It's the 3rd play on this video (on the Wild's website you can vote for the play of the week.) It begins around :50. Guess who I voted for? ;o)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Theo's "Save on Himself" Is One of the Choices for Wild Play of the Week
Those of you who saw the game against Nashville on 11/26/10 might remember Theo's "save on himself." ;o) He played the puck as it came down the ice and tried to send it behind the net to one of his teammates. But it hit the boards and unfortunately went right to a Nashville player who was streaking in front of the net. Theo had to make an awesome sliding save to keep him from scoring. Oh, it would've been embarrassing. But since he made the save, it ended up being pretty cool. Whew!
It's the 3rd play on this video (on the Wild's website you can vote for the play of the week.) It begins around :50. Guess who I voted for? ;o)
It's the 3rd play on this video (on the Wild's website you can vote for the play of the week.) It begins around :50. Guess who I voted for? ;o)
Game Is Lost in 18-Second Stretch
Star Tribune article by Mike Russo
Short lapse in the second period was enough to send the Wild to its fourth loss in the past five games.
By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune
Last update: November 30, 2010 - 7:53 AM
CALGARY, ALBERTA - The Wild's customary 20-minute coma lasted only 18 seconds Monday night, but that was just enough time to dismantle yet another game.
The second period has been a seasonlong house of horrors for the Wild, so it was hardly shocking when a scoreless tie turned into a two-goal deficit mere minutes into the middle stanza.
The Calgary Flames, not looking sluggish despite returning to the Saddledome for the first time in 10 days, held on for a 3-0 blanking as the Wild lost for the fourth time in five games.
"It's been our Achilles' heel all year, where we play pretty good, then we have these little lapses, and it's killing us," veteran Andrew Brunette said. "It's the way the season's been going for us. We haven't learned our lesson yet."
Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla scored 18 seconds apart by 3:26 of the second period. Even though the Wild picked up its play and held the Flames to one shot in the final 11 minutes of the period, Miikka Kiprusoff made 32 saves to beat his favorite foe for the 25th time and first since April 3, 2009.
For the first time, Jose Theodore started a game that normally would have been saved for Niklas Backstrom, but 18 goals in his past three starts earned Backstrom a night off.
Backstrom worked a long time Monday morning with goalie coach Bob Mason, saying, "You fight through and work hard, and it'll only make you stronger in the future."
Theodore was sharp in the first, making 11 saves, but so was Kiprusoff, who made six of his 12 stops on sizzling Wild winger Martin Havlat.
But soon after Brunette couldn't convert on a 2-on-1, the Flames struck. Just like Saturday in Colorado, it was a Nick Schultz mistake that created the initial disorder. Under pressure, Schultz couldn't clear the zone. Iginla picked up the puck, fought past Schultz, skated around the net and set up Bouwmeester.
On the ensuing faceoff, Iginla, who played a tremendous all-around game, drove in tight and roofed Alex Tanguay's pass for a quick 2-0 lead and Todd Richards' timeout to calm his fragile troops.
"I had a bad shift. Two goals, bang-bang, that's the game," center John Madden said. "If I don't have that bad shift, maybe worst case scenario we go into OT and get a point."
The Wild created lots of chances the final 30 minutes, but by that point, Kiprusoff was well into the game and feeling good. He calmly made save after save. In fact, the Wild outshot an opponent for the first time in 21 games (32-31).
"I think we're creating, but nobody remembers that though. You've got to find a way to score," captain Mikko Koivu said.
Koivu didn't want to hear that the Wild is digging itself a hole.
"I don't think you have to tell us that," Koivu snapped. "We're trying as hard as we can. We just couldn't win tonight. You don't have to tell us what we have to do. That's not going to help us. We know what it takes."
The Wild is three points behind Northwest Division-leader Vancouver but outside the West's top eight. Madden still believes in the team.
"A lot of teams are in the same situation we're in," Madden said. "If everybody threw their problems in the middle of the room, I'd definitely run for our problems. We're there.
"We just have some lapses, like mine tonight, and it cost our team the game. It's a tough one to swallow for me."
Short lapse in the second period was enough to send the Wild to its fourth loss in the past five games.
By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune
Last update: November 30, 2010 - 7:53 AM
CALGARY, ALBERTA - The Wild's customary 20-minute coma lasted only 18 seconds Monday night, but that was just enough time to dismantle yet another game.
The second period has been a seasonlong house of horrors for the Wild, so it was hardly shocking when a scoreless tie turned into a two-goal deficit mere minutes into the middle stanza.
The Calgary Flames, not looking sluggish despite returning to the Saddledome for the first time in 10 days, held on for a 3-0 blanking as the Wild lost for the fourth time in five games.
"It's been our Achilles' heel all year, where we play pretty good, then we have these little lapses, and it's killing us," veteran Andrew Brunette said. "It's the way the season's been going for us. We haven't learned our lesson yet."
Jay Bouwmeester and Jarome Iginla scored 18 seconds apart by 3:26 of the second period. Even though the Wild picked up its play and held the Flames to one shot in the final 11 minutes of the period, Miikka Kiprusoff made 32 saves to beat his favorite foe for the 25th time and first since April 3, 2009.
