Thrashers

By Ryan

February 14, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this

Craig, I think that one problem was throwing Moose in there, got destroyed, then going back to Lehts, it seemed to throw him off. PP and PK looked awful. I think the Thrash are dead last at this point n the PK. Sorry, I can offer no solutions other than these guys need to play with urgency. They are about to get jumped by about two three teams. The Thrash have never been able to play well with new faces in the line-up. It plagues this team and creates issues. A downward skid is very untimely. Do you feel that the boys are thinking too much of others teams in their tail-lights? Who knows. have a safe trip back

By UpperDeck4Life

February 14, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

Well, if I am dealing only with our current players….I take deVries off off of the PK, I am not saying that Hnidy or McCarthy are any better, but deVries just doesn’t have it lately. Secondly, I put the following pairs out there as forwards. Belanger-Kozlov, Hossa-Holik, and if then I am still in a pinch, Larsen-Kovy (hey maybe at least we score a SHG). Then I see if I can wrestle Chris Higgins away from the Habs.

By Josh Gusick

February 14, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this

I know Andy Sutton is coming back from an injury, but he is killing us right now. He has been on the ice for 20 of the last 31 goals scored on us since he came back. I would drop Sutton down off the pk and maybe put Hnidy back with Havelid. Until Sutton proves he is back and should be on our first d-line, we should use Hnidy with Havelid. I like what I have seen from Belanger and I would continue using him on the PK. Our PP also needs some tuning. Teams are taking away Kovulchuk’s bomb and Hossa’s walk in move, but we haven’t adapted yet. As much as I like Mellenby, we have to take him off the pp. Teams are cheating away from him because they know he can’t hurt you outside of 5 feet from the net. I wouldn’t mind giving Sim or Metro a chance to play with the first powerplay unit.

By Barry

February 14, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this

Thrashers don’t seem to be playing with heart right now. Remember last year when they were making the playoff push they gave it their all every night and layed it all out on the ice. Lately it’s like they think they can just coast into the playoffs? Just because they are in 1st place (but not for long) they think that can just go through the motions and still make the playoffs? They need to reinvent the PP. The perimeter passing is not working. Not sure what needs to be done on the PK. They do need to put more pressure on whoever has the freaking puck. They need to have good body positioning and be aware of people left open on the doorstep or the slot for crying out loud. Basically Thrashers need to play every night like they are hungry for the playoffs and like they really want it.

By luckydog

February 14, 2007 02:01 PM | Link to this

I realize this is just non-constructive criticism, but the biggest things I saw were that:

1) Colorado sucks (at least when Theodore starts), making that “great start” to our trip an illusion.

2) In the other three games we consistently got outskated and outbattled for pucks, whether they were along the boards, in the corners or in front of the net. As someone else noted, with a team average age of 30, we are not young or especially quick and don’t appear all that hungry.

3) The Canucks, Earlers and Flames all looked energized by their home ice. We do not.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

Biggest issue on this 4 game trip is our lack of talent and at center has been exposed. It was especially disheartening to watch Calgary dismantle us last night with a lineup that included a new center, Conroy, and a new dman, Stuart, who their GM just picked up. Both of those guys we could have used! Stuart QB’s a PP and could have eaten top pairing minutes with Havelid in our lineup. I think Sutton would do much better on a 2nd pairing with us, if we have to keep him. I think Conroy would help Kovy out tremendously.

To fix the PK, they need to pressure the puck constantly, constantly skate at the man with the puck. Stand guys up at the line as they try to enter the zone. But it’s also a personnel problem, we just don’t have the horses, I’m afraid. Only one guy can fix that, where is he? Is he there in the airport with you? Is he playing online poker or calling other GM’s?

By Thrashers27

February 14, 2007 02:22 PM | Link to this

These boys obviously have the talent to be real contenders in this league. I think the issue is that they’re just not on the same page. This, to me screams “caching issue”. I’m by no means calling for the stoning of Coach Hartley, but I think he needs to take some drastic steps to bring this team together.

A top notch center and D-man would help and a change-up on the PK and PP wouldn’t hurt either. I say keep Kovy, Koz and Hoss down low on the PP with Mac and Hnidy at the blueline. I will say that at the very least the PP has been able to keep it in the offensive zone fairly well over the last few games. In the previous three to five games they’d dump it in and it would be spit right back out to the other end of the ice. On the PK I agree, dump Devo. I say throw slates out there…and as I’m typing, it occurs to me what a sad commentary it is that I even suggest Slates, considering we have a glut of supposedly “quality” D-men.

I could ramble on all day, but I digress.

Come on Blue, pull it together!!!

By Lew39

February 14, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

The biggest issue on this roadtrip is the same issue that has plauged this team prior to the All-Star game. Ia also believe Exelby hit it on the head…

This team is made up of a individuals not playing as a team. Night after night, they come out and go through the motions. They look like the Braves, except they don’t win. They are skating as if they haven’t got a plan. Their passing is weak, no onwe in front of the net when they are forechecking. And we have proven no lead is safe, how many leads have we blown since the all-star game? These are all signs of not working, not playing a full 60 minutes.

None of this is the fault of the goalies. If it wasn’t for Kari, this team would be in worse shape then it is now.He has kept us in games where we could have lost by larger scores. But, how much can a goalie do? Our offense on the PP is the same now as our offense playing 5 on 5.

This team seems to have no spirit, heart, call it what you want. We looked terrible in last night’s game; this whole road trip. Lethargic, non caring, playing without purpose.

DO THEY WANT TO WIN? WILL THEY SACRIFICE TO WIN? The bigger question, IS THE SEASON OVER?

By ranallo10

February 14, 2007 02:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve carefully looked through the majority of criticisms about the team, about the personnel, and about Don Waddell and I’ve constructed a few easy to accomplish fixes for the current rut the Thrashers find themselves in:

To begin with, JP Vigier would fix all of the problems the Thrashers have. If Don Waddell would make an executive decision and force Hartley to play Vigier on the top line with Kovalchuk, on both pairings for the PK, and on the top PP unit, the Atlanta Thrashers would never lose. Hedberg needs more shots in goal, to prove he can handle the workload as a backup goalie…it only makes sense to continually rest your starter to make sure your backup is ready JUST IN CASE. Waddell should force Hartley to alternate games between goalies, no matter what sort of routine the goalies might be currently in, and every third game suit up Vigier to play net (he is after all their “best defensive player”). Vigier probably could start taking faceoffs too, as I’m sure he’d win more than the 54% that FOURTH LINE CENTER BELANGER currently wins. After that, we should trade the crap of the organization to any team willing to give up their best defender and best center, and maybe throw in a box of pucks as a sweetener. I’m sure they could wrestle away Iginla and Phaneuf from the Flames for de Vries, a 4th round pick, and a few of Kovalchuk’s leftover legal sticks from 2006. I thought of it, so it must be do-able.

Finally, Waddell should resign as he’s obviously not getting it done in the NHL nor in international hockey. It’s clear that the lack of heart the team shows directly correlates to the lack of drafting prowess that Waddell exhibits. The fact that Waddell’s Team USA finished higher than the gold medal favorites (Team Canada) means nothing, he was obviously lucky and deserves no credit for anything good that has ever happened during his tenure as GM of the Thrashers or as a consultant/GM for Team USA. He should quit his job and get back to fiddling with port-o-john’s and selling lemonade with his neighborhood kids’ stand.

Did I mention that he fiddles as a hobby? That’s just goofy and definitely has to go.

