Thrashers

By J

February 8, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Woohooo!!!! Benching Kapanen!!! Its a start! DeVries is the next that needs to get benched.

By Russian

February 8, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

Finally, Kappanen take a break. Good Idea! Anyway Bolton is not very good player, but I guest for 4 line he can handle it.

By Lee

February 8, 2007 04:35 PM | Link to this

Hey CC, any news on the trade front? And what chance does Boulton have of staying in uniform beyond tonight? I mean Niko isn’t really doing a bang up job.

By michael

February 8, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

Finally, why does it take Hartley so long to realize things or players aren’t cuttin it. Kapanen should have been a scratch about 25 games ago. Devries is next. If only we could get rid of Rucchin’s lousy a$$.

By GaVaHokie

February 8, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling Boulton is going to be on fire tonight… that guy has a lot of energy, and probably even more so after sitting out for so long. Expect a good game from him tonight.

By Brendan

February 8, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

Did you get in any skiing? How’s the weather? I’m listening to 680TheFan, and they’re talking about how Bob Hartley coached teams tend to do a little better down the stretch, especially on the road. Well, no time to start proving that like tonight!!

By sisu

February 8, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this

Boulton will play his usual 5 minutes give or take so no big deal there.

By Craig Custance

February 8, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this

Lee: Nothing I can post without it turning into an unsubstantiated rumor. The GM meetings are coming up in Naples (I believe the 19th), and that’s when I think things will really heat up.

Brendan: No skiing, got in too late last night.

By Bob

February 8, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

Excellent news, Craig. Thanks for the scoops!

I really think Metropolit will get Hossa and Kozlov going again.

And I’ve been waiting and waiting for them to scratch Kapanen. Excellent news! Addition by subtraction there.

This is a great start to the road trip, and the puck hasn’t even dropped yet. I think the boys can play .500 hockey on this road trip, let Waddell make a move to bring in an offensive center in 10 days, slide Rucchin down to the check line and PK, bring a dman in, and we’ve got a lineup that could make a run.

Starting to feel a little better about our chances, but it all hinges on The Fiddler making the right move(s).

By GaVaHokie

February 8, 2007 06:30 PM | Link to this

Boulton will get more Ice time tonight than usual will Vigier on IR and Kapanen a healthy scratch… that means the Thrashers will carry an extra defenseman tonight… probably Vishnevski.

Hossa Metro Kozlov Kovy Rucchin Mellanby Larsen Holik Boulton Sim Slater Haydar

Sutton Havelid Exelby DeVries Hnidy McCarthy Vishnevski

Lehtonen Hedberg

By michael

February 8, 2007 07:03 PM | Link to this

One of those d man will be a healthy scratch, probably Vish again. He is not going to play 7 d men

By Brendan

February 8, 2007 08:07 PM | Link to this

Thrashers “pre-game” starts at 8:30. Game should end about 11:40-ish. Grab your Red Bull or Mountain Dew. Whatever keeps ya goin’. I’ve been enjoying this Kings-Caps game. Kopitar and Cammalleri are fun to watch. Hard to believe the L.A. Kings have actually had some recent draft success. Historically, they’re the worst team in the NHL at making picks. But, that’s not to say that they haven’t had good teams through the years (since ‘67). Only one berth in the Finals, though. (Gretzky, Kurri, Tikkanen, etc., in 1993.) Sorry, I meant, “Go Thrashers!”

By Bob

February 8, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Much, much better play in that 1st period. What a difference getting Kapanen out of there has made. Hossa and Kozlov have some good jump out there with Metro.

Everyone skating well. Great start to the road trip.

By russian

February 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

3:0 Thrasher after First period. Knock on the Wood. Come on Blue!

By sisu

February 8, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Too early to get excited about this yet…still a lot of game left. Don’t jinx us by saying anything too soon!!! :)

By russian

February 8, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

After second 5:1 Thrasher. We have to take this game. :-)

By Craig Custance

February 8, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Steve Rucchin left with 3:18 left in the second period after getting knocked in the head by Ben Guite. He won’t return. Officially, it’s an upper body injury.

By danlmac

February 8, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Do we really want home ice advantage?

By michael

February 8, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Rucchin saw this as an opportunity to take some time off.

Good game, except for the penalty kill. Good to see Hoss and Kozzie going again. Hopefully we can keep it going.

By russian

February 8, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Kari was great. 45 Saves!!! Hossa two goals, Slava 2 goals. Not bad for first away Game. :-)

By R. Stroz

February 9, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Kapanen scratched. DEVO playing better. I must be dreaming.

By michael

February 9, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Craig, it’s not linking to your story.

By Thrasherfan33

February 9, 2007 08:35 AM | Link to this

Hossa looked like he had that first step back. Maybe he was more sick than injured. Either way, it was good to see him playing the way he did. I think Hartley needs to keep Sim with Kovy and Metro with Hossa/Kozlov. Those two lines had great energy last night. Nice start to road trip!

