Wild Hang Up Jackets (Again)
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
Following a 4-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Thursday, in which all their goals were scored on the power play. the Minnesota Wild hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center in downtown Saint Paul.
Saturday marked the second (and last) time Columbus will play at the "X" this season, as the Wild edged the Jackets 2-1 back on October 25th. Owen Nolan scored the game winning goal and added an assist while Niklas Backstrom recored 25 saves in that game to improve Minnesota's all time home record against their expansion rival to 11-3-1, with nine of those contests decided by one goal.
Columbus came into Saturday's game 4-1 in their last five outings, having defeated Buffalo 6-1 on Friday, which was their first five goal road victory since 2003. The Jackets also downed Calgary 3-1, Montreal 4-3 (SO) and Edmonton 5-4 in that stretch dating back to November 5th, while losing to Phoenix 5-2 on Wednesday. Rookie netminder Steve Mason was in net for 4 of those games (except Buffalo) posting a 3-1 record with a 2.96 GAA and .896 SV%
---on a brief side note, Marian Gaborik (lower body) missed game number 13 of the season, and while there's no merit to it the big rumor around the Al Shaver Press Box prior to the game had Toronto trading Nik Antropov to Minnesota for Gabby sometime in the next two weeks. Should this turn out to be true, entering Saturday Antropov in 9 years has played 463 games with 111 goals and 149 assists for 260 points but only has one 20+ goal season. On the other side Gaborik (487 games in 8 years, 207-208=415) has five 30+ goal season and one 40+ goal season last year. It's not usually mine, or this websites style to comment on something like this, but this rumor had a few unnamed individuals in the press box frothing at the mouth and angrily sending text messages---
On the ice it took 17:36 before the games first goal as Benoit Pouliot tipped in a power play goal off a rebound to give Minnesota a brief 1-0 lead. Columbus scored just 2:00 minutes later in the periods winding seconds. Derick Brassard fired a shot from the right face off circle that Niklas Backstrom stopped, and layed down thinking the puck was between his back and the ice, but it went just outside the crease to Kristian Huselius who had an open net to shoot at and tie the game at 1-1.
It wasn't until 1:48 of the third period that the tie was broken when Erik Reitz, a sixth round draft pick by Minnesota in 2000 who had played 363 games with the Houston Aeros of the AHL, scored his first NHL goal to give the Wild a 2-1 lead. That goal by Reitz snapped a streak of 191:52 in which Minnesota scored it's last even strength goal, November 6th in Colorado, as each of their previous five goals came with the man advantage.
The 2-1 lead only lasted for a few minutes as Rick Nash picked off a pass in the zone, just outside the left face off circle, and beat Backstrom on a one-handed-back-handed shot to tie it 2-2 at 7:20 for Columbus.
Both teams skated a scoreless rest of regulation and in overtime to send it to the Wild's first shootout at home this season.
Andrew Brunette was unsuccessful on his attempt in the "Skills Competition", but Marek Zidlicky and Antti Miettinen converted on their chances as the Wild won the Shootout 2-1, and the game 3-2.
With the win Minnesota improves to 12-3-1 against Columbus at home, having won the last four in a row against the Jackets, establishing a franchise record against their expansion counterpart.
Up next for the Wild is a nationally televised game at Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Three Stars of the Game (Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey):
1--MN--Marek Zidlicky
2--MN--Erik Reitz
3--CBJ--Rick Nash
Post Game Notes:
Goalie Niklas Backstrom improved to 11-0-3 with a 1.54 GAA and a .945 SV% in his last 14 home starts. He's 40-8-10 all-time at Xcel Energy Center. Backstrom also improved to 2-0 this season in shootouts, after going 4-10 in his first two NHL seasons.
Minnesota's power play goal was it's first against Columbus in the last six meetings, having gone 0-for-24 in the last five games versus the Blue Jackets. The Wild went 1-for-3 on the man advantage. Minnesota's penalty kill, ranked first in the NHL, was successful on it's lone attempt. At home, the Wild is an NHL best 23-for-24 (95.8 %) on the PK.
Centre Benoit Pouliot scored his fifth goal of the season - one off the team lead. Pouliot scored his third goal in the last six games - including two on the power play.
The Wild improved to 2-0 in shootouts, while Columbus is 1-3.
Ten of the 16 meetings between the teams at Xcel Energy Center have been decided by one goal.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November 13th
Wild Tame Coyotes
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
After a 2-2 road trip and following their first shutout of the season, 2-0 to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, the Minnesota Wild returned home Thursday to host the Phoenix Coyotes.
Thursday's game marked the beginning of a stretch in which the Wild will play 10 of the next 12 games at home, and was just their sixth game at Xcel Energy Center this season. Only Edmonton (3) has played fewer home games this season.
This wasn't the first meeting of the season between the two clubs as back on November 1st in Phoenix, Minnesota beat the Coyotes 3-2. Niklas Backstrom recored 25 saves and improved his lifetime record against the Coyotes to 7-0-0 with a 1.29 GAA and .957 SV%. On the other side Ilya Bryzgalov is 0-5 with a 3.28 GAA and .894 SV% in six career games versus Minnesota (5 starts).
Both goalies were sharp early on as Bryzgalov made 13 saves and Backstrom 5 in the first period, with both teams skating a scoreless first frame.
Marek Zidlicky broke the scoreless tie 3:47 in the second period on the power play off an assist from Marc-Andre Bergeron to put the Wild up 1-0. Minnesota added another in the second at 15:43 with a two-man advantage as Andrew Brunette scored his sixth of the season and the Wild took a 2-0 lead into the second intermission.
Minnesota again started the third as they did the second period, getting a a power play goal in the periods third minute, 3:11 to be exact, from Eric Belanger who had a two point night (1-1=2) to put Minnesota up 3-0. Right on the faceoff Cal Cutterbuck of the Wild and Keith Yandle of the Coyotes dropped 'em.
"(Right on the faceoff) he (Yandle) came up to me and asked if I wanted to go" Said Cutterbuck who was fresh off the bench and decided why not. "I was excited, it's been a while since I fought anybody and it's always good to get that monkey off your back, it's almost the same as scoring a goal. You don't fight for awhile and you start doubting yourself".
The Wild added another third period, and their fourth power-play, goal at 18:53 when Zidlicky scored his second of the game as Minnesota won 4-0 to defeat Phoenix for the ninth straight time, which ties the Wild record for the longest winning streak against one team as Minnesota defeated Chicago in nine straight meetings from January 20, 2006 to January 11, 2008.
The last time the Coyotes defeated the Wild was almost two years to the day on November 14th 2006 at Jobing.com Arena.
With the Win Minnesota improves to 9-4-1 and Phoenix drops to 8-7-0, and the next meeting between the two is on December 11 at Jobing.com arena in Phoenix.
After a day off Friday, the Wild will host the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night with the face off at 710pm.
Three Stars (Picked by Wally Shaver of Lets Play Hockey):
1--MN--Marek Zidlicky
2--MN--Andrew Brunette
3--MN--Eric Belanger
Post-Game Notes:
Goalie Niklas Backstrom improved to 8-0-0 against the Coyotes, his second best record against any team. He is 9-0-0 versus Edmonton. Having posted his third shutout against Phoenix Thursday, it marked Backstrom's ninth career shutout at Xcel Energy Center - two off Dwayne Roloson's team record.
