Thrashers

By david

January 26, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

It is very possible that they continue their play and finish first in the conference. However, I don’t see that happening. It wouldn’t suprise me in the least if Ottawa finished first in the league. It also wouldn’t suprise me to see Carolina lose in the first round. Playoffs are often won by goaltending. And say what you will, I am not a believe in Gerber. Who knows though, right? We’ll see.

Either way, Atlanta needs to put it together tonight. Losing three in a row is bad enough. But I don’t want to think of losing 4 in a row, 3 in a row at home.

By Matt Ross

January 26, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

They’re good, but we have definatly proven we can beat them. I didn’t think they were going to be this good. Regardless, we’ve gotta have it tonight. These 4 point games are huge. At this point in the season, and teatering in the 8th spot, any extra leverage is crucial. Go Thrashers.

By Brendan

January 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

The Carolina Hurricanes are 17-4-4 in their last 25-games.

I am still mystified at how the Hurricanes landed Eric Staal in the 2003 Draft. Remember it? The Penguins traded up with Florida to land Marc-Andre Fleury, a top goaltender prospect. The Hurricanes were the front-runner to win the draft lottery, but they came in second. The top prospect was Eric Staal. That’s who the Hurricanes were TARGETING. I’m sure they figured they NEVER get him, picking 2nd overall. But then Florida swapped with Pittsburgh, making Staal available again.

What a frekkin’ break!!!! Well, good for Carolina. They’ve drafted well. And look where they are now, best record in the league nearing the end of January.

I thought that Carolina would be a team that benefitted under the salary cap, but I never figured on this kind of success for them, this soon.

Tampa is playing better right now, too. They are actually starting to resemble the defending Stanley Cup Champions. I just hope Atlanta can be the third representative of the Southeast Division to qualify for the playoffs.

To answer John Manasso’s questions, specifically, “Yes, I think the ‘Canes are for real.” And “Yes, it would be a disappointment if they were eliminated in the 1st round.” And finally, I believe the Hurricanes will make it to the 2nd round, possibly the Conference Finals.

But, I do believe the Eastern Conference Finals will feature either Tampa Bay or Philly vs. Ottawa.

I’ll echo David’s sentiments above, goaltending is the key. I don’t know about Gerber in the playoffs. I’m more inclined to go with Hasek, Esche, Grahame/Burke, or maybe Ed Belfour, if the Leafs get there. That’s a big “if.”

But you never know. That’s why they play the games. One of the most interesting things about hockey is that we still see upsets even though the playoffs are seven-game series.

Truthfully, I believe that the better team wins in such instances. My rationale for saying so? Well, you can lose one game because of officiating. You have lose another game because of “bad bounces” or because you slipped on a banana peel. And you might lose one game because the other team was just better that night. But you’re not gonna lose FOUR games to an inferior team.

And yet, upsets happen all the time!! Every year since 1996, some #7 knocks off some #2, in one of the conferences.

It’s not really a “fluke” if you win four outta seven. With that in mind, Carolina will be tough to beat in the playoffs. If teams don’t take them seriously, then shame on them. You should never underestimate your opponent, especially in hockey. Ask the Soviet Olympic team, circa 1980.

By Ryan

January 26, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

They are for real. The Canes have great chemistry on the ice and have a great goaltender in Gerber. I think they will finish first in the division and second in the conference. Why? you may ask. It is simple, Brendan already spoke of it. Great goaltending! I like the tested Hasek in the long run. The Sens can play well in front of him and he has been to the playoffs time and time again posting good numbers. I don’t know if Gerber can hang on long enough down the stretch…..like Lehtonen. But strange things may come to be in the playoff race. The playoffs are still a long way off. Heres hoping for a Thrash victory.

By Ryan

January 26, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

BTW Thrash lets play 60 tonight!

By Matt

January 26, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

While I don’t think they’re the best in the East (Ottawa & Philly), I’d say they’re definitely for real and almost sure to make it past the first round of the playoffs.

Give Laviolette credit…he has a number of guys performing well above their average, with Cullen, Williams, and Whitney all on pace for career bests, Brind’Amour heading for his best since ‘98-‘99, and Kaberle already exceeding his best numbers with the Thrashers.

With eight players above 30 points, they’re getting balanced scoring, causing defensive matchup problems for just about everyone they face.

