AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLackluster start starts with lack of effort
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
The good thing about losing the first two games of an NHL season is you’re still open to dream, “Hey, we can get hot. We can win the next 80!” And, of course, that would be a franchise record.
The bad thing about losing the first two games of an NHL season is you’re still open to ponder, “Who’s got two weeks from Saturday in the first-win pool?”
The Thrashers have played only 2.4 percent of their schedule. A bigger issue than the actual losses is that they have looked so bad in the two games, alternately spacey or lethargic, that you wonder if there’s something going on. I mean, other than the obvious, like, “Center, ugh.”
“It’s kind of like, ‘Where did our game go?’ ” coach Bob Hartley said Tuesday. “We had a great preseason. Guys were healthy. There are no excuses. But the beauty of this game is you’re working with human beings, and sometimes it’s funny how human beings react. It would easy if you were working with PlayStation. Then you could just change a chip, and everything is fine to go.”
Sticking with that analogy, here’s where we are:
Opponents: PS-3.
Thrashers: Pong.
They claim to have all of this speed. But they are getting beat to the puck. Logic says they should be as motivated as anybody, trying to build momentum off a playoff season. But they are getting outworked. They had the same time in training camp as everybody else. But they’re out of position.
Special teams figured to improve. Haven’t yet. The team is 1-for-8 on the power play and has killed 10 of 13 shorthanded situations (76.9 percent). Both rank in the league’s lower third. Tampa Bay also scored a shorthanded goal Saturday.
It’s early. But so far, this is Radio Nowhere. Is there anybody alive out there? (Assist from a Devils fan.)
When a team stumbles out of the chute like this, it opens such an ugly pool of possibilities. Maybe there are issues with the pieces. Or maybe the message from the coach is being lost. Or maybe the message is wrong.
Or maybe the Thrashers are also upset at Bobby Petrino.
Bobby Holik described the team’s play as “pathetic.” (Tact has never been his strong suit.) Asked if there are any problems relating to message or communication between players or coaches, Holik said: “That’s a fair question. But after two and a half percent of our games — and I know you don’t want to wait for 10 percent of the games because then it could be too late — it’s a little too early for deep analysis.”
General manager Don Waddell is watching. It can be argued others are watching him. But from Waddell’s perspective: “I don’t like how we’ve lost.”
He’s comforted by the play of rookies Bryan Little and Tobias Enstrom, as well as Kari Lehtonen and Ilya Kovalchuk. But there’s a flip side to that.
“Not to start naming names, but it’s the rest of them,” Waddell said. “We need the guys we’re going to count on all year, and who we counted on last year, to be better.
“Is it the end of the world? Certainly not. But we don’t want to dig ourselves too big of a hole here. If we’re still saying the same things after 15 games, or even 10 games, then it would become a big concern of mine.”
The goal early is survival. Tonight they’re probably going to have to play Ottawa without Marian Hossa (first career groin injury). Then come games at Buffalo, against New Jersey, at Philadelphia and against the New York Rangers. And then: seven straight on the road.
Does 0-2 suddenly look a little bigger? If this doesn’t get fixed, things could get ugly in a hurry.
It helps the Thrashers that there probably won’t be a dominant team in the Southeast Division. But it hurts them that just about every team in the Eastern Conference seems to be a playoff contender, even if because so many are bunched in mediocrity.
Answers?
“We’re searching,” Hartley said.
Wednesday night is game three. But there are only four teams left that haven’t won a game. That’s one potential pool you don’t want any part of.
Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz, Thrashers / NHL
Comments
By Tony C.
October 9, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
I hate it when you’re right.
By old fart
October 9, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Hockey and soccer. Who gives a s—t?
By LAC
October 9, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
I guess Andy Sutton summed it up best…
“It is time to play for a team COMMITTED to WINNING THE Stanley Cup.” What does this say ???????????
We sign White/Perrin/Klee…
I feel Hnidy is HEADS and Shoulders above Klee, he’s lame.
White is like a fellow blogger said, This years Kapenan and we have him for FOUR years !!!!!!!!!
