Thrashers

By ranallo10

February 5, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

I agree, Metropolit/Slater/Haydar were fun to watch. I liked the bottom two lines (M/S/H + Larsen/Holik/Mellanby) a lot more during Saturday’s game.

Of course, anything is an improvement over JP Vigier.

By Bob

February 5, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

I do not want Forsberg, too big a risk and a shadow of his former self.

We got spanked by the worst team in the league. Here’s to hoping that Vigier, one of our best checkers and penalty killers, is back on the ice soon.

Keep Haydar, move Metro to center, sit Kapanen.

They’ll pull 12 to 13k tomorrow night, as usual on a weeknight. Whichever marketing genius figured that a 7pm start in Atlanta traffic was a bright idea, with all your fans out in the burbs, should be canned.

By michael

February 5, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this

I think Forsberg would improve the thrashers all around. Slater, Haydar, Metro line looked really good. It would be nice if they can continue to click and create some offense.

By Ryan

February 5, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Craig, I can’t help but think that some of these vets (like Forsberg) cringe when Atlanta shows interest. Maybe not though. Forsberg would be a good fit. It maybe more $$$than DW would like. Go get him, why not. I really don’t think that it could be a horrible experience for the Thrash or the fanbase. Sabres vs. Thrash…both teams are struggling. I think that the Sabres have hit their worst skid this season. I have a feeling that which ever team takes a loss in this one, will continue to struggle. More importantly, the Thrash have to start playing better in the third period. Attendance during the week maybe due to the traffic problems. Get out of work at 5,if you’re lucky and sit in traffic to get to the arena, or MARTA. If you’re sitting down with a cold one sometime in the first, then I need to know how the heck you are doing it.

By Ryan

February 5, 2007 04:50 PM | Link to this

Bob, I always scratch my head at the 7pm start

By ranallo10

February 5, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this

I leave the office every gameday at 5:00 PM, drive straight down 400 to my special/secret parking lot, and am in my seat with about 5 minutes to spare. If I’m lucky, I miss the idiots who yell “Knights” and I still make it before the first puck is dropped.

Let me ask people something…if one were to sit in the 400 section at Philips, is it necessary for the ushers to keep people from walking to their seats when the puck is in play?? Talk about ridiculous!

And Bob, why do you stick with Vigier?? In the few years he’s been here, has he done something beyond the normal that made you appreciate him even when he’s injured? You honestly think he’s more useful to the team than a center?? You confound me.

By JB from the Nest

February 5, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Stick to your guns Bob. Anyone who has watched this team this year will tell you Vigier has been one of our most consistent players. Hey, no one is asking the guy to play on the top two lines. He’s way solid on that checking line.

Also, have to agree about the idiots who still need to scream “Knights” during the anthem. My boy T Bone has proposed the following: If you are caught screaming “Knights” you cannot purchase playoff tickets.

By Darren

February 5, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this

The ushers in the 400 level are trained to be just as robotic and mechanical as the ushers pretty much everywhere else.

Unless you are a longtime season ticket holder and the usher happens to be someone that cares, expect the same absurd by-the-book treatment everyone else gets.

To me, it’s the little things, such as the tone of voice and body language, or referring to everyone as “the guest.”

It’s not that they aren’t doing their jobs; it’s just they’re doing their jobs too strictly.

By Darren

February 5, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

I also certainly agree with Craig, renallo, and Bob.

The Haydar/Slater/Metro line was energetic and generated offense on Saturday. Haydar’s probably dying to get a chance to stay at the NHL, so I think there won’t be any problems with the lack of hustle (which seems to be the nicest thing everyone says about Vigier).

Vigier’s hustle and penalty-killing are often cited as pretty much the only reason he’s still around, but guys from the AHL that hustle are a dime a dozen, and our penalty-killing is 27th in the league.

I think a rotation of Boulton when you want more grit and Haydar when you want more offense is a good mix.

