AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDeal or no deal?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wow, tough one yesterday. I’m on the long commute home from Ottawa, sitting in the Detroit airport waiting to board my flight back to Atlanta. Just finished reading the Sunday Detroit Free Press, where they’re still talking about the Red Wings missing out on Forsberg. Although it wasn’t too bad a weekend for the Wings, who quietly resigned Tomas Holmstrom to a three-year deal.
The Thrashers have the day off today, and to his credit Bob Hartley has always honored the days off he schedules for his players. I’m sure some of you would prefer to hear that the Thrashers were in Duluth working their rears off, but in all honesty, they didn’t play all that bad yesterday. That was by far their best effort since the win in Colorado.
Before the game, Hartley tried to keep the recent slide in perspective:
“If someone would have come to me on day one of training camp, and said ‘Stop everything. Were taking you to 22 games left, [first place is] where we slot you, do you accept this? Deal or no deal?’
I would POW - Deal. You know? Not that I wouldn’t want to go open another suitcase, but I would have taken this deal. That’s where we’re at today.
You guys agree?
Since we know Don Waddell is working hard to add some re-enforcements, this Sunday edition of the Beat Blog will close with some trade talks from around the league:
Comments
By JP
February 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I agree…We are still ok. But we need to win the next 3. No doubt about it.
By Jenn
February 18, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Dress it up all you want, Craig. A turd wearing a bow-tie is still a turd. We played just good enough to lose yesterday. Waddell plays his fiddle while Atlanta burns around him. We dropped from 3rd to 6th in the conference and deservedly so. They didn’t play like a team that was about to lose their grip on first in the SE.
By Bobo
February 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Very, very disappointing loss yesterday and aren’t they all.
Kari was very weak around the cage yesterday and lacked confidence IMO. where is the old Kari at. Is the season too long for him or what. He looked disorganized, uninterested, rattled and tired for most of the game.
I want to see Kari get angry and passionate out there and show his team he really wants to win. I think we’ll start winning when Kari steals one for us and gets his confidence back.
Please do it soon Kari. Tampa are breathing down our neck.
P.S. While you’re at it give Mellanby a swift kick in the arse as well. I want to see him getting in guys faces that aren’t giving it 100% like Messier used to do.
By Lee
February 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
CC, I think we are okay, but Tampa is streaking and we are sinking. I agree on your assessments of our needs via trade, but what are our realistic options in the market?
By Brendan
February 18, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
I’m not one who backpeddles and disavows my earlier predictions. Say what you want about me, but I am honest in that regard. In the offseason, I gave Don Waddell a “7” on a scale of “10” in his offseason moves. I lauded him for dumping Modry, with Stefan as collateral damage, for Niko Kapanen. Ummn. Yeah. Today, I actually wish we had kept Stefan. I said, “Finding Vishnevski” was probably the best Don could do. Uhh, that might have been true at the time. Vish is gone, and Belanger is here. I praised Don for re-signing McCarthy “responsibly” in the offseason. I gave Waddell credit for locking up Havelid in a 3-year deal, for a cap hit of only $2.7 million-per-season, considering that comparable players were pullin’ in $3.1 million. And I praised him for finding Jon Sim, at the paltry sum of $610K. I said, “If Jim gets 15 goals out of Sim, then he got his money’s worth.” I scratched my head over the singings of Wanvig, Haydar, Krog and Metropolit. Wanvig is gone, and Krog was claimed off waivers by the Rangers. Metro has worked out. Hartley needs to play him more. Maybe there’s still hope for Haydar.
What else did the “fiddler” do? He went out and got Brathwaite and Hedberg. My response was, “couldn’t hurt. The price was right. Lord knows we’ve been through enough with Garnett, Burkhoel and Kari.” Then Don signed V.P. Vigier. I was stunned by that move, since in a June 28, 2006 AJC article, Don Waddell said that Ronald Petrovicky, JP Vigier, etc. would only be back if he couldn’t find anyone better. Petro wound up in Pittsburgh. Some other linemate of theirs wound up in Europe and then, lo and behold, there was J.P. Vigier, back with the Thrashers. (A Hartley-influenced decision??)