Minnesota went 4-for-7 on the power play (57.1%), after going just 5-for-43 (11.6%) in the previous 10 games, and 1-for-21 (4.8%) in the last five contests.
Thursday was just the seventh time in team history the Wild have scored at least four power-play goals. The Wild record for PPG in a game is Five (2/7/06 vs LA and 10/7/06 vs Nashville).
Defenceman Marek Zidlicky notched his third career two-goal game and first since February 11, 2006 vs. Columbus. Zidlicky also added an assist, tying a franchise record for points in a game by a defenceman done on eight other occasions, last by Brent Burns, who tallied three assists vs. Dallas on January 3, 2008.
Centre Eric Belanger added a goal and an assist, his first multi-point game since scoring two goals in the season opener Oct, 11.
Defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron registered a career high three-assists.
Left Wing Andrew Brunette scored his sixth goal of the season and his 31st all-time goal at Xcel Energy Center, tying Antti Laaksonen for fifth place on the all-time list.
Left Wing Owen Nolan, activated off injured reserve just before game time, registered two assists, notching his first point since October 27th (an assist against Chicago).
With two goals in the second period, the Wild has outscored its opponents 15-7 in the second period this season.
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
After a 2-2 road trip and following their first shutout of the season, 2-0 to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, the Minnesota Wild returned home Thursday to host the Phoenix Coyotes.
Thursday's game marked the beginning of a stretch in which the Wild will play 10 of the next 12 games at home, and was just their sixth game at Xcel Energy Center this season. Only Edmonton (3) has played fewer home games this season.
This wasn't the first meeting of the season between the two clubs as back on November 1st in Phoenix, Minnesota beat the Coyotes 3-2. Niklas Backstrom recored 25 saves and improved his lifetime record against the Coyotes to 7-0-0 with a 1.29 GAA and .957 SV%. On the other side Ilya Bryzgalov is 0-5 with a 3.28 GAA and .894 SV% in six career games versus Minnesota (5 starts).
Both goalies were sharp early on as Bryzgalov made 13 saves and Backstrom 5 in the first period, with both teams skating a scoreless first frame.
Marek Zidlicky broke the scoreless tie 3:47 in the second period on the power play off an assist from Marc-Andre Bergeron to put the Wild up 1-0. Minnesota added another in the second at 15:43 with a two-man advantage as Andrew Brunette scored his sixth of the season and the Wild took a 2-0 lead into the second intermission.
Minnesota again started the third as they did the second period, getting a a power play goal in the periods third minute, 3:11 to be exact, from Eric Belanger who had a two point night (1-1=2) to put Minnesota up 3-0. Right on the faceoff Cal Cutterbuck of the Wild and Keith Yandle of the Coyotes dropped 'em.
"(Right on the faceoff) he (Yandle) came up to me and asked if I wanted to go" Said Cutterbuck who was fresh off the bench and decided why not. "I was excited, it's been a while since I fought anybody and it's always good to get that monkey off your back, it's almost the same as scoring a goal. You don't fight for awhile and you start doubting yourself".
The Wild added another third period, and their fourth power-play, goal at 18:53 when Zidlicky scored his second of the game as Minnesota won 4-0 to defeat Phoenix for the ninth straight time, which ties the Wild record for the longest winning streak against one team as Minnesota defeated Chicago in nine straight meetings from January 20, 2006 to January 11, 2008.
The last time the Coyotes defeated the Wild was almost two years to the day on November 14th 2006 at Jobing.com Arena.
With the Win Minnesota improves to 9-4-1 and Phoenix drops to 8-7-0, and the next meeting between the two is on December 11 at Jobing.com arena in Phoenix.
After a day off Friday, the Wild will host the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night with the face off at 710pm.
Three Stars (Picked by Wally Shaver of Lets Play Hockey):
1--MN--Marek Zidlicky
2--MN--Andrew Brunette
3--MN--Eric Belanger
Post-Game Notes:
Goalie Niklas Backstrom improved to 8-0-0 against the Coyotes, his second best record against any team. He is 9-0-0 versus Edmonton. Having posted his third shutout against Phoenix Thursday, it marked Backstrom's ninth career shutout at Xcel Energy Center - two off Dwayne Roloson's team record.
Minnesota went 4-for-7 on the power play (57.1%), after going just 5-for-43 (11.6%) in the previous 10 games, and 1-for-21 (4.8%) in the last five contests.
Thursday was just the seventh time in team history the Wild have scored at least four power-play goals. The Wild record for PPG in a game is Five (2/7/06 vs LA and 10/7/06 vs Nashville).
Defenceman Marek Zidlicky notched his third career two-goal game and first since February 11, 2006 vs. Columbus. Zidlicky also added an assist, tying a franchise record for points in a game by a defenceman done on eight other occasions, last by Brent Burns, who tallied three assists vs. Dallas on January 3, 2008.
Centre Eric Belanger added a goal and an assist, his first multi-point game since scoring two goals in the season opener Oct, 11.
Defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron registered a career high three-assists.
Left Wing Andrew Brunette scored his sixth goal of the season and his 31st all-time goal at Xcel Energy Center, tying Antti Laaksonen for fifth place on the all-time list.
Left Wing Owen Nolan, activated off injured reserve just before game time, registered two assists, notching his first point since October 27th (an assist against Chicago).
With two goals in the second period, the Wild has outscored its opponents 15-7 in the second period this season.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
October 31st
Gophers Edge Huskies 2-1
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Number 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's Hockey Team hosted the St. Cloud State Huskies Friday night at Ridder Arena in the first game of a home-and-home weekend series.
Since their first meeting in January of 1999, the Gophers and Huskies have played in 14 home-and-home series, including six consecutive times since January of 2006, with Minnesota holding an all-time record of 35-2-1. The two teams tied in their first series meeting last season 4-4, with St. Cloud winning the next game 2-1 which snapped the Gophers 24-game win streak against the Huskies.
Minnesota (5-2-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) is currently in one of its toughest stretches of the season having swept the then number one ranked Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (Oct. 10-11) and then a sweep over then ranked number nine Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend the Gophers earned two points against top ranked Wisconsin (1-1 tie, 2-1 shootout loss), and for the third straight week received the Number Two ranking in the U.S College Hockey Online and the USA Today polls.
St. Cloud State (4-2-2, 1-2-1 WCHA) started the season with a series win over Quinnipiac and then a suffered two one-goal losses to North Dakota. The Huskies then took three points (four including the shootout) against Minnesota-Duluth, and got a win and tie last weekend against Brown.
The Huskies were looking to carry over there success against Brown and did so early on and throughout the first period against the Gophers. St. Cloud did a great job of disrupting Minnesota's attack and clogging their offense, not letting them get anything really going and it wasn't until 8:32 into the game that the Gophers registered their first shot on goal, and the Huskies also did a tremendous job of killing off Minnesota's first power play chance by not allowing a shot on goal and forcing the Gophers to turn the puck over each time they were able to get in the zone as the two teams skated to a scoreless first period, with St. Cloud out shooting Minnesota 12-4.
