Thrashers

By Bob

February 13, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

Yep, big time tonight. Tonight will show what this team is made up of and what we can expect come playoff time.

Have we seen Slater, Kovy, Metro as a line? That is a lot of speed, but could be taken advantage of in their own zone.

I am pulling for a big game out of Kari and Hossa, let’s get it done, we need a win here big time.

By Jamie

February 13, 2007 04:04 PM | Link to this

This is the first time you haven’t bashed the Thrashers boob(whoops thats a spelling error) I am inpressed with this.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

Agreed Bob. And CC, thanks for your response. and MattH and anyone else that responded to my question about being a journalism student. If the Thrashers do win this game tonight by the way, it could prove to be very beneficial to the team in the long run. Huge road wins can give teams a lot of confidence come playoff time.

By Ryan

February 13, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

Craig, you’re doing a great job. Thanks for all the info. Any word on the Thrash looking at this game as a playoff game, so to keep the Bolts at their heels? This is a huge game, going 2-2 on a rough road trip is NEEDED. Need the points!

By Rawhide

February 13, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

Yup,….big game tonight, indeed. Looking forward to it I must say. Things are getting a little tight, but hey,…let’s keep it all in perspective.

If we were told 6 months ago that going into game #60 we would be leading the SE division by 5 points over TB and 6 over CAR,….3rd overall in the East, a mere 5 points behind NJ for the 2nd slot………..we would have all jumped at this scenario, would we not????

Maybe I’m REALLY digging to see only positives, obviously we have major, MAJOR concerns moving into this final phase of the season, PP% and such,…and there are FAR more knowledgible hockey fans that blog here that can elaborate on possible fixes……but I for one am hyped at what lays before us Thrasher fans!!!!

I am ready for a playoff push and post-season experience that this town has never seen before,….INCLUDING THE ‘91 BRAVES!!!!!

GO THRASHERS!!! BLUELAND ROCKS!!!

By Tony C.

February 13, 2007 04:30 PM | Link to this

No they haven’t been put together except when #17 has decided to take a 90-second shift.

This guy Hemel-has anyone seen him play in the past 18 months? I read somewhere that he rubbed the powers that be in OTT. the wrong way and wasn’t given a shot at seeing the ice. Anyone know the truth or something with more truthiness than that?

I like the idea of putting Metro on the wing-he’s gotten a lot more confidence lately, and I think he and #17 could work well together….as far as the 4th line center…isn’t that wher Rucchin fits? Ok that wasn’t nice, but man he drives me bananas!!!

Big game tonight, I think we’ll see a good performance from The Kid-I just wonder if our guys can stand up to Cal-Gary’s hitters…that team lives on “grit”, Iginla and Kipprusoff…Langkow and Phaneuf are also worth mentioning, but really this is a team and a town that prides itself on it’s “physical makeup”….Le Thrash have traditionally had problems with that. So I have high hopes for the guys to make this a .500 trip and to disprove some of the labels this team has come to wear.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Gosh, it’s about time Hartley put Slater centering Kovy’s line… watch tonight how Slater will crash the net and Kovy picks up the rebounds. At least that’s how the story SHOULD go. Let’s put Metro in “Gretzky’s Office” since he’s proven to work well in tight spaces.

My bit of advice… let Slater bring the puck up ice instead of Kovy. Kovy should be the trailer. I’d like to see some plays where Slater drops the puck back to Kovy.

Also, as a side note, Slater gets back on Defense much quicker than Rucchin does.

By GaVaHokie

February 13, 2007 04:36 PM | Link to this

Rawhide… good outlook, but I’d be happy to be in Tampa Bay’s position right now too… the Thrashers have got to feel that train rolling up the tracks right about now.

Not sure which I prefer… 3rd and slumping or 6th and steamrolling.

By T-Bone

February 13, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Calgary’s nearly a lock when leading after the 1st period (.900 winning %)so it is imperative the guys get off to a quick start, get a goal and hold the lead.

By Bob

February 13, 2007 05:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Tony. I hadn’t recalled Slater centering Kovy. You’re right, Rucchin should be on the 4th line. Assuming we still get a top line center I could see Rucchin coming back in that slot, Holik’s got the 3rd line locked down and Belanger is Kapanen’s replacement, hopefully we’ve seen the last of him.

Good point, Hokie, Slater can get back quicker. Although Rucchin never gets up ice quick enough, he’s always back! It’ll be interesting to get see what that line can do, tonight offensively and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for them defensively.

Big game out of Kari and Hossa and we got a shot tonight, let’s get it done, boys.

By Brendan

February 13, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

I think Calgary is a very good team. So, this is yet another in the series of “litmus tests” this franchise has faced this season. Atlanta is power ranked, almost everywhere now, in the middle of the pack. Perhaps they no longer see us as an upper echelon team?, despite being a division leader.

I hope Atlanta can find a way to come out of this game with points. We need them. Badly.

By Bob

February 13, 2007 06:26 PM | Link to this

litmus test, good way to put it, Brendan. Let’s go Kari and Hoss.

By Keith

February 13, 2007 06:44 PM | Link to this

Tony C

I’m in Ottawa and have close ties with HAMEL…I think he really upset the brass in Ottawa last season when he got sent back to Binghamton and he requested a trade or he would go to Europe to play. He later said he wanted to stay with the Sens organization.

The Sens were forced (for lack of a better word) to keep him as he shined in the pre-season and that russian kid didn’t work out. Then all the injuries came up and they kept him around.

I think a player who gets on average 2 minutes a game he has 4 goals and 3 assists isn’t that bad.

I saw that Hartley is giving Hamel a shot. Just wait until February 17, 2007 when he can pay Ottawa back.

By Brian

February 13, 2007 07:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with all posts here but I think the real lithmus test comes next Thu at home against TB. Not that playing Carolina a couple times along with Ott & Cal will be easy, but we need a huge game at Philips next week.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

Hey CC, what’s your favorite road arena that you have been to so far?

By Craig Custance

February 13, 2007 08:37 PM | Link to this

Lee: I’ve gotten chills three times so far on the road. The first time was in Montreal during their pregame intros. They had video clips of all the great Stanley Cup teams of the past projected onto the ice to music. It was unreal.

The other time was in Vancouver, which has a great arena and unbelievable scoreboard. The crowd was great, and during O Canada, the guy singing it let the crowd do about half of it because they were so into it.

But the No. 1 arena, that was a great moment for me, was Madison Square Garden. They put the press basically rinkside with all the fans, so you’re right in the mix of it - unlike, say, Edmonton where you’re in the catwalk. So far, those three arenas have been the best.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 08:54 PM | Link to this

Wow, that sounds incredible. Thanks for the response.

By Tony C.

February 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Ugh.

penalties are killing this team.

Good to see some “olde time” hockey after the 1st goal…even if he got the worst of it-this team needs to “stand up” I think. I hope that the guys can pull together, the pieces are there for a good run, just seems like they are waiting on something to happen. If they can start believing in themselves, I think that they can make things happen.

CC how’s the Saddledome? It seems like a good crowd, I love that the organ player whips out “Iron Man” during a break in the action…Canadian people are so amazing…ok game’s back from commercial-Dammit!!! At least X didn’t get as busted up as Boulton….I like Metro and #9 together…hopefully, they can get some of this back in the 2nd

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Tom

February 13, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Well boys and girls, this team has turned into the Tin Man… No heart.

