Thrashers

By Jamie Fehr

January 16, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this

For tonight’s game i am expecting a beating to be put on the kings, because they played last night and they have there 4th and 5th goalies with them. Either can start and will get lit up. As for Cammalleri, i like him and would really like it if Atlanta was to acquire him and i think him and Kovalchuk would be real good together. One other thing, everybody says Kovalchuk is having an off year, anybody who can score 23 goals in 47 games (averages to half a goal a game: 81 Games= 40 Goals) with Steve Rucchin is not having an off year to me. (With respect to Rucchin i like him and dont know why everybody gets on him so bad cause he is not that bad.

By Bob

January 16, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

You’re 100% right, Craig. There is no way the Kings part with Cammalleri. The center they move at the deadline is Conroy. I’ll be watching him tonight to see if he’s the kind of guy we’d like skating with Kovy.

Rucchin is awful, Jamie. Just awful. He has 5 goals and 10 assists skating top minutes with Kovy. That is pitiful. Jamie, you could put up more points than that skating with Kovy.

Rucchin is responsible defensively, that’s a plus for him, but he’s still a -5 on the year.

My hope is to bring in a center at the deadline to skate with Kovy, let Metropolit center Hossa and Kozlov, and move Rucchin down to the 4th line, but start skating that 4th line more minutes. I think in the playoffs, we’ll need to roll 4 lines ala Buffalo and Carolina last year.

By David

January 16, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this

mmmmmm…I remember that 8-6 game like it was yesturday. Such a terrible game. Was that game set on a back to back hockey night? Some reason I remember complaining about who was in goal, but hey, every game last year I think I complained about who was in goal.

Hopefully our big three can have a great offensive night to start off this home stand and put themselves in a positive mood heading into this all star break.

Go Thrashers

By ranallo10

January 16, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Just waiting for Brendan’s 4 paragraph response…after which, I’m sure 15 “regulars” will explain how Waddell is an idiot, the worst GM in the league, then follow it with many incredible ideas of how to fix a team they have no control over.

Need an example for what I’m speaking of? I’m sure it’s soon to follow…

By ranallo10

January 16, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

P.S. - Cammalleri to Atlanta for whom?? Several people have mentioned this in previous responses, but what in the wide world of hockey do the Thrashers have that would entice Los Angeles to trade a future anchor to their top lines? People keep mentioning Valabik, Pavelec, Oysterik, et ali…does anybody seriously think THOSE prospects and an aged veteran (someone’s mentioned DeVries on these boards) would get the return value of a mid 20 year old center who has proven he can score in today’s NHL??

Half of you people are retarded, seriously.

By Tony C.

January 16, 2007 05:53 PM | Link to this

Ranallo- No I wouldn’t trade Cammaleri for DeVo straight up. But for Garnett DeVo and draft picks? maybe

Of course the Kings don’t want to part with Cammaleri, and I think a lot of the “he’s available” rumors were planted by his agent or Kings’ mgt. to motivte him. If DW somehow pulled off a trade that included Cammalleri coming here, and keeping the essential core intact, then I’ll give him a whole year of no badmouthing. Geeesh, I think that might entitle him to “GM of the Year”!!!

The thing about L.A. is that they do not have steady goaltending. Cloutier? c’mon even his homeboy crawford’s been depricating of him. Point being that Garnett has shown that he can provide NHL-level goaltending, and is younger, with a decent amount of upside. If you’re L.A. do you really think that Clutier and Garon are the answer? Brust and Fujikata(spl?) are your long-term solutions? This is the same team that took a chance on Huet then traded him to Montreal. The same group that signed Chechmanek (spl?) to big-ticket $$$ just a few years ago. They haven’t had a goalie they could count on since Potvin, and that was almost 10yrs. ago!!

Conroy-for-Garnett seems a little lopsided for Le Thrash. I would ask for picks to sweeten the pot. Picks for this year. None of this 4th-round in 2010 B.S. It will be interesting to see Conroy tonight. He has to know that he’s on the block and we’re one of the teams that’s publicly expressed interest. I have only seen two Kings’ games and one he looked average in and the other he played sparringly and did not seem effective when he was on the ice. He did look good during the Calgary run at The Cup, and if our guys were to get him, I’d hope we get that guy. Not this L.A. dude. Keep in mind though that DW passed on Conroy for the Olympic squad, and that was before he was stinkin it up in L.A. this year…Conroy will have to impress during this Eastern Conf. roadtrip for DW to go with him.