Truthfully Craig, I projected the Thrashers as a “tied for 8th spot” in the Conference. I was THRILLED to have been so utterly, utterly wrong about this team’s fortunes. So, this is my longwinded way of saying, “Deal.” Yes, I’d have taken the deal to be in 1st place in mid-February, if asked back in September.
By wristshot
February 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
This team is playing with no heart right now. Opposing teams’ players are haveing tea and crumpets in our slot without any repurcussions. I think Coach Bob should hide all the Bentleys and move the boys into the Motel 6 for the stretch run.
By joe
February 18, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
we should deal for sergei federov. he has speed, vision, experience and all the intangibles that forsberg would bring. he wouldn’t have to be the number one guy. he played with kozlov and he has played with kovy in international play. he would only cost us about the same as forsberg would have.
By RedandBlackAttack
February 18, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers need some defensive help. Lehtonen also needs to protect some leads.
Forsberg was hurt all year long with Philly. The Philly kid who scored all the goals on the Thrashers is who the Thrashers need to get. He is a scrapper.
If Federov is available without giving up too much, then get him.
However, if the Thrashers do not stop these late goals, then it will not matter anyway. Man up Boys! Gooo Thrashers!!!
By Thrashers27
February 18, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this
I have to say that I saw some improvement the boys during last night’s game. They were by no means back to prime form, but they were not the sorry bunch that they had been over the last couple of games. Of course, they progressed back to the form where they slow up for the last few minutes of the game. Maybe we’ll see a complete effort out of them come Tuesday.
Let’s go boys! Get it together!
By russian
February 18, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this
If we lose game at Tuesday we are going to be on 7 place. Still Play Offs spot!:-)
By LAC
February 18, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this
We are now 5 points from position 9… AKA OUT-OF-PLAYOFFS.
I really believe this team has given up, they look worn down, no speed, and just stand around too much in our zone, Kari has looked very suspect the past 3-4 games… yesterday two of those goals were HIS fault, I realize it is easy to issue blame, but these are PROFESSIONAL players being paid UNRAL money and he should live up to his HYPE a whole lot more than he has the past 2-3 weeks.
Some gritty players in St.Louis… But we ALL know who our GM is and I expect NOTHING but more wonderful waiver pickups etc… Guess it is time to become a seller, so the NEW GM NEXT YEAR will have a Good Head Start…
!!!!!!!!!!!FIRE WADDELL NOW !!!!!!!!!!
By Sara
February 18, 2007 02:32 PM | Link to this
Yesterday’s loss was awful - especially since it didn’t have to be. Maybe waking up today to the new standings will light a fire up under some tails. Coach sure hasn’t been able to do it. I fault Hartley most of all - it shouldn’t have taken this long to start righting the busted ship.
Btw, if I’m remembering correctly, Feds still has at least one more year on his whopper contract, which means he is a no-deal. There are no more centers worth having - Smoke in Columbus might be a marginal upgrade but at this point the money would be better spent on a d-man or speedier winger for Kovy.
By michael
February 18, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this
There is a player who will be a free agent at the end of the season. He has a great relationship with our coach. His team is playing their worst hockey this season in years. Most people would say that I am crazy, but it would benefit his team to be used as a trade for prospects and draft picks. He would then return to his team after the season is over. Who am I speaking of? JOE SAKIC
By Pucks n Snot
February 18, 2007 03:10 PM | Link to this
A HA HA HA! Listen to you people! “I saw some imrovement lastnight. I am encouraged. At least we’re not getting our azzes handed to us this time as we find another way to lose.” Three blown leads. Superstar scorers that can’t find the net. 1st round goalie pick showing how average he is. And to quote the late great Mr. Hand - “what are your defensemen - on DOPE???” Your GM makes no deals because he has nothing to deal with. No one wants anything you have to give - a stinging account of your GM’s accomplishments (or lack thereof) during his tenure. Why else does he lick the bottom of the barrel for scraps like Belanger & Hamel - guys that couldn’t cut it on better squads. I thought Vishnevski was supposed to be a big fix for that blue line down there? When they signed him you would have thought Nic Lidstrom or Chris Pronger had inked with Atlanta the way you people reacted! AND HE BARELY LASTS HALF A SEASON BEFORE GETTING SHIPPED OUT!! A HA HA HA HA !! What a great move! You people saying the Thrashers are headed in the right direction must be standing on your heads or something! Oh, and btw - best record in hockey once again…. DEEEE troit! Thank youuuu!
