Thrashers

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

Glad to have Sutton back. He was missed more that I ever thought he’d be.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

Tyler Arnason would be the only center Colorado would part with that we might have a vague interest in. I don’t want him.

Forget about Forsberg. It is plainly obvious that he is playing hurt and a shadow of his former self. He will do us no good, as much as I’d like to just remember the good times from him, the display he put on Sunday showed me he just can’t bring it anymore.

Conroy was a good pickup by Calgary, he will thrive there, you watch. Waddell missed the boat not picking him up.

Waddell has a chance to really shine here. This will show us his true colors. Can he get the job done? I’m counting on it, get er done.

By Rawhide

January 30, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

I tend to agree with Bob about Forsberg,…were he indeed 100% I would love to see him here, but the cost to get him would not be worth it given what he looked like Sunday.

I guess I am open for suggestions about what we can do at center….

Conry would have been a big plus for us and I think the Flames got a great bargain. I look forward to seeing what he can do with a decent supporting cast.

I look forward to seeing Big Sutt back on the bluline tonight! Been a while since he and X have been out there together,…Garnett seems to be back to full stregth and it can only help to have Andy back there too.

Now if we can just do something about that %$#&@ power play situation!!!

By Tom

January 30, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Craig

Next time you see Don, ask him if he is willing to have the team maintain the same roster the rest of the season. And if he says yes, ask him how deep in the playoffs he think the team could go as presently configured.

Phrase it that it came from your readers to take the pressure off.

It would be nice to have him on record. Last year he was on record and got away with it because of the injuries, but this year he has to be accountable.

Thanks,

Tom

By LAC

January 30, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this

Sutton back without a doubt will be a BIG plus, just hope he is 100% ready, with time off, will take a period or two to get back in the game so to speak and NJ will be none to friendly and try to exploit weakness, like they do everyone, at the first chance.

They are also, they spend less time shorthanded than any other team in the league.

Gee if win sunday had happened, we would be looking at building a three point lead on NJ… Let’s hope Toronto takes Carolina out.

Speaking of trades, How about considering Jason Blake of NYI. He is fast, good withthe puck and a THRASHER killer, would it not be nice to see him on our side for a change…He is a UFA after the season.

Let’s just hope waddell does something on a positive note.

By kevin

January 30, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

Ottawa and Colorado are shopping for defenseman, I would do Devries for Arnanson. Another rumor I’ve seen in a couple of places is that Boston is looking to move Brad Boyes. He’s young, talented, and still rather affordable. He’s not having as good a year this year as last but that does have something to do with Savard’s arrival. This would be a nice pickup!

By Tom

January 30, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Eklund from HockeyBuzz is reporting possible trades and deals today:

Leetch to Atlanta (e2)

We have enough 25 minute defenseman that could rotate out games to re-energize that Leech could be a powerplay specialist and give a few minutes a game. Better than Coburn playing 5 minutes a game.

By michael

January 30, 2007 04:09 PM | Link to this

Kevin, where are these rumors about Boyes coming from?

Eklund is full of crap! All his rumors are crap.

By mb

January 30, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Conroy might help the Flames, but it’ll be on the 3rd or 4th line, and we already have plenty of 3rd line centers…heck, that’s ALL we have.

Blake? Where would you put him? Move Kozzie to center?

Boyes could be interesting…he’s 24, a natural center, and makes about $1.5 a year.

Craig, I think you’re right…now that everyone’s healthy again, Don will want to see if we can regain the surprisingly good defensive effort we had in the first months of the season before he pulls the trigger on anything.

But then I’ve been wrong before…

By Sage of Bluesland

January 30, 2007 05:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry Blueslanders—Don “Five-Year Plan” Waddell is on the case and I’m SURE he’ll do a magnificent job in addressing this team’s needs down the stretch…

After all, look at his remarkable, umm, “track” record on such playoff runs (and I use that term very, very loosely)…Look no further than his stellar career as a Port-a-Potty salesman.

[Flush]

And thus, your answer…

By Brian

January 30, 2007 06:11 PM | Link to this

Sage - Which team are you GM of? Given your answer is “none” I don’t think you are in a position to take shots like that… And I would call his career moves an advancement, can you say the same for yourself? Go back to being a Monday Morning Quarterback and dreaming of making trades.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 06:24 PM | Link to this

Ridiculous, we have a game to win here!

Waddell has been inept. He has the chance to redeem himself big time with the right moves over the next month.

Sutton is back, that will help. Kovy is hot, that helps. Get the PP going, make a couple moves, lets make a playoff run.

By Tony C.

January 30, 2007 06:24 PM | Link to this

So Boyes is the latest rumor??? Hrrm…That might actually be a “good deal” depending on who we give up and how far Taylor will carry them…Still Boyes doesn’t seem like he’d be such a bad fit… might even be a #2 centre…Who knows? I bet the kid could at least keep #17 in sight…Whoever made the comment about Cap’n Rat being the only guy who goes to the net -you are so right. Well almost game-time…

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By russian

January 30, 2007 07:50 PM | Link to this

Power Play!!!! Finally!!! Two GOALS. Kovy, You are Monster !!!

By sisu

January 30, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

So we are in first place in the Southeast by 8 points and DW is doing a bad job??? Hmmmm, what will it take to have him get some respect?

Sure there are some deals that could be made but what most of you are forgetting is the fact that it would be a two way deal…who are you willing to let go? Kovy, Hossa, Lehtonen? Slater, Coburn, Devo are not that high on value for other teams so I would like to hear some suggestions…

Just a thought that this team is in charge of it’s playoff fate so let’s give credit where it is due.

Go Thrashers!

By russian

January 30, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

That’s it. 2 points. 3 PP goals. Finally. We moved up to second place on the Conference. Please anybody Pick up Ruchin and Devri ;-(

By Ryan

January 30, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Great win tonight, some concerns I still have is that the Thrash need to close teams off in regulation. Another is, why the heck is Kovy still on the shootout lineup? What is he? 1-13 come on! Great win, Lehts gets another one from a hall of famer.

By Overreact Guy

January 30, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Yes!! We are going to win the Stanley Cup! Last game, I thought we weren’t going to make the playoffs. But, tonight we are going to win the Stanley Cup, I know it! Our Powerplay is going to dominate the entire NHL for the rest of the season. OMG OMG. Don 4 more years! 4 more years!! But, if we lose another game this season I retract everything a bit. I sorta tend to overreact on this blog….moving along…Ryan…Kovi is a shooter that is why he is on the shootout lineup dumbass. sorry he only had two goals tonight.

By yellowjax

January 30, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Overreact,

I respect Kovy. he’s certainly on a roll since the break but I agree with Ryan about his place on the shootout lineup. He’s a sniper; one of the best from top of the circle but in a one on one he seems to always bury the puck in the goalie’s pads. I don’t know who you replace him with though.

By Bob

January 30, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

I’d try Metropolit on the shootout, he stick handles well and has soft hands. Nice to see him continue to play well.

Great game. Kovy is on fire. Sutton looked pretty close to full speed already. Mixing up the PP worked wonders.

Get us a center, Waddell.

By Tom

January 30, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Good game and great energy. If we had come out like this against Philly, it would have been a blowout.

The power play had every one moving as opposed to a group of statues. Kolvy’s first goal was from the circle, not 50 feet, and Hossa was in position if it was a pass. Broduer was covering the pass as much as the shot.

The second power play goal had Hossa moving up the boards when he fed Kolvy.

The third power play was a marvelous move by Metro. How he kept the puck on his stick when he made that move to stop I will never know.

The bad was defensive positioning. Our weak side help was non existant of 3 of the goals. They get a pass as the lines were all jumbled and we got the 2 points. But they will need some work as other teams will see the tape and bring strong weakside pressure on the goal in the next couple of games.

We also got away from a rough stretch for Kari. He was having a hard time seeing the puck in the 2nd period when he was in our end.

Overall, a good, exciting game. 4 of 6 on the homestand with 6 more up in the air. Go Thrashers.

By R. Stroz

January 30, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen Fedorov lately? Are his wheels still good enough to feed Kovy? I realize Fedorov is a salary cap problem, but we could dump Rucchin and trade DEVO for draft picks to clear cap room. At least we would get a center with experience and he would probably like a chance to win the Cup. I know this is a rather far fetched idea. What are everyone’s thoughts on the idea?

By Midfield

January 30, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Simply put, Metropolit pulled a Gretzky move - that was a stunner. Brodure did a little tap-dance there - as an acknowledgement, I guess. I think they need to keep moving Kovy from the point to the strong side circle to the weak side point - constantly: this seems to keep defense of-balance on Atlanta’s PP. Hartley knows better, of course. However, I don’t understand his devotion to senior citizen Devo. Sitting Vish in favor of DeVries? Thanks, but, no, thanks. The 4th NJ goal came out of a simple 2 on 2 rush, with Devo (surprise!) being late to mark his man. Give me a break! Also, with Sutton back in the line-up, not only Havelid seems to be much more comfortable, there’s an extra shooting option at the point: he ripped a pretty good one in the third - it could have been Brodure’s best save of the game.

By ranallo10

January 30, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Sisu hit the nail on the head. The Thrashers are first in their division, isn’t the enough to consider Waddell did a fine job compiling the current roster??

He’s managed an Olympic team, kept the Thrashers in contention for the last two seasons, but yet everybody considers him bad for not giving up a 26 year old center, a second round draft pick, and a fourth round draft pick for ANOTHER 35 YEAR OLD WARM-BODIED CENTER. Why does Waddell not get credit for the good he does (a.k.a. resigning Vyacheslav Kozlov and Kari Lehtonen; or signing this blogs lord-and-savior, Glen Metropolit)? Rather, Waddell only gets knocked for the bad that happens with the Thrashers, which apparently includes injuries, a players death, the lockout, ownership uncertainties and a salary cap??? Wait, didn’t he turn a future star (Heatley) into the most cheered Thrasher (Hossa) at the behest of the emotionally embroiled former player? Nah, he just told Sutton to get injured, Lehtonen to tear a groin, and Dunham to give up untimely goals in the homestretch of a playoff run.

Forsberg a Thrasher? FOR WHAT IN RETURN???? Next thing you know, someone will throw out Sakic as the next “must have” center just because he plays for Colorado.

Sisu is now my favorite blogger on this forum due to the logical post. Thank you Sisu.

The rest of you (for the most part) are complete idiots.

By ranallo10

January 30, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

PS - Vigier Sucks

By Brendan

January 30, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

It’s an interesting dynamic. The Thrashers won three of four (3/4) going into the All-Star break. Then came out “flat,” but still have managed to win two of three (2/3) after the All-Star break. Or five out of seven (5/7). But is the team’s play really where it needs to be? There won’t be shootouts in the playoffs. And the Thrashers gave up 40 shots tonight. They also registered 40 shots. I hear ya.

I love the way they play Berlin’s “The Metro” whenever Metropolit scores. Nice touch. Three PPG’s. They mixed it up a bit. They had to. Once again, they couldn’t hold a 3rd period lead for a regulation-time win. But, they got a win. I suppose that’s what really matters. This was their best game since the All-Star break. But I still don’t think the Thrashers are playing “stellar hockey.”

Craig Conroy scored two (2) goals tonight for Calgary. But please remember, this is a team and a system he knows very well, having played there so long. Conroy was with the Flames in their magnificent run at the Cup in 2004, that ended with a one-goal loss at Tampa Bay in Game Seven. Would Conroy really flourish here in Atlanta?

I hope some of you saw Ken Dryden’s #29 being retired at the Bell Centre in Montreal two night’s ago. Great career. He was special. He stole the ‘71 Cup from both the Bruins and Blackhawks.

By Hoosier Hoser

January 30, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Wrong on New Jersey’s 4th goal. The problem was that Kovalchuk casually followed Madden to the net. Madden went hard and deflected the pass for a goal. Ilya was a step and a half behind and skating at half speed.

By Midfield

January 30, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

What’s with the name calling? You’re not on the ice to trash talk in one’s face, dude. Make your point - which I happen to somewhat agree with - and, you know, shut up. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.

By ranallo10

January 30, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Note to Midfield:

My post wasn’t intended for you

By Midfield

January 31, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

It does not matter. I think, we can leave all the name calling for disgruntled Toronto and Hawks only fans.

By The Falconer

January 31, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I’m guessing that Philly will ask for Coburn in exchange for Forsberg and DW is not going to make that trade.

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

That’s just mean to equate me to a Toronto fan…that’s the nearly lowest form of name calling? Philadelphia fans is where I draw my line.

By Tony C.

January 31, 2007 02:16 AM | Link to this

Howabout that!!!

SLA-VA-MAT-IC!!! Insane!!! Brodeur stops him, then when he goes to check for the puck it just creeps over the line???? fuggedaboutit!!! Kozlov’s S/O stats must be silly good now. Also Hoss showed off one of his better moves (I wonder what else he’s got in the bag…Brodeur won’t go for that twice)

nyway huge win-exciting game…was good to see big 25 back in action…let’s hope he can get his game back to pre-injury levels!!!

and just for the record, I rip DW for going with Rhodes over Tugnutt, signing Uwe Krupp, not singning Khabibulin when was holding out in the desert, trading away Brunette for not so much in return (not that he’s lighting up the league, but I’m a big fan of “grow your own”), for not even considering signing savard last Feb. (granted, we don’t know all the issues involved there with respect to his family), for being on the competition comittee and signing Modry…oh yeah Jiri Slegr.

I give props to DW for: Kozlov deal, Savard deal, taking a flier on Metro after he’d be away from NorthAmerican hockey for years-for not selling the farm for Forsberg (provided he doesn’t) also for getting hedberg at the price he paid-not a bad deal honestly.

In a categry by itself: the Heatley deal-that was truly a “class act” and he got about equal value in return, really a great GM move, one that alot of peers couldn’t or wouldn’t make.

It’s just very fustrating watching the guy continue to get “almost” the right guy or a “good enough” guy….I have been pretty impressed with the play of this team he’s put together.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

January 31, 2007 02:23 AM | Link to this

Howabout that!!!

SLA-VA-MAT-IC!!! Insane!!! Brodeur stops him, then when he goes to check for the puck it just creeps over the line???? fuggedaboutit!!! Kozlov’s S/O stats must be silly good now. Also Hoss showed off one of his better moves (I wonder what else he’s got in the bag…Brodeur won’t go for that twice)

nyway huge win-exciting game…was good to see big 25 back in action…let’s hope he can get his game back to pre-injury levels!!!

and just for the record, I rip DW for going with Rhodes over Tugnutt, signing Uwe Krupp, not singning Khabibulin when was holding out in the desert, trading away Brunette for not so much in return (not that he’s lighting up the league, but I’m a big fan of “grow your own”), for not even considering signing savard last Feb. (granted, we don’t know all the issues involved there with respect to his family), for being on the competition comittee and signing Modry…oh yeah Jiri Slegr.

I give props to DW for: Kozlov deal, Savard deal, taking a flier on Metro after he’d be away from NorthAmerican hockey for years-for not selling the farm for Forsberg (provided he doesn’t) also for getting hedberg at the price he paid-not a bad deal honestly.

In a categry by itself: the Heatley deal-that was truly a “class act” and he got about equal value in return, really a great GM move, one that alot of peers couldn’t or wouldn’t make.

It’s just very fustrating watching the guy continue to get “almost” the right guy or a “good enough” guy….I have been pretty impressed with the play of this team he’s put together.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

January 31, 2007 02:24 AM | Link to this

If I’m wrong about the Brunette thing, whoop-de-doo

Uwe Krupp.

seriously.

By Bob

January 31, 2007 08:23 AM | Link to this

Tony, he didn’t even trade Brunette. He just let him walk away as an RFA, with no offer, because he thought he wasn’t good enough. So we got nada in return, same with Staios, et al. A lot of naive fans ate up that dribble out of Waddell for the first few years.

That’s all water under the bridge. Again I point out, Waddell can erase all of his ineptness over the first 5 years by making the right moves over the next month.

I knew Conroy would do well in Calgary. Waddell did miss the boat on that one. Props to Calgary’s GM for stepping up and making a proactive move ahead of the deadline, similar to what Rutherford did last year in bringing Carolina the Cup.

Coburn for Forsberg?! Get real, there is no way anyone is going to pay more than a middle round draft choice to eat Forsberg’s salary. I doubt he even gets traded, he’s damaged goods. Watch him play, he can’t even skate. Coburn for Forsberg, that’s a good one.

By Tom

January 31, 2007 09:06 AM | Link to this

It was interesting yesterday that Forsberg had his best game in a while, after a heart to heart meeting with the GM Holmgren.

Get the feeling that he was told, you play like you have been and you will not be traded or re-upped next year. Magicly the foot feels better and he is healed. hmmmm.

My guess, the guy is major pain today as he fought through the pain trying to improve his trade status.

By LAC

January 31, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this

Bob is correct… I am not a big waddell fan as most know. He has made some good deals, and some really bad ones. Most of the bad ones result in letting FA’s just walk away without trying hard to prusue them…Like Savard last year… I though that should been conducted much better…

He can greatly redeem his career, with some smart agressive moves these next two weeks… Ideally we need to get something done before this 6 game road trip out west… But we will see, Like Hartley said after the game… WE do not want to get into 6-10 spots it’sway too muddy there.

Now…SLAVA WOOOOOOOOOOW !!!!! Is there ANYONE in the NHL better thanhe is in the SO ? Just fabulous, the look on #30’s face said it all… and the MOVE Hossa made another WOOOOOOOOOW !!!

The PP looked much more activelast night as well, more movement which opened up “spots” to creat scores from… Looked much better.

I agree with several…sit devries first…

I still would like to see Jason Blake here, he is FAST, a pest to play against, has over 20 goals and KILLS us… UFA following season…if not now…Then would be fine.

By Ryan

January 31, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

How about that move Hossa pulled on Marty, have you ever seen Kovy pull those kinds of moves in the shootout. Thrash need to start closing games in regulation. Its just going to keep teams too close. Tampa I hear has won its 7th in a row. Keep taking care of business and do it in regulation.

By Ryan

January 31, 2007 09:59 AM | Link to this

Sorry about that folks I think Tampa won their 7th road game in Philli. But not 7 consecutive. However they are 10 points back and have been hot lately things to think about, when teams have games in hand on us. Go Thrash

By Pucks n Snot

January 31, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

12,000 (which really means under 10,000) in attendance for a game against a team neck & neck with them for the 2nd spot in the conference. I loved Bettman’s nervous spin on the stability of the franchise also………the fact that he was even discussing it is a red flag. Bunch of bumbling clowns fighting like kids in court for owners. Sell this team to a northern U.S. or Canadian based owner who will run an NHL team properly and give two shytes about his image. I predict this will be done within 5 years. Nice to be at Joe Louis last Sunday with 20,000 of my closest friends to watch the Wings pound Colorado in a real hockey atmosphere….

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

So let me understand this…you blame Waddell for letting players walk when he has no financial backing from his owners. You blame Waddell for not picking up holdouts or free agents with big names that other teams eventually overpaid for (Khabibulan—Tampa was highly criticized for that move, as was Chicago for picking him up after Tampa). You blame Waddell for not telling the future with goalies or draft picks. You blame Waddell for not being more open to the public with his targeted free agents as well as open with the contract negotiation details for said free agents.

I guess you’re right…Waddell should be blamed for trading for a goalie (Rhodes) who had a 2.44 GAA the prior season, who had coincidentally been favored by Ottawa coach Jacques Martin in the playoffs over your other option, Ron Tugnutt. We’ll kindly ignore the fact that Waddell was going after Roman Turek and Rhodes was a backup plan, or that Rhodes was acquired for little (“future considerations”) than it possibly could’ve taken to get Tugnutt. Somehow I can’t understand how Waddell should’ve been able to predict the 12 wins in 66 appearances that Rhodes produced. Was it all Rhodes’ fault?

Savard for $5 million per year? You don’t think other teams would’ve kept out bidding the Thrashers?? Waddell did what every GM is SUPPOSED to do, create an amount in which you decide it’s not worth signing ONE player long term, but rather spend that money on several other players. If Waddell had signed Savard, it’s quite possible Lehtonen could’ve been deemed unaffordable.

Modry, though I did not like him when he was in Atlanta, was not a bad player in Los Angeles prior to the lost season. In fact, most fans and analysts considered him a better potential impact for the Thrashers than Havelid. Then the rules change, players are still signed to contracts, and Modry is exploited for being slow and inept on the ice in the “new” NHL.

So yeah, I think there comes a time when people should stop b*** about how the GM of their favorite team (in this case Waddell) doesn’t do things they would do in video games. There is a very big reason that you are a fan, and Waddell is a GM…he doesn’t make emotional drastic maneuvers because a rumor mill or blog told him it was smart. He doesn’t make transactions on a whim to please the ever cynical fans who will still find a way to complain.

PS - Vigier sucks.

By Father Focker

January 31, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

What we really need is some toughness. That toughness comes from North American Players. I want to see more Frenchies and Anglos out there. The euros keep passing too much (Kovy excluded) When we shoot, we have a better chance at scoring. Kovy is awesome as a goal scorer and should stick to doing that despite criticism for being a goal hog. Hey, if he scores, that’s what matters!

By Father Focker

January 31, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Players who won’t be missed if they don’t come back:

Kapanen- Hasn’t done much Vishnevsky - should’ve been benched long time ago.

By kevin

January 31, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Hockey leaks has posted a rumor of Boyes being on the block, also have heard this on the radio. PP was much improved last night, I like the way they moved Kovy around, I really like him down low. I would love to see somebody besides Mellanby willing to get in front of the net. Two of NJ’s PP goals were a direct result of traffic in front of Kari, these kind of goals are what win in the playoffs. Good Win.

By GaVaHokie

January 31, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Khabibulin is a joke… ranallo10 you are correct about Waddell going after Roman Turek and he also tried to get Tomas Vokoun (before anyone really knew of him) several years ago instead of resigning Milan Hnilicka. But, it was the stupid fan support that made him resign Hnilicka, which goes to show the fans don’t know squat… let Waddell do his job.

By michael

January 31, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

If Boston really has Boyes on the block Wadell needs to get him here. He is still young, inexpensive, and can put up alot of points. I wonder what they would want?

By Pucks n Snot

January 31, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Amen, Father Focker…that’s why I’m worried my Wings will be bounced early again this year - TOO MANY EUROS, NOT ENOUGH NORTH AMERICAN TOUGHNESS - and that toughness is what wins cups, not pretty boy euros that are afraid to fight their own sisters. Still can’t believe we let Shanahan go and wish we had McCarty back too.

By Matt H

January 31, 2007 01:12 PM | Link to this

“The Thrashers’ current level of play will not go far in the playoffs.”

Can we all agree on that statement? I think so.

One might even be so bold as to say their current level of play could cost them the playoffs. But I digress.

There are “team” issues they can work on- special teams, team defense- which will elevate their level of play. But the one problem which has become apparent, some might say glaring, with the team is a personnel issue. The Thrashers simply are not deep enough at center and defense to consistently compete at a high level.

The only man who can do anything about this is the GM, who is Don Waddell.

Now, since I only really started following the Thrashers last season, I don’t have the rancor or admiration some have for DW, but I will say this: my foot is tapping, and my arms are crossed. Kovy needs a playmaking center, and we need another anchor on defense,and the clock is ticking. I don’t think you can put a good argument up against any of those points.

If there is any time a GM needs to shine, it is now. The success of the team is on his back almost as much as it is on the actual team’s. He’s the man of the moment.

Anyway, here’s my tupenny game recap.

Loved: Metro’s goal and Kovy’s reaction, “Lehts” give a big round of applause for continued stellar play, Kozzie could score a SO goal from the Men’s Room.

Liked: Slater and Vigier stepping it up a bit, Kovy’s hot-streak, a more dynamic power play, Sutton’s back!, solid play by Ex.

Disliked: Inconsistent play by DeVries, bad penalty kill, too may penalties, Scott Gomez (I can’t stand that lil’ %*#@!) and Colin White.

Hated: Losing the lead, last-minute goals and inability to put a team away in regulation. AGAIN.

Brendan- do you know where I could see footage of Dryden’s jersey ceremony on the net? I searched high and low yesterday (Habs’ site, youtube, google) and couldn’t find anything…

By Matt H

January 31, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

ps- I agree with Pucks N Snot about the toughness. Not thugness (Lindros, Hatcher, Brashear) but toughness (Shanahan, Lecavlier, Brindamour)

Some Shanahaniness would be nice.

By Rawhide

January 31, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s something for craps and giggles…

I just read Scott Burnside’s peice on the ESPN web site about his thought that Toronto needs to unload Matts Sundin.

If I read the article right, (and that is not a GUARANTEE),…….the 36 year old Swede is in the last year of the contract and Toronto would take a 6+mil hit toward the cap next year if the option was picked up. That plus the fact that Burnside is not giving the Leafs much of a chance getting to, or if they do, going far in the playoffs.

I seriously doubt Toronto is looking to unload their captain, seeing that they are only a couple points outside of the playoff race,….but given our need for another center and the veteran leadership he would bring, I would love to see DW at least give this some consideration.

Thoughts…???

By GaVaHokie

January 31, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

This time last year, Kovalchuk had 35 goals with Marc Savard on the team… so far this year, he has 29 goals… a 6 goal differential. I think we’re making a bigger deal out of this playmaking Center issue. Kovy is still on pace to score over 50 goals this season.

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Shanahaniness — I like. Would I be able to borrow that? I’ll give you proper credit, I promise.

And Matt H, I think so far you’ve had one of the best “criticisms” of Waddell and the current state of the Thrashers that has ever been posted on the AJC blogs. The reason I believe this? You took fact, and without giving your own ridiculous two cents (a.k.a. - “Forsberg would look nice as a Thrasher”) you gave a good summary of where the Thrashers are, and where you feel the could be with improvement.

Thank you.

GaVaHokie — I think it’s fitting that you agree with me, I’m wearing my VT hoodie today!

By Rawhide

January 31, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this

“Shanahaniness”……Great word! :-)

By dj

January 31, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this

Word on the street is ranallo10 is a french canadien.

By David

January 31, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

ranallo..you forgot something…

vigier sucks..there ya go

By sisu

January 31, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’ll bite…European players are soft? That may have been the case some years ago but now the only one who talks about this is a colorful comment guy on Canadian TV. So OJ is not tough? Foppa is soft? Hossa is soft as well??? You see the pattern, the current state of the NHL requires skill players more than ever.

As to what will happen with moves, DW has passed on deals in the past that cost too much. (Savard)

I think this team will wait and see what will happen in the next week or so with Sutton back. When was the last time this team had 8 dmen that could play on the NHL level? I don’t think that has ever been the case…

By Brian

January 31, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - yes, only a 6 goal differential by Kovvy this year (touche), but how many this year were empty netters versus last year at this point? That makes the margin bigger. I would argue that Kovvy is more defensive minded this year though.

Either way, we have no #1 center, not for Kovvy or for Hoss & Kozzy. Holik is the best we got but he is a defensive center. Everyone seems to like Metro but is he the answer come playoff time?

As for the Sundin chance, that was brought up 3 months ago in the Toronto Sun. He is old and will be a rent-a-player, just slightly better than Forseberg without the injury plague. Do we really want to give up all we must to get him for 1 playoff run?

I would much rather see DW get Brendan Morrison for my 2 cents, but it’s his choice.

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

Sorry David (or is it dj?)…

PS - Vigier sucks

By GaVaHokie

January 31, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure Zdeno Chara could kick Sidney Crosby’s a* any day… you don’t really need to qualify toughness with geography.

As far as the team goes, all I really want is another tough Right Winger who can grind in front of the net, ala. Bill Guerin or Mike Knuble, or a young prospect like Steve Bernier.

By David

January 31, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

naw i dont play that game…just david…oh and where is sodapants he was very entertaining anyone know where he drifted off?

By Matt H

January 31, 2007 02:21 PM | Link to this

Glad I could contribute :)

And I’ll be sure to keep my IP lawyers at bay when I start seeing the t-shirts touting the wearer’s “Shanahaniness”…

Rawhide: I just got done reading that Burnside article, and I just don’t know about adding Sundin. Do we really want to get older? Skill-wise he would of course be an asset; but age and chemistry-wise… I just don’t know if you can transplant an iconic player like Sundin to an organization that has yet to even make the playoffs.

Ida know. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe he’s just what this organization needs. Would Mell continue as captain? How does that affect the locker room? I guess that would be my biggest question.

By Rawhide

January 31, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this

Brian,

My reservation with Sundin would be what we would have to give up for him.

If Toronto was sitting 9 or 10 points out right now, maybe we could get him on the cheap,….

But given what we have right now, I would welcome him to Blueland. I think it would be a boost for the “now”.

But, again, I agree with you,…what would we be sending to the Great White North for him….???

By Brian

January 31, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I agree that we would not want to give up anything big to get him. Toronto is set with D which is what we have the most of. I don’t want to part ways with Sterling and a high draft pick for 2 months of service. Again, my main focus is that I don’t think this is the year we get a rent-a-player. I like someone like Morrison (c) or Stuart (d) who we can get a few years out of them if we do give up something big.

By The Falconer

January 31, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

Bob wrote Coburn for Forsberg?! Get real, there is no way anyone is going to pay more than a middle round draft choice to eat Forsberg’s salary. I doubt he even gets traded, he’s damaged goods. Watch him play, he can’t even skate. Coburn for Forsberg, that’s a good one.

Bob are you kidding? Forsberg’s salary is quit modest at this point in the season and he is a UFA this summer. Craig Conroy was just moved for a 2nd rounder + 4th + a player. If Conroy is worth more than a 2nd rounder, even less than healthy Forsberg will go for at least a 1st rounder. I’m willing to make a friendly wager if you want to stick with that “mid round pick” prediction.

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Matt H., you tried all the places I would have looked. I bet if you hit a Habs site forum, you’d find someone who taped it. For that matter, the habs official site might decide to put it up on their website. Email the webmaster of the Canadiens site and ask, is my best advice.

By Midfield

January 31, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

Help me understand: the guy wants more North-American toughness and is glad that Vishnevsky was scratched, while Devries got to play? How’s DeVries tougher than Vishnevsky again? I’m all attention.

By Bob

January 31, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this

Forsberg is owed wha, $2m still? That’s modest for a guy that’s not healthy? Ok. I have my doubts that anyone will even trade for him, much less what they’ll give. So you’re backing off of your Philly asking for Coburn for Forsberg?

I was dreaming of having a shot at Forsberg skating with Kovy. Then I watched Sunday’s game and read how many he’s missed this year already.

If Waddell or any other GM goes after him and pays him $2m to watch the playoffs from the press box and gives up Coburn, a first, whatever, they’re nuts.

By The Falconer

January 31, 2007 09:03 PM | Link to this

No. I’m not backing off saying that they will ask for Coburn. You’re the one who phrased it in terms of draft picks. I don’t think DW would trade Coburn right now so I don’t think that deal would happen. But if a Forsberg trade is just picks I’ll stick with saying a 1st rounder will be required to acquire his contract. The $2 million left on his deal is not a huge problem when the team is $5 million under the cap.

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Not on topic, but I just saw a TSN intermission report on a poll regarding the Maple Leafs’ future. Apparently, 82-percent of the respondents felt that Toronto’s drought from the Cup would reach 54-years, to tie the Rangers’ record. Currently, it stands at 40 years. The Leafs actually aren’t in the midst of the longest drought. In that regard, the Blackhawks are officially “on the clock,” with their last Cup coming in 1961. The Blackhawks have at least been back to the Finals three (3) times since then. I think it was ‘71, ‘73 and ‘92. The Leafs haven’t had a sniff since ‘67. The Leafs have fared a little better over the past 10-15 years, appearing in Conference Finals in ‘93, ‘94, ‘99, and ‘02. The 1993 club had a 3-2 series lead on the Gretzky-led Kings, and needed only an OT winner to close out the series. But it didn’t happen. In 1994, they drew the 7th-seeded Vancouver Canucks, and lost in five games. That might have been their “best chance” at reaching the Finals.

I apologize for being on such a tangent, but imagine if the Leafs had won the Western Conference in ‘93 and ‘94. It would have set up a Finals with Montreal in 1993. “Hockey Night in Canada” would have had an orgas … well … let’s just say they would have been “very happy.” An all-Canadian Finals hasn’t happened since 1989. In 1994, a Rangers vs. Leafs Cup Finals would have been another “Original Six” Finals. The TV-ratings probably would have been very good. New York City and Toronto are good-sized markets, with a fan base all across the United States and Canada. The storyline would have been very compelling also, as neither club had won in ages. It was 54-years for the Rangers and 27 for the Leafs, assuming the Habs won the previous year, in 1993. (Which they did, beating the Kings in five games.) Sorry. I won’t do this again. I beg forgiveness.

By GaVaHokie

February 1, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this

The only problem with getting Sundin is he has a no-trade clause… he’ll get to decide where he wants to go. If he plays anywhere, I’d guess it would be Anaheim. Otherwise, I don’t think he’ll want to go anywhere.