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Home | Sports | Minnesota Wild

Wild Insider: Lemaire not easy to read

Tom Olmscheid, ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP

Michael Russo says Keith Carney, left, would be a part of his lineup every night if he were coaching the Wild.

Presenting the second edition of the "Russo's Rants" Blog Bag.

Last update: December 16, 2007 - 11:29 PM

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WILD WEEK IN REVIEW

Record: 2-1

• The Wild's road trip continued with a giant stumble Tuesday in San Jose when it lost 4-1 to the surging Sharks. The Wild's defense was penetrated time and again as the Sharks buzzed the front of the net. The Wild came back Friday night by building up a five-goal lead in beating Anaheim 5-2 before ending the trip by beating Los Angeles 2-1 Saturday.

STAR TRIBUNE'S STAR OF THE WEEK: Joe Thornton, San Jose

In a defensive conference and on a defensive team, the 2005-06 Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner continues to score away. He has played a part in nearly 50 percent of the Sharks' goals. He got Tuesday's rout started with a heads-up play on Joe Pavelski's goal.

THIS WEEK: Three games

Tuesday: vs. Nashville, 7 p.m.; Thursday: vs. N.Y. Rangers, 7 p.m.; Saturday: vs. Detroit, 7 p.m.

• The Wild returns to the friendly confines of Xcel Energy Center, where it has a three-game homestand before the three-day holiday hiatus.

THE QUOTE: "Doesn't make any sense." — Wild coach Jacques Lemaire on Aaron Voros' five goals, the same amount Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Pavol Demitra had scored through Thursday. Voros added goal No. 6 on Friday at Anaheim. MICHAEL RUSSO

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BigC: "I've seen Jacques Lemaire say he's confident throwing Branko Radivojevic against any line, but there seems to be a perception that he's on the bubble. Why?"

Russo: Lemaire likes "Radio" because he works hard and is responsible defensively. But Radivojevic was expected to be a hard-nosed, nasty, forechecking animal. That's how management portrayed him. But it's just not Radivojevic's makeup, so when the team acquired Todd Fedoruk to skate and pound bodies, it was assumed and still could result in Radivojevic fighting to be in the lineup or even his departure.

Rufus Rolston: "How can the NHL get back on ESPN next year?"

Russo: Versus holds NHL cable exclusivity through 2011. Reportedly, the NHL and ESPN have entered discussions about some games airing on ESPN2 by '08-09. Versus would have to waive exclusivity, probably in exchange for a lower rights fee (it pays $70 million-plus annually).

Mbrose: "Without Wes Walz in the room, who can the Wild rely on to motivate them when they need it?"

Russo: Brian Rolston and Mark Parrish are standing up and talking more. Sean Hill is respected and vociferous. Keith Carney is beloved, too. But Walz is a different breed and personality. Walz undeniably has been missed on the ice. But off the ice, he's an emotional leader this team misses.

Tom: "Keith Carney is always at the top of the plus/minus category, however, it still doesn't prevent him from being scratched often. Why does Lemaire continually scratch Carney?"

Russo: It defies logic. I know coaches see a lot more things than we do in the stands. If it were me, Carney would be one of the first names I'd write on my lineup every night. He keeps things simple, abides by the "less is more" philosophy, never panics. He's just a pro. With eight defensemen, tough decisions have to be made, although certain defensemen like Martin Skoula can do no wrong apparently.

Smuggla: "Is it safe to assume Marian Gaborik will be the favorite to win the fastest skater contest at All-Star weekend?"

Russo: If he makes it, I'm not sure he'd partake. I don't think the team would permit a player with recurring groin problems to take part in that.

Sauzatime: "When is the Wild's MVP, Mikko Koivu, coming off injured reserve?"

Russo: In "about a week." Get it?

M 03: "Nick Schultz. Your thoughts on his development as a defenseman, as well as his future with the team?"

Russo: Unfortunately for the Wild, he has developed quite well. Somebody will give Schultz a long-term deal this summer at maybe $3 million a year, and it might not be Minnesota because Kim Johnsson and Brent Burns make $8.4 million between them. Schultz blocks shots, is smart, durable (one game missed to injury in his career). He's Mr. Steady.

M 03: "You asked residents of Russoville for their favorite stories/memories of Wes Walz. Would you be willing to share yours?"

Russo: I thoroughly enjoyed covering Walz. He reminded me of several of those blue-collar, hilarious, all-character players I covered on that 1995-96 third-year Florida Panthers team that shocked the NHL and went to the Stanley Cup Finals. My favorite Walz memory was meeting him at Starbucks after practice last January in Phoenix. We talked for an hour, and I remember thinking, 'Wow, he's relaxed.' Walz was so intense at the rink, it was cool to see him turn it off. Hopefully he's relaxed now.

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