Don , if you are out there, you are driving hard bargains on the season ticket holders, and your product is going down the tubes. 6 points and we are out of the playoffs, and this team is not even playing hockey right now.

1st period 6 min left , down 3-0 4 shots on the PK and 3 goals, and a defense playing so soft that I could have scored.

Don, it is up to you to find a heart for this team, or do the right thing and get the heck out of town.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Okay Bob, I am fully prepared for the Thrashers to do anything and everything you say just because I was hit with reality shortly after Calgary easily tapped in their third PP goal in as many chances: WE SUCK! We can’t do anything right! And we do we dump and chase like 85 percent of the time? It NEVER works! I am so sick of getting excited all day about watching some hockey just to see the same old song and dance every single night. I don’t know what Hartley and Waddell are doing but it is time to stop twiddling thumbs and do something different, whart they are trying flat out isn’t working. JUST DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! PLEASE!

By Tony C.

February 13, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

should’ve read “..Metro and #17…”

By Lee

February 13, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

By the way, i admire Jon Sim because he is a fiery player, which this team doesn’t have enough of, but tonight he has single handedly cost us with poor passing decisions and that stupid penalty. We got too many grinders and not enough talent on this team.

By yellowjax

February 13, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

3 penalties already tonight. 9 in Edmonton! We haven’t been able to kill a penalty in weeks much less score on a power play. Hell we can’t even get shots when on the advantage. Boys I’m a big supporter but i am really getting nervous. Not many points between 1st and 9th.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Oh and tampa Bay has already won, just in case you guys wee curious for any reason.

By n2hcky

February 13, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

I agree that the penalties……..either way are killing this team. If we are on the PK they score if we are on the PP we won’t score and they may. I am not ready for Hartley’s head on a platter yet, but I have played enough and coached enough hockey to know that the problems coming from the specials teams end have A LOT to do with the COACH….and lack of HEART….which the COACH MUST address too.

By Bob

February 13, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

This is so frustrating.

At least it’s nice to be watching one team who’s GM made the moves that got his club’s act together, Calgary looks primed for a good run.

Stuart looks good on Calgary’s blue line and Conroy looks good at center for them. While Waddell was fiddling around, Darryl Sutter went out and picked both of them up recently, Stuart just this past week. Calgary’s got an effective GM. Must be nice.

Waddell goes to the waiver wire for Hamel!, and the trade is for Belanger.

Phaenuf is an animal, how good would he look on our blue line and QB’ing our PP?

Even worse news, Tampa and Carolina both picked up two tonight, Tampa now 3 back with a game in hand, Canes 4 back.

I guess the one we should be worried about is Toronto, they picked up 1pt in a shootout loss against the Isles and now sit 8 back of us with 3 games in hand. Think they might turn into buyers?

By R. Stroz

February 13, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

If DW doesn’t do something soon to improve the team, the Thrashers will be sellers at the trade deadline instead of buyers.

By B. Thenet

February 13, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

It is like God is taunting Waddell.

Getting crushed in both games since the trade and wire pickup…but a goal scored by both players he got.

The lack of effort by the team is what is most disturbing. What is it about the West Coast that makes the Thrashers players not care?

By Keith

February 13, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Hamel scores his first as a Thrasher

I know Hamel was a waiver pick up he’s got his first and is still trying to fing his grove with a new team. I know his goal was off an easy rebound but I see more to come with the more time he spends with Holik. I think Hamel will help out on the PK if he’s given a chance.

The only time he was given a chance on the PK here in Ottawa was in the preseason against Buffalo and he finished the game with 1 PPG, 1 EVG and 1 SHG.

Time will tell.

By Lee

February 13, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

That is very well put. God, this is ridiculous. It’s like the same game every night. I am more confident now than ever that if Waddell sits on his hands and doesn’t do something we will not make the playoffs. We just aren’t good enough. And by the way, where the hell did Kari Lehtonen go? Tonight, the first two goals were on the PK, not him. On the third and fourth goals, Kari had a clear look at each of them and just didn’t make the saves. This should be a 2-1 game right now, but, as usual, we are entering the third period without a snowball’s chance…

By pondscum

February 13, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

What I wanna know is,if we don’t make the postseason…….is Waddell gonna keep his job? Hartley?

Hartley can’t adjust his game or system and he doesn’t have a hall-of-famer in net to bail him out.( I like Kari,but he’s no comparsion).

Sure,teams slump sometimes….but this is now beyond a slump,it’s a trend now.

Neither special teams (PP-PK) work at all.It’s the same broken record.

The nights we get the “chip in” goals by the 3rd-4th lines,our big guns go silent.This team is still short a top-6 forward (either center or winger) and the blueline is nothing what is was at the start of the season.

How do you leave guys down-low on the PP wide open?

The 2 new guys have been the only ones to score since Sunday.I guess the “oh woe is me” hasn’t gotten to them yet.Where is everyone else? All this talk of stepping it up… ha.

Just about every team that is in the hunt for the postseason in the east has games on us in hand,it’s only a matter of time before they do catch up.And it’s evident Waddell isn’t gonna get anymore help.It’s time to take a gamble and make a statement,not all draft picks and prospects make it to the NHL level.Get some help already.

And if this season does collapse like a house of cards, I hope the Joker(DW) and Jack(bh) get cut from the deck as well.

By Lee

February 14, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Hartley will surely be axed if we don’t make the playoffs. no one has given him more support than me, but I would probably fire him if we missed out yet again. We just suck right now, and it has happened the past few years. We start well, then half way through we tank, then we a have a last ditch effort that is just strong enough for us to finish 9th or so. We have to make the playoffs, we have to!

By Tony C.

February 14, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

ugh

By JP

February 14, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Sutton is horrible!

By russian

February 14, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Last season we did not make Play offs, but it was BIG SORRY for us, because all our goalies were out. I am just wondering, what they are going to say in this year???? We are definetly out Play OFFs right now. Miracle must happend to turn over our Team. I do not believe on Miracle, usually S** happens. :-(

By Kevin

February 14, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Rock Bottom. I have always supported Hartley but some of the blame for the PK and PP has to be directed his way, remember the PK was awful last year also. I also fear that he has lost the lockeroom, the effort isn’t there. On the PP why not pull Kovy off the point, it’s worked before but we never stay with it. I believe the team overachieved at the beginning of the year and is coming back too reality. We are basically a four man team surrounded by 3rd and 4th liners.If you look at last years roster, the team was much deeper and talented and missed the postseason because of goaltending issues. Waddell thought that with a healthy Kari we would coast into the playoffs without a number one center and with basically the same core of average to below average defenseman. His moves in the offseason didn’t work, (kapenan,Vish),and there is no hope on the way from Chicago. As much as I like and respect DW as a person, the blame must be directed at him initially. If we don’t get a center and dman in the next 7-10 days I believe it will be a battle to secure the 7th or 8th seed.

