Round 2: Vancouver vs Minnesota

[Guyute]

Discuss it here

schedule:

1 Fri., April 25 Minnesota at Vancouver 10:30 p.m.
2 Sun., April 27 Minnesota at Vancouver 10 p.m.
3 Tue., April 29 Vancouver at Minnesota 8 p.m.
4 Fri., May 2 Vancouver at Minnesota 9 p.m.
*5 Mon., May 5 Minnesota at Vancouver 10:30 p.m.
*6 Wed., May 7 Vancouver at Minnesota 9 p.m.
*7 Thu., May 8 Minnesota at Vancouver 10 p.m.

[Guyute]

Discuss it here

schedule:

1 Fri., April 25 Minnesota at Vancouver 10:30 p.m.
2 Sun., April 27 Minnesota at Vancouver 10 p.m.
3 Tue., April 29 Vancouver at Minnesota 8 p.m.
4 Fri., May 2 Vancouver at Minnesota 9 p.m.
*5 Mon., May 5 Minnesota at Vancouver 10:30 p.m.
*6 Wed., May 7 Vancouver at Minnesota 9 p.m.
*7 Thu., May 8 Minnesota at Vancouver 10 p.m.

[Guyute]

Gotta say I like watching the Wild dig out a series over a heavily favored juggernaut. Can they do it again?

If we see the Vancouver that we did for the first couple games of round 1, yes... Wild can do it. But unfortunately for Minn., the 'Nucks have found their stride I think. a couple of weeks back my pick for the WCF was Dallas vs. Vancouver. And unless someone really blows it, or the other teams play out of their minds... that's still how I see it unfolding.

Don't get me wrong, this will not be a walk in the park for the 'Nucks. Wild is playing some very strong hockey... and getting production from Everyone. Who do you focus on? Yeah, Gaborik... but look at all the other guys that have scored goals for them. Production from top to bottom... it's gonna cause problems for whoever they play.

and their goaltending has been more solid that Cloutier I'd have to say.

[Guyute]

Gotta say I like watching the Wild dig out a series over a heavily favored juggernaut. Can they do it again?

If we see the Vancouver that we did for the first couple games of round 1, yes... Wild can do it. But unfortunately for Minn., the 'Nucks have found their stride I think. a couple of weeks back my pick for the WCF was Dallas vs. Vancouver. And unless someone really blows it, or the other teams play out of their minds... that's still how I see it unfolding.

Don't get me wrong, this will not be a walk in the park for the 'Nucks. Wild is playing some very strong hockey... and getting production from Everyone. Who do you focus on? Yeah, Gaborik... but look at all the other guys that have scored goals for them. Production from top to bottom... it's gonna cause problems for whoever they play.

and their goaltending has been more solid that Cloutier I'd have to say.

[Night Train]

In my opinion, this series will be decided by two factors:

1) Can Minnesota's offense score enough to steal a game or two from Vancouver?

2) Will the Bertuzzi-Naslund-Morrison line show up before Game 5?

I don't think Vancouver can come back from down 3-1 like they did vs. St. Louis. Still, I think Vancouver had the superior talent. Canucks in 6.

[Night Train]

In my opinion, this series will be decided by two factors:

1) Can Minnesota's offense score enough to steal a game or two from Vancouver?

2) Will the Bertuzzi-Naslund-Morrison line show up before Game 5?

I don't think Vancouver can come back from down 3-1 like they did vs. St. Louis. Still, I think Vancouver had the superior talent. Canucks in 6.

[talkingcanes]

this is the closest series to a "pick 'em". Each played a 7 game, come from behind series and will have little rest before the 2nd round. Minnesota has the edge in goaltending IMO and Cloutier can be shaky at times. but, if Nasland and friends show up for game 1, it will be tough to stop them.

Go Wild!

[talkingcanes]

this is the closest series to a "pick 'em". Each played a 7 game, come from behind series and will have little rest before the 2nd round. Minnesota has the edge in goaltending IMO and Cloutier can be shaky at times. but, if Nasland and friends show up for game 1, it will be tough to stop them.

Go Wild!

[lvscolencanes]

The way everyone is talkin bout them - I have to route for the Wild.....reminds me of us last year...


Wild in 6... :spin:

[lvscolencanes]

The way everyone is talkin bout them - I have to route for the Wild.....reminds me of us last year...


Wild in 6... :spin:

[StormShaman]

I'm going with the Canucks again!

http://www.smiliegenerator.de/s11/smilies-8886.png

[StormShaman]

I'm going with the Canucks again!

http://www.smiliegenerator.de/s11/smilies-8886.png

[Stormbringer]

The diehard Caniac I am has to pull for Harry and Langdon.

Go Nucks! Keep the Wild from stealing the Canes' title of having the loudest house in the NHL...though as I've said before, if the Wild do steal that, let them have it AND the bad luck such a title brought for the Canes this past season...heh heh heh. :evil:

[Stormbringer]

The diehard Caniac I am has to pull for Harry and Langdon.

Go Nucks! Keep the Wild from stealing the Canes' title of having the loudest house in the NHL...though as I've said before, if the Wild do steal that, let them have it AND the bad luck such a title brought for the Canes this past season...heh heh heh. :evil:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

No clue who to pick or even who I want to win. I've sorta adopted the Wild this playoffs (have I said how much they remind me of us?) but I've loved Vancouver for a while.

I feel like the offense on these two teams is pretty similar. The West Coast Express will roll right over you but I think the Wild proved they can do that too. You look away from the TV for one second and when you come back the Wild have scored. If they can skate that puck all the way in you are almost guaranteed a goal. Both these teams are like that.....their goals come quick. There's a frenzy at the net and before you know it the puck is in. Goaltending seems to be a bigger question mark for the Canucks than for the Wild.

Should be some fun hockey!! I'll have to get back to you with my official pick.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

No clue who to pick or even who I want to win. I've sorta adopted the Wild this playoffs (have I said how much they remind me of us?) but I've loved Vancouver for a while.

I feel like the offense on these two teams is pretty similar. The West Coast Express will roll right over you but I think the Wild proved they can do that too. You look away from the TV for one second and when you come back the Wild have scored. If they can skate that puck all the way in you are almost guaranteed a goal. Both these teams are like that.....their goals come quick. There's a frenzy at the net and before you know it the puck is in. Goaltending seems to be a bigger question mark for the Canucks than for the Wild.

Should be some fun hockey!! I'll have to get back to you with my official pick.

[crazy4canes]

This is another one I'm torn over. :sad: I'll just sit back and enjoy this series. Whoever wins, I'll be happy.

[crazy4canes]

This is another one I'm torn over. :sad: I'll just sit back and enjoy this series. Whoever wins, I'll be happy.

[nccanes]

This is another one I'm torn over. :sad: I'll just sit back and enjoy this series. Whoever wins, I'll be happy.

That's why I didn't do the pick game. I want the total freedom to pull for or against a team at a moments notice ;) for no good reason whatsoever!

But having the Leafs and Wings out does make things more difficult on the anti-team factor! ;)

[nccanes]

This is another one I'm torn over. :sad: I'll just sit back and enjoy this series. Whoever wins, I'll be happy.

That's why I didn't do the pick game. I want the total freedom to pull for or against a team at a moments notice ;) for no good reason whatsoever!

But having the Leafs and Wings out does make things more difficult on the anti-team factor! ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

It is a tough call on this one...two underdogs that have won your heart scrapping and clawing...

and "old windbag"... ;) ..I mean Eileen .. :p (guyute cracked me up with that one) I totally agree about the Wings and the Leafs...I said from the beginning, that after those two were gone, I wouldn't have any problem with who won the Cup..

