GDT: 10/5/13 - Anaheim @ Minnesota - FSN/PRIME - 7:00 PM CDT

[Puhis]

I completely disagree. If he was a serviceable top 4 dman we wouldn't need to have Suter play over 30 minutes a game.

He hasn't had a decent partner since Ryan Suter, and that lasted some 5 games without a training camp or any previous experience of playing together.

And just because he has played top 4 minutes for us in the past doesn't make him a serviceable top 4 dman. I mean a horrible Gilbert and Stoner had more regular strength points then Spurgeon last season all while averaging more then 2 minutes a game less.

Yeah, Gilbert had 43GP and Stoner 48. Spurgeon had 39. But I guess mentioning that would've hurt your already crappy and weak argument, right?

It's no coincidence he was on for 3 of the 4 goals against us today and 2 of our 4 penalties taken. Whoever is on the ice has to try cover for his lack of size and physicality. He is not an elite puck mover and his offensive game is vastly overrated.

Did you watch the game? How about the one VS LA in Thursday? The national commentators and experts were RAVING about Spurgeon's ability to play D despite his size. He ****ing checked ANZE KOPITAR off the puck, and he is not a small man. He makes crisp passes. The difference between Spurgeon and Scandella is that Scandella can make a good two-line pass out of the zone. Spurgeon will.[/quote]

Take the first goal for instance. The Ducks dump the puck in on Spurgeon's side, however Scandella is the one who has to go try retrieve the puck from the corner but because he has to cover more distance (then Spurgeon would have) and Spurgeon let's the Duck forward go past him uninhibited, Scadella is beat to the puck.The Ducks begin to cycle the puck and Scandella is left to try chase the Duck forwards. The Ducks take control of the puck behind the net and pass the puck out to the point. Scandella has to rush out of the corner to try clear the front of the net, however as he is trying to do such it provides a screen and the puck goes past Backstrom. At first glance it looks like Scandella was blame for the goal, but when you look at it closer you see that Scandella is pretty much having to do the job of two defensemen. When you put any sub-par dman in that position they are bound to fail.

No, Scandella did the job of two defensemen because he was anxious to prove himself and didn't have his head in the game. He didn't play his position, he overplayed in our zone and left constant openings which lead to goals against. The reason Spurgeon looked out of place at times was because Scandella was playing his (RD) position, despite the fact that Spurgeon never left there.

Playing good D is largely dependent on your partner. If Scandella had just played his own position and played like he did at the end of the 2nd and most of the 3rd (where they looked decent to good), we would've won the game and this conversation wouldn't have happened.

I mean Spurgeon is the lightest defenseman in the entire NHL and is the second shortest. To be that small you have to have to have an elite or near elite skillset to play top 4 minutes (ex. Karlsson, Enstrom, Campbell, etc.). Unfortunately he does not and is not good enough offensively to be a pp specialist. Really don't see how he has an NHL job let alone one where he plays top 4 minutes. It really speaks to how pathetic our defensive depth is. The fact that we signed him to a 3-year one way contract makes that much worse.

Well, someone has to be the lightest. I don't see how that's an issue. Yes, you need some bulk, but he is strong and uses his size well, as witnessed by every single person who knows something about hockey and has seen him play.

His skill set is unusual for an offensive D-man, because he doesn't have a lightning shot that leaves vapor trails, he isn't a Bure-like skater nor does he dangle like Datsyuk. But he has a good shot, he's a good skater (would be great if not for his size) and very underrated hands. With that said, his hockey IQ is excellent. That's why he struggles when his partner is not on his game, because not only is he positioning himself very well, he is also counting on his buddy to do the same. And if Scandella spends most of the time running around and "covering for Spurg" when there's nothing to cover, of course we're going to be in trouble.

As stated previously, and mentioned a lot of times in the national broadcast yesterday, Spurgeon is a very smart player. Not only does he have good tools offensively, he is also gifted defensively. Just saying that "well he's small" doesn't cut it, you really have to prove me that he is "bad" or a "fringe NHLer" before I even take you seriously. I mean, there's a reason that we signed him to an extension. There's a reason why experts love his play, and there's a reason why most of the people who read your post think that you're, well, a bit of an idiot to be honest, trying to prove a point that isn't there.

 

[BigT2002]

I'd rather have Stoner out there than Scandella. Spurgie is right behind that as well.

 

[BigT2002]

Did great on the back check, pushing the puck to one side of the rink and blocking out passes. Pulled 2 people almost to the blue line to open up multiple low down shots. Hit the cross bar on a close shot.

Guess I just don't agree.

edit: also some great feeds.

He also fell on his ass when taking a shot in OT.

Sorry, from my vantage point he did not make great feeds either. And I honestly think Heater would tell all of us he had a crappy game after his performance. He deserves to be on the 4th line right now because he completely killed the 2nd line.

