Truth & Rumors > NHL
Backstrom not wild about new GM?
As new Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher talked about playing an up-tempo, aggressive style of hockey designed to produce more offense, goaltender Nik Backstrom stood in the back listening. I don't know what the Finnish translation of 'holy crap' is, but I wondered if that phrase were running through Backstrom's mind. Of course, his expression didn't betray his thoughts. Well, Nik, I said pleasantly at the first opportunity, you're hosed. They are going to open it up and you are going to get buried beneath an avalanche of galvanized rubber. That's an exaggeration, of course. Fletcher wasn't talking about playing a true fire-wagon style. Still, Newton's Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. To whatever extent the Wild open up play, Backstrom will bear the brunt of the counterattack. Mainly, though, I was just trying to get a reaction out of Nik, which is one of my favorite things to do even though the results are almost always disappointing. "The only thing I care about is winning," Backstrom said with a smile. "When people say we just play the trap, that's really not a fair assumption anymore. If we just played the trap like they say, we wouldn't have three forecheckers sometimes." Yes, but the Wild play a defensive style to the point where offensive-minded free agents tend not to come here. "I don't really know the reason for that," Backstrom said.
Nik Backstrom, Dave Reginek/Getty Images
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Comments (20) Add A Comment
They want to open it up? Simon Gagne and Joffrey Lupul for Backstrom.
ORANGE AND BLACK
Total Comments (673)
I would do that trade if they change Lupul to Parent. The Wild already have a great backup who can start in Josh Harding.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Total Comments (1953)
How does anything in that article back up the title?
LGP: Stanley Cup…
Six Burgh, PA
Total Comments (9095)
The Flyboys might have to give up more than that to get a goaltender of Backstrom's caliber.
LGP: Stanley Cup…
Six Burgh, PA
Total Comments (9095)
Done!
ORANGE AND BLACK
Total Comments (673)
I think it would be best for the Wild to deal him and get as much as they can. The Wild have a great, young, backup that can start.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Total Comments (1953)
This guy's numbers are going to plummet, and he knows it. Goalies that are hidden behind defensive systems almost always get exposed when the system is taken away from them. We'll see what this guy is really made of next season, by the sounds of it.
goCanada!
Total Comments (3417)
Judgment Day. His save percentage needs to stay at the same level next season or he will get killed by writers.
t-murder
West Chester , PA
Total Comments (300)
Gagne is an Olympian and a great two way forward. Lupul is a decent scorer.
t-murder
West Chester , PA
Total Comments (300)
It's the writer's way of using the the word "wild" with a double meaning. Wow! How clever! He even has a physics reference. Did you also notice that this entry is probably as long as all of the other "Pioneer" entries combined? Yet it still said nothing.
PopKing
Total Comments (1569)
1) this is a completely pointless article
2) the wild players could put themselves to sleep with their style of play.
chris_thejock
Total Comments (888)
"I don't know what the Finnish translation of 'holy crap' is, but I wondered if that phrase were running through Backstrom's mind."
Uh, Backstrom's Swedish. But thanks for playing!
Bob Bobson
Total Comments (3)
Oops, he's not. Ignore me!
Bob Bobson
Total Comments (3)
Actually Lupul has turned into 'the player to be named later' or something along those lines. Always an add on to a trade to sweeten it and usually one of the guys to be traded the next time the team he just got to makes another trade. Obviously he is lacking in something if everybody is so willing to trade him.
Hank Kingsley
Port Alberni, BC
Total Comments (3942)
Lupul lacks in heart, if you are wondering Hank. He doesn't go in corners, he shies away from physical contact, and disappears when scrums start. The Oilers got rid of him as soon as they could - and his grandfather was one of the owners at the time! - so that should tell you something.
goCanada!
Total Comments (3417)
jeff carter
Army of Adam
Total Comments (6923)
You mean 'vulcanized" rubber not "galvanized" rubber. If your are going to write about hockey get your lingo straight.
Old Time Hockey
Lafayette , IN
Total Comments (1)
Fully aware. I was merely trying to point out to t-murder why his trade would never happen.
And of course his name is Joffery..... What the heck kind of name is that? Sounds like he has in-bred 'Royal' in him.
Hank Kingsley
Port Alberni, BC
Total Comments (3942)
And with the departure of their only offensive player in Gaborik..., ownership should think about installing blankets and pillows under the seats at the arena. No wonder no one wants to play there..., makes me miss the North Stars. At least they had guys to put the puck in the net every night.
Kev316
Peterborough, ON
Total Comments (655)
Dino Ciccarelli!!
Hank Kingsley
Port Alberni, BC
Total Comments (3942)
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