Many positives to look at in OT loss

Chicago enters the series as the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup starts out by facing our favorite team, the Minnesota Wild. All stats favor Chicago yet the Stanley Cup playoffs can bring some big upsets. Will we see Minnesota steal Game 1 on the road?

The pregame injury to Backstrom and the insertion of Josh Harding would this be the boost the Wild need?

What does Minnesota sports teams do to deserve this fate? The Vikings enter the playoffs and lose Ponder only to see Joe Webb get the start after sitting on the bench all year. Tonight Backstrom gets hurt and in comes Harding.

I dislike the Black Hawks but I sure enjoy the way the National Anthem is sung. If that does not bring chills before a big game, what will?

The game ended as we know in an overtime loss. It might be easy to get negative because a loss and now down 1-0.

I am totally encouraged after this performance that this series will go more than 4. The play of Harding in nets was awesome. A game 1 on the road with a last minute call and he stops 35 shots for almost a 95 percent save percentage. I know we lost but without the way he played the Black Hawks could easily got 5-6 goals. Way to go Josh!!!!!

How many times were the Black Hawks off sides tonight?  The look of frustration on their faces was rather enjoyable with this over confident group of Black Hawks each time the whistle blew.

The Wild defense played the game of their lives blocking over 20 shots. It was so nice to see the team effort and the desire to see a team do whatever it took to get the job done.

I know there is not a game MVP in a loss but if there was my vote goes to Jason Zucker. The penalties he drew as he used his speed. The shot off the goal post was millimeters from going in and ending it. A guy that gets sent up and down from Houston to Minnesota sure played the game of his life.

The amount of odd man rushes the Wild got tonight is something to build on for game 2 knowing they can beat the Black Hawk defensemen.

The play of the 4^th line with Rupp, Konopka and Mitchell was unbelievable. These guys looked like they wanted to be the number 1 line.

I was a little nervous coming into game 1 that a blowout may occur but the way the Wild fought I fully believe this series can go and will go 7.

A win Friday by the Wild heading back to Minnesota for the next 2 games would really set up a series that the Black Hawks don’t win.

LA Kings, 2012 number 8 seed won the Cup. It can happen and it will if the Wild can play a game like they did tonight.

I truly believe the Black Hawks are sitting in their locker room thinking how lucky they got. Black Hawks goalie, Crawford gave up way to many big rebounds.

I believe since it is a series the Wild can look at the game tape and see what they can do different.

My hope is the team starts shooting more instead of looking for the perfect pass. We had the Black Hawks on the rope and let them get off.

Chicago you will not get so lucky next time.

I can’t wait for Friday!!!!!!!!! Go Wild!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Twins follow the weather and heat up

Minnesota had a good sports week including the Wild making the playoffs, Vikings grade A draft and now add the Twins splitting a series against the Western Division leader, Texas Rangers.

The Twins have had four 2 game series in a row and now the team was able to actually finish a full series and 4 games to boot.

Rangers came in with a top 5 American League record and took the first 2 games. The Twins did not back down and took games 3 and 4.

The Twins got 3 very good starts in Game 1, 3 and 4. Game 2 had Scott Diamond have an unusual start giving up 12 hits.

Game 1 Vance Worley lost a 2-1 game, Game 3 Pedro Hernandez pitches outstanding and the last game Twins best pitcher to date Kevin Coreia got his 5^th quality start in the early season.

I thought an unusual stats but good for the Twins is when I look at the home run totals for both teams. The Texas Rangers team seems to always be a power hitting team. The final stats: Texas 1 Twins 4. It was nice to see Oswaldo get hit 2^nd of the year, Willingham get 2 in one series and Morneau get his 2^nd of the season. This is so encouraging to see power and even more exciting to out homer Texas.

Aaron Hicks who has struggled so badly now has his average over 100 at .118 and got his first extra-base hit of the season on Saturday with a double.

Moday we had snow and now this four game series Game 1, the teams played in 51 degree weather and the last day in the mid 70’s. Saturday and Sunday’s beautiful weather saw the Twins heat up in the scoring outscoring the Rangers 12-2. Wow is all I can say.

It is truly a long season but I sure like what I am seeing out of this team. A game over 500 and the Twins are tied with Kansas City as the two best in the division in the last 10 games with both going 7-3.

The Twins now go on a 10 day road trip and face division rival Detroit Tigers and get the luck of the draw facing the Tigers best including Justin Verlander.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Been a long time coming but worth the wait

Friday night all the Wild needed was a win in home against Edmonton who is out of playoff contention. The game was not part of my local cable once again which is frustrating.

The way the game went as I listened to on the radio I am glad I did not have to watch that embarrassing performance. I love the team but even I had tough time stomaching the score after score on few shots on goal. The fans booing I could hear through the radio.

Ok, Friday is over and now a win or potentially go home depending on how Columbus does against Nashville is up for the Wild. The whole 48 game season comes down to 1 game.