[Jeff O Rocks]

It is a tough call on this one...two underdogs that have won your heart scrapping and clawing...

and "old windbag"... ;) ..I mean Eileen .. :p (guyute cracked me up with that one) I totally agree about the Wings and the Leafs...I said from the beginning, that after those two were gone, I wouldn't have any problem with who won the Cup..

[canadianinmd]

I think the Nucks have definitely are totally on their game. They were down 3-1 and came back and won three straight.
Not only did they win last night but they totally out played the Blues (the short handed goal for one)
Stars also had a great series against a powerhouse yet I dont think they have the intensity to overcome the Canucks who have been strong all year.

Canucks in 5

[canadianinmd]

I think the Nucks have definitely are totally on their game. They were down 3-1 and came back and won three straight.
Not only did they win last night but they totally out played the Blues (the short handed goal for one)
Stars also had a great series against a powerhouse yet I dont think they have the intensity to overcome the Canucks who have been strong all year.

Canucks in 5

[nccanes]

I think the Nucks have definitely are totally on their game. They were down 3-1 and came back and won three straight.
Not only did they win last night but they totally out played the Blues (the short handed goal for one)
Stars also had a great series against a powerhouse yet I dont think they have the intensity to overcome the Canucks who have been strong all year.

Canucks in 5

Veering off topic for a second...Wow CanadianinMD! Glad to have you here. I'm way2gocanes on ch.com. You'll love the discussion here - lots of posts about the playoffs (in nice organized fashion).

Okay, on topic....I haven't seemed to be able to make up my mind about the Western Conf matchups just yet. Maybe I'll wait to see who scores first and see if I cheer or curse. Go with the gut instinct I say! ;)

[nccanes]

I think the Nucks have definitely are totally on their game. They were down 3-1 and came back and won three straight.
Not only did they win last night but they totally out played the Blues (the short handed goal for one)
Stars also had a great series against a powerhouse yet I dont think they have the intensity to overcome the Canucks who have been strong all year.

Canucks in 5

Veering off topic for a second...Wow CanadianinMD! Glad to have you here. I'm way2gocanes on ch.com. You'll love the discussion here - lots of posts about the playoffs (in nice organized fashion).

Okay, on topic....I haven't seemed to be able to make up my mind about the Western Conf matchups just yet. Maybe I'll wait to see who scores first and see if I cheer or curse. Go with the gut instinct I say! ;)

[hyena]

i'm stuck on this one too. i don't know who i'm pulling for yet. i like the Wild because they're the underdogs. like SHC said, they remind me of us. but i like the Nucks because of malik and langdon and i like bertuzzi too (he's not an a-hole or anything, is he?). maybe i'll decide at the last minute.

[hyena]

i'm stuck on this one too. i don't know who i'm pulling for yet. i like the Wild because they're the underdogs. like SHC said, they remind me of us. but i like the Nucks because of malik and langdon and i like bertuzzi too (he's not an a-hole or anything, is he?). maybe i'll decide at the last minute.

[Alicia]

Wow...another toughie. I believe goaltending may be the undoing of this series...Cloutier is questionable, while the Wild have pretty solid 'tending in Fernandez and Roloson. Naslund & Bertuzzi may be a factor, if they show up, but I've got to go with the Wild in another possible 7 game series.

[Alicia]

Wow...another toughie. I believe goaltending may be the undoing of this series...Cloutier is questionable, while the Wild have pretty solid 'tending in Fernandez and Roloson. Naslund & Bertuzzi may be a factor, if they show up, but I've got to go with the Wild in another possible 7 game series.

[canadianinmd]

Folks dont mind me I referred to Minnesota as the Stars. I guess I was thinking in the old school on that one. i know its the Wild :)

[canadianinmd]

Folks dont mind me I referred to Minnesota as the Stars. I guess I was thinking in the old school on that one. i know its the Wild :)

[Alicia]

Folks dont mind me I referred to Minnesota as the Stars. I guess I was thinking in the old school on that one. i know its the Wild :)

No prob...your brain is probably scrambled from all the crap over at that other board! BTW, welcome here!! :spin: :D

[Alicia]

Folks dont mind me I referred to Minnesota as the Stars. I guess I was thinking in the old school on that one. i know its the Wild :)

No prob...your brain is probably scrambled from all the crap over at that other board! BTW, welcome here!! :spin: :D

[canadianinmd]

thanks much appreciated

[canadianinmd]

thanks much appreciated

[drwFischerFan2]

I really can't decide who I want to win this series. I like both teams, but I think I have to lean more towards the Canucks. They have decent goaltending and offensively they are a scary team if everyone decides to show up. But then on the other hand, I think that it would be awesome to see the Wild make it into the WCF.

[drwFischerFan2]

I really can't decide who I want to win this series. I like both teams, but I think I have to lean more towards the Canucks. They have decent goaltending and offensively they are a scary team if everyone decides to show up. But then on the other hand, I think that it would be awesome to see the Wild make it into the WCF.

[Turbulence]

The Wild has the potential to go all the way if they can play like they did against the Avs...if they can beat the Avs, even when they aren't on their top game, they can beat anyone. That said, once again it will come down to goaltending. Minnesota is fine with Fernandez, and if he falters, then Roloson can come in and be a steady backstop. The question still remains, even after his acceptable 1st round: Is Dan Cloutier a consistant playoff goalie? I think not. Do the Nucks have a capable backup? No. That being said, if he does preform well the Nucks have a good chance.
For Minnesota to win, they'll need the same steady goaltending they had. Their D and Offense will be fine. The D contained the Avs scorers just as much as they needed to looking at the whole 7 game series. If they can shut down the top line they'll be fine...and if they can score on Roy they can score on Cloutier, I'm sure.
For the Canucks to win, they'll need Naslund, Bertuzzi, and Morrison to contribute to get enough goals out of Fernandez/Roloson. Their other 9 forewards just aren't offensive powerhouses, to say the least. D is steady with Jovanovski, Harry, and Ohlund back...but that matters not without steadiness from Cloutier.

All of that taken into account...The Nucks will take this series in 7. Cloutier will be as steady as he needs to be, and their more talented skaters will take over. Minnesota will put up the same fight they did against the Avs but fatigue, among other things, will overcome them. Fernandez will be steady but not steady enough to stop the first line from scoring. Marian Gaborik will score a few, but the other Wild forewards will struggle to overcome Vancouver's D.

Any idea if/when Brad Bombardir will be back for the Wild?

[Turbulence]

The Wild has the potential to go all the way if they can play like they did against the Avs...if they can beat the Avs, even when they aren't on their top game, they can beat anyone. That said, once again it will come down to goaltending. Minnesota is fine with Fernandez, and if he falters, then Roloson can come in and be a steady backstop. The question still remains, even after his acceptable 1st round: Is Dan Cloutier a consistant playoff goalie? I think not. Do the Nucks have a capable backup? No. That being said, if he does preform well the Nucks have a good chance.
For Minnesota to win, they'll need the same steady goaltending they had. Their D and Offense will be fine. The D contained the Avs scorers just as much as they needed to looking at the whole 7 game series. If they can shut down the top line they'll be fine...and if they can score on Roy they can score on Cloutier, I'm sure.
For the Canucks to win, they'll need Naslund, Bertuzzi, and Morrison to contribute to get enough goals out of Fernandez/Roloson. Their other 9 forewards just aren't offensive powerhouses, to say the least. D is steady with Jovanovski, Harry, and Ohlund back...but that matters not without steadiness from Cloutier.

