Thrashers

By Brian

February 21, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Let’s just get into the playoffs, worry about professional athletes feelings on some other blog. Just don’t run Hedberg into the ground. Besides, was Ward the starter at the beginning of the year before the ‘Canes won the Cup?

By Thrashersfan33

February 21, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

I think Hartley should stick with the Moose and I don’t think that Kari will get bent out of shape. If these players know their coach, they should know he rides the hot player but as soon as that person cools down, they are replaced. I think the rest will do Kari some good and when he does get his chance again, I expect him to be out to prove something. Kari with attitude will probably be a great thing for the team going down the stretch, especially if everyone says “as the goalie goes, the team goes”.

By DWTOO

February 21, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

The last time Kari had problems, for whatever reason, the Moose came in and ran a streak of four/five good games and the Kari bailed him out of a tough spot against Ottawa. They work well together and support each other. Imagine Belfour doing that.

By Jenn

February 21, 2007 03:29 PM | Link to this

Recall the last time Moose started 4 games in a row? Not only did Moose win 3 solid games for the team, when Kari did come back, in relief of Moose at home versus Ottawa (a superb come back by the team,) Kari went on his best run of the season. I see this as a positive for the whole team. Kari won’t get his feelings hurt, this might just rekindle that fire that we saw earlier this season. Kari is an immense talent - but he isn’t Patrick Roy, he isn’t Martin Broduer - not yet anyways….

Ride the Moose. Signing Moose was probably the smartest thing DW did all summer and then of course to NOT use him, well, I’m sure you see where I’m going….

Plus we can yell “MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE” at the game and explain to the people in front of us why we are booing the goalie….

By icemansucks

February 21, 2007 03:38 PM | Link to this

A coach should always go with the best chance to win. I know that is vague, but if Kari on the bench is the best way for Atlanta to win then that is what should be done.

By Russ

February 21, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t agree with Hedberg playing again. I think he needs to play occassinally (1 out of every 8 games or so) to give Lehtonen a rest, but Lehtonen has the talent to be a top notch goalie and has shown signs this year of how good he can be. He is the #1 for a reason just like Hedberg is the back-up for a reason…they should play accordingly. Hopefully Hedberg stands on his head against the Lightning like he did against the Canes and makes me look like a dumb-a* for suggesting sitting him.

GO THRASHERS!!!

By Rawhide

February 21, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

….like I said,…ride the hot goalie,…

MOOOOOOOOSE!!!

as far as “sending messages”,.I think it sends the message to the team that Bo’s going with whom he feels will get the job done on a game-by-game basis. Their big-boys and well paid at that,…..feelings will have to take a back seat if they have to.

By Rawhide

February 21, 2007 03:49 PM | Link to this

…of course that should be BOB’s going with whom he feels will get the job done…

Obviously the effects of TFS is setting in……… :o)

By Bob

February 21, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

That’s Hartley’s thing, ride the hot guy. Let’s hope this does not backfire, we really need the 2 points against Tampa. I would think he’ll be quick to pull Moose if he looks shaky and gives up an early softie.

This worked out earlier in the year when Hartley rode Kari into the ground and had to bring Moose in. Kari came back stronger than ever. I hope Hartley has learned his lesson mismanaging these guys, he should have been starting Moose every 7th game or so all year, so that Kari didn’t get worn down, especially mentally burned out. The time off will do Kari good and get him rested in time for the playoffs. Playoffs!? Playoff!? All I want to do is win a game.

By GoThrash

February 21, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to get a little worried about Kari’s ability to be the dominating goalie this team needs him to be. Over the last couple weeks he hasn’t looked in control and a little timid and now he says he doesn’t care who’s in net?? I know you don’t want to cause controversy but I’d like to see you try to get hot and carry this team deep into the playoffs instead of not caring whether or not you play. A big time player wants to play during the biggest weeks in a franchise’s histroy.

By The Falconer

February 21, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

What exactly is Kari going to complain about? He has already played 50 odd games this year. Heck, he’s probably rooting for Hedberg to win again so he can relax for a week.