Washington & Tampa have 6 points and Carolina (7-1) winners tonight against the Leafs have 5…
We could be DOA by the end of the month unless we get going… Why is Commrie not here… Just time to look at the GM and make a change, because HIS changes are NOT working…
By LAC
October 9, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Hey old fart… Rather go to NHL than Nothing football league or watch those STUPID dogs…Can They Read ???????? College football SUCKS !!!!!
By dj
October 9, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Maybe they read your opening season column and was like “Aw, what the hell? If our first ever playoff berth can’t get Jeff Schultz excited maybe we should start to suck, so he could write more and more about us….then we can get Terrance Moore to call us racists since we hit a black puck.” I heard D-Hall wants to talk to you about Petrino or the Hawks want to talk to you about how they will lose 75 games yet still be in playoff contention in the east. Just go write about them and leave this team alone. Here’s an idea….when the AJC establishes a link to the Thrashers from the home page then their columnists (except Craig who is God’s gift to hockey columns) can write about them.
By stendec
October 9, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
These Thrashers have no fire or leadership. Goaltending is porous. Defense is absent without leave. Offense is offensive (odor-wise). Only penalty killing has been above average thus far (it has HAD to be). What this team needs besides an on-ice take-charge tyrant is to SHOOT THE FREAKING PUCK! Passes may be pretty but they are not worth a damn!
By Bob
October 9, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
And here comes the pansie “if you can’t say anything nice about our team, then just shush, you big meanie!”
lol.
Guess what, the Thrashers can fix what Schultz writes about them, by their play.
Just time to look at the GM and make a change, because HIS changes are NOT working
Those of us that know this game have been looking at Waddell for quite some time now, LAC.
By Sage of Bluesland
October 9, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Maybe our brilliant GM will go back to his true medium: Selling Port-a-Potties.
Ask yourself the one constant in this woeful franchise’s existence…well, besides pathetic defense…Yep, that’s right—it’s our bumbling, buffoonish Donny Waddell.
One day, people will truly understand that and subsidize the incompetence no longer. When he sacrifices Hartley, I hope ownership forces him to go down to the bench to lead the mess that he alone has assembled…
By Sean
October 9, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I dunno … that Enstrom pass was pretty AND worth a damn. I wouldn’t put White on the Kapanen/Stefan train yet. If there’s one problem on this team, I’d say it’s the coach. But give it time. The next week or so will be telling.
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
A regulation-time win against Ottawa and we’re one game under .500, with 79 more to play.
And the last time I checked, Ottawa was the defending Eastern Conference Champions. Ifffff we beat them, doesn’t the horizon change a bit?
I’m not counting any chickens before they’ve hatched. This team could be 0-3, for no points, and face 10 of the next 12 on the road. That’s a daunting task for any team. I’m not willing to grab my shovel and scoop any dirt on top of the Thrashers this early on.
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t “concerned.” I just think a 4-2 win somewhat changes the outlook. That’s all.
Alright, fire away!
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
I apologize for this in advance, but if the Phillies can catch and surpass the Mets from seven games back, with 17 left on the schedule, I have hope that anything is possible.
I won’t do any other baseball analogies. Although, I could easily start on a litany about “half-losses” in hockey allowing poor teams to remain in the playoff hunt longer, but I’ll refrain.
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this
Okay, correction time. However Atlanta comes up with 2-points against Ottawa, it’s a win. Regulation-time, overtime … or shootout. I’m forced to make a ridiculous post like this … before someone else points out this trivial detail. Sheesh.
By Barry
October 10, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this
It’s obvious the preseason for the Thrashers was spent more trying to find out which 4 of the many many players make the team instead of trying to incorporate the new guys effectively like most teams probably did. I think it may take another 5 games for Hartley to find the correct line combinations and for the guys to start to trust and feel comfortable with those line mates. If only he would stop the line juggling during the game and save that for practice. It’s obvious Sterling is a bit nervous, but once he calms down and gets confidence he’ll be okay. White has been stuck in a defensive minded system which is leaps and bounds away from Thrashers system. Klee actually looked good in Tampa. He looked much better than Havelid and XLB did. They both had bad games Saturday. Nothing is really going right for the team last couple of games and that’s because they are quite settled and playing like a team to affect so many areas. I think the guys we got will be alright just need a few games to come together.
