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DEL.ICIO.USThrashers must learn how to win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The fact that reality often doesn’t match expectations in sports really hasn’t been an issue with the Thrashers before, because they never were built for expectations. Unless you count losing as an expectation.
But when a coach who has won a Stanley Cup is given a roster that includes players who have won Stanley Cups, you expect more.
You don’t expect two wins in the first three games, then only one in the next eight. You don’t expect to see a team with veterans blow a 4-0 lead to an opponent (Pittsburgh) that hadn’t won a game in nine tries. Or losses of 9-1, 5-1 and 6-0 in succession. Reality was not supposed to be 3-8. Not this team. Not in this season. Not again.
Bob Hartley knows that. When he is asked if he takes it personally, he responds quickly.
“Of course I do. I’m the leader of this group.”
Well then. This should make it easy to point a finger. This time it’s not about a thin payroll or a surplus of fourth-line players. This time it’s about talented players who have yet to be brought together and pointed in the right direction by their leader.
Right now, Hartley’s team is tied for the worst record in the NHL. There have been some signs of improvement of late. But dreaded expressions like “heart-breaking loss” are creeping into the equation.
Good teams either win or lose. They don’t make excuses. There have been issues with injuries and keeping goaltenders upright, but the fact is, goaltending usually hasn’t been the biggest problem. There was a four-game span in which the team scored twice, moving Hartley to comment: “We could have taped Jacques Plante and Patrick Roy together — even with the old pads — and we wouldn’t have won more.”
The real difference has been intelligence, discipline and resolve. Or lack thereof. Good teams play through adversity. They don’t float in the neutral zone or the ozone and take stupid penalties. They don’t sigh and wallow in self-pity about having a deciding goal bounce in off a defenseman.
“We still have a long way to go in terms of learning how to win — let’s not kid ourselves,” center Bobby Holik said Monday. He then referenced a 3-2 loss to Tampa Bay when the deciding goal was inadvertently knocked in by defenseman Niclas Havelid.
“We’re too good to say, ‘We should’ve won.’ That goal doesn’t matter if we play better. It shouldn’t be a game-breaker. If we’re playing better, maybe we’re still ahead or tied. But to say, ‘Oh, bad luck.’ Bad luck? If you work harder and smarter, those things won’t matter as much.”
Hartley knows it’s on him. Publicly, he has remained positive and kept his temper reasonably in check. “I’m not the kind of guy who throws garbage cans,” he said.
Thrown anything?
“Never.”
Kicked anything?
“I kicked a fan once. I got my foot stuck.”
He’s been through this before. In his first season in Colorado (1998-99), the Avalanche started 0-4 and didn’t climb above the .500 mark and stay there until game 43 (20-19-4). That season, the Avalanche reached the seventh game of the Western Conference finals.
But the core of that Colorado team had already won a Cup (under a previous coach). The Thrashers have never made the playoffs. So it’s only natural to wonder if the big problems — coverage, chemistry, penalties, penalty killing — will improve.
They have allowed a league-high 23 power play goals. The most recent came against Tampa after a 2-0 lead had evaporated and Serge Aubin boarded the Lightning’s Rob DiMaio with the game tied in the third period.
“There’s a huge difference in knowing how to play and knowing how to win,” Hartley said. “Serge tries to go for the big hit on DiMaio rather than just finish him off, and we open the door to the power play. That’s a part of knowing how to win. But winning comes in waves.”
Tonight is game 12 of 82. Time isn’t an issue yet, and waves may yet develop. But 3-8 wasn’t the expectation. And the reality of 3-8 has long since been old.
Permalink | Comments (12) | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Thrashers / NHL
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By Eric
October 31, 2005 09:37 PM | Link to this
Hartley’s job must be in jeopardy. Aside from the injuries, all of the shortcomings seem to be coming from the bench. To be among the lowest scoring teams in the league is a major, major letdown. The players, espcially Hossa, need to be held accountable, but as everyone knows, players don’t get fired. Not even all of our old players that have lost a step. The season is by no means over. The time to take action is now - maybe giving Hartley the chance to show some improvement on this difficult road trip. I do not think ownership has the guts to make such an early season change. It would be a huge call for this franchise. What do you think?
By briton
October 31, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this
Wondering whether the big problems will improve since the Thrashers have never made the playoffs shows a dangerous cycle. Without fixing those problems, there will never be a run for the cup. Every Cup team had to start somewhere. This team has to find a way to snap out of it and break the cycle. They need to find the heart and desire to fix what is broken and win to spark any hopes of ever seeing the post-season. Right now they don’t even look like they know how to play, let alone win.
By JB
October 31, 2005 10:34 PM | Link to this
Its not coaching. A combination of rookie goaltending and defencemen that havent adapted to the new rules are the cause. Our fowards are having to break back too much on defence and can never establish a forecheck. This game is a game of streaks....a lot like baseball. The good teams minimize bad streaks. So far the Thrashers havent done that. The goaltending is starting to stabilize. Sutton will have to increase his minutes and play as the number 1.
A key here is if Exelby can turn the corner and play on the first or second defensive line. If he and Sutton can help Modry out, the team can turn the corner on the blue line.
The veteran leadership is there. Men who have gone deep in the playoffs and some who along with Hartley have won Stanley Cups.
If you really look at this thing….there are no excuses. November is the key.
By Packmule
November 1, 2005 06:41 AM | Link to this
Incredible start to the season…
Come discuss at the Nest
Link: http://www.thrashersnest.net =The Thrashers Nest
By Dave
November 1, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this
Do not expect a win in Tampa tonight. Once the goalie situation is steadied, starting with this weekend, then watch the wins start. Goaltending is the key to every team’s success. A better penalty kill would not hurt either. Watch the Lightning’s PK tonight and see how far the Thrashers still have to go in that area as well.
By K
November 1, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this
Let’s give them a little more time. They have been on the short end so far regarding injury. As of late, the Thrashers have been looking better and better. Hossa has been working like a mule and so has Savard. Holik has been winning faceoffs and lets face it, that is his main job. Hartley has to find the right line combo’s and stick with them. Don’t leave me on this loney road of faith! Let’s just cross our fingers and see what the near future brings!
By Andy
November 1, 2005 02:24 PM | Link to this
FIVE goalies in 11 games. That’s why they are 3-8. Agree with those who say Sutton is key. He must get his game under control. Hossa and Kovalchuk are working well together—they will be a force all season. I am no company man. Am as disappointed as anyone so far. But there are what, 70 games left? Remember, the Astros were 15 games under .500 this summer. But the Thrashers need wins now. Tonight? Who knows, they are due some friggin’ luck.
By Scott
November 1, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this
Bobby Holik has been the biggest bust in this town since Peerless Price.
By Jeff
November 5, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this
Come on Jeff, start holding Waddell accountable for this disaster of a team. He has proven nothing in the six years as GM of this team. It is long past his time to go. You are right about Hartley, he was handed that Stanley Cup team, he did not build it. He was a windshield wiper factory worker instead of growing up in the ranks of NHL by being a player. I wish everyone would stop putting him up on this pedistol of super coach. I thought with the new ownership things would be better, but it’s the same old story. I’m tired of it!
By Peter
November 6, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this
I’ve got Dec 15th in the office poll for Waddell to be gone. I hope to make a lot of money!
By sodapants
November 10, 2005 02:23 AM | Link to this
well, you’re a dumb guy, Peter, so no one is really surprised by that.
Go try and make fire… and leave the hockey to people who know how it works.
By vik
November 14, 2005 05:46 PM | Link to this
that’s right peter. go find some sticks and rub them together. good doggie.