By michael

February 5, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this

Rangers trade with kings to pick up Avery.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 5, 2007 06:47 PM | Link to this

I did not realize Avery was only 27. Might have been better than Conroy? When will Don make a move??? Stay tuned!!

By BG33Brown

February 5, 2007 07:23 PM | Link to this

Can we trade ushers. I am in 206 and I’ve missed more great hits and goals than I care to remember b/c the usher doesn’t do her job.

By michael

February 5, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this

did the iceman die?

By JP

February 5, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the Ushers are the issue. It all the Southerners at the game that have never been to a hockey game that find the Ushers rude for not letting them walk down to thier seats like they can during a Tractor Pull!

I think it is time to sell a couple Defensemen for a scorer. Maybe Exelby? I mean serioulsy when he has mono we sure were winning. And Sutton is soft.

I like Haydar…but I think he is too small. I just can’t see him being good in the corners or on the boards digging for a puck.

I agree that this is a big game. A defining game for the Sabres or Thrashers. One of the two could get some nice momentum from this win.

By David

February 5, 2007 08:09 PM | Link to this

Thrashers usually step their game up against the better competition. Sad, but true. Hopefully this will slingshot them some positive vibes and a winning streak during the very difficult road trip.

Michael, I have no clue. But, same things happened last season with “Ice Princess”. Guess what happened to her?

By thrashersfan

February 5, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the ushers keeping us down either during play, but I understand it’s an NHL rule so you can’t blame them for doing their job. Complain to the league office.

It’s been a while since the start time has been a topic. Getting home early is nice, but I’d rather give up an extra 1/2 hr of sleep just to see more fans in the seats. There’s no question 7pm is too early with Atl traffic. But wait, don’t the Thrashers play worse in front of bigger crowds? Maybe they should move the start time to 6:00. By the time we get there, the game will be over and the Thrashers will have their two pts!

By Rawhide

February 5, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

As for Tuesday night, I will be there with 2 buddies. I’m hoping there will be more then the 14K I think will be there. It’s time to not only show up to the game,….but bring a friend who hasn’t been before!

I would welcome Forsberg to the line-up, but as others have stated, the price to pay for him will be what sells me or turns me off to the deal. Maybe Vich, Nikko for him???? hell, right now trading Kaponin would be addition by subtraction…..We gotta do something,…and a mistake made TRYING to improve the team will be more acceptable then NOT trying to do something at this juncture.

Slater/Haydar/Metropolit indeed are fun to watch,…whenever that line hits the ice I poke my sons in the ribs and tell them to watch and learn,…this is how I want the to play, with that type of efort, when they hit the ice. Great work ethic and total energy. They leave nothing on the ice.

I agree with the disdain for “Knights” screamers! In principal, I object to anything that interrups the National Anthem,…but really, it’s been done to death already,……..let it go……….

By Brendan

February 5, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I suspect that every contending team is looking at Forsberg. But as Craig points out, the BIG QUESTION is … for what in return? If the answer were “a bag of hockey pucks.” Or even, “an unlimited supply” of them, every GM would do it. Cap permitting. To me, Forsberg is just too much “unnecessary” risk. I don’t care what former Thrashers Captain Ray Ferraro says. (He seems to think the team that lands Forsberg just took a major leg up on the race for the Cup.)

I suspect the Flyers will demand a 1st round draft pick for Forsberg. Which got me to thinking, unrelated to a potential Forsberg acquisition, just WHERE will the Thrashers draft? Unless they miss the playoffs, it won’t be 6-14. And it won’t be the lottery draft, barring an abject collapse. So, we’re talking 15-30. We want to draft 30th overall. It means we won the Cup!