By J

February 21, 2007 04:27 PM | Link to this

I completely agree with this decision and was actually expecting it. Just like earlier in the year, Kari is exhausted. I know Bob wants to see how much Kari can handle, but I think we’ve got our answer. Moose needs to start every 8-10 games. We definitely need to keep Kari fresh for the final playoff push.

I sure hope people aren’t buying tickets to saturday nights game. Stay home! They’ll lose if its a sellout!!!!

By Chris

February 21, 2007 04:29 PM | Link to this

I think Hartley’s ‘ride the hot goalie’ idea is moronic. He’ll play Johan til he cracks just like he played Kari till he cracked. He needs to give Kari regular rest and Johan regular playing time.

The good news is that Johan is a good goalie and Kari needed more than one game’s rest. It just seems that Hartley doesn’t learn from his mistakes.

By Charlie from Finland

February 21, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who sees a pattern here? Wasn’t it just last fall when after a good streak the Thrashers started losing and Hedberg got his chance? Wasn’t there also then talk about goalie controversy? Goalies are sometimes hot and sometimes not. Very few are always excellent. And you can’t expect that from Kari yet, he’s still very inexperienced. Anyway, playing another goalie doesn’t mean there’s a goalie controversy. It just happens. Stop panicing.

By Russ

February 21, 2007 04:35 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Harley learning from his mistakes: Last night when the game was getting late and it was still tied, I started wondering if he would switch to Lehtonen if the game went to a shootout. When he did it and it back-fired earlier in the season, he said he would do it again if the situation arose. Luckily, Kovy broke the tie and we didn’t have to find out.

By Russian

February 21, 2007 04:40 PM | Link to this

I am very happy to see two goalies healthy and play well. If Moose start a game and give up 2 goals for 3 shots, Hartlet will change him quickly. Because he has Kari. If Moose will stay good and smoke Tampa it is ok for me.

By Jay Bird

February 21, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this

I am glad Moose will be in goal tomorrow night. Kari has given up entirely too many soft goals and rebounds lately, the Ottawa game in particular. I really don’t see a controversy brewing at all, it’s just playing the guy who is playing the best at a certain time. We will have to play as well, if not better, to win tomorrow night since Tampa is just as skilled as Carolina. Let’s hope the defensemen play responsibly and get in shooting and passing lanes. And let’s hope Sutton can clear the puck as needed.

By ranallo10

February 21, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this

If healthy, I would take Lehtonen in a shootout over Hedberg in almost every situation. The ONLY time I would give Hedberg the nod over a healthy Lehtonen would be if Hedberg was holding onto a shutout.

Otherwise yank him, put in the young athletic stud that on most nights could tend net backwards better than Hedberg could with a third arm.

I’d also yank Hedberg for Vigier…he’s so dreamy. (note the sarcasm)

By pondscum

February 21, 2007 05:36 PM | Link to this

How is this a controversy at all? Having a backup is what they are for and paid to be,relief if either by performance or injury/rest.

It was well over due for Moose to get back in between the pipes.When he did get back vs. the Oilers,he was to rusty to be effective.And I do agree alittle with staying with the hotter goalie,but some common sense has to be used also.The Thrash don’t have a back to back nite until March 15,16.

Just rotate them both as needed and both should be crisp,focused and ready to play.Lehtonen was ridden to death by Hartley,and I said it in another blog awhile back,Lehtonen isn’t Roy….yet.He did only play sporadically last season due to injuries.He’s still not used to that typw of grind,and since Moose is capable and really an asset,why not let him play?

Hopefully Hartley figures this out and keeps it in mind.It was also great seeing all 4 lines have ice time last nite.It’s time Hartley have trust in all the roster players,him riding Lehtonen down could also be what’s holding down some of the other guys,simply grinding them to nothing.

