Gaborik is sore, but his perspective is sunny

By Michael Russo, Star Tribune

Last update: October 28, 2007 - 10:51 PM

DENVER - Obviously one can never tell how long a sore groin will linger, especially the one that often hinders Marian Gaborik, but perhaps one indication that this year's isn't as serious as last year's was the Wild winger's attitude the past few days.

Last October when Gaborik injured his groin in Anaheim, he was visibly shaken and downright perturbed, looking like a man who just had his Formula One racing simulator stolen. He wound up missing 34 games.

This time, Gaborik, at least visibly, doesn't seem concerned.

"I'll be back soon. It's not last year. [The Wild] made the decision to pull me [from Sunday's lineup against Colorado]," Gaborik said.

Maybe Gaborik just needs to rest his legs, his biggest weapon.

Last season, Gaborik scored 30 goals in 48 games, an 82-game pace of 51.3. This season, he's scored one in 10 games, an 82-game pace of 8.2.

Early in his career, Gaborik often went long stretches without a goal. But he hasn't been nearly as streaky in the past two seasons. His current string of six games without a goal is his longest drought since the 2003-04 season.

"It's frustrating, of course," Gaborik said. "I just can't get down. I just have to try to stay positive and stay confident. I'm the same person, I'm the same player. You have to battle through it. There's ups and downs, and hopefully I can be good again. The team is winning, so that's important.

"But I know I have to help the team to win, and hopefully I'm sure it's going to turn around. I have to work hard."

He hasn't looked in sync since early in camp. His timing has been off, and he doesn't seem as comfortable with his shot or speed.

Entering Sunday's games, Gaborik was tied for ninth in the NHL with 40 shots but 379th with a .025 shooting percentage. He missed the net with 15 shots, tied for 18th in the NHL.

Coach Jacques Lemaire feels one big goal would open the floodgates for Gaborik, who hit the post with a potential overtime winner Thursday in Edmonton.

"It'll come back. It always comes when you feel good, when you feel confident, and he's not feeling like that right now," Lemaire said. "It'll come back. It's a matter of time. He needs a goal. He'll be right back.

"He's having great periods. Other moments, he's not on the puck as much. [In Edmonton], it was probably one of his worst games, and he still got two chances."

Gaborik is tied for first on the Wild with seven assists, but even he admits, "setting up someone for a goal is fun, but scoring goals is what I like. Goals haven't been coming for me, so I just have to battle through it."

Etc.

• Cal Clutterbuck, 19, made his NHL debut for the Wild. He played 16 shifts totaling 7 minutes, 3 seconds and played a safe, solid game.

• Pavol Demitra was put on injured reserve to fit goalie Nolan Schaefer on the 23-man roster. Demitra will come off whenever he is ready to play.

• Defenseman Keith Carney was scratched for the sixth time in 11 games.

• Avalanche defenseman Jordan Leopold needs wrist surgery and will miss at least two months. Since being traded to Colorado, the former Gophers standout has missed 71 of 93 games because of hernia surgery and injuries to his groin, wrist and hip.

Michael Russo • mrusso@startribune.com