By Lee

February 14, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

I disagree, I think Sutton is probably one of our top 2 defenseman- of course I realize that isn’t saying much but the guy is a good player.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 08:29 AM | Link to this

The standings weren’t updated last night when I looked. The Islanders and the Buds are both 7 points behind us, each of them have 3 games in hand on us. Islanders are playing much better lately, I guess they’re the team to be scared of. Tampa and Carolina will both catch us in the next week or so.

The problems have been here all year, it’s just that early in the season we racked up all those wins against Florida and Washington and that was our buffer. If you remember, we had this habit of falling behind in games early in the season, but they pulled out some miraculous late game comebacks. We’re not seeing those anymore as other team’s are peaking and playing at a high level.

The Thrashers have many personnel issues, it’s quite obvious who shoulders that blame. He still can fix it by bringing a center in here and a defenseman in here. Sutter just fixed his club in Calgary by bringing iin Conroy and Stuart, who was also QB’ing their PP last night. Waddell brings in Belanger and Hamel!

The Thrashers also are not playing well as a team, the PK is awful, and the PP is not much better. That’s a coaching issue.

The only bright side to all of this is that pondscum has it right, the Joker and the Jack need to be cut out of this deck unless some miraculous turnaround occurs. The longer is takes to get a competent GM in here, the longer it will take for us to be truly competitive.

Come on Waddell, for once, do something right and make the moves for a top center and dman and get this turned around. Or will he continue to fiddle, while Atlanta burns?

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 08:41 AM | Link to this

Ranallo’s campaign to get Vigier out of the lineup worked (though at least he HUSTLED on the PK). So here goes:

SUTTON MUST GO

There, got it off my chest.

De Vries is the next one to go. Keep XLB, McCarthy, Havelid, and possibly Hnidy but get some D in here!

Aren’t players supposed to play BETTER in contract years? The only one coming close is Kozlov. Just about all the D-men are in contract years, I hope they aren’t planning the big home addition anytime soon.

The PK finally got a clue at the end of the 2nd, they decided to start standing up at the blue line. That actually seemed to work (at least it forced them to move their feet). It probably was more of shock value then anything else. Calgary wasn’t expecting to actually meet with some resistance.

Why is it that other teams get people in front of the net and actually score goals on screens and deflections? We have all 3 forwards ‘cycling’ along the boards without EVER getting bodies in front of the net. It’s almost hilarious to see the other teams D LOOKING for someone to clear out. Makes their job real easy.

I like BH (like the Waddell comments, he seems to be a real nice guy) but things need to change. The PP is SO predictable. If I were the other team I would just overload the right side because the puck just moves from Kozlov to Hossa along the right boards. Choke them off and wa la! you killed the penalty.

Sorry for the length of this one…

P.S. Sutton must go

By UpperDeck4Life

February 14, 2007 08:45 AM | Link to this

Craig, how much has the team been working on the PK during practice?

It seems like the team might as well just move out of the way and let a team score in the first 5 seconds of their PP so we can get on with the game, seeing as how they are giving up goals left and right anyways. I place the blame on Hartley’s shoulders. I know he can’t get out there and play the PK for the players, but it is obvious that the team needs to improve it’s PK if they want to get anywhere the rest of the season and the playoffs. The PK just doesn’t seem to have energy, guys are a step slow getting to the puck or the man on the puck, and when was the last time we actually had a quality scoring chance on the PK? Those usually come from aggressive play and hustle, forcing the other team to make a mistake and turn the puck over.

By Tom

February 14, 2007 08:54 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of the guy who got a early win in a Texas Hold’em Tournament.

He thinks he has enough chips to hold out and let the other beat themselves up and knock each other out of the tourney. So he continues to play it safe and keeps folding his hands, even when he has some good cards to play.

Too late, the player looks up and realizes his stack has been so depleted by the anti’s that he is in danger of limping out of the game and now has to make a decision from weakness.

My guess, this is the trap Waddell has put the Thrashers in and we will be on the outside looking in. If he makes a trade now it will be from weakness not strength.

Hey Don, anytime you want to play poker, let me know. I could use the money.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 09:11 AM | Link to this

So, what’s our PK % since JPVJ has been out of the lineup? Anyone care to figure that out? Obviously he was the problem. snort.

Tom, Waddell apparently fancies himself as a poker player. He’s approached player negotiations like that in the past, gambling is no way to run a club.

Meanwhile, a smart GM like Sutter didn’t dick around playing poker trying to get other GM’s to drop their price. He needed a dman and a center, he didn’t wait and bluff. He went out and got Conroy and Stuart and now his club is set for a playoff run.

By smclem35

February 14, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

It’s February and once again Thrashers fans are faced with the same problems as every year in this franchise’s history. Only five teams in the NHL have given up more goals than the Thrashers. Even in the victory at Colorado, Kari faced 48 shots. You simply won’t win consistently, even in the new NHL, without solid defenseman. I’m sorry, but the Andy Sutton experiment is the prime example of Don Waddell’s failure as a GM. Sutton is being paid top dollar and simply has not proven himself worthy of ice time as the 6th defenseman. Another example is the Belanger trade. We basically traded Vishnevski, Karl Stewart, and two draft picks for a 3rd or 4th line center. We’ve already got a roster full of 3rd and 4th line guys. The frightening thing now is that when the Thrashers fall out of first place in the SE, they likely will fall out of the top eight in the East.

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

NO GRIT NO GRIT NO GRIT. WE GOT NO GRIT. MUST HAVE GOOD DMAN SOON! THE WAY I SEE IT “if we make the playoffs” WE ARE ONE AND DONE. HAS ANYONE ELSE NOTICED HOW MUCH WE GET PUSHED AROUND. THE FRONT PAGE PICTURE ON YAHOO HOCKEY SAY’S IT ALL. THE TEAM IS NOT TOUGH ENOUGH AND WE GIVE UP SO MANY GOALS BECAUSE WE HAVE THE WORST D IN THE LEAGUE. WHO’S ARE BEST DMAN HAVELID, SUTTON? THESE GUYS ARE 3RD LINE DMEN. I don’t know who it was that once said “if you can’t beat em in the parking lot you can’t beat em on the ice”. JUST NOT TOUGH ENOUGH! And are we ever going to get me someone to play with. Ilya k

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

WERE’S THE BEEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Thrashfan99

February 14, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

I’ve had enough of Waddell’s tenure. He has been a complete failure, starting with his 5 year plan, his letting go of any effective player we had in the early years, and now his inability to fix what has been a problem for a while now. NO defense. NO top center.

How long till the ownership wakes up and gets us a new GM? I guess about the same time they wake up and get the Hawks a new GM.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

You want to fix this team? Truly? Ok, then do what needs to be done - TRADE ILYA KOVALCHUK!

By David

February 14, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Pucks you’re an idiot.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Now that I have your attention, let’s explore this a litle deeper……Kovalchuk can score goals - so the fck what? What else can he do? NOTHING. Todays NHL casts out the cherry picker and the lazy defender, both nailhead descriptions of Kovy. Did anyone else listen to the Calgary broadcast lastnight? The guy is not respected as a top player in this league. They were ripping him for the same reasons I just did - mainly his lack of work ethic to create offensive chances -and saying how much more of a player Hossa is. You want a top center Atlanta? You want a zone responsible, puck moving defenseman? Both (and probably more) can be had in the blink of an eye by Waddell picking up the phone and dialing a team looking to putt butts in seats with some flash & dash (Chicago, L.A. - both out of conference & with capable d-men to trade in particular). You say the fans will revolt if Kovalchuk is dealt? No, the REAL revolt comes when the Thrashers miss the playoffs again, season ticket holders bail even more than they already have, and the team has to end up moving to southern Ontario or Winnipeg because they start drawing on par with their co-tenant the Hawks. It’s an eyelash from happening and you all better believe it.