By Marine
October 10, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this
Sure it is disappointing that we are 0 - 2. But the season isn’t over yet. We were warned that it might take a few game for the team chemistry to gel. How come we aren’t able to show the team some patience. Or is 2 games enough. We all called for a youth movement and have received some. The regular season is different than pre-season so let the season begin against Ottawa.OR Perhaps IT IS time for DW and BH to go and bring fresh hockey management into town. What could it hurt? Now is maybe the time. This discussions may sound contradictorary but isn’t that what the season vs. the pre-season has been. It is time to take a look at our coaching/general manager philosphy as the biggest problem and make the change now instead of November when it will be too late.
GO THRASHERS!!!!
By Sara
October 10, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
I’ve been un-amused with the start to the season for the exact reason Jeff points out - the team looked and played like crap. I can live with losing when you’re at least in the game. But these guys mailed it in - in particular Slava and Hossa (frankly, I expect better from those two than say a Larsen-type).
But all is not lost here obviously. The team does need time to gel and Hartley needs to get to work on that. Keep in mind also that as the scheduling presently stands, we can easily still come from behind to win another division title. We play the other teams so many times that if/once this team starts clicking, they can quickly make up ground. (Although that hole can only get dug so deep.)
I’ll be really interested to see what happens tonight against Ottawa. That’s typically an opponent that gets this team really fired up. It’ll be a good measuring stick to see their attitude and play.
By hockeyaddict
October 10, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this
Bob, your system SUCKS and doesn’t work here without a Patrick Roy to cover up the defensive holes (and it ain’t Kari). Trying it over and over and over isn’t going to make it work here. At what point do you say to yourself, “Okay, like dis system sucks here and isn’t working. Perhaps I should like change my whole strategy with these boys?”
By Cal
October 10, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
The franchise is dying a slow death with Waddell as GM. Losses will mount, and attendance will drop. You can’t draw blood from a rock, and you can’t compete for the cup with this under-sized and character-challenged brood of players. Waddell has been here 8 years! What does this tell you about the ownership?
By Hockeyfan
October 10, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
LAC… too bad for Sutton he isnt on one of those teams committed to winning the cup
By Bob
October 10, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t “concerned.” I just think a 4-2 win somewhat changes the outlook. That’s all
Yep, and that would be nice to see tonight. Especially with Hoss out. It was a couple or mabye 3 years ago that we were in the middle of a losing streak and headed up to Ottawa and we all felt “man, we’re gonna be spanked tonight”. Kind of that feeling most of us have headed down to the game tonight. But in that game a couple years ago, we won in a 6-5 barn burner, against all odds, as Ottawa was playing very well. And it turned it around. A good showing tonight would certainly help things out. Crap, I’d be happy with a 4-3 loss if we could just look competitive.
By M.A.
October 10, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
I agree that the Thrashers have looked horrible. I am not going to give up after only 2 games. I have to say if I was a player in this town, I would be very upset by so little coverage of hockey. When it is covered by writers like JS, it is completely negative. As a fan, it is very frustrating.
By Jeff Schultz
October 10, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hello, a few comments:
LAC — I try to make it through every day without ever quoting Andy Sutton. He’s one of the biggest knuckleheads I’ve ever met in sports. Kari’s biggest mistake last year was becoming friends with him and then bonding in the blue-hair salon. Sutts belongs in Uniondale. On Todd White: You know, I kind of feel sorry for him. He didn’t make anybody give him that money. He didn’t ask to be a #1 center. His whole career he’s basically been a #3 center with a little skill. But if he doesn’t pan out as Kovalchuk’s center, he’s going to catch flak. I agree with most of you that this was the biggest area Don needed to shore up in the summer. DJ: I’m supposed to be nice to readers. So I’ll say just, have a nice day. On tonight: This sounds crazy, especially with Hoss likely out, but I wouldn’t be stunned if the Thrashers won tonight. Two reasons: 1) This team has shown a tendency to win games when all logic says otherwise; 2) Hossa’s absence may force the rest to play a very simple, conservative game. Limiting the Senators’ chances could lead to something like a 2-1 game. I’m not predicting, just throwing it out there.JS
By Boulton's Bruisers
October 10, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Predictions—Thrashers win tonight 3-2 and Jeff Schultz only comes back to write about the Thrashers when they’re down. Typical Schultz crap. Kick ‘em while they’re down. Go pester the Braves, Schultz.