By Jenn

February 14, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Did you ever see Any Given Sunday? Al Pacino plays a aging football coach who is cricized by his younger coaches and players for having NO CREATIVITY. That is Bob Hartley.
P** poor management of skills.
P** poors management of goalies - Hedberg isn’t a mentrual cycle, he should get to play more than once a month.
Dead last PK and PP down the pooper too.
P** poor coaching. Plain and simple. How did this happen?
I think we peaked in October and November before Bob could break their spirits.
This is further evidenced by Belanger’s and Hamel’s spunky performances in the last 2 games. Wait until Bob gets them back to Duluth to rot their hopes and spirits.

By Russian

February 14, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

OK. Let me put my comments. First of all we are playing with new NHL rules. That means players must be quick and have very good speed. We have those players: Kovy, Hossa, Slater, Sim, Metro. Second one that we are playing with new rules PP must work better than we have right now. OK I suggest changing PP unit. PP unit must play one minute total. Kovy, Slava (center) and Hossa with Hnidy and McCarty are first unit. Do not pass puck so long it is waste time. Make shot, or go to the net and make something happened. Second unit will be: Sim, Metro (center), Mellanby with Devo and McCarty. Mell has to stay in front of the net and block to goalie vision. Third one is PK. It very hard to say what you have to do on PK. It is hockey and one man advantage is very critical. I do not know, but I think Larsen and Hollik, plus two new players will be OK for PK. Well, this is my view on team situation. And one more time we have to change our play ASAP. We are on Big Trouble.

By Paul

February 14, 2007 03:10 PM | Link to this

I think that the rest of the NHL has figured out the Thrashers. When the season started we were winning with ease:

October

5 - L vs. Tampa Bay, 2-3 (SO) 7 - W vs. Florida, 6-0 9 - W at Tampa Bay, 1-0 11 - W vs. Boston, 4-1 13 - L vs. Carolina, 3-4 14 - W at Washington, 4-3 (OT) 19 - W vs. Washington, 4-3 (SO) 21 - W vs. Florida, 4-2 23 - W at Florida, 6-3 25 - L at Carolina, 4-5 (OT) 26 - L at Philadelphia, 2-3 (SO) 28 - W at Buffalo, 5-4 (SO) 30 - L at Toronto, 2-4

But now wins are very close and almost never in regulation. I think that the coaches need to try some fresh ideas and out think the other team. Also, I think Kari isn’t getting enough rest.

By Ryan

February 14, 2007 03:13 PM | Link to this

If we’re going to down and take ridiculous fighting majors then lets try and get Laraque from Phoenix and lets go down swinging.

By Tom

February 14, 2007 03:21 PM | Link to this

Did you notice the Calgary power play last night. They did not get caught in the game of passing it along the right boards till there was a momentary gap for Hossa or a shot for Ilya.

The got people in front of the net and then had the point shoot the puck. Not rocket science. A hard point shot that guys who are willing to commit and do the dirty work to slam in a rebound.

That will open up a lot in my opinion. Sometimes too much individual skills retard the teams efforts. When our second team PP is more effective than the first with all that talent you know there is a structural issue.

By Lee

February 14, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this

Lack of intensity, and are Marian Hossa and Slava Kozlov still on the team? I just thought I would ask since I haven’t heard their names since Colorado, against two awful goalies. I think the PK needs to be addressed in some way though, Hartley can’t just keep sending the same guys out there and expect different results. the defesnse altogether seems way too passive. i am not a long time hockey fan, but I have been for about four years, and the defense, even when we are not on the PK, seems to just lay back and let the opponent set up and run plays, to me thats just inconceivable. Seriously though, if Hossa could step up and go on a nine goals in five games kind of streak it could really boost the team’s morale. Because the offense is just as crappy as the defense right now, we are getting no production (4 goals in three fames)

By Jamie

February 14, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 you are an idiot. Go KILL yourself!

By Rawhide

February 14, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

I’m suffering from TFS, (Thrasher Fatigue Syndrome)……Stayed up and watched every single agonizing second of last night’s game…on top of the previous 3 out west.

I’m sure CC has to be feeling it too.

I’m still keeping the faith, guys, but the PP was just aweful,…beyond excuse. 3 PP goals on 3 PPs???? There’s your game!

Gonna get some rest,…catch up with everone this weekend prior the Ottawa game!

GO THRASHERS!!! - It’s gut check time!

By Chris

February 14, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers are not the first eastern team to get beaten up and down on a trip through western canada. It was more the homestand before that caused the current situation in the standings.

I’d like to see a bit more of Holik in all situations. I agree with the post above about teams completely ignoring Mellanby on that first PP unit…Holik would bring a bit more in that role.

Also I think DW was hoping that Sutton’s return would provide the needed defensive boost. Sadly this is not happening. We’re seeing alot of the Bad Sutton. And when you have Devries and Havelid also having down seasons, where is the defensive presence going to come from? I was hoping they would be fine without adding a D…but I’m not so sure now. And Vishnevski wasn’t the answer, he had been lost for 2 months.

By Matt H

February 14, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

Hedberg isn’t a mentrual cycle, he should get to play more than once a month.

I LROL!

Seriously though, there’s one thing that can fix this team up for the playoffs and that’s accountability. These guys aren’t playing like they’re beholden to each other for anything.

Who’s going to ignite that flame, is the question.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27, actually your suggestion is exactly what I wanted to post. Give Slater a chance on the PK. He’s very fast. I think he could disrupt the other team’s PP by attacking them inside their own zone with an aggressive forecheck. Second, “deny space, time, and opportunity” from the puck possessor. All too often, I see our “box” (5-4) standing still. We must attack the puck carrier as much as possible. In our PK, we seem content to let them pass the puck at will, hoping they’ll bobble it or make poor passes, before we go for the puck. When, I think, we should be “attacking” the puck carrier to create the turnover and clear. (Ummn, I meant “clearance,” in case J.P. Dellacamera is reading this.)

By Matt H

February 14, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

BTW Craig, (off-topic)are you a Mac or PC man?

By Bob

February 14, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

lol at Jenn for my new favorite blog line of the year so far (and it was for Matt H with his sweet one timer of “Han Solo stuck in carbonite look” that had me chuckling earlier, but Jenn comes in late blasting away with):

“P** poors management of goalies - Hedberg isn’t a menstrual cycle, he should get to play more than once a month.”

Very nice. Reminds me of my favorite line to rag a ref with, “hey ref, what are you, pregnant? You just missed the last period.”

If we don’t laugh, we’re just gonna cry and there’s no crying in hockey, so good work, people.

By ranallo10

February 14, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this

Jamie apparently doesn’t check this board often enough to understand sarcasm if it slapped him or her directly in the face. But you’re right, those ideas are stupid, aren’t they? Speak with Bob, he’ll tell you why he feels they’re right and be 100% serious when saying it to you.

By cosape

February 14, 2007 04:28 PM | Link to this

Our team need to be more carefull in own blueline in PK. Not letting opponents to skate direct over the blue line.

PK strategy need to be realigned as well because all teams have scouted our PK pretty well and keep the puck moving around all the time and finding places either from behind the back or from the center and we don’t have any ways to block those passes or taken sticks out from the play.

The team has tried couple of times to change the setup to diamond but right after that opponents have started to put lot’s of pressure to the goalie because there is only one defenceman standing alone. And then our players haven’t got any leader to change the PK setup on the fly but still trying with the one they started the shift.

It’s time for defence coaching start to look after those issues and take learnings to practise. Team had practises where they concentrated to PK and PP and it worked well in one game but right after that returned to old. At the same time 5 on 5 play suffered but didn’t recovered.

By The Falconer

February 14, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

Josh wrote: I know Andy Sutton is coming back from an injury, but he is killing us right now. He has been on the ice for 20 of the last 31 goals scored on us since he came back.

Ouch. That’s a pretty bad trend there.

