Once they release some LAN games you are only a couple more steps away from online capabilites, I would not be surprised if some websight figures out a way to put the game online after that. Akin to Gamspy, or that other one PGC recently reported on, where they are doing some Beta testing with online play.
I still belive Nintendo will come up with full fledge online support this generation, as they cannot go into the next console battle without a solid online strategy. I also believe that Nintendos experimentation with LAN is baby steps towards that goal.