Finally, they’re getting fantastic play out of Gerber, a former 12th round pick, allowing Ward a chance to develop at a more natural pace. Like most, I’ve been surprised by Gerber, but if you look at some of his past numbers in GAA, SV%, and an interesting one…numbers of games allowing 2 goals or fewer…he’s performed well. If he continues as he has, watch out for them in the playoffs.

By Bob

January 26, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Carolina can win a round or two in the playoffs. They’re quick and play a good team concept.

Is Staal hurt? Carolina didn’t send him out for the shootout in last night’s game. We need these 2 tonight, fellas.

By Matt

January 26, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

I haven’t heard anything about Staal. I think that Stillman is out and Ward is questionable.

By Matt

January 26, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Have to make a correction. I said Gerber was a 12th round pick, but he went in the 8th round. Sorry about that.

By sodapants

January 26, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this

Man,.. Carolina absolutely could win the conference. A simple look at the record will do. They’re a great “team” team…. Everyone puts in and contributes regularly. They’re what all teams want to be. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the ECF actually. They don’t ever seem to let up or slack.
They might have the most recognized team or talked about team, but they get it done. It’s gotta be coaching and the system. Whatever they’re teaching over there …. works.

By Russ

January 26, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

Miserable performance all around tonight. At least Lehtonen had been playing well, but not tonight. Bad offense, bad defense, bad goaltending. Things seem to be getting worse before they get better. Will the Thrashers have time to recover from another long losing streak?

By TonyC

January 26, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

Ok.

So tonight I saw a 4-1 beatdown of my boys. This loss actually hurts less than the loss to Boston, as the Boston loss featured two very weird goals.

This hurts less, but should get the boys PO’d more. I saw some bad calls and some non-calls, but if you expect the striped-shirt gang to win games for you, you should just get out of the league.

The positives…We saw the whole team get amped after the slash to #17s face( I don’t know if Coach said not to, but I would have LOVED to see someone “get” Staal ..it was he with the slash to #17 no?). That was good. It was nice to see #27 decide that yes, dammit, he would score that goal.

What was bad was to see the slow cross ice passes in our own zone. What was bad was to see players quit on plays before the whistle blew. What was bad was to see so many shots not even on-goal.

Now let’s give the Div. leaders some credit. They play a complete game. They skate from whistle to whistle. They work hard.

Tonight they worked harder than our boys. I feel they benefited from some questionable calls, but that is hockey eh? For instance, the #17 breakaway where he had the angle, had the step and still was beaten to the puck. read that again. #17 was beaten to the puck. It shouldn’t happen. I saw a lot of mental errors tonight and against Bos. the other night. I think that maybe #25 could be scratched for a game. He needs to realize he’s not just collecting a check on an also-ran squad anymore.

I liked flashes of what I saw tonight. I would like to see them put Petr gunn down to the AHL for a game or three just to get re-aquinted with the sensation of beating someone and roofing it(I realize this may not happen, but it’s better than Slava trying to feed him for a whole period and it not working out).

All in all, I think that a lot of film work is required for our boys before they see Buffalo. I would hope the shame of loosing in their own house to their chief rival motivates them enough for a win on Sat. But a lot of film needs to watched by the boys before the Sabres game. We cannot afford selfish penalties in 4-point games!

By Brendan

January 26, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Russ, what do the Thrashers have to do, record-wise, from this point forward?

By Bob

January 26, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

We got outworked tonight, that’s tough to take. We’re just getting beat to pucks in the Tampa, Boston, and now tonight’s game. No excuse for that.

And what’s with Lehtonen? He pulls out of the Olympics, wonder if the team pushed him to do that, and now he looked like crap tonight. Looks like he’s not over this chronic injury.

By Brendan

January 26, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

Question for John Manasso and the bloggers: I might be wrong, but isn’t it a $10,000 fine and a one-game suspension for a player to instigate a fight in the final 5:00 minutes of regulation in a game whose “outcome” has clearly been decided? With that in mind, could either Andy Sutton or Marian Hossa, (great fight, by the way,) be suspended for the rematch on Saturday?

By Bob

January 26, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Neither Hossa nor Sutton received instigator penalties from the ref, so no, there’s no chance of that.

