Thrashers

By Jsmooth

February 15, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

I wish I could be optimistic in answering these questions, but I can’t say “yes, the Thrashers will make the playoffs as currently constructed.” There are too many issues needing correction and too much “proof” (last two months of results) pointing to our demise.

I love these players and I think we have the potential to have good team chemistry. In fact, there was plenty of chemistry last year, just a lot of plain bad luck (w/ respect to goaltending). Having said that, it is truly time for everyone to do a gut check and give the faithful of Blueland reason to be excited for the last 1.5 months of the season. Winning against both Ottawa and the Hurricanators will do a lot to turn the biggest naysayers into believers.

BELIEVE IN BLUELAND!!

By Chris

February 15, 2007 03:47 PM | Link to this

No SE title but a playoff berth indeed. Even if the Thrashers only keep their head above water, none of the teams from 9 down look like they have the components to go on a needed hot streak.

Down to the wire but they get in.

By pondscum

February 15, 2007 03:51 PM | Link to this

As bad as I hope and pray they make it in,I don’t see it happening until the special teams REALLY get fixed and better efforts are shown.This is on the coaches and players.

It would also be a boost to see atleast another top-6 forward and/or defenseman added.This is on the GM.

It’s time for all 3 to step up and deliver.

By Tom

February 15, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers do not make a deal, I predict they miss the playoffs.

The team is expecting a deal now and are waiting for it more than the fans are. The comments following the Flames game screamed we need help now.

If nothing changes before the trade deadline, I truly feel the players will think management will not support them.

By DBH 1

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

Several things come to mind, the failure to win consistently, that is we win 2 and lose 3. The failure to hold a lead. The G/A. We can make the playoffs and win the SE if we can become and stay consistent and address the defensive lapses as a team.

By Lee

February 15, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

I think the talent is on this team to be first in the southeast without a doubt, it is simply a matter of execution. Kovy, Kozzy and especially Hossa are not playing like the same guys they were back in the fall. If Hossa turned it on and if Kozlov woke up the team would see an automatic and instant improvement. THIS IS A MUST IF THE TEAM WANTS SPRING HOCKEY. And on Nov. 30th, Kari Lehtonen tied the league lead for shutouts with four as the birds smoked the leafs 5-0 (Hossa had a hat trick). Since then Kari has not managed any shutouts. It is time for him to single-handedly step up and win a few for us. We may not score like we should, but specialty team issues aside, if the above mentioned things happen, we will win the division, hands down.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

Well, I think we can still win the Southeast (unimpressively) just by our March schedule alone… we play a lot of teams that will be “sellers” by the end of the month… Florida, Boston, Philly. Not to mention a couple of games against Washington that should be winnable.

The season ultimately comes down to the last 4 remaining Carolina games in my book.

By Russ

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

Tampa wins the division…Thrashers get in as a #7 seed.

One interesting name I have seen that might be available is Ryan Smyth from Edmonton. He isn’t a d-man or a center, which are the Thrashers biggest needs, but he might be the best player in the league at picking up the “tough” goals right in front of the net. He is the type of player that thrives in the playoffs and is great at creating screens and picking up any loose change near the crease. He is an UFA at the end of the year, and although he wants to stay in Edmonton reports are saying the Oilers might not want to pay the price he will be seeking, so they might unload him while they can still get something in return. Maybe Coburn and a mid-round pick??? I still say the top need is a top four d-man (I know a #1 d-man would be ideal, but I’m talking about players that might be attainable wihtout completely mortgaging the future), but when you hear about a rental player the caliber or Smyth you have to at least consider it.

By T.O.

February 15, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

I get frustrated in that the single goal of this franchise is to make the playoffs. Will everyone be truly happy with making it into the playoffs and loosing in the first round? I would prefer to see this team built to win the cup, however, there is still a lot of work ahead to accomplish that. I think Thrasher management has everyone convinced that all is terrific in blueland if they can just make the playoffs. I would prefer to set the bar a little higher and build toward that goal.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

Russ… Ryan Smyth is a very expensive Left Winger… the one position we have two-line depth in. (Kozlov, Kovy)

If they spend that kind of money, I’d hope it’s for someone like Datsyuk or Lang.

By Chris

February 15, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this

I actually will be happy with them making the playoffs and losing the first round. Beats reading about 1st round playoff hockey in other cities again.

Russ - I have seen those reports on Smyth as well and I think that is just posturing by the Oilers leadership. He is incredibly popular up there and they will find a way to keep him locked up.

By Russ

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

Chris - I agree that Smyth is a player that would never leave (I believe he might even be an Edmonton boy, but don’t quote me on that). However, what I was reading was they are afraid the Doan signing ($4.5 mil. per for 5 years) might have set the bar too high. The article I saw was talking about Smyth and Doan being similar types of players style wise, but Smyth is much better (which I would agree with) so he might be looking for at least that much. If someone wanted him as a rental player he would only be owed a little less than $1 mil the rest of the season. Anyway, as I said I would much rather bring in another solid d-man, but I just thought Smyth is a proven playoff-type performer so I just threw it out there.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

CC, the Thrashers as currently constructed will not win the Southeast.

The Thrashers as currently constructed will get in as an 8th seed and lose in the 1st round.

If Waddell gets us a top center and top d, then we can still win the Southeast and make some noise in the playoffs.

It’s all in The Fiddler’s hands.

By Russian

February 15, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

Forget about Smith and Datsyuk. If those players have gone GMs need kill themselfs. Well heard a rumor that if Detroit get Fosburg, they can loose Lang. Lang may be available for us. About Play Offs, I think Tampa will be First and we get 7 or 8 spot. I am 100% sure that we is going to lose first round. But it will be goosd Result for this year.

By Brian

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

I originally thought we’d be a #7. A couple things make me optimistic though. Tampa has overtaken the ‘Canes, which means our games against the Bolts become “4 point games” and we usually play well against them. As GaVaHokie said, our schedule gets soft, but we didn’t do well in our last 2 against Philly. Someone else (Lee, Jennifer, Bob???) stated how Tampa has a rough west trip coming up. Not sure what will happen, but I think it can happen for us.

As for the “just get to the playoffs”, I actually wouldn’t mind that. We have shown that we can make the steps year over year, and the next step is just playoffs, not Stanley Cup. But we better make them this year and then next year better be a serious Cup run. The “worst to first” scenario is really a translation for “one and done”. It does not make for a lasting franchise, and that’s what I want. That is why in my previous posts I have been against the “rent-a-player” for this year (next year on the other hand…).

