I envision rematch of 91 Stanley Cup: Minnesota vs Pittsburgh?

The Wild played host to the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Los Angeles Kings one night after a disappointing night in Dallas losing 5-3.The question as the Wild make a push for the playoffs is how would they come out and play.

The Kings have gone 27 straight games without going to an extra session. The last seven meetings at the X between these 2 teams, four games have gone to a shootout.

The Wild stand alone in fourth place in the tight west and two points behind the Wild are the Kings. Minnesota comes into this game with a 12-3-1 home record.

There is so much on the line as the season is rapidly coming to the end. This game figures to be low scoring and tight according to the past history.

The stage is set so, Lets play hockey!!!! The game Friday night in Dallas saw the Wild give up three power play goals to the Stars. The team had been up to that game had been very good on the penalty kill. The Kings in Saturday night score two power play goals in two chances. It is very concerning as the season moves on.

The positives far outweighed the negatives Saturday. The play of first line is getting contagious as the second line with Matt Cullen, Devin Setoguchi and Pierre Marc-Bouchard played a whale of a game against the Kings. Cullen scored the first goal of the night after a beautiful pass was fed and Cullen deposited the puck in the back of the net.

The first line with Koivu, Parise and rookie, Charlie Coyle had a whale of a game. Parise and Coyle score a goal each and Koivu extends his points streak with two more assists.

The goal by Coyle was unbelievable as this big man is on his knees and somehow gets enough muscle to put a backhand past Kings goalie, Jonathon Quick. The hustle and determination showed once again.

The Wild fall behind two goals at 3-1 to the Kings so just another positive as the team does not quit. The team scores the final two to send it into overtime.

No scoring in overtime and now it off to the shootout. The Wild send Parise, Koivu and Cullen to represent them and they did not disappoint. All three beat the Kings goalie in three of the prettiest goals I have seen in a shootout. The first by Parise, what a move on the goaltender making it look so easy shooting around Quick. The second by Koivu, what a move as a backhand shot up and over Quick’s shoulder. The Kings get one of their own leaving it up to Cullen who comes down and ends the game with a third straight beauty. The end result a huge win and a Kings goalie who now needs a new stick after breaking his on the net after failing to stop any of the tries.

The last 2 home games have been worth the fans money as both end in win one in overtime and now tonight a win in a shootout. The Wild are now 13-3-1 at home with the St. Louis Blues coming to St. Paul on Monday night.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Is this the beginning of a future big rivalry?

A strange scheduling quirk had the Wild traveling to Dallas twice in a period of 5 days this week. The Wild ended the 10 year drought on Monday with a big win so how will they fare a second time down in Texas?

Friday was former Minnesota North Stars goalie, Jon Casey 51^st birthday. What a day to have a birthday on game day between the team that left Minnesota to become the Dallas Stars and the current Minnesota team. Jon was goalie for the last Stanley Cup team Minnesota had before they left for Dallas

Minnesota North Stars back in 1988 drafted with the first pick overall in the draft, Mike Modano who played for the North Stars and Dallas. If this game did not have enough emotion we find Modano involved in the ceremonial dropping of the puck to start the game

My cable did not offer this game so I got my trusty radio out to listen to the game. I can remember back in the day listening to Al Shaver voice of the North Stars making the games so fun to listen to win or lose by the North Stars

The decision to leave goalie Niklas Backstrom back in the cities and give Matt Hackett his first start of the year was an interesting move by the coaching staff.

The way the Stars came out in the first period outshooting the Wild 17-7 gave Hackett plenty of action. The Stars come out in the emotional game to a 2-0 lead I was concerned about. The Wild did what they have done all year and get the goal they needed to hopefully swing the emotion back.

 First Intermission was great to listen to as former North Stars and now in the radio broadcast of the Wild, Tom Reid interviewed Mike Modano.

The Wild tying up the game gave me the feeling this would give the team the feel like we can do it again.

 The Wild just took too many penalties and as good as the team has been killing off penalties Friday was not their night.

The sign it was not going to be their night as the refs do something I just don’t see very often if it all. They call 2 penalties on 2 different Wild players at the same time. As good as the team has been in killing penalties a 5-3 is asking for trouble. It seemed to break the Wild’s back as Dallas scored seemingly seconds into the 2 man advantage.

Third period was disappointing with Dallas only having 5 shots on goal but yet they scored on 3 of the 5 shots.

I do like the team not quitting as the Wild come up with a late goal. It is what I love about this team they go down a goal and have the ability to bounce back. Friday was not the Wild’s night but I do look for a big bounce back game as they host last year’s Stanley Cup Champion, Los Angeles Kings.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Wolves treat home crowd with big win

The Timberwolves have been through a stretch lately that is so strange with blowout wins both at home and on the road mixed in with some losses along the way.

 I still find them so fascinating to watch as I envision a very bright future. Yes, the Wolves have been officially eliminated from the playoffs, but what I want to see is effort and no quitting.

Wednesday’s game vs. the Lakers I will say the Timberwolves deserved better than what they were handed. I am referring to the end of the game. Ricky Rubio coming down the court with seconds counting down lets go of a long three point attempt. Kobe Bryant came from behind and I believed fouled Rubio in the act of shooting which would have put Ricky on the line for 3 free throws. It was a no call by the refs. These Wolves have been trying so hard it was a shame the game had to end like this.

I will not forget watching TV and seeing Rubio pleading his case that he was fouled. The end result was to no avail and we watch the Lakers leave the court with their 22^nd straight victory over the Wolves.

The next day I read the NBA admitted to a missed call. These young Wolves deserved a better fate and now Oklahoma City is coming to town Friday.

