Thrashers

By Geneen

January 13, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

Marian should have been voted in by the fans. It’s discouraging to me that he wasn’t.

It seems shocking that Ilya Kovalchuk was not selected as a reserve, but had I been picking reserves, I’d have selected Slava Kozlov over several of the other guys who were chosen. He’s so deserving.

It seems wrong to me that Tampa Bay has more forwards on the All Star team than the Thrashers.

By Bob

January 13, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this

It’s not shocking to me that Kovy was left off, he’s not one of the top players in the league. He’s probably the top sniper in the league, but not a top player.

Craig, you gave me a heart attack with the headline of this blog. When I first pulled the page up I thought Waddell traded them to the Stars. Then I realized the All Star game was in Dallas this year. Doh!

By LAC

January 13, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this

Hossa should have been voted in I AGREE!!!!!

However… That DUMB waddell had better get some scoring help and FAST !!!

We are sinking FAST, real fast.

Why are those two young guys leading the AHL in scoring STILL in the AHL ????

Hate to say it… I believe we will get routed in Raleigh, we will be OUT of the playoff race before long when the OLD players, Rucchin/Kapenan and others will not keep it up.

Gee why did we not pay an additional 2m to Savard, andkeep him…but no we spend 2m on Rucchin and he is a total BUST… looking dim for sure.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 13, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Game has not started yet and Carolina has already scored on our Defense. Let’s hope we start the Moose cause Carolina’s in Kari’s head for sure. Doubt it see earlier results this year.

By Tim

January 13, 2007 05:11 PM | Link to this

LAC, we did called up Krog who was the leading scorer in the AHL and guess what? Most of us were dissapointed. Steping from the AHL to the NHL is a huge step and most of the time, it doesn’t translate very well. As for a help via trade, we need to make 1. But to make 1, we need a partner and because there is such parity in this league, finding a partner ain’t that easy. People thought the ‘yottes were dead. But look at them now, they are 7 points away from a playoff spot. There is really only 1 team that can say bye bye to this season as of now.

And also, the longer we wait, the better the quality player we can get in this cap era NHL.

And as fan, all I can do is to cheer for my team no matter what and hope that this streak will end sooner rather then later.

By B. Thenet

January 13, 2007 05:56 PM | Link to this

How do the Canes get two starters, who both have less points than Ilya or Slava?

The good news for Lehtonen is that he won’t blow a 3rd period lead in the Young Stars Game, it is only a 2 period long game.

By Brendan

January 13, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this

LOL, Bob. I had the EXACT SAME REACTION. Then I thought it must be for some special appearance or be related to the All-Star game, since Marty Turco has three (3) more years left on his contract. Can you imagine moving Hossa and Lehtonen, especially NOW???? Hey, I bet they’d have happily given us Turco and Modano, plus throw in Patrik Stefan for nothing!

By Craig Custance

January 14, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Bob and Brendan: Sorry about the scare, I can’t imagine what Hossa and Lehtonen would bring back in a trade. I’ll be a little more careful with the blog headlines in the future.

The Thrashers needed that one tonight in Carolina. They are pretty tough to beat in a shootout.

By Brendan

January 14, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Oh, I dunno Craig. A blog headline is supposed to attract and captivate the reader. And yours certainly did that!

I didn’t check the boxscore, but I suspect the Thrashers were outshot again tonight. Well, gang, the Thrashers got the win. I can’t recall off the top of my head the last time Atlanta won in regulation, to deny the opposition a point. I think Carolina has now clinched the season series, if they hadn’t already. But this time around, Atlanta battled hard to force the overtime. It’s the sort of shootout win that is quite familiar now. That is, there were shootout goals by Kozlov and Hossa, with two saves by Lehtonen. We’ve seen that a few times now. It is also the sort of shootout win that makes you wonder what might have happened vs. Phoenix and Washington, had those overtimes gone the distance. It feels good to win.