By kevin

February 15, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

No moves = no playoffs. We need a defenseman and a center with one of these players being able to help on the PP.

I have no faith in DW, hope he proves me wrong. Trade a prospect, this franchise needs a playoff appearance to build momentum in the city for the future, the honeymoon will come to an end with another near miss.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 05:36 PM | Link to this

Russian… if something like Forsberg going to Detroit makes Lang available to Atlanta right at the trade deadline and Waddell makes a brilliant deal, I’d never question him again… not that I do.

Those are the kind of nuances that get overlooked by the casual fan. WHAT DOES happen if Guerin goes to Montreal or if Tkachuk goes to the Rangers? Yes, you’d like those players for yourself, but who gets waived or placed on the trading block as a result?

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this

Just to further my point… look how Steve McCarthy ended up here last season. Vancouver made heavy trades to bolster their defense and they had to waive McCarthy as a result. Not that he’s lighting the world on fire, but it’s still a quality pick-up and it cost us nothing.

By GaVaHokie

February 15, 2007 05:51 PM | Link to this

I’m sure Bob would call that the perfect example of “Fiddling” but in my book, that’s a good kind of fiddling.

By Brendan

February 15, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

Allright Craig, I’ll take a shot at it. I’d sayyyy, that as currently constructed, it doesn’t look good to hold on to the SE Division. I’m leaning more towards Tampa. It’s not impossible, though, with the current lineup to win the SE. Consider that 13 of the last 20 will be at home and the road opposition isn’t that menacing.

That’s why I still think, even as is, Atlanta has “some shot” at winning the Division and will make the playoffs. Obviously, Atlanta’s chances improve if some big name players come in.

Even if Don does absolutely nothing, I think, Atlanta will finish with 94-95 points, and 7th spot. Don’t expect any “miraculous run” from the #7 seed. Hey, I hear ya. It’s been done from there!!

Ask the 1994 Vancouver Canucks, the 1999 Buffalo Sabres, the 2003 Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers lost Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals, by one (1) goal, from the 8th spot. Sorry, for that little trip down memory lane.

If Waddell makes some bold moves, I won’t rule anything out. It’s an “X” factor that I cannot calculate. But, I may be in agreement with (poster) Brian, who a few blogs back asked the question, “Is this the year we should get a ‘big-name’ rental?”

There are “rentals” and there are “big-name” rentals. A “big-name” rental probably requires mortgaging the future. At least a little bit. In general, I don’t advocate doing that. It’d be one thing … if last season, we lost in the Finals. Or we lost in Game Seven of the Conference Finals, and it was CLEAR that this “big name rental” was the missing piece.

That’s not our situation today. In Season Seven, we’re still just trying to make the playoffs. I don’t really think Don Waddell is going anywhere, even if the Thrashers miss the playoffs. But, let’s just say, for sake of argument, that Waddell didn’t return. If that actually happened, I’d venture to guess that the Thrashers didn’t make the playoffs.

Okay, the hunt is on for a “new” GM. Have you looked, lately, at how many players Atlanta actually has under contract for next season? It’s not a lot. Numerous posters, and especially Bob, have pointed this out. A “new” guy has something of an “ideal” situation to walk into … insofaras he’s not burdened with a lot of returning “dead weight” or a plethora of astronomical salaried players. (Just Holik. Settle down, everyone.) And if he wants to re-sign Slater or Exelby, it won’t cost a lot. Even Sim is able to be re-signed without breaking the bank, if you’re thinking that way. Likewise, with Larsen, Bolton and Vigier.

But if a new GM wants to clean house, he’s got a pretty sweet deal! That is, unless we mortgage the future for a “big name rental” player at this trade deadline.

Look what the prospective “new” GM gets. Hossa, Kovy, Lehtonen, Havelid, Hedberg, (McCarthy?), and Coburn are all locked up for next season. That’s not “chopped liver.” Those are pieces. Actual pieces of a Stanley Cup puzzle. Who wouldn’t want to be the new guy? Okay, other than the ownership situation. Fair enough. Fair enough. The new guy might not be able to spend any money. Allright, fine.

By Lee

February 15, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Whether we get him or not (I’m guessing not), what is everyone’s honest opinion of Peter Forsberg as he is right now?

By Lee

February 15, 2007 06:01 PM | Link to this

And what about Darian Hatcher? Anybody think he’d be worth the price he might cost?

By Russian

February 15, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this

Lee, Please not a Hatcher. We have Devo + Sutton. Hatcher is always in box. No way.

By dj

February 15, 2007 06:29 PM | Link to this

For DW to make a move he has to answer two questions. 1) Will the player that I bring cost so much for the future for so little in return? For example, we get forsberg but we trade away 2nd round and valabik…with forberg on this team how far will we go, i still would say we wouldn’t get past the second round. 2) What player on this team can we offer in return? Current player is almost no one. I see coburn being on the block but that’s it. Teams want players not picks. I don’t see us making any major moves soon.

By will

February 15, 2007 06:37 PM | Link to this

I still say we need another good defenseman. The coaches just need to fix the PP…

By LAC

February 15, 2007 06:54 PM | Link to this

A new GM would be a Wonderful first step…

We got taken in the Vish trade… Another great deal… for someone else at OUR expense and colburn stays… He is BAD…

By smclem35

February 15, 2007 07:04 PM | Link to this

I continue to read fans comment that we have the talent to win now. It’s similar to England supporters claiming that they have the greatest football team in the world and watching them lay an egg on the world stage every four years. I think we believe just like England supporters, that if we say it enough it will be true.

This Thrashers team will not win the SE and will be lucky to make the playoffs. Only five teams have given up more goals in all of the NHL and as documented, they rank dead last in PK and nearly last in PP. Those are not the hallmarks of great or even good teams. Even in a victory over an average Colorado team, Kari had to face 48 shots. Let’s face it, after Hossa, Kovy, Kozlov, and Kari, no one stands out on the roster. The rest are nice complimentary players. I hope that I’m wrong but my guess is that my playoff ticket dollars will become a deposit on next year’s season tickets. I have no faith in Waddell making a move that will truly help the team. If I’m right, Waddell must go.