For the first time, Jose Theodore started a game that normally would have been saved for Niklas Backstrom, but 18 goals in his past three starts earned Backstrom a night off.
Backstrom worked a long time Monday morning with goalie coach Bob Mason, saying, "You fight through and work hard, and it'll only make you stronger in the future."
Theodore was sharp in the first, making 11 saves, but so was Kiprusoff, who made six of his 12 stops on sizzling Wild winger Martin Havlat.
But soon after Brunette couldn't convert on a 2-on-1, the Flames struck. Just like Saturday in Colorado, it was a Nick Schultz mistake that created the initial disorder. Under pressure, Schultz couldn't clear the zone. Iginla picked up the puck, fought past Schultz, skated around the net and set up Bouwmeester.
On the ensuing faceoff, Iginla, who played a tremendous all-around game, drove in tight and roofed Alex Tanguay's pass for a quick 2-0 lead and Todd Richards' timeout to calm his fragile troops.
"I had a bad shift. Two goals, bang-bang, that's the game," center John Madden said. "If I don't have that bad shift, maybe worst case scenario we go into OT and get a point."
The Wild created lots of chances the final 30 minutes, but by that point, Kiprusoff was well into the game and feeling good. He calmly made save after save. In fact, the Wild outshot an opponent for the first time in 21 games (32-31).
"I think we're creating, but nobody remembers that though. You've got to find a way to score," captain Mikko Koivu said.
Koivu didn't want to hear that the Wild is digging itself a hole.
"I don't think you have to tell us that," Koivu snapped. "We're trying as hard as we can. We just couldn't win tonight. You don't have to tell us what we have to do. That's not going to help us. We know what it takes."
The Wild is three points behind Northwest Division-leader Vancouver but outside the West's top eight. Madden still believes in the team.
"A lot of teams are in the same situation we're in," Madden said. "If everybody threw their problems in the middle of the room, I'd definitely run for our problems. We're there.
"We just have some lapses, like mine tonight, and it cost our team the game. It's a tough one to swallow for me."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wild at Flames, 11/29/10 (Final: Wild 0 - Flames 3)
José got the start tonight while "Backstrom works on his game." The first period is going well so far...I believe he's stopped about 8 shots so far, 3:00 left in the 1st. Still no score...
Well, 2nd period woes continue for the Wild. 2 quick goals in an 18 second stretch in the first half of the period. Ouch. Then he held them after that. 21 total shots so far. It just felt like a bad period. Flames were in control the whole time. :(
Ok, game over. It ended up 0-3. José stopped 28 of 31 shots on goal. One goal against was on the PP.
His season stats now: 3-3, .919 SV%, 2.71 GAA. He's faced 210 shots this season so far...that's an average of 35 shots per game. Their goalies can't keep that up.
Well, 2nd period woes continue for the Wild. 2 quick goals in an 18 second stretch in the first half of the period. Ouch. Then he held them after that. 21 total shots so far. It just felt like a bad period. Flames were in control the whole time. :(
Ok, game over. It ended up 0-3. José stopped 28 of 31 shots on goal. One goal against was on the PP.
His season stats now: 3-3, .919 SV%, 2.71 GAA. He's faced 210 shots this season so far...that's an average of 35 shots per game. Their goalies can't keep that up.
I believe these next 2 photos are from last game, but they weren't posted the other day.
Hate to post photos of him getting scored on...but there weren't many photos from tonight.
Found a couple more...
From Russo...Theo Will Start in Calgary Tonight
Mike Russo just tweeted:
Russostrib
Michael Russo
#mnwild going on ice now. Told by person who'd know, Jose Theodore starts tonight vs #flames
I dig this Twitter thing now that I have a reason to use it. ;o)
I had sent Mike a tweet this morning asking if he knew about the starting goalie tonight, and he responded that he didn't yet. Specifically: "Not yet, but I've got to think it's person in your avatar"
This is the photo I currently have as my Twitter avatar:
Russostrib
Michael Russo
#mnwild going on ice now. Told by person who'd know, Jose Theodore starts tonight vs #flames
I dig this Twitter thing now that I have a reason to use it. ;o)
I had sent Mike a tweet this morning asking if he knew about the starting goalie tonight, and he responded that he didn't yet. Specifically: "Not yet, but I've got to think it's person in your avatar"
This is the photo I currently have as my Twitter avatar:
The Mike said, "where'd you get that picture? when jose was in phantom of the opera or what? ha"
Oh, you're a funny guy, Mike. ;o)
Flames Might Face Theodore, Not Backstrom
From CBC Sports this morning.
After three straight woeful performances from goaltender Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild head coach Todd Richards could look to Jose Theodore on Monday night.
With the Calgary Flames' struggling to find the net, Richards might not go wrong with whoever he chooses to start at the Scotiabank Saddledome (9:30 p.m. ET).
Backstrom got off to a strong start in his first 14 games this season, going 8-4-2 with a 1.91 goals-against average. In his three consecutive defeats since, he has a 6.54 GAA and gave up a career-worst seven goals at Colorado on Saturday.
He allowed four of those in the second period of that 7-4 loss and was replaced by Theodore early in the third.