PP still needs work,but the PK was very good.Going to a tight-point high pressure attack is far better,let’s hope this stays the same.Take away some of the boneheaded plays(turnovers) and penalties(Sutton dejeweling one of the Canes players)…and this team can hold it’s own pretty well.

By Jennifer

February 21, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Moose getting a few more starts. Kari is still young with a lot to learn. If he can use this time to recharge physically and mentally its great. If he can be open minded enough to watch and notice what is successful against these division teams, all the better. My beef with Hartley’s Philosophy on Goalie Management is when ht rides a goalie too long. I’d give a goalie the night off after 7 or 8 games even if he’s hot.

By mb

February 21, 2007 05:58 PM | Link to this

ranallo, you almost had made me spit out my water onto my keyboard with your VJ is dreamy quip…nice.

As others have said, no real controversy, but Hartley will have Moose on a short leash.

If only we had the luxury to give Havelid some rest…he’s been making quite a few uncharacteristic mistakes.

On another note, were my eyes deceiving me or did Kapanen actually have a (relatively) decent game?

By kevin

February 21, 2007 06:33 PM | Link to this

Kari is the #1 goalie and the future of the franchise. He should be back in net, Hedberg should play once every 8-10 games but Kari should be in net the majority of the time. Johan was superb last night but without Kari this year we wouldn’t have any chance for a playoff spot. Hartley’s goalie rotation is strange, most number 1 goalies know that if the backup plays well, they still will return the next game,we need Kari confident and in a good frame of mind if we’re going to make the postseason.

By Brendan

February 21, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

Russ, man I was thinkin’ the same thing last night. Will Hartley turn to Lehtonen if we wind up in the shootout? Yes, that thought did cross my mind. As did this Hartley quote from last year, “From now on, Berkhoel is our guy.” (A dig at Michael Garnett.)

Stop laughing. He actually said that. It wound up in the AJC. I think Berhoel may have started one more game after that. Maybe two. So, if Hartley says, “It’s up to Johan” when Lehtonen gets his next start, I hope you all laughed as hard as I did.

Truthfully, I’d have seriously given the start to Lehtonen, and returned to Moose for the Hurricanes game, since he seems to play Carolina so well. But, I’m a blogger, with EXACTLY ZERO professional victories to my credit. What’s more, I think it’s “bizarre” to challenge a goalie to play better then sit him. How does a goaltender play better from the bench??

Bueller? Bueller?? Bueller???

By Sara

February 21, 2007 06:44 PM | Link to this

I was actually hoping Moose would get the start again. Kari needs more than just one game of rest and more importantly he needs the competition. He’s a competitor - knowing that Moose is playing well should encourage Kari to do like-wise. Besides, this is a team sport, not an individual one and if an individual isn’t getting the job done and someone else can, then for the good of the team, that’s who plays.

By Bob

February 21, 2007 06:44 PM | Link to this

Russ and Brendan, I too was sitting there hoping Hartley didn’t go off the deep end again and pull Moose for Kari in a shootout. That had to be the #1 most moronic thing I’ve ever seen a Coach do.

You guys are all right, well, except one goof up there. Hartley’s handling of the goalies this year has been bizarre, to say the least. A normal rotation would be starting Moose every 7th or 8th start, keeping Kari fresh. And Brendan, I totally agree, it’s totally bizarro world to challenge Kari, then sit him.

The way this team is so schizo with our 5 game losing streak, 5 game winning streak all year, you wonder if we’re mirroring our Coach’s personality?

By Brendan

February 21, 2007 06:51 PM | Link to this

Sometimes, I don’t know what to make of Bob Hartley. Jeff Schultz loves to get in all of his “Forrest Gump” schtick. Who can blame him, sometimes? “Moose doesn’t want to sit in the freezer like a loaf of bread.” Regarding changing a goalie for the shootout, Hartley said, “It’s like having a relief pitcher in baseball.”

It is?? Where!?? In bizarro world, where hamburgers eat people?? Look, I know the guy’s got a Stanley Cup and I need to ease up a bit on him. But I do wonder why a team that dominated from October to December is now “scrounging for points” wherever and whenever they can. Is this not, in part, due to “coaching?”