By Tom

February 15, 2007 07:26 PM | Link to this

SMClem

I am in the deciding mode on whether to spend 7 grand on re-upping my 2 seats for next year.

My fear is the ownership, management, and coaching have gotten stuck. They are scared to death they will miss the playoffs but not brave enough to pull the trigger for today.

The ownership situation, multiple owners in court, is hurting Waddells opportunities to deal as I am sure they are not moving with the speed that is needed. The only move reduced salary is very, very telling in my opinion.

I hope and pray that the team decides to step up to the plate and determines that being a winner is very important. As a die hard fan I want to see success and have a hard time justifying my hard earned dollars going to a team that is not willing to commit to excellence.

By kevin

February 15, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this

For all the talk of improving our defense over last year, we have given up more goals than all but five other teams in the NHL, our PK is last in the NHL and we are skating with the same 6 defenseman that we had last year now that Vish has been traded. DW has failed to address this glaring weakness, it’s like he was counting on a healthy Kari to fix all of their defenseive problems. Unacceptable.

By R. Stroz

February 15, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

Looks like Forsberg is going to Nashville.

By Geoffrey Paul

February 15, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this

I think this is all much ado about nothing. Look, these guys are human. They built a big lead early in the season, and they have managed to maintain it while relaxing on their haunches. It’s human nature to only do what you need to do to stay on top. Success breeds complacency. It is really hard to keep things in a high gear when at the end of the day you keep looking at the standings and seeing your team in first. Obviously their backs are against the wall now, and I think the team will respond. The team is better now (Belanger, Hammel, Hnidy playing strong) than they were early in the season. What is missing is the attention to detail and drive that only comes out when you find yourself in a competitive situation. I don’t think Le Thrash are a Cup winning team, but I still believe they are capable of winning a playoff series as currently constructed. They have some pressure on them now FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE OPENING DAY and I think that over the next month we will see them respond. That being said- I still want a true #1 center, but I don’t think we should bet the farm to get one.

By Bob

February 15, 2007 07:55 PM | Link to this

Falconer, you were right, look at how much Forsberg cost! This is nuts, now I’m as hard on The Fiddler as anyone, but this price is just crazy stuff and Waddell couldn’t and shouldn’t have done this:

“Sources tell TSN the Nashville Predators have agreed to trade Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, a first round pick and a third round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Peter Forsberg”

Problem is, that raises the price for everyone else that’s left.

Which is exactly why Waddell shouldn’t have fiddled and should have got it done a while ago, now it’s going to cost him more. Sutter in Calgary did the right thing, make your move early.

By jose

February 15, 2007 07:59 PM | Link to this

I think there are problems too deep that can be corrected with a trade. This is a jekyl and hyde (hide) team; even their wins of late (with an occasional rare 2+ goal diff. wins) are a complete struggle and half of their remaining games are within our division. we cannot continue to play games in the fashion they have and expect to win. I believe they will not only lose their lead by months end, but they may even miss the playoffs and if that happens, changes are in tune.

By sisu

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

WOW! The price for a rental player just got way high with the FOPPA deal!

By Keith

February 15, 2007 08:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how Atlanta will do as I been only following the Sens until Denis Hamel joined your team. I’ve been a huge fan of his since Binghamton.

I haven’t been lucky enough to catch Atlanta’s west coast swing.

How has he been doing? I will be at the game Saturday in Ottawa and am praying he lights them up as a little pay back.

By Geoffrey Paul

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

Bob, agreed that the Forsberg price was ridiculously high. But your conclusion that Waddel screwed up by not making a deal earlier and now he will have to pay more is inherently flawed. How do you know he hasn’t been trying to do exactly that for the last month, but didn’t do anything precisely b/c the asking prices are too high. Personally, I thought the Flames paid too much for Conroy, who was the guy everyone wanted DW to get. His price may have made sense for the Flames, a team with a legitimate that is very familiar with him and where he has performed well in the past, but the price they paid wouldn’t have made sense for Le Thrash. I thought the Belanger move was a stroke of genius. DW basically pulled off a within-division move, and all he had to do was trade a player that wasn’t contributing anyway.

Now, having said that the price was incredibly high and definately not right for our club, Forsberg in a Preds sweater immediately makes them the Cup favorites in my opinion.

By Tony C.

February 15, 2007 08:11 PM | Link to this

Wow.

Who asked about Derian Hatcher? were you serious? Are you a new-to-hockey fan? If so, you get a pass-if not-pass whatever it is you’re on!!! That guy was considered “slow & immobile” back in the “clutch and grab” era, we already have Sutton, who seems to have regressed to the bad habits he regularly exhibitied before March of last year.

I see where Boston is talking about letting Boyes go…What do yall think of that? Who do think they’d ask for in return? Where’s this kid LaValee hiBob was so keen on in preseason? Do you really think you could get “equal value” and/or “added value” in a #17 trade?

More importantly, do you really think having a bag skate will improve the team’s intensity? I reckon the game against Carolina will be when we find out. Yes I know we play the Simps first, but Carolina’s a division rival and (it seems) The Kid has a mental thing about going up against Ward.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By phil

February 15, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this

Win the Southeast = NOT A CHANCE

Make the playoffs = MAYBE

Have the right players in place to win = YES

Keys to winning and making the playoffs= BETTER EFFORT, BETTER PASSING, BETTER SHOOTING BETTER DEFENSE, BETTER GOALTENDING, BETTER TEAMWORK, BETTER COACHING

Hmmm, that about covers it but that’s a lot to overcome!

We always win in the first half and lose in the second half but so far we don’t know about the playoffs so it would be nice to get there and see what happens!

By Bob

February 15, 2007 08:33 PM | Link to this

Geoffery, all we ever hear out of Waddell EVERY year is what he was trying to do “but the price was too high”. It’s well past time for excuses, get the job done, Fiddler. Conroy and Stuart both would have looked great here. I think Calgary is primed for a nice run now. If Waddell made the same moves for us, we’d be getting ready for a nice run.

I agree re. Hatcher, he’s a dinosaur. He’s one of the reasons I picked Philly preseason to have the biggest drop off, he does not fit in with the new rules.

By mb

February 15, 2007 08:37 PM | Link to this

Looking at who we have remaining, the good news is (if my #s are correct) that we’ve gone 23-12-8 against the same competition this season, which would bode favorably for the home stretch. In the conference, Carolina has the toughest schedule remaining, with Tampa Bay having a slightly easier schedule than we have.