Here’s some news being reported by ESPN, sounds like Lehtonen is not healed and this is why he didn’t play against the Kings last week, our playoff hopes are hanging on a thin groin here guys:

“Thrashers general manager Don Waddell, who will also serve as GM of the U.S. Olympic team, said Lehtonen first approached the team last week about withdrawing from the Finnish team. The groin still bothers him the day after games, limiting him at practice and preventing him from playing on back-to-back nights.

“His injury is healing, but the endurance part is not going so fast,” Waddell said. “He’s been sore after every game this year.”

By david

January 26, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

aw man i missed the fight…i got angry and left with like 6 min remaining. Shoulda stayed by the tv. Dissapointing game tonight. It’s just not going to cut it.

By Russ

January 26, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Brendan, 19-12 the rest of the way to reach 90 pts. which will roughly be the cutoff. It’s not looking too good right now. I was wondering the same thing about Hossa getting suspended, but to tell the truth I was so disgusted I stopped watching the game for a while after the fight. Did they give Hossa an instigator? I saw they were down two men when I started watching again.

Hockey is a game of streaks and I believe the streaks come from teams gaining a lot of confidence when things are going good and losing confidence when they are not. Once you get in a rut like the Thrashes are now it is hard to get out of. That’s why I think it is important to do whatever you can to keep things going in a positive direction when you are on a good streak. You are all probably sick of hearing me say this, but this all started with a game that probably would have been won by simply leaving the hot goalie in net for the game in L.A. Instead they lose that game, come home and play well, but lose against Tampa, then lose against Boston in a game they weren’t given a fair shot at (bad calls), now tonight they looked terrible. Maybe they wouldn’t have won all these games anyway, but they would have been coming back for a three game homestand as the hottest team in the NHL instead of coming home off a loss. Something to think about anyway. I could see sitting your #1 goalie in that situation if you were Carolina or Ottawa where you already are all but in the playoffs, but the Thrashers had very little room for error. So I just can’t see resting Lehtonen when the race is so tight for the last few playoff spots, especially since he had played about a total of 7 or 8 games at that point. He certainly hadn’t been overworked.

By Russ

January 26, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

I hadn’t seen Bob’s comments about Lehtonen when I made that last post. So maybe they were right not to play him in L.A., but at the same time hockey is a rough game and players play through injury all the time. At what point do you expect Lehtonen to start doing this for you? I’ve said before I think Lehtonen has the talent to be one of the top five goalies in the NHL right now, but what is disappointing about him is that as a professional athlete he showed up for the season completely out of shape and expereieced an injury that could have otherwise been avoided, therefore letting his team down.

By LAC

January 26, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

As we strolled out into the night air following the game, we heard a train rumbling by, followed by the Fat Lady Singing, So long, Good luck, thanks for high hopes, some exciting games.

We only hope for a better stronger defense next year, some faster players and a new GM… Then maybe…just maybe WE will be in the hunt in 2006-2007, cause it’s over folks, it’s over, Good Night and let’s all have dreams of what could have been…

By Brendan

January 26, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Sodapants, I snooped around Carolina’s website and uncovered quite an interesting dynamic. I’ll start with their chief decision-maker, Jim Rutherford. He took over in the 1994-95 season and has been there ever since. The head coach is Peter Laviolette, who rescued the NY Islanders franchise from years of futility by laying the foundation which led to three straight playoff berths after seven consecutive years of missing the playoffs. Laviolette was an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins prior to that.

So, who else did ‘Canes GM hire since 1995? For a time Paul Holmgren coached the team, but he appointed Paul Maurice as Head Coach in 1996. He stayed until 2003.

What about playoffs? How has Carolina fared? They’re streaky. They’ve only had consecutive playoff berths twice under Jim Rutherford. Prior to the 1999 playoffs, the Hurricanes missed the postseason for six straight years. In 1999, the Hurricanes won the newly created Southeast division and were the #3 seed. They were eliminated by #6 Boston, in six-games. (By the way, that was the only year the Bruins advanced to the 2nd round in the Joe Thornton-era.)

By 2000, the Hurricanes were out of the playoffs again. In 2001, they finished second in the SE Division and faced New Jersey in the opening round. They were outscored 20-8, but extended the series to six-games, nonetheless.

By 2002, Carolina had reclaimed the Southeast Division title, and benefitted tremendously by doing so, as they were automatically seeded third, when by points, they would have been seventh (7th).