By Brian

February 14, 2007 04:34 PM | Link to this

I’ll jump on the Jenn bandwagon and say that comment made me chuckle. But Bob, being a hockey guy you’re favorite one should be of Schoenfeld telling Koharski to eat another donut.

By Brian

February 14, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

Falconer - thanks for bringing that up. I too want to write about Josh’s comment. 20 of 31 goals against Sutton was on the ice for. I was calling for him not to come back at all but almost everyone here was saying “but Brian, he leads the league in blocked shots”

Great stat.

By The Falconer

February 14, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

Craig: The schedule has hurt us (my blog post for today), But the team simply must get better special team play. The PK unit has dropped right off the table. The PP unit is super stale and predictable.

In addition to watching the Thrashers, I watched the Versus Monday night game between PHI-DET. During the entire game I only counted three times where either team’s PP unit passed the puck four times before taking a shot. Often it was just one or two passes, shot, crash for rebounds.

How often have we seen ATL make 5 passes then turn over the puck and get zero shots? Far, far too many. I also didn’t see them just standing around with zero motion like the Thrashers power play. I saw movement creating scoring opportunities.

I think this team needs more creativity out of the coaching staff because it just isn’t working right now.

By yellowjax

February 14, 2007 04:51 PM | Link to this

POWER PLAY Its not rocket science. Look at the tapes from Calgary; a very simple and effective PP. No perimeter rotations at the boards (everybody’s figured that out) spread 4, send 1 to the net, make a couple of crisp passes (not the 5-6 finesse passes we are trying now), bomb the net and hope for rebounds. Doesn’t take a sharpshooter, almost anyone can slam in rebound in front of the goal. MORE SHOT = MORE GOALS We’ve been getting 1-2 shots in a 2 minute period. PENALTY KILL This is a tough one. We are very slow on D right now. Always seem to be a step behind. But we have got to tough it up and protect our blue line. Disrupt the play before the other guyd get set. We seem to pull back to far and then get burned on a quick move. if you get the puck in our zone clear it with authority. I don’t know if we are trying to set up a short handed break but we get burned too much trying to control the puck in our own end.

Oh yeah, and a good butt chewing may be effective too. These guys have to find some heart. It looks like they are just going through the motions - and not very well at that. if it takes benching some of the top dogs do it. They have to get the message and get it quick.

By Bob

February 14, 2007 05:00 PM | Link to this

“being a hockey guy you’re favorite one should be of Schoenfeld telling Koharski to eat another donut.”

That’s an excellent one.

A classic from football was Jerry Glanville, who I could not stand, telling the ref “this is the NFL, that stands for Not For Long if you keep makin’ calls like that!”

Sutton is absolutely crapping the bed, he played relatively well before he got hurt (relative to how bad he stunk before the end of last year), and I was calling for him to get back and help out the PK. Nice to see he’s back to his normal self. I’d be careful of hoping Hnidy takes his spot though, he looks awful shaky. Hnidy played pretty well when he first stepped in for Sutton after the injury, but he don’t look so good lately. Anyone see him whiff on a couple clears last night? Brutal.

By T-Bone

February 14, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

After this lousy trip I suspect SportSouth will never broadcast future west coast road trips sparing us all the late night trauma of watching the collapse of the club right before our eyes. Of course those with Center Ice will still be able to subject themselves to the agony.

By Brian

February 14, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

Bob, you just blocked that comment out because it was Terry O’Reilly and the B’s that got the benefit that night…

By GaVaHokie

February 14, 2007 05:17 PM | Link to this

The one thing that erked me last night, and it’s sure to rise Bob and Sage from their seat, was during Thrashers Live before the game. They did about a 5 minute piece on Dion Phaneuf… showing him get drafted and how he could be “one of the great one’s”

Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds… so disheartening to know he could have been a Thrasher instead of Coburn.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

In the pre-lockout days, my favorite razz the ref quote was, “Hey Ref, I haven’t seen this much clutching and grabbing … since PROM NIIIIGHT!”

By GaVaHokie

February 14, 2007 05:26 PM | Link to this

I think it would make more sense to put our Penalty Kill team on the Power Play and our Power Play team on the Penalty Kill.

Add Slater to the mix of Holik, Larsen, Vigier and DeVries… it would completely change up the strategy on the Power Play… net crashing!

By Nicholas Irwin

February 14, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley doesn’t really strike me as the type, but I hope to God that after the game last night Hartley just lit the team up…perhaps destroyed a skate-sharpening machine for good measure. That is what this team needs right now more than anything. That was a completely unacceptable effort last night.

Every other game you could look and say, “Oh well, we were going along there pretty well until such-and-such happened.” Not last night. Here’s a hint, guys: When you have the worst penalty kill in NHL history, DO NOT TAKE THREE EARLY RETARDED PENALTIES!!! You know you’re gonna give up goals on at least two of them, I know you’re gonna give up goals on at least two of them. So stop taking penalties! It’s not “aggressive”…it’s stupid!!!

And as for that penalty kill, I know you guys suck, but would it kill you to NOT LEAVE JAROME IGINLA WIDE OPEN IN THE FREAKING SLOT!!! Something needs to be done to fire these guys up. After that, we can talk about individual things we could do to shore up this and that, but until something happens to get these guys to give a crap, none of it’s gonna matter.

By setnstone

February 14, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

The players on this team need to ask themselves one question. Do they want to make the playoffs? I’m sure the answer will be yes.Players need to committ to total team play every second of every shift. Take the game as one shift at a time, take care of your responsibilities and give 110% all the time.And yes, did I forget. Have fun playing this great game and the winning will come.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this

That’s the way it goes, Hokie. Truthfully, in the position of Nashville’s GM, picking 6th overall in 2003, I would have taken Ryan Suter. Just like he did. And yes, I would have been wrong and second-guessed to the hills. Such is the “inexact science” of drafting in any given year. That said, that’s not a FREE PASS for GM’s to whiff on quality pics, or latter round picks, over a period of years.

Central scouting and Hockey News both had Coburn ahead of Phaneuf in 2003. That said, had I been committed to acquiring a D-man, I would have scouted all three, extensively, figuring “well, one of them will be ours.” But even then, they were so young that it’s still quite inexact to know which one would be the “best fit.” Of course, had I also had the benefit of being on the rules committee, that probably would have influenced my thinking as well. Bygones.

But I’m not a GM. I don’t get paid to scout and manage and draft. LOL. But all three players, Suter, Coburn, and Phaneuf, were thought to be the class of the blueliners in 2003. What’s more, it is still too soon to label Coburn as a “bust.” But if he can’t be trusted to log more minutes next year, it might be time to reevaluate what his role might be within the organization. Maybe he won’t reach the top pairing, as had been hoped.

Patrik Stefan was a very capable 3rd line center. That was his “role.” People were angry about it because … well, he was the 1st overall pick in his draft year. Playing on the 3rd line is not where you hope a top pick lands. But if that’s the best he can do, then that’s where you play him. The same might be true for Coburn. He might only be a 2nd pairing blueliner. But, it’s soo very early yet. Players develop at different rates. I keep hoping for Braydon.

By Brian

February 14, 2007 05:40 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - I think what is getting Bob & Sage so rattled is how little Stuart was acquired for.

I am now hoping for a double trade to get both Smolinski & Acouin out of Chicago? Salary hurts us but how many options do we have. No one is selling. I really want one of the good Panthers centers but they won’t give it up in the division.

By Brendan

February 14, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

Setnstone, in October, every Thrasher player’s interview mentioned the word, “playoffs.” I didn’t hear players on other teams, back in October, talk about the importance of making the playoffs. Lately, I haven’t heard the Thrasher players use the word “playoffs” in their interview session. What gives? I find that peculiar. What they say now is, “the standings” are getting tight. Maybe they assume they’re in the playoffs?