A road game against Colorado who is not a playoff contender like Edmonton is next up. A back to back game, except this time on the road against Colorado Avalanche, who has nothing to play for except playing a spoiler role and pride. How will the Wild perform?

This is why I am such a passionate Minnesota fan because I am patient and hope for results like the Wild gave me in Saturday’s win.

It was a game like I expected with pressure on the Wild. Goalie Niklas Backstrom had a lousy night Friday at home but responded well especially in the 3^rd period Saturday in the biggest win in the last 5 seasons.

The last 1:39 of the game was the longest time as a fan that I could take. Colorado pulls their goalie and all I could do is hope. Each time the Wild cleared the zone I knew precious seconds would tick off. Every time Colorado would break through I held my breath. The seconds were ticking off 5, 4,3,2,1 0000000. Game over. Wild in the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.

Next up: Stanley Cup Playoffs: BRING ON THE CHICAGO BLACK HAWKS

Anybody remember the old days? Secord _ _ _ _ _!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Twins complete fouth 2 game series in a row

The Miami Marlins come to the Target Field for the first time in their history. They lead the major league in lows with a .211 team batting average, 46 runs scored, only 6 home runs, 44 rbis’s and a .270 team on base percent. The Twins come in riding a 4 game winning streak.

The Twins-Marlins rained out Monday night so they played a day-night doubleheader. The series was only scheduled 2 games but this now makes 4 series in a row of 2 games.

Monday’s game giveaway for fans entering the gate was to be a rain gauge. Yes, it had already been predetermined before the season as a game with a giveaway. How fitting is this with all the moisture Minnesota has seen? The giveaway was moved back to Tuesday.

Miami’s manager should be a familiar face to Twins fans, Mike Redmond, who I really enjoyed watching when he was in a Twins uniform. It is Mike’s first year on the job and I wish him success just not this series.

The day part of the doubleheader the Twins get another solid outing out of starter, Kevin Correia as he pitches seven innings of 5 hit ball. Twins closer, Glen Perkins, I am calling Mr. Automatic gets the save and is now 6-6 in saves.

It is so nice to not have to hold your breath when a Twins closer comes in. Matt Capps last year seem to give me heart failure last season at least once a month. It is a long season and who knows if Perk can keep this domination up. It is just a hope for mine. He has worked so hard in the organization and has waited his turn and now is being rewarded. A left hander that can throw in the mid 90’s is awesome. Way to go Glen!!!!!

It was great to see Oswaldo Arcia get his first major league home run. I would never compare him to Jim Thome but when is the last time you saw a Twins hitter smoke a ball that far.

A great 4-3 win and now 2 games over .500 with the nightcap to come.

The night game I think the Marlins did not read my first paragraph. Holy cow, Marlin’s batting practice at Twins starter, Mike Pelfrey’s expense.  He gave up 5 runs and 9 hits in just a little over 4 innings.

I am so happy for Mike Redmond but in a way I wish I could have seen ex-Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen in action. I do not know if I have ever seen a more controversial manger than Ozzie.

The Twins move on to a four game home series against the Texas Rangers.  4 games will seem like an eternity with the last 4 series only being 2 games. Go Twins and sweep those Rangers. Don’t forget AJ Pierzynski is the new Rangers catcher. It should be a fun series.

Go Twins

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild finally play complete game at the X

Three games left and controlling their own destiny for a playoff spot the Wild hosted the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings already have secured a playoff spot while our Wild are fighting to hold on. The Wild players know, the fans know that is its time to get the ever elusive W at home. The Wild, struggling at home as of late and the biggest game of the year, how would the team perform?

I love the tribute to the military tonight. The pregame camouflage uniforms worn by the Wild were awesome. The lowering of the military man from the ceiling to the ice for the ceremonial dropping of the puck was a great touch as well.

The play of the Wild in the first period alone I thought looked as good as they have in quite some while. The Wild have been struggling at home to score as of late. Tuesday, 2 goals in 16 seconds Tuesday night was phenomenal. Is this game going to be a blowout?

Kings goalie, Jonathon Bernier I really thought we could take advantage more with the big rebounds he was allowing. I find myself on the edge of my seat in hopes as I see the puck laying there that a Wild player could get to it and put it in the net.

The hitting led by Cal Clutterbuck seemed to inspire the team as it became contagious. I loved the effort and energy these guys brought to the rink.

The first line of Parise, Koivu and Coyle I thought played the best game of the year. The guys were relentless in hustle. The first goal by Coyle was a great product of the determination. What a pass by Parise from behind the net and even better the shot by Coyle.

The game was as physical as I have seen all year. I know refs don’t win or lose the game but how many games must the Wild go through before they actually get a call on a legitimate penalty?

An earlier game in the season Koivu gets a high stick in the face and draws blood, yet no penalty. Tuesday another example of injustice as we watch Jason Pominville take a cheap shot, an elbow to the head right in front of a linesman.  Wild defenseman, Brodin gets slashed down in the corner later.

The goal by the Kings with less than a second left in the period made left me with a nervous feeling going into the third. The Wild had outshot the Kings badly in the first 2 periods and outplayed them as well but somehow only a 2-1 lead.