By Mary
October 10, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
J.S., the guys on 680 The Fan this a.m. gave you credit for your skills as a comedian. However, they thought your Pong comment went a little far. On another note, Dan Kamal pointed out if the 2 bad games were game 41 and 42 , there would not be near as much attention. Let’s hope the Thrash get their act together tonight! Go THRASHERS!!!
By B. Thenet
October 10, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
The effort has not been there, and anyone who has watched these first two games can see it.
Win or Lose tonight, I want the effort to be there.
The Thrashers need to get that first goal of the game, hopefully it will give the boys some confidence.
Another issue from pre-season to the season are the silly penalties being taken. I was impressed by how much discipline the Thrashers were showing in the pre-season games. In the first two games of the year, that discipline is not there.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
October 10, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
I am no Shultz fan…
But I like his comments on Mandy Sutton and the fact that his article seemed a lot more objective than usually.
No Hossa?
No Problem?
Just a warning to anyone sitting near me, if I hear anyone booing Heatley tonight, I am going to have my fiance claw thier eyes out.
By Jeff Schultz
October 10, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Boulton’s Bruisers — Are you saying that if the Thrashers were 2-0, I wouldn’t have written about them for today? You are so off base. Mary, the Pong line obviously was just playing off Bob’s quote. Kamal’s right about two losses not getting as much attention in Games 41 and 42, but I’m not really sure what that means. Plus, I’d imagine it would depend on what happened in Games 1-40. Buzilla — Mandy? Hadn’t heard that one. Like it.By kracker
October 10, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Waddaya call armchair quaterbacks in hockey? Ice fishing centers? Whatever it is, we sure have way too many of them to show up after two games of a team with 10 new players, 4 of them rookies. Ummm, well this is a blog!
I expect a competitive game tonight. Maybe even a win. Didn’t anyone like the Enstrom pass to Kozlov? It was sweeeet.
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Okay Thrasher regulars, who first came up with “Mandy” as Sutton’s nickname? (It wasn’t me.) I’ve honestly forgotten who started it. But it’s been in part of the lexicon at the Manasso/Custance blog for awhile now. Was it you, “Buzzilla?”
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
One “nice thing” I can say about Andy Sutton is … he always seemed to make himself available for comments after a game. Even right after the team was eliminated by the Rangers, he talked openly and candidly about when went wrong. Without making excuses. I have to give him credit for that.
Right now, on Rawhide’s fan blog, he’s identified “shots on goal” as a big issue for the Thrashers this season. Those who simply love Andy Sutton always refer to his shot blocking abilities. That was probably the thing he did best. But it’s not like the Thrashers can’t limit shots against by playing better positional hockey.
Who’s with me on that one?
By Brian
October 10, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Brendan - I just remember that it was Stroz who came up with Pucks n Snutton, but I could be wrong…
By Midfield
October 10, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Forget Sutton. Havelid is becoming a big question, if you ask me. He bombed last season. Fine. He had personal circumstances to deal with. It’s time for him to make a choice between his career and whatever distractions he has. The way he played so far was the same absent-minded-go-through the motions game he showcased last year. Not something you’d accept from the 1st line defenceman.
By Mark
October 10, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
When is Waddell going to be held accountable for the teams that he puts on the ice? This guy is a joke. The only things he has done right are the top draft picks that fell in his lap and Slava Kozlov.
Think about it for a second. Our defense and goaltending have been horrible since day one of the franchise. He fixed the goaltending problem because Lehtonen fell into his lap at the draft. I’ll give him some credit for the Moose. He’s been a good back-up but what about the defense. The defense has been horrible for as long as I can remember and when we do have a decent D-man and leader in Staios, Waddell lets him walk. Our defense was exposed for being slow in foot speed and puck transition last year during the play-offs and how does he fix that? By bringing in Ken Klee and making McCarthy (who was a healthy scratch during the play-offs) a regular. It’s absurd. By the way, Danny Markov is still out there waiting to be signed. Waddell might want to give him a call. He’s good in transition, plays with an edge, and is ALL heart. Something that this team looks like it needs a little more of.