By Bob

February 14, 2007 06:44 PM | Link to this

Brian, it doesn’t get me rattled, it simply makes me sick to my stomach to have to watch a NEW GM like Sutter outmanage Waddell, and have to sit up last night and watch the results as their club looks primed and ready for a playoff run, and well, we got Waddelled.

Anyone else just hear Kincade on 680 TheFan call out Waddell? The heat is on. Finally, someone in the media in this town with the cahones to step up and call him out.

By setnstone

February 14, 2007 06:47 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Sutton the other night say. were not even playing like an eight place team trying to make the playoffs. I think Devries even mentioned the playoffs. The bottom line is these guys need our support more than ever. Not just the players but the whole orginization. Winning cures everything. We just need to have fun do our job and win.

By sisu

February 14, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this

Props to Kincade for saying that this club needs to make a move.

Anyone else notice a certain player making a statement last night for Atlanta not drafting him???

I think the years of stockpiling prospect is over and now is the time to make some moves on getting a shut down dman and a true #1 or #2 center. If Coburn needs to go then let him go!

By Rawhide

February 14, 2007 08:58 PM | Link to this

Congrats Jenn,…your “Any Given Day” post made the front of the Thrashers page on ajc.com….picture and all.

Now,…

What strikes me as odd with our team is that, with only slight exception, this is the same group of guys that jumped out to such an increadible start last fall.

So, to me, it is not a question as to whether or not this group of hockey players and coaching staff CAN win,…they have already shown that they can.

It is more can they get back to the level of play they were at for the first 50 or so games of the season….to regain the focus, the drive the intensity they once had.

Seems to me that the sense of urgency that was born from the concept of “anything short of the playoffs is unacceptable” has given way to a sense of enevitability that we WILL make the playoffs.

Too many players seem to be playing as if they are waiting till April to turn it back on…

What Coach Hartley must do is grab these guys by their collective necks and remind them they have accomplished NOTHING yet!!!!

We can blog till the cows come home about possible trades and upgrades,….and certainly there is merit and reason for making such deals,….but even if we do,….17/18 guys that wear the Brown Thrasher upon their chest today will be who determine our fate.

These guys need to take these three days off to rededicate their play to the mission at hand, “playoff or bust”….

‘cuz brother,…….busting THIS year with THIS talent…..with a potential fan base still needing something to get past their skeptisizm about hockey in this town,……could be desasterous.

Oh, and on that point,….when you return to blueland on the 22nd,….bring a friend….pack the house…..ROCK THE BIG SCREEN!!!

So,….GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!

By sisu

February 14, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

No sell out please, the team does not win when there is a sell out!!!!

By thrashersfan

February 15, 2007 06:43 AM | Link to this

Bob, I caught Kincade before Waddell came on and yes, he was right on. Next yr is not an option, season ticket holders have been patient for 7 yrs and want playoffs “this yr.” He even went so far as to suggest Don give up a 1st round pick to pull off a good trade. Although I hate the thought of that, Kincade just might be right. This town wants a playoff team “now”, and if they don’t get there, Waddell will surely be gone….which may be a good thing.

By jerry

February 15, 2007 07:16 AM | Link to this

I believe the Thrashers only exist as a business venture.

I believe that a win is only important to the degree that it sells tickets. Or jerseys,etc.

No matter the sport, the franchise that has the strongest will to win usually comes out the winner.

Prove me wrong, Mr. Owner.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 08:38 AM | Link to this

sisu and thrashersfan, my I almost ran off the road last night listening to Kincade. I tried to call in and tell him atta boy, but the lines were clogged.

The best point that Kincade made is the one I’ve been making for weeks now by calling Waddell The Fiddler. Kincade pointed out correctly that Waddell should not be waiting. He should not be negotiating with other GM’s. He said if they want Coburn, send him away for the guys we need in return. They want our 1st round pick, send it. Kincade correctly pointed out that next week, we play the Canes and Tampa, 3 times total coming up quick. There is no more time to wait. The move must be made now. If we get it turned around now, win those games, we right the ship. If not, it’s the bottom completely falling out.

Kincade said that the fans are fed up, that the season ticket holder base is beyond tired of waiting, that the time is now to make a good playoff run. We miss it again and he loses the fans, any momentum, and loses his job. He said that the fans are tired of waiting for this nonsense of the next crop of draftees to come up and build for the future, it has not worked, no more waiting, send the prospects, draft picks, whatever away in a trade and get us players now. A caller called in and said “Forsberg”, Kincade said he’d drive up to go bring him back. It was quite the most excellent rant.

Waddell agreed with him on everything he said when he finally got on the air with him, except for one thing, and that was Kincade’s assertion that Waddell would be fired if the Thrashers missed the playoffs. The Fiddler can’t truly believe that, if it does, it shows either how far out of touch he is, or it shows that he believes are ownership group is incompetent.

Let’s see if this additional heat on The Fiddler finally gets him to make the move for a top center and a dman that will right this ship, before it’s too late.

By Hip Czech

February 15, 2007 08:49 AM | Link to this

Seeing that Sutton’s only contribution is shot blocking I have come up with the best way to utilize him.

Have Sutton just lay down at the top of the crease. That means Kari doesn’t have to worry about the 5 hole or the lower corners. We can also only dress 5 defensemen because Sutton will be on the ice the whole 60 minutes.

We lose nothing offensively, we utilize Sutton to the best of his ability, and we clear up a roster spot. Makes sense to me.

By T-Bone

February 15, 2007 09:11 AM | Link to this

I’m coming to the conclusion that this team and /or system are fatally flawed. We are not a puck possesion team. We live on the transition game, yet our D is poor at generating turnovers because of their passive style of play. Thus, game after game we watch the opposing team possess the puck for long stretches of time and outshoot us sometimes by wide margins. This style leads to several bad things: 1. penalties as the D tries to prevent the persistent offensive threats 2. lack of offensive opportunities as our time with the puck is limited 3. lack of oddman breakout opportunities due to the aforementioned defensive passivity.

This conflict between offensive and defensive personnel is the responsibility of the GM. However, the Head Coach has the responsibility to mold the system to the personnel he has. Either DW need to get the personnel to match the system Hartley insists on having, or Hartley must adjust the style of play to the roster he has. Something, or someone, has to give.

By Scott

February 15, 2007 09:16 AM | Link to this

No one, I repeat NO ONE ever crashes the net with regularity on this time. I’ve never seen this many centering passes from the corners or behind the net with absolutely no one out front. PP and PK units are playing lazy hockey with no hustle as a unit on either regardless of who is out there. It’s gotten in their heads and most likely will not get out until next season. They will make the playoffs but they will be one and done.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 09:22 AM | Link to this

Bob, the only thing I can imagine is that Stuart’s salary was too much. As well, San Jose couldn’t pass up that deal to get Thornton (turned out good for them) but Boston recycled him pretty quick. Maybe we can hope that the cap room is being saved? Only time will tell so let’s not jump the gun, we have gotten better every year and this is the year we have to make the playoffs. Also, this is a 1st place team personel wise, Hartley wouldn’t have coached in the all-star game if it wasn’t. I don’t know what’s going on between the GMs but I will not second guess since it is not my job. I will say that I want the playoffs this year. That is the next step.

By Hip Czech

February 15, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this

Does Brad McCrimmon coach at all? I have been to several practices and have yet to see him actually say anything to the defense.

Here is a quote from a Flyers site: “Coming in from Day 1 that was an area of the game where we wanted to get better based on last year,” said coach John Stevens. “We changed a few things that didn’t work and [assistant coach] Terry Murray has been the one teaching and coaching the penalty kill. He’s very meticulous in the details and has everybody on the same page.”