Given that the Lightning have been playing well of late, and we’ve lost 6 of the last 7, you’d have to give the edge to them to win the division. Russ’ prediction may be accurate…TB wins the division, ATL goes in as the 7th seed.

On another note, Forsberg to the Preds makes total sense and makes them a top contender (as if they weren’t already). The same move would’ve have made absolutely no sense for the Thrashers.

Santa Don, please bring us a #1 dman (for multiple years) and send McCrimmon up to the North Pole.

By Tony C.

February 15, 2007 08:39 PM | Link to this

Upshal, Parent, 1st and 3rd? Nice work by Holmgren! Insanely high price!!! Now I reckon we’re screwed on the Smolinski front….but then so is everyone else…What about Stumpel??? Martin and DW did the Heatley-Hossa deal…who knows?

That’s a hell of a bill though.

Even for a 99.99% Healthy Fopa….that’s a hell of a bill.

Although would you bet against Nashville?? Even against Anaheim?

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Geoffrey Paul

February 15, 2007 08:43 PM | Link to this

I’m not so sure Conroy would have been a good fit for us- certainly not at the price Calgary paid. Beyond that though, he was having a crappy year and I think that Calgary is probably the only team in the league for which you can excuse the GM for taking a chance that he would rebound after a trade. After all, Sutter already knew how well Conroy and Iginla skate together- no such guarantee that he would mesh with our roster or that his level of play would have elevated once he arrived in Atlanta. Stuart though is someone I would have liked to see us get. The trade I really wanted us to make, and that I think we got hosed on was the Comrie deal. The price for him wasn’t that bad. He’s young and skilled and I think he would have immediately been the best center on our team (although still not really a true #1). I was pretty upset the day I woke up and saw that Gretz had already traded him and he wasn’t going to be coming our way.

By B. Thenet

February 15, 2007 08:48 PM | Link to this

When is the last time DW took a risk in a trade?

Probably Heater for Hossa, but he HAD to make some kind of deal there.

DW is unwilling to part with quality to get quality in principle. I think he would rather win a trade than improve the team.

By Pucks n Snot

February 15, 2007 08:50 PM | Link to this

Ryan Smyth? You mean “Captain Canada” Ryan Smyth? In ATLANTA? Never. Not even if he butchered all of his teammates, piled them up at center ice and burned down Rexall Place - the Oilers would still re-sign him. He is a god up there. Someone also mentioned a couple Detroit players….let me step in for Ken Holland and make this easy for you - unless the name “Hossa” is going to come off your lips, don’t even waste the energy it would take us to answer your call. You have ZERO players on your roster other than that worthy of wearing the winged wheel, and that includes Kovalchuk, who according to you people is the greatest thing since someone came up with the concept of pizza delivery - but we play team hockey up here and his services are not required, thank you very much.

By Rawhide

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

I still believe the Thrashers are in,…am I concerned, YUP! But I still think this team,….as it stands gets in.

The question is winning the division and going in as a 2-3 seed. That I dunno. I think that may be decided in the next couple of weeks with two games apeice vs. Bolts an Canes.

This is a streaky team,….lots of highs,…..lots of valleys,…..but the way I see it, given their streaky ways they are due for a win streak and now would be the time for it.

Am I looking through Blueland tinted glasses, maybe…..but this is my team and I believe in HiBob.

Still getting a chuckle out of Snot boy and his contention the Thrash could wind up in, amoung other places,….Kitchener, ON…..(snicker, snort).

Kinda hard to take anything he says seriously now.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!

By Bob

February 15, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this

Geoffrey. I had the same feeling when Comrie was moved. Why not us? He would’ve been a perfect fit here, even though Ilya pulled his hair.

B the Net, you have him pegged, reason #299 if I am keeping score correctly.

By sisu

February 15, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Crud! Tampa wins in a shootout…Caps scored to tie the game in the dying seconds of the game but now Atlanta leads by 1 point! Not good, the game on the 22nd is larger than anticipated!

By The Falconer

February 15, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure that Jacques Martin was just coach in OTT when the Heatley/Hossa deal was struck. Who knows how much Martin was involved in that trade. Certainly they kept things quiet until the Hossa contract was signed. Muckler was GM I believe.

Also I’m pretty sure we acquired McCarthy via a trade and not waivers (but your point still stands that trades may made someone available)

For me the “one that got away” so far this season is Comrie who was acquired for a so-so offensive prospect.

bob: thanks for the kudos.

snot: that Smyth posting was hilarious. Almost makes up for the annoying stuff.

By Brian

February 15, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Yeah, what’s up with Pucks n Snot coming over to this blog, I thought I gave him enough reasons to stay away on the last blog. Maybe he has nothing to do before that big welcome rally in Ki-hi- Ki-Kitch- sorry, laughing to much - Kitchener!

No way we trade #17. Tony C. that is blasphemy right now. Unless it’s Sid the Kid we get in return and it ain’t happening.

Sorry Tony C., but Muckler was already in Ottawa for that Heatley trade, so there is no big trade history with Martin & DW.

I want to know if Fla will give up one of those younger centers. I know I’m dreaming about getting Horton here, but is Jokinen a pipe dream?

By Bob

February 15, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

St. Louis in the shootout, I was hoping the Caps would hold them to 1. They have a game in hand on us too and only 1 back.

Toronto in the 9th spot wins tonight also to pull within 5 pts of us, and they have two games in hand.

At least Carolina lost.

By The Falconer

February 15, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

re: Hartley quote in Craig’s AJC article. Coach often glides over the team’s poor performance with a pithy quote. Just once I’d like hear some X and Os about how he intends to make the special teams work better.

There is a point where telling the guys to “work harder” simply doesn’t cut it. You need some new ideas.

By thrashersfan

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

You gotta be impressed with Nashville. You have the first place team in the west, second overall in the league, and are they satisfied? Not a chance! Whether it works is one thing, but you have to give Nashville kudos for stepping up to the plate. What a gutsy move.

Quite a different story in Atl, huh? And I’m not just calling out Don Waddell, I’m concerned with Bob Hartley. If he hasn’t lost the locker room, I’ll be damned. And the way he’s handled the goalie situation, from day one mind you, has never made sense.