"[Backstrom] wasn't sharp, but the players in front didn't help him," Richards said. "I liked our first period, then the game gets away from us and we make a couple of mistakes — bad decisions with the puck.
"We gave up 20 shots in the second period. That's way too many opportunities."
While Backstrom has struggled mightily of late, Theodore is 3-1-0 with a 2.11 GAA in five appearances this month. He stopped 32 shots Friday night's in a 5-2 win over Nashville.
"We'll talk as a staff," said Richards, whose team has dropped three of four since a three-game win streak. "We'll talk to [goaltending coach] Bob Mason and figure out what's the best way to approach our game Monday night in Calgary."
Theodore also has a 2.15 GAA in his last five games against the Flames, but was pulled from a 5-3 loss for Washington on March 28 after giving up three goals in less than 11 minutes. Backstrom, meanwhile, is 5-1-0 with a 1.19 GAA in his last seven starts versus Calgary (9-12-2).
Backstrom stopped 33 shots in a 2-1 home win Nov. 5, the Wild's seventh in eight meetings with their Northwest Division rivals and third in a row.
Minnesota (11-9-2) is also seeking a fourth consecutive win at the Saddledome and will face a team that's scored five times in its last four games.
After recording their only win on a season-long trip the previous night, the Flames barely avoided a shutout Saturday at Pittsburgh, scoring with 6:57 left in a 4-1 loss.
"We didn't play well," Flames defenceman Mark Giordano told the team's website.
"We know we didn't play well. We know we have to get on a roll at some point and start piling up some wins."
While Backstrom has shined recently against Calgary, Flames starting goalie Miikka Kiprusoff has dropped seven straight to the Wild after winning 24 of his first 33 meetings.
Kiprusoff, though, has a 2.68 GAA during that skid and a 1.94 mark lifetime against Minnesota, his best versus any Western Conference opponent.
Martin Havlat, who has four goals and nine assists in his last eight games, has scored 12 times in 21 meetings with the Flames. Only his 13 goals against Nashville are more versus one opponent.
Havlat has five goals and seven assists in his last 10 matchups against Calgary.
After three straight woeful performances from goaltender Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild head coach Todd Richards could look to Jose Theodore on Monday night.
With the Calgary Flames' struggling to find the net, Richards might not go wrong with whoever he chooses to start at the Scotiabank Saddledome (9:30 p.m. ET).
Backstrom got off to a strong start in his first 14 games this season, going 8-4-2 with a 1.91 goals-against average. In his three consecutive defeats since, he has a 6.54 GAA and gave up a career-worst seven goals at Colorado on Saturday.
He allowed four of those in the second period of that 7-4 loss and was replaced by Theodore early in the third.
"[Backstrom] wasn't sharp, but the players in front didn't help him," Richards said. "I liked our first period, then the game gets away from us and we make a couple of mistakes — bad decisions with the puck.
"We gave up 20 shots in the second period. That's way too many opportunities."
While Backstrom has struggled mightily of late, Theodore is 3-1-0 with a 2.11 GAA in five appearances this month. He stopped 32 shots Friday night's in a 5-2 win over Nashville.
"We'll talk as a staff," said Richards, whose team has dropped three of four since a three-game win streak. "We'll talk to [goaltending coach] Bob Mason and figure out what's the best way to approach our game Monday night in Calgary."
Theodore also has a 2.15 GAA in his last five games against the Flames, but was pulled from a 5-3 loss for Washington on March 28 after giving up three goals in less than 11 minutes. Backstrom, meanwhile, is 5-1-0 with a 1.19 GAA in his last seven starts versus Calgary (9-12-2).
Backstrom stopped 33 shots in a 2-1 home win Nov. 5, the Wild's seventh in eight meetings with their Northwest Division rivals and third in a row.
Minnesota (11-9-2) is also seeking a fourth consecutive win at the Saddledome and will face a team that's scored five times in its last four games.
After recording their only win on a season-long trip the previous night, the Flames barely avoided a shutout Saturday at Pittsburgh, scoring with 6:57 left in a 4-1 loss.
"We didn't play well," Flames defenceman Mark Giordano told the team's website.
"We know we didn't play well. We know we have to get on a roll at some point and start piling up some wins."
While Backstrom has shined recently against Calgary, Flames starting goalie Miikka Kiprusoff has dropped seven straight to the Wild after winning 24 of his first 33 meetings.
Kiprusoff, though, has a 2.68 GAA during that skid and a 1.94 mark lifetime against Minnesota, his best versus any Western Conference opponent.
Martin Havlat, who has four goals and nine assists in his last eight games, has scored 12 times in 21 meetings with the Flames. Only his 13 goals against Nashville are more versus one opponent.
Havlat has five goals and seven assists in his last 10 matchups against Calgary.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Call for Reader Submissions
Since my time as a gatherer of Theo information and blogger, I've run across a great group of Theo fans out there. Numerous fans have contacted me through this site to let me know how much they appreciate the site and José himself. I thought it might be neat to share some of those stories with the rest of the readership. But I certainly would not do that without permission. So this is a call out to all José fans out there...do you have a story about a time(s) you met the man himself? Or times that you saw him play or in the airport or on the bus? Or are you like me and have never been in his actual presence, but are still a big fan and would like to share why? Then let me know about it, and I'll make an entry for each of you.
