for most of the game tonight, but managed to cash in on some Phoenix miscues near the end of the game to steal it. It's cliche, but great teams find ways to win games they're aren't supposed to and that was the case tonight.
  



• Burnsie gets blindsided by Shane Doan. Cheap hit by the Phoenix captain.



• Gaborik tussles with Keith Ballard. Almost a Gordie Howe hat-trick for #10: a goal and a near fight with the Minnesota native.



• Confidence in James Sheppard -- Lemaire had the 19 year old on the ice with a 1 goal lead and 2 minutes remaining. Solid game for the rook.



• I watched tonight's game on the Coyotes TV feed on Center Ice. Listening to their TV guys really made me realize how piss-poor the FSN guys are. Analyst Darren Pang is outstanding...why can't we get someone like that? Greenlay doesn't suck, but he doesn't add much to the broadcast either.
  

Well, Anaheim tomorrow night. It sounds like Josh Harding's going to get the start. Should be a feisty one.

A New Low

I found this on Mirtle, good stuff:

Game 3: Wild 2, Oilers 0

Another strong defensive performance from the home team. My immediate thoughts:

• Just how good is that acquisition of Eric Belanger looking? An argument can be made after 3 games that he's been the best player on the ice. Although he didn't get on the scorecard tonight, he was solid throughout.
• No Boogaard scraps. The big guy saw very limited time on the ice tonight.
  
• Breaking news: Sheldon Souray's got a rocket of a shot.
• Martin Skoula doesn't suck so much anymore...when did this happen? The guy's getting some nice shots from the point, is decent in his own zone and seems to play a smart game.
• Samuel Adams Octoberfest is a fine brew.
• Although a bit overpaid, Dustin Penner's going to be one hell of a player for the Oilers in a year or two. This guy has a chance to the a premier power forward for many seasons to come; maybe that's why Brian Burke is so upset.
• My man Anthony LaPanta of FSN is seriously wearing some Joe Mauer sideburns.
• Did all the Wild coaches get lasik in the off-season? I knew Lemaire got it the other day and now I see Mario Trembley is glasses-free as well. Maybe a "2-for-1 for all French-Canadiens" sale was happening at Lasik-Plus.
• Stop with all the piped-in music during stoppages. I'd much rather hear the organ than "Takin' Care of Business" or "Cult of Personality".
  
• Nik Backstrom may be the least charismatic interviewee I've ever seen. Show some emotion, Mr. Vezina, you've got 2 shutouts in 3 games.

Onto Phoenix they go. Hopefully they can stay on a roll. I'm already looking forward to Sunday's game in Anaheim. Here's hoping Brad May sees some ice time.

In Their Heads

Any prediction how long it will take the Oilers tonight to instigate some sort of fracas with the Boogeyman? It's been well documented that Oiler's coach Craig MacTavish is concerned about how his team got intimidated by #24 last year and I'm betting he's instructed his team this time around to not get pushed around anymore. The problem is that I can't think of anyone big enough in road whites who can do this. Sheldon Souray? Nope. Matt Greene? Nope. Maybe it'll take MacTavish himself to strap on the skates and give Derek a piece of his mind.

And yes, I'm back with the full-time blogging bit. Sorry for the absence, but I'm back with a clear head and more pissy attitude than ever.

Temporary Layoff

As you may have noticed lately, I've been hard-pressed to post regularly. Please turn to the other quality Wild blogs for quality insight in the meantime. I plan on resuming regular posting some day soon.