(Poster) Chris may be on to something. Ride a guy until he falters?? I guess if it works, then we can’t question it. But (poster) Pondscum may also be right, “this isn’t a controversy.” This is a team with two solid goalies. And as (poster) Jenn points out, Waddell did a good job to snare Hedberg, especially at a cap hit of only $1 million. That’s a steal.

A regular rotation is something that should have happened all year, as (poster) Bob has been clamoring for all season long. Jenn had a witty quip about this very topic. (“Hedberg is not a menstual cycle. He should come more than once a month.”) I’m not suggesting that they alternate games from here on out. Just that Moose should get 2-3 more starts from here ‘til the end of the season.

If Kari is “fatigued,” it’s mentally.

By Bob

February 21, 2007 08:01 PM | Link to this

Agreed, he’s more mentally worn out than anything. It was too much to throw him out there night after night in his first full pro season.

I still chuckle about Jenn’s menstrual cycle quip, that was spot on.

By paul

February 21, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this

I think Coach Hartley is the best person to decide who should start against Lightning. Much more than anyone on here. Also, i am about to puke listening to comments about how bad Kari has played lately. HE HAS NOT PLAYED BADLY AT ALL. In fact many games he has kept us in with his play.
You can only stop so many point blank chances without giving up a few rebounds and having ANOTHER guy sitting on the crease wide open again.
The real problem with the team is our weak defense and the fact our team is not physically strong. I am shocked at how often players are able to move the puck out of the corners and right into the slot just by shielding the puck with their bodies and our guys cannot stop them or even knock the puck off their stick. The long and short of it is that we aint that good. Good enough to make the playoffs but then it will all be about whether Kari can become Patrick Roy because we will not go far otherwise. Dont get me wrong, i am proud of this team and i think they are playing well as a team and I love Coach Hartley. Its just we arent that great.

By Lee

February 21, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

o\You can liken this to a hot pitcher in baseball, the coach should go with who’s hot. Lehtonen is our goalie of the future, not doubt about it, and if he and Johan have a good rrelationship there is no controversy. The town loves MOOSE and Kari, so they won’t complain. And if Johan slips, Hartley will pull the plug early, he knows how important this game is. Just like that November game against Ottawa, Hedberg gave up 3 quick, Kari came in, slave got a hat trick, end of story. Hedberg getting hot may be the best thing that could happen to this team right now.

By Ryan

February 21, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I was thinking the same with the comments made last season. When talks of goalie controversy came about last season we all know what happened.
Kari needs to be in net…..period. What happens if Moose gets spanked? Gonna sit him then put Kari back in but he’s still bitter and cannot focus. I see an unfortunate pattern coming into play.

By Lee

February 21, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

that was supposed to read “slava got a hat trick,” not “slave”

By LAC

February 21, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Great WIN last night… The Hossa goal was typical of recent events that have happened tous… Real nice to watch Ward look for the puck… Then finally THE BACK OF THE NET!!!! Great !!!!

They used that goal on TSN during the Washington/San Jose game to showhow the Canes are falling apart…

We do however… NEED MORE SCORING… Let’s hope our GM does not get fleeced again like the Vish trade… and gets some HELP NOW !

By Dan

February 22, 2007 07:49 AM | Link to this

The giveaway prize this Saturday night is a Kari doll - would it not be ironic if Moose got the start for that game?

By Hip Czech

February 22, 2007 07:57 AM | Link to this

Maybe we ought to hope Montreal continues to slide…one name mentioned as potentially being on the block if Montreal fades is Sheldon Souray.

If Waddell has any intestinal fortitude (whatever that is) we get Souray for Coburn, Sutton and a 1st round pick. Man wouldn’t he look nice on the PP!

By Russ

February 22, 2007 08:51 AM | Link to this

Boynton from Phoenix might be available…I wonder if the Thrashers could get him for Coburn. He is signed for two more years at 2.9 mil. He would help this year and give us a quality blueliner for the next few years, which this team desperately needs.