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

TRADE ME! YA THAT’S THE ANSWER! I’M THE REASON OTHER TEAMS SCORE AT WILL. I’M THE REASON WE HAVE THE WORST D IN THE LEAGUE. I’M THE REASON WE DON’T HAVE ANYONE THAT COULD BEAT THEIR WAY OUT OF A WET PAPER BAG. YA IT’S THE STAR OR THE QB OR THE GOALIE OR THE COACH OR THE GM…BUT NOT THE GUY WHO DIDN’T COVER THEIR PLAYER STANDING WIDE FRICKEN OPEN RIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE CREASE.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Blow me, Dave. Morons like you and Waddell are the reason Atlanta has been a hockey joke since its inception. You have no vision, no imagination, no idea of what it takes to compete and win over a full schedule, rather than just the first 2 months. You need depth. You need brains. You need speed. The Thrashers are top heavy offensively and wretched everywhere else excpet goal, where they are nothing more than average. Andy Sutton a top pairing d-man? What a fckng JOKE. But thats ok, I’m a Detroit fan, I get to watch real hockey players every night, not these hairbrained, undisciplined clowns you trot out down here. Oh, by the way, we’ll probably be taking Hossa off your hands as soon as he decides he’s sick of playing for a carcass of a franchise like that one, which will be very soon as the Thrashers complete a historic collapse by going from 2nd in the conference to issing the playoffs in only a few weeks span. Impressive. Yeah, keep Ilya, you guys are on the right track.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Keep your eye on the ball, it’s the GM that needs to be chased out of town, this all lays on his head.

That said, no one is untouchable. If someone were to offer us some unreal package for Kovalchuk, then you make the trade. But it would have to be one heck of a return, 3 or 4 roster players, including two top line guys. But I don’t think anyone would pay that for Kovalchuk, so it’s a moot point.

I do agree that Hossa is the better more complete player and the guy that you would build around, if you had to make a choice between the two.

But just like every year, this situation with the Thrashers isn’t going to change meaningfully until the real meaningful change is made, and that’s to bring in an experienced successful GM. There have been plenty that moved over the past few years, that we could have had. Brian Burke being the most recent that I would have liked to have had.

By Ryan

February 14, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for all the updates. What concerns me the most is that the EC is so close right now. 7 points is the difference between the number 10 spot (Leafs) and the number 3 spot (Thrash). Pitts has only played 55 games to date and are I think 2 points back of the Thrash. There will be a lot of jumping around, and it will be real interesting to see how it all pans out. Here’s how I see it, if the Thrash cannot get out of this funk they’re in then it IS possible for the boys to be out of the playoff hunt. Do you think they know this and it may be contributing to their poor play of late? Just being realistic.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

also, pucks, some of us do realize how fragile this club is. The season ticket holder base is very low, they draw poorly except on weekend sellouts or when NY team comes to play, and the ownership situation is up in the air.

If Belkin wins control of this club in court, look out. Waddell hasn’t built up enough of a solid fan base here to keep this club in place if Belkin wins and wants to move them.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Folks, Calgary is a good team. They may win the NW Division. They “could” be a Western Conference Finalist. This game turned out to be a mismatch. Atlanta knew it had to stay out of the box to have a good shot. And they needed to contain Iginla. They didn’t do either. That’s 0-for-6 points in the past three games, and 2/8 on this road trip.

Pondscum and Lee … Don Waddell may be handcuffed by the ownership group, in terms of what he can do. I do believe there may be some truth to that. Two weeks ago, I heard Atlanta Spirit Group President, Bernie Mullen, say on 680 TheFan that there would be no big contract signings for the Thrashers. He said the Hawks would be adding a player, though. Things change, too.

Uhh, I’m pretty sure Don Waddell will still be the GM next season. He’s got a contract through 2008. Playoffs or no playoffs, Don WILL be back next year. Bob Hartley does not have a contract extention for next year. So, that’s a question mark. But, I do think they’ll give Hartley a one-year extension. Does Bob want it??

Hey, I’m glad I have the “Center Ice” package. I saw the NY Islanders and Rick DiPietro put on an utter display of guts as they hung on, force OT, and win it in the shootout. Florida and Montreal was a good, close game to watch (1-0). And the St. Louis Blues rallied from down three to get it to 6-5 vs. the Sharks. Even Tampa vs. Phoenix was halfway decent. The only game I saw last night that wasn’t all that entertaining … was ours. I even liked the Bruins 3-0 win over the Oilers better.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

I never said Kovalchuk was the reason for all of the teams defensive woes. What I’m saying is he has the value that can bring you what you need to fix your team. You’re going nowhere but down with him. Do you want a balanced squad that can kill a fckng penalty when they need to or would you rather hang on to your streaky pretty boy who plays when he feels like it? I know SOMEONE out there has to see what I see in this proposal.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

This reminds me of the Dominique Wilkins scenario in Atlanta a while back. Seeing they were never going to get over the hump with the ball hogging Wilkins, the Hawks dealt him in an effort to move on. They obviously didn’t get the return they should have, but at least they had the moxy to realize they had hit a wall and make the move. Now all you hear about is how the Hawks should have never dealt Dominique. I’m sorry, but HOW many NBA finals did he lead the Hawks to? I think the correct answer would be NONE, and he certainly wouldn’t have changed that had he stayed. Yet, if you ask an Atlanta fan he was the 2nd coming of the messiah. Another example of a city being in love with a flashy player who was never going to lead his team to ultimate success, just like Thrasher fans are with Kovalchuk. No wonder you guys never win any freekin titles!

By RBG

February 14, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

the thrashers wont even go to the playoffs this yr.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 14, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I admit that I am only a novice Hockey Fan. I have grown to Love Hockey the last few year since the Thrashers came to Atlanta. The thing that gets me with the Thrashers Ownership and all the other so called Professional Teams in town is they don’t truly care about the fans. We have not ever gotten into the playoffs and we see a ticket price increase for next year already? Just fleecing the fans in my humble opinion. This team has not heart, no guts, no anything. I am glad to hear the quote’s by Exelby and others about their concern, but show it on the Ice boys. You want more than the casual walk up hockey fan, this team must play more consistantly. Heck, I’d love to have season tickets, but to be honest why would I pay the money when I can’t afford to pay the $2000 plus dollars for one seat to watch the pitiful efforts this team puts forth. I turned off my TV and went to bed after the 2nd period cause I was sick of watching the lack of set-up in our offense, stop penalties and miss guided physical play. Brendan, our anybody? How many guys truly other than Kovy, Hossa, Slava, and Kari would other teams take off our hands? I am sorry this post was so long, I just needed to vent my frustration with this sorry pitiful team. Thrashers are the Braves in reverse First to Worst!