Continuing to play Devries the last six weeks has confounded me. Loyalty is important, but not to the detriment of the team. Come on!

We have almost the same team now as we had at the beginning of the season. At this point, I’m not sure there’s anything we can do except “hope” the guys turn things around. They’ve obviously been very streaky, so it’s realistic they turn it around. But, missing the playoffs “again” is a real possibilty, and one none of us should accept, nor should ownership, unless they are handcuffing Waddell.

What a sad turn of events.

By cosape

February 15, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

DW have done a trade for offensive player who was traded from east to Nashville so maybe we should wait until tomorrow. But I think at this time the price is too high for the player who have quite big risk to be out for some time.

Do you seriously think that Kari can have shutouts with the defensive play we have at the moment? Nobody can’t. Comparing to start of the season our play looks awful.

By Pucks n Snot

February 16, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Wow. I just found out about Forsberg to Nashville. What huge balls Poile has - who knows if it works out, but here you have the top team in the NHL and they aint satisfied - that is awesome. From what I hear tis deal had as much to do with keeping the Preds in Nashville as anything else. The Wings have to respond now, and they will. The Forsberg deal didn’t go down in Detroit because Philly asked for roughly the equivalent of what Nashville gave up (two highly touted prospects in G Jimmy Howard and D Jakub Kindl in our case). With Lidstrom and Chelios nearing the career finish line and Hasek also about done, the Wings figure they can still get a quality player for less than it would have taken to get Forsberg. Guerin & Tkachuk are being mentioned - wish they could splice those two to get Guerins scoring and Tkachuks physicality - they could use a bit of both. I wish to hell they could get Shanahan back. Oh, sorry - I know this is the Atlanta blog, but I just figured with half the eastern conference about to leap over you because your GM is busy checking his hair in the mirror that you’d like to talk about some teams going the opposite direction….you know, with the playoffs coming up and all…

By Sharon

February 16, 2007 01:42 AM | Link to this

Pucks n Snot,

I’m a born and bred Detroiter now living in Atlanta. Given that, there’s nothing I love more than winning the Cup.

I also worked for the Red Wings video crew for seven seasons so I have a helluva lot more invested in that team than you ever will. Yet I still don’t feel the need to creep onto another team’s blog to throw stale taunts around. Thrashers fans are keenly aware of where their team stands.

So, sunshine, let me put it in the most simplistic terms possible — stop speaking for Wings fans. You’re not representin’, you’re just an embarrassment. At the very least, get some new material. Your alpha male shtick is makin’ me cringe.

Go Thrashers!

By Lew39

February 16, 2007 07:00 AM | Link to this

Can the Thrashers make the Playoffs? They are capable of it if they play up to their abilities. This team hasn’t played a full 60 minutes of hockey in months.

They come out flat game after game and if they come out strong they lay down in the third period. They are professionals, they know what it takes to win, but they won’t sacrifice to do it.Hence, the blown leads in the third. This is not little league hockey.

If it wasn’t for Kari, we would have been out of first place long ago. Many of us seem to blame management for the situation this team is in, I don’t. I blame it on lack of execution, lack of focus, lack of desire. A coach can only do so much. In sports, you create luck with hussle and desire (something the Braves can’t find in October, but less talented teams do). I’m not seeing desire, hussle, hunger with the Thrashers, I am seeing men going through the motions, no longer confident in their abilities (PP)playing out the string as if the playoffs are out of reach.

I was an original Islanders season ticket holder. I remember the long dark days, but the team learned how to win, and even Al Arbor said winning started when the team played as a team for a full 60 minutes and learned how to put an opponent away.

Now I am an original Thrasher Season ticket holder going through Deja Vu all over again. DON’T BLAME HEARTLEY AND WADDELL, BLAME THE PLAYERS WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO WIN BUT DON’T SHOW THE DESIRE TO EXECUTE.

By Cam

February 16, 2007 08:04 AM | Link to this

So if you don’t go to war with “water pistols,” when is he going to get rid of his “water pistols?” Tampa Bay is going to reclaim first place by the end of the weekend and if we’re lucky we ‘back into the playoffs’. The team has the statement ONE AND OUT branded on their helmets! Once again Waddell has done too little, too late. His latest “pick-ups” were excess baggage…

By Booger Mclean

February 16, 2007 08:32 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers lately look alot like the Montreal Canadiens who looked great a few months ago but have lost whatever it was that gave them that edge, and it starts in goal and gets worse when you talk about lack of scoring.

Please don’t let us down this year guys. This will be hard to take if you don’t make the playoff’s after an incredible start.

We need a trade quickly to get the spark back.

By Bob

February 16, 2007 08:52 AM | Link to this

Cam, I had the same thought. We need a cannon down the middle and a howitzer on D. Rucchin, et all are squirt guns down the middle, Sutton is like Ralphie with his official Red Ryder carbine action two hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.

Bring in the big guns.

By BlueLand Billy

February 16, 2007 09:04 AM | Link to this

The next 4 games are the most important of the season. TB is a point back with a game in hand and we have to respond. If we don’t win 3 of 4 we are doomed. The team will tank and season ticket holders will flee.

By Lee

February 16, 2007 09:20 AM | Link to this

TB only one point back now…..gee, maybe we should like make a trade or something?

By Brian

February 16, 2007 09:26 AM | Link to this

Not sure what to say now. I agree with all posts here but we have to wait it out.

Well, all posts except Pucks n Snot. If anyone wants to shut him up just ask him how the downtown Kitchener business district is going to support an NHL arena. We still haven’t gotten that answer out of him yet… At least Bob & Ranollo back up their claims when they fight with each other, Pucks n Snot just comes up with these ludicrous statements.

By Rawhide

February 16, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this

I have to say that I was a tad p** last night when I heard the news and Forsberg going to Nashville. I know many people here have stated that he might have come at too steep of a price for a rental player,….but at least it looks like ONE team in the south is taking seriously their chances of running for the cup.

Even if it does not work out for them, at least their fans know that the front office of the Preds are honestly TRYING to do this!

Just DAMN! - Well,…..I’m not going to say much more about this until I see what DW has up his sleeve.

JUST DAMN!

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Falconer…you’re right, we got McCarthy in a trade with Vancouver… we gave them a conditional 7th round pick, which is amazing considering McCarthy was a 1st round pick! I hope Waddell finds more deals like this at the deadline.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Well, I saw the Capitals tie it up “late” (16 seconds left) with the Bolts. I got all excited that Washington would limit TB to one point. But Tampa won it in the shootout on St. Louis’ goal. At least Carolina lost, 4-1, to the NY Rangers.