I will only share what is sent to me from this point forward. I won't share anything that's been shared previously, because I want people to let me know for sure how much or how little you'd like to share. Please e-mail me (willow1171@gmail.com) with your stories and any photos you'd like to share. Please keep it PG (I will edit anything I think might not be appropriate and will let you know how I have edited, and if it's still ok with you before I post.)
Also let me know how you'd like to be referenced (first name, nickname, username, initials, "girl from Texas", etc.)
If no one would like to share on such a public forum, that's more than fine. I totally understand. I just wanted to make that offer, because there are some really neat stories out there, and I think it would be nice for others to know how gracious and kind José is to his fans. But again, totally up to you.
If you don't want your stories shared but would still like to share them with only me, I'd love that also. I just love to hear from other Theo fans. It really makes my day. He is such a wonderful guy and goalie it's nice to hear when others realize it as well.
Ok, I think that's it...here's a different photo I found of our favorite goalie last night. It had been mistagged on the site I found it on, so it didn't show up all the other times I searched. I only found it with a misspelling. Anyway this is his official headshot from the 2004 Canadian World Cup team. Oh, the luxurious locks...
I will only share what is sent to me from this point forward. I won't share anything that's been shared previously, because I want people to let me know for sure how much or how little you'd like to share. Please e-mail me (willow1171@gmail.com) with your stories and any photos you'd like to share. Please keep it PG (I will edit anything I think might not be appropriate and will let you know how I have edited, and if it's still ok with you before I post.)
Also let me know how you'd like to be referenced (first name, nickname, username, initials, "girl from Texas", etc.)
If no one would like to share on such a public forum, that's more than fine. I totally understand. I just wanted to make that offer, because there are some really neat stories out there, and I think it would be nice for others to know how gracious and kind José is to his fans. But again, totally up to you.
If you don't want your stories shared but would still like to share them with only me, I'd love that also. I just love to hear from other Theo fans. It really makes my day. He is such a wonderful guy and goalie it's nice to hear when others realize it as well.
Ok, I think that's it...here's a different photo I found of our favorite goalie last night. It had been mistagged on the site I found it on, so it didn't show up all the other times I searched. I only found it with a misspelling. Anyway this is his official headshot from the 2004 Canadian World Cup team. Oh, the luxurious locks...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Theo Brought Into Colorado Game during 3rd Period
The game did not go well for Backstrom (I'm not blaming him at all.) Richards finally brought José in not far into the 3rd period, score at the time 7-3. The Avs fans booed José, of course. They are a bunch of classy folks out there.
Theo played 13:11 minutes. He only faced 2 shots and stopped them both.
His record is still 3-2, SV% is .922, GAA 2.66.
Here was a shot from warm-ups where he's laughing it up with Budaj. This is nice to see.
Theo played 13:11 minutes. He only faced 2 shots and stopped them both.
His record is still 3-2, SV% is .922, GAA 2.66.
Here was a shot from warm-ups where he's laughing it up with Budaj. This is nice to see.
Video from the End of the 2009-10 Season
Since today isn't a gameday for Theo, I thought I'd post this old video that I happened upon. Not sure how I'd missed it before. It was really bittersweet, because it's always nice to see a José interview, because he handles himself so well and answers questions intelligently and with class. But this particular video brought back feelings of sadness and anger that I felt after he wasn't resigned by the Capitals. And this video occurred before that was official, and you can tell by what he says that he really wanted to stay in Washington. That's kind of hard to hear and makes me feel bad for him all over again. Then you add in them asking about the Masterton at the end...ouch.
But, if nothing else you can mute the video and just watch him. This is actually my favorite look of his (for today anyway ;o) I love the length of his hair, and the full facial hair. And the baseball cap look always works for me. I do appreciate Scruffy Theo. ;o)
So you have been warned about the possible sadness of this video, and here you go:
But, if nothing else you can mute the video and just watch him. This is actually my favorite look of his (for today anyway ;o) I love the length of his hair, and the full facial hair. And the baseball cap look always works for me. I do appreciate Scruffy Theo. ;o)
So you have been warned about the possible sadness of this video, and here you go:
11/26/10 Post-Game Interview on Fox Sports North
José also gave an interview to Fox Sports North after the win against Nashville.
http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/video?PID=hHdibmWgdM4cCRqMyqiLtNQStAMNYnEJ
For those looking for his post-game interview from the win over the Kings on 12/11/10 go here.
http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/video?PID=hHdibmWgdM4cCRqMyqiLtNQStAMNYnEJ
For those looking for his post-game interview from the win over the Kings on 12/11/10 go here.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Another Theodore Victory Makes a Case For More Chances
The full article by Kent Youngblood of the Minneapolis-St. Paul StarTribune is here.
It's against copyright for me to post text from Star Tribune articles, so you can view the article by clicking the link.
It's against copyright for me to post text from Star Tribune articles, so you can view the article by clicking the link.
