Thrashers

By JB

March 6, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Nah………that stuff doesnt work in this day and age. The Thrashers are a team of streaks....some good and some downright bad........My stomach hurts from the roller coaster ride we have been on all year. Im afraid for Don to make a deal because it may upset that delicate balance this team has, not to mention that it just may be a bad deal period…….We are on the upswing right now. Whats around the corner? I shudder to think. Could be good or could be downright bad. I know I cant figure this team out.

By Tyryztoll

March 6, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

That’s why I don’t think this team can make the playoffs - inconsistency. Hot & cold. hot & cold….personally, I think it’s a damn shame that with all the supposed talent on this roster that we are still chasing teams like New Jersey and Montreal. What that says to me is that no matter how the statistics look, it’s quite possible the Thrashers still don’t have the true big timers to get them to the next level - at least not the right mix of them anyway. Taking a peek above the .500 watermark once a month aint gonna cut it - they will have to rip off 9-10 in a row like I said before if they expect to see postseason. As for Waddell - he’s a fckn liar - no sane GM makes that kind of statement and then says he did it to divert attention - he just panicked and everyone knows it. Therefore he should be held accountable if the playoffs don’t happen IMO.

By Russ

March 6, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if it was really DW’s intent to draw attention from the stick issue, but if it was I don’t think it was at all necessary. I think the stick issue was more of a non-issue for the team and wasn’t causing any distraction. JB is right they are just a streaky team that happened to hit a good streak shortly after DW’s guarantee.

The Hockey News website has a rumor of a Savard for Jordan Leopold trade. Short term I think this would kill the Thrashers playoffs hopes because they would be incredibly thin at center, but long term I think this would be a good trade. During the Olympic break I was dreaming up some possible trades to bring in a up and coming d-man or one already in his prime with several good years left in him and Leopold was one I thought the Thrashers could have a shot at acquiring. Nick Boynton from Boston and Willie Mitchell from Minnesota are the others I thought were possibilities. I was thinking more along the lines of Kozlov and the Thrashers first round pick for one of these d-men. I think any of these d-men could be signed long term for 1-1.5 million less than Savard, and you may still have a chance to sign Savard if the cap goes up enough. If not I would rather the Thrashers finally have a top notch d-man to build around and go shopping for a play-making center in the offseason.

Anyway, two big points on the table tonight, let’s hope the boys come out like the third period Saturday night and not like the first two. Also, Go Flyers!!! I’ll be scoreboard watching.

By David

March 6, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

JB is correct this team is streaky plain and simple. Should be another sellout tonight with all the half price tickets if you are a freeloader @ 99x. Hope they put on a good show and take the 2 pts. Go Thrashers!

By LAC

March 6, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

I agree 100% with JB.

It is hard to understand how we can kick Carolina 9-0 and 5-2 within a couple weeks there and get blitzed by the Leafs 9-1 here etc… We played two TERRIFIC games against Ottawa, but we have been drubbed by the Islanders, twice and that 7-4 loss in Pittsburgh may well come back and haunt us…

Let’s hope the sense of purpose is in FULL gear tonight. The Washington game lookes like we were in SLOW MOTION, I about went to sleep we were so listless for 2+ periods.

A win tonight will kill Florida and they know it, so smell the BLOOD fellows and take the points… They are 1-1 aftre the break, 8-2 against TB and 2-5 against Carolina… so let’s GO !

Of note too… Has everyone seen the Tampa collapse the last two games ?

Beaten BADLY by Florida 8-2 and Montreal 6-2… We are but six back of them and Ottawa is in TB tonight and then they go on the road for 5 in a row… Could THEY not even make the playoffs ??? Let’s hope we take it and they cannot defend the cup !!!!!

By Brendan

March 6, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Slava Kozlov nearly won it in the overtime. He hit the “T,” where the crossbar and goal post meet, late in the OT. It was a great, nifty lil move he put on the Panthers defenseman. In the shootout, Kozlov buried it, top shelf, “where Mama keeps the cookies.” Great shot! Big win.