By Matt H

February 14, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Quick responses (Gotta wait til lunch to read the whole page!) Lee- You mean Fox 5 Atlanta? Well, I’m of the school that any experience is good, but there are a few significant differences between the print and video processes. Try writing some of the beat writers/editors (perhaps Craig, for instance :) ) at AJC, or any of the “Neighbor” Newspapers in ATL if that’s where you are, and just plain asking them about internships/stringing. You should get good responses that way.

GaVaHokie- at this point of the season, I’d take 6th and steamrolling any day; easier to motivate.

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Pucks, I am not in 100% agreement with you, but the same thought has crossed my mind.

Granted Kovy has scored the most goals in the league since ‘01. But…he is not a playmaker and cannot play D. His antics over missing goals gets to be a little grating also. Don’t look skyward, put your head down and skate!

He also is tying up a large amount of salary through 2010.

Like I said I am not sure I agree with trading him now, but I do see your point. I would much rather they move him off the blue line on the PP and get him someone to skate with (but that may bolster your argument, he needs someone to create for him).

The problem is who would you think would be better that we could get? Needs to be a complete player, preferably at a lower salary hit…I can’t think of anyone off hand that would fit the bill.

By David

February 14, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Again, Pucks, you are an idiot. Nique was one of the best basketball players OF ALL TIME. Hawks should have never traded him away. Look up his stats and you would see very few people have did what he accomplished in the NBA. But, hey…the team had MOXY. Yeah, at the beginning of his career he was “the show” or how about “the human highlight reel”. He did become a team player later on. But, to say just because he didn’t take them to a NBA finals he was crap is stupid. Sorry he couldn’t beat the great Celtics team of the 80s. Not many did….or how about the DEEEEEEEEtroit pistons…i think they were PRETTY good in the 80s as well….or how about those CHICAGO bulls…they were no slouch if i remember.

Pucks, you’re an idiot.

By Ryan

February 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

The most expensive players are not producing at this time. Havelid and de Vries, in my humble opinion, are not worth the 2 mil. Metro will ask for more money next season. Mellanby will not come back. Kovy is NOT worth the 5 mil, right now. You got these players down latter who are playing harder. Rucchin (sp) I have not heard much about him, was it he who signed a 2 yr deal worth 4 mil?

About the DW bashing, the Thrash have never been able to play well with new guys coming in. I have never seen it. The fact of the matter is DW is not on the ice, he’s going to let BH take all the heat. And Where’s Mellanby in all this? Captain needs to shake things up. Owners not caring about the fans? Welcome to Thrashers hockey.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

IFFFF the Thrashers were thinking of trading Kovalchuk, (they’re not,) he’s still got a lot of years left on his contract. I think it runs out in 2010. D’ya think the Kings would part with Kopitar, Cammalleri or the recently acquired (from Carolina) Jack Johnson, D-man prospect? They might. You don’t know, until you ask. I suspect a Kings-Thrashers trade would be a multiple player-type dealy. We’d wind up throwing in Jim Slater, RFA who will be easily re-signed this Summer. Uhh, probably throw in Hnidy. If it were Johnson they were giving up, then I suspect Popovic would have to be surrendered. Maybe McCarthy, too. And this wouldn’t be a “trade deadline” type deal. It would be an offseason move. All hypothetical, of course. The Thrashers aren’t going to trade Kovalchuk, in my opinion. Perennial 50-goal scorers don’t grow on trees. I do think Kovalchuk is this type of player.

Truthfully, I don’t think the Kings would part with Kopitar except for Crosby or Ovechkin. Maybe, maybe Malkin. But they might package Cammalleri and Johnson for Kovalchuk, a 1st round pick, and uhh, some form of “conditional” pick. Or McCarthy AND Popovic. I guess that’s possible.

Kovy would probably love the exposure that the L.A. market (#2 in the country) would bring. All those clamoring that the Western Conference doesn’t get to see the “big stars” would be placated somewhat.

He and Heatley could phone each other up and talk about how happy they are to be out of Atlanta and into a more visible market.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Bob, Hossa is another matter to address. Yes, he’s the best player on the team, and maybe in the league, but he’ll be able to command $9.5 million in the Summer of 2008, if the cap rises to $47.5 million, as it’s been reported. Unless the Thrashers GM ponies up, I suspect we’ll lose Hossa in a bidding war. Translation: “Lost for absolutely nothing.” And if you’re a GM that wants to pluck Hossa away from the Thrashers right now, you’d face that same dilemma in the Summer of ‘08. So how much are you willing to sacrifice for ONE YEAR of Hossa? Perhaps the CBA allows for a contract to be renegotiated when they’re 364 days left on it? If so, Don could do a “sign-n-trade” for Hossa, in an attempt to reap a “windfall” of depth talent in return for this great player.

Heyyy, you think I WANT to lose Hossa?! No way! But letting him walk for zip, zero, nada, bupkiss … is maybe the worst thing of all. Yes, we could re-sign him. I’ve thought of that. Can we really absorb a $9.5 million hit for one player, that all the other teams can neutralize with a double-team? You can get a lot of players for $9.5 million, even in inflated 2008 dollars. At least three (3) good players should be the return.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Dave, I feel sorry for you. You’re a stats schmuck and I’m about winning it all. Watching selfish athletes pile up stats while their team goes nowhere aint my bag, so really no use wasting breath on you any more. Hip Czech, there are a slew of guys that dealing Kovalchuk could bring. A couple I really like for the blue line are Brent Seabrook from the Blackhawks & Brent Sopel from L.A. Seabrook is young, big and can skate. Sopel is 30, only a -1 on a terrible L.A. squad, and has experience. Chicago also has Smolinski at the center spot who could be packaged with Seabrook, but he’s 35 and would be a short term solution. L.A. also is looking to move Aaron Miller, but he’s also getting grey, and if I’m going to move Kovalchuk I would not do it for any d-guys over 30, 31, who couldn’t give me 5-10 years of service. These are just a couple guys off the top of my head that play for down & out clubs who might be looking to make a splash. Obviously you also need to replace some of the scoring you lose in such a deal, and there are a ton of guys you could get that at the very least would work hard night in & night out & provide some of the grit Atlanta is missing so badly….an offensive center I’ve always liked is Danius Zubrus from the Capitals, but Washington doesnt have any d-guys I like and not sure Ovechkin would be too thrilled at the idea of having to share pucks with Ilya. No matter what if you do make this trade, you almost have to get an offensive player of decent caliber included in the return. Unless you count Alex Bourret, the Thrash dont have much on the farm to brng up where thats concerned.

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Pucks,
OK I see your point somewhat. Myself Kozy, Hoss and Karri are the only guys with any trade value on the team. The reason I have trade value is I am valuable. Got goals, speed, size a shot and I’m just a kid. OK so I am not the greates back checker but with a d like ours who would want get back and be seen around them. Look who I have been playing with. It’s a revolving door of 3rd or 4th line type players. GIVE ME SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH!!

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Also Pucks, Last night we had 3 pp goals against us in the first period. Why? Because our d is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! pathetic.