By Bob

February 9, 2007 08:52 AM | Link to this

Yep, Metro fits very nicely in between Hossa and Kozlov, he distributes the puck very well and center is the spot Metro needs to play at, it wastes his skills at wing.

I also liked Sim with Kovy, he brings a dimension to that line that is much needed.

Here’s what I hope our lines can look like so we can make a good playoff run, if The Fiddler can make the right moves:

Metro centering Hossa and Kozlov New Center centering Kovy and Sim Holik centering Larsen and Vigier Rucchin centering Mellanby and Slater

Holik’s line is the shut down checking line that goes out against the other club’s top line, then I think you’ve got some good balance on the other three lines and you can roll them more, Ruccin’s line getting less time, but more than your standard 4th line.

An added bonus would be a dman like a Brewer, the key is, who is the odd man out on d or who’s traded?

By BlueLand Billy

February 9, 2007 09:27 AM | Link to this

Great way to start things off out West. But who wasn’t a little anxious when it was 5-3 with 5:00 to go and we are just sitting back trying to protect the lead. I had some knots in my stomach based on how we have blown games this year. Hossa looked much better tonight and appears to be back on track. No one has mentioned him going down against the Isles and even though he did not miss any games, that could be the reason he hasn’t played too well since. 4-2 on the road trip would suit me fine.

By Rawhide

February 9, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Nice start!! Hossa nd Koslov looked AWESOME!! I have to say Devo played well too.

But did anyone see the piece the TV crew did in 1st intermiision where they showed Sutton getting “bumped” at the blueline then the Colorado player skated past his and Andy never closed the gap. It certainly looked like a set play,….I like Sutton,..he’s a big man that is needed on D, but he has to be conscience of the fact that he cannot make up ground once beaten and make the necessary adjustments.

Speaking of set plays, it sure looked like the scouting report the Thrashers were going by had our attack coming from behind the net. First two goals came from passes coming from behind then net. Slater and Slava nailed the one-timers.

Anyway, it was a pleasure to watch the guys last night,…looked like they were working from a game plan and all on the same page. Lets hope they can continue in Vancouver tomorrow!

GO THRASHERS!!!!

By Russian

February 9, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

What is about Ex? He kick three Colorado asses on one time! :-) And Zebras gave him a minor penalty. Bad call on Sim also. He did not do nothing, it was simple race for icing puck. I hope it will be same game tomorrow.

By The Falconer

February 9, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

It was like Christmas in Feb. Kapanen benched, Metro on the top line and the Thrashers winning big. Back to back games where Metro has received 17 minutes of ice time!

By ranallo10

February 9, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Lehtonen sure looked tired last night. 48 shots against, making amazing saves against all but three of those shots…he must be worn down. Too bad Hartley didn’t start Hedberg, the Thrashers could’ve used a road loss to help even out the disparity between their home and away records.

I like how quiet everyone gets on the “Lehtonen needs a rest” front whenever he has a good game that leads the Thrashers to a win. You strange fellows who think Lehtonen is being overused will be pleased to see Hedberg start this weekend (obviously, as there are back to back games). For all I care, Hartley could start Lehtonen until his legs fall off and he’ll STILL be better than Hedberg, and more useful to the team.

PS - Vigier sucks

By LAC

February 9, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Well what a game… I think Colorado folks inflated the shot totals a bit however, but #32 looked EXCELLENT !!!

Why do we have the second BEST road record in the NHL and middle of the pack at home ?

We looked completely different than against Philadelphia, we played under control, took advangatge of their mistakes and made THEM pay… Seems on the recent homestand it was the reverse…

The EX was on fire…Those Three Hits where they came after him and they ALL 3 went on their butts, was THE best defensive highlight of the year !

This is a start, lets hope they play well in Vancouver, they are tought at home… Cheers !

By Craig Custance

February 9, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Russian — Yeah, I didn’t mention it in the game story, but that stretch of about 10 seconds when Exelby knocked down three Avalanche was more impressive to me than his goal.

By Craig Custance

February 9, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Ranallo — You’re right about Lehtonen, he looked great. So much for him being tired. We’ll still see Hedberg though this weekend. Hopefully I’ll find out at practice today which game he’s going to start.

By michael

February 9, 2007 01:23 PM | Link to this

Canes and Preds trade. Vasicek to canes, Belanger to preds.

By ranallo10

February 9, 2007 02:03 PM | Link to this

The wild sent Pascal Dupuis to the Rangers for Adam Hall.

By Bob

February 9, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

Falconer, I’m on the same page with you on both counts. Kapanen is a waste, I am praying that we’ve seen the last of him for the year. I’ve also been wondering since game 5 this year why Hartley hasn’t played Metropolit consistently on either Kovy’s or the top line. Good news is he finally woke up and his him there. Metro has produced at the highest point level of any center we have. Look at the stats, anyone know average ice time. I bet it would look silly if you took Metro’s average time on ice vs points scored and compare it against Rucchin or Kapanen.

ranallo, you see the point now in why I called for Metro on the top line? Good, I see your point on Lehtonen and I AGREE with you that he is the better goalie, he is our #1, but keep your eye on the ball (playoffs).

