GDT: 9/21/13 | Preseason | Jets @ Wild | 7PM CT

[Nsjohnson]

I was at the game tonight:

First, it was very, very apparent that it was the first game that the Vets had played/shared with the kiddos. Lots of mental errors, especially with the defense. Those things get sorted out.

The first line played, for the most part, superb. Their cycle game is A rated. Pommi has something no one else has on this team, not sure what to call it. Love the patience that each player has to develop a play- holding onto that puck an extra second (unless it's Koivu...shoot that mother) really does some amazing things.

Suter and Brodin were great, but not quite as steady- especially Suter. You could tell it was the first game back.

Scandella was a rollercoaster.

The kids (Nino/Granlund/Coyle/Haula) were solid- but Nino and Granlund made errors every other shift that comes from the lack of experience. I LOVED watching Nino battle for the puck along the boards and in front of the net. MiG as usual made some great plays happen, but also still is getting knocked around. He looks way more comfortable out their, though. Coyle, ...beast. Haula has a long ways to go but will make huge strides in the AHL this year. Solid player in the making.
Backes was solid. (Sadly, Pavelec was even better).

Ballard- this guy is really looking like a solid defender. Not sure what the Nucks were thinking.

In closing, I think Nino and Coyle can really play. Our first line looks to be beast mode and our second line is a few practices or games away from clicking for that goal. Inches.

EDIT: In good spirit, I am going to HATE these Jets by the end of the year. I swear a sixth of our barn were Jets fans. They out chanted us and everything, although that's not hard- we may sell out our games but we are not loud fans. Anyways...I couldn't believe it.

 

[Keeptdos]

Thanks for the highlist, what impressed me the most was Backstrom not letting easy goals in shootout.

 

[MK9]

Pommers will be our shootout specialist.

Ran into two NHL officials in the parking ramp. One nearly got his foot stuck in the elevator doors. Usually those the doors stop and open back up, but these ones were vicious.

Top line needs work, but it was their first game. Trying to decide what we'll see first...a different, strong PP, this so-called improved Heatley, or a unicorn.

Best line of the night overheard in the crowd..."At least it's not Skoula!"

I'm gonna learn to hate the Jets more than any other team in the NW. And if you think it was annoying having Hawks' fans at Wild games, you haven't seen anything yet. Props to those fans for showing passion as annoying as it was. We just sit back and take it.

They were annoying at the draft a few years ago. I tried to just chalk it up to 'Hey, we're excited and back in the NHL.'. That lasted about 5 minutes and then I just wanted them all to be clubbed like a seal harvest.

 

[THEALLKNOWING*]

I was at the game. Noticeable body changes are Coyle and Heatley. They seem leaner, but stronger. Also, Brodin has gotten bigger. Coyle was the best player for the Wild. While Backstrom still taking forever to get up once down, he appeared much quicker side-to-side, which is a good thing. Very good on the shootouts. With respect to the other youngsters, Granlund stood-out more consistently than the others (Haula, Nino, etc.). He is definitely faster and stronger on his skates. Didn't see much from his hands however. Defensively, no real stand-outs in a positive way, Stoner in a negative way. They better sign Pomenville soon because they way he plays, he may end-up posting better numbers than Parise this year. So calm out there, and he has great hands. First line could be interesting mix. Mikko intensity, Parise frenetic pace, and the cool Pomenville.

 

[THEALLKNOWING*]

BTW, the food prices at Xcel are ridiculous. Two pizzas, which together are essentially the equivalent of 3 slices, and two drinks, was $28! You can get a large pizza at Little C's, plus two drinks for what $10? A bottle of water was $5. One can get it out of a vending machine for $1.25-$1.50. For those prices, Parise better score 50 goals this year.

 

[bigplay41*]

They were annoying at the draft a few years ago. I tried to just chalk it up to 'Hey, we're excited and back in the NHL.'. That lasted about 5 minutes and then I just wanted them all to be clubbed like a seal harvest.

We'll take that as a compliment, but can we agree we're not as bad as Pack fans??? One thing most jets fans share in common with wild fans is we love the Vikings!

 

[Jarick]

Good to see the kids stepping up. I like that Coyle is doing well at center. It would be great for him to turn into a Backes type #2 center who can anchor a line. Gives us a lot more depth at the position. I like Granlund, but 5'9 is pretty undersized for a center. Sounds like he's doing a hell of a job though in his end. Really curious to see him and Nino play though.

More than anything, I'd like to see the Wild prove it and give us something to cheer for rather than worry about. Let's have some players step up, get the offense going, get the PP going, not have 20-30 minute lulls in the game or giving up 1-2 quick goals after we score, etc.

 

[DeuceMN]

BTW, the food prices at Xcel are ridiculous. Two pizzas, which together are essentially the equivalent of 3 slices, and two drinks, was $28! You can get a large pizza at Little C's, plus two drinks for what $10? A bottle of water was $5. One can get it out of a vending machine for $1.25-$1.50. For those prices, Parise better score 50 goals this year.

Better not go to some other barns then

Two drinks alone at some will run you $20. Let's not even talk about eating something...

