Thrashers

By harleyman1903

January 6, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Just in case anyone was curious like I was. Thrashers have allowed nine goals with less than thirty seconds remaining in a period. Thrashers have scored six, three of those being empty netters. The ole heart is taking a beating this year. And does anyone else think Forsberg would look good in a Thrasher’s jersey? Also, is Devo killing anyone else besides me?

By LAC

January 6, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

I look forward to Kozlov back in and waddell out for the duration, We have a very serious scoring issue and this clown of a GM will do absolutely NOTHING to address the issue.

Look at the power play, NO QB and no real threats after the Big 3, others are simply not getting it done scoring wise I mean.

This Colburn kid looks below average at the very best, great trade bait, but as we all know… the GREAT waddell will do nothing, and IF… we expect to keep going these OTL’s are not going to help and when theGM does not do his job… Well Playoff’s ????? Not just yet…

By Brian

January 6, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

LAC - what sport are you watching? How many other teams besides Buffalo have 4 scorers ranked as high as our big 3? Yet you think these guys grow on trees? DW did plenty during the offseason. As for trades during the season, what real activity has there been? Oh, the monster Comrie deal? It takes 2 to tango and there are no other dancing partners right now. Do you really think this team will miss the playoffs entirely?

On a side note, I am very glad to have X back, but I think he was quarantined last month when BH read the riot act on why not to take a delay of game at the end of the game.

By dj

January 7, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

I have no time to do this but it would be interesting to see who the penalty killers are on the ice when we give up a power play goal. I promise you I can name one the most. J.P. Vigier, he his a horrible excuse for a penalty killer and kovalchuk could do just as good if not better and score, heck kapanen could do better. WHY DOES HARTLEY STILL USE HIM? He has cost us at least three games this year, he was on the ice for the first PP goal, missed the PS, then took a stupid high stick there is no reason to put your stick on that guy, and that cost us the game. Vigier is horrible, absolutly horrible, bring up sterling, haydar, bourret, anyone over him, also, deVeries does suck but with all of our injuries we can’t lose him.

By Brendan

January 7, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this

Well, I didn’t check, but I think the Capitals outshot us. I thought the Thrashers should have won against Phoenix and lost tonight, so two points out of those two games feels about right. What’s the season series vs. the Capitals now?

I thought Atlanta totally lacked offensive effort in the 3rd period. We needed Kozlov. Atlanta had the chance to win it with a the Power Play in the last 2:18 of regulation. I was hoping to give the Caps the “gut punch” and deny them even a point in the standings.

Washington is a game over .500 and has $16 million in cap room, should they decide to feel froggy enough to jump at the trade deadline. They could afford Forsberg right now.

By Barry

January 7, 2007 02:38 AM | Link to this

DJ are you smoking something? Vigier has been one of the hardest working player on this team. He’s also been one of our best penalty killers. Guys can only do so much when we take 6-8 penalties a night. I’m concerned that DW has said he isn’t anywhere near making any deals. This team does have holes and if Thrashers have any notion of making and going somewhere in the playoffs we’ll need a little help to solidify things.

By Jim

January 7, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this

Vigier may be hard working but what the devil has he produced. Watch how many times he flops to block a shot only to have the player pass the puck. He takes himself out of the action. He’s a liability and DeVries is horrible. The Big 3 and Kari are carrying this team. We need some help from the others and definetly need a QB on the power play. Say Savard yesterday on TV. What an imaginative, crisp passer. Didn’t think that we’d miss him much but we sure do on the PP.

By Dave

January 7, 2007 09:42 AM | Link to this

Geez, what awful hockey coverage in this paper. A 1st place Thrashers team after an average baseball and football season. Also what happened to the Ice Man?? Is he bored with a 1st place team too?? Nice pick to run a sports blog.

By thrashersfan

January 7, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Guys, don’t listen to anything DW has to say. He always uses the media to manipulate the issues presented.

I stated a month ago that Devries’ play was deteriorating and unfortunately it has gotten worse. I think the season has simply caught up with him.

LAC, I have to disagree with you on Coburn. Yes, he’s young and still makes mistakes, but overall he has surprisingly good speed and a heads up mentality. For a youngster, I think he’s doing extremely well.

And dj, I can’t agree with you either on Vigier. He’s obviously not a very skilled player, but out of the four PK’s on the ice he’s as good as anybody. His grind-line has done well this yr and BH plays them against most of the no.1 lines. Regardless though, taking those bad penalties are unacceptable. I agree about Kovy. He could do just as well and provide SH’d opps, but then again, the kid can’t play the “whole” game.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Slater on the PK, at least at Fri’s game. I thought that was a good idea as he’s faster than Vigier and obviously more skilled with the puck.

No need to panic but believe me, I’m disgusted at the way these losses evolve. Maybe it’s time for another closed-door team meeting before this gets out of hand.