The result? They got revenge on the Devils, ousting them in six-games. Next up, they faced #8 Montreal, who had upset #1 Boston in the opening round. Believe it or not, the Habs should have won that series too!! Montreal led the series 2-1, with Game Four in Montreal. The Habs enjoyed a 3-0 lead after two periods. But the ‘Canes rallied for three 3rd period goals and won it in the overtime, 4-3, then took the next two games to win the series in six-games. Up next? Toronto. The ‘Canes won the series in overtime of Game Six to advance to the Finals, where they were eliminated by Detroit in five-games. But, won a Conference Championship. 2002 was the most successful season in franchise history, dating back to 1979, when it debuted in the NHL as the Hartford Whalers.

Carolina has not returned to the playoffs since those Finals. It’s a safe bet that they’ll get another crack at the playoffs this year.

One last and Final thing: Drafting. How has GM Jim Rutherford been on draft day?

Answer: Not too bad! He was appointed June 28, 1994. I’m not sure if that was before or after the 1994 Draft. If before, then he took Jeff O’Neill 5th overall. And recognize this name? Hnat Domenichelli, selected 83rd overall. In 1995, he snared Sami Kapanen 87th overall, who was instrumental in the ‘Canes making their run at the Cup in 2002. Still in 1995, guess who he drafted in the 1st round? 13th overall, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, 2003 Conn Smythe Winner with Anaheim. Yes, folks, Giguere was a former 1st round pick of the Hartford Whalers. In 1997, he took Atlanta’s own Francis Lessard 80th overall. In 1998, Rutherford landed Erik Cole 71st overall and Josef Vasicek 91st overall. He picked David Tanabe 16th overall in 1999, but he was traded away. In 2000, Rutherford snared Niclas Wallin, who scored big overtime winners for Carolina in the 2002 march to the Finals. In 2001, nothing particularly of note. In 2002, you’ll certainly recognize tonight’s goaltender, Cam Ward, taken 25th overall. In 2003, he got Eric Staal, 2nd overall, in a steal. In 2004, he took Andrew Ladd, 4th overall. And this past summer, he got the top defensive prospect, a product of the Team USA program, Jack Johnson, 3rd overall. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Craig Adams is on their starting roster, and he was selected 223rd overall in 1996.

Well, I can see why he kept his job as GM all these many years. He makes good picks!

By Brendan

January 26, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

Bob, excellent scoop on Lehtonen. I certainly understand the decision to start Dunham vs. the L.A. Kings now. It was very “un-Hartleyesque” to not start the hot goalie, Lehtonen.

LAC, it’s not over yet. And I seriously doubt Don Waddell is finished in Atlanta, even if they don’t make the playoffs. That 13-2-2 streak saved his job. The team, fully assembled and healthy, has showed that it can be among the most competitive in the league.

If I had to wager, I’ll bet Don gets at least a one-year deal to remain on. I think the owners like him very much. Especially Bernie Mullin. I suspect Seydel and Gearon, as well.

If Don had a good draft and offseason in 2006, they might offer him a “multi-year” deal.

By Brendan

January 27, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

Mea culpa for another Hurricanes post, but I wanted to know how a team this good could have been assembled so cheaply.

So, I looked at the offseason moves. Apparently, they moved Criag Adams out, but the Hurricanes website lists him as still being on the roster. Anyways, they got Ray Whitney from the Red Wings for cheap. 2-years, $3 million was the damage on his contract. They raided a divisional opponent, Tampa Bay, to acquire Cory Stillman, 3-years, $5.25 million. Josef Vasicek they re-signed for $2.3 million. Matt Cullen, who scored tonight, was obtained for 1-year, $668,000. Erik Cole re-signed for 1-year, at $1.14 million. Kevyn Adams re-signed for $1.45 million. Oleg Tverdovsky, 3-years $7.5 million. Glen Wesley re-signed for 1-year, $1 million. Radim Vrbata, 1-year, $475,000. Justin Williams re-signed for 1-year, $1.23 million. Pavel Brendl … 1-year, $899,745. Jesse Boulerice, 1-year, $501,600. Bruno St.Jasques, 1-year.

Notice a pattern? Seems like a lot of their guys only got one-year deals. The only bad signing was Tverdosky’s contract. But he could still turn into something. He won a Cup with New Jersey in 2003.