By Tony C.
February 18, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this
Dude.
If the ‘lanche were dumb enough to move Sakic, I would say let’s go for it-however, just like Sundin in T-Dot, Sakic is the franchise. He has played for only the Nordiques/Avalanche organization, I don’t hink he’s likely to leave out of his own volition-hes already got his rings….The front office in Denver would in effect be commiting rofessional suicide-I just don’t see it happening. That would be cool though.
anyway we will have to dig ourselves out of this predicament-I think the guys can. we just need them to thnk so as well!
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
P.S. To the deadwing dick-rider…how’s it feel to go from prennial champs to the NHL’s version of the ATL Braves? Best team in the regular season and then dissappearing in the playoffs?
By Brendan
February 18, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this
Sara, you’re right on the money with Federov. He has a year left at $6.05M, is 35-36 years old, and is not the answer for the Thrashers. Atlanta needs to get younger and faster, not older and slower.
Michael, I like the way you’re thinking on Sakic, but I doubt Joe will ever, ever play anywhere but with Colorado. He’s one of those rare players that, I think, will spend his entire career with only one team. I suspect the Aves will re-sign Sakic, unless he doesn’t want to play hockey anymore. But … I’VE BEEN WRONG BEFORE. Sakic brings an unbelieveable amount of leadership and playoff savvy. But to bring him here would require giving up a lot, (quite similar to Forsberg, actually,) for a “rental” player. Plus, ya know. Joe’s not a “spring chicken” anymore.
Folks, I’m right there with you. I really am. But there’s no knight in shining armor, charging on a white steed bound for Atlanta this year. The way we’ll get out of this … is for our guys to start playing better. They’re in their “contract years.” As is the coach (Hartley). They know what failure to make the playoffs probably means for them.
Now, it’d one thing if they ALL wanted to leave town and play next season elsewhere, for deflated dollars. But honestly, are you buyin’ that??? ‘Cuz I’m not. They’re pros. They’ve got to think about $$$ for next season. So, “accountability” will rear its head and hopefully manifest itself on this team.
By Brendan
February 18, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this
Sara, do you think it’s time for Waddell to do an even bolder move? (What would that be?) Come down behind the bench and coach the team that he alone assembled? Waddell went 5-4-1 the last time he did that. Hartley could say he has some “pressing family matter” to attend to for about a week. If Waddell can’t get results out of this group, then I don’t know what’s left to try! Don’s the guy who writes their contracts, so … if that doesn’t motivate ‘em, nothing will.
By Lee
February 18, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this
With our PK and D as bad as it is, would Coburn be worth a try?
By Thrashers27
February 18, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this
Again, “pucks” shows he’s a ‘tard with nothing better to do with his life. Dude, get a job, or a girlfriend!
By Bob
February 18, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this
Oh, gee. Look at Detroit’s GM re-signed Holmstrom’s contract during the season. What a novel concept. Boy, he must be one sharp GM.
So CC, please enlighten me. How exactly do we know this:
“Since we know Don Waddell is working hard to add some re-enforcements”
By Lee
February 18, 2007 05:28 PM | Link to this
I try not to attack people on this blog, but I have to agree with Thrasher27’s assessment of “Pucks,” who is an idiot.