The Gophers only needed :22 seconds into the second period to break the scoreless tie, as after winning the opening faceoff skated in the zone and St. Cloud goaltender Ashley Nixon stopped Brittany Francis's shot from the left side but the rebound went right to Emily West as the Sophomore's scored her third goal of the season to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
A total of 11 penalties were called in the second period which brought a few 4-on-4 and 4-on-3 situations but both teams were able to kill each off as the Gophers went 0-4 and St. Cloud 0-2 with the extra attacker in the second.
The third period started with St. Cloud on a 5-on-3 power play for :02 seconds, and the Huskies won the opening faceoff, and brought the puck in the zone right as Junior Michelle Maunu came out of the box for Minnesota, Huskies left winger Sammy Nixon stopped on the left face off dot and her slapper went past Alyssa Grogan to tie the game 1-1. Senior Captain Gigi Marvin put the Gophers ahead at 12:38 as her shot was partially stopped but ended up trickling thru Nixon's pads for the eventual game winning goal. Marvin now has 148 points in her Gopher career (62-86=148) in 123 games and ranks 10th in school history in points and goals.
With the win Minnesota improves to 6-1-1 in the WCHA, while St. Cloud drops to 1-4-1 in league play. Both teams finish the home-and-home series Saturday night at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud at 7pm.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME
3--SCSU--Sammy Nixon (Scored Huskies lone goal :08 into 3rd period)
2--MN--Emily West (Scored her 3rd goal of the season :21 into 2nd period)
1--MN--Alyssa Grogan (The Freshman had 25 saves and improved to 3-0-1)
GAME STATS:
University of Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 . 0 0 0 0
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 4 0 0
Laura May--------------------- 0 0 0 2 0
Rachel Drazan------------- 0 0 2 0 +2
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 1 0 2 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 1 0 2 +1
Jocelyne Lamoureux------- 0 0 4 3 0
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Emily West-------------------- 1 0 2 6 +2
Gigi Marvin-------------------- 1 0 0 4 +2
Monique Lamoureu x------- 0 0 2 5 0
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 2 0 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 0 2 0
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 0 1 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 2 1 +2
Totals--------------------------- 2 2 22 30 +10
Goalie Stats
St. Cloud
Ashley Nixon (Loss) 59:09 Min 2 GA 28 SV
EMPTY NET 00:51 Min
Minnesota
Alyssa Grogan (Win) 59:46 Min 1 GA 25 SV
EMPTY NET 00:14 Min
Goals
SCSU 0-0-1 1
MN 0-1-1 2
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
2nd--00:21--MN--EV Emily West (Brittany Francis)
3rd--00:08--SCSU--PP Sammy Nixon (Caitlin Hogan)
3rd--12:38--MN--EV Gigi Marvin (Kelli Blankenship)
Shots on Goal
SCSU 12-6-8 26
MN 4-15-11 30
Penalties--Minutes
SCSU 11--22
MN 11--22
Power Plays
SCSU 1-8 (3 SOG, Time on PP 10:28)
MN 0-9 (6 SOG, Time on PP 11:58)
Faceoffs Won
SCSU 31
MN 36
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Number 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's Hockey Team hosted the St. Cloud State Huskies Friday night at Ridder Arena in the first game of a home-and-home weekend series.
Since their first meeting in January of 1999, the Gophers and Huskies have played in 14 home-and-home series, including six consecutive times since January of 2006, with Minnesota holding an all-time record of 35-2-1. The two teams tied in their first series meeting last season 4-4, with St. Cloud winning the next game 2-1 which snapped the Gophers 24-game win streak against the Huskies.
Minnesota (5-2-1, 4-1-1 WCHA) is currently in one of its toughest stretches of the season having swept the then number one ranked Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (Oct. 10-11) and then a sweep over then ranked number nine Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend the Gophers earned two points against top ranked Wisconsin (1-1 tie, 2-1 shootout loss), and for the third straight week received the Number Two ranking in the U.S College Hockey Online and the USA Today polls.
St. Cloud State (4-2-2, 1-2-1 WCHA) started the season with a series win over Quinnipiac and then a suffered two one-goal losses to North Dakota. The Huskies then took three points (four including the shootout) against Minnesota-Duluth, and got a win and tie last weekend against Brown.
The Huskies were looking to carry over there success against Brown and did so early on and throughout the first period against the Gophers. St. Cloud did a great job of disrupting Minnesota's attack and clogging their offense, not letting them get anything really going and it wasn't until 8:32 into the game that the Gophers registered their first shot on goal, and the Huskies also did a tremendous job of killing off Minnesota's first power play chance by not allowing a shot on goal and forcing the Gophers to turn the puck over each time they were able to get in the zone as the two teams skated to a scoreless first period, with St. Cloud out shooting Minnesota 12-4.
The Gophers only needed :22 seconds into the second period to break the scoreless tie, as after winning the opening faceoff skated in the zone and St. Cloud goaltender Ashley Nixon stopped Brittany Francis's shot from the left side but the rebound went right to Emily West as the Sophomore's scored her third goal of the season to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
A total of 11 penalties were called in the second period which brought a few 4-on-4 and 4-on-3 situations but both teams were able to kill each off as the Gophers went 0-4 and St. Cloud 0-2 with the extra attacker in the second.
The third period started with St. Cloud on a 5-on-3 power play for :02 seconds, and the Huskies won the opening faceoff, and brought the puck in the zone right as Junior Michelle Maunu came out of the box for Minnesota, Huskies left winger Sammy Nixon stopped on the left face off dot and her slapper went past Alyssa Grogan to tie the game 1-1. Senior Captain Gigi Marvin put the Gophers ahead at 12:38 as her shot was partially stopped but ended up trickling thru Nixon's pads for the eventual game winning goal. Marvin now has 148 points in her Gopher career (62-86=148) in 123 games and ranks 10th in school history in points and goals.
With the win Minnesota improves to 6-1-1 in the WCHA, while St. Cloud drops to 1-4-1 in league play. Both teams finish the home-and-home series Saturday night at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud at 7pm.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME
3--SCSU--Sammy Nixon (Scored Huskies lone goal :08 into 3rd period)
2--MN--Emily West (Scored her 3rd goal of the season :21 into 2nd period)
1--MN--Alyssa Grogan (The Freshman had 25 saves and improved to 3-0-1)
GAME STATS:
University of Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 . 0 0 0 0
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 4 0 0
Laura May--------------------- 0 0 0 2 0
Rachel Drazan------------- 0 0 2 0 +2
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 1 0 2 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 1 0 2 +1
Jocelyne Lamoureux------- 0 0 4 3 0
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Emily West-------------------- 1 0 2 6 +2
Gigi Marvin-------------------- 1 0 0 4 +2
Monique Lamoureu x------- 0 0 2 5 0
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 2 0 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 0 2 0
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 0 1 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 2 1 +2
Totals--------------------------- 2 2 22 30 +10
Goalie Stats
St. Cloud
Ashley Nixon (Loss) 59:09 Min 2 GA 28 SV
EMPTY NET 00:51 Min
Minnesota
Alyssa Grogan (Win) 59:46 Min 1 GA 25 SV
EMPTY NET 00:14 Min
Goals
SCSU 0-0-1 1
MN 0-1-1 2
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
2nd--00:21--MN--EV Emily West (Brittany Francis)
3rd--00:08--SCSU--PP Sammy Nixon (Caitlin Hogan)
3rd--12:38--MN--EV Gigi Marvin (Kelli Blankenship)
Shots on Goal
SCSU 12-6-8 26
MN 4-15-11 30
Penalties--Minutes
SCSU 11--22
MN 11--22
Power Plays
SCSU 1-8 (3 SOG, Time on PP 10:28)
MN 0-9 (6 SOG, Time on PP 11:58)
Faceoffs Won
SCSU 31
MN 36
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
October 28th
NHL MOVES BACK TRADE DEADLINE
The National Hockey League announced that the trade deadline has officially been moved one day later from Tuesday March 3, to Wednesday March 4.