The rest of this ‘Canes team can skate. Maybe the best thing about the Carolina Hurricanes is that too many people still don’t think they’re an upper echelon team, or anything to worry about. That kind of “underestimation” could work to their favor.

Perhaps, Atlanta could be the same beneficiary? How so? Maybe as the Thrashers fade from contention, teams will start, once again, playing their backup netminders against us. That opens the door.

By david

January 27, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

First of all, Waddell isn’t going anywhere. There is a reason he was picked to be the team USA GM. He is regarded very highly and it would be downright foolish for any owner to think about getting rid of him.

Second, the season is not over. We are currently sitting 8th in the Eastern Conference. Ding ding ding. Still, even after going 0-4, are in the playoffs as of right now. You still willing to give up on the season now?? Okay, maybe we lose another few games. Tampa Bay is in 7th, and we play them two more times the rest of the way. 8 Point Swing right there. Carolina 3 more times. 12 Point Swing. Florida 5 times. 20 Point Swing. Division worst Washington 3 more times. Another 12 Point Swing. So, JUST in division play we have 52 point swings. That’s a lot to play more fellas. Not to mention, of the remaining 31 games, ALL 31 games are against our Eastern Conference foes that we are battling playoffs spots for. Out of a possible 62 points we have available to grab the rest of the year, we need to win a little over 50% of those at least. Where I am not sure the cut off will be as high as 90 points as earlier stated, it will likely be close.

Third, Andy Sutton is consistently out of position. He started the year fairly strong, but his lack of speed is hurting the team. The total defensive speed is actually very poor. I think it’s time the trashers look at making an acquisition. The first person that comes to mind, that is possibly available, would be Pitt’s Gonchar. Somebody with speed, and a good point shot to put on the powerplay so we can get Kovy away from making poor decisions at the Blue Line. Sergei Gonchar is an offensive minded D who skates well and has some experience. Things the team could use going into the playoffs. I have to think that with Pitt totally out of contention they might yard sale. I wouldn’t mind the possibility of attempting to pick up a John Leclair or Mark Recchi. I wouldn’t mind seeing a line centered by Bobby Holik with Mellanby and Recchi/Leclair. That could be a great grind/cycle line. However it need be done, we need to add to this team. We are a good offensive team for the most part. We score a lot of goals. However, we give up a lot as well.

Lastly, some observations from the game last night. Savard and Kovy are visibly frustrated. Everytime one of them shoots or passes they are forcing it and expecting the good results of a few weeks ago. They are not playing smart hockey right now. Vigier skated hard the whole night. Lehtonen wasn’t brilliant, but how many games do you expect to win in today’s NHL with 1 goal scored?

By BB

January 27, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

I heard Darren Eliot say that the officiating did not affect the outcome of the game - while that is true - the officiating did take our chance for winning away. The call on Exelby in the first period could have gone either way - 2 minute PK for us. The no call on Kovalchuck getting hit with the high stick in the second - 4 minute PP for us. No call on interference on Kovalchuk at the beginning of the third - 2 minute PP for us.

So the way I see it we were screwed out of at least 6 minutes of PP and would have had 2 more of EV.

Also how does Hossa get 4 minutes for roughing and 5 for fighting and the guy who mixed it up with him only got 5 for fighting? How does Cole stay in the game after dropping his gloves to fight Sutton and losing badly turtles? Sutton gets the 10/5/2.

The officiating the last two games is horrible. Rob Martell should be fired.

By Other Mark

January 27, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

I agree with whoever said that Sutton needs to sit for awhile. He is pathetic, has always been pathetic and I am getting awfully tired of seeing his lazy butt slowly moving the puck around until he can lose it to someone in our zone. He never hits anyone and the only fights he gets into are as the third man in - thereby also getting a game misconduct.

The defensemen we brought down from Chicago early in the year were far better than Sutton and certainly played like they wanted to be here. His play after Stefan won the draw in our zone was absolutely the norm for this lazy player. What a waste of size and strength!

As for Lehtonen - I think 3 more weeks of rest and rehab in February will be a great help to prepare for the last 6 weeks of the season. The travel and playing schedule in Italy would only make the rest of the season that much more of a risk.