More realistically, it’ll be around 20th, plus or minus five slots. Fertile ground? Yes. “Can’t miss territory?” Ummn, no. So, how highly should we prize that 1st round pick? Except that the Kings would probably decline it outright, I’d praise Waddell to the hills if he could leverage it to land Michael Cammalleri. I can’t see how Cammalleri and Kovalchuk could fail. Even though Cammalleri would have to be re-signed this Summer, at a PREMIUM, (he’s an RFA,) I still think he’d be worth it. But the Kings would demand a lot more than just a 1st round pick for him. I suspect they view Cammalleri the same way we view Lehtonen. So, a trade is probably, philosophically, out of the question. But I want to ask, is a 20th, or thereabouts, overall pick worth a “rental” player? Normally, I’d say “never give up a 1st round pick for a rental player.” But if that pick wound up being 25th overall … how badly would you miss it? Especially with Don making the selection? Food for thought.

By michael

February 5, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

It will probably take a first round pick and a couple of prospects to get Forsberg. Rental players will come at a higher price since there will be alot more teams looking to buy rather than selling. Think of what you can demand in return when you have about 12 teams interested in one player. Like an auction the highest bidder will win.

By Tony C.

February 6, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Look.

A healthy Fopa INSTANTLY makes this team a legit Cup Contender….only thing is that that is one heckuva caveat…your man’s foot and ankle need special boots/socks/rubbings….ummm pretty important ya reckon??? Just like all big-time trades, it depends on what the price is. Certainly I think he is one f those guys that has that prestige that will raise other’s game just by having the opportunity to watch him up close day-to-day…also it sends a definite message about commitment to win by the front office….

I also have been wondering if perhaps The guys are tuning hiBob out a bit??? Of course If I was told to practice the same (ineffective) play over and over I probably would as well.

Big Game tomorrow.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. I would do a deal for Forsberg if you could get Philly to eat 85% of his salary if he plays less than say 300 minutes before the last week of the season, or some language like that…which as Philly, I would never go for…

By Sara

February 6, 2007 07:45 AM | Link to this

Regarding Foppa - ask yourself this: would you rather have him, or what we have now? Because frankly, there isn’t much other choice. Most teams are still in the race right now and will continue to be through the end of the month. There isn’t much depth out there right now at the position either and a whole slew of teams looking to upgrade.

This team needs a spark to get back on its game and maybe Foppa needs a spark himself to get going (I mean, what motivation is there in Philly right now anyway). If he is willing to be traded, I think Atlanta is a team he would consider. A recent nugget here at ajc.com mentioned that Forsberg considered Atlanta once before when he was a free agent - having BH here is a plus along with a bunch of young talent. IF he’s willing to be traded at all, and IF the Thrashers can meet the price (which I think they can and should - they need the playoff success badly at this point), then I think Atlanta could get him.

Philly hopes to re-sign Forsberg for next season even if he moves, so there is no motivation to NOT send him to an Eastern conference rival. Plus we can’t afford to keep him anyway.

I’m not disregarding his potential health issues, but I do not think there is anything out there that is actually available who would be any better. Nor do I think our current roster is better either (our highest ranking center is Metro at #68 overall at his position).

The only other option would be for DW to try for a speedy winger to go with Kovy. That would likely be more feasible and garner the team some better talent.

Btw, Tony C., trading teams can’t eat salary anymore under the new CBA. Which I think is something expected to be changed next go-round because it is really trade prohibitive.

By Jim

February 6, 2007 08:40 AM | Link to this

Even with a bum wheel, he was great on Sat. Impossible to move off the puck and still sharp with his passes and moves. If he says that he’s found an answer for the foot/boot problem, give the Flyers our #1 and a couple of kids- not Coburn, Bourret, or Valabik, however- or STerling, Oystrick for that matter.

By Hip Czech

February 6, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this

The only thing about complaining about the 7PM start and traffic is that I believe Toronto and the Rangers have 7 PM starts also. No way Atlanta traffic is as bad as Toronto or NYC (though I grant you the public transportation is MUCH better in those two places).

The Thrasher ticket office had a 50% off promotion for both the NJ and Buffalo games. That is pretty sad when the top 2 teams in the East can’t draw without a hefty ticket promotion. Oh well, no complaints here as I got to upgrade from my normal seats.

Hopefully the Thrashers get back on track tonight. The rest of the pack is starting to creep a little closer.