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Brendan, if I make this trade my foremost goal is to get as many guys back as possible, while at the same time addressing as many needs as possible. Kopitar, Camalleri and Jack Johnson would be nice - REALLY nice - but you’re talking about only one or 2 guys coming back to you there when you could get as many as 4 or 5 (including draft picks) if you downshifted just a bit. I dont think LA would be stupid enough to trade Kopitar for a one dimensional player like Kovalchuk anyway. Jack Johnson (U of Michigan) is a beast and I would definitely be inquiring about him. We’re talking about something on the scale of the Joe Thornton trade here, but Atlanta would have to demand a hell of a lot more than Mike O’Connell did.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Brendan, a good GM would lock up Hossa early. Like what you said last year that a good GM should have done with Savard, lock him up early so you don’t get into that bidding war and pay too much. Savard is yet another case where Waddell played poker, and lost, or should I say, we the fans, and the team lost. Rucchin, Savard, what’s the big difference?

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I agree w/Brendan that LA would be a perfect fit for Kovy, shoot, the Thrashers promo says Ilya is ‘the NHL’s version of a rock star’. Either that or NY (the next Ron Duguay).

If LA would let either Kopitar or Cammalleri go with maybe a D-man that might be interesting. I don’t know if that would happen though.

The Islanders might be another possibility (their management is even more messed up than ours) but other than maybe Campoli not much there.

Make a deal for a D-man now…Sutton must go!

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_ED, if the wheels fell off this club, and they turned into “sellers,” then there are actually quite a few players I think Atlanta could move. Andy Sutton, UFA this Summer, would be a decent rental for a Western Conference team. He’s a top pairing blueliner adept at blocking shots, and capable of logging good minutes. Also, Steve McCarthy is a blueliner with good offensive spark, affordably priced for next season at $775K. So, he’s not breaking any team’s bank. Exelby would be a great pick up for any team lacking “grit” heading into the playoffs. Not sure if he’s RFA or UFA this Summer, but it won’t cost a lot to re-sign him. There may be a team in need of a 3rd or 4th line center, with speed. Wouldn’t Jim Slater fit that bill, if you’re in the Western Conference? It won’t cost a lot to re-sign him, either. Slater is a former 1st round pick.

What about Jon Sim? At $610K, he’s the cheapest rental you’ll find. He’s got what, 15 goals-ish? That might be just what some team out West is lacking. Need a tough guy? Despite the fight you saw last night, Eric Boulton is attractively priced for a rental, at $500K. Need some checkers/grinders, Larsen is unrestricted this Summer. He’s cheap.

And finally, why not give Scott Mellanby one last hurrah and a shot at a Cup? Trade him to a contender and let him go out on top.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that you’re looking at latter round picks in exchange for a lot of these players. But I’m also the sort who think a shrewd GM finds a way to make latter 2nd round, early 3rd round picks materialize into players who actually play on your NHL roster. Imagine if you could have 3-4 second round picks. Or 3-4 third round picks. Some of those have got to hit! Don’t expect to bat 1.000. That’s crazy. But there are “finds” out there. It can be done. The guy Carolina just got back, Vasicek, was a 91st overall selection. Craig Adams was 223rd overall, and played in the NHL every year after his draft. He might still be in the league. Look where Federov, Nabokov, and Khabibulin were drafted.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Pucks-n-snot, I’d be dancing the jig if the Kings gave up all three!! (Re: Kopitar, Cammalleri and Johnson) That’s highway robbery. I’d rename our GM, “Don, the thief.” Shoot, I’d re-sign Waddell to five more years if he plucked Kopitar, Cammalleri and Johnson just for Kovalchuk!!!

By Bob

February 14, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Brendan, a shrewd GM can find a way to make latter 2nd round, early 3rd round picks materialize into NHL roster players that actually contribute. There’s quite a few GM’s around the league that are able to do that.

I can’t see The Fiddler making us into sellers, well, actually I can, but I refuse to believe it. Even if we lost every game between now and the deadline, he still couldn’t sell off, that would p** off even the shrinking few that still support the poor guy.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 01:03 PM | Link to this

Bob, I wonder if Hossa is the greedy sort? He seems so “mild mannered” and earthy. He might just “settle” for $8.0 million for five years. I think that’s a “reasonable” contract offer. Five years, $40M. That’s nothing to “sneeze” at, ya know? But, he’ll be able to command more. The market sets his value. He’s got years and years of proven NHL experience and 40-goal seasons, and 80 or better point seasons. That means $$$$. And, he just might be the best player in the league. So, the next question might just be … “Does Hossa WANT to stay?” Well … it’s a fair question. All players, good and bad alike, want to be in the playoffs. I suspect Atlanta will make the playoffs. But, it’s gonna be closer than I ever would have thought.

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Brendan, even if Hossa did want to stay and was willing to ‘settle’ for 8 million a year would DW negotiate before he tested the waters? Let’s hope the ‘don’t negotiate during the season’ days are over. How ludicrous.

I have given up thinking that players actually realize that 3 or 4 million per year is ‘enough’. Whether the players themselves are that greedy or it is agents, I don’t know. But very, very few put principle ahead of $$. I sure hope Hossa is here for the long haul.

No way become sellers between now and Feb 27. Ideally any deal we make is not a rental thing, but something that helps now and next year(s). Brewer might make sense if he is worth the 3 million/year it might take to sign him after this year.

Both McCarthy and XLB are restricted FA this year (resign both of them). DeVries, Sutton, and Hnidy are all UFA this year (good riddance).

Sutton must go…

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this

ddddddd, when you are a man down your d becomes 50% of your skaters. When you are 2 men down it goes to 66%. We have the worst pen. kill in the league. We can’t hold a lead. We have a very good goalie and yet we give up tons of goals and shots. ALL this points to one BIG problem. AND with the nature of d a top notch dman can play 30 mins a game. You can get 50% more ice time out of a top dman vs forward. GIVE ME D OR GIVE ME DEATH!

By Matt H

February 14, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this

Oh hamburgers… What do you even say after a game like last night’s… I’m honestly kind of dumbstruck. Somebody needs to say something. The GM, the coach, the captain, somebody needs to put a big, fat quote buried deep in the sports section containing phrases like “people getting fired” and “elevate play” and “or else”.

Somebody of authority needs to assure us all that there is a plan, even if there isn’t, and that it’s been deviated from and that “steps are being taken” to “get back on track”.

There, Atlanta Spirit, LLC. I’ve written your press release for you. Use it. For free. You’re gonna need the cash.

Loved: Ex’s hitting and play; I’ve really liked his play lately. He needs to play “hometown” games every night.

Liked: What I saw of Belanger and Hamel, The Grind Line’s play (when they decided to).

Disliked: Most everything else.

Hated: Watching a beaten team play a beaten game.

It was nice to see that Bobby Holik showed up last night, at least for a little while.

Everything else gives me that Han-Solo-being-frozen-in-carbonite feeling.

By Rev. Whitaker

February 14, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

WOW! I love seeing all the fair weather fans jump on and off the wagon! You guys are Great!

To imagine that hockey in Atlanta now has fair weather fans! How many diehards are just amazed by this? Granted they are uneducated in the ways of hockey, but they still know that the puck is supposed to go into the back of the net, and a few players.