So, Forsberg’s been traded to Nashville for a 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick, a D-man prospect and Scottie Upshall. It made sense for Nashville. Getting Forsberg didn’t make sense for us. I credit Don for not mortgaging the future for some 20-odd games and whatever success might have been born in the 1st round of playoffs. Not worth it.

If the Predators feel they hornswaggled us for Vishnevski, then good for them. I don’t think the trade for Belanger has hurt us. Vishnevski was not having a career year here in Atlanta. And he could have been lost this Summer as a UFA, for nothing. Let’s see what Belanger does. The best trades are the ones that help both clubs. I am interested to see what Belanger does for us between now and the end of the season.

Back to the Forsberg deal, Nashville was already a bonafide contender before this acquisition. As long as the Preds reach the “Final Four,” they’ll be allright, as that 1st round pick translates in overall pick #26-30. Not exactly a “can’t miss” pick. It made sense for them to surrender it.

The West is very strong this year. Anaheim, Calgary, SJ, Detroit, Dallas, and Nashville. Maybe the winner of such a dogfight will be in no shape to compete in the Finals?

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Hokie, I think Brian “nailed” it. This season is a “take a first step” type year. If Don can pick up a player who will still be on the roster next year, without giving up anything “tangible,” and the pickup gets us into the playoffs, then I’d say Don did well. Given our situation.

But don’t even get me started on where I think a YEAR SEVEN expansion team should be. It’s a good thing that Doug McLean is there as a “See, things could be worse” scapegoat.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

This is slightly off topic, but does anyone else wonder what “might have been” if the NHL allowed Atlanta to come into the league in 1998 instead of ‘99? (Certainly, it was a better DRAFT CROP.) Maybe we’d be where Nashville is?

Ya know, this Forsberg acquisition doesn’t mean the Preds will win the Stanley Cup. It just gives them a bit of an edge. That is, if Forsberg stays healthy for the remainder of the year and throughout the playoffs. And, let’s face it, that’s far from a “certainty.”

By Lee

February 16, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Well said Brendan

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Yes, but this “Year Seven” expansion team started off under a corporation (AOL/Time Warner) that didn’t want to invest any money in the team, in a city that knew nothing about hockey.

The situation is a little different than, say, starting the expansion Wild in Minnesota. This team never really got started until AOL sold the team. The first three seasons, the team budget was something like $26 million, at a time when teams like the Rangers and Leafs were spending $70 million.

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I picked Nashville to play in the Western Conference Final before the season even started… when they picked up Arnott and Dumont.

That is one of the most complete teams in the League. I don’t think they even needed Forsberg. If anything it will help sell more tickets and get more people excited about Playoff hockey in Nashville.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

I disagree GaVaHokie. They allowed us a budget that brought in Curt Fraser. Sorry, that was sarcasm. Point being though that even Scotty Bowman counldn’t have coached those teams to prominence.

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

I put a whopping $10 each on Calgary and Nashville to win the cup when I went to Vegas back in September. :)

I put $40 on the Thrashers with 1/28 odds.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Hokie, didn’t “money bags” Ted Turner, a billionaire, buy the team? He named them. I remember that, as he said the fans had no right to name the team in a contest. He said words to the effect of, “when the fans come up with $99 million, then they can name the team.” Wow, allrightee then. Thennnn the merger happened.

But I’m not even gonna try to pin this one on Ted. Don Waddell did the “right thing” by trying to build through the draft. That’s a fantastic strategy. He’s just gotta make those high 1st, 2nd, and 3rd points count by converting them into players who actually play in the NHL, on his team. Perhaps that’s easier said than done.

I remember the Rangers and Capitals spending $70-88 million, and MISSING the playoffs. A pretty sad state of affairs for those clubs, really. But, I never wanted Ted Turner, or any owner, to turn the Thrashers into the 1996 Florida Panthers. Great run, then firesale. Etc.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Hokie, you’re looking at a nice pay day on that Calgary pick. In pre-season, I picked a San Jose vs. Calgary Western Finals. But my picks aren’t worth a pillar of salt.

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Going back to someone elses question, if Atlanta came into the league a year earlier, we would have had a line of Kovalchuk, Heatley and Lecavalier… and quite possibly a Stanley Cup as well. :)

By Bob

February 16, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

No offense Hokie, but the excuses ring hollow these days. Waddell’s had enough time, other GM’s have done more in less time, his peers, except MacLean, are outperforming him.

As the jumbotron segment goes, “Now is the time”. Get er done, Fiddler.

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

I’m kickin’ myself for doin’ this, as it won’t change anything or amount to a hill of beans, but do you know who was available in 1998? Well, for starters, I think TB owned the top pick. But I can’t remember anymore. Maybe they traded up to pick 1st overall? Anywho, look who was still there AFTER Lecavalier. (rolling up sleeves) Ready? Got your helmet on? All strapped in, are ya? Good.

Jonathan Cheechoo, taken 29th overall. Simon Gagne, taken 22nd overall. Scott Gomez, taken 27th overall. Alex Tanguay, (scored a Stanley Cup clinching goal for Colorado in 2001), was selected 12th overall. Brad Stuart, taken 3rd overall. Robin Regehr, was selected 19th overall. Josef Vasicek, 91st overall. Mike Van Ryn, taken 26th overall. Nik Antropov, 10th overall. Mike Rupp, who scored a Stanley Cup clinching goal for the Devils in 2003, was taken 9th overall.

Think that was half-way decent? Upp, upp, don’t say anything yet. Shhh. Don’t let that “cat out of the bag.” Brad Richards was taken 64th overall, as in the Conn Smythe Trophy-winner from 2004. But wait, it gets better. 171st overall, Pavel Datsyuk. How about Jaroslav Spacek, taken 117th overall. Former Rookie of the Year Andrew Raycroft, was taken 135th overall. Center Mike Fisher was available, at 44th overall. How ‘bout the Oilers, with a familar #99, overall, and a pickup of Shawn Horcoff, out of Michigan State. Trent Hunter, now with the Isles, was picked 150th overall. Buffalo’s Kalinin, was an 18th overall pick. And yes, since you’re alll dying to say it … Vitaly Vishnevski was a 5th overall pick, and now plays for Nashville.