The roadstand is over!!! The team went 3-4-1 for seven points in eight road games. Throw in the home game vs. Phoenix, where Atlanta blew a 4-1 lead, and Atlanta went 3-4-2, for eight out of eighteen (8/18) possible points. Atlanta had a 3rd period lead on Montreal. And Washington. So, all things considered, it wasn’t that bad of a stretch. The results weren’t there (3-6, straight up, without the “dirty points.”). And that’s the bottom line, as they say. But … the Thrashers just missed .500, “NHL style.” The Thrashers lead on the division could have been two (2) points, with a regulation-time loss. Instead, it’s up to a five (5) point lead. So, tonight was HUGE. Every point from now on is going to be big, if Atlanta is to hold on to the Southeast Division lead.

By Tony C.

January 14, 2007 02:11 AM | Link to this

ok.

feel free to do this at home

SLA-VA-MA-TIC

clap< >clap< >clap-clap< >clap< SLA-VA-MA-TIC clap< >clap< clap-clap< >clap<

Huge props to the corner of Blue that made the trip/showed up @ rbc center for the Sat. game!!!

LAC-you almost quoted me verbatim talking to someonewho asked about why the team looked so much better on the PP last season. I pointed out that Savard signed elsewhere…and the Rucchin-unit isn’t exactly living up to his contract.

Anyway, HUGE win tonight. It was especially good to see that The Kid got the win. I think that Ward was very much in his head. To win against him, esp. via shootout (although it’s almost cheating getting Slava-Matic to go 1st)!!!

Craig-Big Ups for your coverage!!! I have enjoyed regular coverage of my faveorite team. It is a welcome addition.

All in all, good win!!! A needed win, timely and all that big plus that it’s against “NemesisA” in the Southeast.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Thrasher_Ed

January 14, 2007 08:15 AM | Link to this

Shootout >>>No Problem!! Not when Slavamatic is on your team!! Hossa’s getting better as well in the shootouts. Time too eat a little crow - Posted yesterday that the we wouldl be better off in net with the Moose against Carolina! Well Kari steps up big and proved me wrong. Funny thing haven’t all these Carolina games been tight and decided by one goal. Imagine what kind of lead we could have on the Canes if not for Ray WHitney at 1.5 of the 3 period. Interesting note from Elliot last night on the TV broadcast, almost sounded like he expects Waddell to make a move soon.

By michael

January 14, 2007 08:32 AM | Link to this

I heard Darren Elliot talking about the Wad making a move as well.He sounded very confident about it. I think we will see Brendan Morrison become a thrasher very soon.

By UpperDeck4Life

January 14, 2007 02:09 PM | Link to this

Morrison’s contract is not very attractive and I think it is for next year as well.

For some reason my gut says this will be a forward rather than a defenseman though.

By Brendan

January 14, 2007 02:29 PM | Link to this

I heard Eliot’s comments as well, vis-a-vis a potential trade by the GM. But I just don’t believe any team, other than perhaps Philadelphia and St. Louis, are really completely out of it. And because of that, it’s premature to suggest a “firesale” of players by such teams is imminent just yet. If there are trades before the All-Star game, I suspect they’d be the “mutually beneficial” type. For example, one team needs a winger and has a glut of defensemen. The other team has a plethora of forwards but is a bit thin on the blueline. The result? A “functional” forward is traded for a “functional” defenseman. Neither of the players exchanged are anything to write home about, but both teams get what they need. And it’s a “wash.” Though, at this time of year, the blueliners are a more coveted commodity. So, maybe the team that gives a d-man to get a forward, also picks up a 5th round pick with it.

But what team is going to trade a “big name” before they’re out of it? Lest they be committing highway robbery in the process. That Northwest Division leader will change 25 more times between now and the end of the season. And the 5th place team might be 5-6 points behind the division winner. So, not even the LAST PLACE team will do a “salary dump” in that division.

By Brendan

January 14, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell might have better success looking at the LA Kings, for A. Kopitar or Mike Cammalleri. Cammalleri will be restricted this summer, so if Atlanta actually got him, they’d get compensation if they lost him this Summer. The qualifying offer would be substantial to Cammalleri, and he might “reject” it in favor of “binding artibration.” Arbitration has NOT been a friend to GM’s in the post-lockout era. Then, Don would have to decide to either pay the judgement award or trade him. Though, if Cammalleri and Kovalchuk clicked like Savard and Kovalchuk used to, Don might re-sign him. Perhaps, longterm. And certainly for LESS than Savard’s whopping $5.0 million contract with Boston. Currently, Cammalleri makes $1.7 million, in his 3rd year of NHL experience. We’d probably lose Jim Slater to the Kings in the deal. Both Slater and Cammalleri played their collegiate hockey in the CCHA, with the University of Michigan.