The League and Playes Association came to the agreement largery because there are 12 games on the NHL slate on the 3rd and only two games on the 4th.
Last season there were 25 deals on deadline day that saw 45 players change teams.
COYOTES CLAIM KLEE OFF WAIVERS
The Phoenix Coyotes have claimed veteran defenceman Ken Klee on re-entry waivers.
The 37-year-old was acquired by the LA Ducks of Anaheim eariler this month in a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers, but played only three games with the Ducks before being sent to the American Hockey League.
The Ducks and Coyotes will split the remainder of his $1.25-million salary since he was acquired off re-entry waivers.
Phoenix is Klee's sixth team since the NHL lockout. He has 54 career goals and 184 points in 866 regular-season games.
The National Hockey League announced that the trade deadline has officially been moved one day later from Tuesday March 3, to Wednesday March 4.
The League and Playes Association came to the agreement largery because there are 12 games on the NHL slate on the 3rd and only two games on the 4th.
Last season there were 25 deals on deadline day that saw 45 players change teams.
COYOTES CLAIM KLEE OFF WAIVERS
The Phoenix Coyotes have claimed veteran defenceman Ken Klee on re-entry waivers.
The 37-year-old was acquired by the LA Ducks of Anaheim eariler this month in a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers, but played only three games with the Ducks before being sent to the American Hockey League.
The Ducks and Coyotes will split the remainder of his $1.25-million salary since he was acquired off re-entry waivers.
Phoenix is Klee's sixth team since the NHL lockout. He has 54 career goals and 184 points in 866 regular-season games.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
October 18th
Gophers Win Big (Again) 8-2
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The Number 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's hockey team wrapped up their weekend series with the Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday afternoon at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers had 13 skaters earn a point Friday night in their 8-1 win over the Buckeyes, and also had six with multiple points. Sophomore Jen Schoullis scored two goals, Sophomore Emily West registered three assists, and Senior Melanie Gagnon had two assists. Junior Raelyn LaRocque scored the Buckeyes lone goal.
Ohio Started the game with a spark, as the Buckeyes won the opening faceoff and Freshman Natalie Spooner fired a shot at Minnesota goaltender Jenny Lura that was kicked away, but that would be the only shot on goal for the Buckeyes for the next 11 minutes.
Minnesota once again struck in the games early minutes as Freshman Jocelyn Lamoureux fed fellow Freshman Sarah Erickson who's back handed shot went over the stacked pads of Sophomore Ohio State goaltender Deidre Facklis, who Friday night came in relief of Liana Bonanno to start the third period. The Gophers added another first period goal at 14:06 when Jen Schoullis's slap shot from just above the right face off circle was tipped in by Monique Lamoureux.
Down 2-0 to start the second period, Ohio State needed only :33 to cut the lead in half as Natalie Spooner carried the puck in the zone and her backhanded shot went past the blocker of Jenny Lura, and just 1:50 later the Buckeyes tied it 2-2 when from behind the net Natalie Spooner fed Freshman Laura McIntosh who was set up on the left side of the crease. At that point Ohio State had scored on 2 of their first 3 shots on goal to start the period. The lead would be short lived as the Buckeyes found themselves two players short and Minnesota took advantage scoring a 5-on-3 goal at 4:29 from Jen Schoullis to take a 3-2 lead. Junior Kelli Blankenship added another tally at 6:34 and Freshman Nikki Ludwigson scored her first career Gopher goal at 12:02 as Minnesota carried a 5-2 lead into the second intermission, after killing off a 5-on-3 Ohio State power play at 14:25.
The Gophers got three more goals in the third period from Senior Captian Gigi Marvin on the power play at 3:34, Senior Rachael Drazen at 10:25, and Junior Chelsey Jones on the power play at 15:58. Minnesota out-shot Ohio State 23-2 in third period and 57-13 in the game.
With the win Minnesota improves to 4-0-0 in the WCHA and 5-1-0 overall, while Ohio State drops to 0-4-0 in league play and 2-4-0 overall.
The Number 2 ranked Gophers will travel to Madison to take on the top ranked Wisconsin Badgers next weekend, and their next home game will be on Halloween against St Cloud State at Ridder Arena at 6pm.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME
3--MN--Nikki Ludwigson (Scored First Career Gopher Goal)
2--MN--Sarah Erickson (1 Goal and 2 Assists)
1--MN--Monique Lamoureux (1 Goal and 3 Assists)
GAME STATS:
University of Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 0 2 2 0
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 1 0 2 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 1 2 2 5 +2
Rachael Drazan------------- 1 1 0 5 +2
Kelli Blankenship------------ 1 1 0 4 0
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jocelyn Lamoureux------- 0 2 0 5 +2
Chelsey Jones--------------- 1 1 0 2 0
Emily West-------------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 1 0 0 1 +1
Gigi Marvin-------------------- 1 0 0 9 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Monique Lamoureu x------- 1 3 0 8 +2
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 0 3 +1
Jen Schoullis----------------- 1 2 0 5 +1
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 1 0 1 +2
Totals--------------------------- 8 16 8 57 +15
Goalie Stats
Ohio State
Deidre Facklis (Loss) 60:00 Min 8 GA 49 SV
Minnesota
Jenny Lura (Win) 59:47 Min 2 GA 11 SV
EMPTY NET 00:13 Min
Goals
OSU 0-2-0 2
MN 2-3-3 8
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
1st--03:00--MN--EV Sarah Erickson (Jocelyne Lamoureux, Monique Lamoureux)
1st--14:06--MN--EV Monique Lamoureux (Jen Schoullis, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--00:33--OSU--EV Natalie Spooner (Laura McIntosh)
2nd--02:23--OSU--EV Laura McIntosh (Natalie Spooner, Kelly Wild)
2nd--04:29--MN--PP Jen Schoullis (Monique Lamoureux, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--06:34--MN--EV Kelli Blankenship (Jen Schoullis, Chelsey Jones)
2nd--12:02--MN--EV Nikki Ludwigson (Jamie Horton, Terra Rasmussen)
3rd--03:34--MN--PP Gigi Marvin (Melanie Gagnon, Rachael Drazan)
3rd--10:25--MN--EV Rachael Drazen (Jocelyne Lamoureux, Monique Lamoureux)
3rd--15:58--MN--PP Chelsey Jones (Michelle Maunu, Kelli Blankenship)
Shots on Goal
OSU 4-7-2 13
MN 17-17-23 57
Penalties--Minutes
OSU 8--27
MN 4--8
Power Plays
OSU 0-4 (4 SOG, Time on PP 6:58)
MN 3-8 (19 SOG, Time on PP 11:55)
Faceoffs Won
OSU 23
MN 38
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The Number 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's hockey team wrapped up their weekend series with the Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday afternoon at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers had 13 skaters earn a point Friday night in their 8-1 win over the Buckeyes, and also had six with multiple points. Sophomore Jen Schoullis scored two goals, Sophomore Emily West registered three assists, and Senior Melanie Gagnon had two assists. Junior Raelyn LaRocque scored the Buckeyes lone goal.