Any news on call-ups? Do we see Bourett? or the other winger that Coach was so high on in camp? Lavallee or whatever? I haven’t been paying to much attention to the minor leagues so I have no idea how those guys have played. Anyway, it’ll be cool to see Kopitar. #17 seems to “get up” a bit when playing against the next big thing from Russia, so mebbe he can find the net.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Brendan

January 16, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this

It’ll be fun to watch Cammalleri tonight. Even knowing he won’t be a Thrasher anytime soon. Like Bob said, we should keep an eye on Conroy. I didn’t like his last game vs. Dallas, though. Then again, it was “one” game.

By Brendan

January 16, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Well, what did you think of Conroy tonight? Pining for him to be the next Thrasher? Or hoping that he lands elsewhere … or stays in L.A.?

Another hattie for Hossa. That poor Kings goaltender got yanked 22-minutes into his NHL debut. But it was Cammalleri who took the penalty that did in the Kings tonight. It was 3-2, Thrashers, at the time. Atlanta went 2/3 on the power play, and Hossa got both of them. I didn’t check, but I think Atlanta outshot the Kings tonight. It felt that way, anyway. The Florida Panthers blew a 2-1 lead to lose to Carolina, 3-2, in overtime. At least Tampa Bay lost, 4-2, to Toronto. The Bolts have been on fire lately. Ottawa beat Washington. Our next opponent, Montreal, got shutout on their home ice by Vancouver, 4-0. Should Hedberg start against the Habs?

Eric Brewer scored a very “heads up” PPG for St. Louis against Anaheim tonight. Perhaps DW should take another look at Brewer, who will be unrestricted this Summer. Brodeur got his 88th career shutout, I heard. Can that be right? It was 1-0 win over the Rangers.

By The "Nasty Nest" is for Frat Boys

January 16, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Thank you Brendan for the ESPN update…by providing those rivoting recaps you saved me literally minutes of clicking.

By ranallo10

January 16, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Tony —

If you were the GM of the LA Kings and traded your third best scorer (who by the way is only 24 and plays an extremely pivotal position—pun intended), you would be judged by everyone based on the return value from said deal. This should be obvious.

For your idea return value is: 1 - A 34 year old Defender who is second worst on his team in +/- 2 - A 24 year old Goalie who has played 24 games in the NHL 3 - To quote you, “Draft Picks”. Non-specific, but I’m assuming you mean of the high round variety.

I’d say you’d be considered dumber than Donald Brashear. To most Thrashers bloggers, you would maybe even be considered dumber than Don Waddell.

Seriously, think about that return value. Garnett has no value as a backup AHL goalie. De Vries is old, would go to a team filled with better defenseman, and is as much a defensive liability as Vigier.

Take tonight’s game…what defender gave up the first goal of the game because he was out of position? Which defender tied a rookie for most giveaways in the game (3, that rookie being Coburn). For 22 minutes played, do you think the Kings would benefit having De Vries on the ice??? Over Sopel, Visnovsky, Blake, Miller, or even Norstrom??????

Do the Kings really need another unproven and young goalie to throw in the mix, as well as an aged defender who would be their (arguably) 5 best defenseman??

As I said before, half of you are retarded.

By David

January 16, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Some reason I have a feeling this “nasty nest” guy is ranallo…just a hunch…

anyway, great win by the thrash and my hope came to fruition. Big three had a great game at home and guys played alot better. Start of the game I was worried, but the boys toughed it out. Two more games and a much needed rest.

By The "Nasty Nest" is for Frat Boys

January 16, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

When people at the Thrashers games yell stuff like, “He shoots, he scores, hey [cleverly insert the goalies last name here], YOU SUCK!!” do they first check to see what goalie is currently in the net??

You idiots decided to yell this after goal number 3 of tonights game, which F******* conceeded. The problem? The person you were yelling at (and inserted the last name of into your amazingly brilliant chant) was HIS REPLACEMENT, BARRY BRUST.

I know Canadian and Japanese people look the same, but could you people really be that oblibious—or maybe hammered?