Here come all the Trade Kovy, he sux!! He is not worth the 5 – 6 million we are paying him; he cannot play defense, and all the other crap that comes from your mouths. Trade Sutton he cannot do anything, he’s slow, he does not fit into the new NHL, and all the rest. Then we get on Moose, oh maybe he is not as good as we thought, Glad he dose not play too many games for so on, and us. I got an idea TRADE the WHOLE team! Would that make you all happy? What a joke!

If Ilya catches fire and won a scoring title all you people screaming to trade him would jump on the bandwagon quicker than the stink in a baby’s diaper. Ilya is a scorer first and foremost, and he is trying to work on his defense. For some of this season he has look like a more defensively sound player than he has since we signed him. However he is still young, competitive, and probably more frustrated lately with the way the team is playing than we are. Also Ilya is as good as his setup man, and guess what for the most part people are not passing him the puck where he likes it. (Yes he misses Savard)

When the PK was going down the toilet what was written through out this blog? “We need Andy Sutton” Now Sutton is back and all over again it TRADE SUTTON!! What Sutton brings to the team is not going to be seen on the score sheet, it’s the little things that he does that make him one of our top line d-man. Will he be caught out of position? Yes. Will he make some terrible decisions? Yes. But who is not guilty of this? Pronger? Blake? Chara? What defenseman is so perfect that you cannot say anything negative about him? NONE!

Since we have crapped on a forward and a defenseman lets crap on the goalies. Hedberg does not get enough starts; you cannot sit a guy for a month and expect him to play his best game. I do not care how much he does in practice a game is a different. But that is what we do and then we get on him about it and all you fair weather fans go thank God that Kari is starting tonight. Hedberg need more starts and Kari needs to take a break for more than a game or we are going to lose more games than we win. If you cannot see the cycle you will. Kari still has not learned how to have a short memory of goals hence why team can score 2 goals in 90 seconds. Likewise Hedberg wants to play more. What does this equal? Both of our goalies are trying to do too much.

If you are not ranting about trades, you move to contracts. Hossa is not going anywhere till the end of next season yet you all have start saying we are going to lose him. Who knows what is going to happen, please raise your hand. No hands, what a surprise. With the salary cap teams will have a hard time keeping all their current or future superstars. Teams know this as well as players and they will have to change to deal with it. I would like to dream that this will force a compromise between the 2 players will take less for teams they enjoy playing for and teams will offer a reasonable amount to the players. Based on how we handled Savard this past summer there is a strong case to say that we will lose Hossa. But that is a season and a half away.

Here is my suggestion GET OVER IT! And look at the positives of this season.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

Brendan, that is reasonable, $8m for 5 years. The big question, as you point out, is would he want to stay here in this situation? There’s reason #296 to get rid of Waddell at the end of this year and get someone competent in here by next year that can show him and the league that we’re serious.

There’s supposedly a good crop of UFA’s available this summer, AND we have a lot of UFA’s and RFA’s that can be jettisoned, this club could be rebuilt, and quick. Reason #297 to get rid of The Fiddler.

Hip Czech, as long as Waddell is here, you’ll see more ludicrous “we don’t negotiate during the season, we’ll let him test the market” nonsense out of The Fiddler. Reason #298 that he needs to be gone. I agree with you on Sutton, DeVries and Hnidy.

lol at Matt for the “Everything else gives me that Han-Solo-being-frozen-in-carbonite feeling.” Well said, I had that exact feeling 1/2 way through the 1st last night.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

“Here is my suggestion GET OVER IT! And look at the positives of this season.”

Ok, here goes.

Uh oh, me and Matt are having that Han-Solo-being-frozen-in-carbonite feeling again!

By Pucks n Snot

February 14, 2007 02:17 PM | Link to this

Reverend, no one said Kovalchuk “sucks” - he certainly doesn’t. But he isn’t a team player and has trade value that could remake this team into a serious cup contender, which they certainly aren’t. Now you can go write another Bible like the one above to try and combat those simple facts, but most of us will only read the first paragraph as usual.

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

“But that is a season and a half away.” is exactly the point…it hopefully will not get to be a season and a half before we get around to addressing it. Get Hossa signed BEFORE next summer.

Given the ‘no negotiations during the season’ mentality it will be Savard all over again. I hope that Hossa wants to stay, but chances are he would jump at the first contender that offers the $$.

Let’s just forget about the next year or so and concentrate on the here and now. Let’s forget about signing Kozlov now and let him try the FA market later this summer. That will give us another reason to not negotiate during the season so we can again use that for when Hossa hits the market next year.

Let’s not try to upgrade our defense because, hey, we haven’t given up as many goals as Washington, Boston, or Philadelphia (yet)…maybe if Sutton blocks 15 more shots a game that will help.

I really hope this is the low point. Everyone knew that this trip would be difficult. I don’t think anyone would mind going 1-3 in the last 4 games, except the way the last 2 were played seem to point to bad things ahead.

We have 13 of the last 20 at home, no need to panic quite yet, but it sure would be encouraging to see this team play a solid, all-around game. When was the last time that happened?

By Hip Czech

February 14, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

Besides, you haven’t heard griping until LAC chimes in…that dude is the king of negative ;-)

By Ilya k

February 14, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

Hey pucks, What do you mean I am not a team player. You point makes no sense. “isn’t a team player and has trade value that could remake this team into a serious cup contender,” If my trade value is such that it could turn this team into a cup contender and other GM’s recognize this why don’t you!! I’m with REV on this one. Look who I have to set me or for me to set up. You want to know why I look up when I don’t score. “I am looking in the stands to see if there are any beer league guys that I think could pass better than the clowns I’m skating with”. We give up a ton of goals with a good goalie! Oh ya, I should back check that’s the problem. Oh ya, every great goalie had a great back checking winger. ya

By Matt H

February 14, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

Rev, I’d be perfectly willing to get over it if I felt the team was really playing like they meant it, and losing. But I don’t think they are.

I think they’re phoning it in right now, and I don’t appreciate that. Especially so close to playoffs.

As a fan, I don’t require that you win every game for me; but you’d better at least try.

For the record, I though Pucks brought up an interesting scenario (but I really hope Kovy isn’t traded). Ryan, I think, brought up some other names of high-salary players who are bumming it up this season for the Thrashers.

Sacrifices have to be made, however, for the team to move forward. And it’s obvious at this point that somewhere on the production line, someone has just lost touch, and needs to be brought back into the fold. Or replaced.

I’m an admitted Andy Sutton fan, and I think he may have the junk to be a legitimate no.1 defender… but he’s not quite there yet. And I don’t think there’s anyone on this team who can bring him down that road right now.

He needs direction, and support- from a player or a coach. And though I’ve witnessed some bonehead plays by him of late, as have we all, I don’t think it’s time to give up on him. But I also don’t think it’s time to expect him to lead the team’s defense corps in a 180 degree turn right away.

That has to be done by a 100% re-commitment from every player on every shift on the ice- or no ice time.

Kovy blows a defensive assigment but scores a goal? Cut his time. Sim doesn’t score but gets crappy penalties two nights in a row? 2 min TOI. De Vries gets smoked by a lachydasical play at the blueline? Call up Coburn for a game and see how Greg likes the way that play looks from the press box.