How things have changed in regards to the extra session. In the past, I thought the Thrashers better “go for broke” in the overtime, because we sure weren’t going to get the extra point in the shootout. Washington’s Brent Johnson beat Mike Dunham earlier in the season. Actually, now I don’t remember if it was Shields or Dunham, but the point was, WE LOST when we probably should have won.

We started out 0-4 in shootouts. Now, we’ve won three in a row. So, as it evens out a bit, at 3-4, some of those points we left on the table earlier in the season are being “reclaimed.”

Kari Lehtonen is a perfect 9-for-9 in shootouts. During tonight’s game, I was rooting to get to the shootout, because I thought we might have the edge there.

BIG WIN!! BIG, BIG WIN, as Montreal lost their game in the shootout. They were leading in the shootout, but couldn’t close it. The Habs are now only three up on us, but they still have games in hand.

As for Don Waddell … If you don’t know by now that he obfuscates and speaks half-truths, and outright lies, sometimes, then there’s probably some swamp land in Florida just calling your name. Contracts, where do I keep my real estate contracts?!! Just sign here, and here and initial there, there and there. Done. You’ve just been hookwinked, Waddell-style.

Too bad he never bamboozles another team’s GM. Just the fans and media here in Atlanta. D’oh!

There’s something worse. When most people tell a lie, or a EXAGGERATION that isn’t quite a lie, but nowhere near the truth, they feel bad about it later.

But, clearly, this is not the case for all of us. Some of us can lie so wantonly, so thoroughly, so consistently, that it almost takes on a “George Costanza” (of “Seinfeld” fame)like quality.

There is a word for people who lie remorselessly and unctuously. We call them “politicians.” Curiously enough, most politicians are also “lawyers.” A lawyer is just a person who knows how to lie within the rules. See “obfuscation.”

By Bob

March 6, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Waddell was backpedaling all over the place. That was complete revisionism.

Lehtonen is the reason this team is winning, he keeps it up, they’ll get it.

By thrashersfan

March 6, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Lucky to get out of there tonight win 2pts, gave up two leads on the way to OT. Lets is proving just how great he is but it’s up to the D if we’re going to make the playoffs.

Regarding Waddell, his “guarantee” was just plain stupid, whether he meant it or not. It never motivates your team, it motivates the other teams! Second, if he thinks we believe it was a “decoy” he’s an idiot. How stupid does he think we are?! And to F with your own team is outrageous. I’m sure many of you have noticed that he has always used the media to get at players, both positively and negatively, particularly ahead of contract negotiations.

I have never been a big Wadell basher but I think he’s full of sh@$%t, and now saying the guarantee was a decoy, give us me a fricking break! Just do your job and put together a wining team.

Looks like we might be chasing the Lightening rather than the Habs. We’re done with Montreal but play Tampa 3 more times. Also, with Cole done for the regular season in Carolina, “if” we make the playoffs we might luck out and play the Sens instead - we’ve played significantly better against them than we have Carolina. They owned us the last 2 games winning 5-1 & 4-1 respectively while we beat Ottawa 8-3 & 2-1…and Hasek is out!

By sodapants

March 6, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

My God… the sissy sisters are back in full force.

By thrashersfan

March 6, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

And what is up with Andy Sutton? That was absolutley his worse game as a Thrasher. Hartley made no adjustments, just kept putting him out there particularly at critical points near the end of the game. Damn!

By sodapants

March 6, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

I think you guys(?) should start some kind of support group.

By thrashersfan

March 6, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I’m going to respond to your post but do you have a point, cuminyourpants?

By thrashersfan

March 6, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Guess not. Well, good night…and don’t let the bed bugs bite…nighty-night.

By sodapants

March 6, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

ya,.. you girls whine than ….well.. girls.

You turds are up and down like the waves… so emotional… so…. feminine.

ha! It’s neat to watch really.

By B. Thenet

March 7, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

I just do not see what DW thought he had to gain by “taking back” the guarantee? Especially coming after the loss to Boston.

