Hockey Wilderness News Posts
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Posted on Mar 16, 2010
According to both Wild.com and Russo, the Wild have signed goalie prospect Matthew Hackett to a rookie contract. Russo has the term at three years, but I have not seen dollar figures. Hackett is the Wild's 3rd round pick from the 2009 draft, and was the top goalie available in that draft.
Hockeydb.com has his stats at:
That 33-18 record looks pretty good to me.The liklihood is that Hackett plays next year with the Houston Aeros, so I am certain we will hear plenty about him from Ms. Conduct. The question is, how does the goaltending situation play out within the organization?
Does Josh Harding now become a huge priority to off-load? Does Anton Khudobin become the default back-up for Backstrom? Does Wade Dubielewicz get a new contract with the Wild? Where does all of this leave Barry Brust?
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Also Mentioned: Wade Dubielewicz
Posted on Mar 16, 2010According to reports via Twitter, Martin Skoula's wife has been given the go ahead to bring home their latest addition to the family, a little boy named Vojech. He is the fourth member of the family, with older brother, two year old Matej.
Congrats to the family (no, really). The fun part is after the jump. An updated family photo.
To quote Larry the Cable Guy: "Lord, I apologize."
-Buddha
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Also Mentioned: Matej
Posted on Mar 16, 2010Some news right off the top (all via @RussoStrib):
Defenseman Justin Falk has been recalled by the Wild. Derek Boogaard and Brent Burns both missed the morning skate. Niklas Backstrom was taking shots from Shane Hnidy. Newly acquired Casey Wellman also skated in the morning skate, and is a game time decsion.
OK, on to the walk.
Random Wild Picture of the Day:
Wild News:
UMass center picks Wild over 21 other suitors | StarTribune.com - Hopefully, the first of many stories about Casey Wellman.
Excited, nervous Wellman on his way | StarTribune.com - Current Rants. Good stuff.
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Also Mentioned: Shane Hnidy
Posted on Mar 15, 2010Russo broke the story today that the Minnesota Wild signed UMass sophomore forward Casey Wellman to a two-year, $1.8 million contract. You can read all of the details in BR's post below or Russo's blog.
One big thing about Wellman is that he plays center. The Wild aren't exactly overflowing with centers. This gives Wellman a lot greater of an opportunity to come to the team and get more of a chance. At this point in the season, might as well see what the guy can do at the NHL level.
But really, who is Casey Wellman...
There's not a whole lot of information out there yet on Wellman past his stats, but here's a briefing on what we do know about the Wild's latest signing. Study up and get to know him a bit before his debut.
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Also Mentioned: Casey Wellman
Posted on Mar 15, 2010When Chuck Fletcher arrived in Minnesota, he made it clear that one weakness he noticed with the organization was in the free agent college ranks. Today, he has made his first effort to correct that issue. According to Russo, Casey Wellman, of the University of Massachusetts will sign with the Wild for two years (the first being this year), at $900K per year.
The likelihood is that Wellman makes his NHL debut very quickly:
Wellman arrives Tuesday morning and it's unclear as of now if he could potentially make his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers. He will be eligible and he IS NOT going to Houston.
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Also Mentioned: Chuck Fletcher
Posted on Mar 15, 2010One of the lengthiest battles I can remember in the media world is over. According to DirecTV on Twitter, Versus will return to the air this evening, on channel 603.
Only one remaining Wild game is scheduled to air on Versus, March 23rd at home vs the Sharks.
Enjoy the playoffs, everyone, the occasional NHL game is back on Versus.
Oh, in other news, Ovechkin was suspended 2 games for his hit against Brian Campbell last night. Steve Downie did not even get a hearing for his take down of Sidney Crosby. Discuss.
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Also Mentioned: Sidney Crosby
Posted on Mar 15, 2010The time change thing? Stupidity at it's finest.
Anyways, make sure you check out the debate going in the previous thread. Some interesting comments, to be sure. As for today, we have our usual round up, plus one rather interesting article. Enjoy.
New feature!
Random Wild Picture of the Day:
Wild News:
For Minnesota Wild, it's Josh Harding who's hot in goal - TwinCities.com - One of very few players who have decided to show up in the past few games. This string of games should start to show my theory is sound. Given enough games, Harding can play with the best.
Wild win second straight to move into 11th place in West - TwinCities.com - WOOO! We're #11! We're #11! YES! Let's riot on seven corners!
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Also Mentioned: Mike Bolt
Posted on Mar 14, 2010Alright, I watched this game. I did not watch the whole thing, as I mentioned in the gamer, but I watched the vast majority of it, including the entire first period. At the 3:58 mark, DJ King and Derek Boogaard dropped the gloves in the corner. It was expected, and even mentioned several times on Twitter that this would be a likely match.
I saw it. I thought it was a pretty good fight. I've seen much better, and I have seen much worse. Boogey landed several good punches, including the one featured in the gamer, and on this post, that sent King's helmet flying. King landed what looks like one good punch that bloodied Boogaard's nose, and Boogaard did not return to the game. There is no reason given as of yet.
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Posted on Mar 14, 2010For enemy perspective, visit St. Louis Game Time.
Just under four minutes into this game, the Wild had a one - zero lead, and Derek Boogaard had 4:49 seconds more of penalty minutes than TOI. Boogey left the ice with a bloody nose to end all bloody noses, and it looked like it could be a really good game. Then the Wild scored again, a second goal through Chris Mason's gaping five hole, and things were shaping up to be a barn burner. To really get the fans worked into a lather, the Wild scored yet another to end the period up 3-0.
To start the second, Chris Mason was gone, Ty Conklin was in, and the Wild had all of the momentum. Of course, this was the second period, so it was, of course, time to call it a game until the final four minutes of the game. The Wild added one more goal from the top line, and continued the march to the penalty box. They were out shot 18-5 in the period, and yet
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Also Mentioned: Guillaume Latendresse
Posted on Mar 14, 2010Nathan is at Disney World, I forgot to make a game thread. Sorry.
Hopefully Nathan doesn't fire me.
Five Questions to Answer:
1. Can I help my wife write a budget for work and watch hockey at the same time?
2. Can the Wild play hard despite the fact that their season is all but mathematically over?
3. How will Harding look in his third straight game?
4. How many fights will there be?
5. If a game is played in Saint Paul, and nobody cares, does it still count?
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