How will the team react after a tough loss? Will this young team bounce back against a West Conference Power House?

The answer comes in the form of a win over the Thunder. I was so happy to see this team show up and reinforce my thought that this team has so much potential.

The big guys came through with big games as Nikolai Pekovic might just have played his best game of the season

I felt one of the reasons this team got a win was their ability to make free throws during the game and more specifically at the end. Rubio goes 8 for 8 in the game.

The game on March 12 the Timberwolves blasted San Antonio who were without Spurs stars Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.  The question by some I talked to after the game was, did the Wolves because these two did not play?

Friday Oklahoma City had two of their stars on the court in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, yet this young determined Wolves came through for the home fans.

I do not know the future of Kevin Love but I know what the team has on the court has the potential to be a team to reckon with the rest of 2013 and next season and beyond.

Go Wolves, thanks for not quitting

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Late night heroics at the X

The Wild come in winning 6 in a row and the opponent Wednesday, Phoenix Coyotes lost 6 in a row so which streak will continue?

Phoenix has also won 5 of the last 6 in Minnesota so another streak of sorts for the Wild to break.

The Wild at home after an emotional win in Dallas on Monday jump out to a 2-0 lead over Phoenix. The 2^nd goal scored by Matt Cullen which was a true gift thanks to the Coyote goaltender, Jason Labarbera, which Cullen did not refuse the gift and took it to the bank and cashed in.

I thought 2-0 over a team coming in on a losing streak should turn out to be an easy win. This is why teams should play and not give up. I credit Phoenix for not giving up and actually going up 3-2 and holding the lead until the last minute of the game.

It seemed the Wild just could not get anything going in the 3^rd until the Wild number 1 line made sure the game would go at least overtime. Mikko Koivu each game makes seemingly at least one pass if not more a game that make you shake your head in disbelief. The pass tonight, a no look back hand pass to defensemen Jared Spurgeon and on to Ryan Suter. This highly talented defenseman, Suter shoots a beautiful shot over the goalies shoulder and thus we go into overtime. As a fan you hope the team can get that one goal at the end when they need it. This unbelievable line just does not give up.

The overtime sees the  Wild get a power play and with that a 4 on 3 advantage. It was awesome to see all the chances to score. I thought there is no way we are not going to score. Well we did not but soon after the penalty expires Koivu puts an end to the game with a beautiful move coming from the side and beats the goaltender. Koivu skates to the wall and teammates mob him. What a sight, what a game!!!!!! Wild 7 wins in a row and counting now head onto Dallas for the rematch.

This team is one of destiny it seems. The top of the West is so jammed the Wild need every point to stay with Chicago, Anaheim and Vancouver.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

How about those Timberwolves

 The hot Minnesota Wild and their 6 wins in a row along with the firing of Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith seem to dominate the Minnesota sports scene of late. There is one team that is making noise even with a disappointing record of 25-44. I am talking Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves on Tuesday March 12^h demolished the San Antonio Spurs by 24 at home. Two weeks to the date the Wolves go on the road to Detroit and win by 23.

It was just 4 days ago the team went into Phoenix and put a whooping on the Suns by 31. The team has gone 4-6 in the last 10 with 3 of those win by a average of 26. This Minnesota sports scene is crazy.

It is the first time in franchise history the team has won back to back road games with margin of victory of over 20. Congrats Timberwolves on this unbelievable feat.

The game on the 12^th vs. San Antonio had Ricky Rubio get his first triple double in his career. The game in Detroit Tuesday the Wolves set a new team record with 14 three pointers going 14-26 for a 35 percent for the night. JJ Barea went 5 for 5 alone.

The Pistons had 38 points at the half and in the 3^rd quarter the Timberwolves went off for 38 points in one quarter by itself. The 38 was a season high for the team.

The team record is not good but the last 2 weeks show us why I feel we have reason to be excited about the future of the organization.

Don’t forget Wednesday night the 27^th will be a fun night as the Los Angeles Lakers come to town.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Twins season just days away

The Minnesota Twins are less than 136 hours from the time I am writing this. It is the time of year where Twins fans including myself cannot wait for the start, All teams are 0-0 with hope for each fan of their favorite squads throughout Major League Baseball.

Las Vegas has projected the Twins to lose 98 games this year, The last two seasons have been tough but true fans will stick with their team knowing anything is possible.

I am excited for the coaching staff and specifically really pumped to have Tom Brunansky as the hitting coach. I loved his days as a Twins as I remember the days with Gaetti, Hrbek, Puckett and Bruno. I really think he will be an asset as the hitting coach.

I amvery excited to see Terry Steinbach as bench coach, I loved watching him in his playing days although most were with Oakland. The experience he brings to the Twins as a former player is going to be so valuable.

It was 2012 where the Twins had for starters, Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Jason Marquis as part of the staff and now 2013 these 3 players have moved on. Matt Capps was the closer and now the duty will be handed off to Glen Perkins. I love the move of having this left hander who has waited his turn and now his chance to shine.

The change in the pitching staff in 2013 now brings Mike Pelfey, Kevin Correia and Vance Worley as new guys to the organization, The pitching staff in 2012 was a major problem so in my mind there is nothing to lose. We have to believe these guys can show some stability. Scott Diamond the best pitcher last season will be back but not right away, I am anxious to see him on the mound. The negatives of last year Diamond was a player to be proud of for the work he accomplished.

The 2012 starting included, Alexi Casilla, Denard Span, and Danny Valencia all who are now longer on the team in 2013. I will admit I was bummed out when Span was traded but then I knew we had Ben Revere. Then the news of Revere being traded left me wondering what the plan is.

