MINNEAPOLIS -- Two days after saying it was like the Colorado Avalanche faced "a junior team" after crushing the Minnesota Wild 4-1 in Denver, Jacques Lemaire did his best to right the ship during an intense workout Tuesday morning.
As his team prepared for today's home game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Wild coach repeatedly stopped practice when mistakes were committed. Lemaire would then forcefully get his point across before making players repeat the drill.
Guys that don't have on the back of their jersey, 'Rolston, Bouchard, Gaborik, Demitra, White,' we're asking more," Lemaire said. "The other guys, we're asking more and that's how it's going to be.
"We need these guys if we want to be a good team. And if we don't have them, you know what? We won't be that good."
Of the Wild's 33 goals, 19 have been scored by the five forwards Lemaire specifically mentioned -- Brian Rolston, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Marian Gaborik, Pavol Demitra and Todd White. Defensemen have added four goals. Three goals are essentially bogus because they were awarded for winning shootouts.
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Lemaire said he has no doubt the Wild will be better against the Canucks, although he admits that's a fairly easy request.
"Even if we skate with one skate, we will be better (than Sunday)," Lemaire said.
