Sports Columnists

By FormerIslesFan

October 17, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Wow…you would think that Schultz has started reading the fans’ blogs and comments for the last few years.

By C Daddy

October 17, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Right on Jeff, the reason this team is as bad as it is lies at the feet of Don Waddell, and Don Waddell only. Atlanta fans are stuck with another loser GM.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 17, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

This is beyond disgusting…I will continue to urge people to STOP SUBSIDIZING THE INCOMPETENCE…This is the ONLY way to get rid of Don Waddell, he of the eight-year “Five-Year Plan”…

By Bob

October 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Wow. I don’t think I could have written that any better myself. Are you channeling my thoughts?

Folks, every word above is 100% spot on.

Waddell took heat for mortgaging the future with pre-deadline deals last year. He shouldn’t. Those deals got the Thrashers into the playoffs. But blame Waddell for the holes that existed before the trades, and the holes that remained unfilled after the season.

Yep, completely spot on.

Thanks for getting a quote from an owner. It’s good to see they have their eye on him, even though that is beyond obvious.

The only reason that Waddell wasn’t fired yet and won’t be fired until the end of the season, is that there is no way a GM worth his salt is going to come in here until the ownership feud is settled.

It’s also why no Coach worth his salt is going to take this job under a lame duck Waddell. Everyone in the league can see what Waddell has done, or should I say what he hasn’t done, and hockey people know he’s gone at the end of the year.

Let the season play out, Don’s fired on April 7. Then get a real GM in here and we can finally get on with building a franchise. The only problem is Don is going to have to be the one to trade Hossa and negotiate a good deal for us, but every GM in the league knows he’s a lame duck.

Let’s hope the casual fans aren’t so turned off by this whole debacle that they’ll come back next year. A real GM can turn this around quick everyone, don’t give up hope, when Waddell is gone and they get a real guy, it can be done, quicker than you think. Stick it out fans, stick it out, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel here.

By LAC

October 17, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Jeff you are 110% CORRECT, It is about time people in the media started pointing to the REAL problem with The Atlanta Thrashers don waddell.

I can only hope these owners are reading the blogs and listening to comments, because I, like a number of others, WILL NOT RETURN to Philips arena until waddell is gone and gone for GOOD !!!!

Keep the Heat and Truth up Jeff, you scored a Hat Trick with this one !!

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Wow Schultz got it right! 28 d men drafted an we have the worst d in hockey. Including mite teams. Hartley goes and Waddel stays. Is this a communist country??

By Blitz94

October 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

I agree. I would like to see Waddell set up to the plate and take some responsibility.

By Blitz94

October 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

I agree. The wrong guy was fired. I would like to see Waddell step up to the plate and take some responsibility.

By B. Thenet

October 17, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers only have 2 draft choices from their own team at D??

What an outrage….

Until you look around at other NHL teams and their own draft choices they have on their D. The Lightning 3, Caps and Canes 2, the Panthers 1(granted he is pretty darn good).

Look, DW has problems identifying NHL D talent(at least bargain priced NHL talent), but that draft pick stat is useless.

If Don Waddell had pulled the trigger on this last February, we probably would not have make all those moves at the deadline to make the playoffs.

Hartley’s act grew old on this team a long time ago, they are a much better team than they have shown so far.

By Kovy 4 cap'n

October 17, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

could not have said it better myself. When did Schultz become a hockey guru?

By krust

October 17, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Jeff, please keep up the pressure on Don. Write one article per week.

I read in this blog that people will stop attending games. Don’t do that real hockey fans don’t do that. keep going to the games and protest Waddell some other way.

This year is not over, there are free agents out there who could help us and we have the cap room. A trade could also be made with probably LA Kings.

By Tony C.

October 17, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

I hate it when you’re right.

And you’re right. again

I propose we chant “Fire Donny” for a good 5min. at the beginning of the game.

GO BLUE !!!

By boomer

October 17, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Wow, first article I have ever read from Schultz that has 100% approval. Jeff, stick with hockey, and run away from football. I have very little interest in hockey, unless I have a ticket - it’s the south ya know, but this was worth pointing out. Jeff, you have found your calling!

By Crazy Diamond

October 17, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Ownership should fire Waddell and let the new GM hire the new coach.

By The Coop

October 17, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

1. Schultz is RIGHT on. Don should’ve stepped up and said “This is my doing and I take responsibility.” I had no idea the D draft had been so pi$$ poor. I knew our drafts had not been good, but jeez. Donny needs to go. 2. I’m surprised y’all didn’t know Schultz is the man. He was the original Thrasher guy and has clearly been a fan ever since. Preach on Brotha Schultz! P.S. I’m very concerned about Lehtonen he’s been the future star for too long. He needs a killer instinct transplant, Roy isn’t using his anymore.

By The Coop

October 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

1. Schultz is RIGHT on. Don should’ve stepped up and said “This is my doing and I take responsibility.” I had no idea the D draft had been so pi$$ poor. I knew our drafts had not been good, but jeez. Donny needs to go. 2. I’m surprised y’all didn’t know Schultz is the man. He was the original Thrasher guy and has clearly been a fan ever since. Preach on Brotha Schultz! P.S. I’m very concerned about Lehtonen he’s been the future star for too long. He needs a ki

By The Coop

October 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

1. Schultz is RIGHT on. Don should’ve stepped up and said “This is my doing and I take responsibility.” I had no idea the D draft had been so pi$$ poor. I knew our drafts had not been good, but jeez. Donny needs to go. 2. I’m surprised y’all didn’t know Schultz is the man. He was the original Thrasher guy and has clearly been a fan ever since. Preach on Brotha Schultz! P.S. I’m very concerned about Lehtonen he’s been the future star for too long. He needs a killer instinct transplant, Roy can be a donor.

By joseph casey

October 17, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Don Wadell should be the one that is fired. Wadell signed a bunch of loser free agents in the off season and expected Hartley to win. Nobody could win with all of these new and weak players. Bob won the division last year, but not with these guys.Hartley took the fall, and owners don’t know any better. The Blueland will be blue with Wadell.

By gogostevie

October 17, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Everywhere Hartley has been, he’s been a winner.

Can we say the same thing about Waddell? I don’t think so.

Terrible move from a mediocre NHL GM, and yet another step back for the Thrashers.

By stendec

October 17, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

when teams stink coaches are fired - sometimes it is right and sometimes it is wrong - it was wrong in this instance. cheer up bh. be proud you escaped from the asylum. petrino has not been so fortunate. fare thee well, my friend. can you take kl with you. well, i tried.

By Gene

October 17, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

We may compare the firing of Bob Hartley to the firing of Dan Reeves. The Falcons have been turned into an expansion team because of Arthur Blank’s inept leadership. The same thing will happen to the Thrashers, if it hasn’t happened already. Atlanta fans have supported the Thrashers from the beginning, but look for empty seats in the future, including my own.

By Mr. Heat Miser

October 17, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Dang Schultz, I just might halfway agree with you for a change….

By angryseasontktholder

October 17, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

I have been a season ticket holder since day one and hockey fan for forty years and I don’t remember a more pathetic sight. It is Waddell’s fault—and his arrogance continues. Bill Parcells once said about being able to get the players he needed “if you want me to cook the dinner then let me buy the groceries”. Well Waddell can now cook the dinner with his groceries and I hope he cooks his own goose. When will the brain dead owners see this? When hordes of us supporters stop watching a bunch castoffs and AHL rejects. I am done.

By NASCARfan

October 17, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Schultz, I think this is the first time in Atlanta sports history in which media and fans are both 100% in the same corner.

The first thing I did when I read the The Skunk had fired a great coach and a great man was wonder aloud, “What is Schultz and Kincade going to say about this?”

And you both are on the pulse, Schutlzie. You both are doing what you should do. You’re being the voice of the fan, our representative to the team.

And right now the message needs to be loud and clear, “We the fans HATE Don Waddell and want him FIRED yesterday!!!”

He is a terrible GM. He is a terrible scout. He is a terrible liar. He’s just terrible. He needs to go, and it’s a shame that the great coach and man that is Bob Hartley had to pay for Don Waddell’s sins.

F-U DON WADDELL!!!