All of that taken into account...The Nucks will take this series in 7. Cloutier will be as steady as he needs to be, and their more talented skaters will take over. Minnesota will put up the same fight they did against the Avs but fatigue, among other things, will overcome them. Fernandez will be steady but not steady enough to stop the first line from scoring. Marian Gaborik will score a few, but the other Wild forewards will struggle to overcome Vancouver's D.

Any idea if/when Brad Bombardir will be back for the Wild?

[raleighcanesfan]

Cloutier is just warming up and the Nucks HAVE to warm up soon...They had their moments, but will look to play more consistent on offense.

Plus...MALIK!! Still player...Goooo boy!

[raleighcanesfan]

Cloutier is just warming up and the Nucks HAVE to warm up soon...They had their moments, but will look to play more consistent on offense.

Plus...MALIK!! Still player...Goooo boy!

[Shell]

Wild, Canucks will be physical, but smart in Western semifinal
By BRIAN MURPHY
Faceoff.com correspondent

If you were among those who believe this much-anticipated series is destined for a bloodbath, it would be wise to try on some perspective for size.

No player has ever scaled the penalty-box glass to tomahawk a beer-breathing wacko. Aluminum foil is not being dispensed in the dressing room for knucklewear. And you will not hear ambulances circling GM Place Friday before Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal between the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks.

That does not mean these surly division partners will abstain from roughhousing in their initial playoff dance. If the last two emotionally charged seasons are any indication, there will be plenty of toes stomped on, shins kicked and drinks thrown in faces during the next week or two.

It is no secret these two teams hate each other, and they have a pile of dropped gloves, stitches and CT scans over 15 games to prove it. But they begrudgingly respect each other, too, and their mutual admiration grew in the wake of their respective first-round rallies from 3-1 series deficits.

And with a trip to the Western Conference final and the halfway pole to the Stanley Cup at stake, now is not the time to settle old scores on the ice or stir up new trouble by rocketing verbal salvos across each other's bows.

Unless provoked, of course. It can't be all scoring chances and rose petals.

"I guess you have to wait to see how the first period of the first game plays out," said Wild defenseman Brad Brown, who has tussled with several Canucks in the last two years. "If it turns out to be a physical series, we have enough guys that can step up to the challenge. We have to step up because we know, going into their barn, coming off a Game 7 victory, they're going to be rocking."

Coach Jacques Lemaire indicated he would start a physical lineup in the first two games on the road, meaning a combination of Brown and rugged forwards Jason Marshall, Jeremy Stevenson and Matt Johnson to combat antagonists like Matt Cooke, Jarkko Ruutu and Brad May, whom the Wild have not seen in a Canucks jersey since he was acquired at the trade deadline.

"We'll see how the games will be played. I think we have to see what will come in the first and second games," Lemaire said. "I feel comfortable with the guys we have. We have some guys who can take care of business in that department. They'll be dressed."

It doesn't take a seasoned historian to trace the lineage of angst between these two teams. It began last season during a couple of feisty games in Vancouver. Marshall was sucker-punched by Cooke, spawning a brawl-filled rematch three months later in which the teams combined for 84 penalty minutes.

In December, tensions reached a fever pitch on a Saturday night at GM Place when Marian Gaborik scorched the Canucks with a hat trick in the Wild's inaugural appearance on "Hockey Night in Canada."

After Gaborik scored his first goal, Cooke flattened the Wild's superstar while he celebrated, but was hardly admonished by anyone in a Minnesota jersey.

Later, Marshall drove an elbow into Ed Jovanovski's ear along the boards.

Near the end of the game, Jovanovski got his revenge by smashing Marshall's face into the glass with a check from behind. Marshall spent the night in a Vancouver hospital after suffering a concussion that sidelined him for 14 games.

Two incidents in January stacked more tinder.

At the end of their last game in St. Paul, Ruutu ran Brad Bombardir into the Wild bench, prompting Brown to pile on at the final horn. Two weeks later at GM Place, Malik elbowed Stevenson into the boards. Stevenson suffered a dislocated shoulder and missed eight games.

These are not exactly Hallmark moments. How much bad blood is there? Not a lot, according to Cooke, who did some verbal gymnastics when asked.

"I wouldn't say bad blood, but there is a heightened level of competitiveness against each other playing 10 games in the last two years against each other," he said. "There isn't a lot of like for a team, but there isn't a lot of like for any team come playoff time."

The Wild hardly are street fighters. And when it comes to extra-curricular activities such as starting scrums, snow-spraying goalies or face-washing opponents with a gloved hand, they are one of the most passive teams in the NHL.

When discussing Vancouver, they pay lip service to the need to avoid taking retaliatory penalties or getting caught out of position trying to broadside somebody through the glass. But the wry grins that still manage to curl up on the faces of some players indicate the past does spill into the present.

"I think it will a little bit. I'm sure if guys get a chance to get a lick on a few guys, they will," said defenseman Willie Mitchell. "You could probably figure out who that is pretty easily."

So dual chess matches will play out on the benches tonight. For every line change, Lemaire and his counterpart, Marc Crawford, will be busy playing yin to each other's yang, while the players on each side will be plotting if and when to reacquaint themselves with some lumber of a face full of leather without getting caught.

"It's going to be very intense, but I don't think there will be paybacks," said Marian Gaborik. "It will be tight hockey and very physical. You've just got to be aware of stupid penalties and play our game."

[Shell]

Wild, Canucks will be physical, but smart in Western semifinal
By BRIAN MURPHY
Faceoff.com correspondent

If you were among those who believe this much-anticipated series is destined for a bloodbath, it would be wise to try on some perspective for size.

No player has ever scaled the penalty-box glass to tomahawk a beer-breathing wacko. Aluminum foil is not being dispensed in the dressing room for knucklewear. And you will not hear ambulances circling GM Place Friday before Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal between the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks.

That does not mean these surly division partners will abstain from roughhousing in their initial playoff dance. If the last two emotionally charged seasons are any indication, there will be plenty of toes stomped on, shins kicked and drinks thrown in faces during the next week or two.

It is no secret these two teams hate each other, and they have a pile of dropped gloves, stitches and CT scans over 15 games to prove it. But they begrudgingly respect each other, too, and their mutual admiration grew in the wake of their respective first-round rallies from 3-1 series deficits.

And with a trip to the Western Conference final and the halfway pole to the Stanley Cup at stake, now is not the time to settle old scores on the ice or stir up new trouble by rocketing verbal salvos across each other's bows.

Unless provoked, of course. It can't be all scoring chances and rose petals.

"I guess you have to wait to see how the first period of the first game plays out," said Wild defenseman Brad Brown, who has tussled with several Canucks in the last two years. "If it turns out to be a physical series, we have enough guys that can step up to the challenge. We have to step up because we know, going into their barn, coming off a Game 7 victory, they're going to be rocking."

Coach Jacques Lemaire indicated he would start a physical lineup in the first two games on the road, meaning a combination of Brown and rugged forwards Jason Marshall, Jeremy Stevenson and Matt Johnson to combat antagonists like Matt Cooke, Jarkko Ruutu and Brad May, whom the Wild have not seen in a Canucks jersey since he was acquired at the trade deadline.

"We'll see how the games will be played. I think we have to see what will come in the first and second games," Lemaire said. "I feel comfortable with the guys we have. We have some guys who can take care of business in that department. They'll be dressed."