Seems like a bad message to send to the team.

Either way they got two points tonight, they need to get at least two points out of their next two games vs. NYR and Ottawa.

By David

March 7, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

Decent game for the thrashers. Tad bit sloppy playing by Sutts out there tonight. Anyone else enjoy watching Garnett X control that puck behind the panthers goal. I was just sitting there yelling at the screen pass it pass it…good thing he listened…time for the big boy games now…go thrashers

By Scott

March 7, 2006 02:01 AM | Link to this

I’m glad the Thrashers won tonight, even though I couldn’t see the game since it was on I. Hopefully with Fox owning Turner South soon the Thrashers can get more games on Turner South next season.

As for Waddell, I think he shouldn’t have said anything about not meaning the playoff guarrantee. I liked that he said it. Gave people something to talk about and unlike the Hawks from a few years back, the Thrashers actually have a legit shot at making the playoffs.

By Red Light

March 7, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

The guarantee is completely irrelevant. I think the last thing the players do is listen to anything Waddell says, which is a solid practice for anyone. One minute he talks out of one side of his mouth, the next minute he is talking out of the other side. How did “his guarantee” take the pressure off of his players?

GENIUS, no, INGENUINE, yes!!!

Lehtonen has played extremely well, but it is Hossa with his recent experience in playoff hunts that has truly elevated his play. 2 goals, 3 assists, 18 shots, +3 since the post-Olympics resumption.

On the downside, Savard -3 last night. Kovalchuk -2 last night. Sutton and Havelid -3 last night.

It is great to get wins, but I think we must remember the last two were against Washington and Florida and the Thrashers allowed them both to tie and force overtime. Luckily, both of those teams don’t have a chance. The Thrashers let another point get away at Boston by giving up the game winner with just 2:41 left.

Next 8 games are absolutely crucial with 6 against teams in the top-6 of the conference and 2 against those who trail them: NYR, OTT, at NYR, NYI, PHL, BUF, at BOS, NJ. The Thrashers must have 10 of 16 points in those games because over the final 12 games, 8 are away and 3 of those are at Tampa.

The last 8 games for Montreal in March…(2) with the Caps; (2) with the Islanders; (2) with the Penguins and (2) with the Leafs. Five of those are at home. To make matters worse, 8 of the Habs last 11 are at home. Thankfully, they play two against Buffalo, Ottawa and New Jersey, and three against Boston.

By BlueslandHerald

March 7, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

Don was quoted in the silly make-work article with words to the effect, “…Even I get a good idea every now and then…”.

Of course, he was assuming that this “ruse” was a good idea. Funny, I don’t see the value of such a tactic. Sounds pretty juvenile and remarkably unprofessional to me.

Clearly, he is an embarrassment to this organization and city. I will no longer even entertain his incompetence with my money. I have encouraged others to refrain as well—and will continue to do so until he is out of here.

By JB

March 7, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

Brendan…..If Lehts keeps playing like this…you and I may have to concede that taking him 2nd wasnt so bad a pick. I wanted Nash too...........but wow...............in 2-3 years, he may well be the best in a generation. Along with Hossa, he has put this team on his back and riding towards the playoffs. Kari has such great size that he is taking away a lot of space that was there with Dunham and the rookies in net. **IF** his groin stays in good shape.......we could slide in the playoffs and make some noise once we get there. Ive seen teams ride a hot goalie a long way come May and June.

By kracker

March 7, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why he said it but he should have just let it stand after the comments made by Levinson.

Anyway, if the Thrash don’t raise their level of play against the good teams coming up, it won’t matter.

A question back: If the Thrash win tomorrow vs Rangers, will Waddell make a deal for a C or D [if possible] or stand pat? My sense is that the owners will back a move right up to the cap if they think the playoffs can be had.

By Bob

March 7, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

I bet that the owners made Waddell retract that ludicrous guarantee, that’s my guess anyway, only thing that makes sense.