The Wild played so well in the third period. The ability to clear the zone and continuing the hitting showed me this team wanted the win badly.

The save by Wild goalie, Niklas Backstrom late in the game I thought was the save of the year. A great team win with all lines contributing puts us that much closer to seeing the Wild back in the playoffs.

Friday, a home game vs. Edmonton not just another game it is a win and in to the playoffs for the Minnesota Wild.

These games make me nervous with a team that is out of the playoffs but know they can be a spoiler. A huge win vs. the Kings leaves no time for a letdown. Let’s Go Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

What is it going to take?

The Wild started a home stand on Sunday knowing they control their own destiny in making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

This team is so hard to figure out at home with the last 4 games and the results. They had been so dominating all year and the last 4 hit the wall. Are they pressing and feeling the pressure of the playoffs?

The memo was sent out to the NHL that the Wild and all of Minnesota wants them in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The problem is the young and going nowhere, Calgary Flames evidently did not get that memo.

The Wild did everything possible. They dominated every phase of the game. The shots on goal 35 to 24 in favor of the Wild along with faceoff domination 36 to 25. The problem was twofold Sunday. First the Flames power play looked like the old Edmonton Oilers with Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri and Mark Messier at the attack. The Flames made it look so easy is scoring. They tallied 3 power play goals although one was an empty netter.

The other problem was Flames goaltender; Joey Macdonald played the game of his life. It seems other than the Calgary and Edmonton games, the Wild are facing goalies that are hot.

I will say in the loss the line of Koivu, Parise and Coyle was unbelievable. The domination each shift was awesome. It is a shame they could not have been rewarded more often.

The season is far from over but if the team cannot figure out how to score more than one goal the end of the season will come down to a waiting game on which team in the NHL wants that 8^th position the most.

My faith is still in the team, but it is disheartening to see a team play that well and not come up with two points.

Go Wild on Tuesday and beat the Kings!!!

3 games left with 2 home and one on the road. The time is ticking on the Wild season. We can do it. Please have faith   Koivu and Parise will need to take charge. The workers they are, I know they can get this team into the playoffs.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

The broom was brought to the Windy City

In 2012. the Chicago White Sox took 14 out of 18 from the Minnesota Twins. 2013 season thus far has hade some nice signs of change including a weekend sweep of the White Sox.

We are seeing a trend of 2 game series with the weather causing a nightmare for teams trying to get all 3 in. The Twins have now had 3 series in a row of playing only 2 starting last weekend with the Mets followed by the Angels and now the White Sox.

We finally after the Twins having 3 days off finally got to see a game Saturday. It feels like a football season with so few games being played.

The game Saturday was a win yes, but how frustrating leaving 15 men on base. This team just does not quit and they were rewarded with a win. How many teams win a game with this many men on base?

The last time Vance Worley took the mound it was like batting practice for the Mets. I loved how Worley bounced back Saturday and although not involved in the decision he pitched his butt off.

Josh Willingham had never got a hit off White Sox pitcher, Jake Peavy until Saturday. This is just another sign to me this team is going to have better luck in winning games.

 

The team is a team you want to pull for after they have been so bad the last 2 seasons. I am not saying World Series bound yet but I believe we have players who are just plain sick of losing and want to change.

It was the first extra inning game of this young season and a win. Way to go Twins!!

Sunday the Twins finally got the big hit in the seventh as Josh Willingham cleared the bases with his double scoring 3.

Twins starter, Scott Diamond pitched a whale of a game and got the win. I thought his last start he looked good and today again pitched outstanding.

I am really like the late inning relief efforts by the Twins and now Glen Perkins gets the save going 5 for 5 so far this season.

In another strange game by Aaron Hicks he picks the last game of the series to get a hit and an rbi. I give him credit batting .043 and he still is battling.

Mauer had a 10 game hitting streak ended but still batting in the .380’s is very impressive.

A sweep in Chicago, a first time series win at home over Detroit in a couple seasons and a first series win in Baltimore in a couple years as well. I am seeing positives.

The team is on a 4 game winning streak and even one game over .500 at 8-7. Life is good.

Monday the Miami Marlins come to town and the give way for the game is a rain gauge. How fitting is this? Fans can hold it out and catch the rain tomorrow. I just hope the game gets played. The team is hot and I want to keep watching this young team learn to win.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Wild run into scoring frenzy in the Shark tank

The Wild came into San Jose for the last game of the road trip on a hot streak, winning 2 and scoring 9 in the 2 games.

I knew the game would be tough in San Jose knowing the Sharks have lost only one time all season at home and throw in 5 ties. The Wild had better bring their A game.

The end result was the worst loss of the season for the Wild losing 6-1 and falling into 7^th place one point by St. Louis. The team has 4 games left with 3 at home and the last game of the season in Colorado. The good news is only one of the 4 is against a playoff contender, the Los Angeles Kings.

The positive on the road trip is out of 6 points the team got 4. What if Wild would have been swept out West?