If we don’t get on our game Saturday night and make Carolina feel us everytime they touch the puck, we will be giving up on the season. I don’t know that we need to win in Carolina, but we better show up and play a full game or the season is over. After Saturday, we have Buffalo, Florida, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal before the break —— either get back on track on we’ll be in 10th Place by the Olympics.

By Bob

January 27, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

Big picture time. Oilers just upgraded their defense and they were in a free fall tailspin that we are headed in. Waddell needs to be proactive and get an upgrade in here on defense. The Sutton experiment is over, he needs to go, the problem is, Waddell gave him too big a contract, I don’t know who’ll take him. Same thing with Modry, he needs to go. Trade deadline is earlier this year, we need a move now on defense, Gonchar is too expensive, have you seen his contract?! I don’t know who’s out there, that’s Waddell’s job, he needs to make a move on defense quick.

I’m glad you guys now see why they didn’t play Lehtonen in LA, but you also need to realize that this is a big problem, boys. This injury of his is obviously chronic and it’s not going away if he’s still in pain after sitting out for 3 months. We need a Plan B in goal, Garnett and Dunham? I don’t think so, may need to make a move.

Let’s see what we can get for Bondra. Wild need offensive help and they’re making noise in the West. Let’s see if we can pry Fernandez out of Minnesota for Bondra and somebody like Sutton or Modry, bring up Popovic or Coburn or make another move to bring in defensive help.

By Dale Gibson

January 27, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

It may sound like a cliche, but balance and teamwork are winning games for the Hurricanes. Check the boxscores and you’ll see a consistent balance in scoring. Check the work of the two goalies, and you’ll see consistency. Laviolette stresses teamwork. Before the season, the team had group outings, some of which included family members. That seemed as important to the coach as did the work on the ice.

What’s most impressive is the way the team has performed in the face of injuries. Yes, all teams suffer them, but not many teams with 74 points play with a defensive corps that’s gotten as low as 4 players on occasion. Frank Kaberle is, in my humble opinion, seems almost designed to play defense in the new NHL. He does not make mistakes.

Who knows what the future holds for the Canes? My main concern, and this may surprise, involves the goalies. We score enough to cover up some rocky outings by Martin Gerber. He’s pretty streaky. A month or so ago, Cam Ward had lost confidence to the point that he was given a three-day trip to Lowell. This is the first season Gerber has been a #1 goalie, and Ward’s still a baby. You all know the importance of goalies in the playoffs, and I see this as the chink in the Carolina armor that could be penetrated as the games get intense.

In Raleigh, we’re accustomed to struggling to get a playoff spot, so there’s a fair amount of excitement. But it’s still not a hockey town. When a team with this record draws 12,000 (granted weeknight against the Isles), there’s a lot of work to be done. Tomorrow night, though, will be a sellout, with Ron Francis’ retirement ceremony. And your Thrashers are in town, looking for revenge.

Tune in…

By Chris

January 27, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

We’re in 10th place now, when ,measured by points/games played, which is the only REAL way to measure standings, as it adjusts for the fact we’ve played more games than most.

10th place, for a team near the salary cap is pathetic. We have too many slow players who can’t keep up in the ‘new’ NHL, the result is bad defense and too many penalties.

By TrueBlue

January 27, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

‘Canes have really turned it on this season, hopefully Saturday we’ll pick up this slack and give them a run for their money!

By Brendan

January 27, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Grrreat. “Ron Francis night” is the night the Thrashers head to Raleigh. Sheesh. Well, you never know. Atlanta could surprise them. But I would think this night, more than any other night, the ‘Canes would want to win.

Ron Francis was truly a great player and a class act. I think he’s 4th all-time in schoring, right? Something like that. He had something like twenty-two 50-point seasons. That’s consistency. Two cups, right? Both with Pittsburgh? I know Ron Francis scored the overtime winner in Game One of the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals against Detroit, inside of the first minute of overtime.

By Ryan

January 27, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

I have to give credit where credit is due. The Canes are a great team, they play like they are hungry and want to get somewhere at the end of the seasoon. As for the Thrash, do they seem hungry or wanting to make the playoffs? No way! All I hear is talks of playoffs from the guys like, “We need to keep it up for the playoffs”(just an example) or “Every game is going to be like playoff hockey”. Well I think that should tell all of us where the aThrash are as a team. They are thinking that they are already in the Playoffs. Meanwhile the rest of the east is coming into our house and taking points away from a team that appears very naive. Thrash you haven’t made the playoffs you haven’t made squat!