 

[THEALLKNOWING*]

Good to see the kids stepping up. I like that Coyle is doing well at center. It would be great for him to turn into a Backes type #2 center who can anchor a line. Gives us a lot more depth at the position. I like Granlund, but 5'9 is pretty undersized for a center. Sounds like he's doing a hell of a job though in his end. Really curious to see him and Nino play though.

More than anything, I'd like to see the Wild prove it and give us something to cheer for rather than worry about. Let's have some players step up, get the offense going, get the PP going, not have 20-30 minute lulls in the game or giving up 1-2 quick goals after we score, etc.

Granlund doesn't appear as small, and frail as last year. He was really mixing it up defensively, went down to block a shot. FYI - during the anthem I checked out the starters in terms of size. From smallest to biggest in order: Pomenville, Parise, Suter, Brodin, and Mikko. The kid in the group has grown!

With respect to the 20-30 minute lull, pretty much summarizes the second period last night.

 

[THEALLKNOWING*]

Better not go to some other barns then

Two drinks alone at some will run you $20. Let's not even talk about eating something...

Mini-donuts now are $5. I believe when they first started serving them they were $3. Inflation has not gone-up 67% in the past 10 years! And neither has the Wild's winning percentage!

 

[Minnesota]

Brodin grew?

Take that, Dougie Hamilton!

 

[651*]

BTW, the food prices at Xcel are ridiculous. Two pizzas, which together are essentially the equivalent of 3 slices, and two drinks, was $28! You can get a large pizza at Little C's, plus two drinks for what $10? A bottle of water was $5. One can get it out of a vending machine for $1.25-$1.50. For those prices, Parise better score 50 goals this year.

I was never really upset by the prices there considering what some other arenas are pulling. And if you want to get some food at a Canadian arena, watch out. The cheapest ticket at a Vancouver game is in the $90s I just found out. I've heard a pop there will run you $10.00-$20.00 or something like that.

If you want really steep prices at the Wild games go to Club level and buy a mixed drink. $20.00 out your pocket there.

They SHOULD however pull a page out of Twins' strategy and every once in a while have a hot dog night or something for the regulars where you go there and can get 'em for $1.50 or something. But it won't happen.

 

[Minnesota]

It's nice when the Twins offer $5 student tickets on dollar dog day.

Parking costs more than everything you'll buy in the stadium.

 

[TheeNorthStar]

Long time no talk everyone!

Was at the game last night.. So much fun. More than you could ask for as the first game of the year to attend!

 

[THEALLKNOWING*]

For $9, I want something more than a piece of cardboard, with sauce and cheese on it! HA

 

[TheeNorthStar]

Also speaking of food..

I had THE LOON for the first time yesterday.. Man... Sooooooo Damn good. It was 10 bucks though

 

[651*]

It's nice when the Twins offer $5 student tickets on dollar dog day.

Parking costs more than everything you'll buy in the stadium.

Touche'.

For $9, I want something more than a piece of cardboard, with sauce and cheese on it! HA

I can agree with this. But when I went to the state tournament this year by far the best fries I've had in a LONG time, if not ever. The chicken strips were money too. But this is really simple stuff, which is not bad though. But trust me, get the fries next time, they were dollar bills.

Also speaking of food..

I had THE LOON for the first time yesterday.. Man... Sooooooo Damn good. It was 10 bucks though

What's the Loon?

 

[Jarick]

I always eat before games and try not to have more than a beer or two.

 

[Caior89]

Is it just me or did Slater cross-check Bäcks on that 2-2 goal? That should've been 2 for goaltender interference, NOT a goal. Yeah, it's only the pre-season, but wake the **** up refs.

Yep, he clearly cross-checks Backs. Lets hope this season the refs are a little more sharp cause last season was one of the most atrocious i ever watched, lots of mistakes.

 

[TheSauceBoss]

Mini-donuts now are $5. I believe when they first started serving them they were $3. Inflation has not gone-up 67% in the past 10 years! And neither has the Wild's winning percentage!

Yeah the prices went up again for a lot of things but the menus are a definite upgrade from last year. As for Mini D's, they've been $5 for the last 4-5 seasons. There's a family near our seats that gets a bag for their kids every game. Those donuts smell so good but I rarely have cash on me so I never get them.

 

[Billy Mays Here*]

I had THE LOON for the first time yesterday.. Man... Sooooooo Damn good. It was 10 bucks though

They're serving actual loon? Or is it just something else called the loon for whatever reason? I can't see us eating our state bird.

 

[TheeNorthStar]

What's the Loon?

It's a wild rice, with cheddar stuffed bratwurst! It's a decent size too. (pause).. I I recommend it. Really good! Had to get 2.

 

[Minnesota]

$9 brat.

Dat revenue.

 

[llamapalooza]

Food prices are high, of course, but IIRC our beer (per ounce) is actually pretty decent compared to the league average. Our large is something like 20oz., and some teams sell 12 oz. for the same price. Not to mention if you know where to look you can get delicious delicious Grain Belt for the same price as the swill (Miller, Bud, etc.).

What I wanna know is, have they added poutine yet? I just wanna get a damn poutine at the game.

 

[Minnesota]

What I wanna know is, have they added poutine yet? I just wanna get a damn poutine at the game.

If they had poutine, I'm not sure who I'd be more disappointed in - myself for ordering poutine, or the team's on-ice performance.