Backstrom, not Theo, Will Start Against the Avs on Saturday
From Mike Russo's twitter:
Niklas Backstrom starts Saturday in Denver: Backstrom is 14-3-2 with a 2.10 GAA, a .928 SV% and two shutouts in 19 starts against Colorado
Those are some pretty good stats, so I can see why they are starting him.
Here are José's game stats for his 5 games this season so far:
GA SA SV SV%
Nov 26 '10 NSH @ MIN W 2 34 32 .941
Nov 19 '10 MIN @ DET W 3 44 41 .932
Nov 12 '10 MIN @ FLA L 2 27 25 .926
Nov 06 '10 MIN @ CBJ W 2 37 35 .946
Oct 22 '10 MIN @ VAN L 5 35 30 .857
So his record is 3-2, 14 GA, 177 SA, 163 SV, .921 SV%, 2.77 GAA, 0 SO, and 303 minutes played.
Niklas Backstrom starts Saturday in Denver: Backstrom is 14-3-2 with a 2.10 GAA, a .928 SV% and two shutouts in 19 starts against Colorado
Those are some pretty good stats, so I can see why they are starting him.
Here are José's game stats for his 5 games this season so far:
GA SA SV SV%
Nov 26 '10 NSH @ MIN W 2 34 32 .941
Nov 19 '10 MIN @ DET W 3 44 41 .932
Nov 12 '10 MIN @ FLA L 2 27 25 .926
Nov 06 '10 MIN @ CBJ W 2 37 35 .946
Oct 22 '10 MIN @ VAN L 5 35 30 .857
So his record is 3-2, 14 GA, 177 SA, 163 SV, .921 SV%, 2.77 GAA, 0 SO, and 303 minutes played.
11/26/10 Post Game Video of José Theodore
Since Theo finally got to play a home game, and it was a WIN, we are rewarded with a post-game interview...here's hoping the porn 'stache will be gone after Movember. ;o) I tease...great shots of some of his tattoos for those that are interested. ;o)
For those looking for the post-game interview after the 12/11/10 win over the Kings, go here.
For those looking for the post-game interview after the 12/11/10 win over the Kings, go here.
Wild Use Rare Burst of Goals to Down Predators
from Fox23news.com (http://www.fox23news.com/sports/story/Wild-use-rare-burst-of-goals-to-down-Predators/E_x0fDbwYk6b6nk2UcLQlA.cspx?rss=44)
Marek Zidlicky had a goal and two assists while Andrew Brunette and Nick Schultz each lit the lamp for the Wild, who had dropped their past two games. Jose Theodore stopped 32 shots in the win.
"When you take a 3-0 lead in the first period it takes a lot of pressure off of you as a goalie," said Theodore. "It helps you to relax back there and allows you to focus on what you have to do to keep them from coming back in the game."
Martin Erat and Steve Sullivan each had a power-play goal for the Predators, who have dropped their past three. Pekka Rinne started in net, but was pulled after the first period as he gave up three goals on nine shots. Anders Lindback stopped 12-of-14 shots the rest of the way.
"We had a few chances early on, but they didn't go in and they just got on a roll there," said Sullivan. "They got the one, then another one and kept coming at us. When you go down that deep on the road you're not going to win."
The Wild scored three times over a 5:50 span in the first period to take command of the game.
The first goal came at the 12:22 mark of the first period as Zidlicky skated from the right corner to the side and attempted a pass that went off the side of the net. He grabbed the loose puck, though, and shot it past Rinne for his third goal of the year.
About 3 1/2 minutes later, Minnesota took a 2-0 lead when Brunette's second crack at the rebound in front sailed over a prone Rinne for his fourth goal of the season.
It was a 3-0 game with 1:48 left in the first as Havlat made a power move to the front of the net from the right wing and slid a forehand shot past Rinne.
Lindback came on in the second in relief of Rinne, but Minnesota got to him just 48 seconds in as Havlat blasted a big shot from the slot during the rush and the rebound kicked out to the left side where Schultz wristed home the rebound.
Sullivan scored on the man advantage just 3:55 into the third to get Nashville on the board, but Havlat netted his second of the game with 5:58 to play.
Erat scored inside the final minute of the game to account for the final score.
Game Notes
Minnesota, which improved to 7-5-1 at home, plays in Colorado on Saturday.
Martin Havlat scored twice and added an assist as the Minnesota Wild took a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center.
Marek Zidlicky had a goal and two assists while Andrew Brunette and Nick Schultz each lit the lamp for the Wild, who had dropped their past two games. Jose Theodore stopped 32 shots in the win.
"When you take a 3-0 lead in the first period it takes a lot of pressure off of you as a goalie," said Theodore. "It helps you to relax back there and allows you to focus on what you have to do to keep them from coming back in the game."
Martin Erat and Steve Sullivan each had a power-play goal for the Predators, who have dropped their past three. Pekka Rinne started in net, but was pulled after the first period as he gave up three goals on nine shots. Anders Lindback stopped 12-of-14 shots the rest of the way.
"We had a few chances early on, but they didn't go in and they just got on a roll there," said Sullivan. "They got the one, then another one and kept coming at us. When you go down that deep on the road you're not going to win."
The Wild scored three times over a 5:50 span in the first period to take command of the game.