The 2012 roster also had Luke Hughes, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Sean Burroughs all who are gone as well.

A young mans who has been waiting his turn as he has been in the minors has now been named the starting center fielder. His name is Aaron Hicks. He had a very good spring and now has the chance to patrol center field for a very long time.

I saw a projected starting line up and it went as follows: Hicks lead off followed by Jamie Carroll, Mauer, Willingham, Morneau, Doumoit, Parmalee, Plouffe, and new short stop Pedro Florimon.

 

It is a projection but if so I love it. I believe we have power from 3-8. Plouffe can hit homers even at the 8^th position. If Hicks can avoid the rookie nerves I believe opposing pitchers better be ready for a long day at the park.

This team has a lot of questions but it will sure be fun watching as the year goes on and they figure it out. Las Vegas has pinned 98 losses well I chose to be optimistic in saying I believe we will go 86-76.

Time is ticking to the first pitch at Target Field. The Twins will get to face Detroit ace Justin Verlander. It will be nice to see him start out 0-1.

 

I must also add that Torri Hunter is now part of the Tigers. He was one of my favorites in a Twins uniform. I hope the Twins sweep the Tigers but would like to see Hunter have a good series.

 

The schedule starts out strange as the Twins open at home for 3 then go on the road to Baltimore on April 5,6, and 7^th.  In 2012 Twins started the season in Baltimore on Friday April 6^th.  What a strange coincidence playing the Orioles at the same time of year.

I can’t wait, how about you ? LETS GO TWINS!!!!!

 

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

Wild night, Wild win in Dallas

The Wild come into an arena they have not won in 16 tries. The team has ended road losing streaks in Nashville, Detroit and Vancouver, so will Dallas be next?

The sight of the 20 at center ice makes it hard to believe it has been 20 years since we said good bye to the Minnesota North Stars. As they say life goes on, but still was it not weird to hear the announcers say the Stars and not help but think about the past?

The game itself has a story I could write 10 pages of everything I enjoyed watching about the game. It did start out a little nerve wrecking to me with the domination by the Wild to start even jumping out to a 13-3 shot on goal advantage yet a Wild turnover and Dallas makes it 1-0.

The Wild were determined to break this 10 year streak as the team would not back down going down by a goal a couple of times.

I must ask, is there a better first line in hockey with Parise, Koivu and Coyle? The work ethic especially by Parise playing with his tenaciousness in front of the net and getting hammered but yet does not give up. The result of his work was 2 more goals on the season.

The chances the Wild had tonight were unbelievable. I felt so bad for Pierre Marc-Bouchard as he walks in on the goaltender and lets the shots fly only to miss by inches. His play has been so much better and I was just hoping to see a reward with him.

The second period goes 3 goals for the Wild and 1 for Dallas. Matt Cullen gets his 200^th career goal in this period. A Minnesota born player does it again, way to go Matt!!!

Niklas Backstrom late in the second period made maybe the save of the game as Dallas is coming down on an odd man rush and what do we see,? Backstrom comes out to poke check the puck off the stick.

The penalty Mike Rupp took was unfortunate and to make matters worse it is 4:00. The score is tied 4-4 with less than 10 minutes left in the game. I really thought Dallas looked efficient on previous power plays so I was concerned a score and the thoughts in the back of the Wild’s minds on what do we have to do to get a win here.

Cal Clutterbuck had 2 shorthanded rushes in Saturday’s game and then the one Monday in Dallas maybe the shot of the year by Cal.  No, he did not score but Kyle Brodziak was Johnny on the spot. Are you kidding me, are we finally going to break the streak? A shorthanded goal and the Wild go up 5-4.

The penalty kill was the biggest of the year to date. The team’s determination did not allow Dallas to tie. The saves Backstrom made were as big as any. It many have been the most important 4 minute stretch of the season as well.

It is fingernail chewing time as I just wanted the clock to fly. The Wild helped calm my nerves scoring not only one more but again as the man who I have wanted to be rewarded after his hard work finally puts it in the net. Yes, I am talking about Pierre Marc-Bouchard. Yes, it was an open net but what a shot and the accuracy was incredible.

A thought I never thought of was which was pointed out during the Parise interview during an intermission was Zach scored against the team his das played for, the Minnesota North Stars.

The end result as season high seven goals in a place they have not won in 10 years. What a way to start a week!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Who will be the next Gophers coach?

It was just last week the Gophers were to face UCLA in the second round of the NCAA tourney. It was said that both coaches were coaching for their futures. Did we as fans really know this would really happen if both teams would eventually lose?

The Gophers knock out UCLA and then on Sunday Bruins coach Ben Howland was fired after 10 seasons.

Sunday the Gophers get eliminated by the Florida Gators and on Monday Gophers coach Tubby Smith’s job was lost.

It is sad in today’s world when anybody in any job loses their job. I know it is part of life and people do move on. I cannot say I was shocked as it seems whether you are reading a paper or watching TV the subject is brought up.

It is hard to believe as I repeat myself from an earlier blog that the Gophers were at one time number 8 in the nation and falling all the way to 9^th in the Big Ten Conference. The last chapter of the book is now final as we as Gopher fans say goodbye to Tubby. I wish him the best and thank him for his 6 years.

His overall success of a .610 winning record was nice but the 46-62 record in Big Ten is troubling. I look at this year’s Sweet 16 and see 25 percent of the field is Big Ten teams with Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Indiana remain.

Other than Michigan, Indiana it seems Ohio State and Michigan State always seem to get deep in the tourney.

The next Gopher coach will have their work cut out because the Big Ten conference is top notch maybe one of the top ones in the country depending on who you talk to.