The team is still in the playoff hunt. I just hope if when we make the playoffs we do not have to face San Jose in the first round and on the road.

The Wild on Thursday night in the first period had a chance as Jason Pominville was fed a beautiful pass that lead to a breakaway. Sharks goaltender, Antti Niemi made the save of the game. What if Pominville had scored to make it 1-0? Would the outcome been any different?

I had a bad gut feeling after the stop by Niemi and then only to see San Jose get a gift goal off Koivu’s stick. Is it going to be one of those nights?

The pregame commentators had listed 3 things the Wild need to do to get a win. One of them is winning the faceoff battle. San Jose won 7 of the first 8 and ended up the night winning 41-32.

One thing I was surprised at was the way the last game ended in a fight and losing Dany Heatley. The game Thursday had less penalty minutes than I thought would happen. No Mike Rupp or Zenon Konopka so I thought San Jose would take more advantage of this.

A night that saw one power play total for both teams and that went to San Jose. I do not know the last time I saw one power play total between 2 teams.

It is time to come home Sunday and lay a beat down on the Calgary Flames and keep up in the playoff race.

Minnesota fans are starving for a playoff team. I only imagine the X Center to be rocking Sunday night. San Jose game is over time to get back home and get all 6 points possible next week.

Go Wild!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Please come back next season Coach Adelman

Wednesday night, April 17^th the Timberwolves closed the 2012-2013 campaign with a win in San Antonio.

The win broke a 16 game losing streak in San Antonio. Yes, the Spurs rested their stars in the 4^th quarter, but it was still nice to see the young Wolves stay hungry and end the year on a positive note.

The last 3 months of April the team had 1 win total, but this year the team finished with 5. The team down the stretch showed me why I feel I can be excited about the future. This season in the last 16 games the team played .500 ball at 8-8. The year before the team went 2-14. I love this progress and the effort Coach Adelman and the team put forth.

The Timberwolves finished 31-51 this season which also marks the most wins a Timberwolves team had without Kevin Garnett.

The home mark ended at 20-21 which is remarkable. I had hoped to get the .500 mark.  The road ended at 11-30.

The team battled the injury bug all year which is no excuse to not win. The whole team is professional and when one goes down the next guy on the bench needs to step up.

I love the play of Ricky Rubio and without him I believe the win total may not have been this high. I am in hopes of the team keeping Derrick Williams on the court. I see a bright future for him. The team needs to sign Nikolai Pekovic to a long term deal. This guy besides Rubio might just be my favorite player to watch.

This team needs 1 or 2 players more I believe and the Western Conference had better be ready for a hungry Timberwolves team.

I look back at the schedule and see 2 five game and 2 six game losing streaks which is hard to look at.

The team also had a 4 game winning streak in the month of December. The Wolves had 2 big win at home over Oklahoma City, who is only the number one seed in the playoffs. The Wolves also had 2 blowout wins on the road. They pounded Phoenix by 31 and Detroit by 23. These 2 teams are not big powerhouse teams but still the Wolves played well enough to embarrass the home teams.

I went to a home game in March against San Antonio and the Wolves blew them out by 24. The Spurs were without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker would be an argument. The Wolves dressed 9 players that night.  Each team’s fans can argue why this happened, the only thing I know is the final.

I believe this team is so close to being relevant.  The team needs to get Kevin Love back. Rubio is only going to get better which is hard to believe the way he plays already. I would love to see Kirlenko and Chase Budinger part of the team as well.

I believe Coach Adelman did his best job yet with the injuries and getting the young players to buy in.  Thank you Coach and please come back for 2013-2014 season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Source: Startribune.com

Low payroll team sweeps huge payroll team

The Twins had taken the first two with game 3 on tap Wednesday night. I made the trip up to Target Field in hopes of seeing a win and completing the three game sweep.

 I was sitting in section 110 under an overhang when the announcement was made saying the game was postponed and asked all fans in attendance to leave in an orderly fashion. It was the first game in my lifetime that I have ever been to that was cancelled.

The Twins played better the first 2 games against the Angels than they did in the previous series vs. the Mets. These 2 series now have something in common. The first two games were played while the finale was cancelled and makeup dates are needed.

The first game of the series I have nothing but positive to say about the Twins. Twins starter Kevin Correia pitched a whale of a game. The last start he pitched well but lost the lead late. It was nice this game that he got plenty of offensive support.

The series Trevor Plouffe had against the Mets found him committing two terrible and costly errors in the field. It was so nice to see him get a home run and a double in the first game. No one is perfect, but still mistakes are made so it was nice to see him contribute offensively.

Joe Mauer goes for 4-5 and end up one triple shy of hitting for the cycle. The Angels just could not get him out. The home run Joe hit was impressive going opposite field.

Twins called up rookie, Oswaldo Arcia for the game. His first major league at bat ends up hitting a single. I was impressed with that but more impressed with the fact of his awareness and turned the single into a double as the Angel outfielder bobbled the ball. What a start in the majors for Arcia.