I agree with Sutton needing to go. It was another game I watched on TV where Darren said “And look at Sutton so out of place and way behind the play”. That was commentary on a Canes goal where there were 2 count them 2 Canes players crashing the crease and not a single Thrasher was there to pick them up….Yes the Canes were on a PP…….of course they were.

Sorry this is not a team that is playing for a playoff spot. The boys talk about doing it for the fans. Well I’m not seeing it. To lose four games, and they’re going to lose 6 in a row, with little and I mean little effort there is just little hope left.

DW you need to do something instead of marketing a jersey exchange program that nobody wants anything to do with when the Thrash start losing. I’m not giving up my Sabres jersey for anything not even a playoff ticket. Yes the officiating has been ridiculous but so has the play of the Thrash.

They will lose on Sat(Ron Francis night) and they will lose again to the Sabres. These are two teams that aren’t too full of themselves and know the value of points in the NHL.

Whatever Thrash! Go Sabres! (I know that is very fair weather but come on….I’m so ticked at this recent display of “performance”) I will come back around in a couple of days. Sorry for the rant.

By Caniac4ever

January 27, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

ahhhh poor thrashers fans. I feel for you, I doubt you’ll make the playoffs, and your team is full of goons. Maybe next year? Buh bye..

By JB

January 27, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Game of streaks guys…..A very good Flyer team has lost 6 of 9…It happens…The key is to stay close and win your games in late March and April…….Hockey is a lot like baseball in that good teams can look terrible for 10 days and then turn around and win 10 out of 12.

I was at practice this morning and it was a light work out……Hossa, Savard and Lehts didnt practice and Hartley never came out either. Dunham got a lot of extra work in and Kovy didnt look too happy with his face stitched up. Hopefully we will hit a hot streak here right before the break.

By Ryan

January 27, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Great! ANOTHER Pens game on NBC Sat. WOOOPEEE! NO Thrashers game on….WOOOPEE!

Please stop thinking the Thrashers are in the 8th spot. Be Realistic to games played….the Thrash are sitting in the 10th-11th spot. 10th mainly due to Boston playing about the same number of games and are two points back. If things don’t change the Thrash will be back to where they are used to being….at the bottom. Florida really isn’t that far behind I think 6 points back. Thats not good news. The Thrash could be at the 12th spot before the break….WOOOPEEE!

By ICEDOG_FAN

January 27, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Just thought to throw this out there the UGA hockey team is pretty good and have a game tonight at the ICE forum at 10:00

By Jason

January 27, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

If the officials were bad on Tuesday vs. Boston, they were surely no better on Thursday night against Carolina. When Kovy got slammed in the face and bled all over the ice - without a call - I would have stopped the game in protest right then and there. I thought blood = an automatic five minute penalty!?!? They replayed it SEVERAL times, mostly in very-slow motion and it was SO @#$()@$)@#$(# obvious - but no call. Yes, it was dangerous and stupid when a fan threw a beer bottle on the ice - and I hope he was kicked out - but it’s hard to blame even him when the refs sucked so very much last night. The Thrashers put plenty of shots on goal, just nothing went through. We have to play them again tomorrow night - at their house. It’s gonna be a tough game Saturday night. At least on Feb 3rd and 4th we play the Panthers - we should be able to pick up two good wins there.

-Jason

By JB

January 27, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Ryan………….Games in hand in January mean nothing. Go look at the NHL master schedule. It will flip flop by the end of March as to who has games in hand(God I`m starting to hate those three words).

If the standings say we are in 8th(which dosen`t mean a hill of beans in January also)….then we are in 8th. Plus Minus, Games in Hand , On Base Percentage and games behind on the loss side( baseball stats drive me mad too) are meaningless…..irrelevant stats at mid season.

What we should worry about is how Carolina has got a whole lot better than we have. If you play the game well……..the stats usually take care of themselves.

By Ryan

January 27, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

JB, I agree with your post I am just seeing things differently so to not be possibly disappointed. Yes it is early still and there is still hockey left but the time will fly and with the way the Thrash have been playing it could come back to haunt them.

