Michael Russo's short takes: Jan. 4

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: January 3, 2009 - 11:35 PM

Pregame soccer is becoming dangerous. First Marian Gaborik, now Toronto's Matt Stajan, out a week after a soccer ball hit him in the eye.

If the Wild hasn't banished soccer warmup routines since the Gaborik incident in October, think Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will? "I'm not going to eliminate soccer because one guy gets a ball in the eye," Burke said.

In fact, in another soccer incident, before the Winter Classic, the Red Wings warmed up on the main concourse while fans entered Wrigley Field. That was until Blackhawks fans began taunting them.

"We just kind of picked our ball up and went home," Kris Draper said.

• • •

With the Penguins having lost nine of 14, there's chatter of a roster shakeup that could include the purging of Jordan Staal.

• • •

Is there pressure on Calgary rookie Brett Sutter? His dad, Flames GM Darryl Sutter, said: "I don't think so. We've been down that road as a family for 30 years."

• • •

With Phoenix's Ilya Bryzgalov's back hurting, Phoenix dressed media relations director Sergei Kocharov in goal for practice. Coach Wayne Gretzky used that opportunity to work on the power play for 90 minutes. Said Gretzky, "Hopefully that will give our guys some confidence."

Recent Minnesota Wild stories

Veilleux adjusting to new team and role - January 3, 2009

Veilleux adjusting to new team and role - It should come as no surprise that Stephane Veilleux is the Lightning's reining pingpong champion. More

Comments are temporarily unavailable

Our reader comments feature is currently undergoing maintenance. Please check back to comment on this story and join the discussion. We apologize for any inconvenience.