A Thanks Goes To You Russo

I just want to give a 'thank you' to Russo for adding this blog to his 'Blogroll' over at the StarTribune. I know that are thousands out there (or at least more than 10 that cover the Wild) but hopefully you will find some interesting takes and perspectives in here to kind of separate it from others. And it's nice to be listed on Russo's page because we all know he is the Master when it comes to covering the Wild...it's nice to be mentioned at his place.

So again, thank you Russo!

NHL Suspension's Don't Add Up

It's funny or sad, depending on how you look at it, that two different players can get two different number of games in suspensions for simply using their mouths. And the player who used his to speak received the lessor penalty. Remember back in early December when Dallas forward Sean Avery uttered the phrase 'sloppy seconds' to a reporter. The comment was a bone-headed one to say the least, and he was punished through a 6 game suspension. Fast-forward to last week and the second mouth violator came from Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu, who during a tussle with Sabres tough guy Andrew Peters, broke the skin on Peters' thumb after biting him through the glove. And for using this non-man like action (girly), Ruutu received only 2 games. And in case you are wondering, this is Ruutu's second suspension of the season, as he lost 2 games earlier for a vicious elbow.

Clearly the NHL, and more specifically league disciplinarian Colin Campbell, have a strange way of dealing with players actions when it comes to handing out suspensions. Lets face it, both players mentioned above are in the league for one reason, that is to cause havoc to their opponents. But to sit a player for 6 games because he said something idiotic...and then to slap only 2 games on a guy who tried to amputate a thumb, let's just say they really don't have a handle on the power that could be with the proper use of suspensions.

Interestingly enough, the NHL actually has reference to biting in three different areas in their official rules. Actually it is sad that it's in there, as you would think that players would act more appropriately than kids do on a playground. But it's there. And in the biting case with Ruutu, because the on-ice officials could not come to a conclusion on what might have left the teeth mark and caused the blood on the thumb, the league went to the 'Supplementary Discipline' section that says in part: 'the Commissioner may, at his discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with and game and may asses additional fines and/or suspensions...'. And there you have it, the power of the suspension.

You would think that, in broad terms, a suspension should come to players who jeopardize the integrity of the league. In fact, in Commissioner Bettman's own words regarding the Avery suspension, he said that his actions were "detrimental to the league or game of hockey". What offers more of a threat, hurt feelings or bodily harm? Wild fans will remember last seasons when Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund gave Mikko Koivu a two-hander that broke his leg. Mikko ended up missing over 20 games because of the incident and what did Ohlund receive? Only a slap on the wrist of 4 games. And a bit off-topic here but who could forget the block-buster acquisition the Wild made prior to last seasons trade deadline when the team picked up the suspension king, Chris Simon, who has the two longest suspensions in NHL history (now there was a good use of a 6th round pick). Incidentally, Simon's league leading 30 game suspension came after stomping on the leg of, you guessed it, Ruutu.

The list of the abuse of the suspension rule goes on and on and there appears to be zero consistency on the offense committed and the length of suspensions related to the incidents. And to top it off, guys like Ruutu have little incentive to change their ways. One day the NHL may wake up and concentrate on more important things like keeping up the leagues integrity instead of trying to save someones feelings from getting hurt.

Backstrom Our All-Star

Looks like goaltender Niklas Backstrom will be the sole Wild representative when the NHL All-Stars get together in Montreal on Sunday January 25. A big congratulations goes to the first time All-Star Backstrom, as he is well deserving of being selected. So far this season he has been nothing but spectacular, posting a 19-12 record, a 2.14 GAA, and a .929 SV%. And his recent stretch of games has been superb, posting back-to-back shutouts. The big stat that you will not find is the 'NGSW', which is the number of games single-handedly won.

Moving and thinking ahead, how long can and will the Wild wait before they decide to sign him, as he is set to become an unrestricted free-agent at seasons end? Some may say that the Wild has waited too long already, and they may be right. You can debate on whether waiting with Gaborik was the right decision, but as we can all see now, the point is mute since he is likely lost for the season. Let's hope that Risebrough and staff have the Backstrom situation under control, as this decision could very well make or break the current Wild management tenure here in Minnesota.

Notes...

I love Russo's stuff...he is a terrific writer and really gets to the bottom of the story. However, I really cannot disagree more with him on his take of letting Gabby go without at least trying to ink him to a short-term deal. What has the team got to lose? The alternative is going forward with nothing, no players or draft picks in return. Get him signed for a short deal and maybe, just maybe, you will be able to get something for him at a later date. Distractions in the locker-room, deal with them... And I'm not going to mention the fact that sooner or later, with the fumbling of this and other non-deals that have come and gone, the new owner is going to become impatient with management and make a move himself.

I missed my chance earlier to address this when I should have...but my prayers go to Gopher coach Don Lucia, who is dealing with something medically. I hope all of his tests come back negative and that they find whatever may be ailing the coach. He is truly a perfect fit for the maroon and gold and it will be nice to see him behind the bench soon.