Exelby’s rock em sock em display was awesome, I was laughing my butt off. McGeough giving him a penalty on that was silly, Sim’s was silly too.

The point with Lehtonen is to rest him now so he stays fresh for the playoffs. CC reported that Hartley wanted Lehtonen to see what it was to be a #1 and that he played him 14 games in a row. I was reminded about Hartley talking early in the season about teaching the guys to take the season in sets of 7. Playoff series is a best of 7. 14 games is two series in a row.

Lehts will have to play every night in the playoffs, as many as 28 games in a row (hey, I can dream that The Fiddler makes the moves to get us there).

But if Hartley plays him every night now, he won’t have the gas left to play at a high level in playoffs for 14, or, knock on wood, 28 in a row. He’s got to work Moose in there for 3 starts between now and the end of the season. Keep Lehts healthy and rested so he can be the iron man in the playoffs? Fair enough?

By Thrashersfan33

February 9, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

Kari did have a good game, but I still say that he has looked a little tired lately. It is not always about the physical aspect, it is the mental aspect that is just as important (which when lost, equals Kari “fighting” the puck, bad rebounds, etc.). Hartley could ride Roy when he was in Colorado as Roy was more experienced and could handle the mental and physical strain of being out there every night. My point is, when we have a good backup, why is giving Kari an extra day’s rest a bad thing? We all want him to be 100% for the playoffs and due to his history and inexperience, I think giving him an extra day would be more beneficial than harmful.

By Matt H

February 9, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

Wahoo! Three cheers for a regulation win!! (“Jeers to this rusty tailgate!”)

Loved: Exelby knocking Av’s over like inflatable clowns, Simmer’s grit, team play, Lehtonen (strong candidate for team mvp)

Liked: DeVries showed up and played, Continued excellence from Metro, Some jump to Hossa’s step, Lars netting one, mobile power play, Kozlov

Disliked: Cheap penalties on Simmer and Ex, no 4-minute on the charge on Rucch?, penalty kill still needs work

Hated: The fact that this team waited until after the homestand to show up!

I really like the way most of the D have been playing lately. There are still ugly moments here and there, but there’s a marked improvement since Andy and Ex have returned, all around. I think Ex and Hnidy both have been playing exceptionally well lately.

Mell showed he still has gas in the tank and the team showed they can run their offense when they want.

The final piece of the puzzle is learning how to play with a lead. It’s easy to motivate an underdog. This team’s got too much talent to be an underdog now, and I think that’s still their biggest enemy.

Hockey journo’s liked to talk about teams “finding their identity” earlier this season- and I don’t think the Thrashers have embraced their true identity yet; assuming they’ve actually taken that whole first step to find it, that is.

Still and all, an EXCELLENT game by the boys in blue. GO THRASHERS!!!

By Brendan

February 9, 2007 06:12 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen is what, 23? I’m not worried about his physical conditioning BEYOND what “Sage of Blueland” calls his “glass groin.” So far, so good. But there have been times when Kari’s “mental” conditioning has resulted in lapses. I’ll spare you all the review. Bob Hartley operates from the playbook that reads as follows, “It’s my job to make choices that best enable our team to win.”

Fiiine. If he wants to play Lehtonen until his legs fall off, under his stated mantra, that’s his call. It’s not the worst strategy I’ve ever seen. But I DO THINK that giving your backup a start at least once a month is a good idea, just to keep him “fresh.” Without looking it up, I think Hedberg’s last start was the Phoenix game, back in early January. I think it was the game where Atlanta led 4-1 in the 3rd, but lost 5-4 in the overtime.

Perhaps the month-long layoff was punishment for that game? I don’t know. But if Lehtonen were to re-injure his groin, or trip and take a nasty tumble, or something, I think it’s a good idea to play your backup at least every couple of weeks, just to keep him fresh.

I think Hedberg is a total pro. Which means, generally-speaking, he keeps himself in good condition and is already ready to play at a moment’s notice. I just don’t think 5-weeks off is that great of a plan.

By The Falconer

February 10, 2007 02:47 AM | Link to this

Bob Wrote:

Falconer, I’m on the same page with you on both counts. Kapanen is a waste, I am praying that we’ve seen the last of him for the year. I’ve also been wondering since game 5 this year why Hartley hasn’t played Metropolit consistently on either Kovy’s or the top line. Good news is he finally woke up and his him there. Metro has produced at the highest point level of any center we have. Look at the stats, anyone know average ice time. I bet it would look silly if you took Metro’s average time on ice vs points scored and compare it against Rucchin or Kapanen.

I did this and posted it on my blog recently. Metro is twice as effective in scoring per minute (even strength) as Rucchin, Holik or Kapanen so far this season. It is not even close.