By Gene Griffin

October 17, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

The simple fact is the Thrasher are a hockey team without a middle.They are outmuscled in front of the net all the time.They creat a bubble in the offensive zone when it’s five on five.I never see knock down intesity in front of the net.To be a good hockey club you have to intimidate your opposition.Don Waddell did not address this obvious flaw when we collapsed in new york last year.I love this team but we are undersized. Good luck to Hartley..he was a class act.I hope we get some help.

By Joyce

October 17, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Thanks for the article and please continue to write on this. It is just horrible that we lost our coach and Don Waddell should have been the man to go. They take our money and the tickets are not cheap, they bring in the draft at cheap salaries with not much talent and then fire a good man that brought us to the Stanley Cup Championship playoff’s. What is wrong with this picture? You have the answers in your article. I will be at the games and I will be there watching Waddell go under. I hear the boo’s coming Waddell’s way.

By Too Funny

October 17, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

It’s funny that the same ownership group would allow a coach like Mike Woodson and a General Manager like Billy Knight to be employed, while a great coach and person like Bob Hartley is shown the door.

By rj

October 17, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

You people are stupid. The guys we have are playing Hartley’s system. It sucks. The record proves it. If Hartley is so good why was he available ? Why was he fired from Col ?

Don has made lots of mistakes, no doubt, but the coach has to find a way to get the most out of the players. Hartley lacks imagination.

I just watched NJ vs Pit. Great game. Hard play. Up and down. Both sides playing with an edge. Great goaltending. Thank god for Center Ice.

By Another Disgusted Customer

October 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Spot On Jeff,

Management and the owners would do well by getting in touch with the reality of the situation - particularly as it’s viewed by their fans - - who also happen to be customers. And paying customers are a particularly valuable commodity in a market with many entertainment options and in a sport with little television revenue.

Better than last year - come on? The team (and the product of management’s decision making) has gone backwards - materially.

This reeks of politics, disavowing responsibility, under achievement - the stuff of losers. All confirmed by their performance.

Very, very unfortunate all the way around

By BigBillWard

October 17, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

I have had season tickets since the Flames first game a 1-1 tie with Buffalo in October 1972.

The Flames had a GREAT GM, Mr.Cliff Fletcher a man who could make a deal and draft on the same day, he made no excuses, he made progress… Too bad we had another BAD owner cousins who I consider a liar from the past.

But this is far different…

This is a train wreck, Pi— Poor owners without a clue as to what is going on, a GM who is The Laughing stock of the NHL and a bunch of cream puff undersized players who are AHL third liners at best.

Jeff is Right On with this one.

Waddell is DESTROYING the Atlanta Thrashers, slowly but surely.

No chance Hossa stays after this mess, can you blame him ? NO.

But after all the MESS waddell has caused he is still here and will be the coach… look out another train is crashing.

I simply cannot understand why this guy is still here,he is killing the team. Why in the world do the owners not see it ?

Progress geron would be you putting on a JOCK STRAP and FIRING don waddell

I have had season tickets here since day one, I will NOT renew again until waddell is gone, I guess it will take empty seats to get what needed to be done several years ago finally done… But will you clowns even notice that ?

You sprit owners really are bad for Atlanta in EVERY RESPECT !!!!!

By Paul from Milton

October 17, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

JS’s article is spot on. Just like the Falcons, just like the Hawks, the problems with the Thrashers starts at the top. We’ve had too many high draft picks for this to happen. It’s usually tough for fans when a team is blown up and then remade from the start. But in this case - what do we have to lose?

By Sandy Springs

October 17, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Last season’s playoffs proved this team has no heart, no character.

This season’s team has that same problem and even less talent. It’s all a mess.

We need a well respected GM with a steady hand and keen insights to get the train back on the tracks. No quick fixes; this will take patience.

By Waddell=worst NHL GM

October 17, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Fire Waddell!

By John Mc from Long Island

October 17, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

I have the NHL Center Ice package and just found out about Coach Bob Hartley’s firing. I was livid, not because I’m a Thrashers fan. I’m a Ranger Fan but more importantly a fan of the game of hockey and always thought highly of Bob Hartley. I thought the team, gave up a lot before the past trade deadline. Jeff Schultz claims that the deals that the Thrashers made “…got them into the playoffs…”. I’m not too sure about that. I think that the Thrashers had a fairly decent team before the trades were made and were capable of making the playoffs without pulling the trigger, so to speak. I didn’t even know the GM’s name until I connected to the AJC sports website just now. It’s incomprehensible that the GM has the gall to say “I felt, watching every game, it wasn’t going to change. And I needed to do something about it,” General Manager Don Waddell said on a conference call with reporters. “I never predicted I’d be making a coaching change six games into the year.”

Makes me want to spit. Is this guy, Teflon Don or what!

By Brian

October 17, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

People, people, people what good is it to fire the GM once the season starts? I agree that he needs to shoulder a good bit of blame for this, but changing the GM will make no difference on the ice, but changing the coach might. Hartley was not without fault either, the line flip flops and the goalie switching; how was anybody supposed to get any chemistry going with their line mates, or a goalie get into a groove? Both men were at fault for this mess, but folks it’s always easier to fire the coach, instead of 22 players, and the GM has to do the firing. If this team continues this way Waddell will get his as well.

By Don

October 17, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Well done Mr. Schultz. When you drop the snarky comedy act (which frankly isn’t very funny) and show some passion for sports you’re hands down the best sportswriter on the AJC staff.

By Thrashy Thrashy

October 17, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

You can’t fire the GM and keep the coach. A new GM would want his own man on the bench. This way, Waddell gets to show how “wonderful” his team is by coaching them. When he gets fired, we’ll have a clean slate. That’s the best thing for the organization, but it’s a shame that Hartley had to work for this chump.

By Anthony Z.

October 17, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Tony C.

You can take your UNoriginal, UNintelligent, Pathetic, Goofball chants and shove them up your UNDEReducated @$$ !

It is self-centered, clueless dumb@$$es like you who ruin the atmosphere at Philips Arena for fans who actually care about THE TEAM.

By R. Stroz

October 17, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Wait another six games and fire the new coach, Don Waddell.

By John Mc from Long Island

October 17, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Thrashy Thrashy,

Good Point! Let Mr. Waddell either turn the team around or tighten the noose around his own neck. Perhaps that’s the deal that the owners made with Waddell before they discussed Hartley’s firing. Bob Hartley will be one of the first coaches hired by another team. His experience and demeanor goes a long way.

By G Roberts

October 17, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

The wrong guy was fired. This must have been a personality issue. The Thrashers are younger and have less experience than last year which translates a lot of experienced players went to other teams. Bob Hartley was the best thing that has happened to the Thrashers.

By Jeff S

October 17, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

I lived in Denver in the 90’s and was a season ticket holder for several years, including the Avs (Nordiques) first year in town when Hartley & Co. took the Stanley Cup. Granted, he had great talent and he can be intense, but that group of players wanted to win and drew off Hartley’s intensity. This group of players and the GM seem to be intent on doing what most professional athletes/GM’s on losing teams do…point their fingers and whine about how everything and everybody else is the cause (right MeAngelo?)…instead of looking in the mirror.

Can’t the owners see the Thrashers started down the right road when they hired Hartley and if Waddell did half the job the GM did with the Avs in filling the roster with young and veteran players alike who wanted to play his system and give it their all, the Thrashers might be looking at the Stanley Cup soon instead of the basement.

Hey owners…it might not be too late. Listen to your fans…dump Waddell and give Hartley a call.

By dj

October 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Nice try to win us over the draft stat. Your Stanley Cup champions (You know Jeff the big silver thing you pick up after you played two months of the most brutal hockey in your life) Anaheim have how many drafted D-man???? ZERO. This team started hot last year then kinda fizzled….The PP hot then fizzled then hot then sucked in the playoffs same for the PK. IT’S the system. The same team last year who started hot finished not so hot. There is one consistency in that…the coach. I though Hartley was given the toughest job in the NHL. After the Heatley accident, Hartley did an excellent job of keeping this team together and the year we missed the playoffs by two points was our year. But, things become old and that same voice doesn’t settle in and the glow of being a Stanley Cup champion coach isn’t at bright. Something needed to happen and good they made a decision. Now go win a freakin game Thrashers.