It doesn't take a seasoned historian to trace the lineage of angst between these two teams. It began last season during a couple of feisty games in Vancouver. Marshall was sucker-punched by Cooke, spawning a brawl-filled rematch three months later in which the teams combined for 84 penalty minutes.

In December, tensions reached a fever pitch on a Saturday night at GM Place when Marian Gaborik scorched the Canucks with a hat trick in the Wild's inaugural appearance on "Hockey Night in Canada."

After Gaborik scored his first goal, Cooke flattened the Wild's superstar while he celebrated, but was hardly admonished by anyone in a Minnesota jersey.

Later, Marshall drove an elbow into Ed Jovanovski's ear along the boards.

Near the end of the game, Jovanovski got his revenge by smashing Marshall's face into the glass with a check from behind. Marshall spent the night in a Vancouver hospital after suffering a concussion that sidelined him for 14 games.

Two incidents in January stacked more tinder.

At the end of their last game in St. Paul, Ruutu ran Brad Bombardir into the Wild bench, prompting Brown to pile on at the final horn. Two weeks later at GM Place, Malik elbowed Stevenson into the boards. Stevenson suffered a dislocated shoulder and missed eight games.

These are not exactly Hallmark moments. How much bad blood is there? Not a lot, according to Cooke, who did some verbal gymnastics when asked.

"I wouldn't say bad blood, but there is a heightened level of competitiveness against each other playing 10 games in the last two years against each other," he said. "There isn't a lot of like for a team, but there isn't a lot of like for any team come playoff time."

The Wild hardly are street fighters. And when it comes to extra-curricular activities such as starting scrums, snow-spraying goalies or face-washing opponents with a gloved hand, they are one of the most passive teams in the NHL.

When discussing Vancouver, they pay lip service to the need to avoid taking retaliatory penalties or getting caught out of position trying to broadside somebody through the glass. But the wry grins that still manage to curl up on the faces of some players indicate the past does spill into the present.

"I think it will a little bit. I'm sure if guys get a chance to get a lick on a few guys, they will," said defenseman Willie Mitchell. "You could probably figure out who that is pretty easily."

So dual chess matches will play out on the benches tonight. For every line change, Lemaire and his counterpart, Marc Crawford, will be busy playing yin to each other's yang, while the players on each side will be plotting if and when to reacquaint themselves with some lumber of a face full of leather without getting caught.

"It's going to be very intense, but I don't think there will be paybacks," said Marian Gaborik. "It will be tight hockey and very physical. You've just got to be aware of stupid penalties and play our game."

[Alicia]

Wow...wonder if it will be as physical as Philly/Toronto? Should be a good one.

[Alicia]

Wow...wonder if it will be as physical as Philly/Toronto? Should be a good one.

[hyena]

:eek: uh oh. i wasn't sure who i was going for...then minnesota scored and i found myself jumping up and yelling "YES!!!" so i guess that question is answered now. :angel:

[hyena]

:eek: uh oh. i wasn't sure who i was going for...then minnesota scored and i found myself jumping up and yelling "YES!!!" so i guess that question is answered now. :angel:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I jumped up for the Wild's goal and for Vancouver's non-goal.....I'm still clueless!!! :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I jumped up for the Wild's goal and for Vancouver's non-goal.....I'm still clueless!!! :crazy:

[Alicia]

Poor SHC! :D ;)

[Alicia]

Poor SHC! :D ;)

[hyena]

i just can't help but pull for the underdog, i think. :angel: go wild! :D

[hyena]

i just can't help but pull for the underdog, i think. :angel: go wild! :D

[Shell]

So what did you do on that one that they took away? Don't see how you can be having trouble here LOL :eek:

[Shell]

So what did you do on that one that they took away? Don't see how you can be having trouble here LOL :eek:

[hyena]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

[hyena]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

Has it been the era of dis-allowed goals or what? :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

Has it been the era of dis-allowed goals or what? :D

[StormShaman]

*prays, tosses salt over shoulder, knocks on wood, sacrifices random Wild*

Come on Canucks....

[StormShaman]

*prays, tosses salt over shoulder, knocks on wood, sacrifices random Wild*

Come on Canucks....

[Stormbringer]

Sacrifice another Wild for me Camille...

Let's go Canucks!

[Stormbringer]

Sacrifice another Wild for me Camille...

Let's go Canucks!

[Alicia]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

Has it been the era of dis-allowed goals or what? :D


Dis-allowed goals and multiple OTs... :crazy:

[Alicia]

wow, another goal taken away! *whew* :crazy:

Has it been the era of dis-allowed goals or what? :D


Dis-allowed goals and multiple OTs... :crazy:

[Shell]

Looks like the goal from Walz will stand... MinnesOda takes the lead

[Shell]

Looks like the goal from Walz will stand... MinnesOda takes the lead

[hyena]

whee! 2-1 wild. i think that sitting in front of my computer is good luck. :D

[hyena]

whee! 2-1 wild. i think that sitting in front of my computer is good luck. :D

[Shell]

and another for Walz! Going for a hat trick?

[Shell]

and another for Walz! Going for a hat trick?

[Alicia]

Ooohhh...3-1 Wild.

[Alicia]

Ooohhh...3-1 Wild.

[hyena]

wow again! 3-1 on a walz one-timer. :D

[hyena]

wow again! 3-1 on a walz one-timer. :D

[Shell]

3-2 Naslund./.....

[Shell]

3-2 Naslund./.....

[Alicia]

Ew! Where was Fernandez on that one?

[Alicia]

Ew! Where was Fernandez on that one?

[MeanGene]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Vancouver goal with 1.2 seconds left.

Going to OT!

[MeanGene]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Vancouver goal with 1.2 seconds left.

Going to OT!

[Alicia]

F'N A!!! More OT!!!

[Alicia]

F'N A!!! More OT!!!

[VandyCane]

What a finish to regulation. One of these nights I will get to bed at a decent hour. On the other hand, I'm playing lots of card games on yahoo...

[VandyCane]

What a finish to regulation. One of these nights I will get to bed at a decent hour. On the other hand, I'm playing lots of card games on yahoo...

[Shell]

LOL, I'm on Yahoo games too.. playing dominos though.. and at least this late night is not a work night for a nice change!!

[Shell]

LOL, I'm on Yahoo games too.. playing dominos though.. and at least this late night is not a work night for a nice change!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Wait is that.....could it be....is it really....yes I think it is! ANOTHER OT!!! Woooo!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Wait is that.....could it be....is it really....yes I think it is! ANOTHER OT!!! Woooo!

[Stormbringer]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Vancouver goal with 1.2 seconds left.

Going to OT!

At least this time this is a goal I liked seeing go in...that brought back otherwise bad memories of a certain Canes game... :crazy:

[Stormbringer]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

Vancouver goal with 1.2 seconds left.

Going to OT!

At least this time this is a goal I liked seeing go in...that brought back otherwise bad memories of a certain Canes game... :crazy:

[HubbyHatesHockey]

*shudder* Game 3 SCF, right? How many seconds were left in that one? I tell ya, ANY amount of time left on the clock makes me nervous!

[HubbyHatesHockey]

*shudder* Game 3 SCF, right? How many seconds were left in that one? I tell ya, ANY amount of time left on the clock makes me nervous!

[MeanGene]

It's Over.

Vancouver wins in OT for a 1-0 series lead.

[MeanGene]

It's Over.