My hope is the AD director Teague does move quickly and get a guy in place. This state has players that need to stay put such as Apple Valley Tyus Jones although a junior we cannot let this kid out of the state. I would love to see in 2 years a backcourt of Andre Holllins who would be a senior and Jones, a freshman working as the guard combo.

It’s a tough day in Minnesota sports with the Tubby Smith firing today with people that had onions either way about him.

The fun now for fans to role play as AD and see who would you hire?

The pressure in on Teague but in listening to his press conference he seems to have an idea of what he wants to do. The old saying only time will tell.

My choice as roll playing as AD would be Flip Saunders. That would be awesome to have an alumni come back and take charge. I know it is slim to no chance but it is my hope.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Florida brings rain to Texas

I have been to Florida a hand full of times and can say it is hot during the summer and very rainy. I cannot think a of a better way to describe what I watched as Florida Gators basketball team was hot and 3 pointers were raining in the first half.

Gator guard Mike Rosario with 2 three pointers in seemingly seconds was a killer in the first half breaking the 10-10 deadlock and things just continued in a downward spiral the rest of the half.

The frustration of three Gopher timeouts only to result in three turnovers during different parts of the game was shocking. I can see maybe 1, but 3 is hard to swallow.

The UCLA game the Gophers big men had a major part in the game while the Florida game the inside presence was shut down much of the night. Mbakwe and Rodney Williams both were rejected on potential dunks at different stages of the game although I felt Williams was fouled. It does not matter what I feel the ref had made the call.

The positives in the game I start out with Andre Hollins with another big game scoring wise. The second half effort after being down 21 at half and actually getting the Gator lead shrivel to single digits was encouraging but in the end lost by 14.

Florida amazing record not wins loss, but every win this season was double digits including Sunday’s victory over Minnesota.

I look forward to seeing how Cinderella team Florida Gulf Coast does against the Gators. We can say no matter what a Florida team will be in the elite 8.

The Gophers season is over and with that we say goodbye to 4 seniors, Trevor Mbakwe, Julian Welch, Rodney Williams and Andre Ingram.

I am very excited to know that Andre Hollins has 2 more years assuming he does not go pro. I look forward to seeing Austin Hollins and Elliott Eliason back as well. I believe we have 3 very good corner pieces to count on. Mbakwe will be missed for his rebounding ability so that will be a major need next season.

Overall it was a strange campaign starting out 17-1, including the first 3 Big Ten games rising to number 8 in the nation. The end struggling and ending up 9^th seed in the Big Ten Tourney and getting knocked out in the first round and yet still gets the call to the big dance. The last part a double digit loss to Florida and now the talks I assume will heat up on the status of Coach Tubby Smith with the question will he or won’t he be back next year.

Honestly it worries me anytime a coach would leave especially with the recruits coming to a university and wanting to play for the coach that helped bring the player.

I just wish the best for the U and look forward to the next season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Questions to think about

Minnesota sports have been my passion for life and with all the ups and down in the. I leave you with questions to think about.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a strange pattern the last 7 games they have played. It started with the San Antonio blowout at home followed by 2 losses, a win, 2 more losses then blowout win.

W by 24

L by 16

L by 8

W by 2

L by 15

L by 3

W by 31

Chicago Bulls are next up and according to the pattern will the Wolves lose?

Please break this trend, Go Wolves!!!!!!!

             The Minnesota Wild team is on a season best 5 game winning streak. They travel to Dallas not once but twice next week. The Wild have 16 consecutive in Dallas. The question, can this streak be snapped?

            Please let the streak end in Dallas, Go Wild!!!!

            The Minnesota Gophers are 3-0 in the state of Texas in the tourney between 1997 and 2013. The Gophers play Florida Sunday. Can they make it a perfect 4-0? The teams to go down to the Gophers in Texas have been UCLA, Clemson in 1997 and now UCLA again in 2013.

            Please continue the perfection in Texas, Go Gophers!!!!

            Minnesota Twins have a home opener for opening day of baseball on Monday April 1^st. There is a lot of snow yet to go away. I read that on Saturday the grass was mowed at Target Field. Two questions, will it be warm enough to play, and how much son will we still have?

            Please let the weather cooperate, Go Twins!!!!!!!!

            Thanks for reading

            Purplestick

Wild about another win

The fact that it was the second largest regular season crowd at the Excel Energy Center speaks volumes to how people are feeling about the team. The strike to start out the season made me wonder how fans would react. The answer an overwhelming Wild support as we are watching this team continue to grow and the team is working their way higher in the tough west.

I throw out a thought which I believe was the turning point of the game. The penalty shot by San Jose only to get stopped by hot goaltender Niklas Backstrom was my difference maker of the day. Yes, it was early in the game but what if San Jose would have scored?

I also throw the name Cal Clutterbuck as an unusual maybe top 2 player of the game. The feistiness he presented along with 2 shorthanded rushes resulting in shots on goal but no goals as a result. His hustle and getting under San Jose’s skin was fun to watch.

Wild Goalie Backstrom played his best game of the year and as a result got his first shutout of the year.  The guys stop 30 of 30 shots including an amazing stop against ex-Wild player Brett Burns. You wonder if Backstrom is going to wear down but so far the answer is no. He seems to get stronger which is great for the team and Wild supporters.

The 2 goals scored by Zach Parise and Jared Spurgeon were the fastest goals I think I have ever seen. I do not mean fast as far as seconds but the speed of the shots making the puck go in the net so fast it almost seemed like they did not go in.

The one timer by Spurgeon was awesome as well as the first goal of the game when it seemed like Mikko Koivu made a no look pass and then end result a Parise blast high in the corner.