By bobo

February 22, 2007 09:48 AM | Link to this

Ride the “moose” until he breaks down and then go back to Kari who will be hungry and awaiting the opportunity to redeem himself.

Simple but effective this time of year.

By Brian

February 22, 2007 09:55 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech - I was thinking that yesterday, how nice to get Souray here, and it seems feasible too. But if it’s our GA that is hurting us and putting too much on our goalies, don’t we need a more “stay at home” defenseman, not one that is going to rack up assists and put a lot of shots on net? All that said, I still would like to get him…

By Brian

February 22, 2007 09:55 AM | Link to this

One other thing, Souray is an UFA, so he might be a rental which is what we don’t want.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 22, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Off the topic of Moose Knuckle:

This was on the “hockeybuzz.com” site. No relation to yours truely.

My sources are saying that a Guerin deal could go down this afternoon. Remember I said “could.” The teams leading currently…Detroit, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Atlanta. This could change as the day goes and more players get involved. (don’t count out Pittsburgh at all)

At least according to my guys the Tkachuk trade is a bit less likely, and could go down Monday or Tuesday. Atlanta may be leading the way when it comes to Keith, but the Maple Leafs or Pens could get into this one. In fact one source told me the Leafs have been very quietly doing some behind the scenes work to prepare for a “big name Western conference star.”

I thought this was extremely interesting and I would pass it on.

By Adam

February 22, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure I get where you guys are coming from that say Hartley rides the hot goalie, Lehtonen has started 50 games. Brodeur has started 58 games, Luongo 55, Kiprusoff 55 and all have faced quite a few more shots than Kari. But Kari has let in a league leading 145 goals. BTW those 3 team have 2 games in hand as well.

I think it’s been past the time for a change. If Kari is going to be the #1 he needs to know that if he doesn’t preform Hartley will sit him. Yes he’s young but this is the learning process.

By Tony C.

February 22, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

So isn’t the trade deadline up?

Did DW get anybody?

Apologies-I was so giddy after a 3rd period comeback the other night that I haven’t checked.

Moose continues to be loose eh?

I love how hiBob slams his players and then doesn’t give them a chance to respond…incredible motivational psychology…then again if The Kid gets really p!ssed he may just come out and be the dominating force he’s shown flashes of.

I’m hoping that’s hiBob’s move. Otherwise I have to wonder if perhaps the AI on NHL2K7 isn’t as good (or better) a coach.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

February 22, 2007 01:05 PM | Link to this

Ok I take all the pithy-ness of the above comment back. I am just wondering if DW is actually doing anything in Naples other than joyriding with other GM’s ??? Scroll to the bottom under “news and notes”…I wonder if that “fan” will be receiving tickets to the NHL event of his choice and or signed pucks and sticks in the near future?

I do think that not giving The Kid a chance to dispel any lack of confidence is a risky move…it could provide long-lasting motivation, or it could really deepen any cracks in the psyche that may be there. Obivously I’m hoping for the former over the latter.

Also, do you guys think it would be worth it to give up the 1st round pick and some ahl/nhl players (I’m looking at you Freddy) for Gratton from FL? I know that they are definitely sellers, but most of the “sales” are on older UFA’s with wonky backs…would you approve of a definite “leverage the future” for somoen like a Gratton or other young RFA-to-be type? Just to know that you have locked up a quality partener for #17?? Or do you wait it out and get into the bidding war with DC over Datsyuk ???

By Brendan

February 22, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

Colorado seems to be sliding away from the playoffs. I wonder if Hartley coached any of the guys they are willing to “sell?” Also, the Blues are coming on, just 9-points out of a playoff berth. It’d be a longshot for them to get in, but they’ve been playing so well lately. I wonder if they will “sell” or stand pat and try to get in, or even “buy?” Don’t hold your breath. But it’s not “impossible” for the Blues to make up 9 points with 22 games left.