The big money investments of the Angles, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton end up 1-8 in this game. The Twins pitchers did outstanding against these 2 multi-millionaires.

The second game once again Twins hitters came alive and provided offensive punch. Twins pitcher, Mike Pelfrey struggled but yet fought through 5 enough to get the win. I appreciate the effort by Mike.

Mauer copy and paste game 1 with same 4-5. The Angels pitchers just can’t figure him out. Mauer had 3 rbis in each game.

I like the insertions of Brian Dozier into the leadoff and evidently so did Brian going 2-4. The Twins season is very early but so far the leadoff batter has been extremely disappointing. I liked Dozier last year and I believe or hope that Gardenhire will keep Dozier in this spot to see how he handles things. The leadoff spot can’t be any worse than what it has been.

Twins outfielder, Wilkin Ramirez had a big night going 2-2. He just became a new father and was having a great game going only to get hurt and now is day to day.

The Twins hit well, played well and got some quality pitching against a team that is figured to be in the playoffs. Way to go Twins!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild make it 2 for 2 on the road

The Wild coming off a terrible home stand and now are on the road for 3 games with the first 2 against teams that are struggling and the third game against a strong playoff contender. How will the Wild perform as they see teams moving up on them in the playoff standings on them?

Monday the Wild got a huge win over the Calgary Flames. My hope on Tuesday is twofold. One, the obvious question being can the Wild win back to back nights on the road? Two, Edmonton just fired their General Manager so how will the Oiler’ players respond?

It did not take long to get an answer as 1:01 into the game Wild’s Kyle Brodziak scored. Wow, that was awesome as I hoped this would take the wind out of the home team. What makes this even nicer for Brodziak who had 25-30 family and friends at the game.

The Wild score 2 goals all last week at home and now get 9 in two games. Do the Wild play better when their backs are against the wall? A tough week at home and teams below them are getting hot. The Wild know they have to win and now two games into the road trip they are getting the job done.

The current captain and former captains are scoring goals as Pominville, former Sabres captain got 2 on Monday, Koivu current team captain got one Monday and on Tuesday, former Devils captain, Zach Parise got one.

It was Koivu’s and Parise’s first goal of the month of April. All I can say is welcome back guys and let’s put the past in the rear view mirror.

This team has so much talent and is showing big time on the road trip. My dream of a playoff run continues.

The article I wrote earlier I had thought Clayton Stoner is not playing up to par. I was so happy to see him get involved in a positive way. Stoner got 2 assists on Tuesday. Way to go Clayton!!

I had just read earlier Tuesday the Wild were sending Mikael Granlund back to Houston. Mike Rupp turned out to be a scratch so Granlund stays and what does he do? He scores a big goal putting the Wild up by two goals in the second period.

 I love it when a player makes it tough on the coaching staff to know where to put them. Do they go back to Houston or stay up with the Wild?

The Wild come into the unknown with the Edmonton Oilers in turmoil. You never know how a team will respond to adversity. The Wild did what they had to and got the ever important two points and remain in 6^th place.

A big night for Brodziak, getting two goals in front of family and friends to help in getting the big W, in this nerve wrecking time of year for players and fans.

Reminder the Wild are down to 5 games: 18^th in San Jose 21^st home vs. Calgary 23^rd home vs. Los Angeles 26^th home vs. Edmonton and last game is the 27^th in Colorado.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

 

A Flame was put out in Calgary

The Wild start a road trip with a must have win game in Calgary. The Wild and Detroit Red Wings are tied at 47 points coming into Monday. The Wild are in need of a big win while Calgary is trying to play spoilers as they are not in contention for the playoffs. Whose night is it going to be?

Today April 15^th is the 20^th anniversary of the last Minnesota North Stars game as they played in Detroit and lost. Let’s hope tonight the new Minnesota team can get the job done.

My cable did not show the game so I got my radio and listened to it. The goal early by Minnesota was huge and even bigger was the man who scored it. Mikko Koivu got his first goal of the month and first point. Captain took charge and boy was it needed.

Jason Pominville a former captain himself of Buffalo added two goals. The Wild scored 4 goals in this game and 3 were by a captain. This is great leadership exhibited by guys who need to take charge. Jason’s first goal meant he has now scored a goal against every team in the NHL. Way to go Jason!!!

That goal made it 2-0 then Calgary scores making me nervous. We do not need this scrappy team to get any hope. It was so funny on the radio because the Calgary arena announcer was announcing the Flames goal when I hear the Wild announcer say, “The Wild score” as Pierre-Marc Bouchard scored 11 seconds after Calgary score. It was a weird but good circumstance.

Matt Cullen return tonight really paid big dividends as he too got in the scoring column with an assists on Pominville’s second goal. He has been sorely missed and to think it is only his first game back.

A Minnesota team who needed a win got one. It is a huge relief to break the streak of 3 losses although one was in a shootout. Three games at home with 2 goals total and then tonight 4. Welcome back Minnesota scoring you have been missed. I can hardly wait for Tuesday’s game in Edmonton. Is the confidence back?