I loved the penalty kill by the Wild today and of course the Wild power play is looking better. It is the penalty kill that gets my attention. This just might be the best part of their game. Team hustle and just hard work is showing.

I loved the fight involving the Wild’s Torrey Mitchell. I also loved the camera on Zenon Konopka smiling as Mitchell left the ice.

I was concerned with one aspect of the game and that was the amount of hits Backstrom took by the Sharks today. It makes the shutout even that much more special with the hits he took and yet stood tall enough to stop all 30 shots.

It is another big win but now the team goes south to Dallas where the Wild have lost 16 in a row there. First Vancouver then Detroit now how about Dallas? Are they next? Yes, I believe another streak will come to an end.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Gophers make Texas size statement

The Gophers had been playing so miserable at the end of the season and with that has been much speculation about Tubby Smith’s future.

The question now is, can things change now that the team is in the tournament and seeded 11^th? Will the Gophers find a renewed spark? If so, which player or players will give this team the spark? The dreaded question needs to be asked. Will the season come to an end at the hands of the UCLA Bruins?

The Gophers answered all my questions quite convincingly. The team found the inside game and caused UCLA big men early foul trouble. Trevor Mbakwe I thought was a huge presence and ended in double digits with rebounds. I also thought Maurice Walker and Elliott Eliason’s presence helped as well in the paint.

The Hollins boys played out of their minds and I welcome being able to watch shooting like that the rest of the tourney. Andre Hollins puts in 28 points with 23 in the second half. Austin Hollins adds 16 making total of 44 points of the 83. The combined 9-14 from beyond the 3 point line was so needed.

The teams hustle I appreciated as Gopher players were flying out of bounds trying to save the ball or diving for loose balls. It started from start to finish outhustling UCLA all night. Minnesota clearly wanted this game more.

The one concern for this game and most of the season is the free throw shooting. If this team is going to survive the percent needs to be cranked up.

The Gophers had come in favored by a little over 3 and to win by 20 makes going to bed that much better with a smile. Thanks Gophers for keeping the season alive.

The next opponent, the Florida Gators will be very tough to beat. On Friday the Gators held the 3^rd highest scoring team in the nation, Northwestern Sate to 47 points. This team had come in averaging 80 a game.

Florida is ranked third in the nation holding teams to a little less than 54 points to a game. The Gators also average winning by 18 a game.

The Gophers have their work cut out but after Thursday and Friday’s action anything is possible. A 15 seed beating a 2 seed and 3 number 12 seeds eliminated the 5 seeds. This is why I love this tourney. Who is going to wear the Cinderella slipper in the 2013 Tourney?

I have seen many picking Louisville or Indiana to win it all.  I hope not I would love to see a Minnesota and if not a small school cutting the net down in early April.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

4 and counting- WILD WIN!!!

This amazing week just keeps getting better as the Wild go into Detroit and do what they have not done since January 3, 2006 and that was get a win in Detroit. It had been 11 road games since a win in Vancouver and 13 in Detroit since getting a Wild road win. It happened not just in one city but the Wild conquered a 2^nd city.

I will not say if rather when the team makes the playoffs; will we look back to this week with the monster success on the road?

The question should Wild fans be  concerned after winning a big game Monday and breaking a drought in Vancouver? As a fan had to wonder how the team would come out.

This team just gets better with every game and now a 4 game winning streak. Two back to back wins on the road in cities where Minnesota has struggled just not one game but for periods of a few years is incredible to witness a team growing quickly.

A Minnesota team on national TV with lots to show the world and they did not disappoint. It is so fun to hear announcers actually compliment a Minnesota team.

One strange thing I noticed on TV was the lack of fans at the stadium. I look at the announced attendance which said 20,066 (100 percent). The sad fact is how many empty read chairs did you see as the crowd was scanned. This did not seem like a normal Detroit Red Wings game. The fans that were there sure was fun to see camera angles with Red Wings fans giving up.

Detroit out shoots Minnesota 38-19 but yet the Wild win the game 4-2. This is just amazing and we saw Wild goalie Backstrom record the most saves of the season stopping 36 Red Wing shots.

The passing tonight was crisp with the power play goal by Kyle Brodziak, a beautiful piece of work. I also loved Devin Setoguchi’s 2^nd goal displaying his ability to use his hands and maneuver the puck to make the goal look easy.

A home game Saturday with San Jose is the next challenge. These road wins were huge but be careful not to come ready. The season is shrinking quickly and the west race is tight. No let downs allowed, Wild. You are giving the state of hockey reason to be hopeful.

Come on Wild send the Sharks back to San Jose and feeling like why did we come to Minnesota? Oh yeah to watch the Wild get 2 more points.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

It's win or go home as March madness begins

March Madness has begun officially Tuesday with play in games. The Minnesota Gophers who were once 8^th in the nation finished 9^th in the Big 10 Conference.

The amount of talk should Tubby Smith stay or go will be put aside at least for a while as his Gophers (11^th seed) take on UCLA (6^th seed) Friday at 8:57(CST).

The Gophers are 100-1 for the Championship odds according to Las Vegas. The Gophers are a 3.5 point favorite as well over UCLA.

The Gophers played UCLA back in the 1997 Midwest Regional Final in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday March 22^nd. The Gophers won 80-72 going to the Final Four before losing to Kentucky.

The 2013 version of the Gophers will play UCLA in the first round on Friday March 22^nd in the South Region Austin, Texas.

The Gophers and UCLA play on the same dates (22^nd), different years and both games played in the state of Texas. What a weird coincidence.