D’ya think at least “some” of those players could still be playing for Atlanta, today, had the Thrashers entered in ‘98? To be fair, you could probably dissect every draft year in this fashion. Drafting is an inexact science. But picking 1st-3rd overall, every round, has its benefits!!

By Rawhide

February 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Holy CRAP Brendan,…now that sounded like an All-Star line up!

Now, please tell me you looked that up and you didn’t just pull that out of your memory banks!

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Guilty as charged, Rawhide. I snuck a peek at NHL.com. Didja ever see the movie, “Castaway?” Ya know the scene where Tom Hanks gets a splinter deeply embedded in his hand? And he freaks out, screaming at the top of his lungs, in a pain and frustration. I suspect all Thrashers fans feel that way at various points of their support of this team. There have been days when I just want to go up to the window, bust open the shutters, and scream, “I’m not gonna take this anymoooore!!!” Before you say, isn’t that a bit “rash?” Well, I happen to think that screaming like a banshee burns a lot of calories, and is good for the heart and lungs. And, as Sodapants says, “it’s better to just get it all out” than to bottle it up inside. A-men.

By mb

February 16, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Lest you think that ‘98 was a lay-up, however, some other notables from that draft included Bryan Allen at #4, the immortal Rico Fata at 6, Manny Malhotra at 7, Mark Bell at 8, and Jeff Heerema at 11.

While a couple of these guys are still in the league, it’s safe to say they’ve underperformed, ala the original Thrasher, Patrik Stefan.

Since he eventually was a Thrasher, let’s just figure that DW would have taken Fata and call it a wash.

By Russian

February 16, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Do not look at Past. Think is Present Time. I did not hear any rumors from Atlanta. I checked http://www.thefourthperiod.com/ every day. I did not see Atlanta name anywhere. What is happend? Are we Satisfied with ourn Roster??? Are we going to be OK, when Rucchin come back??? I guest not! What our GM is doing? He is waiting result of two game and after that make some moves. I do not know, questions, questions and no answers at all. :-(

By Brian

February 16, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Ok, you can do that with any draft in any sport, so I won’t even go any further with that one.

As for Ted, the AOL merger occurred in ‘99 but the TW merger occurred in ‘96, so the Atlanta Hockey Club LLC was a corporate owned entity, not just Ted going out on his own and having a private stake a la Mark Cuban or Daniel Snyder. Since the folks up in NY (TW HQ) had no interest in a business unit in Atlanta, it was left up to the highest ranking official from Atlanta in the company to deal with naming issues in Atlanta, that being Ted Turner. Being an environmentalist, he pulled rank and named it after the brown thrasher (although Cousin John Thrasher founded the city and it was originally called “Thrasherville”).

But when it comes time to do the forecasting and budgeting for any business unit in the company, whether it be the Atlanta Hockey Club, The Cartoon Network, or Castle Rock Entertainment, HQ gets the final say and they aren’t going to overspend on the Atlanta Hockey Club if they don’t have to. Back then they didn’t have to.

By Matt H

February 16, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

I say we make it, by one point. Maybe two.

By Matt H

February 16, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

That’s “Make it” as in the playoffs. Tampa will carry the division.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Unless the Thrashers start playing well quickly, DW is in a Catch-22. He can state that no other moves were needed. In that case, if the Thrashers don’t make the playoffs, DW was just wrong and gets fired for not making the correct moves. If DW says he didn’t make any moves due to the owner situation, he places the blame on the owners, alienates them, and gets fired. DW better hope the Thrashers improve soon.

By GaVaHokie

February 16, 2007 01:00 PM | Link to this

Well put Brian… and it’s not like that has changed with new ownership as well… Waddell is not the do all, end all to team decisions. Levenson, Bernie Mullen and crew have insite as well.

As most of you know, Levenson was a GM in his day as well for the Capitals.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - you’re only partly right. If the Thrashers don’t make it, obviously it looks bad on DW. But, as many people discussed here, it could be to the fault of BH. Also, if ownership won’t allow him to pull the trigger, is he really going to go to the city and say that? NO! He will obey their orders as that is his only option. Ownership knows what they told him he can & can’t do. It’s between DW & the Spirit Ownership, not DW & the bloggers.

Also, we don’t know what is being said behind closed doors. Blog all you want, but how many of you have any real inside information as to anything that has ever happened with this club since inception?

If we keep conveying rumores, next thing you know we have some idiot claiming inside information about how Kitchener city officials are secretly rooting for the Thrashers to miss the playoffs so that the NHL team will relocate to their city. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Kitchener, that’s too funny.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

Brian - valid points. However, someone is going to hang if the Thrashers are unable to make the playoffs. Eventually, however hangs, be it DW or BH, is going to talk. Neither will be willing to stay quite and accept responsibily for the demise once they are cut loose from the organization.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 01:37 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - I disagree and here’s why. If DW or BH gets fired, they don’t want this to be their last job, right? What happens when the next ownership group looks at their “exit” from the Thrashers and how the Spirit ownership was blasted. If it happens, BH or DW will be professional and not burn any bridges. Maybe out of respect for ownership, but more importantly because they will show obedience to their next employer. Right?

And all the other GMs and owners in the league know a lot more of what really goes on than what the media is reporting. If DW isn’t allowed to pull the trigger and that’s what’s going on, we might not know it but the next owner is going to have a lot more knowledge so DW won’t have to worry (if that is truly the case).

If BH doesn’t have the talent, the GM in the next city is going to know that as well.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 01:38 PM | Link to this

My greatest concern is that these owners don’t screw Atlanta out of another hockey team due to their inability to behave like adults. I was devastated when the Flames were shipped to Calgary. The Flames drew high attendence and the fans were loyal. The owner, Cousins Properties, encountered financial troubles and dumped the team. It’s starting to sound like deja vu all over again.

By Ken

February 16, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

yes they’ll make the playoffs by winning the division and i predict they’ll win atleast one round in the postseason.

By sodapants

February 16, 2007 01:42 PM | Link to this

These are simple questions with huge, complicated answers that I don’t expect most of Blueland to be able to answer frankly.
Anyway… Last season the Thrash started slow and then fought back to within’ 2 points of the playoffs….. every game was played like it was the last just because it was possible to get in. This year… they started out on fire and got a great lead. They were mad, bitter and determined not to let a slow start doom ‘em in the end. I don’t personally believe that they’ll reverse course here and let a slow finish keep ‘em out but, they absolutely have to start playing like a team with something to prove again.