Ohio Started the game with a spark, as the Buckeyes won the opening faceoff and Freshman Natalie Spooner fired a shot at Minnesota goaltender Jenny Lura that was kicked away, but that would be the only shot on goal for the Buckeyes for the next 11 minutes.
Minnesota once again struck in the games early minutes as Freshman Jocelyn Lamoureux fed fellow Freshman Sarah Erickson who's back handed shot went over the stacked pads of Sophomore Ohio State goaltender Deidre Facklis, who Friday night came in relief of Liana Bonanno to start the third period. The Gophers added another first period goal at 14:06 when Jen Schoullis's slap shot from just above the right face off circle was tipped in by Monique Lamoureux.
Down 2-0 to start the second period, Ohio State needed only :33 to cut the lead in half as Natalie Spooner carried the puck in the zone and her backhanded shot went past the blocker of Jenny Lura, and just 1:50 later the Buckeyes tied it 2-2 when from behind the net Natalie Spooner fed Freshman Laura McIntosh who was set up on the left side of the crease. At that point Ohio State had scored on 2 of their first 3 shots on goal to start the period. The lead would be short lived as the Buckeyes found themselves two players short and Minnesota took advantage scoring a 5-on-3 goal at 4:29 from Jen Schoullis to take a 3-2 lead. Junior Kelli Blankenship added another tally at 6:34 and Freshman Nikki Ludwigson scored her first career Gopher goal at 12:02 as Minnesota carried a 5-2 lead into the second intermission, after killing off a 5-on-3 Ohio State power play at 14:25.
The Gophers got three more goals in the third period from Senior Captian Gigi Marvin on the power play at 3:34, Senior Rachael Drazen at 10:25, and Junior Chelsey Jones on the power play at 15:58. Minnesota out-shot Ohio State 23-2 in third period and 57-13 in the game.
With the win Minnesota improves to 4-0-0 in the WCHA and 5-1-0 overall, while Ohio State drops to 0-4-0 in league play and 2-4-0 overall.
The Number 2 ranked Gophers will travel to Madison to take on the top ranked Wisconsin Badgers next weekend, and their next home game will be on Halloween against St Cloud State at Ridder Arena at 6pm.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME
3--MN--Nikki Ludwigson (Scored First Career Gopher Goal)
2--MN--Sarah Erickson (1 Goal and 2 Assists)
1--MN--Monique Lamoureux (1 Goal and 3 Assists)
GAME STATS:
University of Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 0 2 2 0
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 1 0 2 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 1 2 2 5 +2
Rachael Drazan------------- 1 1 0 5 +2
Kelli Blankenship------------ 1 1 0 4 0
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jocelyn Lamoureux------- 0 2 0 5 +2
Chelsey Jones--------------- 1 1 0 2 0
Emily West-------------------- 0 0 2 1 0
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 1 0 0 1 +1
Gigi Marvin-------------------- 1 0 0 9 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Monique Lamoureu x------- 1 3 0 8 +2
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 0 3 +1
Jen Schoullis----------------- 1 2 0 5 +1
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 1 0 1 +2
Totals--------------------------- 8 16 8 57 +15
Goalie Stats
Ohio State
Deidre Facklis (Loss) 60:00 Min 8 GA 49 SV
Minnesota
Jenny Lura (Win) 59:47 Min 2 GA 11 SV
EMPTY NET 00:13 Min
Goals
OSU 0-2-0 2
MN 2-3-3 8
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
1st--03:00--MN--EV Sarah Erickson (Jocelyne Lamoureux, Monique Lamoureux)
1st--14:06--MN--EV Monique Lamoureux (Jen Schoullis, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--00:33--OSU--EV Natalie Spooner (Laura McIntosh)
2nd--02:23--OSU--EV Laura McIntosh (Natalie Spooner, Kelly Wild)
2nd--04:29--MN--PP Jen Schoullis (Monique Lamoureux, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--06:34--MN--EV Kelli Blankenship (Jen Schoullis, Chelsey Jones)
2nd--12:02--MN--EV Nikki Ludwigson (Jamie Horton, Terra Rasmussen)
3rd--03:34--MN--PP Gigi Marvin (Melanie Gagnon, Rachael Drazan)
3rd--10:25--MN--EV Rachael Drazen (Jocelyne Lamoureux, Monique Lamoureux)
3rd--15:58--MN--PP Chelsey Jones (Michelle Maunu, Kelli Blankenship)
Shots on Goal
OSU 4-7-2 13
MN 17-17-23 57
Penalties--Minutes
OSU 8--27
MN 4--8
Power Plays
OSU 0-4 (4 SOG, Time on PP 6:58)
MN 3-8 (19 SOG, Time on PP 11:55)
Faceoffs Won
OSU 23
MN 38
Friday, October 17, 2008
October 17th
Gophers Rout Buckeyes 8-1
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The No. 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's hockey team (3-1-0, 2-2-0 WCHA) hosted the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-2-0, 0-2-0 WCHA) in the first of a two-game weekend WCHA series Friday night at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers are coming off a sweep over the defending National Champions, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Last Friday in the WCHA season opener Melanie Gagnon scored the game-winning power play goal with :25 seconds left in overtime to give the Gophers a 4-3 win over the top-ranked Bulldogs, and then Jenny Lura made 36 saves and freshman twins Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux each scored to complete the sweep with a 2-0 win Saturday. UMD had not been swept on its home ice since Wisconsin won twice there on Jan. 6-7, 2002, and the last time the Bulldogs were shutout at home also came against Minnesota when Kim Hanlon won, 3-0, last year on Nov.18.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were swept in their season and WCHA opener last weekend by the Wisconsin Badgers 7-4 and 4-0, which dropped the then No. 9 ranked team out of the polls. In their first four games of the season, freshman forward Natalie Spooner leads the Buckeyes with four points (3-1=4), followed by senior forward Hayley Klassen (2-1=3) and freshman forward Laura McIntosh1-2=3) with three points. Senior goaltender Liana Bonanno has made 30 or more saves in all four games this season and posted a 3.50 goals against average and .905 save percentage.
Friday marked the 41st meeting between the two schools, dating back to the start of the WCHA in 1999. During that span Minnesota holds a 31-8-1 record against OSU, including a 3-1-0 record against the Buckeyes last season. The Gophers swept OSU 7-3 and 5-1 at Ridder Arena Feb. 8-9. However, prior to the series sweep last February, Minnesota and OSU had split five consecutive series meetings.