What about a center for Kovy? Kovy’s numbers took a big drop last season and it is no coincidence that he didn’t have a play-making centerman to set him up and get the puck to him. Savard was that man two years ago. So, this summer, Waddell brings in Todd White. He’s a good third line centerman that can move up with injuries but expecting him to be Kovy’s regular centerman just illustrates one of two things; either Waddell has no clue or the Thrashers are way too cheap to sign the centerman needed. Speaking of too cheap why didn’t we re-up Belanger? He had great chemistry with Hossa and Kozlov and he couldn’t have been too expensive. By the way, he’s off to a good start in Minn with a goal and 2 assists in 2 games. The kind of production we could use.
Also, it’s great to bring in young players to add speed, energy and some skill to the line-up but it is a mistake to expect those players, unless they are top overall picks, to make major contributions. I really think that was what Waddell was banking on with Sterling, Enstrom, Little, etc and I think that is a mistake.
The rest of the moves made this summer were either just stupid and ill-concieved or just cheap. Probably both!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
October 10, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Brennnnnndan
I believe one of the Bob’s came up with Mandy Sutton. I don’t think it was me, but it may have been. I did coin the phrase of the retro jersey as the “Ultimate Warrior” logo. Which seems to gained in popularity vs the “Batman” logo.
By dj
October 10, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Aww…you don’t have to be nice to me. I’m a big boy. I can take it. I’m just saying you write about this team negatively when they are the only team in Georgia that has done anything positive. (With exception, A couple of college club roller hockey and ice hockey teams have done some exceptional things). Yet, the Falcon’s have a litter of problems and you write how Petrino doesn’t want to have a free pass on this year team. Not exactly the same hostility. As for the Thrashers, they came out flat. They came out flat b/c they got away from their preseason game plan. Preseason was pressure, pressure, pressure and I don’t know what happen in that week off but someone changed it around. So, Jeff what can the Thrashers do to fix it??? How about that for a column, instead of saying their is a problem, let’s talk about how to fix the problem. Personally, 1) Split up Havelid and Zhitnik. Havelid is playing awful and that rookie isn’t half bad. 2) I know it’s boring but get the puck deep in the offensive zone. There has been numerous turnovers at our own blueline that’s lead to numerous scoring chances for the other team. 3) Pressure. I dont’ care if we get 1000 boarding calls b/c we are pressuring the puck. There you have Jeff, now watch out for that Exelby check.
By GE
October 10, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Who gives a flip about hockey? Any sport that grants one half point for a tie has some issues. Send it back north along with the rest of the yankees who have attempted to grace us with their presence.
By Brian
October 10, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
dj - it would be nice if Schultz did that, but he may not know as much about hockey as he does the other sports. So he can not go into detail about whether or not we should play a neutral zone trap vs. the Falcons going no-huddle all the time…
By Buzilla Baby Blues
October 10, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Jeff is ticked that Terence kept getting face time on ESPN during the Vick fiasco and not him…
It may be because he doesn’t have a “face” for TV. White, bald, fat dudes don’t equal TV rating, but jeez they even had the guys for 680 the fan on ESPN…
Maybe they read his columns and realize he is better suited to write copy for others to read.
By Bubba DaStickman
October 10, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Momentum from the “Play Offs” (insert Jim “Daddy” Mora voice crack)? Getting swept by the 2006 Rangers is like losing your girl friend to Ryan Seacrest! The Rangers were a mediocre team at best and they swept the Trashmen. Big Names / No Game…Waddell should go… ATL’s Hockey Team is still smarting from the Damian Rhodes/Patty Stefan picks and all of the value that has gone to other teams…
By PuckedUP
October 10, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
hey DJ, While I understand where you are coming from, to say that you would prefer 1000 boarding calls is equally absurd. I get the sarcasm. But, knowing that this team suffered on penalty kill last season, and they are in the lower third already this season, taking a bunch of penalties does the team what good?
I agree with you that things have not looked good so far. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water yet.
Personally, I am not a fan of DW. To me, he has been here since inception. He first had a 3-year plan, then a 5, that went to 7 (lockout/strike whatever) and now 8 and beyond. Coaching changes did not help very much. Personnel still sucks. And my opinion is that Hossa is the best trade-deadline deal folks will get this year. boy will it suck if he winds up back in Ottawa winning the cup. It will suck for us, not him.