By GaVaHokie

February 6, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this

I don’t agree with getting Forsberg. If we get Forsberg, that’s it! No defenseman, no extra wingers… just Forsberg. If he get’s hurt? That’s it! We go to the playoffs with what we have.

I’d rather go for some mid-card players like Brewer, Smolinski, Aaron Miller, etc.

By DWTOO

February 6, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

thrashersfan - waiting for a stoppage of play to return to your seat is called “Hockey Etiquette” (sorry for the spelling but I’m too lazy to look it up). It’s having enough consideration for fellow fans as to not block their view when returning to your seats. The same goes for leaving to go for refreshments - wait until play stops!

There is nothing more frustrating than to wait thru a TV timeout and then have the clueless wonder in front of you stand up and leave.

If you don’t like the rules go to the rodeo.

By Tony C.

February 6, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Sara-

Really? I wasn’t aware of that (thanks!)…My whole point being that there should be some sort of insurance clause in whatever trade language-or Philly doesn’t get any ( immediately useful)warm bodies…make it one of those “conditional compensation” articles, something like that.

Is the 50% off deal still on???

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Russ

February 6, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Playoffs? Playoffs? I think there’s still some work to do before the playoffs are a foregone conclusion. Toronto is currently ninth in the East and are eight points behind the Thrashers with two games in hand…and to say the least recent play hasn’t instilled a great deal of confidence…but this is generally a good road team and I think they will start playing better on the upcoming six game trip. That being said, considering the competition in those six games I would be happy if they come away with six points. First things first however…big game with Buffalo tonight. Buffalo is a team that can capatalize on mistakes in a heartbeat, so hopefully the Thrashers aren’t as sloppy as they have been recently or this game could get ugly.

By David

February 6, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

99x has some freeloader deals as well. 99x.com

By Mark

February 6, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I’m a longtime Flyers fan (I root for the Thrashers against every team except the Flyers) and have been watching Forsberg play in almost every game this season and last. You really cannot appreciate how good this guy is until you watch him play regularly. When he is on his game, as he has been since the all-star break, he’s amazing to watch. Forsberg would be an amazing pick-up for the Thrashers. Just think about the one thing that has been talked about the most in Blueland, the power-play. Forsberg can quarterback a powerplay as good or better than anyone in the league coming off the boards. He would be threading Kovy unbelievable one-times all night long. And that brings me to my next point, can you imagine Kovy playing with one of the best play-makers in the game. Lights out! That’s all I have to say. I mean Kovy put up his best numbers with a play-making centerman in Savard and he has had to do without that this season. Ruchin is not a play-making centerman. The Thrashers would be crazy to not try to get Forsberg if he becomes available, especially is he continues to play well on those new skates. He’d solve two of the Thrashers biggest needs, a center to play with Kovy and a power-play qb. Not to mention that Forsberg has a history of being one of the best players ever when it counts the most, in the play-offs.

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

DWTOO, I agree with you somewhat, but I think you missed the point of the NHL “Rule” towards pucks in play. Hockey etiquette can be looked upon as most considerate acts in life — it’s nice if you do it yourself, but can you truly expect everyone else to do it too? When was the last time someone thanked you for holding a door open, or possibly even held the door for you? Likewise, do you expect every fan or first-time hockey spectator to follow those same rules?? Don’t get me wrong, I too hate it when some idiot gets up mid play, with 7 minutes left in the period, to go get some beer or go to the restroom. It makes me wonder if that person is unable to hold their bladder (or keep their throat dry) for another 30 seconds until stoppage of play. However…I don’t really expect Johnny First Time Viewer to do be courteous as well.

The original complaint was about the idea of the ushers keeping people from getting into a proper viewing position to WATCH the game while being kept from getting to their seat. If you were to be stuck in line between periods and make it back to the usher after the puck drops, you’re stuck for a few minutes with a group of people all standing on their tip-toes trying to see some action. More often than not, something of importance happens and many people have to miss out because section 300-400 ushers don’t seem to understand that I CAN’T BE KILLED BY AN ERRANT PUCK IN THE UPPER STRATOSPHERE SECTIONS. They’re just doing their job, true, but the least they could do is to think logically about why the rules they’re told are put into place.