It didn't take long for Minnesota to prove that they deserved their Number 2 ranking, as just 1:21 into the game freshman Monique Lamoureux got the puck at centre ice and skated right toward the net and OSU senior goalie Liana Bonanno, gave her a great deke and slid the puck past her for a 1-0 Gopher lead. Minnesota followed with their first power play goal of the game at 11:40 from junior Brittany Francis, and Senior Rachel Drazen's turn around wrist shot from the right face off circle at 13:38 gave the Gophers their second power play goal in as many chances and a 3-0 lead which they carried into the first intermission.
After winning the opening faceoff to start the second period, Minnesota held the puck in the zone for just over 2 minutes and fired off 5 shots at Bonanno. The Buckeye goalie wasn't so lucky the rest of period as the Gophers added four more goals from freshman Jocelyne Lamoureux at 5:35, sophomore Jen Schoullis at 12:22 and again at 16:20, and sophomore Laura May at 18:23.
After 7 goals given up and 32 shots faced, OSU head coach Jackie Barto pulled Liana Bonanno and put sophomore Deidre Facklis in net, who gave up one goal to Minnesota forward Laura May at 7:27, but made several impressive saves, 9 in all, in relief.
Ohio State's lone goal was scored just as they had killed off a penalty at 4:56 of the third period when junior Raelyn LaRocque went top shelf on Minnesota freshman Alyssa Grogan.
With the win Minnesota improves to 3-0-0 in the WCHA, 4-1-0 overall, while Ohio State drops to 0-3-0 in the WCHA and 2-3-0 overall. Game time for tomorrow afternoon's game at Ridder Arena is 4pm.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 . 0 4 3 +3
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 2 0 2 +1
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 2 2 0
Laura May--------------------- 1 1 0 2 +2
Rachael Drazan------------- 1 0 0 3 0
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 0 0 1 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 1 0 2 +2
Brittany Francis-------------- 1 1 0 3 +1
Jocelyne Lamoureux-------1 0 2 1 +2
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 1 0 0 +1
Emily West-------------------- 0 3 2 5 0
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Gili Marvin--------------------- 0 1 0 5 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 2 4 +2
Monique Lamoureux--------1 1 2 3 +2
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 1 0 1 +2
Jen Schoullis----------------- 2 0 0 3 +2
Terra Rasmussen----------- 1 0 0 2 +2
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 +1
Shots on Goal
OSU 4-2-6 12
MN 13-19-10 42
Faceoffs Won
OSU 32
MN 29
Penalties--Minutes
OSU 9--18
MN 7--14
Power Plays
OSU 0-3 (1 SOG, Time on PP 6:07)
MN 2-6 (11 SOG, Time on PP 8:41)
Goals
OSU 0-0-1 1
MN 3-4-1 8
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
1st--01:21--MN--EV Monique Lamourex (Melanie Gagnon)
1st--11:40--MN--PP Brittany Francis (Melanie Gagnon, Gigi Marvin)
1st--13:38--MN--PP Rachael Drazen (Emily West, Gigi Marvin)
2nd--05:35--MN--EV Jocelyne Lamoureux (Brittany Francis, Emily West)
2nd--12:22--MN--EV Jen Schoullis (Chelsey Jones)
2nd--16:20--MN--EV Jen Schoullis (Monique Lamoureu, Anne Schleper)
2nd--18:23--MN--EV Laura May (Unassisted)
3rd--04:56--OSU--EV Raelyn LaRocque (Kelly Wild, Teal Bishop)
3rd--07:27--MN--EV Terra Rasmussen (Laura May, Jaimie Horton)
Goalie Stats
Ohio State University
Liana Bonanno (Loss) 40:00 Min 7 GA 25 SV
Deidre Facklis 20:00 Min 1 GA 9 SV
Minnesota
Alyssa Grogan (Win) 60:00 Min 1 GA 11 SV
EMPTY NET 00:06 Min
Three Stars of the Game
3--MN--Laura May
2--MN--Emily West
1--MN--Jen Schoullis
Mark Christopher, Sophomore Writer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- The No. 2 ranked University of Minnesota Women's hockey team (3-1-0, 2-2-0 WCHA) hosted the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-2-0, 0-2-0 WCHA) in the first of a two-game weekend WCHA series Friday night at Ridder Arena.
The Gophers are coming off a sweep over the defending National Champions, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Last Friday in the WCHA season opener Melanie Gagnon scored the game-winning power play goal with :25 seconds left in overtime to give the Gophers a 4-3 win over the top-ranked Bulldogs, and then Jenny Lura made 36 saves and freshman twins Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux each scored to complete the sweep with a 2-0 win Saturday. UMD had not been swept on its home ice since Wisconsin won twice there on Jan. 6-7, 2002, and the last time the Bulldogs were shutout at home also came against Minnesota when Kim Hanlon won, 3-0, last year on Nov.18.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were swept in their season and WCHA opener last weekend by the Wisconsin Badgers 7-4 and 4-0, which dropped the then No. 9 ranked team out of the polls. In their first four games of the season, freshman forward Natalie Spooner leads the Buckeyes with four points (3-1=4), followed by senior forward Hayley Klassen (2-1=3) and freshman forward Laura McIntosh1-2=3) with three points. Senior goaltender Liana Bonanno has made 30 or more saves in all four games this season and posted a 3.50 goals against average and .905 save percentage.
Friday marked the 41st meeting between the two schools, dating back to the start of the WCHA in 1999. During that span Minnesota holds a 31-8-1 record against OSU, including a 3-1-0 record against the Buckeyes last season. The Gophers swept OSU 7-3 and 5-1 at Ridder Arena Feb. 8-9. However, prior to the series sweep last February, Minnesota and OSU had split five consecutive series meetings.
It didn't take long for Minnesota to prove that they deserved their Number 2 ranking, as just 1:21 into the game freshman Monique Lamoureux got the puck at centre ice and skated right toward the net and OSU senior goalie Liana Bonanno, gave her a great deke and slid the puck past her for a 1-0 Gopher lead. Minnesota followed with their first power play goal of the game at 11:40 from junior Brittany Francis, and Senior Rachel Drazen's turn around wrist shot from the right face off circle at 13:38 gave the Gophers their second power play goal in as many chances and a 3-0 lead which they carried into the first intermission.
After winning the opening faceoff to start the second period, Minnesota held the puck in the zone for just over 2 minutes and fired off 5 shots at Bonanno. The Buckeye goalie wasn't so lucky the rest of period as the Gophers added four more goals from freshman Jocelyne Lamoureux at 5:35, sophomore Jen Schoullis at 12:22 and again at 16:20, and sophomore Laura May at 18:23.
After 7 goals given up and 32 shots faced, OSU head coach Jackie Barto pulled Liana Bonanno and put sophomore Deidre Facklis in net, who gave up one goal to Minnesota forward Laura May at 7:27, but made several impressive saves, 9 in all, in relief.