Vancouver wins in OT for a 1-0 series lead.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yay Canucks!! (I'll say Yay Wild next one they win....I still can't decide)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Yay Canucks!! (I'll say Yay Wild next one they win....I still can't decide)

[tommy]

Amazing goal... I feel bad for Fernandez... it was a messy goal, but a goal nontheless.

[tommy]

Amazing goal... I feel bad for Fernandez... it was a messy goal, but a goal nontheless.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hey tommy! Welcome back! :)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hey tommy! Welcome back! :)

[Stormbringer]

Alright...one down, three more to go for the Nucks, though I wouldn't mind the Wild winning at least three. ;)

And good seeing you again Tommy! :)

[Stormbringer]

Alright...one down, three more to go for the Nucks, though I wouldn't mind the Wild winning at least three. ;)

And good seeing you again Tommy! :)

[StormShaman]

:eek2:

That goal with 1.2 seconds left was freakin' AWESOME!

Go Canucks Go! :)

[StormShaman]

:eek2:

That goal with 1.2 seconds left was freakin' AWESOME!

Go Canucks Go! :)

[hyena]

*sigh* i fell asleep during the 3rd last night and woke up when the nucks scored that &$!@@# tying goal. for once i went to bed before the OT and got up this morning only to find they won. grr. i'm never doing that again. :sick:

come on Wild!

[hyena]

*sigh* i fell asleep during the 3rd last night and woke up when the nucks scored that &$!@@# tying goal. for once i went to bed before the OT and got up this morning only to find they won. grr. i'm never doing that again. :sick:

come on Wild!

[Guyute]

bummer for the Wild.... imo, they deserved that one.

great game tho. 1.2 seconds??? dayum.

[Guyute]

bummer for the Wild.... imo, they deserved that one.

great game tho. 1.2 seconds??? dayum.

[hyena]

well, it looks like roloson is getting the start...(go wild!)

[hyena]

well, it looks like roloson is getting the start...(go wild!)

[Alicia]

Bertuzzi just can not buy a goal...

[Alicia]

Bertuzzi just can not buy a goal...

[StormShaman]

Woot, Jovo! :)
1-1, Canucks on the power play. :)

Go Canucks Go! :)

[StormShaman]

Woot, Jovo! :)
1-1, Canucks on the power play. :)

Go Canucks Go! :)

[Alicia]

That was a BS holding call on Bertuzzi...shoulda been diving :roll:

[Alicia]

That was a BS holding call on Bertuzzi...shoulda been diving :roll:

[MeanGene]

Vancouver scored with about 1:30 left to cut the lead to 2-1. Almost tied it on a mad scramble.

Still time for Vancouver to tie it.

[MeanGene]

Vancouver scored with about 1:30 left to cut the lead to 2-1. Almost tied it on a mad scramble.

Still time for Vancouver to tie it.

[MeanGene]

Lots of Activity after the game was over!

Look for a Bertuzzi/Brown throwdown in Game 3!

[MeanGene]

Lots of Activity after the game was over!

Look for a Bertuzzi/Brown throwdown in Game 3!

[Alicia]

All I can say about how this one ended is WOW...should be extremely interesting in Minnesota! :beatup:

[Alicia]

All I can say about how this one ended is WOW...should be extremely interesting in Minnesota! :beatup:

[Alicia]

Lots of Activity after the game was over!

Look for a Bertuzzi/Brown throwdown in Game 3!

How do you think the ref who got in between those two feels right about now? Bertuzzi is a hoss!

[Alicia]

Lots of Activity after the game was over!

Look for a Bertuzzi/Brown throwdown in Game 3!

How do you think the ref who got in between those two feels right about now? Bertuzzi is a hoss!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well, I hadn't been sure but with this game my emotions kicked in and I found out where my loyalties lie in this series......GO CANUCKS!!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well, I hadn't been sure but with this game my emotions kicked in and I found out where my loyalties lie in this series......GO CANUCKS!!!!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Bertuzzi is a hoss!

I was thinking more like a horse. ;) Can you imagine being sandwiched in a check between Bertuzzi and Jovanovski? I think the victim of that scenario would probably be reduced to liquid! OUCH! :eek2:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Bertuzzi is a hoss!

I was thinking more like a horse. ;) Can you imagine being sandwiched in a check between Bertuzzi and Jovanovski? I think the victim of that scenario would probably be reduced to liquid! OUCH! :eek2:

[Alicia]

Bertuzzi is a hoss!

I was thinking more like a horse. ;) Can you imagine being sandwiched in a check between Bertuzzi and Jovanovski? I think the victim of that scenario would probably be reduced to liquid! OUCH! :eek2:

Bertuzzi going 245 lbs. is enough for me! :eek: :eek2:

[Alicia]

Bertuzzi is a hoss!

I was thinking more like a horse. ;) Can you imagine being sandwiched in a check between Bertuzzi and Jovanovski? I think the victim of that scenario would probably be reduced to liquid! OUCH! :eek2:

Bertuzzi going 245 lbs. is enough for me! :eek: :eek2:

[Kat]

Man, Bertuzzi has one heck of a temper. I personally think someone should be fined or suspended for that mess at the end... had the potential to become something really nasty.

-Kat

[Kat]

Man, Bertuzzi has one heck of a temper. I personally think someone should be fined or suspended for that mess at the end... had the potential to become something really nasty.

-Kat

[AbNormal27]

That's what was missing for the Canucks up until now..... playoff hate. They feel screwed over from Game 2 and will be out to lay a beating on the Wild in Game 3. I personally have been waiting for this type of hockey from the Canucks (my #2 team, #2 by a LONGSHOT! GO CANES!). The GTG by Matt Cooke was a thrill for me, since he is a kid I have been closely following since his junior days in Windsor. Bertuzzi's mad and Malik is in his groove. Watch for 44, and 19 to have a productive game, watch 8 shut down the Minnesota offence, and for 24 to be his pesky self to aggrevate the bejesus out of the North Stars, uh, er, um, WILD. ;) GO CANUCKS!

Aaryn

[Alicia]

After watching the ending of that game, I'm really looking forward to tonight's matchup! Just makes me mad that the start time for both games tonight are only one hour apart. :mad: Who's in charge of scheduling anyway?

[Guyute]

my thoughts exactly batesb. there is No consideration of HOCKEY fans. Sure, if you're only watching one team, you're set. But those of us that like to watch Every game.... are a bit screwed.

thank the hockey gods for UltimateTV.. guess I can just record this one and start it at 10... :p

[Alicia]

Guess I just need to make sure I have fresh batteries in the remote...

[Jeff O Rocks]

my thoughts exactly batesb. there is No consideration of HOCKEY fans. Sure, if you're only watching one team, you're set. But those of us that like to watch Every game.... are a bit screwed.

thank the hockey gods for UltimateTV.. guess I can just record this one and start it at 10... :p

I can't believe in this day and time with 50 million channels to choose from the games can't be on at different times or on channels that can be shown simultaneously.. :roll: :eek2:

[AbNormal27]

I can't believe in this day and time with 50 million channels to choose from the games can't be on at different times or on channels that can be shown simultaneously.. :roll: :eek2:

In a perfect world my friend, in a perfect world. Of course, in a PERFECT world, the Hurricanes would be in the playoffs.

Aaryn

[Jeff O Rocks]

In a perfect world my friend, in a perfect world. Of course, in a PERFECT world, the Hurricanes would be in the playoffs.

Aaryn

True...true.. :cry:

[StormShaman]

Ugh.

According to Tommy Larscheid on CKNW, Todd Bertuzzi's not feeling well--they think it might be the flu. He'll be a gametime decision tonight.