The first goal came at the 12:22 mark of the first period as Zidlicky skated from the right corner to the side and attempted a pass that went off the side of the net. He grabbed the loose puck, though, and shot it past Rinne for his third goal of the year.
About 3 1/2 minutes later, Minnesota took a 2-0 lead when Brunette's second crack at the rebound in front sailed over a prone Rinne for his fourth goal of the season.
It was a 3-0 game with 1:48 left in the first as Havlat made a power move to the front of the net from the right wing and slid a forehand shot past Rinne.
Lindback came on in the second in relief of Rinne, but Minnesota got to him just 48 seconds in as Havlat blasted a big shot from the slot during the rush and the rebound kicked out to the left side where Schultz wristed home the rebound.
Sullivan scored on the man advantage just 3:55 into the third to get Nashville on the board, but Havlat netted his second of the game with 5:58 to play.
Erat scored inside the final minute of the game to account for the final score.
Game Notes
Minnesota, which improved to 7-5-1 at home, plays in Colorado on Saturday.
José Gets a Win in His First Home Start (Wild 5, Predators 2)
The Wild took a commanding lead early and didn't let it slip away this time around! It was nice to see. Theo saved 32 of 34 shots on goal. The 2nd goal came with less than 10 seconds to go in the game. Grrr!
Here's the box score from nhl.com.
Now they must be having the Movember World Record event, but I can't get FSN, so I can't see it. I'm sure there will be video and photos later.
This is the only photo of José from today so far...from warm-ups. I'm sure there will be more later.
Here's the box score from nhl.com.
Now they must be having the Movember World Record event, but I can't get FSN, so I can't see it. I'm sure there will be video and photos later.
This is the only photo of José from today so far...from warm-ups. I'm sure there will be more later.
Gameday, Wild vs. Predators, 1:00 CST, José Gets His First Home Start
I'm so glad that I have today off work so I can watch this afternoon game. I have high hopes that the team will make a better showing than they have the past two games (On Wednesday they lost to the Flyers 6-1 and last Saturday they lost to the Rangers 5-2. Backstrom was in goal for both of those beauties. Poor guy.)
From Mike Russo: -- Goalie Jose Theodore is expected to start his first game at Xcel Energy Center. His last action at the arena came Nov. 24, 2008, when he allowed four goals on 33 shots in a 4-3 loss for the Washington Capitals. In his career, including playoffs, Theodore is 2-3-1 all-time at Xcel Energy Center with a 2.58 GAA and .912 SV%.
The Wild is looking to break a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with mustaches at Friday’s game.
I hope to have photos of this sometime soon. Hopefully there will be happy faces after a Wild win!!
Go Theo!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Theo Will Get His First Home Start on Friday, Nov. 26
The Wild play Philly tonight, Backstrom in goal.
From Russo's Rants:
"With so many games in the next little while, the Wild will be doing a lot of things to manage the bodies and get rest. Thursday (Thanksgiving) the Wild will practice because of Friday's 1 p.m. game. Jose Theodore is scheduled to make his first home start vs. the Predators."
Awesomesauce! And I'm off work that day and hopefully will be able to enjoy the game on my NHL GameCenter Live. Go Theo!!!
From Russo's Rants:
"With so many games in the next little while, the Wild will be doing a lot of things to manage the bodies and get rest. Thursday (Thanksgiving) the Wild will practice because of Friday's 1 p.m. game. Jose Theodore is scheduled to make his first home start vs. the Predators."
Awesomesauce! And I'm off work that day and hopefully will be able to enjoy the game on my NHL GameCenter Live. Go Theo!!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wild's next game is Wednesday, José probably won't start
I assumed that José would not start the Wild's game against Philadelphia Wednesday night. I tweeted Mike Russo and asked if there had been any word at practice today. I said I assumed it would be Backstrom...
He replied, "Didn't even ask bc I'd think same thing."
Then they will play Friday at home against Nashville, and Saturday at Colorado. So I assume he'll start one of those. It would be nice if he could start Saturday in Colorado and kick their butts and shut all the hating Avs fans up. They are a hateful nasty bunch. :(
He replied, "Didn't even ask bc I'd think same thing."
Then they will play Friday at home against Nashville, and Saturday at Colorado. So I assume he'll start one of those. It would be nice if he could start Saturday in Colorado and kick their butts and shut all the hating Avs fans up. They are a hateful nasty bunch. :(
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I'm so frustrated! (Edit: not so frustrated now)
José had a great game last night, from what I saw. But I didn't get to see that much. I was babysitting for my nephews, and they require a lot of attention. I only got to watch the game on NHL GameCenter Live here and there. But it was playing fine during the game. But after I got home and tried to watch the replay of the game, it wouldn't load. Every other game from last night would load fine, but not the Wild/Red Wings game. I tried quite a few times last night, and now more again today. I have sent a message to support to see if they have any ideas what the problem might be. I'm so aggravated!! José doesn't get to play very much, I want to be able to see the ones he does play in. I can watch highlights, but not the game.
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Edit: I sent a message to NHL GameCenter Live support, and within an hour I had a response thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and not long after it was fixed. So I've started watching the replay and will finish tomorrow. Yay!! So if you ever have an issue like that, just send support a message and hopefully it will be resolved.