Ohio State's lone goal was scored just as they had killed off a penalty at 4:56 of the third period when junior Raelyn LaRocque went top shelf on Minnesota freshman Alyssa Grogan.
With the win Minnesota improves to 3-0-0 in the WCHA, 4-1-0 overall, while Ohio State drops to 0-3-0 in the WCHA and 2-3-0 overall. Game time for tomorrow afternoon's game at Ridder Arena is 4pm.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 . 0 4 3 +3
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 2 0 2 +1
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 2 2 0
Laura May--------------------- 1 1 0 2 +2
Rachael Drazan------------- 1 0 0 3 0
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 0 0 1 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 1 0 2 +2
Brittany Francis-------------- 1 1 0 3 +1
Jocelyne Lamoureux-------1 0 2 1 +2
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 1 0 0 +1
Emily West-------------------- 0 3 2 5 0
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Gili Marvin--------------------- 0 1 0 5 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 2 4 +2
Monique Lamoureux--------1 1 2 3 +2
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 1 0 1 +2
Jen Schoullis----------------- 2 0 0 3 +2
Terra Rasmussen----------- 1 0 0 2 +2
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 +1
Shots on Goal
OSU 4-2-6 12
MN 13-19-10 42
Faceoffs Won
OSU 32
MN 29
Penalties--Minutes
OSU 9--18
MN 7--14
Power Plays
OSU 0-3 (1 SOG, Time on PP 6:07)
MN 2-6 (11 SOG, Time on PP 8:41)
Goals
OSU 0-0-1 1
MN 3-4-1 8
Prd--Time-Team--Scored by (Assists)
1st--01:21--MN--EV Monique Lamourex (Melanie Gagnon)
1st--11:40--MN--PP Brittany Francis (Melanie Gagnon, Gigi Marvin)
1st--13:38--MN--PP Rachael Drazen (Emily West, Gigi Marvin)
2nd--05:35--MN--EV Jocelyne Lamoureux (Brittany Francis, Emily West)
2nd--12:22--MN--EV Jen Schoullis (Chelsey Jones)
2nd--16:20--MN--EV Jen Schoullis (Monique Lamoureu, Anne Schleper)
2nd--18:23--MN--EV Laura May (Unassisted)
3rd--04:56--OSU--EV Raelyn LaRocque (Kelly Wild, Teal Bishop)
3rd--07:27--MN--EV Terra Rasmussen (Laura May, Jaimie Horton)
Goalie Stats
Ohio State University
Liana Bonanno (Loss) 40:00 Min 7 GA 25 SV
Deidre Facklis 20:00 Min 1 GA 9 SV
Minnesota
Alyssa Grogan (Win) 60:00 Min 1 GA 11 SV
EMPTY NET 00:06 Min
Three Stars of the Game
3--MN--Laura May
2--MN--Emily West
1--MN--Jen Schoullis
Saturday, October 11, 2008
October 11th
Wild Win Season Opener
St. Paul, Mn -- The Minnesota Wild opened the regular season Saturday night at the Excel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul against the Boston Bruins, and in addition to the regular season opening festivities the Wild raised their first Northwest Division Title banner to the rafters.
Going into Saturday night, Minnesota ranked fifth in the NHL on opening night with a .643 win percentage (4-2-1 all-time) including 4-0-0 in season openers that are home openers. The only tie was the Wild's first ever regular season home game against Philadelphia on 10/11/00 (3-3), and Marian Gaborik is the only player who has remained with Minnesota from the roster that night. Also since the Wild's first NHL season in 2000-01, they rank fourth in the league in GAA (2.47). Only New Jersey (2.30), Detroit (2.36) and Dallas (2.37) have given up fewer goals per game in the last seven NHL campaigns. In that same span, Minnesota goaltenders have the highest Save Percentage of any NHL team (.915). The LA Ducks are second with a .912 SV %. Also since 2000-01, the Wild has the third-best home GAA of any NHL team (2.25). Only Dallas (2.24) and New Jersey (2.24) have given up fewer goals at home over the past seven seasons.
Six skaters made their regular season Wild debut Saturday. Right Wingers Owen Nolan, Craig Weller, and Antti Miettinen along with Defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron, Marek Zidlicky, and Tomas Mojzis. Left Winger Andrew Brunette, who played for Minnesota from 2001-04, officially started his second tour of duty with the Wild Saturday night. During his first tour, the 35 year old played in 245 games and registered 164 points (54-110=164) and has played in 453 consecutive NHL games, the most of any active player.
Also interesting to note is that Defenceman Erik Reitz is the only American on Minnesota's opening night roster. That is the fewest number of United States-born players of any NHL team.
For Boston this was their second game of the NHL season, as the Bruins defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on Thursday in Denver, and looked the part as they won the opening face off and got their first shot on goal :11 in.
In a night and season of first's, Owen Nolan registered the Wild's first shot on goal of the season at 1:41 into the game, a wrist shot from 17 feet on the right side. Brent Burns was called for the Wild's first penalty, and double minor, of the season at 3:06. Minnesota killed off the four-minute penalty, but it wasn't too long after that the Wild found themselves trailing for the first time. Former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel got off a wrist from the right face off dot that went past Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom, playing in his 100th NHL game, to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. The Wild got their first power play goal of the season, on their second chance, at 18:32 when 19 year-old Colton Gillies fed Eric Belanger, who was set up on the right side of the net, and fired a wrist shot past former Minnesota goalie Manny Fernandez to tie it 1-1.
Minnesota started the second period, just as they had finished the first, on the attack and charging the net. At 1:49 the Wild fired several shots which were stopped by Manny Fernandez, who finished the night with 22 saves, but it wasn't until 4:01 that Minnesota took the lead. Marc-Andre Bergeron fired a slap shot just a few feet in front of the blue line, that Fernandez got his pads on but didn't fully stop as it trickled thru him and past the goal line for the Wild's second power play goal of the night. At 10:22 as Minnesota brought the puck in the zone and was charging the net Andrew Brunette fed Antti Miettinen on a tic-tac-pass-shot that Fernendaz wasn't able to react to for the Wild's first even strength goal of the season. At 12:28 Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who was set up behind the net, fed Eric Belanger whose slapper gave the Wild a 4-1 lead, which they carried into the second intermission.
Boston cut the lead in half to 4-2 at 11:51 of the third period when Michael Rider skated into the zone and stopped by the boards and turned around just to the right face off circle, and fed Marc Savard whose wrist shot went over the blocker of Minnesota netminder Niklas Backstom. The Bruins also got a late goal, again from Savard, but it wasn't enough as the Wild won it 4-3.
Next up for Minnesota is a three-game road trip to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay starting on Tuesday, and the Wild's next home game is on Thursday October 23rd against the Buffalo Sabres at 7pm. On the other side, Boston will continue their season opening four-game road trip in Montreal on Wednesday. The Bruins home opener comes on Monday October 20th against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Post-Game Notes:
C Eric Belanger tallied his first two-goal game as a member of the Wild. It was his sixth career multi-goal, with the last coming March 2, 2007.
D Marc-Andre Bergeron became the first defenceman to score in his Wild debut since D Kurtis Foster scored twice on Nov. 19, 2005, against Nashville. Bergeron was held to just two points (1-1=2) in his last 26 games last season with the New York Islanders and LA Ducks.