Kovalchuk and Sutton were awful last night. I really wouldn’t mind seeing both out of here, I’ve tired of Sutton’s sloppy play and Ilya’s refusal to play defense or play responsibly. I bet someone would give us a great package for Kovalchuk. Hossa’s the guy we should be building around.

By CL

March 7, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or did Kovy stink up the place last night? Blew his coverage on D (like that’s something new) twice and cost us 2 goals. His “patented” slap shot was no where near the net and he missed the net on the shoot out. Does a “banana blade” make that much difference?

By Brendan

March 7, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

From what I can surmize, if a deal can be done that only impacts this season’s cap, why not? What’s a few more dollars at this point? Remember, Kracker, ownership is ultimately about profit. Spending a few more thousand dollars to earn a minimum of $4 million in pure profit, is an excellent return on your money. If the playoff series extended to six games, it would rise to $6 million in profit. A second-round appearance would “guarantee” a minimum of $8 million, and could bring as much as $12 million to the owners, absolutely free. Cha-ching!

But, ahem, this team did spend $38.2 million, roughly, just trying to get in. If they Don’t make it in, there will be plenty of “finger pointing” and maybe some “screaming and yelling” being done. I suspect, in private. But with this ownership group, who could say??? Publicly, they’ll say something to the effect of “Well, insurmountable injuries prevented our ascention to the playoffs. These things happen. We’ll start fresh next year. Buy your tickets.”

JB, my objection to the selection of Lehtonen was not based on his talents and abilities. I never thought Kari would be a “cr*ppy goalie.” What I was opposed to was not using the draft to SECURE THE TEAM in FRONT of our goalie.

It’s a “philosophical difference.” Certainly, goalies have to come from SOMEWHERE. And a reasonable person might say, “why not DRAFT them?”

Okay. But if you go that route, you incur the YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT that that requires, as well as a fair amount of “risk.”

The “reasonable person” then counter-argues, “High risk, high reward.”

Okay. But the “new” rules of the NHL allow players, down the road, to become “unrestricted free agents” at the “tender age” of 27.

So, in short, you’ve risked years of development to land a player who might, at 27, fly the coup to “greener pastures.”

I’m not saying that drafting a “can’t miss” goalie is always a bad thing. But, what does “can’t miss” really mean? No one can guarantee that they’ll live out the rest of day. If ya know what I’m saying.

If you draft a goalie with a high first round pick, you’re hedging your bets that you think this guy is the “player of his generation.” Okay, fine. He might be.

Here’s the alternative to drafting Lehtonen over the previous four (4) years. Scenario #1: You go ahead and take Rick Nash. You get a 41-goal campaign out of him in 2004, and a 30-something goal campaign out of him in 2003. And I think he played in 2002 also? I didn’t check his stats. But the point is … he’s making an “immediate impact” on your roster. Who are Nash’s linemates in 2002-03? Answer: Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk.

Now JB, let me ask you. Isn’t that a “line for the ages??” A la “Gretzky, Messier, Kurri.” Don’t you STILL HAVE the option of landing Ed Belfour, Nicholai Khabibulin, Curtis Joseph, Evgeni Nabakov, Arturs Irbe, Dominek Hasek and maybe even Miikka Kiprusoff, (though that’s a “dubious” claim,) via “free agency?”

And would it really have MATTERED which of those netminders we got, JB? The Nash, Heatley, Kovalchuk line would be tearin’ up the league. And while that was happening, “good players” would have been “more receptive” about to coming to Atlanta to make their hockey fortunes.

Scenario #2: We draft defenseman Jay Bouwmesster in 2002. Okay, that’s very unlikely. Why? Florida wanted Bouwmeester and wasn’t going to give him up for the 30th overall pick in the draft and Columbus’ #3 position. Not gonna happen.

Scenario #3: We take Kari Lehtonen, but only if either Florida or Columbus offers up its 2003 first round draft pick—in exchange for Atlanta passing on either Bouwmeester or Nash. In case you’re curious, Florida wound up winning the draft lottery, and owned the Top overall selection—again. In 2003, Columbus owned the 4th overall selection. That pick, that Atlanta would have obtained from Columbus for passing on Rick Nash, could have been used to select Thomas Vanek, currently of the Buffalo Sabres, and a bonafide “Rookie of the Year” candidate/nominee.