*prays, knocks on wood, tosses salt over shoulder, sacrifices random Wild*

[talkingcanes]

this is the series that I care least who wins. I won't be disappointed with either team moving on so I am just enjoying without nerves.

[Alicia]

Ugh.

According to Tommy Larscheid on CKNW, Todd Bertuzzi's not feeling well--they think it might be the flu. He'll be a gametime decision tonight.

*prays, knocks on wood, tosses salt over shoulder, sacrifices random Wild*

Crap!! Let's just hope that's not so! *sends chicken soup Bertuzzi's way*

[Guyute]

Go Wild!!!!

:D

[Alicia]

Go Wild!!!!

:D

You just like saying that don't you, guyute? ;)

[Guyute]

hey, I didn't say go buck wild!!! :p

http://www.tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/lol.gif

no, seriously, I'd like to see the wild win. I don't really care about the nucks one way or 'tother. sure I like seeing Malik play well... but that doesn't make me like the Team any more.

pulling for the underdog is always fun. plus, I picked 'em to win. ;)

[Alicia]

hey, I didn't say go buck wild!!! :p

http://www.tridead.net/canes/images/smilies/lol.gif

no, seriously, I'd like to see the wild win. I don't really care about the nucks one way or 'tother. sure I like seeing Malik play well... but that doesn't make me like the Team any more.

pulling for the underdog is always fun. plus, I picked 'em to win. ;)

I actually had to go look to see who I picked...LOL! (Wild in 7, BTW) I've gotten off track somewhere...didn't really know how I'd feel about this matchup when I picked until I started watching it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I was the same way, batesb, and I found myself cheering rather definitively for the Canucks last game. I still think I won't be that upset if the Wild win (and I picked Wild in 7 as well), but for now:
GO CANUCKS!!!!


(See Alicia, if I weren't so long winded I could have said all that with a simple ME TOO! ;) )

[Shell]

Wild fined $25,000
Minnesota hit in pocketbook for melee in Game 2
Canadian Press
TORONTO

The Minnesota Wild have been fined $25,000 for their part in a melee that broke out at the end of Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Vancouver Canucks, the NHL announced Tuesday.

At the final buzzer of the Wild's 3-2 win Sunday, a full-scale brawl nearly erupted. Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi said he was sucker-punched by Minnesota's Brad Brown. Vancouver's Matt Cooke slashed Matt Johnson on the ankle dropping the Wild winger to the ice.

Minnesota's Willie Mitchell, who had been sent to the dressing from for roughing with seven seconds left in the game, reappeared on the ice and began grappling with Canucks defenceman Ed Jovanovski.

Jovanovski, Bertuzzi, Brown and Johnson all were assessed misconducts. Mitchell was given a game misconduct.

Game 3 was Tuesday night in Minnesota.

[nccanes]

A tiny smidge OT, but I saw a Wild license plate this morning (on the front of a car) and I had to take a triple take before deciding it really was a Wild logo. First time for that!

[talkingcanes]

Wild fined $25,000
Minnesota hit in pocketbook for melee in Game 2
Canadian Press
TORONTO

The Minnesota Wild have been fined $25,000 for their part in a melee that broke out at the end of Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Vancouver Canucks, the NHL announced Tuesday.

At the final buzzer of the Wild's 3-2 win Sunday, a full-scale brawl nearly erupted. Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi said he was sucker-punched by Minnesota's Brad Brown. Vancouver's Matt Cooke slashed Matt Johnson on the ankle dropping the Wild winger to the ice.

Minnesota's Willie Mitchell, who had been sent to the dressing from for roughing with seven seconds left in the game, reappeared on the ice and began grappling with Canucks defenceman Ed Jovanovski.

Jovanovski, Bertuzzi, Brown and Johnson all were assessed misconducts. Mitchell was given a game misconduct.

Game 3 was Tuesday night in Minnesota.

and a good time was had by all :cool: glad their pockets are deeper than mine ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Vancouver's Matt Cooke slashed Matt Johnson on the ankle dropping the Wild winger to the ice.


OK, that looked to me at the time like Johnson was embellishing the crap out of that. He kinda poked him but it wasn't an all out slash, from what I saw. And he hit him square on the shin-guard, not in that little unprotected part.

So did Vancouver not get fined?

[talkingcanes]

I think the fine was only on the Wild. Maybe they were considered the instigators. I didn't see it so just my thought. Did they instigate?

[Alicia]

I was the same way, batesb, and I found myself cheering rather definitively for the Canucks last game. I still think I won't be that upset if the Wild win (and I picked Wild in 7 as well), but for now:
GO CANUCKS!!!!


(See Alicia, if I weren't so long winded I could have said all that with a simple ME TOO! ;) )


LOL!! :D ;)

[Alicia]

I think the fine was only on the Wild. Maybe they were considered the instigators. I didn't see it so just my thought. Did they instigate?

The whole Wild team was on the ice, and the guy who was sent to the dressing room but came back out on the ice...unnecessary IMO.

[Shell]

yeah, a guy coming back out after already being sent off is over the top in my opinion.

[Kat]

And he hit him square on the shin-guard, not in that little unprotected part.


That little unprotected part gives me nightmares... I still have a bruise there. :beatup:

-Kat

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Woooo Hoooooo Canucks!!!

[Alicia]

Did anyone happen to see the slash Bertuzzi got sent to the box for? I didn't even see it on re-play....

[Jeff O Rocks]

I was the same way, batesb, and I found myself cheering rather definitively for the Canucks last game. I still think I won't be that upset if the Wild win (and I picked Wild in 7 as well), but for now:
GO CANUCKS!!!!


(See Alicia, if I weren't so long winded I could have said all that with a simple ME TOO! ;) )


LOL!! :D ;)

I am the same way here....I want Vancouver to win simply because of Marek and Darren ..but if Minnesota wins, I won't be upset...long time coming for them!! :spin:

[Kat]

Guess those of us unwashed without CI don't get to see this game either... why is it that I don't get to see the games I am interested in? I could honestly care less about NJ/TB (result inevitable) and OTT/PHI (tomorrow would rather see Ducks clinch), but oh well.

-Kat

[Alicia]

This game is on CI tonight.

[Kat]

This game is on CI tonight.

Too bad I don't have CI. :sad:

-Kat

[Alicia]

This game is on CI tonight.

Too bad I don't have CI. :sad:

-Kat

I know...should be a good one! 19,394 record attendance in Minnesota.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

:mad: :mad: :mad:

I'm just now realizing that this game isn't going to be on. CRAP!!

[talkingcanes]

Gaborik scored with 37 seconds left in the first period.

1-0 Wild

[nccanes]

This game is on CI tonight.

Are you folks getting this game on CI?

I took talkingcanes advice and called TWC, but so far they just think I'm crazy. I'm still on hold....

[nccanes]

Okay, got it fixed. Took me asking for a "supervisor" to get it done, but it's working again, so thanks Kat and TC for letting me know.

For anyone else that is having this problem, I think they sent me to the "help desk" after the first guy was certain I was wrong...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Okay, got it fixed.

OK, good....I'm on my way over. ;)

[nccanes]

Okay, got it fixed.