Somehow ‘teaching and coaching’ doesn’t seem to be what McCrimmon is about. Maybe I’m wrong there.

Steve Weeks, on the other hand, seems to be very hands on and one who works with the players very well.

By rayjay

February 15, 2007 09:32 AM | Link to this

It’s Hartley. No ingenuity. No ‘Plan B’. The team did good at the start of the season. The other teams adjusted to counter Hartley’s system and now you see the result. I don’t even like to watch them play. Too passive and too stuck on playing their role in defense instead of a little creativity.

Also, on all the truly successful teams, the best players play in all situations. Kovy has started to be a liability instead of an asset. In the new NHL, long range snipers are much more easily countered than the guys that are creative around the net.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 09:46 AM | Link to this

Brian, I really don’t think this is a 1st place team, personnel wise. We have no #1 OR #2 center, we have no true #1 dman. We’ve been lacking at center and d all year, that’s the problem. To be an elite club, you must have a top level center and a top D. Look at what the Pens are doing with Crosby (and Malkin) at center and Gonchar on D.

In addition, Kari has the makings to be an elite goaltender one day, but he’s just above average today. That’s why Coach should have been platooning him and Hedberg all year, like Jenn said, Moose is not a menstrual cycle, he needs to go more than once a month (what a great line that is).

We have true elite wingers in Hossa, Kovy, and Kozlov. But beyond that, it’s slim pickings. Center is the most important forward position and a club must have a true #1 D than can eat minutes every night and shut down opposing forwards.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 09:58 AM | Link to this

Bob, I’ll buy into your argument, but then how do you follow that up and explain how we have been in 1st place since the start of the season? You can’t blame it on a weak division because for most the year (until the recent slide) only Buffalo has been ahead of us so we would’ve been in first place in the Atlantic as well as the Southeast. You got some points but how do you explain our 1st place position all year?

By Ryan

February 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Looks like a three way tie between Thrash, Pitts, Ott. this is looking sad folks

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I know for a fact that the cities of Kitchener, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba have their sights set on the Thrashers and are secretly praying they miss the playoffs again. If Steve Belkin is awarded control of the team he will sell to a Canadian interest that will rip them out of Philips Arena so fast they’ll leave a big hole in the roof. If Spirit is somehow victorious they will sell anyway seeing what a mistake it was to think they could run a franchise. I predict Atlanta loses it’s 2nd NHL team to Canada within the next 18 months.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I’ll have to disagree, I think Calgary gave up a good amount for a defenseman they won’t be able to retain next year. They gave up a great prospect in Kobasew and a tough, serviceable defenseman in Ference.

It’s the same as giving up Exelby and Slater for Stuart and not getting any of them back next season.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

We’ll get back on track, don’t worry. This team was built for the playoffs, I just hope it was built to “make” the playoffs first. We always hit a skid around this time of year. Just remember the reason we’re in first in the Southeast is because Tampa and Carolina have had their share of skids as well.

Come playoff time, we’ve got the right guys in there… you’ll be surprised how guys like Rucchin, Holik and Mellanby come alive in the post season. It’s a hard concept to grasp right now, I know, but trust me.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Craig - I feel your pain on the Minneapolis airport. Have you ever had to walk through the sheds in the field to get to the railway system? Good luck finding your way to the car rental counters! I thought a great city like Minny would have a first class airport, but that place is an embarrasment and if I lived there I would be ashamed.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Pucks n Snot - I couldn’t disagree with you more. There is no way that would happen, it would take me too long to go through the economics here but I am on record as saying no way.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Pucks n Snots… thanks for the “conspiracy theory” but I think that’s pretty understood along with Kansas City as well. I don’t think the Thrashers are going anywhere.

But I will say one thing, if this city sells the Thrashers, I’ll be out of town much faster… same goes for if the Falcons trade Vick. It would go to show me that pro sports are forever doomed in this town.

By Jennifer

February 15, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

The “sky is falling” stuff is a bit out of control everywhere. The Northwest Division has soundly defeated just about every Southeast team they have faced—and they haven’t faced Tampa Bay yet. I don’t usually pimp my own stuff on here, but maybe my post on Southeast Shootout will help put it into perspective for all the people calling for Bob or Don’s head on a stick.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Brian, not only could it happen, but Atlanta might not be the only southern town to see its franchise head north of the border or out west. I also see either Nashville or Florida pulling up stakes and fleeing very soon. There is a HUGE movement amongst hockey traditionalists (yes, including many American fans)to bring at least 2 teams back to Canada, and there is a seperate movement that wants to put teams in places like Kansas City, Houston, Portland, Salt Lake and Seattle so that the conferences can balance out and teams like Detroit & Columbus don’t have to be subjected to a western conference schedule every year even though they reside in the eastern time zone. Wake up, buddy, the hockey winds of change are blowing….

By Brian

February 15, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ok, who else here is buying into Pucks n Snot because honestly it is not worth the time, but if that many of you are gullible enough to be buying into this I will go on.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Let me also clarify that it can very well happen to Nashville, Florida is an outside candidate, but not Atlanta.

Again, who is actually buying into this?

By UpperDeck4Life

February 15, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Pucks, the only problem is that Atlanta has better attendance than 4 other teams in the East and 4 in the West; New Jersery, the Isles, Panthers, Caps, Ducks, Blues, Blackhawks (not very hard to beat them though) and Preds. I find it hard to believe that the team would be moved by the league and Spirit would not move the team either. (Belkin I am honestly not sure about though)

The Thrashers will make the playoffs this year and play infront of packed houses. This city will not let a repeat of the Flames happen again.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Pucks n Snots… you’re not telling us anything we don’t hear every single year since the Thrashers came in existence. Winnipeg, Portland and Kansas City can wish in one hand and crap in the other and see which one fills up faster… same goes with the hockey “traditionalists”. The truth of the matter is, the Thrashers are not that bad off financially and attendance is growing. They have good corporate support as well with box suites and advertising, which is what plagues Nashville at the moment. They’re having difficulty with selling corporate tickets.

By ranallo10

February 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Jennifer…while I appreciate the fact that you pointed out my post from this board in your own blog, I feel I must emphasize that I was being overly sarcastic in that post. I’m sure most people tend to skim the many posts here and take away what they want, but my post was completely over the top with unrealistic ideas about the Thrashers (and were based on some ridiculous ideas many other posters have been making over the last few months).

I just wanted to point that out…

Also, I think that Hip Czech’s idea of Sutton laying on the crease is by far the most creative approach anybody has come up with for “fixing” the blue line of the Thrashers. I can just picture Sutton laying on his side, hugging the goal posts, taking away a majority of the net. But would Lehtonen then need to learn how to become more of a standup goalie??

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

I’ll take, “Not Buying It” for 1,000, Alex.

First, look at the size of the cities….Atlanta has a much deeper market then Winnepeg or Kitchener……..and I’ll put Philips up against whatever they have built to draw a team.

Blueland is strong and striving.

I’ll believe the Florida Panthers being up-rooted to KC or Winnipeg….Nashville is safe if the go deep in the playoffs this year.

I think P&S is simply airing a North-of-the-Border bias.

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

….now, Hawks to Las Vegas,…..THAT is a more viable scenario.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Hence, the immense importance of the team making the playoffs THIS year. If they dont, I promise you both fans and sponsors will start bailing like steerage off the Titanic. We all know Atlanta is not a city that will support a moribund franchise after it becomes obvious they are hopeless. Look at the Hawks…this town, with its enormous black population, could easily be the center of the NBA universe if that franchise was anywhere near competent, but they are run by complete fools, and the fans know it, so they stay away in DROVES. So if a losing NBA team can barely survive here where there are legions of basketball fans, what the hell makes you think an inept NHL squad will make it in a region with barely any hockey fans at all? I know my topic is controversial folks, but lets not ignore reality here….