By The "Nasty Nest" is for Frat Boys

January 16, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Hahaha, F-u-k-u-f-u-j-i was **d out. Good stuff.

By ranallo10

January 16, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Is that THE David Johnson from section 107, row L, seat 11?? I think I saw you on television during the shootout against Pittsburgh. I TiVo’d that game, I would recognize your middle fingers ANYWHERE.

Much love, go Kozlov

By Jameson

January 16, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Dear ranallo10, Since we are all clearly ignorant, and our knowledge of hockey pales in comparison to your own, why don’t you start telling us what you’d do, instead of just how we’re wrong? Thanks.

By Tony C.

January 17, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

About damn time. Le Thrash finally handles a lower-tier team the way a playoff contender should. I still was dissapointed with the extended possesion in our zone that L.A. put together on several occasions during the game. Howabout that kid Kopitar?? He’s going to be real good barring injury huh? In fact, L.A. looks pretty set for the future, kind of like the Penguins of The West. Should they get a good D-Man in the draft, and assuming this guy LaBarbera is “the real deal” they assert-the Kings’ look to be pretty good for awhile with Frolov, Kopitar etc. up front.

So next up is Les Habs-this team scares me. They have tremendous speed, some of the best playmakers in the league and that Huet guy can play a lil bit. I would like to see Le Thrash get 2 points out of this game-it would be huge going into the NYR game and All-Star week.

I dunno about Conroy, he definitely showed some nice defensive plays, taking the puck off of #17’s stick on a semi-breakaway…I’m still not sold that he’s the rent-a-center we should go after….nice to see Metro’s play I thought he had some great chances, and the goal he got was probably his “worst” chance of the game. I liked Kappanen’s play last night, especially the four man rush he started in the 2nd.

Finally…ranallo-didja read my post? Or just the first paragraph? Of Course you wouldn’t trade Cammalleri for what DW has to trade…and tell me again that Garnett isn’t a better option that Fuji-however-you-spell-it. 24 total NHL games is more than 22 NHL minutes right? Didn’t Garnett also string together over 100 minutes of shutout hockey behind a defensive unit that is worse than the one ATL has now??? My point was that it’d take everything DW has to trade to even get L.A. to think about putting Cammalleri out there.

Anyway, nice win Hossa showed why he’s on everyone’s MVP-radar..see ya Thursday!

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

“Since we are all clearly ignorant” — I never said that. I just feel some people don’t think before they post illogical trade scenarios or recite rumors they’ve clearly read elsewhere.

“our knowledge of hockey pales in comparison to your own” — I highly doubt that, I just attempt to be logical and think from both sides of the argument/idea at hand.

“why don’t you start telling us what you’d do, instead of just how we’re wrong?” — Doesn’t it render things useless if I were to add speculative kindling to the fire? My “ideas” aren’t of my own forming, I’m just as influenced from the media and other posters are everyone else. If my ideas were original, profound, and taken (for some reason) as superior, I think I’d do more with a professional franchise than just support them through ticket sales and television revenue.

Basically, I’m just as retarded when it comes to being an NHL GM as every other person who claims to know the right moves. Don Waddell is paid to ponder acquisitions that will better the Thrashers, and I’d say he’s done a FINE job. All I know is what I see on the ice, which seems to be what everyone else can see too.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Vigier sucks.

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Yes Tony, I read your post…refer to the “recite rumors they’ve clearly read elsewhere” portion of my previous post if you’re confused as to why I disregarded the remainder of your “Conroy[and picks]-for-Garnett” post. If that doesn’t clear it up, refer to my mention of Garnett’s lack of trade value.

24 games of NHL level goaltending is not worth a NHL proven two-way center. Is Garnett any better than F-u-kufuji? Brust? Probably not, but one can only speculate. If he ends up being worse or of equal value, was it worth giving up Conroy AND picks (as you thought). My opinion is no, the Kings gain nothing out of this trade idea.

If, as you said, it would take everything Waddell has to put Cammalleri out there, in your opinion is it worth discussing then? Cammalleri isn’t worth the farm, so why discuss giving up the farm for him? With that logic, why not start theorizing how the Thrashers could acquire Jason Spezza or Evgeni Malkn?? When does speculation become useless and it’s discussion even more useless???