Did they get comfy? Lazy? I dunno. But I don’t think a trade for the sake of a trade is the answer. This team played justr fine when it was embarassed and annoyed with last years results. It’s gonna take Hartley to get the same production from them he got when the year started.

Make no mistake though.. this is just about Hartley. He could be Patton, but if his troops give up it doesn’t matter. The players own more of this responsibility than Hartley I believe. After all… they’ve done it before and know how it’s done. Professionals learn nuances from coaches, not effort. They should already have that if they’re here.

So… we can definately make it, and even win the SE.

Lets just hope we don’t get in our own way.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - please go back to the last blog that Craig had, I went into a number of reasons why that won’t happen (the Thrashers leaving) and I only gave the skin of the apple. Their business model works very well in the city of Atlanta and they are here to stay. We have a lot of things going for us here that other cities don’t enjoy. Stop the conspiracy theories now.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this

Brian - I agree with the must be professional to get another job scenario, except, if someone does get the gate, they will at least make a subtle, probably not overt, allusion to the cause of the problem. Very few people take a firing without making some kind of comment.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

Sodapants - great points, I have been saying all day yesterday that this is the same team that owned 1st place all year. I would still like to see a non-rental center come in, but I think we can take the next step, which is playoffs. The more & more I read this blog the more I think about motivation and not trades. However, I still want a young center. Maybe Belanger blossoms, what was Savard in Calgary? He wasn’t the point-a-game player that he became in Atlanta and is in Boston.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

R Stroz - good point, but that comment probably won’t make it to page 19 of the sports section. If it is made, like you said it will be subtle and be forgotten by the next day.

By michael

February 16, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this

The thrashers have a 20 year contract with phillips arena, they are not going anywhere. That is the last thing to be concerned about.

By EROCK

February 16, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

FIND A WAY TO BRING BACK DARCY HORDICHUK…COME PLAYOFF TIME… IF WE MAKE IT…. WE WILL NEED SOMEONE BESIDES BOLTON TO POLICE THE ICE!!

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

Brian - I don’t spew conspiracy theories, just concerns and past obsevations. Someone will become a scapegoat if the Thrashers don’t make the playoffs. Either the owners will be blaimed for being too cheap, DW will be blaimed for not procuring the right players, BH will be blaimed for not altering his gameplan, or the players will be blaimed for not having enough heart.

I believe Atlanta has the adequate population to maintain a team. However, Atlanta fans don’t want an ownership group that is unwilling to make the commitment to put a winner on the ice. The Smith family, which owned the Falcons for years, was hated for their desire to maintain a mediocre product. This same Spirit group of owners have allowed the Hawks GM to ruin that team. Been to a Hawks game lately? Unless the Hawks are playing a good team, Philips is a ghost town.

I truely hope the Thrashers make the playoffs and perform well. I already have purchased my tickets. However, I would like to see a significant sign which shows the owners really want to win and DW has the power to make the moves in order to improve the team.

However, if the current direction of the team continues unabated, Thrasher fans are not going to be happy and unhappy fans speak with their wallet.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Erock - police the ice? In playoff time? Don’t confuse goons with grinders.

By Brian

February 16, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - the Thrashers are here to stay, anything else would be a conspiracy theory.

By R. Stroz

February 16, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

Brian - I hope you are correct!

By Brian

February 16, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - I have seen too many things to make me believe otherwise.

By Paul

February 16, 2007 02:41 PM | Link to this

Any word on who will be in goal for the next game?

By Tony C.

February 16, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

The Kid is in net for Ottowa…bank on it!

I think that whoever said that motivation is more crucial than a trade (was it Soda?) is probably right on point.

However I do think that this team is two consistent lines away from being a team able to make a good run in the playoffs. As it it stands now we have 1.333 good lines. You must have at least two in order to get deep into the second season. Don’t believe me? See Cal-Gary last year-arguably the best “money-goalie” in the biz, an embarrassment of riches on the blueline, and ONE scoring line. How’d they do? Yes it was an epic 7-game series, but in the end, Anaheim doubled Iginla, and Bryzgalov surprised people by playing up to (and maybe beyond) his hype as “the best young goaltender not currently starting”.

Yes Edmonton and Carolina were predicated on team-defense and an excellent counter-attack. But they also had more than one line that you had to account for. Take away the Brind’Amour line? Fine-see how you do with the Staal line. Take away Horcoff’s line? What do you know about this kid, Stoll?

It’s pretty much a neccessity. The two lines that can score. Should Le Thrash get consistent scoring from more than the Hoss line, we’ve got a goalie who could steal us a series in The Kid. This is why I b!tch about the Rucchin move…I mean honestly if you look at all the UFA centers last year not named Savard, you’re going to tell me Rucchin is the one you see as “the best fit” with #17???

Really?

Oh well, that’s the past and our guys (and we bloggers too I think) should look towards tonight nd the rest of THE FUTURE. hiBob needs to stop chewing so much @ss, or chew more @ss as it pertains to individual players-that’s the “art” of caoching. Scotty Bowman once said “I didn’t really come up with anything new, I just pushed the rights buttons on the off-days” in regards to his Redwings teams of the 90s. Now granted they were chock-a-block full of talent (except in net), but still they had a certain confidence that there was no way you could beat them. It helps to have Federov in his prime and Stevie Y in his last charge but what made those Redwings teams the killers they were was the fact that they knew they would win.

Right now it seems as if our guys are playing with the mindset of “I hope we don’t loose”.

Huge difference.

Tonight’s the perfect time to turn that around.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. E.J. Hradek from espn has us looking at Aaron Miller…whaddyall think about that?

By Tony C.

February 16, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, because you can’t ever really have too much Wendell Clark in your hockey world

Also anybody got any video of bouret?

By Brendan

February 16, 2007 08:39 PM | Link to this

MB: Lol, man. Fata. Just saying it aloud is funny. Your posts have been excellent at this blog.

By ATLsportsfan

February 17, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

I hope we can at least make the playoffs. I still think we are going to win this division but we need help on the blueline and fast. This team got real soft really fast. Waddell needs to make a move before we are looking up at Tampa.