 

[Minnesota]

I think we should prepare for something ridiculous like:

Parise - Koivu - Pominville
Nino - Granlund - Heatley
Cooke - Brodziak - Mitchell
Prosser - Konopka - Fontaine

Suter - Brodin
Stoner - Spurgeon
Dumba - Ballard
Scandella

Yeo being Yeo

Scandella might be a decent forward. He's got a good shot, anyways.

 

[00xtremeninja]

They gotta try to do something with Heater......just not impressed with his play as of late.

Although we have dropped 2 in OT, I am not as frustrated as I would normally be. I like what I see from a lot of our lines and they are playing some nice up tempo hockey and attacking. The goals will come if they keep playing like that.

 

[TZM]

They gotta try to do something with Heater......just not impressed with his play as of late.

Although we have dropped 2 in OT, I am not as frustrated as I would normally be. I like what I see from a lot of our lines and they are playing some nice up tempo hockey and attacking. The goals will come if they keep playing like that.

Yeah. Although the latest game wasn't nearly as good as the first one, it still had all the ingredients for a win. I bet they'll be better prepared for Jets and we'll see a stronger first half.

E: Honestly... Heatley looks like he doesn't care. I'm sure that's not the case but to my eyes it looks like lack of effort.

 

[rynryn]

i'm a heater apologist, but i really can't say anything good about him after this one. powerplay specialist. i guess. he is too slow for the rest of the crew, and i think he knows it. even so he's still "dangerous" in the right situation.

scandella. okay, i didn't like his game in the opener. i think i may have been the only one because of all the "strong game" "played physical" quotes i've read. the guy looks like he looked in preseason: mostly lost, thinking a half second behind everyone else. Don't know how he made it in over Stoner (who I'm not all that fond of either, but at least plays smarter).

Brodin wasn't as icy cold as he has been.

other than that and Coyle disappearing I have no issue with the game. First line was noticeably great, Ballard looked awesome, Suter was Suter. Our fourth line was really really good at keeping the puck. overall I really like the way we're playing.

 

[urho]

i'm a heater apologist, but i really can't say anything good about him after this one. powerplay specialist. i guess. he is too slow for the rest of the crew, and i think he knows it. even so he's still "dangerous" in the right situation.

I've been shocked of how slow he looks out there Wasn't he supposed to be in better shape now?

 

[rynryn]

I've been shocked of how slow he looks out there Wasn't he supposed to be in better shape now?

Lost weight isn't always a good thing. He's weaker than he was last year. Skinnier doesn't equate to better shape. He doesn't look like he is planning on signing another contract with anyone.

 

[jedisports]

We basically have one win and one loss.

That's honestly how I look at it. Loser points suck but they ARE getting points in this league and that's how you get into the playoffs... getting points even if it's 1 sometimes. I like some of the things I've seen the past two games such as actually dominating play both games. We don't look outmatched anymore. That, in itself, is refreshing. We have to improve on stuff, though.

 

[00xtremeninja]

Heatly and fast have never gone together

 

[rynryn]

That's honestly how I look at it. Loser points suck but they ARE getting points in this league and that's how you get into the playoffs... getting points even if it's 1 sometimes. I like some of the things I've seen the past two games such as actually dominating play both games. We don't look outmatched anymore. That, in itself, is refreshing. We have to improve on stuff, though.

Yeah I came away from both feeling better than I did after some questionable wins last year. I really like the way the team is playing.

 

[bear1]

Brodin looked human last night not very good at all. The rest of the d were not very good either how did Dumba look I didn't get to see a lot of the game

 

[BigT2002]

Brodin looked human last night not very good at all. The rest of the d were not very good either how did Dumba look I didn't get to see a lot of the game

You're slamming the defense yet you didn't watch most of the game and are asking how Dumba did?

Brodin looked off
Suter played amazing
Ballard played his ass off
Spurgeon was out for 3 goals against
Scandella was out for all 4

Dumba has a great shot and vision. But played a little jittery. Most likely bc it was his first game

 

[tomgilbertfan]

Fontaine and Mitchell worked well together last night, which konopka had more offensive flair/didn't fall down so much.

 

[Jarick]

I only watched the first two periods and start of the third.

I thought the team looked a lot better in terms of moving the puck. The top line did look better overall. Coyle wasn't looking great then got hurt. Nino's got potential but still needs a lot of work. Heatley just looks awful. Third line looked good but not as good as previous game. Fourth line actually had a fair amount of pressure in the offensive zone. Defense was a real mess. Top pairing looked okay. Scandella was brutal. Dumba looked okay but dunno if it was nerves or what, he made some mistakes with the puck. Ballard looked better IMO. PP looked better as well.