Instead, NONE of the above happened. We acquiesced to Florida’s request to not take Bouwmeester and, in exchange for that, we got the 30th overall pick in the 2002 draft. That 30th overall pick turned into Jim Slater, out of Michigan.

Now, I like Jim Slater. I love his enthusiasm and effort. And what’s more, I think he’s only going to get better. But that said, he’s not Rick Nash. And he’s not Thomas Vanek. And Kari Lehtonen, prior to the 2005-06 season, played all of four (4) games for this franchise. He missed over two months of this season with a recurring groin injury, initially suffered over 10-years ago. Someone once wrote, “This goaltender is only one ‘butterfly save’ away from another groin injury.” Well, that’s probably true of any goaltender, but it’s a bit more of a concern with Kari.

I think Kari is a GREAT goaltender. But, JB, is there any doubt that this team would have been much closer towards reaching its stated goal of the playoffs sooner with Nash and one of those SUPERSTAR free agent goaltenders I listed earlier? Even Thomas Vanek might have been better, over the longterm. The league limits the amount and duration of “Rookie contracts.” Vanek is young. He’s a good bet for the future. I’m not saying Slater is by any means fossilized. He’s just as young. But who would you rather have, Vanek or Slater?

And yes, CERTAINLY, a free agent, “proven commodity” goaltender would have cost this team TOP DOLLAR. Like $6-$7 million-a-year. Well, Hasek didn’t. He’s about $2 million, I think. Ottawa got him “cheap.” Ottawa makes “good decisions.” Look at their record and goals for and goals against, Head Coach, and General Manager. But I digress.

It’s “easy” to second-guess a GM. It happens to all 30 of them around the league. Ultimately, GM’s do what they “think is best” at the time. Sometimes, they’re proven right. Others times, not. In the new NHL, a bad GM cannot hide from his mistakes, or cover them by spending more money. That just creates and exacerbates the mistakes.

By Bob

March 7, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

CL, I think he’s having trouble since the banana blade was taken away. He’s got the skills, he just needs to learn that in order to elevate himself to amongst the top guys in the league, he’s got to learn there’s more than floating around looking for his one timers and breakaways.

By sodapants

March 7, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

what the hell has Jay Beaumeester done to this point that makes him desireable?? Nothing! Kari has OBVIOUSLY proved his value way above ‘ol Jay there. Remember.. he’s got Luongo in net.. and they’re TRAILING us in the standings!

Silly argument. Rick Nash wouldn’t do anything to aide in Kovalchuks defense… plus a line like that would get the top d-men every game. It’s unlikely they’d all play together anyway. All Star lines don’t usually happen outside of All Star games. Spread the threats out….

And why would we want aging goalies on the verge of retirement like Belfour and Hasek? What a wast of time that would be. Hasek is torn up again now and Belfour is stinkin’ it up to. If you want to talk about poor personell decisions, you’ve made a ton of ‘em.

By Brendan

March 9, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

You use ‘em like “Band-Aids” if you have to. If you must pick Belfour, (and I wouldn’t have, I’d have gone after Khabibulin,) then you ride him for two years, then take Curtis Joseph for two years, then land Evgeni Nabakov, or Jose Theodore, or David Aebischer. As long as a “capable” goalie is in net, a team has a chance to win.

By sodapants

March 12, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

and what if those goalies go somewhere else instead? We’re not the only team in the league, if you’ll remember. And we’re not the only team looking for deals.

Rule number 1!!! You take the best player available, no matter what. You’ll find room for ‘em.

Rule number 2!! If your need happens to fall on the best player available… you might consider taking him… hmm… duh

YOu don’t use aging band-aids in goal… we’ve been down that road and it’s been a major source of the b1tching around here, by the way. I’m sure you remember.

When you have the chance to nail down a true cornerstone… you do it. It’s not complicated.