OK, good....I'm on my way over. ;)

No problem. I'll be in bed watching, but the tv in the living room has digi-cable too. There's probably 1 beer in the fridge. Check the "you have no privacy website" for directions. ;)

[Shell]

LOL Eileen! (and for the record, we're up AND have beer in the fridge.. you really should live closer Angie!!) of course, I can't turn away from a triple overtimer with a team on the brink of elimination, so we'll go back to NJ/Tampa once the next period starts)

[Shell]

Gaborik scores!!! 2-1 Wild :)

[Shell]

just switched to this game when NJ won (we paused for bathroom breaks and were a minute or two behind).. when we switched the players and the fans were all stopped and staring at someone in the stands. What happened?

[Shell]

Sopel scored to tie it at 2s

[StormShaman]

WOO! Go Canucks Go! :)

[tommy]

Isn't Sopel the one with the crazy-long hair? That guy rocks.

[StormShaman]

Isn't Sopel the one with the crazy-long hair? That guy rocks.

Yeah, he's the low-rent Mike Ricci clone. :)

[Shell]

my bad, Jovanovski got the goal.

[Alicia]

More OT...

[tommy]

This game isn't on TV is it? Cause I'd much rather see it than listen on NHL.com

[Alicia]

This game isn't on TV is it? Cause I'd much rather see it than listen on NHL.com

Sorry tommy...it's on CI.

[Shell]

it's on center ice

[tommy]

Wish I could convince my folks to get it, but no way in hell since school comes before hockey. (Or at least, those are the messed-up morals they are trying to instill in me.... don't worry, I'm not falling for it ;))

But hey, OT is cool... If I had a nickel for every OT i've watched... well gosh darnit I'd probably have a dollar or two.

[Shell]

That's why you need to work into a bribe (say, if I make honor roll, can we get center ice??)

[tommy]

That's why you need to work into a bribe (say, if I make honor roll, can we get center ice??)

and to boot, I though my neighbor had it before, but their was like a trial period or something (is that true?), and they decided not to get it... but yeah, I'll work on the grades, and then maybe I can convince them...

Anywho, I really want the Wild to win tonight, I'm becoming a fan...

[hyena]

*sigh* i have no good luck to give. but GO WILD!! :D :D

[Shell]

and Nucks win on the power play in OT

I was just foreshadowning with my Sopel reference above... he got the GWG

[Kat]

LOL Eileen! (and for the record, we're up AND have beer in the fridge.. you really should live closer Angie!!)

DAMN! I *just* saw this post... would have revved up the car... Oh well, have to work on the semester project due tomorrow at 10AM anyhow... :beatup:

-Kat

[tommy]

NOW Sopel is the hero... darnit... I wanted the Wild to win... oh well... Cloutier was pretty good too, tonight.

[Alicia]

Bertuzzi with the screen and Sopel scores! Who the hell could see through Todd anyway? :crazy: Vancouver wins 3-2.

[StormShaman]

:cool:

Now if they can just win that fourth game.... :)

[Stormbringer]

Yes! At least one game went my way tonight...

Go Nucks! :cool: :spin:

[Shell]

LOL Eileen! (and for the record, we're up AND have beer in the fridge.. you really should live closer Angie!!)

DAMN! I *just* saw this post... would have revved up the car... Oh well, have to work on the semester project due tomorrow at 10AM anyhow... :beatup:

-Kat

You know where we live girl.. if there is hockey on, we're watching.. surely by now I've told you to invite yourself over anytime!! If Ducks are on CI tomorrow, we'll tape it and watch right after the Philly game.

[tommy]

I swear, these one-goal games will be the end of me...

How many have we had so far this playoff year... at this rate, there's no doubt that a record number of one-goal games will be played.

But that's what I love about playoff OT... SOMEBODY'S gotta score...

Now, next game, Harry will score the winner in the 4th OT to send 'em to the WCF's. Hey, we can dream, right?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Woooo Hoooo Nucks!!!

I really hate NHL rasio by the way.

[StormShaman]

Now, next game, Harry will score the winner in the 4th OT to send 'em to the WCF's. Hey, we can dream, right?

Nah--I have a feeling that Harry's destined for something bigger than that.

We'll see. I have faith in him. :)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Way to go Nucks...Hope Marek does do something spectacular....is Langer even playing??? Did I miss him?? :roll:

[talkingcanes]

hasn't Langer been injured since the playoffs began? I hate that he's not able to play.

[Shell]

No, he's been a healthy scratch every game :sad:

[talkingcanes]

he wasn't injured before the first round? I really do hallucinate :roll:

[Shell]

well, he was in the first round (hand) but is fine now and just not playing

[talkingcanes]

well, he was in the first round (hand) but is fine now and just not playing

thanks Shell. that makes me feel better about my mental health :)

[Shell]

Sure, speaking of Langdon, this made me giggle..

Healthy and ready

Vancouver forward Todd Bertuzzi can pinpoint the moment he started feeling ill. "Just when I landed in Minnesota," Bertuzzi said. "I don't know if it was the city or what."

But Bertuzzi, who fought through the effects of a virus in Game 3, was in better spirits Thursday after a day off. When asked if he was being quarantined from road roommate Darren Langdon, Bertuzzi shook his head.

"Langer loves me too much," Bertuzzi said. "He'd rather stay there and hang out with me."

Bertuzzi expects to be ready tonight. He has only one goal in the playoffs after scoring 46 during the regular season. But Canucks coach Marc Crawford is not concerned about the forward's lack of goal scoring.

"When you get opportunities and shots and take the puck to the net with authority, it's only a matter of time," Crawford said. "He's a tough guy to keep off a scoreboard."

[RIO]

LOL!! "Langer loves me too much." I'm digging it. :D

[StormShaman]

*gigglesnort*

[Alicia]

Naslund ties it up, 1-1.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And the Wild get to start the 2nd with a PP.....come on Nucks!!

[Alicia]

I think after Markus said he didn't touch the guy, they need to show him the replay where he does indeed high-stick the guy (was it Park?).

[Jeff O Rocks]

Cute about Langer...he probably gave Bertuzzi a bloody nose for that comment! :beatup: :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think after Markus said he didn't touch the guy, they need to show him the replay where he does indeed high-stick the guy (was it Park?).

Yep, it was Park.

[Alicia]

Crap...2-1 Wild.

[Alicia]

OK Cam, we need a hex on the Wild over here...'Nucks down 4-1 now. And Nazzy back in the box for high-sticking, again.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Make that 5-1. :cry:

[Alicia]

5-1...personally, maybe it's backup goalie time. A little more D wouldn't hurt.

CRAP!!! 6-1 :mad:

[Shell]

WOW :crazy: :eek:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

6-1....uh, yeah. Pull the goalie. Pull the goalie NOW!!

[Alicia]

6-2 now...*half-heartedly* yay...

[StormShaman]

That does it. I'm calling out some friends of mine for the Grand Ultimate Mojo.

Of course, it might not kick in until Game 6.

[Alicia]

and we have the goalie change...

[Shell]

what happened to Gaborik??

[SouthernHockeyChick]

They just said Gaborik was knocked out of the game with an elbow to the chin.....anyone see it? How bad was it? Whose elbow? Poor guy!

[Alicia]

I didn't think it looked that bad, def. not intentional, but too bad, so sad (not!). Sorry! ;)

Edited : Gaborik's back now.

[Shell]

cool, thanks!! Nice having people covering all the games ;)

(go wild)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Now they just said Dupuis was out with a high ankle sprain!

[Alicia]

FRICK!! 7-2, definitely going to be a game 6...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

:mad: Crap. Bad, bad night of hockey (well, good hockey just wrong folks winning). The refs are so intent on giving Dallas the other game I may not even stay up for the OT. :roll:

[Canesluver]

Hey! Hey!