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Nope, 100 % American, Rawhide….native Detroiter & proud of it. Nice try, though…

By Brian

February 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Pucks n Snot - you have been influenced by Windsor too much. Don’t worry, although I have never been to Michigan I was able to see Canada from my bedroom window growing up, but I did not let Grapes tell me how the European bogeymen were hiding under my bed…

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Pucks… that’s where you’re wrong… there are a ton of hockey fans in this town. That’s a misconception… you’re not considering the migrant Northerners in this town, most of which like other teams. Being from Detroit you should understand how Red Wings fans fill the building when they come to town… same for the Islanders, Flyers, Rangers, Leafs and Sabres. They might not be cheering for the Thrashers, but they’re buying tickets, eating hot dogs and drinking beer like the rest of us.

Nashville doesn’t have that luxury and Florida doesn’t have an interesting enough team. Even if you’re not cheering for the Thrashers, it’s still mildly entertaining enough to watch Kovalchuk and Hossa play against your team.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie makes a good point as well because like it or not, this is a transplant city. And it’s not just the Thrashers that are effected. I went to the Hawks last home playoff game. It was against the Knicks and the way the fans were cheering you would’ve thought we were in Madison Square Garden.

By Ryan

February 15, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Is Craig stuck at the airport?

By Jsmooth

February 15, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

T-bone’s post at 9:11 am may be the best and most clearly stated summary of the problems that plague our beloved franchise. If you play transition but your D sucks, then you are in a world of hurt. I should know as my alma mater, Wake Forest, is practically a mirror image of the Thrashers…one difference is their overall lack of talent. Take away Kovy, Hossa, Lehts and perhaps Kozzie, and what the hell do you have? Our best line (when healthy) in terms of chemistry is Holik-Vigier-Larsen, but they don’t generate many goals. Puck possession yes, but not goals. So if the top two lines aren’t scoring enough because our defense struggles so much to get them the puck, then you are screwed.

It’s up to either DW to pull the trigger on a big deal to get us the right personnel on D (and perhaps a center for Kovy) or Bob Hartley to change his style and play more to the team’s strength. Problem is, our strength is undermined by our putrid D. We probably need to play more of a trapping style or with more aggression defensively by our forwards (a la Buffalo) to create the “fast-break” opportunities we want. And rather than dump and chase only to cycle and lose the puck without chances, take more shots from the wings on the rush and go after rebounds!!

Anyone recall the comeback versus NJ last year when we overcame a 4-1 deficit to win in OT?? We did it by shooting the puck from the wings at the top of the circle and then swooping to the net to get rebounds. We are always trying to be too precise with our passing or cycle the puck aimlessly without moving it in front for chances. Scrap it and play like you played agains the Devils last year…hell, the same desperation is about to sink in anyway because this team is another 7-8 game losing streak from missing the playoffs!

Stop fiddling Don and get ‘er done!

Sorry Bob!

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

And on a side note, as a Thrashers fan, you should want the season schedule to stay the same… the more you can get teams like Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philly, Boston, New York and Buffalo in your building, the better. As an owner looking to fill seats, you don’t want to drop a Rangers game from your home schedule just to make sure the Blue Jackets play the Thrashers once a year.

By Thrashers27

February 15, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Yeah, but for any of you who have ever been to New York City will agree with me that it is an even bigger “transplant city” than Atlanta. I think the fact of the matter is that people as a whole like to think that where they come from is for some reason “better”. Atlanta is by no means the best city in the world and would not be my choice of places to live, but it’s no better than any other place in the world, nor is New York, Boston, Chicago, Des Moines, Omaha, Memphis, Charlotte, Los Angeles or Miami. They’re all the same.

WAKE UP THRASHERS!!!

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure I understand your point Thrasher27… what were you getting at?

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 01:22 PM | Link to this

P&S,….point taken,….but my issue still is that the northern bias by hockey fans toward the south is misplaced.

The Thrashers are thriving and will remine right here for quite some time.

Tradition in hockey is a BIG thing, and it’s true we are in the building stages to creating a foundation of hockey history in the ATL, be we are doing just that.

Besides, it is in te interest of the NHL to have successfull franchises in the south and out west. Otherwise it becomes maginalized as a NE/CAN sport and that just won’t sell in the majority of the USA.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

There are tons of hockey fans down here? When was the last time you heard someone discussing hockey at work? At a eatery or bar (including most of the sports bars here)? At the mall? At the airport? Do you talk hockey with your barber or your accountant in Atlanta? Sorry, no sale boys. Sure, there are scattered hockey transplants in Atlanta, but don’t insult me by saying there are “tons” of hockey fans there. If that were the case, then the team would receive more attention than just one AM radio station whose signal reaches about 5 miles out at night and constant 10th page burials of thier game results in the one (and only - how lame) paper Atlanta has. The Thrashers have no media support whatsoever and despite what you’re trying to insinuate, have constantly ranked in the lower tier of NHL attendance every year save their first, including this year with their supposedly “playoff caliber” team. Do any of you even realize that many executives and owners within the NHL have already labeled the Thrashers as a “failure franchise”? Spin it all you want - it’s the truth. You miss the playoffs this year - that’ll be 7 straight out of the gate……you think the NHL is turning a blind eye toward all those facts plus the ownership situation down there? Think again and think hard, gentlemen. To suppose the Atlanta Thrashers are an untouchable franchise during such a transitional period in the NHL’s history is nothing short of laughable.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 - you lost me… I think this is another one of those debates that just isn’t worth getting into.

Jsmooth - you are repeating a lot of the things we think when we are at the games or yelling at the TV or typing on this blog.

Rawhide - I’m with you on principle but I always laugh at how people arguing for relocation say that hockey doesn’t belong in the South but then want to put it in a city like Portland or Houston or Kansas City. Then they want to put it back into the cities it failed in like Winnipeg.

By ranallo10

February 15, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

Bryan Berard — Marco Sturm

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

Strike 2, Rawhide (but keep swingin’ buddy!)…. I have no problems with Tampa, Carolina, Dallas or San Jose. Those are well run franchises that have been successful on and off the ice within their communities. They represent the league well. Atlanta does not. There is more talk about the ludicrous ownership situation and opposing fans buying tickets to Atlantas arena than about the team itself. The GM is a buffoon who couldn’t draft his way out of a plastic grocery bag. The team promotes a one dimensional brat who is despised across the NHL as its star player. They’ve never made the playoffs and probably won’t this year. And this is a stable franchise - why, just because of their shiny arena and Delta & Coke? Big, big mistake to think so…

By Thrashers27

February 15, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

Pucks, if you don’t live here and aren’t from here, why do you take up so much of your time with comments here. Why do you care? Are you bored with nothing better to do, or what…and further more, who are you that you should be so “in touch” with NHL operations that you would have such insight?

Hokie, you’re right. I did kind of go off on a tangent there. Not sure where I was headed with that one now.

JSmooth, you hit the nail on the head. Shoot the freakin’ puck and crash the net, boys!!! That’s all coaching. We have the talent. We just need Hartley to pull some strings and Waddell to make something happen. I’m sure he’s burning up the phone lines at this very moment.

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

The only thing I can really agree with you about P&S is your feelings about our “paper”,……I sure wish there was an option, but as with any left-leaning organization, any dessenting viewpoint will be snuffed out!

Outside of that,…..I am a 1st generation southerner and hockey fan. I have two boys, 15 and 14 playing the sport in the Junior Thrasher organization and we are hooked not only on the game, but the team.