Carolina is better than the Thrash simply because they play as a team. I am very surprised that past the midpoint the Thrash look way off at times with each other. Carolina is running like well oiled machine. I know it sounds ridiculous, but you can see it on the ice. They KNOW where each other are and are going to be and I also don’t see too may turnovers created by them. Whereas the Thrash are still trying to be, in the words of Hartley,”Too Too Fancy” (e.g. No look passes). Carolina is also showing that they are hungry for the points and going after points like crazy. The Thrash are not showing they are….and still have a hard time with playing 60 minutes.

Also, when the Thrash are dumping the puck into the offensive zone they are consistenly getting beat to the puck….this is happening alot. Yes it is their style of game and Yes it has worked for many games in a positive manner but they are getting out-skated and out-worked. YES staying out of the penalty box couldn’t hurt either. Calls have been poor as of late but the bottom line is the Thrash are not putting themselves in a position to win every game….there has just been way too many penalties and they are taking too long to get their legs. The teams that are winning consistently are ones who are not in the box a great number of games. I know it is elementary but its what it is. I know the stats are stats and they don’t mean squat now but say the Thrash continue to play this poorly they will be there at the bottom very soon.

Goaltending is not the issue and SOME games it never was. Kari is still playing great its the other guys on the ice that aren’t. The Thrash need to start playing like other teams play them and shut their skilled players down…….theres only been one problem with that….they are getting outworked.

By Brendan

January 27, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

BarryJ once posted, early on, (first two weeks of the season, in a rant against Don Waddell,) that he was tired of watching teams beneath us rise above us.

Well, to a certain extent, he had a point. So much so, that it has “stuck with me” months later. When the Thrashers entered the league, Tampa Bay was the “laughing stock.” Atlanta finished with a better record as an expansion team.

I can’t help but notice that Tampa Bay won the Cup in 2004. Carolina got to the Finals in 2002. And now are a “serious contender” in the Eastern Conference.

I want to choose to IGNORE that, but I can’t. All I can do is say, “bygone era … we’re now in the era of salary cap, so any team can go from ZERO to Stanley Cup Champion.”

It’s about “decisions.” What could be better? I know you detractors are out there, saying, “yeah, Great! Wonderful! That salary cap just might send Marc Savard packing. That’s your ‘salary cap’ for you!”

While, that’s certainly true, that cap also prevents Detroit, NJ, and Colorado from “buying the Cup” every year, like the previous 10-years PROVED. (Dallas and Tampa also managed to win.)

One last thing … this season isn’t over. It’s a long season. A long, long season. Lots of room to cover mistakes along the way. That’s why I wanted a shorter season. Make the games MATTER more. Bygones.

The Thrashers still are, very much, in the playoff hunt. Nobody but nobody should think we’re a “lock” for the playoffs, however.

But truthfully, I’m willing to accept missing the playoffs, provisionally.

The blog will now hear the provision. Provided that we wind up in a great draft position.

The Phil Kassel sweepstakes are comin’ up. If the team that wins the draft lottery approaches Don Waddell about Savard, Kozlov, and Bondra, I’ll bet Don will listen to the offer. Maybe even offer Holik. And if Lehtonen’s injury really is “chronic,” and will limit his ability to be a #1 goaltender, then maybe Don might “package” Kari, too.

We’re hardly there yet. Laughing. And we’re hardly certain that Kari’s injury is career-limiting.

As always, all players must pass a physical before they can be traded.

By JB

January 27, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I would really be surprised if St Louis (which will probably have the best chance of nabbing the pick) would trade it. That franchise in particular is looking for a new face to build around and have went on record as saying a youth movement will be on the way next year. Of course with new ownership on the way too, who knows how it will work out.

I say that with the cap expected to go up to $45 mil, that Don will be able to keep Savard and anybody else that he needs that is on the roster now. The big question in my mind is how will our defensive corps look next season. With the new rules dictating quick mobile d-men, Will Coburn and Popovic be ready for top 6 work?

Ryan`s mentioned this before………..Our defensive pairings are struggling to beat the forecheck and in turn we are losing the battle in the neutral zone. This is starting to create less time in the offensive zone and overworking the entire team………all this goes back to not having quick mobile defensemen who can quickly work the puck out of our zone and take away the other team pinching up to the blueline……….It is hard to have offensive continuity when the good teams put that aggressive forecheck on us.

It is essential in my mind that this problem needs to be addressed in the offseason, if not at the trade deadline. Carolina and Tampa did this to us this past week.