Way to go Wild! Hang in there guys -- you can do it!!

(c'mon now. . . . I can't be the only one pulling for Minnesota here, right?)

:D

[hyena]

nope. GO WILD! :D :angel:

[Shell]

Nope, I am too.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I'm rooting for the Wild too! Go Wild Go! :D

[Canesluver]

Thank you, ladies!

I just wanted to see some Wild lovin'!!!!

:eek2:

[Alicia]

Grrrr!!! :mad: Just kidding! I'm pulling for Vancouver since the Wild sent my Avs to the golf course early, but in the end it doesn't really matter to me. ;)

[Stormbringer]

We interrupt this whole lotta Wild love with a special announcement...

GO CANUCKS!!

We now go back to the whole lotta Wild love, already in progress.

(laughs like Dick Dastardly's dog)

:D

Forgive me, I just couldn't resist... :spin:

[StormShaman]

Go Canucks Go! :)

:D

[Turbulence]

7-2 :eek:
And the Wild is back in it.
Go Wild!

[Jeff O Rocks]

What a pounding....Minnesota is not going to go away..that is for sure..

[crazy4canes]

Errr....ummm....Minnesota...an offensive powerhouse? :eek2: I think not. Well, Vancouver gets another chance to put them away next game. They better regroup cause it looks like the Wild aren't going quietly into the night.

[folgersnyourcup]

That offensive explosion seemingly came out of nowhere.... Brunette's goal certainly was one of the best of the playoffs though. Jovanovski looked lost out there but I think he can play better next game. This series is interesting because the Wild were 1.2 secoonds away from having the Canucks on the brink of elimination with a 3-2 series lead instead of the other way around! I'm for the Wild, but also for the Ducks.... So, to be honest I'd rather see the Canucks hold on and win this series. If Giguere can outdeul Joseph and Turco then I'd say he'd have at least a fighting chance against Cloutier.... :D Not that Cloutier's been horrible or anything lately but I think the Ducks would have a much better chance against the Canucks wide-open hockey and firing squad than they would against the similarly minded defense first with a strong goaltender (goaltenders?) Wild.

[Alicia]

May 6, 2003
Canucks must forget embarrassing NHL loss, regroup for Game 6 against Wild


By JIM MORRIS
Canadian Press

VANCOUVER

The Vancouver Canucks boarded an airplane Tuesday morning for a flight they didn't want to take for an NHL playoff game they didn't want to play.

It's something they desperately don't want to do again Wednesday night.

The Canucks head to St. Paul badly embarrassed by an ugly 7-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Monday night but still leading the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal 3-2.

If the Canucks don't beat the Wild on Wednesday in Game 6 (CBC, 9 p.m. EDT), Game 7 will be played Thursday back in Vancouver at G.M. Place.

Travelling over 4,600 kilometres and playing two games in just over 24 hours is something defenceman Ed Jovanovski doesn't even want to think about.

"You definitely want to put them away," said Jovanovski.

"It's a grind if you don't capture the moment when the opportunity is there. There's no ifs, ands or buts that we have to be our best to beat these guys."

The Wild are like a tightrope walker that has become comfortable with balancing on the brink of disaster. Four times they have faced elimination this playoff and lived to fight another day.

The third-year franchise was down 3-1 against the heavily favoured Colorado Avalanche in the opening round of the playoffs but battled back to win the series.

No NHL team has survived two 3-1 deficits in the same playoffs but defenceman Willie Mitchell thinks if anyone can make history, the Wild can.

"Maybe it's a familiar spot for us. We respond well to that. It's something we've been doing all season long," said Mitchell, who played Monday despite a wrist injury that threatened to keep him out of the game.

"We've put ourselves in a pretty good position again. I wouldn't say the pressure's on them but we've got a great opportunity to maybe win a Game 6 and then the pressure would be on them a little bit."

Oh, more than a little bit Willie.

The Canucks were horrible in Game 5. Jovanovski was on the ice for four even-strength goals and coughed up the puck like a cat with furballs.

Goaltender Dan Cloutier let in a couple of soft shots. Captain Markus Naslund took an undisciplined penalty late in the first period that resulted in a Wild power-play goal. Todd Bertuzzi was invisible, a neat trick for someone 245 pounds who usually is as noticeable as a bull in a china shop.

If you learn from your mistakes the Canucks earned a masters degree.

"It shows we have to be ready," said Naslund.

"It sends a message that if we don't play hard enough, if we're not playing the system we're supposed to, we're going to get beat."

To a man the Canucks say they didn't expect the Wild to go quietly into the night. Four of the five games against Minnesota have been decided by one goal and Vancouver has held the lead a total of 38 minutes in the series.

Working in their favour, the Wild are just 1-4 when playing at home at the Xcel Energy Center.

Cliff Ronning, the former Canuck who had two Minnesota goals Monday, said the Wild's heart will be tested again.

"We're going to have to dig deep again because Game 6 is going to be even tougher," he said.

"We have to worry about the first period. We have to get a lot of pucks at the net and see what happens."

Trent Klatt said the Canucks be have been rattled but they're not shaken going into Minnesota.

"I don't think our confidence has gone anywhere," said Klatt, a Minnesota native who'd rather not be seeing family and friends one more time.

"There's still a lot of hockey to be played. We have to go with one thing on our mind, that's to play better hockey. Give ourselves a chance to win."

Naslund remains confident Vancouver can rebound and finally tame the Wild.

"We won both games in Minnesota," he said referring to Games 3 and 4.

"We feel confident going in there and beating them. It all comes down to working hard. When we do and match their intensity I think we are the better team."

[RIO]

Hey! Hey!

Way to go Wild! Hang in there guys -- you can do it!!

(c'mon now. . . . I can't be the only one pulling for Minnesota here, right?)

:D

I am too, kid! :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

Tonight should be interesting...I guess the teams have had plenty of time to ponder about who they will play when they move on....I wouldn't be surprised to see the Wild step up their play tonight..

[Kat]

I am sorta pulling for either. I like Minnesota as the underdog team without superstars, but I also like the Bertuzzi-Naslund-Morrison line. So really, I will be happy no matter what happens. In fact, we were pulling for Vancouver the other night because the Stars and the Wild were both wearing dark green and as we were flipping back and forth between the games, it was just easier to root for "the white team."

Regardless of who wins, I want the series to go to 7 so the Ducks have an easier time. :)

-Kat

[Turbulence]

Regardless of who wins, I want the series to go to 7 so the Ducks have an easier time. :)



Amen! I gotta pull for Minnesota...not only because they're the underdog, but they'd also be easier for the Ducks to beat...Then again, it is playoff hockey...Stars probably pulled for Anaheim against Detroit for the same reason...

Go Wild.

[tommy]

Well, in the Conference Finals, there are really no "easy opponents"...

I wanna see another crazy scoring outburst like last game, by either team... that was a lot of fun.

Game starts at 9, right?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well, it's a little painful that the Nucks outplayed the Wild in the first....but still couldn't score. :sad:

GO NUCKS!!!

[Shell]

Keep it up Roloson ;)

[Shell]

umm, did he mean to say Sopel for holding maybe? Where did Ruutu/roughing come from?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

umm, did he mean to say Sopel for holding maybe? Where did Ruuto/roughing come from? I didn't see Ruutu do a damn thing. Not sure what is up with that.

[Shell]

this blistering power play from Min rocks :crazy: :roll:

--edited to add, Yay I chastised them into scoring with a few seconds left on it ;) Bringing it in onside really helps!