I have 20-25 people in my office, men and women alike, whom I attend games with regularly and hockey is always topic #1 at “the water cooler”….I personally have taken many neighbors/co-workers/churchmembers to games, their first ever, and they have become addicted.

Is the fan base anywhere what it is in NY, Toronto, Chicago, Detroit? No, no one is saying that.

However, we are indeed in the midst of building something here and each year the base grows. When we make the playoffs, that will even grow stronger. Now, of course, the downside of that is with the success will come the band-wagon jumpers who will attend only because it is now the chic thing to do, but one takes the good with the bad.

Another thing we here in the ATL have to contend with is knowing that anytime the above-mentioned team travels here we have to contend with several fans from the visiting team. It is what it is. We have had to deal with that with the Braves as well.

But we Atlantans understand that this is what comes with being the more desired place to live then those cities up north, and as such, we deal with it.

Your predictions of a Thrasher Exedus is not only premature, it is pure folly. The NHL NEEDS teams in ATL, DALLAS, LA, FLORIDA and CAROLINA. Because where the population of the country is moving to is where the future is.

By Jsmooth

February 15, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — where do you work because I want to be a part of THAT kind of water cooler activity every day! Easier to talk about it than typing into this blog that has a 5-10 min delay!

By Jennifer

February 15, 2007 01:57 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, I recognized that your post was filled with sarcasm and over the top suggestions. That was why I chose it, our readership usually enjoys that kind of insanity :-)

By ranallo10

February 15, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

I’m glad you realized Jennifer, I was worried — If there’s anything else I can do to help your readership please let me know.

I personally liked the response from Jamie: “ranallo10 you are an idiot. Go KILL yourself!” (I think Jamie was having a bad day)

By Bob

February 15, 2007 02:23 PM | Link to this

“Bob, I’ll buy into your argument, but then how do you follow that up and explain how we have been in 1st place since the start of the season? You can’t blame it on a weak division”

Brian, but that is exactly what it is. The way the setup is now, we play 8 games against each of our division. And less against the rest. We feasted early on Florida and Washington. Also, the club was playing way above their heads early, remember all of those late game comebacks? We were down in games early, and pulled some miracles out. And we’re great in the shootout, tons of points in the shootout and in OT losses. But it’s caught up to us. Someone posted a stat about 10 days ago that said the Thrashers had only won 5 games in regulation in the last 27 games. That stat has to up to about 6 games in the last 33 now. That shows you right there the problem is deeper than just a slump or the PK broken.

By UpperDeck4Life

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

Pucks, explain why the Ducks, considered the best team in the west draw less than the Thrashers……yet no one worries about them. Even with their ventures into the playoffs, this team still does not draw. The Devils with their many Cups and fans “who can appreciate hockey” play infront of half of the number of people that the Thrashers do. The only time fans of those to franchises show up is after the team makes the playoffs. Why not move the Blackhawks out of Chicago and away from that horrible owner they have? There are teams that are in worse places with the Thrashers in terms of fans right now. And don’t forget, Atlanta is hosting the All-Star game next year, the team is staying put. I agree this team needs to make the playoffs, but not to keep the franchise here. They need to make the playoffs because they are good enough to make it. the Falcons didn’t go to the playoffs for close to 15 years, never had back to back winning seasons; yet people don’t talk about that Franchise needing to be moved. The “traditionalist” can talk all they want. Southern Hockey is here to stay.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 02:33 PM | Link to this

Actually Pucks, I have conversations all the time with people about Thrashers hockey, more and more so everyday wither it be at work, a bar, the store. All you have to do is wear a Thrashers hat around and you’ll be surprised how many people want to talk about it… but Wait a minute… Pucks doesn’t even live here?! What experience are you speaking from then?

I’m sorry, but your rhetoric is coming from 2003… it needs to be updated to 2007, you’re highly out of touch with the under-pulse of this city… much like the AJC.

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 02:33 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth,…..I’d tell ya but I don’t know if that would be bad form on a blog site.

It is a cool company,…I work at a HQ off Windy Hill and we have another in Miami,…about 1,000 here and 1,900 in south FLA.

We have 30 offices world-wide including places like Toronto and Kingston, ON. Also, Springfield, OH and Rapid City, SD to name a few. So we get a lot of translants from those fleeing the fridgid climes from up north.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

pucks, the only way Atlanta loses the Thrashers is if Belkin wins the court case. He’s a basketball guy, I could see him selling off the franchise, but even if he wins it, I put the chance at less than 25% since he would get the Hawks and Phillips Arena’s rights along with it, and you’d be selling off something that fills (ok, 1/2 fills) you stadium 43 nights a year (more if playoffs. Playoffs!?!? Playoffs?!?! I just want to win a game).

I try not to think too much about it, as I hope the Spirit guys win the case, as inept as some think they are, to me, they at least are trying and did up the budget that Waddell had to spend on the team. But, the unfortunate reality is, the judge already ruled in favor of Belkin, the court case now is to try to overturn that ruling.

Jsmooth, no problem. With Kincade on Waddell’s back now, hopefully the AJC (cough) will wake up and put the full court press on him and we’ll see The Fiddler do something meaningful.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this

Let’s keep our eye on the ball, if The Fiddler gets his act together and brings us a center and a top d (rentals or keepers), they can turn this around and still make a playoff run here.

Get er done, Fiddler.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

But Bob, is the Thrashers beating up on Fla & the Caps any different than say NJ beating up on Philly & the Rangers? Each division is going to have some bad teams, I don’t think you can say that we have it so much easier than the rest of the league. 6 reg wins out of 33, you have something there, but that only goes back to half of what was played this season so that is a trend, how did we get 25 regulation wins in the first half of the season then?

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 02:39 PM | Link to this

Next week is a make or break situation for the Thrashers… we’ll see how bad they want it when they play CAROLINA, TB and CAROLINA again.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 02:40 PM | Link to this

Bob - I immediately correct myself, I know that not all of those wins would’ve been in regulation… Point still being, we had a very good 1st half of the season. Every division has someone to beat up on.

By ranallo10

February 15, 2007 02:47 PM | Link to this

In order for the PK to be “broken” it had to be working correctly previously, didn’t it? When during this season has the PK been fixed?

There’s a trend with the Thrashers under Hartley’s tutelage that has become more and more apparent —- somewhat strong start out of the gate, followed by a midseason plateau, and finally followed by a rapid decline. Some posters have mentioned this before, but doesn’t that show the lack of adjustments that Hartley should be making?

It’s just like every other professional sport, if you don’t change your strategy then eventually the other teams will learn how to exploit your strategy. The 5 passes then bomb by Kovalchuk worked for the first few months, but hasn’t since December. The PK plan of having 4 old or slow players sit still and try to clear out the rebounds hasn’t worked since October. Change your plan, keep other teams guessing, maybe that’ll fix things.

But to imply the PK is now BROKEN, just seems wrong. It never worked.

By pondscum

February 15, 2007 03:08 PM | Link to this

Changes are needed.

1 thing is,if Hartley is gonna give tons of ice time to our “gamebreakers”,then why not go ahead and pickup a d-man and dress 7 defenseman? Everyone on the blueline stays fresher and you can matchup in game better against certain lines.

For the PK- Stop the collapsing back towards the net,play a high pressure attack.You may get more shorty chances that way also,cause the pressure may make the guy controling the puck lose it,and at the point it would either go back over the line,our player take it up ice for a scoring chance or the opposing player panics and takes a penalty.

I’d keep Belanger on the PK as well.

1st PK unit-Belanger,Vigier(when he returns) Larsen,Excelby,Hnidy. 2nd PK unit-Holik,Slater,McCarthy,Sutton.

Havelid and Sutton need broken up here,and giving them some rest would help also.You could also rotate in Rucchin when he returns.