Minnesota is now 6^th in the west with 49 points and the 5^th place; San Jose Sharks have 51.

Thanks you Wild for not disappointing

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Twins struggles continue as Mets leave town after 2 game sweep

The Twins on Sunday got a much needed day off in the form of a cancellation of game 3 of the series against the New York Mets.

The Twins sit in last place with a 4-7 record and 5 losses in a row. The encouraging number to look at is no one in the Twins division has taken off. All team above are hovering around the .500 mark with Detroit at 6-5 leading the way. I always try to take a positive outlook and there it is.

Friday’s game was batting practice for the New York Mets in the first 2 innings alone knocking out Twins starter Vance Worley in what he is credited with one inning giving up 9 runs.

The first 3 batters get hits in the first inning and in the 2^nd inning 3 hits, a walk and then a grand slam by Mets catcher, John Buck.

The score after 2 innings was 10-2 Mets. It was so bad that even my favorite pitcher on the staff, Glen Perkins even gave up in one inning 2 hits and 2 runs.

It just what the Twins night, as the two teams played baseball in football weather and even totaled 3 touchdowns and 3 extra points between the 2 teams with the Mets winning 16-5.

Saturday the Twins faced flame thrower Matt Harvey who had no hit the Twins through 6 innings. I was getting worried as it seemed the Twins hitters could not catch up with the heater.

Twins starter, Scott Diamond finally back on the mound for the first time this season I thought looked sharp through the first 4 innings only allowing 2 hits and 0 runs.

This Mets team was a hitting machine this weekend as in the top of the 5^th the hit parade began for the Mets. It is so unreal to have four innings of two hit ball and then have 7 straight hits to start an inning and score 4 runs.

It was nice to see Justin Morneau get his first homer of the year on a positive note.

The two games the big difference besides hitting was the Mets tracking every fly ball and making every play they did in the infield. The hits I thought the Twins had for sure the Mets made the plays. Plouffe made 2 huge errors during the series.

One nice Twins memory from the past was get to see ex-Twin Tim Teuffel back in Minnesota. I really enjoyed watching him when he was in a Twins uniform.

The Los Angeles Angels now come to town as one of baseball big disappointments to date coming into Sunday’s actions with a 3-8 record.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild can't solve Borbosvsky

The Minnesota Wild having such a dominating record all year until this week losing 2 games both via shutouts had one more chance to get a win. The Columbus Blue Jackets came in to the X Saturday night on the first game of their 6 game road trip.

Let’s start these guys out their trip with a loss and get some separation from them in the division standings. Minnesota had a chance to sweep the season series for the first time. It is a must win.

I had such a good feeling about the team getting a win. The team must have had the same feeling the way the first period went for the Wild.

The way the first few seconds started in the game with Charlie Coyle taking a match penalty I thought would really get the team sparked maybe from anger in losing a player who was going to be key.

I had been so excited to see Coyle reunited with Koivu and Parise. I liked the move of Jason Ponville with his second line mates. I really thought the lines would produce more. The speculation ended up pointless after Coyle left.

The shots on goal, the scoring chances was crazy to see by the Wild and finally after being held scoreless in the home stand for 135 minutes and 59 seconds Pierre –Marc Bouchard finally lights the lamp. Here we go Wild I thought finally and now we want more.

I am not by any means a huge hockey mind but after watching Jason Zucker perform Saturday I wonder why he does not stay up. The guy is lightning on skates and his shots are very accurate.

I am obviously not a coach just a fan but as a fan I do have hopes and dreams. I want the Wild in the playoffs so bad and the energy this young man has needs to be on the ice.

I love the physical play of Devin Setoguchi and Cal Clutterbuck with all the bone crushing hits on the wall.

The shots on goal continued to pile and the scoring chances had me coming out of my seat in hopes.

I don’t know about you but have we seen a goalie play better against the Wild then Blue Jacket’s goalie Sergei Bobrovsky?

The guy won the game for them. I did not like the chances of the Wild in a shootout the way he played all game.

It was just not 39 shots on goal with many of them quality chances to be a goal.

This had to be the best game the Wild have played in some time yet results as a loss. It is such a shame to have that effort yet a guy play out of his minds in net.

The team is struggling to score; Koivu does not have a point in the month of April. What is it going to take to get this team going?

We have seen the Wild go 7-1 not too long ago. I have talked with many who believe Matt Cullen was bigger than people gave him credit along with Dany Heatley.

Cullen is expected back soon and Heatley out for the year. It will be interesting to see what line combos Coach Yeo comes up with.

Please keep Zucker up whatever you do.

I will close by saying Wild defensemen Clayton Stoner I have a hard time watching. He made the bad pass in the Chicago game and now Saturday I do not know if I have seen a Wild player got beat so bad in a fight.

7 games left with 4 on the road and 3 at home for the Wild. It isn’t too late but unless the team can get some scoring punch figured out was as fans are going to have to hope the team can make the playoffs.

Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus all look tough going into the playoffs. I just want to say the Wild look tough as well.

Come on Wild please be a Minnesota team that does not let me down. GO WILD!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

My first trip to Target Field, in the Winter?

The Twins returned home after a tough road trip. The question in the last few days was would the Twins and New York Mets be able to get the game in with all the snow and cold weather we have been getting.

The Mets are coming to Target Field for the first time ever. I won tickets at work for the Friday night game so I was hoping no cancellation.

I was so pumped to see a team come to Target Field for the first time in history. I was also anxious to see how long I could make it through a game with the temps to get down in the low 30’s.

It snowed all the way up to the game. We entered gate 29 and to the right of the gate was a station set up with free coffee and hot chocolate for those brave enough to face the weather elements.

I had gone to the Vikings-Packers playoff game in Lambeau on January 5^th and now Friday April 12^th I was at Target Field for a baseball game with the same weather like conditions. We had snow and cold for both games.

I dressed the same for both games the only difference is I had a Twins jacket instead of a Vikings jacket on. I had a facemask on with my Twins hat on top of my facemask.

The way the game started with batting practice for the Mets and a terrible error committed by 3^rd baseman, Trevor Plouffe the fans were colder than the weather to the Twins.

What a disastrous way to start a historical series. I do not believe I have been to a baseball game where a team scored 5 runs in each of the first two innings of a game.

It was so fun to look around and see just how warm people would dress. I saw a few snowmobile suits, and tons of warm weather hats. I even saw a couple young men who sat behind the first base dugout with no shits on. The one guy decided he wanted to keep his face warm so he had a scarf wrapped around his face. That makes a lot of sense.

The 6^th inning the scoreboard was scanning the crowd while playing the Winter Wonderland song. This is wrong to be watching a baseball game in football weather.

As cold as it was and I could not feel my feet after the 5^th inning I am so glad to be part of the crazy crowd.

The announced crowd of 23,000 plus was nice to see the number but the actual people in attendance had to be 12-15,000. I looked at the left field 2^nd level in the first inning and counted 29 fans. I looked in the 5^th inning and counted 7. I did notice 2 fans in the very top which looked so funny since the hundreds of open seats available.

The Twins were getting trounced late when I heard a lot of commotion from across in left field. Here the wave began. We were doing the wave in the 8^th and 9^th inning. It did help warm my feet up.

That’s a wrap on the night I call Winter Baseball. If I had a chance to do something like this again I would do it in a heartbeat. I love the Twins and the beautiful stadium they play in.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

GO TWINS!!!!

 

Another blown chance at home

The start of a 3 game home stand with so much hope, especially since the Wild have been so dominant at home so far this season.

Tuesday the Wild get out played in losing to the number one team in the west, Chicago Black Hawks. It was not only a loss but a shutout loss.

Thursday, lets’ try this over again and forget the loss to Chicago. St. Louis comes in on a 5 game winning streak and tied with the Wild with 46 points each.

The table has been set for a playoff atmosphere with so much on the line. Can the Wild end the Blues win streak? How long will it take the Wild to get their first goal of the game?

Jason Pominville comes within centimeters of getting the game’s first goal. That would have been huge. The goalie as beat with the shot but as the saying goes the goalies best friend, the goal post saved him.

I thought the first two periods the Wild dominated the Blues and yet still down 1-0. On Tuesday I felt the Black Hawks had the rink tipped downhill in the Minnesota zone most of the night. Thursday I felt the rink was dipped downhill towards the St. Louis end. The Wild just could not get the break they needed. Minnesota handled the puck well, passed well yet no score.

Third Period I really thought St. Louis dominated not so much the shots on goal rather would not let the Wild get anything going.

It is hard to believe two home games and both result in shut out losses. 120 minutes of game time and the Wild can’t score. On the road I can believe it, but not in front of 19,000 passionate Wild fans.

8 games left with the next one home Saturday vs. Columbus. If there was a must win game Saturday is it. The team after Saturday goes on the road for 3 next week.

I just want this team just to get one goal and I feel the confidence will come back and more will come. There is just too much talent on this team to not score.

The last 4 games the Wild have been in shutout games. They have been shut out by 3 teams in this stretch (Los Angeles, Chicago, and now St. Louis) and had their own shut out blanking Columbus.

My hopes are still up but I am concerned with injuries to key players. I am really pulling for Jason Zucker to get recalled from Houston. When he was up earlier he showed the speed this team seems to lack.

Go Wild; beat the Blue Jackets on Saturday

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Twins swept in KC

The Twins had just come from Baltimore after taking 2 out of 3 from the Orioles. The Twins move onto Kansas City with a chance to stay in first in the division. How will the 2013 Twins fare in KC?

Twins pitcher Kevin Correia had pitched such a good game going into the 7^th inning with a shutout. The Twins offense just did not support him. It is easy to be a manager from the couch as the question has to be asked. Did Correia stay into long? He pitched so well it was just a shame hoe had to lose it. It is still encouraging to see a starter have a game like this.