By B. Thenet
February 18, 2007 05:46 PM | Link to this
It is quite sad to see Hartley rationalizing the standings free fall of this team with some dopey argument.
If someone told Hartley 2 months ago that his team would be 5 points away from being out of the playoffs, you think he would take that deal?
I also questions whether or not DW is actually “working hard” to improve the team. The next time he moves legit team assets, without a superstar requesting a trade, will be the first time.
By R. Stroz
February 18, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this
Either the owners wouldn’t spend the money or DW is too stupid to make a real deal. So far, the Thrashers have increased cap space with the moves “to shore up the team.” I think it is time for Thrasher fans to sit on their wallets for next year. That’s right, refuse to renew your ticket packages. Send the owners and DW a sign, if you don’t spend, then we don’t spend. Here’s one a challenge for DW, promise the playoffs this year and if you can’t deliver then you’re out as GM. It’s time for a gut check.
By Brian
February 18, 2007 09:03 PM | Link to this
Lee, Thrasher27, it’s not worth it. Let him go away.
No way Sakic is even on the block.
Federov is a band-aid right now, we need long term duct tape.
In the meantime, we can come out of the next couple with Car & TB on a hot streak and really turn things around. I still would like to see something though in a big trade.
By Brendan
February 18, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
B. Thenet, that was a great post! Yeah, I think Hartley would have opened up a few more suitcases before agreeing to being only 5-pts out of a playoff spot, two months ago. I realize that injuries happened. And we’ve only just recently gotten everyone back. But still, the guys have to get more consistent results. Even if they are playing on the road. They used to be a GREAT road team. One of the best in the entire NHL.
I try to tell myself, “Maybe they’ll win 15 of their final 22 to finish with 99-points. Thirteen (13) of the final 20 games will be at Philips Arena. And the preponderance of the remaining road games are against non-playoff-bound opposition. If the Thrashers actually failed to make the playoffs, I kid myself that accountability would come into play.
But really, the only one I see getting fired would be Hartley, since he doesn’t have a contract for next season. I wonder if that fact has contributed, in some way, to the way the Thrashers are dealing with Hartley’s criticism of their play. Some players might be thinking, “I’ve got a contract for next season. Do you?” Or, perhaps they’re thinking, “I know I won’t be back with Atlanta next season.” But I sure hope they’re not thinking that, unless they’re contemplating retirement. All the UFA’s in their “contract year” have to be thinking about what they can command this Summer, for next season. And that means getting results this season.
By Lee
February 18, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Brian, your right, on all accounts
By Lee
February 18, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
CC, How badly hurt is Larsen?
By AtlantaGatorLee
February 19, 2007 08:36 AM | Link to this
What about Olli Jokinen? Are the Panthers selling? I know he just reupped for some serious cash but it seems we can afford it. We can dream, right?
By Lee
February 19, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this
Jokinen would be sweet, but much like Sakic, its a dream scenario, especially with the Panthers winning a few in a row here.
By Brian
February 19, 2007 09:53 AM | Link to this
AtlantaGatorLee & Lee - I have pushed for him and also said he is a dream. Horton is the real dream scenario from them. Other than that they have oldies but goodies who I don’t want. Not to mention trading within the division is tough in any sport.
Brendan - good stat about the final home games but have you ever been to Philips on the weekend? The only reason we are over .500 at home is because some of our losses came in OT.
By bobo
February 19, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wadell if you’re listening please “DO NOT” go after Federov. He’s slowed down to much and doesn’t have the desire and tenacity that this team needs right now to get off the mat.
Bill Guerin with the Blues might be a nice fit if we can afford him. He’s got lots of grit that we need and can put the puck in the net.
Leave Federov where he is. The Blue Jackets are kicking themselves for signing him from Anaheim a few years ago so lets not add to our problems right now.