Uhh, for the record, everything above is pure speculation. Waddell, if you trust his word, has said he hasn’t been in discussion with any specific teams or GM’s. On Center Ice last night, a “roundtable” type discussion stated that Center Jason Allison does not want to retire. He’s still waiting for someone to express interest in him. Keep in mind, Allison has not had a training camp. Hasn’t played. Isn’t young. Isn’t fast. But at this point in the season, if Don actually HAD some interest in him, he could probably write a “league minimum” type contract that allows for incentives to carry him over $1.0 million, if met. That’s, uhhh, prorated, about $250,000 at this point. More than half the season has passed. Allison, who is NOT the answer, could be had for cheap. My $0.02 says … Don would rather keep that $250,000 to go get a $5 million type player on Feb. 27th.

By Michael

January 14, 2007 03:24 PM | Link to this

the kings giving uo Kopitar would be like us giving up Kovalchuk his rookie year.

Cammalleri is more realistic, but he is a big part of their future.

The Canucks have expressed that Morrison is available.

Allison better not come here, that would be a huge mistake.

By michael

January 14, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

For everyone thinking about Forsberg it will not happen. He has a no trade clause in his contract. The flyers only win when he plays so they are not letting him go anywhere.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 14, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

I personally think we all need to nominate Brendan to take over for the always AWOL Ice MAN Blog with the AJC! Good thought s about deals with the Kings Brendan. I too like Cammalleri or Kopitar. Slater might be an exceptable lose in trade with maybe DeVries or Popovic perhaps if needed. I posted yesterday that I still think we could approach Phoenix and get Yannic Perreault for a reasonable deal. He is an awesome faceoff guy and has good point production for only 30 something games and might be a good fit with Kovy!

By Craig Custance

January 14, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Interesting trade speculation, except Cammalleri played at Michigan, and Slater at Michigan State - arch rivals.

Thrasher_Ed — If Brendan got his own blog, I’d lose my best commenter. We can’t have that!

To answer the question, the Thrashers were outshot against Carolina (27-26), it’s the ninth straight game that has happened.

By michael

January 14, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this

Kopitar is not going to come here! We would have to trade Kovy or Hossa. Not going to happen.

By Thrasher_Ed

January 14, 2007 08:56 PM | Link to this

Craig - Just a friendly barb at the AWOL Vanilla Ice boy!! HaHa! Glad to have you joining in the blog at times, never noticed the previous writer doing so. Just glad to have someone pushing the Thrashers with the higher ups at the Ole AJC. We need more coverage of the Thrashers period. I am glad Brendan and lots of others continue to voice that opinion here daily.

By Brendan

January 14, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Boy, is my face “red.” I’ll have to take my lumps. Slater did play at Michigan State, not UM. I stand corrected.

I cannot take credit for the trade speculation of Cammalleri. Credit must go to the poster who first came up with the idea. That was “Adam,” back on Nov. 11, 2006. See Manasso’s blog, “Thrashers Money Matters.” Adam is an excellent poster who should post more often! I can’t help but notice that the L.A. Kings are our next opponent. Wouldn’t it be something if Cammalleri were wearing a Thrashers jersey for that game? Ummn, you probably shouldn’t hold your breath for that one, though. But it would present Don Waddell with an excellent opportunity for a “face-to-face” meeting with the Kings’ GM.

David Vecsey has an excellent blog. He’s just had trouble activating his blog tools. I’m sure we’ll see more of him as the season unfolds. He comes up with many interesting topics. Both blogs have really improved this year. “Ice Princess” (previous fan blogger) didn’t run a lot of blog topics or respond very often to comments made on the blog. Manasso almost NEVER did. Then again, posters did “attack” him at times. The “Heatley Returns” blog, in particular.