As for the powerplay,move Kovy off the point.There is so much tape available on him at this spot,it’s not a surprise to anyone.And break up the units better to make the other teams respect them both.

1st PP unit- Kovy,Belanger,Kozlov,Devo(he will put the puck on net)and Havelid.

2nd PP unit- Hossa,Metro,Mellanby,McCarthy,Hnidy.If Hamel is willing to go to the net,reward him as well as Sim if a guy is not being up to task.

Both units are balanced with a passer/set up man,screener,finisher,and decent mobility on the points with fairly decent shots.

It would also be helpful to scout your opponents also,to see if they have a harder time with a shooting,overload or umbrella PP.

I feel Hartley leans to much on certain guys and wears them down.He is gonna have to trust others to be able to step up.

By pondscum

February 15, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this

And pucks-

You don’t have a clue.All this gum-bumping you do,how about some “proof” to your claims that other GMs and teams see us as failure.Do they pay the rent here? No. And do your “traditionalists” control anything,say a team,to be able to get thrie ways? NO. And you comparing teams like the Bolts(who had floudered for years before they won a cup),the Canes(yeah,what a great Whalers team they was back in the day,even though they moved to carolina and also floundered before their loss to the Wings in the finals,followed up by a season of crap,then winning it all).Your also comparing teams that have been in their respected markets for quite awhile longer than the Thrashers have been here. It’s to bad the Thrashers don’t reside in a division like the Wings do,so they could apd their points up by beating the AHL teams known as the Hawks,Blues and Jackets every season.Notice what has happened now that a real team(Nashville) has come in…..the Wings are #2 in their division.Nice try. And all the throngs of basketball fans? Not in Georgia,nor Atlanta.Just because some is black doesn’t mean they are naturally basketball fans.If Waddell was smart,he’d pick up a Anson Carter and Laraque to peek interest and show that yes their is diversity in the NHL. And you talk as if moving or relocating is so easy.Wrong again,you owner(s) have to have the cash to buy our their lease agreements and such,and many carry stiff penalties because so much has been invested in them.You think Belkin has that kind of money?Nope. Why don’t you take some advice and shut-up about things you don’t have the brain cell compacity to comprehend and seeing as how you don’t live here,you don’t have a clue anyways.Worry instead about your unicycles in Motown ,there in fighting between Babcock and his players,and Hasek’s bent wrist before bumping your gums here.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

ha ha ha…..good, emotional post, scumbucket. I’ll think of you first when the trailers pull out of Atlanta on their way to Ontario.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 04:02 PM | Link to this

As for me being on this blog, well, I just like to talk hockey and stimulate the thought process. Looks like I’ve been pretty successful….What, do you have to have Georgia residency to be on here or something?

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this

No you don’t have to have residency, but it might be important when talking about community support in the city… you kinda have to live here to make those kinds of judgements.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Pucks n Snot - If you think the only corporate power we have in this city is Delta & Coke, you haven’t spent anytime in the corporate world down here. Not only do we have a number of Fortune 500 companies with the HQ here, there are a number of other large companies that have their SouthEast or Regional office here, not to mention the international companies that have their US headquarters here. Now throw in all the mid range companies that are here and the small businesses that feed off of them and you have one great town. And you feel someone is going to pack up out of here to be closer to the pride of Hamilton? Or even funnier, Kitchener?!?!?!?! Even the Toronto based Nortel Company has offices here up off the 400. Our suites are selling at a high capacity, who is going to buy them from Winnipeg?

By Thrashers27

February 15, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

No, Snot. I just thought you might have something better to do with your life than jabber on some newspaper blog site in a city you have no connection to that is 1500 miles away from you.

That means you’re probably doing the same thing on 29 other sites as well.

“NERD ALERT!” (Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery. 1997.)

Don’t get me wrong, I love hockey and I love the Thrashers, but not enough that I would waste my time blabbing about it like you do.

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this

Brian, your right,……for the NHL to allow any NHL team, especially one in Atlanta, to uproot and move to Kitchener, ON…..simply an assanine statement.

Don’t get me wrong,….Kitchener & Waterloo, ON is really a nice enough place,….been through it on my way from Toronto to Michigan,….very nice people and they really love hockey up there…….but it would be like the NFL allowing a team to relocate to,….oh,I dunno,…say, Valdosta, GA.

Simply reliculous. Notgonnahappen!

KC,…Winnepeg,….OK, but not the Thrashers,……Panthers,maybe,….Penguins possibly but I really don’t see the city of Pittsburgh allowing the Pens to leave. A deal will get done there.

Anyway,…I think I’ll go enjoy a Coke now :o)

Kitchener,……(chuckle)…..

By Brian

February 15, 2007 04:38 PM | Link to this

In addition to our corporate power in Atlanta, consider that the US Dollar today is equal to $1.1626 Canadian $$. That is important when the Canadians complain that they can’t afford the players salaries up there. They can’t pay the ticket prices to provide the revenue that will offset all that player salary expense. Our standard of living is higher here and we can afford NHL tickets. Enjoy the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League games Pucks n Snot.

And please, don’t stay up all night waiting for those trailers because they aren’t coming.

By Jsmooth

February 15, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

rawhide, thanks for giving up as much info as you did…sounds like a cool company to work for especially if you have lots of folks from Ontario around! (worked with a few Canadians in my time and they are great people!).

The question was indeed asked in jest. I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble at work nor would I want someone who disagrees with you to come hunt you down! God forbid anyone on here is crazy enough to stalk!

Go Thrash! Make a trade!

By Rawhide

February 15, 2007 05:57 PM | Link to this

No sweat, js……..

What type of trade would you like to see? What is out there vs. what you think we are able to give up for it???

Personally, I’m open to further deals if the situation is right, I just think the team needs to get more aggressive on the PP and shake something up on the PK,…..new D pairings, maybe,…I dunno,…just something different.

By LAC

February 15, 2007 06:49 PM | Link to this

Well, Nashville’s Terry Crisp told it like it was last night on TV…

“We stole Vish from Atlanta, he was their TOP defenseman, a team high 128 hits this season, and we got him for nothing…aka a player we did not want.

Then Barry Trotz admitted he was shocked they ciould get Vish,,, called him a TOP 1-2 D man on his team and THEY LEAD THE LEAGUE IN POINTS !!!!!

So what does this say about us ???

Well we have THE WORST GM in pro sports, DUMB waddell, a man who is NOT committed to winning, and has NO hockey skills whatsoever… He SUCKS at his job.

Look at Pittsburgh 13-0-2 in their last 15 games, They just KEEP coming at you with the offense, we have NO offense except 3-4 guys.

Time for hedberg/de vires/sutton/holik slater/rucchin/kappanan to LEAVE TOWN. A few others are NOT far behind either…

It is VERY SAD to see this annual collaspe, but after next weekend… We will be OUT of playoff contention once and for all.

I am sick of devires and his hooking/holding/interference… always in the box.

I guess Hartley is sticking with him because of his Colorado days and it is KILLING US.

colburn is no answer, he is NOT skilled, So enjoy these last couple days on top in the SE… because we will not make the playoffs and can only hope these worthless baby owners FIRE waddell NOW, he is KILLING US !

By Brian

February 15, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Give me a freakin’ break LAC. Do you really expect them to come out and say “WE GOT HOODWINKED!” Of course they are going to put a positive spin on the new guy in town.

By pondscum

February 16, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

After watching Vish’s debut myself,he might have a point.

If DW doesn’t make a solid deal by the deadline,cross your fingers for the 8th spot,we may get lucky enough to keep that.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Pondscum, we’ll get in. It might be by the hairs on our chinny-chin-chin. But we’ll get in.