But, it’s onle game 3. I’m willing to give it a few more. And Jeff is doing what he is paid to do. Where would you be posting if the story and blog were not here?
By Russ
October 10, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
GE - There haven’t been ties in the NHL for four years and there has never been a time where a team was rewarded 1/2 a point for any kind of result.
By NASCARfan
October 10, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Jeff, the heat NEEDS to be put on Waddell.
Bring the heat, Jeff. Bring the heat. You’re the only member of the Atlanta media who cares enough about this team to do so.
By Brian
October 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
PuckedUP - there was never a 3 year plan, and there is no way Ottawa takes Hossa in a trade, they won’t give up anything for him as they are set now…
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Mark, that was a well-thought out post. I want you to know that you are hardly alone in your thinking. But I’d like to add a “wrinkle” and throw this out there. Please don’t treat it as “Waddell apologist” drivel. But Don Waddell has been sort of a “caretaker” GM. Stay with me.
When he took this job, it was not a matter of if, but when he’d be fired from it. That’s pretty standard across the board, but moreso for an expansion club. Since the lockout, he’s had to deal with an ownership in flux, with limited budget, and a “budding Superstar” who demanded a trade (Heatley). I doubt we’d find someone other than a “Scott Howson”-type to take over for Waddell, given our set of circumstances. (Howson was an assistant GM in Edmonton, who finally got his chance to become a full GM somewhere in the NHL when Columbus demanded “accountability” from Doug MacLean.)
Waddell has outlived his life expectancy for a GM. I certainly question some of the roster decisions of the “early years,” (Audette, Brunette, Staios, Pothier, Kaberle,) as well as the limited draft results from 1999-2004, beyond “can’t miss” top 2 picks, when the Thrashers held such favorable draft position for each round. Heck, for all I know, Ilja Nikulin is a “bang up” defenseman. The bottom line is … ne never played one-minute for the Thrashers. So, it was a wasted pick.
That said, there’s no doubt that, since Christmas of 2005, DW has improved as a GM. He’s gotten better at drafting. More responsible with contract signings. And his trades have worked, for the most part. I don’t cry over Braydon Coburn. I don’t cry over Alex Bourret. I don’t cry over Metropolit, or Modry or Stefan or Wanvig or Krog, who seems to return like a boomerang. I don’t cry for Kapanen or Vishnevski.
Now, I do sort of wish we still had Belanger (3-years @1.75 million per year, cap hit). Atlanta gave up a 2nd round pick to get Vishnevski from Anaheim in the Summer of 2006, whom Waddell traded for Belanger around the trade deadline. I wish we could have still had those 1st and 3rd round picks, and 2nd rounder next year, instead of Keith Tkachuk for a few months. But, that trade did help the club make the playoffs, when it was clear they were tanking fast, and probably would have missed the dance. I like Zhitnik and Dupuis. I’m glad we still have McCarthy, who was a trade deadline acquisition in 2006, for a 4th round pick and Tommy Santala? I think.
Yes, in the strict world of “accountability”—Don Waddell has outlived his peers. For sure. But given the “totality of circumstance,” … the revolving door ownership, a tragic accident, groin injuries left and right … some of it just wasn’t his fault. I think a “reasonable person” can see that.
Your thoughts? Other than the post being too long. (Attack the points, not the length.)
By kago
October 10, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Speaking as an Ottawa native and fan living in Atlanta… Wow you guys are harsh on your team! It’s TWO games!! I know they looked like crap for those two, but last year Ottawa lost 3 of our first four games, and ended up in the final. You have a team that most Canadian cities would trade straight up for.. Anyone want Edmonton or Vancouver by chance :)
By Bob
October 10, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
I believe one of the Bob’s came up with Mandy Sutton
Finally. I knew my man zilla would be sharp enough to accurately remember something I actually did write on these blogs.
I can only take credit for bringing Mandy’s nickname to the blog, the guy that gets full copyright to it is the dude in front of me in my section. He was always yelling “hit em with your purse, Mandy!”
Jeff, the heat NEEDS to be put on Waddell
Bring the heat, Jeff. Bring the heat. You’re the only member of the Atlanta media who cares enough about this team to do so
Amen, cousin, amen.