By Liberation

January 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Havelid’s looked very weak, deVries has always been week, Coburn’s a rookie, Hnidy is horrible, and McCarthy + Sutton are out with an injury, sorry Mr.Waddell, but Exelby and Vishnevski are not enough to get the job done. We need to bring in a defenseman and Waddell just isnt doing his job…if this keeps up, fire him.

By sisu

January 7, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

While I agree with most of the points here about losing in the final period or blowing leads…there is one big difference this year! We are gathering points and lead our division. It could be like year one, two or three where we would be wondering who will be the first to go from this team…

Bottom line, the players have to figure out why they allow this to happen. I cannot believe that they cannot play a whole 60 minutes.

By Brendan

January 7, 2007 02:02 PM | Link to this

I know what would cure it. But the league won’t do it. Ready? Remove the “safety point” from overtime and shootouts. The rest will take care of itself. In other words, if the team gives us a late 3rd period goal, then loses in OT or the S/O, it’s just an “L” in the standings. Plain and simple. Gazing at the standings, that would make Atlanta 24-20, or thereabouts, instead of 12 games over .500, “NHL style.”

By Brendan

January 7, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

One last comment … now that it’s finally January, and the New YEAR is upon us, it’s nice to see more hockey fans coming out of the woodwork. Where are you guys July 1st, when FREE AGENCY starts? Where are you in “training camp” and preseason? And why do you start posting and reading only AFTER (Atlanta’s) football season is over, and the Dawgs and Jackets are history, too! If you (those fitting the category I just I just described above) guys would write Ronnie Ramos, the Sports Editor, starting in July that you want more Thrashers coverage, maybe the AJC might actually pay more attention to hockey. If not, you get EXACTLY what we see in the AJC. Namely, the Thrashers buried on Page 9, unless they got SMOKED 8-0 by Tampa Bay. Then, it’s 1st page news.

I’m not nagging, I’m PRODDING here. Big difference. World of difference, actually. I’m delighted that you’re finally HERE now, but the AJC will ignore hockey as long as you ignore this message board from April to December. True or False?

Many of you ARE here, YEAR ROUND. I salute you. Allright. Some of you might be here because Craig is in and Manasso is out. And you didn’t like John, for whatever reason (Heatley “booing”). Fine. Let’s see who’s still here during this Summer’s draft.

By Blueman

January 7, 2007 03:59 PM | Link to this

As far as Vigier is concerned, I don’t think there is a player on the team who is working as hard as that boy this year. I’ve seen his hustle create plenty of turnovers and generate lots of scoring chances that the team would not have otherwise had. I for one, am happy to see him on the ice this year, even though I was hoping to see one of the youngins play well enough to beat him out early on.

Speaking of which…Who else is ready to see what Haydar, Sterling, or Bourett is capable of in the NHL? I would have liked to at least see Haydar skate. He and Sterling have been lighting the lamp in Chi-town. Maybe that’s the offensive spark we need here in A-Town.

The “D” has been in a bit of a slump lately, but I will have to disagree with those who badmouth Devo, Havelid and Hnidy. It seems to me that the entire team has not been playing the entire game. I don’t know why they go into the “play not to lose” mode with a lead, but they do and it’s a huge letdown.

I don’t think there is much on the trading block for DW to deal with at this point, but hopefully, a good fit will come along soon. We need something to provide a spark. I can’t imagine the possibilities if these guys start to play more like a cohesive unit and some of the weaknesses are shored up.

Go Blue!!!

I hope Koz is diong well and will join the team in Montreal.

By Brian

January 7, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

Where to begin after reading all these posts…

Ok, Vigier is better than you give him credit for DJ. His penalty shot hit the post, so it’s not like he blew it badly (although it’s still not a goal if it hits the post). Look at the shootout stats, the goalies do better than the shooters. A fourth liner shouldn’t be expected to score there. He does play against good #1 lines as well (I forget who said that above, good point). What are you expecting him to produce?

I agree that Devo has been down lately.

Liberation and the other DW haters - what are you expecting DW to do right now? I asked this question earlier, where is this big flurry of trades going on that makes you think anyone can be had in this league? There are just no opportunities to get someone right now.

Thrasherfan - as for DW using the media, every GM in every sport is going to play his hand close to his vest so to say. You don’t announce something 4 weeks before you think it “might” happen. Not that I don’t like a good hotstove, but c’mon.

Brendan, good points on the whining. But I think we are all enjoying Craig right now.

Dave - enjoy Craig, he is a welcome addition.

By dj

January 7, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this

On Penalty shots, it normally favors the shooter, not the goalie. Shootouts are different. I am not question Vigier hard work. I am question his mental game. I can remember three times this year where he has either taken a penalty late or taken a penatly while killing one that gave the other team the game tying or go ahead goal. I am sure any of the youngs kids could do just as good of a job and then they get experecience. He does alright on the third line but he falls down as soon as he gets the puck and Holik is what makes that line successful.