If Coyle is out, I'd like to see Granlund at #2 center with Nino and someone other than Heatley (Fontaine?). Put Mitchell on that third line RW. Call someone up for fourth line wing and put Heatley there. Or just scratch Heatley. He is terrible.

Obviously Scandella needs to sit. Put Stoner in his spot for now. Someone mentioned Scandella at forward, that would be interesting. He can skate and shoot the puck but he makes a lot of mistakes. Maybe with less responsibility. I dunno, the Burns conversion has me intrigued to see if it would work.

I thought Backstrom played well. His glove hand is much improved over last year. Russo said he was looking a little slow in terms of lateral movement. I noticed he was getting up slowly in preseason. Yeo can't ride him nearly as much as he has in the past.

 

[Beegoalie]

Heatley can look as awful as he wants..he's two posts away from nobody caring how awful he looks..so ridiculous how if those pucks go in and he's fine to everyone.

People...He isn't going to look good..he's slow and not great defensively..but as long as he scores goals I could care less and nor should anyone here. 25+ goals from him and he can play in a wheelchair and I'd be fine with that.

 

[Caior89]

Top line played o.k, Parise was hands down best Wild player, Koivu and Pommer looked fine but could be better.

Second line was awfull IMO, Coyle did have stretches were he was solid but some he was really confused, same for Nino, he need to read the plays better and work in his position. Heater, lots of turnovers and some stupid dangles... i dont know what is his problem but he doest
even turns his body down to skate, just basic... nice shoot out there in the PP but it wasn't a goal, so...

Third line looked o.k overall, with some gaffes like the third goal. Same for the fourth line.

Brodin was really off but Suter played great and covered some of his mistakes. Scandella and Spurgeon... just terrible. Ballard was awesome and Dumba was solid.

Backs was Backs, he played fine, a bit slow to recover but we need him to steal some goals for us with BIG saves.

 

[TZM]

Heatley can look as awful as he wants..he's two posts away from nobody caring how awful he looks..so ridiculous how if those pucks go in and he's fine to everyone.

People...He isn't going to look good..he's slow and not great defensively..but as long as he scores goals I could care less and nor should anyone here. 25+ goals from him and he can play in a wheelchair and I'd be fine with that.

There would be no problem if he truly was as efficent as you describe him. Truth is he's not.

 

[J22*]

He hasn't had a decent partner since Ryan Suter, and that lasted some 5 games without a training camp or any previous experience of playing together.



Yeah, Gilbert had 43GP and Stoner 48. Spurgeon had 39. But I guess mentioning that would've hurt your already crappy and weak argument, right?



Did you watch the game? How about the one VS LA in Thursday? The national commentators and experts were RAVING about Spurgeon's ability to play D despite his size. He ****ing checked ANZE KOPITAR off the puck, and he is not a small man. He makes crisp passes. The difference between Spurgeon and Scandella is that Scandella can make a good two-line pass out of the zone. Spurgeon will.

No, Scandella did the job of two defensemen because he was anxious to prove himself and didn't have his head in the game. He didn't play his position, he overplayed in our zone and left constant openings which lead to goals against. The reason Spurgeon looked out of place at times was because Scandella was playing his (RD) position, despite the fact that Spurgeon never left there.

Playing good D is largely dependent on your partner. If Scandella had just played his own position and played like he did at the end of the 2nd and most of the 3rd (where they looked decent to good), we would've won the game and this conversation wouldn't have happened.



Well, someone has to be the lightest. I don't see how that's an issue. Yes, you need some bulk, but he is strong and uses his size well, as witnessed by every single person who knows something about hockey and has seen him play.

His skill set is unusual for an offensive D-man, because he doesn't have a lightning shot that leaves vapor trails, he isn't a Bure-like skater nor does he dangle like Datsyuk. But he has a good shot, he's a good skater (would be great if not for his size) and very underrated hands. With that said, his hockey IQ is excellent. That's why he struggles when his partner is not on his game, because not only is he positioning himself very well, he is also counting on his buddy to do the same. And if Scandella spends most of the time running around and "covering for Spurg" when there's nothing to cover, of course we're going to be in trouble.

As stated previously, and mentioned a lot of times in the national broadcast yesterday, Spurgeon is a very smart player. Not only does he have good tools offensively, he is also gifted defensively. Just saying that "well he's small" doesn't cut it, you really have to prove me that he is "bad" or a "fringe NHLer" before I even take you seriously. I mean, there's a reason that we signed him to an extension. There's a reason why experts love his play, and there's a reason why most of the people who read your post think that you're, well, a bit of an idiot to be honest, trying to prove a point that isn't there.[/QUOTE]


So, you use the commentary of "national experts" as the strength of your argument, and then call someone else the Idiot? Your opinions of Spurgeon are generous at the least and IMO staight up delusional, but here's a quick question for you.