Michael, another excellent poster, is absolutely right about Anze Kopitar. If Evgeni Malkin were not also a rookie, Kopitar would be an attractive candidate for the Calder Trophy. There’s virtually no chance the Kings would part with him. Cammalleri is a bit of a longshot, too. It’d be nice, though!

By Brendan

January 14, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed, thank you for the kind words. I also think (poster) Bob would make a great “official” Fan blogger. We also have great statistical resources in Red Light, (who hasn’t been seen for a while,) Brian, and Russ. Plus, a few more posters who supply some interesting stats from time to time.

These message boards bring out many “die-hard” hockey fans. Sometimes from other cities, who just want to “stir it up” when their team rolls into town. (Old Toothless comes to mind, here.) More and more will come out now that football season is winding down. I love it when Philips Arena is packed with screaming fans. I don’t care if you’re sitting in section 410, 310, 210, or you’re right behind the bench. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the upper corner boards, or in a suite. All that matters is that you come out to games wearing your Thrasher blue and scream your lungs out. Or watch/listen at home, if you can’t make it. We’ve finally got a team good enough to be in the playoffs. It’s been very exciting so far. We’ve seen this team get down 2-0 and win. We’ve seen them overcome three (3) goal deficits to win games. Slavamatic, Hossa, and Lehtonen have been terrific in shootouts. The team is no longer “imbalanced.” There’s depth in goal (even Brathwaite in the minors) and on the blueline (Popovic, Hnidy). We’ve got free agent signings (Haydar, Wanvig) up in Chicago if our forwards get depleted. In future years, it’ll be up to Jordan LaVallee, Bryan Little, Alex Bourret and Brett Sterling, along with Coburn and Valabik on the blueline, and Pavelec in net, to fill out the roster. If not, it’s too expensive to field a team of FREE AGENTS. That’s why good drafting is so essential in the “new NHL.”

Michael, I think Forsberg would waive that no trade clause if he got to pick where he wanted to go (top playoff contender, or even back to Colorado). I cannot believe he wants to finish his career with a “rebuilding” Flyers club. But, I’ve been wrong before!!!

By Hip Czech

January 15, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this

Interesting article about rental players

4 centers mentioned…Sundin being mentioned is kind of intriguing, if for nothing else he always kills us.

IF Waddell makes a move, it probably won’t be until next month.

By thrashersfan

January 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Thx for the link, Hip Czech. Nice to see a pretty thorough list of our options. We’re all hoping DW does something but the only thing that concerns me is we’ve needed help for some time now. Does DW want to concede that point now? Hope so, and really, the cap issue, or perhaps how much ownership is willing to spend, has probably caused him to wait closer to the deadline. We’ll see.

One last point - it will be interesting how the team plays when “everyone” is back from injury. Is it just Sutton now? Regardless, though it won’t be any easier to win at this time of the yr. It really shows how much those early points meant. Where would the Thrashers be if they lost just “5” more of those early games? 9th in the conference, 9th!!!

By icemansucks

January 15, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Brendan - Anze Kopitar is a real candidate for the Calder Trophy. Kopitar (12 goals, 29 assists) is only 3 points behind Malkin (22 goals, 22 assists). However, with the east coast bias along with the attention Sidney Crosby brings and a sexier goal amount, Malkin will be the front runner. If Anze were traded (anywhere) there would be a giant backlash from Kings fans. Kopitar has a huge following in L.A. and a smart franchise wouldn’t trade gold for silver.

Cammalleri would be a nice addition, but wishful thinking. The Thrashers are going to have a very difficult time adding youth at the deadline, unlike years past.

I personally do not want to see Conroy or Forsberg or any other struggling (whether health or hockey) veterans inserted into a veteran laden team.

Two weeks ago, some attractive options (that were rumored to have been shopped) were Ladislav Nagy and Shane Doan. But with Phoenix’s excellent play, the Coyotes are forming a run for the playoffs.

Sundin is interesting, but is will he really be available? If Mats is tradeable, then the Leafs will throw in all of their chips and max out his value with prospects, picks, and current players. That would be the only way to justify trading Sundin to the Leaf Nation.

More players will become available in the coming weeks, but at least we are all in agreeance that a play-making or forward should be the #1 priority for Atlanta.