By Bob
October 10, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
But given the “totality of circumstance,” … the revolving door ownership, a tragic accident, groin injuries left and right … some of it just wasn’t his fault. I think a “reasonable person” can see that
Nice Novel
I kid, I kid…as you say, sit back down!
Yes, you are correct. The Heatley thing, out of his hands. Some like to blame the groins on him due to poor conditioning coaches, facilities, etc. I think that’s a stretch, he gets a pass on that. Ownership? Out of his control.
I think you’ve called him the Teflon Don isn’t that right, Brendan (at least you, zilla, and I can remember who says what on these blogs). And you’re right, a lot of it hasn’t stuck due to the convenient excuse that’s always been there.
Where Waddell lost me a few years ago was the constant signings of inept free agent dmen. Then the inability to draft. Then the whole record of 8th year, not one playoff win. I want new blood in here to lead this ship, but you already knew that.
By Mark
October 10, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Brendan, I agree that the ownership situation is a noose around our neck but there have been plenty of decisions where money wasn’t a factor relatively speaking. I don’t miss Coburn much either but he has been playing well in Philly … but here’s the real rub, we could have had Phaneuf. I don’t care about Bourret either but we could have had Stastny in that draft or Vlasic or Latendresse. What about Valabik? A top ten pick for a stay at home d-man that has yet to crack our line-up three years later. You can’t just throw away picks like that and expect to be successful especially if you are dealing with a tight budget. We could have had Meszaros, Stafford, Radulov, etc. We have no one from that Draft anywhere near the NHL now. Besides missing on 1st rounders, how many 2nd, 3rd or late round picks have made the team or were used to get us something of value and not just discarded. We have Slater and Exelby and that’s it. I know looking at the draft is always hindsight but the Thrashers miss far too often with the exception of the top 5 picks. And I said this earlier but a team with a tight budget cannot afford to be giving away high draft picks. Maybe it isn’t Waddell but it is the scouting staff but in the end, that is HIS responsibility.
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Yes, I’ll admit it. I called him the Teflon Don. Nothing sticks to him. It could be pouring rain, it just bounces right off him, while his suit stays dry and neatly pressed. And his contract gets extended.
And in the 2005-06 season, an Olympic year for hockey, I said, a Waddell-divided cannot stand. I’m glad he’s not distracted by “other factors” this year. But even in the most scathing of my rants against Waddell through the years, I’ve always be consistent on one thing. (Yeah, what?)
I’ve always wanted to hear HIS SIDE of things. And unfortunately, that only happens AFTER a GM gets released. I doubt Waddell will be fired. I believe his contract simply expires this Summer. Someone double-check that. But even if it’s good through the Summer of 2009, something tells me Waddell would simply resign for personal reasons if the team missed the playoffs this year. But, laughing, I don’t think we’re out of the playoffs just yet. After tonight, there’s 79 games left. And our magic number is “95” or so.
Last year, the Islanders needed to win their last five games and have Toronto and Montreal falter above them. Well, that’s precisely what happened! “Black Saturday,” if you’re Canadian. The Leafs lost to the Isles, and then the Habs had to lose in regulation-time to the Leafs, while the Isles won their shootout with New Jersey. By Gawd, that’s how it went down. Charles Wang, laughingstock owner of the NHL, got his team into the playoffs.
Certainly, Waddell couldn’t be worse than Wang. (Let it go, whatever you’re thinking.) Let’s cream Ottawa tonight! (Again, let it go.)
By Brendan
October 10, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Mark, again, you’re making excellent points. I am also reminded that Waddell passed on Anze Kopitar (taken 11th overall) while moving down to 16th, to select Bourret. Then again, the 2nd round pick he got turned into Pavelec, a goalie that I think has a lot of upside. Admittedly, that’s not who I wanted for that pick. I wanted Latendresse, as you mentioned. But, I do think Waddell’s selection of Pavelec will go down as a “good selection.”
I have been flustered with the drafting of this club, in GENERAL, from the onset. I said, “in general.” Obviously, Exelby and Enstrom and Sterling are latter round picks who may have some longevity here. I hope so.