Hockey etiquette aside, it’s silly to expect me to stand without a view of the hockey game because the MEN’S bathroom had a line (seriously, what’s with that?).

By Rawhide

February 6, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

As for attendance, I just chatted with a friend of mine who works in group sales down there. She tells me they are under 400 left to sell so we can expect a packed house. This will be good to see,….

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

And by the way, I’ve always noticed that the people who typically yell out “Knights” are the same ones that yell “SHOOT” no matter what the situation is on the ice, or who boo if the team doesn’t score a goal every powerplay. Holik could have the puck behind the net, some yokels will yell “SHOOT”, and then when he doesn’t shoot they’ll start booing. It’s such a great atmosphere for young hockey fans or new hockey fans to experience (note the sarcasm).

By Mark

February 6, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

ranallo10, the ushers holding you up has nothing to do with you getting hit by a puck. They hold you up so you don’t interfere with the view of other fans that are watching the game while you go to you seat. This is hockey tradition that has been around long before Atlanta had a team, and I mean the Flames.

By Rawhide

February 6, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

ranallo, I guess this part of the “education process” of our southern friends who are starting the process of being hockey savvy…..and I don’t say that in meaness, I am a first generation hockey fan raised here in Atlanta,…so I am ONE OF THEM.

In time, they will catch up,..the important thing is that they are there with us,…learning it and starting to love it!

I actually see it as a good thing when the fans start to get on the guys when they don’t live up to expectations on the PP. It shows that there is a level of performance that they want to see and it is not just a passing fancy anymore with Atlantans.

GO BIG BLUE….THRASHERLAND ROCKS!!!

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Mark, there is NO NHL Rule in place stating “hockey etiquette” as the reason for why an usher would hold up a fan from walking to their seat. If that was true, wouldn’t those same ushers be keeping people from leaving their seats between plays??

There were not ushers with stop signs prior to the little girl’s unfortunate death.

Next time you’re at a Thrashers game, read the sign the usher is holding more carefully, then tell me where it ever refers to a long standing hockey tradition of being nice to fellow fans. Or possibly, ASK the usher why we’re not allowed to walk to our seats.

By Mark

February 6, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I never said anything about a rule and as far as I know there isn’t a rule. I said tradition and that tradition was around long before that girl lost her life. I have been playing hockey and going to hockey games for over thirty years. They have been doing this at every arena, at every level of professional hockey, for a very long time. I know nothing about the signs, what they say, and when they were implemented.

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

The only person who has ever skated on Philips Arena ice that DESERVES booing is Nick Magoo. Booing for what a fan sees as “lack of production” is just an insult to the effort the player gives every game. A fan should not be of the mindset that every time the puck is touched a shot should be taken or a goal should be scored. There are just as equally gifted athletes on the opposing team that are paid to keep that from happening…should they be booed just because they’re against the home team??

Hockey players are professional athletes, they are paid to play hockey better than the fans that THINK they can play hockey. Telling a player “shoot” is just ricockulous. Do you ever hear someone yell “SAVE IT!” towards the goalie whenever the opponent shoots? Do you hear someone yell “BLOCK!” to the defenders in an attempt to get them to lay their body in front of the puck?? Of course not, that’s not “sexy” hockey. In my opinion, people who yell shoot are just showing their ignorance of the sport, and are likewise showing their lack of understanding of the difficulty it is to create a true shooting opportunity.

If shooting is what you like, go watch the Hawks play. You’ll see 20-30 shots PER PLAYER.

PS - Vigier sucks, but still doesn’t deserve to be booed.

By michael

February 6, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Ranallo 10, it has been a “rule” for fans long before the girl was killed by the puck, that when a puck is in play you are not supposed to move. It was just publicized more after she was killed. Look up your hockey history! And I beleive you mean Mick McGeough.