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Then added on top of that, Fox Sports North didn't broadcast the game last night. That means they didn't interview anyone after the game. This probably would've been a game that José would've been interviewed after, since he did so well. So that's annoying. I'm not sure why FSN isn't covering some of the games. They seemed to cover all the previous games. I'll have to look into that. The only feed that was offered on NHL GameCenter last night was from the Detroit station.
I guess I'm just frustrated, because he plays so little, that I wait for those game days and nights for José stuff, and it didn't seem like there was much last night.
This was a quote from the Wild radio guy: "Jose Theodore, again, I don’t care what the assembled media there in Detroit say, Jose Theodore deserves one of the stars of tonight’s game, 41 saves total, as he moves to 2-2 on the season.”
From an article on Fox Sports North's website:
"With the Wild playing Saturday, Jose Theodore drew the front end of the back-to-back, but facing the Red Wings is rarely an easy task. Theodore again played very well. On most shots, he was square to the play, and he managed to stifle rebounds when they would have been dangerous.
The free agent signing made 41 saves on 44 shots, and kept the Red Wings off the board for 19:26 of a second period in which the Wild were outshot 18-3 and faced a 5-on-3.
"We've had good periods, [we've had] bad periods," Madden said on FOX Sports North's postgame coverage. "When we've had bad periods, both our goalies have been unbelievable for us this year, so we've been able to hang in there and claw our way through games."
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Edit: I sent a message to NHL GameCenter Live support, and within an hour I had a response thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and not long after it was fixed. So I've started watching the replay and will finish tomorrow. Yay!! So if you ever have an issue like that, just send support a message and hopefully it will be resolved.
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Then added on top of that, Fox Sports North didn't broadcast the game last night. That means they didn't interview anyone after the game. This probably would've been a game that José would've been interviewed after, since he did so well. So that's annoying. I'm not sure why FSN isn't covering some of the games. They seemed to cover all the previous games. I'll have to look into that. The only feed that was offered on NHL GameCenter last night was from the Detroit station.
I guess I'm just frustrated, because he plays so little, that I wait for those game days and nights for José stuff, and it didn't seem like there was much last night.
This was a quote from the Wild radio guy: "Jose Theodore, again, I don’t care what the assembled media there in Detroit say, Jose Theodore deserves one of the stars of tonight’s game, 41 saves total, as he moves to 2-2 on the season.”
From an article on Fox Sports North's website:
"With the Wild playing Saturday, Jose Theodore drew the front end of the back-to-back, but facing the Red Wings is rarely an easy task. Theodore again played very well. On most shots, he was square to the play, and he managed to stifle rebounds when they would have been dangerous.
The free agent signing made 41 saves on 44 shots, and kept the Red Wings off the board for 19:26 of a second period in which the Wild were outshot 18-3 and faced a 5-on-3.
"We've had good periods, [we've had] bad periods," Madden said on FOX Sports North's postgame coverage. "When we've had bad periods, both our goalies have been unbelievable for us this year, so we've been able to hang in there and claw our way through games."
Friday, November 19, 2010
José Theodore was tremendous...
From Russo's Rants:
"...the Wild committed highway robbery, winning its second straight overtime game and sixth game in eight when John Madden scored with 42 seconds left in OT.
Yes, the Wild played a solid first period, and yes it built a 2-0 lead, but then turnovers and penalties and turnovers, and suddenly the Wild is once again pinned in its own zone for an eternity.
The Wild was great on the penalty kill in the second, and Jose Theodore was tremendous (what a 1-2 goaltending punch the Wild employs), but they couldn't escape when Darren Helm scored in the final minute of the second. That cut the Detroit deficit to 2-1 in a period they outshot the Wild 18-3.
"...the Wild committed highway robbery, winning its second straight overtime game and sixth game in eight when John Madden scored with 42 seconds left in OT.
Yes, the Wild played a solid first period, and yes it built a 2-0 lead, but then turnovers and penalties and turnovers, and suddenly the Wild is once again pinned in its own zone for an eternity.
The Wild was great on the penalty kill in the second, and Jose Theodore was tremendous (what a 1-2 goaltending punch the Wild employs), but they couldn't escape when Darren Helm scored in the final minute of the second. That cut the Detroit deficit to 2-1 in a period they outshot the Wild 18-3.
Uh-oh. And yes, Detroit had a 3-2 lead by 4:55 into the third. But they didn't break, and Mikko Koivu, who for the second game in a row didn't bury a shorthanded chance earlier in the game only to find it in the back of his net seconds later, scored the tying goal with 1:23 left. It came after Nick Schultz, who was terrific playing mentor for young Marco Scandella all night, turned into an offensive defenseman, drove down the right wing and backhanded basically a perfect pass from the wall because Jimmy Howard served the rebound right to Koivu in the slot.
In overtime, Marek Zidlicky held onto the puck forever down low, stopping and starting and stopping and starting, and finally he threw the puck at the crease. Martin Havlat's deflected shot jumped right to Madden's stick for his second career OT winner."
José's quote from the nhl.com game recap: "It's a tough place to play and a tough place to win," Theodore said. "Our guys showed character by just coming back."