The next day Twins pitcher on the mound, Mike Pelfrey  who went to college at Wichita State University which is about 200 miles from the Royals stadium. It is his first start in this stadium and with friends and relatives to watch the game go south quickly giving up 5 runs in the first inning.

The first 5 Royals got hits and all 5 scored. The last time Kansas City did this was April 2007. I felt so bad for Mike to have people there to watch him and disaster.

I did like the power the Twins had in hitting 3 home runs with Joe Mauer, Josh Willingham and Eduardo Escobar all going deep. The other bright spot was Escobar not only hitting a home run, which was part of a 3 for 4 for the night.

The attendance difference in the two days was quite drastic. The home opener for the Royals a little over 40.000 were in the stands and it was a 3:10 game. The next game was 7:10 start and 11,000 people were there. A difference of 29,000 is crazy or maybe I am wrong to think this way.

Twins first 2 series had lost game one and won game two and three. This time in Kansas City get swept and now return home to face the New York Mets.

The Twins end the series losing by way of a shutout. The first 2 inning alone Twins have bases loaded and could not score. It was later in the game Trevor Plouffe gets a triple and is stranded. The left on base numbers was embarrassing. Thank God the season is early and the team has a chance to keep working on hitting.

The game had to be miserable for the players to play in.  The game appeared to be played in the London fog in appearance. The center field camera made it look so cool. The shot of right fielder, Chris Parmalee wearing a face mask and only his eyes were visible. What a sight!!!

I give the fans credit that were at the game. All I have to say is wow, that is some dedication. The Royals seep the Twins in a series that seemed to have a theme of the Twins just not getting the hit they needed.

Home sweet home and the Twins will be fine. Baseball is back and I am thrilled. Win or lose,it is a never ending subject to talk about.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild come up short in return to the X

The Wild, coming off a long road trip are back to home sweet home and the opponent at the X, the first place Chicago Black Hawks.

Minnesota goalie, Niklas Backstrom is coming off a game where he recorded a shutout. The last time Backstrom faced the Black Hawks he was pulled after one period giving up 4 goals. The question is how would he do against the fast skating and tremendously talented Black Hawk squad this time? Can he get back to back shutouts?

The answer in my opinion, he was outstanding. The only goal he gave up was the result of a terrible pass coming out of the zone. Marian Hossa intercepts a terrible pass and made the Wild pay. A guy who has been in the league since the late 90’s just is too talented to give him any sniff of the net.

I thought one of Niklas’s biggest saves of the night came against Patrick Kane coming in on Backstrom one on one. It could have been easily 2-0.

The ice Tuesday night seemed so slanted to the Minnesota end. It was hard to watch the Black Hawks dominate like they did. The shots on goal were one sided and the scoring chances as well. If Backstrom did not play an A game the score could have easily been 4 or 5 to 0.

It is only one loss but with 9 games left the Wild just put that much more pressure on them making Thursday’s next game against St. Louis. It is a must win especially at home. The last time Minnesota played St. Louis, the Blues played a hard hitting and physical game.

A loss sometimes is hard to find positives, but Tuesday I felt there needed to be some praise. The play of Backstrom kept the team in the game I mentioned already. The two Wild penalty kills went extremely well. The Black Hawks have so many snipers but did not have any success at least in Tuesday’s game. The hustle the team showed was much needed and as a fan I appreciate the effort.

The line of Koivu, Parise and Pominville I really thought would be more of a factor. The line that gets my headlines in this game was the fourth line of Torrey Mitchell, Zenon Konopka and Mike Rupp. These guys played an A game. Rupp took a bad penalty but other than that their hustle even the commentators made comments.

It is time to look ahead for the Wild. It was hard watching them skate off after the loss looking so down. The team is home and can get rest and more practice time. There can be no excuses if the team cannot get up for the next game. I am confident they will not let us down.

Let’s GO WILD!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

10 and counting left for the Wild regular season

The Wild after their win Sunday are in 6^th place in a tight West Conference. Here is a look at the standings after Sunday’s play.

1 Chicago 62 pts

2 Anaheim 57

3 Vancouver 48

4 Los Angeles 48

5 San Jose 47

6 Minnesota 46

7 St. Louis 44

8 Detroit 43

9 Phoenix 40

10 Dallas, Edmonton and Columbus all have 39 points

Here is a look at the final 10 games in the Wild Season

Apr 9- Chicago Black Hawks

Apr 11- St. Louis Blues

Apr 13- Columbus Blue Jackets

Apr 15 at Calgary

Apr 16 at Edmonton

Apr 18 at San Jose

Apr 21 Calgary

Apr 23 Los Angeles

Apr 26 Edmonton

Apr 27 at Colorado

10 games left with 6 at home and 4 on the road

The team plays 8 of the 10 games against top 10 in the West. This is setting up for a dog fight for playoff position.

Playoff set up:  1 vs. 8   2 vs. 7   3 vs. 6   4 vs. 5

Who do you want to see the Wild play in the first round of the playoffs on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals?

Thanks for reading

Purplestick