By luckydog

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Gawd-a-mighty not again!!! If we can’t close out wins against the mediocre likes of the Coyotes and Craps, we’re gonna be somebody’s juicy first-round appetizer come May. We now lead the league in loser’s points (8). I’m sick of ‘em — lately they all seem to come because we can’t close the deal.

I agree with what someone else said about Havelid looking like he’s down a notch this year, though he’s still pretty solid. I like Devries but he is looking more and more like this year’s Modry, I’m afraid. We may need some fresh blood on D to go with that new center Don’s gonna get us….

The bright side — I gotta believe that when we have both Sutton and Ex back we will do a little better closing out games.

By Jim

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

We should definitely fire Waddell for his pathetic, 2nd best record in the conference performence. I mean with the tradition of hockey excellence in this city, we simply can’t accept a 24-12-8 record … Are you guys INSANE ???? We lose a couple late game leads and all of a sudden our defensemen suck and we can’t score? What are you guys watching?? Oh yeah, I know what your watching. It’s the #2 team in the conference.

By thash_fan

January 7, 2007 09:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with that we need to strenghten an offense; we need guys like Y.PERREAULT, instead S.RUCCHIN;

or Bondra…why didn’t we get him back? and now in order to get somebody we need to give up; those veterans from Phoenix showed some hockey….

By Brendan

January 7, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Y’all know I’m not hugest Don Waddell fan, but I don’t blame him for losing Bondra. In fact, Bondra’s salary is still hitting our cap this year, because of the incentives he reached in his contract from last season. Don Waddell said, “I thought he (Bondra) wanted to retire” in response to contract negotiations for the 2006-07 roster. GM’s are like politicians in an election year. Obviously, Bondra didn’t want to retire. He was two (2) goals shy of #500, and he got them with the Blackhawks around Christmas time.

But, I actually credit Don Waddell for looking at Bondra’s age (38-39), and the high dollars he was asking (over $2 million), and “passing” on him. Now, I want to be clear on something. I like Peter Bondra. I’ve admired his play from the time he was with the Capitals. Some of the best highlight goals I’ve ever seen … were scored by Bondra. That was the past. Had Bondra been here since training camp, he’d probably have missed 10-15 games with an injury, while taking up $2.5 million in cap hit, including last year’s “carry over.” A-hem. That’s speculation on my part. Not a fact. But I believe it to be true. I’m not blaming Don Waddell for Bondra not being here. And believe it or not, I feel confident that Don will get us the elusive center we’ve all been clamoring for all year. I just wonder when (got happen before Feb. 27th) and how much ($3-$5 million) money he’ll spend to do it. Remember, Don’s got to get permission from the Atlanta Spirit Group to spend the money, and Steve Belkin could intercede if the player Don wants to get still has remaining years on the contract that might push Atlanta over the cap for next year, or dramatically limit what Atlanta can do with FREE AGENCY this Summer. Chances are, however, that whichever player Don targets will be an unrestricted free agent (“rental player”) later this Summer.

By Brian

January 7, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I think the reason we don’t want Bondra is the same reason almost everyone here (well, the regulars at least) don’t want Forseberg. You mentioned the OL’s and I noticed that too, we are really 24-20. Also, earlier you had a comment on eliminating them (the “free point”). I wanted to add that for a long time the league has been considering giving 3 points for a win which would be another solution to the one you came up with.

By jerry

January 8, 2007 07:32 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers have about five good players. The rest of them are lazy as hell at times.

By Chris

January 8, 2007 08:40 AM | Link to this

Bondra would not have been much of an addition to this team. Dare I say it, Jon Sim has filled his role pretty well. Any additions up front need to be of the playmaker variety. Bondra can still put it in the net, but he’s not going to make Hoss, Kovy, etc. better.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 8, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Brendan, Good read on some of your postings over the Holidays, I have a little different take on the Thrashers needs. I still assert that our primary need is on the Blue-line. Hnidy and Coburn have filled in nicely with Sutton out, but we need help on the Blueline. I also view Eric B. as a wasted roster spot, an enforcer is not a necessary thing in the New NHL. Question is how does Don Waddell make a needed move to fill our needs (Top flight center and Top 4 Blueliner). Both of these needs don’t come cheaply. I would love to see bloggers here posting some ideas as to who we could realistically go get. Man, I sure miss Marc Savard. He is having a great 1st season in Boston.

By Matt

January 8, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I haven’t been able to catch many games lately- how much of this slump (small, though it may be at this point) looks like the “mid-season drearies”?

I miss Marc Savard too (though not his penalty minutes- this team’s got enough troubles in the box). After watching him play last season, I had a hard time believing his numbers were just a flash in the pan.