By John Ferguson Fan

October 17, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Bottom Line — The problem fired the Coach. The Atlanta Spirit is aptly named. Atlanta is the worst sports town in America. The Hawks and the Thrashers are doing their part to keep it that way. Waddell is a man with no vision and no integrity, He must be removed immediately.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

OK, let me make sure I’m reading this correctly, the most unproductive, overpaid and slowest player on the team goes behind the coaches back and tells the GM the team is not getting any better after the season ends.

For the love of hockey, someone, anyone, give Holik a mirror. Talk about someone not getting any better. Please take the C off Holik’s jersey, he doesn’t deserve to wear it. The least Holik could have done was had a face to face with Hartley.

Holik is an overpaid and oversized chickensh!t. In order to clean this mess of a team up start with Holik, the future frontman for the GEICO caveman commercials.

By Decatur

October 18, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Nobody is talking about the owners, a collection of people who can never seem to agree with each other. I am sure Don is doing the best he can with what he is given to work with. The Spirit group needs to sell their interest in Atlanta’s sports teams. Someone who loves hockey, or someone who KNOWS hockey should own the team. The Spirit group does not care if they have the best product on the ice, or court.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Decatur - You seem to have the owners number. However, Don Waddell loves to run his mouth about the great things he has done for the Thrashers.

Both Dumb Waddell and Billy Knighmare run their mouth’s about their “five year plans”, which never seem to work.

By Tom

October 18, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

http://www.firewaddell.com

The future is now, are the Atlanta Spirit men enough to do the right thing? Even Jeff Schultz see’s the truth so it must be self evident.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this

Maybe the nasty nest can start a new chant, Waddell, Waddell, Waddell, you su#k.

By carl Rockburne

October 18, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this

Schultz is right on the money. The easiest thing in the world to do is fire the coach. Wadell has orchestrated a terrible draft year and the trades he has made have not been much bette. Unfortunately or fortunately we have to offer Hossa to see what we can salvage.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

What?? No peanut gallery of “Jeff Schultz is a no talent hack!” posts? Amazing. You guys are slipping. (Laughing.)

Excellent article, Jeff. Ya know, folks, many of you seemed to love to “dump” on Schultz with his 1st two hockey articles. Many of you called him “negative.” Some of you accused him of “sabbotaging” the upcoming season. Some thought and advanced the notion that Schultz was trying to drive hockey out of town. (A completely false allegation.) But when you want accountability, I told you Schultz would be there.

Well, here he is. He has delivered. If you read the comments on the “Are you Glad Hartley is Gone?” blog, you’ll see that the hockey fans in this town have made their feelings known about Don Waddell as GM, and this decision to fire Hartley. I’d have to think that someone at the Atlanta Spirit Group has had these comments “summarized” for them. But if you’re lazy, 97% wanted Waddell fired with, or instead of Hartley. The thing the Atlanta Spirit Group won’t be able to simply ignore will be the empty seats at Philips Arena. I take no pleasure in that revelation. I want to see a packed house while the team wins, makes the playoffs, and advances deep into the playoffs.

Anyone holding their breath for that this year? I agree with Schultz that Hartley is hardly blameless. It’s all been covered in intricate detail in that other blog, ad nauseum.

Waddell has outlived the life expectancy of a GM in his 8th season, of his 10th year, with one playoff berth and zero playoff wins. Before you think I’m “dumping” on Waddell, not everything was his fault. And “reasonable” people can see that. But this is a “results-oriented” business. Waddell will now have the opportunity to salvage the season as Head Coach and GM. This is roster reflects his vision, that he, alone, created for this team. Let’s see what he does with it. If he turns it all around, won’t that be something? If he can’t … he had a pretty long run in the NHL. No one should cry for him. For what it’s worth, I think Don Waddell has done the best job he is capable of.

If you said, “Well, that’s simply not good enough.” You’re hardly alone.

By Splinter

October 18, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

Sell the team, Jed!!

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this

Kovalchuk told Waddell in the off-season that he’s fine with the coach. He just wanted a center.

So DW goes out and brings in Todd Charmin White, a worthless 2 million dollar bargain bin center for Kovy. Is DW that stupid or is he just trying to pi$$ Kovy off. Remember the year before DW brought in Rooch, another worthless 2 million dollar bargain bin center for Kovy. DW doesn’t learn from his mistakes.

If there is a next time, Kovy should stipulate a really good center or he walks.

By Dumbing Down

October 18, 2007 5:36 AM | Link to this

YES!

By thefish

October 18, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By BigBillWard

October 18, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

I have read the blogs,just like us all. They, 96% have one constant, Fire Don Waddell.

Ok, this is NOT a fire Waddell post, I agree he MUST GO, but rather a post to see why the owners will not react to the FANS !!! Remember us the ones who pay the BILLS !

In business, and this after all IS a business, when you have an employee who cannot do his job in a productive manner, what action do you take… he is let go.

If your customers complained, like they have over this and it is all here to see, why would you ever permit this employee to conduct business on YOUR behalf and allow you to first, look completely stupid, make a BAD sitution worse, and how can after a long period of time… 8 years of really poor management, would he be allowed to stay.

In some companies if an employee gets a couple complaints from customers concerning their work not being top notch, he will be let go.

This is a perfect example, the customer…THE FANS have expressed more than enough displeasure with Waddell, his track record is terrible. So… Why do the owners not respond to THE FANS of Atlanta by resolving a SERIOUS problem ?

I don’t get it, what more evidence do they need ? How many more negative comments, futhermore, The comments about Waddell, are now spilling over and making the OWNERS look REALLY BAD, now is THAT the type of employee you should have in YOUR employ ? NO !

Any responsible business owner would put a STOP to this right now and NOT let it go any futher. It is far better to rid yourself of a BAD employee(Waddell) now, take your lumps and move on, to keep him will result in more and more erosion of an already fickle fan base and those who care have voiced one SOLID response, Don Waddell MUST be removed ASAP form your company.

If it were mine he’d have been gone 4 years ago, I. like many others,am at a complete loss to see what is taking you owners so long, do us a favor Fire Waddell TODAY before it is REALLY TOO LATE !

By jrock

October 18, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

not only should wadell be fired, so should the lousy scouting staff that supplies those lame draft picks

By Fred

October 18, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

How long before we start hearing talk of some dolt buying our team and moving them? Honestly…. Bunch of disgruntled fans, good young players, incompetent management from the top all the way down….. If we dont get a real coach, a real GM, and either makes some trades or sign a free agent who can play, i GUARANTEE Hoss will walk after this season. That’s assuming they don’t trade him. The firing was knee jerk. I’m not really sure if i think it was a bad move or not. Depends on who they hire. But i absolutely think the bigger problems are the RETARD Gm we have, and a a lack of motivation on the ice. With the exception of Kovy, everyone else looks like they are clock punching out there. No grit, no heart, NO WINS. Somebody do something before we lose our damn team altogether.

By SALGUY

October 18, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

TSN reporting Atlanta Thrasher news confrence today at 11AM… What does THIS mean ???? Hummmmmmmm

By Jay

October 18, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Maybe it’s time for a combination Head Coach/GM. I think that a scenario might be Don Waddell introducing Pat Quinn as the replacement head coach AND new General Manager.

Otherwise, I could be GM. Have you seen my Yahoo Fantasy Teams?

By Tommy

October 18, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

Everyone likes to pile on Atlanta as ‘a bad sports town’. But given a situation like this, can anyone really blame us???

Between Mike Woodson, Billy Knight, Don Waddell, and Bob Hartley, the Atlanta Spirit only had one head coach/GM that has ever won a postseason game.

That one was fired yesterday.

Stuff like this makes it very, very hard to cheer for them.

By bmoc

October 18, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

I will NOT be at Blueland anymore,not until Waddell is gone once and for all…

Can you hear all of us gearon ?

Progress is firing a GM who should have never been GM in the first place What does he HAVE on you guys ?????

You have not a clue as to what progerss is or ever will be !

By Dawggy Style

October 18, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

I have always admired Hartley as a coach, but, if a team is going to play without passion and purpose, then something has to happen. A change in coaching philosophy may generate a spark, and I’d expect changes in personnel (Slater, Zhitnik, etc.) to be forthcoming as well if players who know better continue to play so poorly.

Time for a reality check for those of you still missing the key points:

• Firing Waddell and hiring a new GM would have certainly brought a quick end to Hartley’s career in Atlanta as well. A new GM would bring his own coach with him.