By michael

February 6, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

I would prefer Forsberg over Smolinski. Foppa is twice the player Smoke is even when he is hurt.

By Rawhide

February 6, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

“If shooting is what you like, go watch the Hawks play. You’ll see 20-30 shots PER PLAYER.”……Yes, and you’ll see almost as many points!

(sorry……….)

By Thrasher_Ed

February 6, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this

Looks like we all must continue to suffer! Hartley is sticking with the same lines for tonights game. Boulton, Vish, and Coburn are the healthy scratches for tonight. I would like to see Bob sit DeVries for a few games and get a different look. Plus it might wake up Devo to the fact he needs to give a greater effort in our Defensive zone. Anyone want to start a pool as to what date a Wadell trade will fall on? Yeah, I know we are all just waiting with baited breathe right. This team needs to worry about this year and not 5 years from now. We must get into the playoffs this year. Anybody besides me get that nervous 3rd period feeling each game last week or so. Man, do we ever need to string together some wins guys! Lets Go Thrashers!

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the spelling correction Michael, I couldn’t find his name anywhere, or at least not in the 20 second Google search I attempted. I’m not a big fan of spelling someone’s name incorrectly, so thanks.

As far as the “rule”, it was not enforced at any Thrashers games prior to the incident, and since the incident the NHL had to OVERreact based on public sentiment, and began enforcing said rule at all arenas. However, I cannot speak for every American arena outside of Atlanta, as I’ve yet to have the pleasure of attending any away games.

That said, you’re still losing the point of this rule…it’s for PUBLIC SAFETY, not for viewing pleasure. There is no way an arena can enforce standards upon a viewing AND PAYING audience in terms of when to leave to go to the restroom, or when to return to a reserved seat. Baseball stadiums do not restrict a fans entrance into the stands if the game is live, and neither should hockey. If you aren’t paying attention to the game and get hurt, so be it. Baseball covers themselves by placing a foul ball clause on every ticket, and by having numerous public announcements during the game. If someone is stupid enough to get in front of people in the middle of play, then will those people ever truly learn this unspoken etiquette??

You cannot FORCE etiquette upon an unknowing public, as some of you are trying to imply.

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 02:10 PM | Link to this

Rawhide,

Hawks vs Lakers (2/5) ATL — 71FG Attempts — 83PTS LAL — 75FG Attempts — 90PTS

Thrashers vs Flyers (2/2) ATL — 38 Shots — 2PTS PHI — 23 Shots — 5PTS

Which of these two sports does this board find more entertaining?? The sport that scores 35-45% per attempt on average nights, or the sport that scores 5-10% per shot?

If you want to watch a high scoring game with many shots every night, watch basketball. If you want to appreciate a 1-0 win or 1-2 loss, keep watching hockey. Of course, if Buccigross gets his way, the goals would be the size of soccer goals and scoring would be in the teens every night.

If you’re not getting my point, let me ask you this…was the All-Star “event” entertaining for hockey fans? 12-9 final score, is that more along the lines of what you’re looking for?

By Bob

February 6, 2007 02:20 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech, a lot of the big cities like Tronna and NY have the 7pm start. It’s a smart move for them. Why? Because business people work DOWNTOWN in those cities. So, get those guys to go get a beer and a bite and head to the game, before going home. Makes sense.

Here, no one works downtown. Everyone is spread out across Gwinnett, Cobb, N. Fulton, a few of us down south here. All awful traffic messes.

By Bob

February 6, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this

“The World According to ranallo”. It’s unreal how clueless you are about any issue with this team, but hey, at least you have your own opinions.

DWTOO and michael, you are absolutely correct. I too went to my first hockey game over 30 years ago. It is absolutely 100% Hockey Etiquette to not get up during play. During the old days, you either got a beer headed your way (not in the cup) or you got your butt kicked if you kept doing it. They used the excuse of the little girl getting killed in Columbus to further enforce it, but it’s been the unwritten code for years.