José and the Wild beat the Red Wings!!!
I'm babysitting my nephews, so I can't blog much now. But José got the win for the Wild against Detroit. He stopped 41 of 44 shots!!! He was awesome from the bit I saw, but I'll be watching it again when I get home. They won 4-3 in OT!!! Way to go, Theo!!!!!!!!!!! So well deserved!!!
Gameday, Wild vs. Red Wings, José in Goal
Here's hoping the Wild and José have a great game tonight against the Red Wings. It's going to be a tough one for sure.
From Russo's Rants:
"Jose Theodore starts in goal tonight, Nik Backstrom starts in goal vs. red-hot Derek Boogaard and the Rangers tomorrow. Theodore had us fooled this morning. Normally starting goalies take shots from the defensemen at the end of skates, but Theodore switched sides and took shots from the forwards.
I'll ask him about it next week. He doesn't talk on game mornings."
From Russo's Rants:
"Jose Theodore starts in goal tonight, Nik Backstrom starts in goal vs. red-hot Derek Boogaard and the Rangers tomorrow. Theodore had us fooled this morning. Normally starting goalies take shots from the defensemen at the end of skates, but Theodore switched sides and took shots from the forwards.
I'll ask him about it next week. He doesn't talk on game mornings."
Thursday, November 18, 2010
José will Start on Friday against Detroit
That's right, against Detroit. Ouch. Detroit is 12-3-1 this year. 8-1-1 at home. Oh my goodness.
José hasn't gotten a start at home yet. Backstrom is slated to start at home Saturday against the Rangers. So the awesomeness that would've been Theo vs. Hank won't happen. :(
Russostrib Michael Russo
Jose Theodore starts for #mnwild tomorrow vs. #redwings. Niklas Backstrom Saturday vs. #nyrangers
José hasn't gotten a start at home yet. Backstrom is slated to start at home Saturday against the Rangers. So the awesomeness that would've been Theo vs. Hank won't happen. :(
Russostrib Michael Russo
Jose Theodore starts for #mnwild tomorrow vs. #redwings. Niklas Backstrom Saturday vs. #nyrangers
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Backstrom in Goal Tonight
From Russo's Rants:
"As for the rest of the lineup, no changes. Niklas Backstrom in goal."
"Richards said Jose Theodore will start one of the next two games. I'd think Theodore actually starts in Detroit and Backstrom against the Rangers. Theodore has yet to play at home."
This is what I figured. They play back-to-back games this Friday and Saturday, so I thought he'd probably start one of them. If he played in the game against the Rangers...Theo vs. Hank? I think the ice would melt from all the hotness out there. Ahahahaha!! ;o) It's funny...cause it's true.
"As for the rest of the lineup, no changes. Niklas Backstrom in goal."
"Richards said Jose Theodore will start one of the next two games. I'd think Theodore actually starts in Detroit and Backstrom against the Rangers. Theodore has yet to play at home."
This is what I figured. They play back-to-back games this Friday and Saturday, so I thought he'd probably start one of them. If he played in the game against the Rangers...Theo vs. Hank? I think the ice would melt from all the hotness out there. Ahahahaha!! ;o) It's funny...cause it's true.
vs.
Wow...now that's hot! ;o)
Then next weekend they have back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday also. So I figure he'll get another start that weekend. Will it be against his old team, the Avs? Blech.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
3rd Week of Movember
José's 3rd week of Movember photo. He loves his hoodies. I've seen lots of photos through the years of him with hoodies. It's a cute look for him.
José's NHL Headshots Through the Years
A couple weeks ago I located most of José's NHL headshots from through the years. I've been debating whether to make a post of them or not. But I decided other people might like to see them, good photos or not. ;o)
Now if you've ever seen the NHL headshots, they are not the most flattering photos. They are pretty crappy most of the time. I think they must take them after practices when they guy's hair is all messed up, etc. Anyway, they aren't meant to be glamour shots, so they are what they are. And even if they aren't the most flattering shots, I think it's still interesting to see the way he's changed through the years...especially his hair.
This first one is actually not an NHL one. It's from 1996 when he played for the Canadian World Junior team. 1996 was when he began his professional career though, mostly playing for the Canadiens' AHL team in Fredericton.
Now if you've ever seen the NHL headshots, they are not the most flattering photos. They are pretty crappy most of the time. I think they must take them after practices when they guy's hair is all messed up, etc. Anyway, they aren't meant to be glamour shots, so they are what they are. And even if they aren't the most flattering shots, I think it's still interesting to see the way he's changed through the years...especially his hair.
This first one is actually not an NHL one. It's from 1996 when he played for the Canadian World Junior team. 1996 was when he began his professional career though, mostly playing for the Canadiens' AHL team in Fredericton.
Then I didn't find one again until 2001.
2002
2003
2004-Lockout season, so there wasn't an NHL photo. This was from when he played on the Canadian World Cup team that year.
2005
2005 (After he was traded to Colorado. It looks like the same photo with the Avs jersey superimposed over the Canadiens one.)
2006 (I have to say this is my favorite. I like his longer hair, but this style is just adorable!)
2007
2008
2009
2010
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