• You can’t hire a quality GM once the regular season starts and, even if you could, what’s he going to do except maybe trade Hossa sooner rather than later. If Waddell does stick around, when to trade Hossa and to whom will be his primary issue throughout this season.

• The veteran players on this team need to step up and be accountable to themselves and to the rookies on the roster. I have been pleasantly surprised with Kovy’s hustle and desire, but others (Havelid, Zhitnik, Holik, Kozlov, and even Hossa) need to show some enthusiasm, grit, leadership and hustle during the games. The rookies will be rookies, but at least they appear to be giving maximum effort.

By LAC

October 18, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

I noticed the Rangers NHL site, proudly proclaiming that They Are Returning to THE SITE of PLAYOFF GLORY tonight at Philips Arena.

Futhermore, they bash the Thrashers, albeit not an outright slap in the face,but not nice either,that’s for sure, for being LAST inthe NHL and it is a PERFECT place to start a three game road trip.

I want to hear Sam Rosen and Joe’s take on the problems here,also Al & Stan between periods, bashing waddell, Stan Fishler has not had kind words in the past about waddell, I expect none tonight and for GOOD reason.

Is there really a news confrence at 11am today ? Could it be that the owners have finally had a brain fasrt and all agree, it’s time to FIRE waddell ???? here’s hoping,

Will miss coming to the Arena until the Stink of waddell is cleared out of The Philps !

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 18, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

your still a douche Jeff

By David

October 18, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

I have a better idea: move the Thrashers out of Atlanta. The NHL is a fraud to have teams in Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Nashville, Phoenix, the Bay Area, plus TWO in Los Angeles, and not have teams in Hartford, Quebec City and Winnipeg. I don’t care, move teams into those three cities, plus Hamilton, Saskatoon, Portland (Maine, not Oregon)…ANYWHERE THAT IS A REAL HOCKEY TOWN, NOT WHERE IT’S 80 F-ING DEGREES IN JANUARY! The NHL has sold its soul to the devil, and I for one can’t stand it. I’ve had it with southern hockey! It’s time for the NHL to return to its roots and move back to areas where it’s actually cold enough to play hockey outdoors.

By RELee

October 18, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

To David, first, hockey was in the first 3 cities you listed, and it failed. Second, the NHL has brought hockey south because of all the transplants that have moved here and it is succeeding. If you don’t like hockey, that’s fine. Just go on back to the Dome.

By Hip Czech

October 18, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Wow, what a past few weeks..family health issues (most important), 0-6 start, Hartley canned.

I agree that Waddell should have been the first one to go. No question.

However, I agree with an earlier post that Hartley’s system left a LOT to be desired. I HATE the dump and chase, and we seem to do it from our own zone. Our offensive breakout is chip the puck up the boards and hope our wingers get to it so they can then dump it in. It stinks.

The power play has been abysmal forever. How hard can it be to get decent shots with a man advantage?

One last rant….what on earth does Brad Mccrimmon do? If you ever go to a practice he just skates around, never says anything and never talks to any players. Weeks at least works with the goalies, Mccrimmon does absolutely nothing.

By rane

October 18, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

stupidity + banging your sister + rudeness + being a jerk + foul mouth + poor understanding of hockey = R. Stroz

By Peter

October 18, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

One of Waddell’s biggest mistakes was to let Marc Savard go. He tried to imply that his success was due to Kovi. Looking at what he did in Boston last year we now know that was not the case.

Also Holik has been a horrible presence on the ice, when they gave him the ‘C’ I flipped. Scott Mellanby he is not.

By Emperor Levenson

October 18, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

EXECUTE ORDER 66

By Bob

October 18, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

from the watch out what you wish for files, Sportsnet has talked to good ol Fat Quinn and he’s ready to come

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

By Holik-A-Holic

October 18, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

**FFFFFFF I RRRRR EEEEEE F I R R E F I R R E FFFF I R RR EEEE F I R R E F I R R E F I R R EEEEEE

DDDD OOO N N D D O O N N N D D O O N N N D D O O N N N DDDD OOO N N

N N OOO W W W ! N N N O O W W W W ! N N N O O W W W W ! N N N O O W W
N N OOO W W !

The wrong man took the heat!

By Holik-A-Holic

October 18, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

**FFFFFFF I RRRRR EEEEEE F I R R E F I R R E FFFF I R RR EEEE F I R R E F I R R E F I R R EEEEEE

DDDD OOO N N D D O O N N N D D O O N N N D D O O N N N DDDD OOO N N

N N OOO W W W ! N N N O O W W W W ! N N N O O W W W W ! N N N O O W W
N N OOO W W ! **

The wrong man took the heat!

By Brian

October 18, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

The wrong guy was not fired. The problem is that not enough guys were fired. Hartley and Waddell needed to go. The last 10 games, in my opinion, have been 10 of the most important games in franchise history. Obviously, the team laid a gigantic egg in the 4 playoff games to end last season. They then went out and laid an even bigger game in the 6 games kicking off the season following their first playoff appearance. A season that saw record ticket sales, a genuine interest in hockey from fans who were previously apathetic to the sport, and a playoff banner hoisted to the rafters. They had a chance to build on the success of last season and then came out and fell flat on their faces. Certainly the coach has to take the heat for a heaping portion of that failure. The GM has to take the rest of the blame.

By Will

October 18, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Instead of chanting “Goalie, Goalie, Goalie, you suck” we should ALL chant “Waddell, Waddell, Waddell, YOU SUCK!” mercilessly.

By Rastaman

October 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Fire all of them, and take this stupid Yankee game away from the south! More Stock car racin’ less stupid hockey!

By NASCARfan

October 18, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

David you are an idiot and a imbecile.

By chief of smoke

October 18, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

jeff your 100% correct

By Brian

October 18, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

dj - great stat on the fact that the Stanley Cup champions drafted ZERO defensemen on their team. As many here know, I am originally a Buffalo guy and I know that only 3 of their D-men were drafted by them. Besides, how many D-men are playing for the Wolves right now that DW drafted?

Jeff S - um, that Colorado team you claimed to have watched win the Stanley Cup their first year in town, they were coached by Marc Crawford. Hartley didn’t come along for a few years later.

Brian - ok, this is getting like all the Bobs, but your point is exactly as I would say it. If the new coach doesn’t make a run, DW will get the ax as well, so let’s not get upset that he didn’t get fired. Besides, if the new coach wins, it will show that the talent was here all along, so why fire the GM that got the talent (if they win). And again, as you say, if they don’t win, DW just put his head in a noose, so it seems everyone will be happy here.

By LAC

October 18, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Screw you rastaman I see enough cars on 285 everyday, racin if for The uneducated fools of the world like you, who like your worthless life, are going around in circles to NOWHERE !

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Scott Burnside strikes again. If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s worth a read. He even credits AJC Columnist Jeff Schultz with a quote.

By Jenni

October 18, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Will, how would you like it if we all come to see you during your shift at Arby’s and chanted like a bunch of crude, classless, high-school-dropout, dumba$$ primates about your amorous activities at Swinging Richards and how you should lose YOUR job?

Idiot.

By Brett

October 18, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Jeff, You are 110% correct on this one!

By Brett

October 18, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Hey Jeff, You are 110% correct on this one!

By Section 109 Sonny

October 18, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Glad to see everyobody finally woke up as to the real problem with the Thrashers, spin doctor Don Waddell. Now, when is this clueless ownership group - who ARE they, by the way? - going to show this buffooon the door? My stomach - not to mention my wallet ( a season ticket holder since Day One) - can’t take much more of this!

By rj

October 18, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

The biggest mistake Waddell has made was not firing Hartley in Feb 07 when they were in the big slide. A real coach would have gotten that team into the playoffs without the GM having to trade the future away. A decent coach would have inspired his team to win some games against the Rangers.

What this team needs is some Jeff Odgers type of spirit and grit. Hartley for sure couldn’t inspire it or more likely doesn’t believe in it.