Kentucky beat the Gophers before falling to Arizona in the 1997 National Championship game in Indianapolis. Rick Pitino coached Kentucky that year and the next year left the program. Who was the next coach in Kentucky? Yes, Tubby Smith.

It has been a painful end of the regular season. My hope is the team can find a spark and make this state of Minnesota proud of you.

GO GOPHERS!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

Envisioning the Wild hoisting the Cup in June

The win by the Minnesota Wild Monday night in Vancouver is just one more reason to love Minnesota sports. Stats can be hard to look at suggesting sometimes a win should not happen.

Minnesota came into Vancouver with a record of 0-9-2 with the last win coming back in 2009. The streak cannot keep going there has to be an end so I hoped.

It is the last meeting in Vancouver this season and the last of this division rivalry as the teams get realigned next season

It would be so nice to end on a positive note and give Wild fan hope that the future looks more like a playoff spot in the end.

As you know by now the Wild did pull of a major win. Goalie Nicklas Backstrom and the boys played their hearts out.

The names of Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu, who get much of the attention and deservedly so are getting team support. The youth on the Wild team is coming through with names like Jonas Brodin, Charlie Croyle, Jason Zucker.  Veterans Devin Setoguchi, Matt Cullen to name a couple are playing top notch as well.

It seems every night through this past 10-4 record that someone different is stepping up. I believe the one man who is playing the most consistent is Ryan Suter.

Zenon Konopka got into the Wild record books Monday as he becomes the first Wild player to win 100 percent of the face offs he was involved. Konopka went 10 for 10 beating the old record of 9 for 10. This man has brought his toughness to the team in more ways than one. His fighting ability is awesome to watch but the ability to win face offs is even better.

This team has me so excited but I also know the season has a ways to go. Minnesota goes to Detroit Wednesday which will be aired on NBC Sports Network “Wednesday Night Rivalry. The guys to call the game are Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick along with analyst Eddie Olcyzk and ‘Inside the glass’ analyst, Pierre McGuire. What a night to get ready for two great teams with great TV coverage.

I grew up a North Stars fan going to several home games at the Old Met. The 1990-91 Stanley Cup run I felt like it would be the North Stars year. I was wrong as Pittsburgh Penguins won the series 4-1. This Wild team has me thinking it can happen again the way things are starting to fall into place.

How can you forget that Stanley Cup run with Dave Gagner, Brian Bellows, Neal Broten, Mike Modano, Bobby Smith, Curt Giles just to name a few. How about the name Jon Casey in the nets for the North Stars?  Casey was born in Grand Rapids,Minnesota.

The Wild have Konopka for toughness while the North Stars had a couple of players who spent some time in the penalty box. Do you remember Shane Churla and Basil McRae?

The Wild did make a run to the Western Conference finals in the 2002-2003 season which was so much fun, but I feel this team has the capability of going to the Stanley Cup.

The mix of veterans and rookies give fans a lot of hope and if Backstrom can stay healthy and play like he did Monday night perhaps I will be writing a blog in June celebrating a Minnesota title.

GO WILD

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

March madness and more

March Madness is here but also Timberwolves and Wild bring plenty to talk about as well. All I can say is Minnesota sports is a never ending talker.

Minnesota Timberwolves score the final 6 points of the game Sunday and win at home vs. New Orleans 97-95. Ricky Rubio’s 80^th game of his pro career Sunday seems like he has played longer than that. Nikolai Pekovic and Andrei Kirilenko both return the lineup. Pevovic comes through with the biggest rebound of the game late and gets fouled in the process. He makes 2 free throws to put the team up late. Kirileno makes the block of the year to seal the win. Derrick Williams comes through with a career high 28 points. It all adds up to winning 2 out of the last 3 games and 2 in a row at home.

The Wild had a great week last week going 3-1 including a home and home win over Colorado. The team is grabbing points left and right and climbing in the standings. The week coming up is by no means easy as they travel to Vancouver and Detroit before coming home to face San Jose. All 3 of these teams are part of the hotly contested Western Conference. A huge statement week facing this talented Wild team but must stick to the old one game at a time.

The realignment was announced last week and I for one love it. I grew up a huge North Stars fan living 15 minutes away from the Old Met. I loved the old Norris Division with Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit and Minnesota in it. I see with the new alignment Chicago and St. Louis will join the Wild. Dallas Stars join the division which will be huge with fans from the old North Stars who will never forget them leaving for Dallas and now the Wild will face the Stars. I can’t wait to see how this relationship materializes. Colorado, Nashville and Winnipeg will also come making it 7 teams. I am disappointed Detroit is going to the East but who knows maybe a Stanley Cup matchup between the Wild and Red Wings. Would that be crazy or what?

The Gophers got the invite to the big dance and all I can say is I hope this team can pull it together and make what happened at the end of the regular season all forgot. It starts Friday as the 11^th seed face the 6^th seeded UCLA Bruins. Good Luck Gophers!!

The Twins season starts two weeks from Monday as the Detroit Tigers roll in. The amount of snow we have seen and maybe will see soon makes a person wonder just what kind of weather April 1^st will be. We can only hope for no April’s fool joke as we see another foot of snow. Please spring come soon I miss you.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Minnesota Wild first half schedule in the books

The thought of no hockey was scary with the strike on going leaving fans wondering would we see hockey this year.

Yes, the strike was resolved and the schedule was handed out to teams. A 48 game schedule was announced only to play the Western Conference teams.

It was earlier this week the first half came to an end and with that left me the feeling the Wild will be a playoff team.

On July 4^th the Wild signed Zach Parise and Ryan Suter giving fans hope as we watched the Wild roll out that kind of money to bring these All Stars in.

