Fedoruk is a perfect fit for Gaborik-Demitra line

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

The Wild’s Todd Fedoruk, shown battling Detroit’s Kris Draper on Tuesday, brings enough skill, skating ability and plenty of toughness to complement linemates Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: February 6, 2008 - 12:54 AM

Maybe there's an explanation as to why the Wild's Todd Fedoruk has had such great chemistry with Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra.

Fedoruk's ancestry goes back to the Ukraine, which borders Slovakia, so Fedoruk jokes, "I just about speak Slovak."

Fedoruk, 28, a long-time enforcer, has fit well with any skilled line he's been on. He's shown enough skill and undoubtedly enough speed to keep up with the high-flying Slovaks.

But Fedoruk also creates time and space for the Wild's skilled players by being what Gaborik calls their "protector." Fedoruk displayed that Saturday in Columbus when Blue Jackets captain Adam Foote continually tried to get in Gaborik's head with extracurricular activity.

"'Fridge' [Fedoruk] has been a good addition there," Gaborik said. "He makes plays and goes to net, but they're aware of him. I used to play a little with [former Wild enforcer Matt Johnson], and it's the same thing. The other side knows who's on the ice, and they don't want to screw around too much. Fridge has made a great impact."

Fedoruk said he feels all skilled lines need an intimidation factor. In Anaheim, he played a little with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry during their rookie year and Teemu Selanne and Andy McDonald. In Philadelphia, he played a little with Peter Forsberg and Simon Gagne.

"It's easy to play with Pav and Gabby. I just do what they tell me to do, as long as it doesn't conflict with Jacques [Lemaire]," Fedoruk said. "It's important for guys like Gabby to know he can play a little more on the edge because I've got his back.

"I think it creates a comfort level for them. And they're also helping different parts of my game develop, I think. I do have to make plays for them. I can't not touch the puck. Pav is always talking to me, telling me what to do to make their game better. He's always telling me to drive the net so it backs off the defensemen."

Demitra says Fedoruk has meshed perfectly.

"When you try to put three skill guys on one line, most of the time it doesn't work," Demitra said. "You need guys like Fridge."

With a chuckle, Demitra added: "Lately he's playing great hockey. I think he's learning from us."

Lemaire praised management for claiming Fedoruk off waivers from Dallas on Thanksgiving, saying, "Great, great pickup. To play with Gaborik and Demitra, you have to be able to contribute things, not only driving the net. You have to be decent at least with the puck, you have to be able to skate, you have to understand the game.

"You don't understand the game, you can't play with those two."

Have a good/great day

Defenseman Brent Burns got a tattoo, his fifth, to honor one of his heroes, Lance Armstrong.

The seven-time winner of the Tour de France and cancer survivor once said, "I now have only good days and great days," and Burns got the entire saying tattooed in black, block letters on his left side from his armpit to his hip.

"Demo's all over me every day now, saying, 'Are you having a good day or a great day?'" Burns said of the ribbing he's taking from Demitra.

Etc.

• Wild right wing Mark Parrish missed Tuesday's game because of concussion symptoms. After practicing Monday, he was foggy and had trouble sleeping. Matt Foy replaced Parrish.

• Houston Aeros goalie Nolan Schaefer backed up Niklas Backstrom because Josh Harding is out with a stomach virus.

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