By BiscuitsNBaskets

October 18, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Indeed, the wrong man was fired first. However, how much great theatre will there be with Waddell behind the bench, realizing just how backward his “better” roster has gone? Oooooo, this’ll be a peach. Too bad Don will be on the road for the next few weeks, where the Philips fans won’t be able to get at ‘em. Yet, how depressing is it that I’m actually rooting for more losses so the “Spirit” will pull their head out of their rears and realize who the real culprit of this fiasco is.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 18, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

BigBillWard—what a great post! Yes, this IS a business and the ownership is NOT listening to the most important factor of all: the customer. The customer who PAYS for everything.

This will become a management-course lesson in how not to deal with customers.

The Waddell-sheep are running scared—and must be shocked that the vast majority is becoming more and more vocal on the utter incompetence of their hero, our bumbling, lisping, buffoon of a GM…

In my best Patrick Henry pose and voice, “Not another dollar for this incompetence!”

That WILL force the ownership to change, when there are 5,000 people in the stands…Then again, if it takes this type of radical action, is this ownership or organization even WORTH it to begin with?

You just might know the answer to that—if you search deep down and trust your instinct…

By Luke

October 18, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

I hope that once we are 0-20 and Don is gone we can get Hartley back in Blueland. After all, he put it on the map!

By aj

October 18, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

AMEN JEFF!!! GET RID OF WADDELL!!!! HE IS THE JOKE OF THE TEAM!!

By Mark

October 18, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

I am actually rooting for Atlanta to have a really, really, really bad year this year. Why? Two words: John Tavares. This kid is just lighting it up in the OHL this year as a 17 year old after lighting it up as a 16 year old last year. He has been compared to everyone from Mike Bossy to Wayne Gretzky to Crosby. He should be a can’t miss, total stud. The only problem / question is his draft status. He misses the ‘08 draft cut-off by 5 days but his lawyers are working to get him in the ‘08 draft and they might make it happen. Some people think he’ll top 200 points in the OHL this season. That’s about 40 points more than Crosby put up in his final season in the Q. If he ends up coming out in the ‘08 draft it would be amazing to watch this kid play in Atlanta for years.

By Nunya Business

October 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Jeffie. You’re full of crap. We ARE a better team than EVER before. Sage b*** about DW’s 5yr. ‘plan’. Yea. It was a ‘plan’ not a promise. I don’t think we could have a better GM. He’s done a great job with what he’s had to work with. I’ve heard several times that players and agents like to deal with him because he’s fair and honest. He drafted Kari, Heatley and Kovy. Yea. He makes some moves that make me scratch my head sometimes. But, I bet if I could get an explanation from him, I would agree with his decision. Overall, I think he’s done a great job. This is the best team we’ve EVER had. People love to go headhunting when we’re not winning.

By Hockeynumb

October 18, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I’m tired of supporting this team under the current regime including the cast of players we have right now. Get rid of Kovalchuk first and get some better grittier team players. He has some good value in the market and this team has to rebuild again right now. Kovi showed his true colors last year in the playoffs running around the ice after Avery. He is not a franchise player IMO.

By Mark

October 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Hockeynumb, Kovy has been one of the only players that looks like he gives a damn out there. If anyone should be traded it is Hossa. He’d bring a really good return and is a UFA this summer. I seriously doubt he is going to sign here now after everything that is going on.

By Bob

October 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

That WILL force the ownership to change, when there are 5,000 people in the stands

When? You must not have been at last week’s Ottawa game. If there were more than 5,000 there, I’d be shocked.

By Vancouver

October 18, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness someone in the Atlanta media called it like it is. It takes guts. Jeff is 100% right.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

rane - An IQ greater than 150 with two college degrees from local private university while on a full academic ride doesn’t qualify as stupid. I’m an only child, thus I don’t have a sister. Yes, I can be a jerk, but, then again, most people can at times. As far as a poor understanding of hockey, I think most of the consistent bloggers would inform you that you incorrect.

Maybe your Bobby Holik and don’t like hearing the truth, or, then again, maybe, you are unable to construct an intelligent dialogue. Sounds like you have issues to me.

By Dave K

October 18, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Joe Di Penta. Steve Staios. Brian Pothier. Braydon Coburn. Frantisek Kaberle. Mike Weaver.

… somehow, we’d rather have Ken Klee and Jaroslav Modry

By Dave K

October 18, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

hey stroz — two college degrees and you don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re” in a sentence? The issue you have is that you’re lying about something.

By RS

October 18, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

When (not if) they fire Waddell, remember who will be looking for his replacement…the Atlanta Spirit Group. They’ll fall for some glad-handing - say the right things - poser and just bring in someone worse….

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Dave K - You spoiled my fun. I placed several errors in my post to see if rane could find them. Please don’t tell him where the others are.

By RomansFriendBill

October 18, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

I’ve been saying it for the whole time Holik has been here. He is not worth the 4.25 million he’s paid. Maybe Holik is starting his second career as a coach now by undermining Bob Hartley. Every Bobby Holik apologist has told me to wait for the playoffs and then Holik will earn his money. Well, we got to the playoffs and were swept in 4 games. I know, I know, Holik looked great compared to the other Thrashers on the ice but he played his average self while the rest of the team shat the bed. Will we have a player coach in Bobby Holik? If it gets him off the ice I will put up with him behind the bench for the remainder of the year. We can then use his 4.25 million to secure a much better center.

By Dave K

October 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Stroz - And I suppose the dog ate your homework? You’re right about Holik; he is a class-A player-hater agitator, ten years past his prime, and about as deserving of wearing a “C” as he is of wearing the Pope’s robes.

By LoveJ.R.

October 18, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

100% spot on. We have had season tickets since day one and after basically importing teh Wolves players here and getting some idiot to center one of the greatest current NHL centers when that has been a glaring need— we bought 15 games. Now— not one penny more. The owners are basketball guys and look at the freaking Hawks— that tells you what you need to know. And Waddell threw Hartley under the bus. Yeah— Bob’s style can be tough. Coaching however is not a democracy— it is a dictatorship. Who would the players like? They would complain about Soctty Bowman and Waddell would probably fire him too. Expect Hossa to phone it in and get out and Kovy to seek to get out in any way that he can— I bet the Rangers would find a way to make that one work.

Congrats Atlnta Spirit— we now have a team that is in as much trouble as the one in year one with this ship of fools running it!

By LoveJ.R.

October 18, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

100% spot on. We have had season tickets since day one and after basically importing teh Wolves players here and getting some idiot to center one of the greatest current NHL snipers when that has been a glaring need— we bought 15 games. Now— not one penny more. The owners are basketball guys and look at the freaking Hawks— that tells you what you need to know. And Waddell threw Hartley under the bus. Yeah— Bob’s style can be tough. Coaching however is not a democracy— it is a dictatorship. Who would the players like? They would complain about Soctty Bowman and Waddell would probably fire him too. Expect Hossa to phone it in and get out and Kovy to seek to get out in any way that he can— I bet the Rangers would find a way to make that one work.

Congrats Atlnta Spirit— we now have a team that is in as much trouble as the one in year one with this ship of fools running it!

By Peter

October 18, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Holik has been worthless ever since his return from injury in ‘06. A total underachiever.

And it’s about time Jimmy Slater actually lived up to his potential as well. He is such a great skater, and so fast (faster than Hossa), why he can never find the net is beyond me.

By LoveJ.R.

October 18, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Sorry mis-type— Kovy is a great sniper— who clearly needs an even adequate center!

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

If anyone attends the game tonight and meets a Ranger’s fan, ask that individual what Ranger’s fans think of Bobby Holik. More than likely, you will hear the same concerns, talks a big game but doesn’t deliver, whines incessantly, and is egregiously overpaid.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Schultz — Now would be the correct timing of your first article of the year. The team is not playing well, you’re welcome to point that out. That was the big beef you received at the beginning of the year — your timing of “the truth”.

Brendan — I’ve found an easy way to read the important comments on JS’s blogs…skim past posting names you don’t recognize. Once you get to the meat of all of the posts, posted by people who actually frequent hockey blogs here (not those that just come to bash or praise Schultz), you’ll notice the same thing you’ve seen in the past on Custance’s blogs. Some fans who like the Thrashers agree, while others disagree. The proportion is no different now than it was on Oct. 5.

dj — You continue to crack me up (shiny thing…quality). Anaheim had less players from their “system” last season when they won the Stanley Cup than Atlanta currently does. Clearly drafting is not the most integral part of winning a Stanley Cup, as Anaheim was able to do so without it.