As for Phaneuf, I know what ya mean. But if I’m answering truthfully, had Nashville taken Coburn instead of Ryan Sutter with their 6th overall pick, I woulda sprinted to the podium as fast as my legs would carry me to announce Ryan Sutter, the top-rated blueline prospect that year, as my selection, still leaving Phaneuf on the board for Calgary. And yes, I would have been wrong and forced to endure all the slings and arrows pointed towards me, as well as being called a “moron,” and so forth.
The thing that frosted me about the Coburn and Valabik picks was … that Waddell sat on the rules committee, and should have seen the shape of the “new NHL” to come. Bygones. It’s starting to look like the NHL will be allowing the clutching and grabbing back into the game. I hope not!!
By Jeff Schultz
October 10, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Brendan: Personal observation — Sutton talked a lot because he liked to hear himself talk. That’s not to say he wasn’t a good quote. I’d also say he was a much better player before he started thinking he was really good and started doing too much. He was at his best when he kept his game simple. Midfield: Absolutely Havelid has to step up his game, particularly since he’s supposed to be the #1 defenseman among a suspect six. Mark: The probably with trying to hold a GM or a coach accountable right now with the Thrashers and Hawks is trying to figure out who’s making decisions. I honestly don’t believe the owners are in agreement on very many decisions. Then you have to realize that if Waddell/Hartley/Knight/Woodson get fired, any potential replacement is going to consider ownership before taking a job. Bottom line: Until ownership is finalized, changes won’t come easy. And, yes, getting a center for Kovy should’ve been the top priority. DJ: I think the Falcons would find it absolutely hysterical that you think I’ve been easy on them. Regarding Petrino, honestly, I’m not going to be that hard on him specifically because look at the mess he’s dealing with? I will question some of his dealings with players, relative to changing from college to the NFL, but that team’s a mess right now, and it’s not because of Petrino. DJ (Part II): Here’s the problem. The time to “fix” a team and build a roster is in the off-season, particularly before the draft when players and draft picks are shuffled. At this point, this is your team. The next significant roster changes won’t come for at least a month, if not more, because GMs want a chance to evaluate their own teams before making deals. Then, the biggest moves come before the deadline as teams dump salaries and look to add assets (like with the Tkachuk and Zhitnik trades last year). So what to do now? Like I wrote, I think the biggest problem now is just getting these guys to play hard and smart now. That’s up to Hartley. From that point, other than minor deals or call-ups from the minors, there’s not a lot of options. Brian: I can tell you about the team’s deficiencies but you know them already. Center/size in general/dependable D. The problem like I stated above is the time of the season. So you coach, preach, hope and pray that goaltending keeps you in games until the problems get figured out and/or another team is ready to make a deal. Buzilla: I’ve had my share of ESPN/CNN/etc. face time. Not as much as T-Moore. But I’ll get over it. To All about general DW bashing: I don’t disagree with any of your remarks posted here or in the past. I do believe he did his job before the trade deadline last season. Despite the miserable series against the New York Rangers, this team needed trades to make the playoffs and Don made them. So I have no problem with those deals – yes, even in hindsight. But I also believe he could’ve done more after the playoffs to improve this team.OK. I’m going to eat dinner now. That OK with everybody? Jeff
By Scott
October 11, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Will the two hicks stop posting about not caring about hockey? If you don’t like it, then why are you posting on a hockey story? Idiots. The Thrashers look bad but they did look better against the Senators. Hopefully we can get a win tonight against Buffalo.
By dj
October 11, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
You eat? I guess you are human. My point with the fixing is we know what we got. An undersized team that allows way to many shots. So, how do you utilize this to get the most optimum performance? I think you have make all three D-lines equal. There is no point in having Zhitnik and Havelid together if A) they are allowing the same number of shots as the other pairs or B) worst, they are allowing the same number of goals. I think Ex should be moved up. He and Klee do not have enough speed. Then, put the two swedes on the same line. You know swedes are like dead hookers one isn’t enough and two is too many. I think it’s time to overload our offense. 3 games-4 goals. When Hoss gets back, Kovy-Little-Hossa. Here’s the deal. Insanity is repeating the same thing expecting a different result. Hartley has got to do something to change things around. I will honestly say I’ve enjoyed Hartley since Day 1 but his coaching in the playoffs was horrible the only thing he did change was the goalies and we know how that works. You got to make do with what you got and this is what we got and I think what we got should be 2-1 and not 0-3.