LW Antti Miettinen scored his second goal in as many regular season games, having finished off the 2007-08 season with Dallas with a goal against San Jose on April 6.
RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard notched his 46th career multi-point game with two assists. The Wild improved to 40-5-1 all-time when Bouchard has at least two points.
The Wild improved to 7-0-1 all-time in home openers, with seven straight wins. Minnesota is 5-0-0 in home openers that also begin a season.
Wild D Kim Johnsson had an assist in his 599th career NHL game.
G Niklas Backstrom improved to 53-15-10 in his last 78 decisions, and 44-12-8 in his last 64. Saturday was his 100th NHL appearance overall. He has won seven straight regular season home games dating back to last season, and is 8-0-4 in his last 12 decisions since his last home regulation loss on March 4, 2008.
Dating back to last season, the Wild has won seven straight regular season home games.
Minnesota went 8-24-5 when allowing the first goal last season.
C Marc Savard scored twice for the Bruins, while former Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel scored Boston's first goal. G Manny Fernandez, the Wild's all-time leader with 113 wins in net, made 22 saves in his first game back at Xcel Energy Center since a July 1, 2007 trade.
3 Stars of the Game (Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey)
1- Minnesota - Eric Belanger (2 Goals)
2- Minnesota - Mikko Koivu (2 Assists)
3- Minnesota - Brent Burns
St. Paul, Mn -- The Minnesota Wild opened the regular season Saturday night at the Excel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul against the Boston Bruins, and in addition to the regular season opening festivities the Wild raised their first Northwest Division Title banner to the rafters.
Going into Saturday night, Minnesota ranked fifth in the NHL on opening night with a .643 win percentage (4-2-1 all-time) including 4-0-0 in season openers that are home openers. The only tie was the Wild's first ever regular season home game against Philadelphia on 10/11/00 (3-3), and Marian Gaborik is the only player who has remained with Minnesota from the roster that night. Also since the Wild's first NHL season in 2000-01, they rank fourth in the league in GAA (2.47). Only New Jersey (2.30), Detroit (2.36) and Dallas (2.37) have given up fewer goals per game in the last seven NHL campaigns. In that same span, Minnesota goaltenders have the highest Save Percentage of any NHL team (.915). The LA Ducks are second with a .912 SV %. Also since 2000-01, the Wild has the third-best home GAA of any NHL team (2.25). Only Dallas (2.24) and New Jersey (2.24) have given up fewer goals at home over the past seven seasons.
Six skaters made their regular season Wild debut Saturday. Right Wingers Owen Nolan, Craig Weller, and Antti Miettinen along with Defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron, Marek Zidlicky, and Tomas Mojzis. Left Winger Andrew Brunette, who played for Minnesota from 2001-04, officially started his second tour of duty with the Wild Saturday night. During his first tour, the 35 year old played in 245 games and registered 164 points (54-110=164) and has played in 453 consecutive NHL games, the most of any active player.
Also interesting to note is that Defenceman Erik Reitz is the only American on Minnesota's opening night roster. That is the fewest number of United States-born players of any NHL team.
For Boston this was their second game of the NHL season, as the Bruins defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on Thursday in Denver, and looked the part as they won the opening face off and got their first shot on goal :11 in.
In a night and season of first's, Owen Nolan registered the Wild's first shot on goal of the season at 1:41 into the game, a wrist shot from 17 feet on the right side. Brent Burns was called for the Wild's first penalty, and double minor, of the season at 3:06. Minnesota killed off the four-minute penalty, but it wasn't too long after that the Wild found themselves trailing for the first time. Former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel got off a wrist from the right face off dot that went past Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom, playing in his 100th NHL game, to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. The Wild got their first power play goal of the season, on their second chance, at 18:32 when 19 year-old Colton Gillies fed Eric Belanger, who was set up on the right side of the net, and fired a wrist shot past former Minnesota goalie Manny Fernandez to tie it 1-1.
Minnesota started the second period, just as they had finished the first, on the attack and charging the net. At 1:49 the Wild fired several shots which were stopped by Manny Fernandez, who finished the night with 22 saves, but it wasn't until 4:01 that Minnesota took the lead. Marc-Andre Bergeron fired a slap shot just a few feet in front of the blue line, that Fernandez got his pads on but didn't fully stop as it trickled thru him and past the goal line for the Wild's second power play goal of the night. At 10:22 as Minnesota brought the puck in the zone and was charging the net Andrew Brunette fed Antti Miettinen on a tic-tac-pass-shot that Fernendaz wasn't able to react to for the Wild's first even strength goal of the season. At 12:28 Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who was set up behind the net, fed Eric Belanger whose slapper gave the Wild a 4-1 lead, which they carried into the second intermission.
Boston cut the lead in half to 4-2 at 11:51 of the third period when Michael Rider skated into the zone and stopped by the boards and turned around just to the right face off circle, and fed Marc Savard whose wrist shot went over the blocker of Minnesota netminder Niklas Backstom. The Bruins also got a late goal, again from Savard, but it wasn't enough as the Wild won it 4-3.
Next up for Minnesota is a three-game road trip to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay starting on Tuesday, and the Wild's next home game is on Thursday October 23rd against the Buffalo Sabres at 7pm. On the other side, Boston will continue their season opening four-game road trip in Montreal on Wednesday. The Bruins home opener comes on Monday October 20th against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Post-Game Notes:
C Eric Belanger tallied his first two-goal game as a member of the Wild. It was his sixth career multi-goal, with the last coming March 2, 2007.
D Marc-Andre Bergeron became the first defenceman to score in his Wild debut since D Kurtis Foster scored twice on Nov. 19, 2005, against Nashville. Bergeron was held to just two points (1-1=2) in his last 26 games last season with the New York Islanders and LA Ducks.
LW Antti Miettinen scored his second goal in as many regular season games, having finished off the 2007-08 season with Dallas with a goal against San Jose on April 6.
RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard notched his 46th career multi-point game with two assists. The Wild improved to 40-5-1 all-time when Bouchard has at least two points.
The Wild improved to 7-0-1 all-time in home openers, with seven straight wins. Minnesota is 5-0-0 in home openers that also begin a season.
Wild D Kim Johnsson had an assist in his 599th career NHL game.
G Niklas Backstrom improved to 53-15-10 in his last 78 decisions, and 44-12-8 in his last 64. Saturday was his 100th NHL appearance overall. He has won seven straight regular season home games dating back to last season, and is 8-0-4 in his last 12 decisions since his last home regulation loss on March 4, 2008.
Dating back to last season, the Wild has won seven straight regular season home games.
Minnesota went 8-24-5 when allowing the first goal last season.
C Marc Savard scored twice for the Bruins, while former Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel scored Boston's first goal. G Manny Fernandez, the Wild's all-time leader with 113 wins in net, made 22 saves in his first game back at Xcel Energy Center since a July 1, 2007 trade.
3 Stars of the Game (Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey)
1- Minnesota - Eric Belanger (2 Goals)
2- Minnesota - Mikko Koivu (2 Assists)
3- Minnesota - Brent Burns
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