By Hip Czech

January 15, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Smolinski might be an option…seems to be a pretty consistent 50 point scorer, decent defensively, and has playoff experience (though early round exits with Ottawa).

For now, why not move Kozlov back to center? If I remember correctly, Kozlov played center for a good chunk of last season. Put Sim or Metropolit on the wing.

By Bob

January 15, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks for that link to the playoff rental options. Forget about Smoke, he wouldn’t be a good fit with Kovalchuk. Sundin certainly would, but I don’t see that happening.

I think Conroy might be the guy. I’d also like to see a move made for Brewer. DeVries and Vish have both been disappointing this year, we need another defenseman.

I think Waddell will wait right up until the deadline as the current ownership situation probably has his hands tied somewhat, but bringing in Brewer and Conroy would only cost about $1m, and I think Waddell could sell that to the owners in that those two guys might help this club win a round, and 4 home games in the second round would bring at least $1m in revenue to the owners, per game. It’s a no brainer.

By Tony C.

January 15, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Smolinski is probably the best all-around “fit” on that list…I just don’t see Chicago asking anything reasonable in return. I think that the time of value-for-value trades just expired with the beginning of All-Star week. If DW can swing it though, I think it’d be good.

Sundin? dude. Sundin? Give ‘em what they want. This guy is a hoss, great all-around player and proven leader…if he got a decent shot at The Cup, well I think he’d turn it up. I’m sure he hears the “clock” louder than most. I think that the addition of Sundin would immediately make Le Thrash one of the top 3 teams in the league. In fact, it might be enough to push us over the top. I didn’t realize he was availible….I’d be much more comfortable trading away the future for Sundin than I would be for Forsberg.

I hear and read all this talk of Camalleri, but I just don’t think L.A. would go for it. They are sorely lacking in net, though. I wonder if we could package something up for them with our new-found depth?

Conroy, I loved his play with Iginla when Cal-Gary made their run a few years back. He was sorely missed by them since his departure, but he does seem to have “lost it”. Also, DW passed on him for Team USA, (still don’t understand that one) so I don’t know that DW would be too interested.

All-in-all I’d love to see Smolinski in the Blue. He’d be a good fit, would fill hiBob’s desire for #17 to be paired with a two-way centre. He’s got some pop in the twig, and decent enough wheels. Then you could put Cap’n rat on the other wing, or even Rucchin.

You do get the feeling that DW is up to something. I’m hoping that it’s the “new improved” DW doing the deciscion making.

Craig-Really can’t say enough nice things about your work to date. Keep it up!

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

January 15, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Also, somebody please find out the answer to this:

WHERE IS OLEG KVASHA????

I swear he’d be perfect for this club.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Thrasher_Ed

January 15, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice Popovic got sent back to Chicago Wolves? Hope he does not have to clear waivers? Thanks fo rthe link on the rental players HipCzech good article.

By michael

January 15, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

Oleg Kvasha hurt his knee last april. Don’t know anything else besides that. Tsn.ca has him listed as unrestricted free agent group 3.

By sisu

January 15, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

So there were 63 of us nasty nesters at the game in Carolina. Warm ups were fun, the players acknowledged us by shooting pucks to the glass instead of the net!

I would love to Smolinski here but if it were to be a dman then Pitkanen or Leetch would be the best out there!

If you want to see some great pictures and such of our trip check out this… text to be linked

By sisu

January 15, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

pictures

Sorry for the bad link earlier…

By Scott

January 15, 2007 03:44 PM | Link to this

Kovy should have been on the all star team. He’s one of the best offensive players in the game. I know he’s having a somewhat off year, if you can call having almost 50 points by the all star break as an off year. But he still should be in Dallas.

By Brendan

January 16, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I watched the Kings/Stars game, and Cammalleri was all over the place. He even scored a sweet, sweet goal. Conroy, on the other hand, was invisible the whole game, until he took a penalty with 5:22 left in regulation, to put his team down 5-on-3, in a game where the Kings were trailing by two.

That said, Conroy and Brewer can improve the team and won’t cost a lot. It’s worth a shot. So, I agree with Bob.