As is booing your own team for playing like crap on a power play. I can remember doing that as a kid 30 years ago, and have heard it every year since. Keep booing them as long as they keep stinking up the PP like they have been, mabye Hartley will finally wake up and shake up the PP for good.

Lastly, Nick McGoo? For goodness sake, tuck your ignorance back in ranallo, it’s showing (or is that your rear that’s hanging out?).

By ranallo10

February 6, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

I apologized for my misspelling Bob, and I quickly explained my “ignorance” on the spelling of the worst referee in the NHL. I’m a little confused though as to how you can equate the identification of an NHL referee (not exactly high profile, are they) with hockey ignorance. You’re right though, I should’ve done a little more preparation for my tirade. (Yes Bob, I just said you were right about something.)

“The world according to Ranallo” = logical fans who appreciate that the Thrashers are still in Atlanta, and who appreciate everything the team has to offer. Logical complaints based on current team production and NOT supported by fantastical scenarios in which the Thrashers go seemingly undefeated. Looking beyond personal biases to come to an opinion. Stressing LOGIC.

“The world according to Bob” = petition the general manager to use an abundance of second tier defenseman or low profile prospects to acquire a missing piece center, preferably someone unattainable. Support said proposition with a “witty” and “original” (note sarcasm) quip. Back up “hockey knowledge” with die hard allegiance to a 4th line checking winger (dime a dozen), while at the same time being overly critical of a proven PROLIFIC scorer (~$72 million a dozen) due to a lack of defensive ability. (Double standards are quite interesting…some call it being hypocritical.) Gotta love that 24th ranked PK with Atlanta’s “best” penalty killer. It’s CLEARLY going to hurt losing Vigier.

And by the way Bob, do you also know what “traditions” have been happening over the last 30 years that have rightfully been rectified??? Just because it’s the way it WAS, doesn’t mean it is the way it SHOULD BE.

Fighting, helmets, goalie creases, two-line passes, running up the score, instigating/fighting while wearing a face shield…these are all examples of “traditions” that continue to change to accommodate new playing styles and new rules. Much like the idea that one must be young in order to use new forums for opining. You’re proving that idea wrong every day, good for you Bob.

Let me know how AARP works out for you, I’ll go PLAY a sport and tell you how those “traditions” work out in the real world. You continue to sit on your soap box and tell me how you feel Don Waddell is the worst GM even though he re-signed “one of our best checkers and penalty killers” (your words, not mine).

By Brendan

February 6, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Dang. Tampa won, Jersey won, and Carolina won. And Buffalo, too. (Really?) Everyone gained a point on Atlanta. Okay, not quite everyone. Sheesh.

As I watched Slavamatic and Hossa miss their shootout attempts, I couldn’t help but think, “Hey, they’re human.” I’ve been so spoiled by their s/o successes that I am now stunned when they miss. At least this was a very entertaining game to watch. I didn’t quite catch the attendance numbers, but it sure felt like a soldout arena. I don’t understand why the Thrashers have such trouble winning in front of a sellout crowd. I think Atlanta is 0-7 in such situations.

I thought the Thrashers would come away with ten (10) points on this homestand. They only got five. But, I’ve always said this is a good road team. Am I being too overly optimistic to suggest they might get 9-points from this road trip? I really think they can beat Colorado, Vancouver and Edmonton. Calgary’s probably a regulation-time loss. I still say there’s at least a point to be had vs. Ottawa. And another vs. Carolina. Maybe even a win. How good would 4-1-1 feel coming home? I hear ya. More like 1-1-4, right? Going .500 would be pretty decent for a Western road trip. Let’s see what happens.

By szandekh

February 8, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

You guys talking about shouting “KNIGHTS!!” during the anthem probably don’t even know why people do it. And if you do, but still don’t like it, get a life. The Knights were and ARE a part of Atlanta’s hockey culture, and I will never quit shouting it at every Thrashers home game I go to. I happen to think that everyone should shout it, like at the Omni back in the day. That would make me happy.