Montreal … I don’t think they’ll sell. Their fans would riot. They close enough to get in. Edmonton has a dilemma, as well. But I don’t think they’ll hold the firesale for the future. They probably want to make a defense of their Western Conference Championship.

These next few days will be interesting and telling. Feb. 27th is just five days away.

By michael

February 22, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this

Joe Sakic! Why not, he is a ufa at the end of season. He could bring draft picks and prospects to the avs and then return again in free agency. He would be a rental player just like Forsberg. Out of all the players Bob coached he has the best relationships with Sakic and Roy. Bob could pull a “Joe I need you to come save my @ss”. Bob has also refered to Sakic as the best player he has ever coached.

By Ryan

February 22, 2007 01:50 PM | Link to this

I think it was last season before the Olympic break, DW was in St. Louis and was talking highly of Tkachuk. We will see if DW is still feeling this way. Naples…hmmmm, I’m still in Tampa thats not a far drive from here(could stand outside with a sign). However, the drivers in this part of the world are the dumbest I have ever encountered. Many of you may think that Atlanta has its problems, but central Florida takes the cake or dunce cap I should say.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 22, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

another rumor update:

“Bryan Smolinski may be heading to one of two places today…The Penguins are leading the pack, and the Thrashers are a possibility if the Thrashers don’t get Guerin. A longshot to reach for Bryan would be the Sabres.”

from Hockeybuzz

By Brian

February 22, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - deadline is Tues 27 Feb (at 3pm I think). I say no to Gratton, he never materialized anywhere he has been. The only way Datsyuk starts a bidding war is this summer during free agency period, not now.

Michael - No way Sakic leaves COL.

Ryan & Buzilla - I have heard those same things on other sites and I like the sounds of either of them. I prefer Guerin or Smolinski to Tkachuk (bad locker room presence - isn’t that why we let Savard go and why Calgary let us have him in the first place?)

By BlueLand BIlly

February 22, 2007 02:44 PM | Link to this

DW,

Go and make a deal that will upgrade us (Guerin or Smolinski) and make us all happy. One week to go before making season ticket committments and I for one will not be renewing if a) we have another couple of losses in that time period or b) we don’t get some new blood in here.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

February 22, 2007 02:49 PM | Link to this

So it could be Smolinski, Guerin, Tkachuk, or Berard.

I would prefer Guerin because A) he is really heating up right now and B) he is an ex-Devil

…and he can beat some @ss if needed (kind of)

word

By AM

February 22, 2007 02:58 PM | Link to this

If Hedburg continues to be HOT keep em in! Go with the heat!

By michael

February 22, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

Brian, why not?

By Russ

February 22, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

I’ve never understood the “go with the hot goalie” theory when there is a clear cut #1. If the two goalies are supposed to be at the same level it’s one thing, but I don’t think that is the situation with Lehtonen and Hedberg. I’m glad Hedberg played a great game against Carolina, but it guarantees nothing for tonight’s game and I’d rather have the #1 goalie playing in a game with first place in the division on the line.

Kozlov was held pointless last game and Boulton scored a goal…maybe Slava should be dropped to the fourth line and Boulton should play with Hossa because he is “hot”.

By Brian

February 22, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this

Michael - He is almost as popular in Denver as John Elway was. That is the only franchise he has ever played for (also in Quebec though). He already won 2 Cups, so he doesn’t need to go to a playoff team “to prove something”. He is extremely happy in that city and his family loves it there. He is an UFA which means he will be a rental for us. It will be a ransom that we have to pay to get him, similar to a Forseberg type deal. That is way too many things working against us.

By Brendan

February 22, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this

I agree that Sakic isn’t going anywhere. They’ll try with the lineup they have to squeak in.

By BlueLand Billy

February 22, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

BH needs to go. Kari would have won the game tonight. He should have been in net and Moose should have started Saturday against the Canes. This is getting frustrating. Thrash should be in 1st place tonight with some “Mojo” going into Saturday night’s game against the Former Whalers.