By Brian

January 8, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed - Boulton is a healthy scratch more times than not, so you can’t call him a wasted roster spot. He will come in for a game against the Caps (one brawl already broke out with them) or say Toronto, where an enforcer is needed. He is not taking time away from anyone where unnecessary.

By Tony C.

January 8, 2007 02:25 PM | Link to this

Ok first off, if you’re on the PK for 15+min. A NIGHT, then I don’t care if you’ve got John Madden(NJD circa 2000), Hoss, Big Bobby and Joe Sakic (circa ‘97) as your two PK pairings…put them out there that often and they’re going to wear down. “Lazy plays” often are made on “tired legs”…Too many penalties to kill, and talent doesn’t matter, you’re out of gas.

That being said, yes I think it’d be swell if we got someone a little more fleet-of-foot out there other than Veeg. Realize that Coach is going to give the “French” guys a little bit longer look, and you know what? I don’t mind. I think it’s cool that we have a guy that can blend loyalty in with the “what-did-you-do-for-me-last-shift” reality that is the NHL.

Yes please, a pivot who can skate and dish! Get that kid Kappanen to John Smoltz’ sports psychologist and have him realize he can do it. He’s got the wheels, and has a good enough handle that should his vision/timing improve, he can be the centre we need to “take it to the next level”.

The blueline is the best in the history of the club. That being said, it is being severely tested-DeVo is definitely wilting at this stage in the season. Havelid does look a little out of it at times-but be honest if you went from going home as Olympic Champion, to the next time you went home you were there to bury your mom in the same year, I bet you might have some “off” days yourself.

Coburn has performed like a rookie with great tools and flashes of high-level promise. Hnidy has been a refreshing surprise. I think he realized that if he wanted to play in the big leagues beyond this year, he’d have to turn in this sort of performance. Coach has asked a lot out of his #7 D-man, and I think Hnidy has delivered much moreso than anyone could have hoped.

can’t believe I’m saying this, but we miss Sutton bad. He ate up minutes, and truly was playing the best hockey we’ve seen out of him in Thrashers sweater.

DW may just pull off a Savard type deal-which was definitely a good deal. I rail about the man’s decisions regarding the backline, and not re-signing Savard during the season. However the past 14 months have seen some of his (DW’s)best work. Signing Vish to the 1-yr deal, Sim was good value, Hedberg was great move, not keeping an aging Bondra for prime-time Petr Gunn money was a good move too.

Now we get to see DW under pressure, but not under fire (strangely enough, after his infamous “gaurantee” last year)…I can’t wait to see what DW gets the club for the playoff push.

Now the REALLY important part of the past few days:

PLEASE TELL ME SLAVA-MATIC ISN”T SERIOUSLY HURT

Not just for our club’s chances this season, but at his age, it could really ruin his quality of life after hockey. I have always found Slava to be all the things you would want to point to for the “international face” of the NHL-talented, dedicated, supportive demonstrating what “good sportsmanship” is. Then couple it with his extreme clutch-ness. He just may be my favorite Thrasher all-time…If Cap’n Rat hadn’t returned he would’ve been my choice to wear the C. Let’s hope he recovers fully and quickly.

By Bob

January 8, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

We’ll know who’s available in about another month, that’s when the teams that are out of it will want to move some salary or impending UFA’s and get some return. Conroy out in LA has been bandied about all year, but he’s not having a very good year.

Doug Weight is on a poor Blues team, they might want to move him and he’s only owed $3m next year, then a UFA. I wouldn’t mind seeing him center Kovy. Recchi-Ball is a UFA next year and if the Pens fall out of it, they move him, wouldn’t mind seeing him on Kovy’s right wing. Mike York on the Isle is a center that’s a UFA next year, never been a big fan of his, though.

Forsberg would be a huge risk, but if we didn’t have to give up much in assets besides the $2m he’d be owed, the reward might be high to rent him at the deadline for a playoff run.

By Bob

January 8, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

by the way, here is a great site to check out each team’s cap position, and the salaries and status of each player: http://www3.telus.net/public/dreyes/nhl/

By Brendan

January 8, 2007 06:05 PM | Link to this

Bob, thank you. That was an awesome link!!!

By Bob

January 8, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this

did you check out how many UFA’s the Thrashers have for next year?

By Brendan

January 8, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

I think it’s 7 or 8, Bob. Many defensemen, like Exelby, Vishnevski, Hnidy, Sutton and deVries. Also, Jon Sim, J.P. Vigier, Brad Larsen and I think Eric Boulton. A new GM really would have some options with 8-9 vacancies to fill.

By Jameson

January 9, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan, just wanted to say that for the record, I read Thrasher’s articles year-round. I only started posting recently, and don’t post much, unless I feel like I’ve actually got something important to add. No names, but some people posting around here are just full of hot air.