The team has been dominating at home with a 9-3-1 record. The Wild in the first half have 6 two game winning streak and 2 three game losing streaks.

The team the last few games going into the end of the first half is starting to score more goals. The best so far is 4.

The juggling of lines to start the season was hard to watch as I wonder how will there be chemistry of the guys keep getting juggled.

It is starting to smooth out and the results speak for themselves as lines are starting to heat up. I love the first line with Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu and youngster 21 year old, Charlie Coyle.

The team has implemented youth in there as 19 year old, Jonas Brodin and all he has done is made it hard to believe he is a teenager and getting so much action and playing a steady defense.

Jason Zucker, 21 has made himself known also coning up from Houston and scoring 4 goals already.

Zenon Konopka is one of my favorite new additions this season. I love his toughness and his ability to win the face offs.

The 2 big money free agents have not disappointed. I do not know if I have seen a harder worker than Parise. He is constantly around the net and does such a god job of getting the puck out of the boards.

Ryan Suter I see why he was so coveted. His leadership shows every night and now seems to get at least an assist a night on a goal.

Goaltender Niklas Backstrom has really played well but seems to have such bad luck on weird goals allowed. I do not know if I have seen a goalie that has this kind of luck. Opponents throwing pucks from behind the net and they seem to bounce of players for fluke goals.

I look for a great second half and going to the playoffs for a deep run. In the end my hope along with all Wild Fans is the Stanley Cup will be coming to Minnesota.

Go WILD

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

What a night at Target Center

Wednesday night I got the best surprise as I went to the Timberwolves-San Antonio game. I always hope the team can win but sometimes you just don’t get your wish.

I sat in a sparse upper deck in fact I counted 22 people in my section. It is a work night and the team has been struggling but this night was worth all the heartache.

I was so disappointed when the announcers said Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were scratches for the game. I was anxious to see these guys in action. It was my first Timberwolves-San Antonio game.

The way the game started for San Antonio jumping out to a 12 point lead early I thought Parker and Duncan out and we are still down by double digits.

One thing amongst many things I enjoy about this team is they don’t quit. Yes they have lost a lot of games but I still have seen positive signs from this roster.

The Spurs are without Duncan and Parker while the Wolves are without Kevin Love, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Chase Budinger and Nikolai Pekovic.

The Timberwolves at least for this night played I think the best game they have played all year. The shooting this team conducted was one of beauty. The clean swishes over and over by JJ Barea, Luke Rindour and Rubio I did not want the game to end.

I do not know if Rubio has played a better game in his Timberwolves career but at least for Wednesday I can say I was at the game where Rubio had his first career triple double.

The guy plays with such passion. I have said it before but it never gets old to see a guy consistently hustle and either near stealing or actually stealing. What a thrill to watch!!

JJ Barea, Alexey Shved both played huge games tonight especially from behind the 3 point line. I was hoping the Wolves would stay close and make it a respectable game. I guess I was wrong as the Wolves took it to the Spurs by 24.

The Spurs are one game away from 50 wins and at least Wednesday night they have to wait another game.

One player that needs mention and that is Chris Johnson who had a career high 6 blocks in this game. I will say if ever there was a team win Wednesday was a great example.

Congrats to Ricky Rubio for his first career triple double and thank you Wolves for giving me a happy ride home.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Sports and more sports, just can't get enough

The Minnesota teams have a chance this week to really make a statement in one team’s case and the other has a chance to be a spoiler while the college team is hoping to survive.

The Minnesota Wild schedule this week:

Sun Mar 10- vs. Vancouver

Tue Mar 12- vs. Anaheim

Thu Mar 14- vs. Colorado

Sat Mar 16 @ Colorado

It is a great chance this week to defend home ice and make a statement in the race. The Vancouver game is for first place as the Canucks have 28 points and the Wild 26. A Wild win and they would be tied for first in the Northwest Division in points.

The Anaheim game will be tough but at home should be advantage Wild. The Ducks sit alone in first place in the Pacific Division with 37 points which is 2^nd overall in the West behind Chicago who has 45. This would be a great confidence booster when the Wild takes down the Ducks.

The Colorado games are home and home with the Wild currently 4 points ahead as of Sunday. A pair of wins could really help separate the two teams in the standings.

Summary- 3 Home games and 1 road with 2 of the home games against 1^st place teams. Let’s Go Wild!!!!

The Minnesota Timberwolves schedule this week:

Sun Mar 10- vs Dallas Mavericks

Tue Mar 12- vs San Antonio Spurs

Wed Mar 13- @ Indiana Pacers

Fri Mar 15- @ Houston Rockets

Two home and two away with three of the four games against current top eight in each conference and if the season ended today these teams would be in the playoffs.

Sunday’s home game against Dallas who is the current 11^th seed and the Timberwolves are 12^th. A win by Minnesota could help climb the playoff chain with still a lot of work ahead of them.

Tuesday the team is home to the number one seed in the West Conference, and is a game I will attend.

Wednesday the team faces as of Sunday the 3^rd seeded the Indiana Pacers.

Friday the team travels to the number seven seed in the West, the Houston Rockets coached by Kevin McHale.

The struggling Minnesota Gophers got the number 9 seed and will face the 8^th seeded, Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten Tourney Thursday morning at 11am.

The overall picture is a Minnesota team will play every day this week except Monday. What a great sports week ahead. We are also 7 days from selection Sunday to see which teams get invited to the Big Dance and which teams will be sitting home.

