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