Anyone who care — This is the first step to helping correct the problems of the team currently. If this step doesn’t work, Waddell’s job is next. For those who continue to complain about Waddell…JUST WAIT! He’ll get his in time.

Hartley has lost 10 games in a row, 4 of which were the biggest games in the franchise’s history. 0 playoff wins does not rest on the shoulders of the GM (whose team was good enough to make it), but the coaching staff and the players. Those players seem to have lost something since February of last year. The star players are underperforming (with one surprising exception), the veterans are already retired though still skating, and the rookies are playing surprisingly well but were getting relatively no ice time to show for it.

Waddell knows, and so do those that have faith in him, that his off season moves have just as much to do with Hartley’s problem this season as the actual product on ice. Waddell was quoted in Schultz’s article about how he knows his time is coming, and that he’s doing what he feels is best for the team. What else can you ask for??

If you answer “Fire Waddell”, you will get your wish by the end of the season, depending on how it all turns out. If your answer is “improved competitive play”, you can only hope to get your answer sooner rather than later.

If you wish for doom upon this team, do you really consider yourself a “fan”? Most people seem to wish the worst just so a man they dislike (Waddell) will be gone by October 19. I just want the team to play well, no matter who is at the helm…I hope there are others of you out there.

But to each his/her own.

By Peter

October 18, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Kovi and Savard were great together, the only problem that year was that there was that the blueline was weak and there was no depth.

By JAR

October 18, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Ranallo - Well said. Yes there are others of us out here.

By Adam

October 18, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

I have attended 15-20 games per year since the opening season. I went to opening night this year. I will not attend another game until Waddell is gone!

While I do agree after last year and the start of this year that Hartley needed to go but they should have been shown the door together.

By Stuart Smalley

October 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz! NOBODY here cares about how much smarter you “THINK” you are than the rest of us on this H-O-C-K-E-Y Blog!
FYI: No intelligent person would HAVE TO tell the world how cerebral he/she/it is, but you obviously do. Please go take your insecure lust for attention and acceptance somewhere else, Loser.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Don has made his bed and now he can Waddlle in it.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

I understand it when fans say, “I hope we tank, that way we get Tavares,” his draft availability status not withstanding. What they’re really saying is, “I hope we get the chance to add a future SUPERSTAR piece to our Stanley Cup-winning puzzle.”

Certainly that’s undestandable. It’s not like the fan is rooting for the team to be relocated. It’s not as if the fan hopes there’ll be five more years of futility. The fan, in that instance, is looking at the 2001 Tampa Bay Lighting, the 2003 Carolina Hurricanes, the 2006 St. Louis Blues, and the 2007 Philadelphia Flyers … and is thinking, “Look what they did with their LAST PLACE finishes! Let’s do that!”

Does that seat them in the “bad fan” section of the arena? To me, I’d seat them in the “Hopeful for successful change” section of the arena. That said, I wish the Thrashers could win the Stanley Cup this year, and every year. But I am certainly willing to take the lean years in exchange for the fat years, filling with three (3) banners hanging from the rafters (Division, Conference and Stanley Cup).

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Stuart Smalley - My blog reference addressed an earlier comment by rane. I’m not claiming to be superior to anyone other than rane. Hopefully, this will assist you in understanding my earlier rebuttal to Rane’s blog post at 9:25 AM.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Stuart - Real name or reference to Al Franken character on SNL?

By Kathy Smith

October 18, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

The “good old boys” boys network lives on in the grand old south. Don Waddell in all of his glory just fired the best thing that ever happened to the Atlanta Thrashers. My family will not be attending another game the rest of this season. It’s an utter disgrace that Waddell can’t admit that mistakes made are his. Hartley didn’t create this mess of a team—-HE did—and now it’s on his shoulders to fix. If I were an owner I’d be crawling back to Bob Hartley begging forgiveness and firing Holik and all the others that wouldn’t return Coach’s phone calls.

By Mark

October 18, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Sometimes you have to truly hit rock bottom for substantive change to take place. Look at the Flyers as a perfect example. If not for last season they would have kept icing rosters structured by Bob Clarke that may be able to make the play-offs but never have a chance to win anything once they get there. Thanks to that horrible season, new blood is now in charge and a completely different looking team is kicking butt right now. That’s what the Thrashers need. A total house cleaning. Hartley is gone, now Waddell needs to go and a replacement needs to be brought in to revamp the roster starting with the defense. And Tavares would be great too!!!!!!!!

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Nobody said “bad fan”. I asked if people consider themselves a fan when they are wishing the worst upon a team so that the GM (who they openly dislike) will be shown the door. I feel it’s a fair question.

Personally, I’d rather the team be successful no matter who is the GM or coach, and not be praying for a bottom of the barrel season in the hopes of getting a player like Tavares/Stamkos, or in the hopes of seeing Waddell fired. I wish no Philadelphia Flyers ‘06-‘07 season upon any team, especially my own.

Regarding Tavares/Stamkos … for this team to get a top pick means they’ve lost Hossa. Personally, I’d rather Hossa (if I had to choose between the two).

Right now I feel fans should be looking themselves in the mirrors and figuring out what sort of fans they want to be. The fan that will be b*** no matter what happens on and off the ice (until the ire in that fans eye is removed from the organization), the fan that demands accountability while hoping it can be found as soon as possible, or the fan that hopes for an improvement on this club no matter who leads them to that improvement. (Don’t assume those are the only types of fans, they’re just the types that come to these blogs)

By satbod

October 18, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Amen, Jeff. And amen on the 8, 9, 10, or whatever “five-year plan!” Todd White is a third-liner at best; Holik has been overrated his entire career; in the history of this franchise, we’ve had one true center (Savard) and one quality, character defenseman (Staios)— Waddell let them both leave!

By GE

October 18, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Who gives a puck about hockey? Sell the team to a team in the north and take the proceeds and salary reductions to fund the Hawks. Maybe some of the arrogant and overbearing yankee fans will go with them.

By SHARON

October 18, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

COULD SOMEONE PLEASE ASSIST R. STROZ WITH A DIAPER CHANGE?

GOOD GRIEF!

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

satbod — hindsight surely is 20/20, isn’t it?

Staios was let go in the infancy of this organization, when large contracts were something this team were not afforded the luxury of having. There was one philosophy then, build around the young talent they were hopefully drafting. Feel free to bash that philosophy all you want.

Savard was let go, and interestingly enough most people on these AJC blogs wished him a “don’t let the door hit you” farewell. Most people at that time thought he was overpriced at $5M, and that his PP production would be easily subsidized by other players. Those people were wrong on the second part, and it’s opinion on the first (yet I doubt any would claim to having such a stance). Yet somehow, now that Savard has continued his success and the ATL PP has faltered, people come from the woodworks to use Savard as the shining example of Waddell’s “ineptness”.

As I said, hindsight is 20/20.

Try bashing something that can easily be supported by fact (such as the early philosophy that was not supported by strong draft classes), and not something that can only be proven with the present as the crux to a past decision.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Sharon - Go take your prozac and PMS meds.

By Russ

October 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Nunya Business - Timing is everything and when you say “Overall, I think he’s done a great job. This is the best team we’ve EVER had.” when the team is 0-6 and has been outscored 27-9 it displays terrible timing. I just want to be clear on this, when you say this is “the best team we’ve EVER had”, you understand the 0 stands for wins and the 6 stands for losses, right???

By DaNooch

October 18, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Schultz,

You are a moron.

Stick to fantasy baseball and video games.

By ThrasherNY

October 18, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Ranallo: Sometimes you have to make sacrafices for the greater good. If it takes an 0-10 start to rid our franchise of the cancer know as Don Waddell then we just have to weather the storm. The big picture here is that DW will never take us to the promise land. Your goals as a fan are just not the same as mine.

Hossa is gone! I hope everyone relizes that by now. He himself said he wants to play for a contender and we will not be that any time soon. It takes years to build that up and we just dont have the foundation. As a fan I love and respect Hossa as one of the best in the game. It pains me to see him leave. The business side of the decision says to move him early and get some foundation in here. That should be the first move of the new GM after hiring a coach of course.

By GE

October 18, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

RStroz is an example of a overbearing and arrogant yankee that needs to be deported back to the north along with the Thrashers. What a jerk!!