Let’s Go Wild, Timberwolves and Gophers and also keep in the back of your mind the Twins opening game is Monday April 1^st when they host Torri Hunter and the Detroit Tigers. What a great way to start a season with a divisional opponent coming to Minnesota.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Saturday, a full day of action

Saturday’s Minnesota sports fan had a schedule to love with all teams in action and It started early at 11am with the Gophers basketball team in Purdue and the day ended with the Timberwolves in Denver for a 8 pm start.

It is unfortunate the Gophers struggled once again on the road today. The big win at home vs. Indiana followed by a dominating win once again at home vs. Purdue only to end with 2 road losses.

The team finally hit the .500 record in conference after the Penn State win only to end with an 8-10 record and falling to a 9^th seed in next week’s Big Ten Tourney in Chicago.

The hopes we as fans have it is a neutral sight game the rest of the way with anything possible. It is the one hope I have left to hang onto. I really felt the way this team started out playing well in the non-conference and then to start the Big Ten schedule 3-0 including a win at home vs. Michigan State and a road win in Illinois I really thought we were on our way.

Let’s hope things go well next week and although I have read the Gophers will be in the Big Dance but if they can’t get things turned around who knows?

The Minnesota Wild come into Nashville Saturday night with road wins hard to come by. It is Ryan Suter’s return back to Nashville where he played 7 seasons. How will the emotion affect both teams?

As a Minnesota fan losing the likes of Kevin Garnett, Torri Hunter, Marion Gaborik and more I understand when a star comes back home.

It was nice to see the Wild score on a power play and who gets an assists? Ryan Suter assists on the goal by Zach Parise.

Suter took a penalty and Nashville scored the tie breaker. I was concerned that Nashville would take this energy boost after the goal. Suter’s home coming 1 assist and one penalty and also seemed to take a lot of late hits from his ex-teammates. It was nice to see the Wild come to Suter’s defense.

Wild Goalie Nicklas Backstom came up huge Saturday especially after his last start ended early as he was benched in the Chicago game. It was huge to see his confidence did not seem shaken.

The game went into overtime with no scoring setting up the shootout. Matt Cullen and Mikko Koivu came through beating a goalie who is 6’4” with beautiful goals. What an important 2 points the team got on the road and now return home Sunday vs. the first place, Vancouver Canucks. The Excel Energy Center will be rocking Sunday night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves played in Denver and were down by only one at half. I was feeling good that Minnesota may steal one on the road.

The wheels fell off quickly late 3^rd quarter and the rest of the game. It is amazing how a deficit of 6 can go to almost 20 in a short span.

Nugget’s have 2 ex-Timberwolves players Corey Brewer, 7^th pick in the 2007 draft and Ty Lawson, 18^th pick in the 2009 draft. A note on Lawson even though the Wolves drafted him the team did a same night trade with the Denver.

The Nuggets scored 111 for the game and of that Brewer had 15 and Lawson 32 combing for 47 of the 111 which is 42 percent of the team’s total. Ex-Minnesota players come to haunt a team again.

The game on Saturday marked the one year anniversary in which Ricky Rubio went down for the season at home against the LA Lakers.

The season has had more downs than ups but the one positive is the play of Ricky Rubio.

The Vikings have Adrian Peterson go down for the season only to come back 9 yards shy of the all-time rushing mark and now Rubio is getting closer to his first triple double seemingly every night after last year’s season ending injury. These 2 men are an inspiration to people who work hard and have desire will be successful.

The Wolves on the road late in Denver add in daylight savings time must return home Sunday with a game against Dallas followed by Tuesday home against San Antonio Spurs.

I am hoping Sunday is a sweep for the Minnesota teams with the Wild and Timberwolves both at home.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Wednesday had the makings and then......

Wednesday had a chance to be big for the Minnesota basketball teams but in the end only 1 was in the W column. Yes, the Timberwolves finally broke their losing streak of 6.

The team shows so much grit but that does not always show in the final score.  The hustle by Ricky Rubio is so encouraging and I would think eventually rub off on teammates.

His 6 steal in the game and 4 of those in the 4^th quarter is so fun because as you watch the game he is centimeters from stealing even more. His leadership at point each night for me is a thrill. The passes he makes just do not get old to watch. The creativity he presents makes you want more.

Chris Johnson and Mickael Gelabale joined the team recently and now signed through the end of the season. They are not big household names but do show that they can contribute. The scoring numbers by these 2 do not jump out but there hustle up and down the court is noticeable. Johnson and Gelabale each had 6 last night. The jumping ability by Johnson is a nice feature to have on the team. How about Gelabale assignment on Monday against Miami as he had to guard LeBron James? The experience they are getting is valuable for next season whether it is here in Minnesota or another NBA team.

A great team win and a much needed one as they now travel to Denver on Saturday with Daylight savings times and then come home for Dallas Sunday and San Antonio Tuesday.

The Minnesota Gophers came into the Nebraska game on a 2 game winning streak. The Gophers back on January 29 beat Nebraska by 19 at Williams Arena.

My thought is a 2 for 2 for wins in basketball. There is no way Minnesota will lose. The Gophers finally made the .500 mark at 8-8 and Nebraska came in 4-12. The odds are in Minnesota’s favor so I thought.

It was the last basketball game in the Devaney Center as a new one opens next year. There is a lot of incentive for Nebraska to pull the upset.

It is hard to believe the winning team shot 36 percent for the game. It is even harder to believe Gophers Senior forward, Rodney Williams had 0 points.

This Gophers just struggle on the road and factor in the team shot 50 percent at the free throw line going 10-20. They lose by 2 and miss 10 free throws what if the players could have converted.

It is strange to say as I watched both games even though one won and one loss it is incredible the free throws these teams miss. They are free points.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick