Thrashers

By Jay Bird

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

Getting Andy Sutton back last night was huge. Even though the Devils scored 4 goals, the defense looked better,with the except of the slow, old man DeVries. I was happy to see us putting the puck on net during the power play instead of passing it around, looking for the perfect shot. I would rather see Jon Sim on the ice more than Mellanby. Mellanby is a great leader and clubhouse presence but damn, he is killing us with his lack of speed and quickness. To me, the biggest unsung hero on our team is J.P. Vigier. That guy goes 100% all the time and is great on the forecheck. I feel like we will win our next two games against the Islanders and the Flyers, setting up a huge game Tuesday against the Sabres. Let’s pack Philips and give the boys a home ice advantage!

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this

Buffalo, (below .500 in their last 10,) has been struggling lately. I think every division leader except Nashville has lost since the All-Star break. The “secret” for defeating these teams seems to be out there. Parity is starting to catch up. Points will be tougher and tougher to come by as the rest of the season unfolds.

In the NFL, which has a salary cap, there is very little trading that goes on. I wonder if that trend will start in the NHL? Teams may become more protective of their draft picks, recognizing that it is the lifeblood of their future in the league. Or, I could be completely wrong, and there will be scores of trade deadline deals, as teams vie to improve their playoff horizons. It will be interesting to see. Last year, there were quite a few trades and exchanges of draft picks.

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this

Jay Bird, I don’t know what it is about a packed house and a weekend game that so frustrates this team. Thank goodness Atlanta is such a good road team! I haven’t checked, but my “feeling” is that the Thrashers are .500 or below on Friday night, Sat. night, and Sunday afternoon games at home. Coach Hartley always talks about the advantages of playing before a soldout Blueland. He must be talking about weeknight games.

By ranallo10

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

Vigier sucks…I don’t understand how you can ever say otherwise. Most fringe NHL players have that “give it my all” mentality, which is why you see the young kids rushing into corners for loose pucks and sticking around, giving forechecks. The opposite side of that coin is that by always pushing himself to the max, he tends to make stupid mistakes…such as untimely penalties, poor passes, rushed opportunities, et ali. For the majority of the time Vigier is on the ice he is making those rushed mistakes.

How many game deciding goals (read: momentum swinging, or game-losing goals) have been scored against the Thrashers when Vigier has been on the ice or in the penalty box? You could even argue the same for DeVries. Yes, Vigier hustles, and occassionally does something well (like his check on Colin White last night), but 9 out of 10 times Vigier does more bad for his shift than he does well. With Vigier on the ice the Thrashers are basically playing 5 on 4.

I understand this is just one man’s opinion, but I urge you to watch more closely how he plays. Watch how he dumps a puck into the corner at the beginning of a shift then gets beaten down the ice, how he mishandles passes, or misses relatively open shots (two open net chances in the last two games that he’s missed, and that’s just what I remember right this second).

Vigier is a joke, any warm bodied hockey player could fill his role. I would rather have kept Krog and demoted Vigier, hopefully losing him on waivers.

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 05:43 PM | Link to this

PS - Vigier sucks

By Brian

January 31, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Brendan - The NFL didn’t have big trades long before the salary cap. What was the last big one? Eric Dickerson to the Colts? They play a 16 game season and the deadline in the middle of the year means nothing to them. The salary cap had nothing to do with it there. Any correlation to the NHL is purely coincidental. Now in the NHL, maybe more teams think they have a chance with all the “parity”, but this has been going on for years, low rounders upsetting the favorites. I think it is just GMs getting used to the new economics that is making them gunshy. You can say that is due to the cap but to compare it to the NFL is apples & oranges.

By Bob

January 31, 2007 07:02 PM | Link to this

NFL trades and Cap are affected by signing bonuses and the way they’re laid against your the NFL Cap, different animal.

Vigier is not out there for offense. He plays on our checking line against opposing team’s top lines. He plays on the PK. He’s effective in that role. The worst hands of stone guy on that line is Larsen, he’s like Fred Flinestone out there, but I like his checking abilities.

The Thrashers have blown leads and had too few reg wins. But that is helping prepare them for the tight playoff games they’ll face. If Waddell can make the right couple moves, that will help in that area.

4 out of 6 pts so far is just fine, they get 4 more, they’ve done great on this homestand.

By Brendan

January 31, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Eight (8) points is the minimum Atlanta needs to come away with for six games. They really need ten (10). This Western road trip will be tough. The good news is … the Thrashers are a very good road team.

By thrashersfan

January 31, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

I’m under-whelmed with Vigier as well, and unfortunately now, Slater, but I also understand that there are spots for players like that. There’s a need for at least one grind-line, but this team laces up a plethora of those, including J.P., Holik, Slater, Larsen, Boulton, and while we’re at it, let’s throw in Kapenen since he obviously can’t contribute offensively. I have to believe there are plenty of players available to fill this need that can also put the puck at least “on net.” It’s the lack of “fundamental” skills that frustrates me the most, but I know that’s clearly not why they’re here.

I said the other day the PP would turn around and it did, at least for the Devils game, but I think the turn will continue and come full circle. I just don’t understand what took BH so long to make significant changes. McCarthy coming back though made a huge difference, but don’t recall whether he was on the ice for the 3 PP goals. Regardless, we all liked what we saw.

Another issue is playing with a lead. They’ve got to have that killer instinct!

There’s a lot of talk here about trading for a centerman, which has my vote by the way, but I won’t be surprised if DW doesn’t get anything done. Not saying he isn’t trying, but it’s not unreasonable to think nothing gets done. For the life of me, I can’t imagine DW & BH being satisfied with their line-up. Fine, leave some of the grinders, but Kapenen, Rucchin, Devries? Please!

They are expecting this team to play like they did the first two months of the season, but the old guys aren’t holding up. Holik may be, but Rucchin & Devries? Yea, right!

By sisu

January 31, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

The meat & Potatoes line is lined up against the top line of the other team…they do their job. The fact that the lead is 8 points right now is awesome. It will fluctuate but I believe that the team can continue their winning ways.

Playing close games and coming back to win will build character for the team and make them tougher to beat. They bend a lot but rarely break.

By dj

January 31, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Bob-Ranallo10 never question vigier’s offensive skill. I think we all know he’s not suppose to score goals, but he honestly is out there many times when he changes the outcome of the game by his stupid mistakes. He took a dumb interference penalty against philly that allowed them to tie the game 1-1. Twice this season he has shot the puck out of play to create odd man disadvantages late in games that we either loss or had to go to OT to win. I think BH is a great coach but his loyalty to vigier frightens me.

By Bob

January 31, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Did you guys just start watching hockey?

Read Craig’s article he just posted, if you don’t take my word for it, mabye you’ll take our Coach and other players word.

Winning hockey championships is about playing team defense. The work that Vigier, Larsen, and Holik do on the checking line, and on the PK is invaluable.

By ranallo10

January 31, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

So you, Bob, would take JP Vigier over the likes of any of the minor league talent that the Thrashers currently have? Or rather, you would take his contributions over that of any of the abundant “grinders” or “checking line” players that the Thrashers NHL roster currently possesses?? Name one use that JP Vigier brings the Atlanta Thrashers that the players thrashersfan mentioned CANNOT bring to the ice. Even YOU could stand on the ice for 11-12 minutes a game and be MORE useful than JP Vigier currently is.

But you’re right, I just started watching hockey. I still have trouble understanding why the team is not named the Atlanta Philips since they play in Philips Arena. I also don’t understand why the crowd chears when the blue uniformed team scores but not when the white uniformed team scores. I just yesterday discovered that when the black rubber thingy goes into the red squarish thingy that it counts as a goal point unit for one of the teams. This sport is so tough to fathom, maybe a few more years of blogging and I’ll fully understand the intricacies of hockey.

By JB

February 1, 2007 07:25 AM | Link to this

Obviously the month of February is the key to the season. The Northwest leg is going to be tough with Ottawa and Carolina tagged on the end.

By Bob

February 1, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this

Goodness. Horse, water, drink.

Read the article.

Let’s say Vigier never scores again this year. Let’s say he whiffs on every shot he takes. Let’s assume he never gets another assist this year. He does all of those things poorly but if he also holds the opposing team’s top line in check and is effective on the PK, then he’s done his job. Get it?

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this

Thank you for repeating points from someone elses article, but I asked you a simple question in my previous post. Your opinion is disregarded until you actually give examples of how he does GOOD, as I’ve given examples of how he does BAD.

In case you forgot the question: “Name one use that JP Vigier brings the Atlanta Thrashers that the players thrashersfan mentioned CANNOT bring to the ice.”

By Bob

February 1, 2007 09:37 AM | Link to this

Sorry to the rest of the bloggers that I have to waste space responding to ranallo’s lack of reading comprehension skills.

Ranallo, I said it above twice now, but I’ll repeat it here slowly for you now:

He plays on our checking line against opposing team’s top lines. He plays on the PK. He’s effective in that role.

if he also holds the opposing team’s top line in check and is effective on the PK, then he’s done his job. (and he does do that ranallo, check his =/- playing built up while playing against the other team’s top lines).

By EROCK

February 1, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

I AGREE V-J SUCKS

By Midfield

February 1, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Here’s one example, ranallo: you had said that you’d prefer Krog to JP in the line-up. Granted, Krog is more skillful player, and, guess what, he’s absolutely useless in the NHL at present. He’s just not strong enough to make any impact - neither offensively, nor defensively. Custance gave you a perfect example of JP’s contribution: a timely penalty draw on White that Krog would never be able to do, simply because he can’t check White without bouncing back and landing on his rare - at best. Somebody has to do the dirty job, and, guess again, not everybody can. JP would be better off, if he doesn’t commit fouls between blue lines and toss the puck overboard from the defensive zone. However, stats don’t lie: on balance, he’s one of the better contributors to the team.

By JJ

February 1, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

i like JP… he works his a* off every shift and is a great backchecker. Every single player on our team has HIS ROLE, meaning he has his specialties. not everyone can be a “Hossa” unfortunately… thad be pretty sweet. So lets see.. if JP makes a few bad plays that puts him in the doghouse? well.. if Hoss doesnt score in 3 games OH MY GOD lets send him to the minors!! cough yeah right. JP is fine id take him over any minor anyday. He’s proven himself to be an NHL level player. I have faith in our coach.. who thank the lord knows what he is doing. Now i will not be sad when Kapanen goes. And poor Jimmy he’s got the speed but cant control the puck to save his life.

By Bob

February 1, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Finally, a couple of guys that get it and know hockey.

To reiterate what they said, everyone on the team has a role. And they must contribute in that role.

Save your ire for the slugs on our team that deserve it. Rucchin stinks in his role as Kovy’s center and is not contributing enough in that role. Kapanen stinks in his role as Hossa’s center and is not contributing in that role.

We need a new offensive play making center which will help both on Kovy’s line and on our PP, get er done Waddell!

By GaVaHokie

February 1, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I’ll agree that Kapanen isn’t contributing, but Rucchin has value as a face-off guy and Penalty Kill player. But I will agree he’s not the right guy for Kovalchuk. I think Slater should be given more time with Kovy along with Metropolit… but the turnover chances increase exponentially!

Thus, you need Rucchin on the line to make up for turnovers, and now you’re back to square one… which is why I keep preaching that you’re better off getting a 2nd high profile RW.

By Rawhide

February 1, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I would characterize the homestand so far as, “Good, but could be better”. I’ll take four out of six points at any given streatch, but we have allowed 4 of 6 as well.

I just hope the egg we laid Sunday won’t come back to haunt us. If we miss the division crown by a point or two, I will look back at that and cringe, same goes for the Eastern Conference best record.

The good news here is that we get the Islanders and Flyers back in Blueland again over the next couple of days….4 points their plus a good showing against Buffalo Tuesday will set us us nicely…..so the jury is still out on the homestand, really.

Getting big Suts back is a huge bonus! We missed him, (and Ex, for a while), and I think keeping everyone healthy for the most part is key.

Gotta be honest,…I got tix for Saturday night and Tuesday and I am just about as giddie as a kid with the expectations of what will being going down in Philips the next few months!

This is gonna be 100%, USDA Grade-A, PRIME fun in Blueland! Everybody grab a buddy and drag them down their with ya and let’s have that place ROCKIN’!!!!!!!

By GaVaHokie

February 1, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Well, the problem at the end of last season was that we had to beat Tampa Bay 2 out of the last 3 games we had against them and we couldnt do it. This year, we’re setting ourselves up to have the same scenario with Carolina.

I would really start looking at the last 4 games we have against Carolina as the most important to watch. Those will be the games we reflect on when it comes playoff time.

By Brian

February 1, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - if we miss the division crown by a point or two, we are going to look at all those games we lost in the final minute…

Then we look at all the games we couldn’t hold the lead (the Philly game being one).

By Brian

February 1, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - don’t be surprised if TB passes the Canes. We still need to win our games, but I think that the Bolts will pass them and be in 2nd (with us in 1st).

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

Bob, I really don’t think I am the one with the comprehension skills. Let me ask AGAIN…give me an example of something Vigier does that NOBODY ON THE ATLANTA THRASHERS CURRENT ROSTER IS ABLE TO DO. Please, one bonafide example. Not a blanket statement of “he’s effective at what he does”, because so is Fred Brathwaite (effective at being a minor league goalie). Effective does correlate with useful.

While you seem to be unable to do this, Midfield gave a good example, one which I can’t 100% disagree with. I do think that Krog is a weak checker, but I can’t necessarily say that in that same situation (against White) he couldn’t have drawn a penalty by aggravating White with a check. I personally think Larsen, Sim, Boulton, Slater, Metropolit, or even Kapanen could have given the same effort in a check and frustrated White. HOWEVER, I did give Vigier his due credit for that check. Colin White is a big man and got bounced pretty well…but as the adage goes, even a blind squirrel will eventually find a nut.

dj and Midfield both admitted to the fact that Vigier gives up costly penalties and makes stupid plays at times…I’d say that’s not something you want out of a player on your “best defensive line” that is matched up against the “best offensive line” of the other team. How useful is it to clear a puck up ice and over the boards, or draw a penalty when your team needs to kill the clock? A “defensive” unit is not supposed to make those mistakes.

One other thing — everybody (and I do mean everybody Bob, including you) has said that Atlanta’s biggest problem is holding a lead in the 3rd period, or basically finishing off a team. Now, if your “best defensive line” is so good at keeping the opponents “best offensive line” from scoring, against what line are these goals being produced? How would Atlanta be giving up timely goals if in those points of time our “best defensive line” should be on the ice? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there is a disconnect.

In regards to upgrading the team, if something were to happen I agree with GaVaHokie (again) and think that a high profile RW would be more useful with the current roster than a center…especially another 35 year old two-way center (Conroy).

By Brian

February 1, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Ranollo - I will play your game. I think a Center is more useful because he would get the wingers like Kovvy the puck. We also have 3 high profile wingers (LW or RW). We don’t have any high profile C’s (Holik but he is defensive). Who is going to get this new RW the puck where he can score? I have pushed for someone like Morrison because he is younger and has some years left. Not Sundin or Forsberg or some other old UFA. Why would you rather have a RW?

By Hip Czech

February 1, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Metropolit a true center? Kozlov played center for about a quarter of the year last year.

I would tend to agree that getting a winger might make sense. Especially if you want to move Kozlov and possibly Metropolit to center.

Gee…with the Bruins fading fast out of the playoff picture maybe we get Savard back. Maybe trade Vigier for Savard, one player taking bad penalties for another. Besides if we get rid of Vigier we need SOMEONE to dislike on this blog now that everyone loves Sutton.

By GaVaHokie

February 1, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this

Brian… the reason I say Carolina is because we play them 4 more times. We only play TB 2 more times… I’m just pointing out situations that are within our control when I say we need to beat Carolina.

Wither TB beats out Carolina and takes 2nd place isn’t within our control, really.

… if that makes sense.

By GaVaHokie

February 1, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

Brian… the reason I say Carolina is because we play them 4 more times. We only play TB 2 more times… I’m just pointing out situations that are within our control when I say we need to beat Carolina.

Wither TB beats out Carolina and takes 2nd place isn’t within our control, really.

… if that makes sense.

By Brian

February 1, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - we are saying the same thing then. I precluded my statement saying “we still need to win our games”. The reason though that I make the argument that those aren’t as important is because the old “a win is really 4 points” logic. 2 points for the win plus the 2 points that they don’t get. But if that’s not who is chasing us (most closely) those second 2 points don’t matter as much. Given we aren’t beating teams in regulation doesn’t help though…

By Bob

February 1, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

My better judgement tells me to quit beating my head against the wall, but I guess the lump isn’t big enough yet, so here goes:

Vigier is a good checking forward. A good checking forward is responsible defensively, marks his man while in the defensive zone, and keeps the other team’s top line from scoring.

He is better at that than the other players on our roster, except for Holik, Larsen, and Hossa. I don’t want to put Hossa on Holik’s line, he’d be a waste there. But if there’s 1 minute left in the game and we’re up one, sure put Hossa in.

But Sim is not a better checking forward. Mellanby is not. Slater is not. Kapanen is not.

Vigier is better at that aspect of the game. That is his role on the team.

I’ll throw myself in your shoes and look at it your way: Hossa is better as a checking forward, but Hossa would be wasted in that role. So Vigier takes that role. See?

There is no forward on the Wolves’ roster ready to play NHL, or sitting in our press box here (Boulton) that is a better defensive forward and is not playing on our team because Vigier is taking their spot. No one.

Ranallo, try to watch Vigier tonight but ONLY when he is on the Thrashers’ defensive side of the red line. Close your eyes when he goes on a rush up ice (it’s ugly, I agree, but again NOT HIS ROLE!). Try to put aside your irrational dislike for him, and try to appreciate what he brings to the table in his role as a defensive checking forward and PK specialist. Fair enough?.

I have a sneaky suspicion that this will also fall on deaf ears/eyes, but I tried.

By Bob

February 1, 2007 02:30 PM | Link to this

I think Brian’s on to the right key. Obviously we need a center, most of us realize that. But the key is that Waddell, hopefully, will make a move for a younger guy, not just a playoff rental. Mabye we’ve only been looking at who’s a UFA next year, tell me more about Morrison, is he an RFA next year and probably due a big raise?

Waddell has a lot of wiggle room in next year’s cap (look at that link I posted last month that shows how many UFA’s we have for next year).

If Waddell can move Kapanen, a prospect, and a pick and bring in a young center that we can sign long term, boy, that is really something that would help. So, tell me about Morrison?

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 02:46 PM | Link to this

“Vigier is a good checking forward. A good checking forward is responsible defensively, marks his man while in the defensive zone, and keeps the other team’s top line from scoring.” - Bob

Vigier does NOT do as you say.

I urge you to watch tonights game, and see how many times Vigier is NOT marking his man while in the defensive zone, nor keeping his man from getting a scoring opportunity. The Thrashers defense and goaltending has being do a rather good job helping this line. I would bet you dollars to donuts that if you took Holik off of that line, the defensive prowess that you forever swear by would NOT BE THERE. Holik makes any line (yes any line) better defensively. Why do you think that he’s on every PK situation imagineable? Kapanen played a PK role in Dallas, he could easily play that role in place of Vigier. Kapanen is a forechecking presense who is at times offensively inept (open shot against Philadelphia to tie it, rushed the shot and put it high left).

And for the record, I’ve never used Hossa’s name in reference to Vigier’s potential replacement…never. I’ve given you examples of players, and the only one who could NOT effectively replace him is a grinding FIGHTER (Boulton). In fact, fighters are the only role players I can see on any team that would not be an improvement over Vigier. I would even wager that one of our extra defenders would play better on Holik’s wing than Vigier will ever be able to.

Vigier sucks, deal with it.

By Brian

February 1, 2007 02:52 PM | Link to this

Bob - Vancouver has a plethera of C’s on their roster. They are unhappy there with the exception of whichever Sedin plays C. Someone posted a funny link with Waddell having a phone call about Jan Bullis (another one of their C’s). I brought up Morrison about 2-3 months ago but where I read the rumor quashed Atlanta because they wanted a winger in return, not D (which the writer said was what the Thrash would give up - makes sense). We do have Sterling but I think they wanted someone now, and we aren’t giving up one of the big 3 for him. No one else is appealing. Still, I can dream. He is the best one out there that isn’t 35 or older like Forseberg, Sundin, Perrault, etc.

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

The best line for the Thrashers this season has been filled with two wings and a revolving center. Why is it not feasible that the Thrashers could construct another line with an offensively able and defensively responsable winger, and then another revolving center?

Morrison is high profile, I still feel that the Thrashers do not have enough players of value to acquire such a player. Morrison is under the “highly unlikely” catagory along with Peter Forsberg, Mike Cammalleri, Brad Boyes, Brad Stuart, and anyone else of prominance that this blog continues to churn through the rumor mill.

For future “it would be nice to see [insert player name] in Atlanta” posts, please be sure to give an “I did this on NHL 07” addendum so we all understand why you’re being ludicrous.

By AG

February 1, 2007 02:59 PM | Link to this

Atlanta penalty kill… Better than 4 other teams in the NHL!!! That’s something to get excited about. Vigier is CLEARLY a valuable member of the Thrashers…

Have you ever watched a hockey game Bob? JP is currently plus 4 which ties him for 169th in the league. CLEARLY… JP is very “effective.”

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Is that some sarcasm I’m sensing?

By Nate Green

February 1, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

Question for Bob: How is Vigier a good penalty killer? I keep hearing how Holik, Vigier, Sutton, etc. are good guys on the PK. So how is it that the Thrash have one of the worst PK% in the league? Seems illogical.

By Brian

February 1, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Ranollo - I too have complained about the “insert high profile player here” would be great in Atlanta, but at least I am naming players who are actually on the block, which means they can be had. I am not one who named Pavel Datsyuk as a nice fit here, so I don’t need the addendum. I even pointed out how they are looking for a W in return and not D, so our chances are tough. Who are AG & Nate Green all of a sudden? Let alone posting 1 minute apart from each other…

By ranallo10

February 1, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

I posted one minute apart from Nate Green, but in response to AG. On my screen those two posted 6 minutes from eachother.

Sorry for the confusion Brian, I was not attempting to knock your opinion. I can see how many are going to go back to the “get Forsberg or fire Waddell” talk and wanted to squash it now. I’m glad you at least admitted that Morrison is unlikely and that the Thrashers do not have enough return pieces to make that trade feasible.

By michael

February 1, 2007 03:58 PM | Link to this

Ranallo — So then who do you suggest as a winger to play with Kovy that wouldn’t be a “high profile player”. You are suggesting a wingman for Kovi but they would have to be high profiled otherwise it would be the same as it is now. Usually teams that are making a playoff push add “high profile players”. A winger that is offensively able and defensively responsible as you stated is going to be high profile.

By NotBobnopenoway

February 1, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

I think Bob is really smart and ranallo is Vigier must have stole Ranallo’s girlfriend or something.

By AG Nate Green

February 1, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

Me too. That mabye Vigier ran over ranallo’s puppy.

Sad.

By BobsYourUncle

February 1, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

I think ranallo is Vigier’s ex-girlfriend. yeah, that’s the ticket.

By Bob

February 1, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Brian. Morrison would be a good fit. I think you’re on to something. Check that link I posted a while back that showed how few guys we have under contract for next year. Unfortunately, center is one slot that is fairly well filled, so to get a Morrison type, we’d need to get them to take a Kapanen in return, as well as picks and a decent prospect.

That’s the kind of move Waddell needs to make, not just a playoff rental, but someone that can contribute now, and be signed long term.

By mb

February 1, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this

Now, now AG, JP’s +4 (with only 11 pts. in 52 games) is tied with Slava and still better than half the rest of the team, including Larsen (-2), Mellanby (-4), Rucchin (-5), and the big winner, Kapanen at -9.

I’m not ready to see his jersey hanging from the rafters or anything, but he certainly doesn’t hold the market on costly mistakes (see Havelid’s “assist” on Carter’s first goal Sunday) or missed nets(see Slater/Kapanen/Rucchin/Larsen).

Had some time to kill, so I looked at several players salaries, points, penalty minutes, and +/-. Take from it what you will, but you gotta give DW some credit for the Metro pickup. Of course then you can hammer him for Rucchin and Kapanen.

Larsen - $485k - 9pts/29pim/-2 Boulton - $500k - 2pts/13pim/-1 Metro - $500k - 25pts/18pim/+11 JP - $515k - 11pts./25pim/+4 Kapanen - $800k - 13pts/20pim/-9 Slater - $900+k - 13pts/49pim/+7 Rucchin - $1.85m - 15pts/14pim/-5

By Brendan

February 2, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

It was a long drive home, folks. But, I do think some positive things came out of this game. I think we outshot the Isles. Or at least came close. We had a 2-2 tie, for a while.

The failure to convert 5-on-3, coupled with the Hossa penalty shot miss, and great scoring chance at the tail end of the second period all contributed toward the loss. Atlanta did manage to kill off a 5-on-3 manpower disadvantage. That was nice.

I think Dunham had a good game. I didn’t stick around for the 3-stars. But I have to believe he was one of them. Well, that’s four (4) points in four games on this homestand. Atlanta really has to get these next four points, to finish with eight (8). I think they can do it. The Flyers won’t beat us twice. And Buffalo has appeared “beatable” over the past 10 or so games.