By DaNooch

October 18, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

You people are like children. We have played 6 games. For all of you who know nothing about hockey, in the NHL there are 82 games in a season. Firing Waddell does nothing help the team win the other 76 games this year. Waddell DID NOT want to fire Hartley. That was the last thing in the world he wanted. But, he had to do something to try to turn the team around immediately. You can’t get rid of all of the players and bring in a whole new team in one day. The only alternative was to fire the coach. It was not Hartley’s fault, but that is how it goes in professional sports. Deal with it.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

ThrasherNY — Understood. I’m not saying it’s wrong to feel that way, and I understand your point. I’m sure our goals are of the same end (Stanley Cup), but my goals are “by any means necessary” and other people’s goals are “only with Waddell unemployed”.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

GE - Guess what? Born, raised, and still live in Atlanta. I enjoyed watching the Flames at the OMNI and skated at the Igloo.

rane, Stuart Smalley, SHARON, GE and all your other Sybil personalties need to return to Millegeville as soon as possible. The head trauma and psychiatric center miss you!

By BB

October 18, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

They did fire the wrong guy, and I agree that few, if any experienced GM’s would walk into this ownership mess. What irks me most is Don Waddell’s inability to admit he has done very little to improve the overall system player quality. I still do not see how Enstrom is a defensemen. This team is where it is, because Don Waddell gave Bob Hartley this stream of talent. Waddell will not be able to do any more with it, than Bob did. I suppose he can only threaten firing more realistically than Bob did from the bench. As a faithful season ticket owner from year 1, I do not think I will continue to be one again.

By Bob

October 18, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Schultz — Now would be the correct timing of your first article of the year. The team is not playing well, you’re welcome to point that out. That was the big beef you received at the beginning of the year — your timing of “the truth”.

Don’t you get tired of always be wrong, ranallo?

What Schultz wrote on opening day was not Monday Morning QBing. It was not hindsight. It was foresight, you goof. It takes knowledge of the game to have the foresight to write what Schultz did, before the drop of the first puck.

It takes foresight to tell you all summer long what I told you many times, that Klee was a chump signing by Waddell and that White was not a top line center, and that Waddell’s plan for Holik to play on a top 2 line was an accident waiting to happen, that it was putting a square peg in a round hole.

It takes foresight and knowledge of the game to tell you for years what the real problem is here, Waddell.

Some fans who like the Thrashers agree, while others disagree. The proportion is no different now than it was on Oct. 5.

What color is the sky in Ranallo World anyway? Brendan is 100% right, you goofball. The reason that people have come out of the woodwork is because this is a very emotional issue. First, they liked Hartley and it’s hard to see a guy you liked get fired. That gets all of the lurkers to come out and actually post their opinions.

Second, and most importantly, the light of day is finally shining on the real problem here, Waddell, and everyone knows it. Everyone except you and a couple of other goofs, who cling to a hope that the novels of words that you’ve written here on these blogs are not futile. That your constant arguing with me that the real problem is NOT Waddell, has not been completely in vain, that you weren’t dead wrong. Wake up, Sparky. Deal with the truth. You’ll feel much better when you do. You were wrong. Say it, Fonzie. Wr, Wr, Wr, Wr, Wr….ong

Ranallo: Sometimes you have to make sacrafices for the greater good. If it takes an 0-10 start to rid our franchise of the cancer know as Don Waddell then we just have to weather the storm. The big picture here is that DW will never take us to the promise land. Your goals as a fan are just not the same as mine.

Bingo. I love hockey and I want nothing more than our team to succeed. Which is the reason why I’ve been shining the light on the real problem on these blogs for so long. The real problem is Waddell. Nothing will meaningfully change here until Waddell is gone. There will be a nice 5 game bounce here after the firing, it usually happens after a hockey coach is fired, for some odd reason, a hockey club always picks up their play for 5 games, we’ll win tonight most likely. But then things will come back to reality.

So, ranallo, you dare to have the nerve to call out other fans. I’m calling you out. If you’re a true fan, and not just trying to avoid what is the truth, that you’ve been wr, wr, wr, wr, wr, wrong all along about Waddell and that he’s the real problem, then you’ll want what’s best for this team, Ranallo. And that’s getting a real GM in here who can finally start to build this club.

Stroz, pay no attention to the one troll with all the names, I have a feeling it’s one of the usual suspects.

By Russ

October 18, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

ranallo - Speaking for myself and others who have been asking for DW’s dismissal for several years (hopefully I can speak for them), I think you are correct that we do share the same goal (Stanley Cup). However, I think we would also agree to reaching that goal by any means necessary even if that means DW leads us there. The stance of the contingent wanting DW to be relieved of his duty is that we don’t think the ultimate goal is attainable with him at the helm.

By Peter

October 18, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, I was not one of those wishing good riddence to Savard. I was one of his biggest fans at the time. It was obivous he was a great catalyst for Kovi. He was a true centerman, setting up his winger(s), creating and seizing opportunities, and not forcing things that are not there.

By JSS

October 18, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Whoa!!! Damn, where have you been the last 5 years Jeffy Moron? This team was doomed from the choice of the 1st coach and player!!!

You were a 3rd rate beat writer covering the Thrashers and now you suddenly developed insight into the team… NO TALENT HACK

Oh, keep listening to the JINX, the pedophile is a one man death squad for perspective… You can become the Falcons overnight, a one man vendetta…

Stop worrying about the future of Waddell, he’s history regardless. You can not change the mistakes of the past, you can only make better choices in the future…

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Bob - If there is no “five game bounce” and the Thrashers continue to be outplayed in all aspects of the game, how long do you think Waddell will last?

By Don (Not that one)

October 18, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Here, Here Jeff, you’ve got it right on the money. Whether you got it on your own or from reading the fan blogs, it doesn’t matter.

The only expansion team to start slower (in recent memory) than the Thrashers is Columbus. They have cleaned house and are starting over. It’s sad to say, but it’s time for Atlanta to do the same. Hartley is a good coach, but hasn’t proven himself in the molding young players and building a team department (that’s why Colorado let him go).

There aren’t a lot of coaches out there, not matter what it’s going to take time. Maybe we should give the Wolves coach and GM a shot. They have built some talent in spite of the crap Waddell sent their way.

Fire Waddell

Thrasher’s Ownership take note. The only reason season ticket sales has done anything this year is because of the All-Star Game. I upgraded location and upped to full season so I could get All-Star tickets (of course they promised lower bowl and took that away). There is ZERO reason to spend this kind of money next year for a team that will be fighting for the first pick overall.

By GE

October 18, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

RStroz,

I would have never guessed it. So you are an arrogant and overbearing confederate hockey puck. Sorry to insult you by assuming you were a yankee. The south shall rise again.LOL

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Peter — Is that you all the way from Switzerland? If not, my bad, thanks for your opinion (which I happen to agree with). If so, thanks for finally posting.

Bob — Breathe. I’ll come back to you in a second.

Russ — I understand, and respectfully appreciate your opinion and stance on the topic. We’re not that much different as you’ve done a good job is pointing out.

Bob — You calmed down now? Heart rate settled?? Good. Here goes…

I do not “like” Don Waddell. (did you get that?)

I have been “content” with Waddell as the GM, and have vociferously defended his movements because some of them I could understand or agree with (or at least see his vision intended by such a move). That however does not mean I have blindly defended his every move, as you seem to assume.

These two things (like and content) are not one in the same. You don’t seem to understand that though. It seems that because I don’t share the same disdain as you do for Waddell, you like to claim I’m a Waddell lover (or sheep, or Waddellite, etc). I know Waddell is not perfect, and he’s not even close to my number one choice for a GM if I had my own team.

I’m a realist, I understand what is going on in the Atlanta Sports World right now. I might not agree with it, but I also know that b*** and moaning will not fix it. This is where you and I disagree. You bring up “foresight” and placate to people that agree with you (Schultz for one, and other bloggers such as Sage) in an effort to sound like you know all there is about hockey.

Snap back to reality — It’s not foresight to b*** about the same thing for 5-9 years. You do not possess the ability of foresight, if you did you would never be wrong (Kozlov is the first of many examples). You however do not like to admit to being wrong, so you focus on what you’ve been right about.