Please name the last Wild dman that looked better paired with Spurgeon, than he did when paired with anybody else.

 

[BigT2002]

Heatley can look as awful as he wants..he's two posts away from nobody caring how awful he looks..so ridiculous how if those pucks go in and he's fine to everyone.

People...He isn't going to look good..he's slow and not great defensively..but as long as he scores goals I could care less and nor should anyone here. 25+ goals from him and he can play in a wheelchair and I'd be fine with that.

When he starts scoring your argument will have some merit. Right now, he doesn't have anything to show for himself and he's slowing down the one line we desperately need to be scoring goals.

 

[TaLoN]

Heatley can look as awful as he wants..he's two posts away from nobody caring how awful he looks..so ridiculous how if those pucks go in and he's fine to everyone.

People...He isn't going to look good..he's slow and not great defensively..but as long as he scores goals I could care less and nor should anyone here. 25+ goals from him and he can play in a wheelchair and I'd be fine with that.

I could see that arguement if it was true...but right now I don't think he'll get 15 goals at this rate. He used to at least be able to make a pass to help create chances that would develop for himself on the forecheck. Now he is a forecheck killer. Hard for him to get goals if his line keeps turning the puck over before he can get the chance.

Last season he looked bad. This season so far, he looks much worse! It's obvious his career is all but done if this mess continues.

 

[Puhis]

So, you use the commentary of "national experts" as the strength of your argument, and then call someone else the Idiot? Your opinions of Spurgeon are generous at the least and IMO staight up delusional, but here's a quick question for you.


Please name the last Wild dman that looked better paired with Spurgeon, than he did when paired with anybody else.

Questions usually have something called a question mark after them. It looks like this: ?

And to be honest, you're making a really weak argument. You're blaming Spurgeon for Scandella's weak play, when the latter has shown to be very inconsistent and often overplaying his position.

To answer your question, Justin Falk.

 

[J22*]

Questions usually have something called a question mark after them. It looks like this: ?

And to be honest, you're making a really weak argument. You're blaming Spurgeon for Scandella's weak play, when the latter has shown to be very inconsistent and often overplaying his position.

To answer your question, Justin Falk.

Falk? yeah, no. Falk was actually better with Prosser which cant be good for your argument.

Please let me know if I made a any grammatical errors. It would be hard to sleep tonight if I knew I made another typo. Thanks for all the hard work.

 

[llamapalooza]

Scattered thoughts from the upper deck:

- Glad to see the Wild actually convert on 3 scoring opportunities. If they could consistently get into that 3-4 goal range, instead of always expecting the D to hold a 1-0 or 2-1 lead, that would be a colossal improvement.

- Top line looked great. Parise especially. I really thought he was gonna make it rain orange hats.

- If I were coaching I would be absolutely fuming, more than anything else, about everyone packing it in ten seconds too early. Getting beat on a good chance in OT is disappointing, but getting beat in OT because you just kind of stopped playing is absolutely bush league.

- Dumba looked a little lost out there. Granted it's hard to fault him too much when you compare him to some of his teammates last night, but he definitely isn't ready in the same way Brodin was. He looked young and raw...basically like you'd expect from a kid jumping straight from Juniors to Majors for the first time. I'm curious to see his next game (if he gets one) when the nerves and general shock factor should be less of factors. That said, I don't think this is his year, which is totally OK; he's only 19 and Brodin has seriously ****ed with our expectations for a D-man's development.

- Anaheim didn't look like a big bad team. We just had some huge lapses. I don't know why that seems to happen every time the Ducks come to town.

- Cooke-Brodziak-Granlund looked quite good out there. I like how that line actually picks up the puck on the forecheck and then doesn't look lost. It's the kind of talent you want to see on a checking line if you're going to be a deep team. It's the kind of depth that the Blackhawks used to walk over us last year.

- Defensive inconsistency was worse than usual. I don't know why Scandella can't get it together because he seems to have all the tools. But lots of guys struggled even if the scoresheet says it's all Scandella + Spurgeon's fault. Ballard was a bit off (probably from playing a bit more conservatively with Dumba out there) and I even saw some gaffes on Brodin, shockingly enough. This is just sort of what happens when half your defense can't buy booze . Especially with everything more in flux at the start of the season.

- Backs actually looked mostly good. Had a couple big saves on shots I really wouldn't have faulted him for giving up. First goal (Saku's deflection) was a little soft and it would've been nice to set the tone differently, but I still can't blame him on this one. And absolutely can't fault him for the OT goal, that's 100% on the D. Would still like to see Hards get a start soon, to protect Backstrom's health, to keep Harding sharp, and to create some competition.