It may cost a couple games or goals here and there, but it will teach the Money Skill on this team that they need to show up for every shift and earn their ridiculous paychecks.

This team has been out of control and in search of its identity for the better part of 2 months now, and it’s time for someone in the organization (really anyone) to step up and put a stop to this s**. You may get the occasional W with sloppy play, but there’s no excuse for play that’s been this sloppy, this long. Period.

And here come the playoffs, and we can’t be bothered to come to the f’in rink.

There seems to be no accountability on this team, and seemingly in this organization, right now, when it’s needed most.

That’s what I can’t get over.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

A few posts (and blogs) back, I dropped the “accountability” bomb. It’s turned into a “buzz word.” I’m glad it’s catching on.

Revvvvv!! Good to have you back. You were missed, particularly earlier in this season, when the team had some mini-dryspells. You haven’t posted since the Summer FREE AGENT signing period, however. What gives?? Several of us have called for your “pep” talks during the year, but you were nowhere to be found. Are you skim reading, or is this the first time you’ve checked back in at this message board all year?

I know. I know. Your posts are “infrequent, but memorable.” And mine are entirely too long. (Not quite “O’Brien-like.”) Fair enough. But I still haven’t said the Thrashers have no shot at the playoffs. I’m still saying they’re gonna make it. It’s just gonna be closer than I thought. This team was on pace for 103-points. Now, it’s more like 94-95. But that should be good enough to get in. We’ll see.

Hey, Thrasher_Ed asked me who I thought had trade value on the team. And I answered. That contributed to the “trade discussions.” I wasn’t actually suggesting a firesale. As for contract negotiations, I would think that one must ALWAYS be cognizant of that. This is the era of salary cap. It’s all about “decision-making” and strategy. I think it’s always a valid topic of discussion, no?

By pondscum

February 14, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this

Some very good points viewed here by alot of folks.I find all your points valid,but folks leave the name calling out.We are here,spending our time for a reason,because we love this team.

1 thing Waddell needs to do IMHO is actually play more of his draft picks on a regular basis.This would allow more flexibilty with the cap and getting players and keeping them.

Only Excelby on the blueline was his draft pick.Kovy,Slater and I think Vigier are the only draft picks DW has in the lineup on a regular basis at forward(besides Kari of course).Everyone else has been either traded for or signed as a freeagent.

This is another reason why Savard isn’t here no more.If the roster had a better balance,then the money would’ve been there.This also again calls out Waddell’s drafting abilities.And it also seems that Hartley and his assistants can’t develop young talent.There is no direction here and it falls from the top down.

Picking up Belanger was a good move because he is a better option than some others on the roster,and Hamel may turn into something as well,I don’t have a problem with taking a low risk such as this because a player like him is hungry to prove they belong every nite in the NHL.

Alot of folks make fun of the Jackets GM for being a tool,well ours is no better.Sure,some bad luck has taken some away.But it seems either our on GM has no confidence in his own abilities to draft or our coach doesn’t crave some young talent sprinkled in.That’s why I feel both should be let go.

I know some may disagree,and I’m not saying my opinion is better than anyone else’s.But the facts remain….we haven’t made the postseason yet and have only seen minimal gains in being a more competitive team every night.I feel the same way alot of you do,yes you aren’t gonna win every game.But,if you give it 100% effort,I’m satisfied as much everyone else.

To me,this is the year to either make the playoffs……or make changes to the roster as well as the front office.There has to be some acountability,no more letting the “well they are nice guys” line be the hook that saves them.

As for trading players, NO ONE should be untouchable(not that I’m for trading Kovy),but it’s about what’s best for the team period.

And Brendan,it may be true that DW is handcuffed.But I find it curious that Loot bagging Lou that runs the Devils just seems to always find a way to make things happen.That’s a true indicator of what kind of GM DW is,he should be able to use what assets he has and be able to make the team better.

I feel this team,with an addition of a top-6 forward (center or winger) and anothre blueliner would be capable of making the playoffs.Maybe even win a round.

But as it stands now…..I’m not placing any bets on them to get in,as much as I hope and pray they do.

By Brendan

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

In “fairness” to Don, he shouldn’t be measured against Lou Lamoriello or any other GM who has long distinguished himself in the upper echelon of the NHL. People who expect Don to be Scotty Bowman are not being realistic. Unfortunately, there may be closer similarities with Doug McLean. Though, I still say Don’s better.

By pondscum

February 14, 2007 07:11 PM | Link to this

I’m not comparing their success per say, because Lou has been at it alot longer.But there ability to assemble a competitive team on a season to season basis.Drafting and managing a cap.

Heck,even Garth Snow has gotten his “malcontents” to play together pretty well this season,and he’s never held the position before.

Feaster with the Bolts,has still been able to ice a quality team while having 3-4 players eat the majority of his cap up.

The Blues are a much better team with Davidson and Murray at the helm now.If they had hired Murray sooner in the season,they very well could be in the top 8 out west.

By pondscum

February 14, 2007 07:31 PM | Link to this

And another thing is,they (DW and BH0 have players playing the wrong roles IMHO.

Kapanen isn’t a top-6 forward.He’s a 3rd line center at best. Rucchin is better at the #4 slot or 3,depending on how you want to roll your lines. Sim,I do like him,should be on the 3rd line at best.The only real top-6 forwards I see are Kovy,Hossa,Kozlov and maybe Metro. If anyone noticed,why was Hartley so quick to yank the rug out from under Metro playing in between Hossa and Kozlov as soon as ew traded for Belanger?

The Avs gae showed they had great chemistry.Why not roll Kovy-Belanger-Sim together? It’s knee jerking descions like this that says Hartley is in a panic mode.

I don’t even know where to start with the defense.Havelid is ok as long as he’s not playing to many minutes,Sutton isn’t back on track yet since coming back from injury,McCarthy and Hnidy seem to be pretty good together and Devo has gotten alittle better the last few games.Excelby has came around since missing time also.But outside of Havelid and McCarthy,we don’t really have a puck moving d-man.Hnidy can some what,be he seems to be better at staying home.

I’ve also noticed as someothers have that why don’t the PK make the other team dump it in and try to get deep,stand them up at the blueline instead of this collapsing back into their defensive zone?

And why must we always dump it in to try to get a forecheck going? Why not carry it in deep as possible and let some others get to an open spot?

I just don’t under stand how you can’t or don’t want to change/tweak your systems when your struggling as bad as we are right now.

I try to stay positive and I really am now,I’m not gonna give up…….but this ulcer and the questions remain.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 08:29 AM | Link to this

pond, you’re right on re. many of your points. Waddell should be judged according to his peers, other GM’s have managed their clubs very effectively, you’d be hard pressed to find the few that have not, Columbus’ MacLean is one that comes to mind that’s worse.

I also have no idea why they yanked Metro off that line and threw Belanger in there. I can assume that it’s only of necessity right now. Let’s jump ahead and assume Waddell makes a move to bring a top center in here, Metro is still going to be the odd man out at center. I think you “could” lay the lines out this way: Belanger centering Hossa and Kovy. New center centering Kovy and Sim. Holik centering Larsen and JPVJ. Rucchin centering Slater and Mellanby.

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February 19, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

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