Your turn…

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

P.S. - Vigier sucks

By Jameson

January 17, 2007 02:49 AM | Link to this

ranallo10, you may be right, but if speculation about this team, and discussion of those speculations more useless, doesn’t it follow that this blog itself is even less useful that that? Or that reading of it absurdly useless?

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 04:21 AM | Link to this

Absurd speculation about team transactions is what I was specifically speaking towards, as I feel I made abundantly clear.

Reading a blog as a form of insight into the opinions of other fans, specifically about the performance of the team, is what I take from the entire “experience”. But hey, maybe that’s what I thought most fans did…discuss the team and how it is faring, not discuss the team and how you could improve it. If that was the case, wouldn’t the discussion be a pretty quick naming of All-Stars that could immediately improve the team?

Did my posts create some sort of confusion about the function of the blog forum??

Would it appease you if I spoke of the game the Thrashers played last night?

They beat a bad team by a lot, but LA kept it unnecessarily close early on. It’s a nice thing to see Atlanta mop up the teams they are supposed to, I personally wish they’d show more heart during the games they’re not supposed to win. But I’ll take overtime losses all year…so long as the system is flawed (1 point for OT Loss), why not exploit it?

Was that more on topic for you, or absurdly useless as well?

If speculation makes you happy —- I say Waddell trade for Scott Gomez. Afterall, he is a high scoring center who could definitely help the Thrashers. Maybe we could get them to throw in Brodeur if we dangle a conditional 2nd round draft pick, Popovic, and a gallon of sweet tea. Makes perfect sense for the Thrashers…if Waddell doesn’t do this, he’s the worst GM in the history of organized sports.

By NHL is DEAD

January 17, 2007 08:22 AM | Link to this

The Players Strike will eventually kill the NHL. I don’t go, watch, or listen to games. Sad truth is I don’t hardly miss it. Greedy Jackleg Players.

By Bob

January 17, 2007 08:35 AM | Link to this

Boy, this ranallo character is sure a breath of fresh air. cough. You can always tell the twisted ones from their high school name calling and insults. Ignore this misfit and he too will fade into oblivion, eventually.

Here’s my list of centers that can be brought in to skate with Kovy: Conroy, Smolinksi, and Forsberg. Forsberg is the least likely, Conroy the most likely.

On defense, the most likely would be Brewer or Vishnovski. I’d take either and say it’s 50/50.

The thing is, do you think it’s likely that Waddell goes and gets both a center and a dman, or is it an either or? If it’s either/or, I’d rather see the center, assuming Sutton and all the other dmen are healthy in a month.

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry Bob, I hope my criticism of this blog and a majority of the people who frequent it did not hurt your feelings too much. But, you did happen to do exactly what I’ve already commented upon. “Here’s MY list of centers[…]” — really, it’s yout list? You sat down one day and thought to yourself “what centers are out there that would make the most sense coming to Atlanta”, and randomly picked the three most talked about names on every rumor mill one can find regarding the Thrashers? Somehow I find that hard to believe.

Just a little nitpciking that needs to be done — the defenseman on the LA Kings is named LUBOMIR VISNOVSKY. While Visnovsky may not be here to say it himself, I would be willing to wager that he would wnt everyone calling him by the correct name. He’s Slovakian, not Ukrainian. Stop adding in consonents that don’t belong in his name. Would you appreciate being consistently called by someone elses name, or a made up name for that matter (there is no Vishnovski in the NHL).

Here’s my list of players the Thrashers could use (please note the sarcasm):

Sidney Crosby Jason Spezza Mario Lemieux Nicklas Lidstrom Scott Niedermayer Scott Stevens Wayne Gretzky

Amazingly enough, all of those players would fit within the Thrashers needs…apparently it doesn’t matter how likely something is to happen, one must only want it to happen for it to be worthy of posting.

By Brian

January 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Guys, Ranollo might be a little warped, but he does make one or two points. I have stated many times that if we name players we want, don’t start naming all-stars. I think last week was, “gee, we need a player like Boyle on defense”. No kidding!?!?!? Let’s focus on what’s available. Conroy is a perfect example.

Visnovsky is another player that’s been rumored to be on the block. The question is do we pair him with Vishnevski if we get him?

By Brendan

January 17, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this

Bob, did you catch St. Louis vs. Anaheim on Center Ice last night? Brewer was the highlight of the game, flying around the ice all night. He took a lot of offensive chances and most of them paid off.

By Billsen

January 17, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

Hey “The “Nasty Nest” is for Frat Boys”, F******* was the one who gave up the 3rd goal - thus he gets the heckle. BTW, I’m one of the four founders of the Nasty Nest, and none of use ever joined a Frat.

Billsen

www.nastynest.net

By Bob

January 17, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

Yes, I saw some of that game. Who was that on Anaheim that got snot knockered there coming through the zone with the head down? Nice hit.

Brewer did look good, I’ve always liked him, I’d like to see Waddell make a run at getting him in here.

I also noticed that Vieshnobskie QB’d the Kings PP pretty effectively. I liked his puck distribution and I was trying to picture him leading our PP. I think that’s a good fit.

I would be very pleased to see either Conroy or Smoke brought in at center and either Brewer or Veeshknobskee brought in on D. We could make a decent run with that additional help.

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

Thank you Brian.

Does anyone else think Conroy could be about as useful as Rucchin for the Thrashers?? He’s above average at faceoffs, is a relatively two-way center (defensive and offensive ABLE, not necessarily good), and is getting up in age and down in speed. Sounds similar to Rucchin to me, and I’m not quite sure how that would benefit the Thrashers.

The most interesting rumor I’ve heard in regards to the Thrashers (yes, I’m spreading a rumor due to utter lack of understanding how it could start), would be the availability of Brendan Morrison, and the Thrashers (and most likely many many other teams) interest in his acquisition.

Has anyone heard or read something similar, and perhaps shed some light on the rumor?

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

Thank you Brian.

Does anyone else think Conroy could be about as useful as Rucchin for the Thrashers?? He’s above average at faceoffs, is a relatively two-way center (defensive and offensive ABLE, not necessarily good), and is getting up in age and down in speed. Sounds similar to Rucchin to me, and I’m not quite sure how that would benefit the Thrashers.

The most interesting rumor I’ve heard in regards to the Thrashers (yes, I’m spreading a rumor due to utter lack of understanding how it could start), would be the availability of Brendan Morrison, and the Thrashers (and most likely many many other teams) interest in his acquisition.

Has anyone heard or read something similar, and could perhaps shed some light on the rumor?

By Brian

January 17, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

Ranollo - the Brendan Morrison rumor was shot down about a month ago and what I read was based on this: The one thing that the Thrashers have the most of to give up is up-and-coming defensmen. This would be Coburn, Popovic and a few others in the system. Bouret was the only offensive talent in the system. The Canucks are loaded with young, up and coming defensive talent as well and would thus want either young offensive talent or a proven winner now. We are not going to give up one of our guns up front and they don’t want what else we have to offer. That’s what I read.

I agree on Conroy but at least we can talk about someone who is realistically on the block.

By ranallo10

January 17, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this

That was my same understanding, thanks for the clarification.

I cringe each time I hear someone mention a 35 year old center in relation to the Thrashers…Smolinski? Allison? Conroy? How would they help really?

By Brendan

January 17, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

Bob, I missed the big hit in the Anaheim game. I was flipping channels during the game. I’m not sold on Conroy yet, Bob. But I do think he could help. I’m concerned over what we’d be giving up to get him. If it’s a 4th round pick, or Derek McKenzie, or something, I’d think we did okay.

I like Cammalleri. But it’s not gonna happen. I can’t even imagine what we’d have to give up. Well, I could, but we can’t afford to lose that many players from our current roster. We’d wind absolutely needing to play both Coburn and Popovic during the playoffs, unless they were part of the deal back to L.A. Just out of curiosity, just what do you (anyone feel free to chime in) think it’ll cost the Kings to re-sign him (Cammalleri)? He’s an RFA. He makes $1.7 million now. I’m thinking $3-something million, and he’ll probably look for 3-5 years in duration. The Kings probably want to lock him up, longterm, at a discount, if possible. I haven’t checked their cap situation. I think they’re saddled with Rob Blake’s contract, at close to or more than $6 million-a-year. Kopitar won’t be cheap in the coming years, either. The Kings are headed towards the lottery draft. If they could “fleece” some team outta their 1st round pick, that’d give them two picks in sayyy, the top 25-ish. That’d be a coup for a team that’s trying to rebuild.