By Ryan
February 19, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Been down in Tampa for family emergency. Watched the Thrash at local sports bar. The Tampa fans were awful. I have the stress of the family stuff and now the stress of the Thrash losing yet again and allowing Tampa to jump us. What a bad time to be in Tampa. I will try and go to the game here Tuesday. I kid you not, I will be throwing a wicked hex on them for us.
By jeff
February 19, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Lehtonen NEEDS to play with “heat & passion”. He NEEDS to pitch some shutouts, to steal some wins instead of giving up 3rd period leads.
Where is Myre & Bouchard when you need them?
By Pucks n Snot
February 19, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Ryan, not even Albus Dumbledore could conjure a hex that could save the Thrashers right now. Tampa is 10 times the hockey team that they are. Haven’t you listened to the revised slogan down there in Atlanta? “Welcome - to UNGLUEDLAND!”
By Pucks n Snot
February 19, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, and nice move letting Savard walk also, Atlanta. He’s one point behind Hossa in the scoring race and all you clowns are begging your invalid GM for a playmaking center now….and the defense is so much better now that you spent the $$ saved from not signing him so wisely….my God, is that really Pete Babcock running the team???
By Brian
February 19, 2007 01:02 PM | Link to this
Ryan - how were the fans awful down there? I was down in Tampa on business the year they won the Cup and I am curious as to your impression.
By Hip Czech
February 19, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this
A week or so ago needing 26 points out of the remaining 26 games did not seem all too unreasonable. Basically .500 hockey.
Now, we need 26 points out of the next 21 games. That gets a little more, ahem, interesting. If we get in I guess they will have ‘earned’ it.
This team needs to suck it up big time. It would be nice to see the GAA be around 2.5 for the last 20 games. I don’t know if that is going to happen with the D we have now and I am not holding my breath on any deals to help this team.
By HaroldP24
February 19, 2007 01:27 PM | Link to this
Myre and Bouchard! Heck right now J.C. Bergeron, Derek Wilkinson and David Greenlay are looking pretty good!
By Ryan
February 19, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this
Brian, it was just awful with the taunting when I was in my Thrash attire. Purely sports heckling. I more than likely exaggerated due to circumstances, but to here “You’ve had the SE lead all year and we come out of nowhere and take it from you”. Sucks bad, and I couldn’t even come back with something about how the Bucs are horrid because the Falcons, well you know. Rough brother, rough indeed. I did get a sympathy beer out of the tragedy. They have great fans here-then again they did have the cup for two years.
By Ryan
February 19, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this
Pucks, I will still try. If the Bolts collapse late, you can thank me later on. A wizard I am not, but very serious about trying anything at this point. At least the weather is nice.
By Stuck n Pots
February 19, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this
Pucks, ask the folks in Boston how happy they are with the Savard move. For all that money they get a lot of points, nearly as many PIMs, and a minus 9.
Trust us, we’re award of the irony, but after watching the guy for years, no way was he worth that money, as Bruins fans have discovered.
Nice work on the Babcock line, though…that one cracked me up.
Wings still lose in the first round.
By Paul
February 19, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this
Why not bring up some of the minor league players like Cory Larose or Brett Sterling? Sterling has 43 goals and 32 assists.
By K Lehtonen
February 19, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this
Did anybody noticed that Hossa didn’t come to me to cheer me up after the game,or it’s just me..:(
By bartdunwoody
February 19, 2007 03:12 PM | Link to this
There’s some agreement that Kari is not in peak form. It’s time for coach to sit him down for a few games. Turn the Moose loose.
By Brendan
February 19, 2007 08:55 PM | Link to this
Paul, Don can’t call up Brett Sterling right now, with 20+ games left. It would take a year off of his restricted free agency status. When there are nine (9) games left, he can call him up.
Brian, tell me about it, man. I can’t explain why the Thrashers can’t get better results in front of a packed house at Blueland. My package of games are all weeknight games. But, I have been on some Friday nights. Not good. Don Waddell and especially Bob Hartley talk about the importance of good fan support at Philips Arena. I wonder if they still feel that way?