2008 NHL Playoffs! Round 1: Avalanche vs. Wild

[archerystud]

I like the 3-2 Wild but they need at least 2 in the third period here to send it into OT.

[LMITOUT]

The silence you hear is Xcel Energy Center....

uggh.. doesn't look good.

[LMITOUT]

The roar you hear is Xcel Energy Center...

nice job boys

[Hester]

Hey Limit, make up your mind why dont ya.

I just hope we get it done in OT.

[Scott M]

Sakic scores. Dangit. Just when you thought they had something going.

[Fishing_High]

Yea that one hurt dinky rebound goal we out played them. Got to win on friday now.

[maros91]

 Originally Posted By: fishinphilth

Biff, I disagree that home ice has no effect, 3-2 is the right score but you have the wrong team winning.

I hate to say it but I told you so. Unbelievable game. Penalty shot with 2.5 to go. Wild dodged some bullets in the 3rd, Avs hit a couple of pipes. I believe we outshot them but I think the game was evenly played. It was nice to see Boogaard get some 3rd period and OT shifts plus some power play time. Poor little Bouchard, just to small when it comes to the tight checking playoff time.

[bassNspear]

i hope they can get it done, its going to be tough going to col to get a win or two.

[mr_jman]

They have to go in win on Friday because it'll be tough to win in Colorado. If they win they guarantee it comes back to MN for game 5. I honestly could see a home and away split and be tied 2-2 after 4 games!

[mrklean]

I love the wild but i find it hard to believe they will win this series, just not enough playoff experience

[Boogaard]

SOB i cant believe they lost. Id say the wild deserved to win. All I know is a penalty shot is way too much for my heart rate! wild win is a must on friday!They sure seemed to do better when they played more physical! maybe simon or voros will be in friday. Skoula what a train wreck! I was at the game tonight and heard more anti skoula comments then against the opposing goalie!

[ole]

Let's face it, the Wild have to be PHYSICAL to win this series. They looked awesome when they played that way for a short while in the 3rd period. Into the overtime they seemed a little afraid to hit, maybe that penalty shot gave them the jitters. All I know is when we start hitting the Avs look a little tight. I wish Burns would put some smack on either Forsberg or Sakic!

[walleyes12]

Man was the excel rocking lastnight, I still can't hear right! The Wild deserved to win that game lastnight, we just couldn't get any bounces! If we keep the physcial presence up, the Wild will wear them down. I still don't believe home ice advantage means nothing, You could tell the WIlD had an extra step 3/4 of the game. Backstrom looked solid, AVS got 3 weak goals, 2 tips and a rebound. I must give him credit for the penalty shot stop. I thought it was over right there. It is a must win for the wild friday, and I am pumped I will be at the game!! GO WILD

[sticknstring]

That's too bad... Wild played a great game. Dominated for most of the game and deserved to win. Nice little twist with the penalty shot... great save. Need to get it done Fri night. Going to be a great series.

[fishinphilth]

 Originally Posted By: Biff Tannen

I hate to say it but I told you so. Unbelievable game. Penalty shot with 2.5 to go. Wild dodged some bullets in the 3rd, Avs hit a couple of pipes. I believe we outshot them but I think the game was evenly played. It was nice to see Boogaard get some 3rd period and OT shifts plus some power play time. Poor little Bouchard, just to small when it comes to the tight checking playoff time.

You just have to rub it in. Good call even if I didnt agree. Wild had lenty of chances, but just couldnt get it done. I agree with the even play, the shots just were not finding the back of the net.

[Roofer]

Good game by the Wild, especially Backstrom.

We possibly could have had 3 more goals if Rolston would give up on his big wind up and slap shot. He is NOT Al Mccinnis! I had to say about every five minutes "Rolston, you are a loser!" Boy that guy bugs me.

Good game though, they should have had it. We can't leave a sniper like Sakic in front of the net though.

[walleyes12]

 Originally Posted By: Roofer

Good game by the Wild, especially Backstrom.

We possibly could have had 3 more goals if Rolston would give up on his big wind up and slap shot. He is NOT Al Mccinnis! I had to say about every five minutes "Rolston, you are a loser!" Boy that guy bugs me.

Ya I can see were you would hate the guy, 31 goals 28 assists, a proven team leader. Whatelse do you want! 40 goals 40 assists??

[maros91]

 Originally Posted By: Roofer

We possibly could have had 3 more goals if Rolston would give up on his big wind up and slap shot. He is NOT Al Mccinnis!

We can't leave a sniper like Sakic in front of the net though.

I couldn't agree more. That is the only shot he has. I don't mind him coming down the wing when he is alone and doing it but when he gets it by the boards and turns and shoots blind, there has to be a better play. I do like his heavy shot on the PP.

When the shot goes to the net you have to tie up everyone, knock them down, stick check them, just something instead of being all alone for a tap in.

[Roofer]

 Originally Posted By: walleyes12

 Originally Posted By: Roofer

Good game by the Wild, especially Backstrom.

We possibly could have had 3 more goals if Rolston would give up on his big wind up and slap shot. He is NOT Al Mccinnis! I had to say about every five minutes "Rolston, you are a loser!" Boy that guy bugs me.

Ya I can see were you would hate the guy, 31 goals 28 assists, a proven team leader. Whatelse do you want! 40 goals 40 assists??

I can't knock his stats, but with odd man rushes, there are better options that shooting and hitting the goalie in the crest of his jersey. At least get a rebound and at the very least, put it on goal! How many shots go whizzing by, hit the corner and out of the zone. He could be much better.

[solbes]

The Wild were rockin last night. 1/2 step ahead of the Av's into the boards. Physically they weren't backing down either and played very different from last years playoffs.

I like Rolston's slap shot. I think a lot of goalies cringe when he skates down the ice. But I'd say timing is as important as aiming. He needs to wait until a teammate can mop up a potential rebound. It seemed he took some shots last night with no one else around.

Backstrom was okay. The first Av's goal seemed like a complete fluke. The other two were lucky but good.

If they are going to lock up Gaborik, we need someone else to step up. Give me more Koivu!

[walleyes12]

I am a big Rolston Fan, I have to agree he needs to hit the net more! He has a huge shot that can beat most goaltenders one on one!

[maros91]

 Originally Posted By: walleyes12

He has a huge shot that can beat most goaltenders one on one!

I'll agree with this but turning and firing is another thing.

[Hockey Guy]

I don't think there is a player in the history of the league that misses the net more than Gaborik! I think the over/under odds on him hitting the net at all are 25% at best. Did anyone else notice that Jose never left his feet when Gabby was shooting? Jose is a butterfly goalie and he never went down. Gabby still was shooting the puck over the net. Don't get me wrong, I love having the guy on our team, but would it kill him to shoot low? Just once I would like to see him shoot the puck on the ice. I honestly don't think he can shoot the puck from the slot on the ice. Any goalie will tell you that's the toughest save, but it doesn't look as cool as popping the water bottle I guess.

[walleyes12]

 Originally Posted By: Biff Tannen

 Originally Posted By: walleyes12

He has a huge shot that can beat most goaltenders one on one!

I'll agree with this but turning and firing is another thing.

I will agree he has to make better shots at times but you can't score if you don't shoot.

[Team Otter]

Gaborik definitely has to pull the trigger more. Each shot doesn't have to be a qualifier for the highlight reel.