For instance, I was RIGHT that the system in Atlanta was flawed, and that Hartley was possibly the first of many problems. If you recall (i know you do), I harped on the coaching staff and players, and blamed them for the playoff goose-egg. This is because I felt it was their problem, not the person you continually blame. You however like to blame all things bad on Waddell. I’m surprised global warming isn’t his fault in your opinion.

But it’s okay Bob, we know we disagree.

For the record, in Ranallo World the sky is a shiny silver with many names etched into it, much like The Cup. I hope The Program can understand.

By Bryan

October 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

I agree 100%, Waddell should have been the one fired. Worst defense in the league …

By Steve

October 18, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to wonder if there are any similarities between DW and the late but not so greate Marge Schott.

Does DW make recruiting decisions based upon personal characteristics of players rather than their actual talent??? For Marge it was sometimes about players with facial hair, ear peircings, and shacking up with girl friends.

Bob Hartley is a terrible loss and this franchice will roo this loss for many seasons to come unless DW goes packing and the ATL FO gets some real hockey guys in the organization.

By Bob

October 18, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

The stance of the contingent wanting DW to be relieved of his duty is that we don’t think the ultimate goal is attainable with him at the helm.

Russ, that is 100% spot on. Some, like ranallo, just don’t get that. Why, who knows? But I know you and I have several others have been on these blogs for years saying the same thing nothing meaningful will change here until Waddell is gone and a real GM is brought in

ranallo, I’m as calm as can be, but you’re just plain irrelevant, Sparky. Yes, it is in fact foresight to call out the problem years ago, ya goof. I and Russ and several others have been on these blogs for years saying that the real problem here is Waddell. Change coaches, change players, whatever. As long as the guy at the top stinks, the whole organization is going to suffer. And suffer we have.

Bob - If there is no “five game bounce” and the Thrashers continue to be outplayed in all aspects of the game, how long do you think Waddell will last?

If they go 0-6 and what you say happens, then he’d have to be fired also by November. But it won’t. For some odd reason, I cannot give any realistic reason for it, hockey clubs always go on a 5 game bounce after a coach gets fired. I don’t know what it is, it’s almost the same as a sweater getting retired. If you’re on the road and the opposing team is retiring a legend’s sweater before the game, you might as well just skate over and hand the other team 2 pts, you just ain’t gonna win. Thrashers win tonight and they’ll have a good bounce here over the next week or two, but then the reality will set it.

I know a lot of you want Waddell gone now, but I just think we’re stuck with him until the season plays out, then he’s gone.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Bob — foresight is not making a broad statement that ultimately must happen (Waddell’s removal as GM) for years, despite the outcome of the on ice evidence. Go to your local fortune teller, and see what I mean. Anybody can claim “the Thrashers will not succeed under Waddell’s management” and be right…because success is measured differently by each person. You continually claim the Thrashers will never do anything meaningful until meaningful changes happen, yet they made the playoffs. So, you then attempt to discount that by stating “they had 0 playoff wins”…well that’s not exactly the GMs fault, which the GM has no addressed. But that’s my opinion, and you don’t agree with it. You feel it’s Waddell’s fault for not producing any playoff wins EVEN THOUGH you give him credit for the deadline trades that got them into position to win.

Notice how Russ tactfully expressed his point of view, without stepping on anybody’s feet in the process? If you want to consider him your colleague, perhaps you should take a page out of his book.

By Bob

October 18, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Notice how Russ tactfully expressed his point of view, without stepping on anybody’s feet in the process?

See the problem is you’re such a clown, I have a hard time avoiding your big floppy shoes, beg your Clarabell.

Now, as usual, you’re trying to re-write history. I specifically have said for years that the problem is Waddell, one specific guy. That is not a broad statement. A broad statement would be, “The Thrashers stink”. He has been and continues to be the cause of why this club has floundered and I have consistently said for years that nothing meaningful will change until he’s gone.

You want to play antics with semantics with what meaningful means, you have it, ranallo. Most reasonable hockey folks would understand what meaningful progress is defined by. It’s not defined by going from 12 wins, to 19 wins, to 22 wins or whatever, to a 7th year peak being a first round sweep in the playoffs followed by a 0-6 start in year 8.

In ranallo world, that may be meaningful progress, just understand that in the real world, most reasonable people are not satisfied with where we’re at in year 8.

Have a nice day.

Go Thrashers, 5-1 over the BlueShirts tonight.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers could win the Stanley Cup with Waddell at the helm, I’d be in favor of it. I have no objection to seeing the name “Waddell” on the Stanley Cup. But the body of Waddell’s work doesn’t lead me to realistically think it will happen with Waddell in charge. Prove me wrong, Waddell. Get behind that bench and win us 50 of the remaining 76 games. I’d love to see a 100-point season! But my “feeling” is … that it’s not going to happen. If Waddell behind the bench resulted in 10-straight wins, attitudes might change. And quickly.

Ranallo, I think all the hostility towards Waddell on this message board stems from years of waiting for the organization to relieve him of his duties. There is overwhelming belief and opinion out there that Waddell has overstayed his welcome by as many as 3-4 years. There has been a drastic “erosion of confidence” in Waddell’s abilities.

So, the rage you are seeing right now is the PENT UP FRUSTRATION brimming over, Ranallo. Truthfully, I don’t know that firing Waddell on October 19th would be any better than firing him December 26th. Our roster is essentially set.

If I can “take a guess” at what others think … I think they’re worried about what “the return” will be for Hossa … if it’s left in Waddell’s hands. The vast majority posting here have a very low opinion of Waddell’s acumen. They want someone else to handle Hossa’s trade or contract renewal. The longer the season the season goes on, the less Hossa will cost, in terms of his 2007-08 salary, to the gaining team. When is the proper time to hold a “firesale?” With 76-games left, it might be a tad premature. In December, at 14 games under .500, it might make a little more sense.

Discuss.

By Waffleboy

October 18, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

You can question Waddell’s ability to draft, but trades and free agents we all need to take a step back. This guy got Marc Savard for Ruslan Zainulin. The free agency issue? Who wants to come to a team whose ownership is in such a precarious position. The draft picks, yeah, he’s struggled. But this season’s roster is demonstrably better than the one that started last season. If anyone wants to say that DW needs to be fired because he let Sutton and DeVries go,m get the hell outta here(and take John Kincade with you).

By Brian

October 18, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Waffleboy - nice point on the Savard deal. Don’t forget, he also obtained Slava Kozlov for a bag of pucks from Darcy Regier, a man many folks on this blog consider to be one of the best GMs in the league…

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Allright Thrasher fans, beee honest. Wasn’t tonight, sweet? Was this the Rangers team that swept us in the playoffs?? Allright, allright. It was “one game.” And, as Bob said, “expect a 5-game surge after a coaching change.”

More than the “win” and the two-points though, this team showed heart. Exelby laid the smack down! McCarthy got in a decent fight. The passion, for at least one-game, was back.

Goal scorers Dupuis, White, Little, Kozlov, and Hossa showed what a “balanced scoring attack” is about. Keep this up and maybe the season will be salvaged. Let Waddell stay behind the bench, if these are the results. But uhh, this is a classic case of “inadequate sampling.” Let’s see if the team comes home from the 7-game road trip at .500 or better.

Go Thrashers!!

By Waffleboy

October 18, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Brian-I always forget about the Kozlov deal, thanks for reminding me. Looking at last year’s opening night roster vs. this season’s the difference is stark. Do you people remember that Glen Metropolit was the no 1 center on this team when the season started? Kovvy was playing with Jon Sim and Steve Rucchin! The team is better, talent-wise, and deeper. The team should be playing better and the coach is the number 1 reason why. There’s a reason why Waddell is respected by all GMs around the league and Hartley is detested by everyone he ever coached. Even the ultimate class act Ray Bourque said he was difficult to be coached by. It’s time for a new beginning with this team and I trust Waddell to pick a coach to get us headed in the right direction.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Waffleboy - if we are going to talk trades, why not throw in Dupuis? All the gloom & doomers who claim DW fleeced the future last Feb don’t mention that one of those young up & comers was Alex Bouret, who already got cut by the Rangers and will never play an NHL game. Yet the man we received for him, Pascal Dupuis, scored the all-important first goal tonight…

By Antonio Gramsci

October 19, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

Where have you gone Patrik Stefan, a nation (with a concussion) turns its lonely eyes to you…