[coloradobuff]

Huge fire on Minnesota Wild's team bus burned ton of teams equipment including goalies Backstrom's gear.

I think its worth a shot to fade the Wild tonite. I never played hockey personally, but got to think this will affect them tonite and possibly the next game or two as they have to break in their new gear.

Would appreciate any input from people who play/played hockey on this one. Fade the wild seems like the play.

good luck

[don logan]

More like fade Wild equipment bus.

[icemaster47]

at the price I pay for hockey equipment, guaranteed fade. For the price they pay for hockey equipment, minor difference. Goalies will be the interesting one, they have backup equipment sets that do not travel with them, should be able to get from Minny to Ottawa in time. I think this has no major relevance

[Miser]

I don't think new equipment will make much difference. Many players change their skates and sticks every game. Players also change their pads in between periods.

[Capes Gold]

Look. First of all Minnesota is 8-2-0, running very good. Backstrom in very good shape.

New equip = Dosent matter for these guys, maybe for 15 y old boys.

Main reason to pick Minnesota ML:

Mike Brodeur starting for Ottawa (First NHL game in his career), 26 y old. No good. 2.91 GAA in AHL.

This is too much for him, meeting a hot minnesota. And OTT with some inj.

2.00 ML taken with 3 u

[don logan]

Minnesota lookin good, but that line really sux imo, mainly cuz Spezza out.

[TodaysAction]

Many valid points made in this thread and I concur that for skaters it's not that big of a change as they have been known to make changes during the game (for example, broken stick). The equipment new verses used is minor at best. For the blockers, there is a comfort zone wearing the pads day-in and day-out but they too replace them. If you choose to not play MN for 'equipment' only reasons, I think that would be a mistake. Let me make this clear, that does not mean I'm saying play the other side either. with your decision on the game.

[iceminers26]

I don't think new equipment will make much difference. Many players change their skates and sticks every game. Players also change their pads in between periods.

Are you serious?

Being a former college and AA professional player, I will tell you this will have an impact on tonight's game. Sticks, helmets, shins, elbows are not my major concern here, its skates and gloves, they are a major pain in the ass breaking in. However, be careful because a lot of players in the NHL have multiple pairs of skates and gloves, so they could have their other pairs by game time. In addition, the superstitious players, yes there are at least a handful on each team, could be the ones that struggle.

IMO, its worth a fade but as I stated, be careful because they could have their backup gear shipped from Minny by gametime.

Ice

[iceminers26]

Many valid points made in this thread and I concur that for skaters it's not that big of a change as they have been known to make changes during the game (for example, broken stick). The equipment new verses used is minor at best. For the blockers, there is a comfort zone wearing the pads day-in and day-out but they too replace them. If you choose to not play MN for 'equipment' only reasons, I think that would be a mistake. Let me make this clear, that does not mean I'm saying play the other side either. with your decision on the game.

Obviously you never broke in a new pair of gloves or skates

[iceminers26]

Look. First of all Minnesota is 8-2-0, running very good. Backstrom in very good shape. New equip = Dosent matter for these guys, maybe for 15 y old boys. Main reason to pick Minnesota ML: Mike Brodeur starting for Ottawa (First NHL game in his career), 26 y old. No good. 2.91 GAA in AHL. This is too much for him, meeting a hot minnesota. And OTT with some inj. 2.00 ML taken with 3 u

How is it different from a 15 year old boy and an NHL player breaking in a new pair of skates? They both use the bake oven and beyond that there is nothing else you can really do to help break in a new pair of skates. I love these guys that never broke in a new pair of skates, throwing out these comments.

[Djtrikee]

Its just going to piss off the players, wouldn't you be upset and just wanna destroy the team you are playing. Let off some steam on the ice. With the Starter for Ottawa being a first time starter...Nerves...and trying too hard will give up like 4 goals. I say 4-1 Minn Tonite.

[TodaysAction]

Obviously you never broke in a new pair of gloves or skates

Ummn, you're wrong on your above statement - at least in my case (and that's whom you were referring to). I played on the Soo Canadian Team years ago. Not to mention, a couple of the games I've watched and/or listed to since then when they (former NHL players and commentators) touched upon this same subject, felt it's not that big of a deal in today's world - years ago, I'd agree with you but not in today's game. Not a problem having the other side of the opinion. Good luck with your wagers tonight.

[coloradobuff]

I think bigger factor in gm is that some wild players got flu bug. Still thinking of fading wild or playing unders for next few gms, based on both factors.