Thrashers

By Vitamin Z

February 26, 2007 04:06 PM | Link to this

Why can’t we scratch Sutton on Hindy? I hate to see McCarthy seat this one out.

btw…Zhitnik used to play with Ilya and Slava during 04-05 season in Ak Bars. They should know each other fairly well.

By Bob

February 26, 2007 04:10 PM | Link to this

I figured McCarthy would be the odd man out. Good move by Coach to throw Sutton all the way down to 3rd pairing minutes, they will help right there.

Now the question is, does Waddell gamble all in and trade Sutton, DeVries, or McCarthy? I say only do it if he can get a good right winger or good center in return, otherwise, keep the extra dman for insurance, although Popovic in Chicago could be the insurance, I liked more what I saw from him, than what I saw from Coburn.

By Ryan

February 26, 2007 04:11 PM | Link to this

Craig you are a champion of updates. Thanks a million. Enjoy the game. About the additions, yes we do not want to judge but to be honest we are running out of time. Need points to stay in it.

By Russian

February 26, 2007 04:17 PM | Link to this

It was stupid idea. McCarthy played very well latly. I do not understand our coach. I hope he knows what he is doing. We need two points very badly.

By Thrashersfan33

February 26, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

I too hate to see McCarthy sit. I would rather see Sutton on the bench, but maybe he will do better when he is not on the top pair. Hard decision to trade a dman. Do you trade one of the UFA and bring up Popovic in case of emergency since he will definitely be with the Thrashers next year? Or do you keep the 7 you have to protect against injury? Guess it depends on how comfortable you are with going into the playoffs with Pop and how much you can get for one of the UFAs. We’ll see what DW does. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone is going to pick up Kap and give him the room he wanted to go get someone else.

By Russ

February 26, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

Devries would have been my top choice to sit, but for whatever reason he seems to be one of Hartley’s favorites. Whether you like the moves the team has made or not I think almost everyone would agree that they bring a new sense of enthusiasm from a fans perspective. Let’s hope the new additions help turn things around immediately with a convincing win in Boston tonight. GO THRASHERS!!!!!

By Hip Czech

February 26, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

With Tkachuk and Kovalchuk on a line we ought to be able to come up with a decent moniker for that line.

Why isn’t Sutton the healthy scratch? Give me McCarthy ANY day.

Hate to admit it (he’s Czech after all!) I don’t know much about Petr Cajanek…except 34 points for a bad Blues team sure is better than the point production we’ve gotten out of any of our centers. Might be worth a waiver flyer (he is Czech….).

How long is it going to take for some new chemistry to develop? Hopefully it comes together quickly.

By KevinT

February 26, 2007 04:43 PM | Link to this

Alot of people are saying others should sit, such as De Vries, Sutton and Hnidy.

Hartley made the right choice.

De Vries: Greg may not be playing his best hockey, but I think its just because he is gripping his stick a little too tight, he seems very nervous, and he has EVERY right to be given his teams situation. But remember, De Vries not only played under Hartley, but won a cup with him, they know eachother very well and Hartley is the only one qualified to make that decision. Plus, even though he is not playing his best, he is a very experienced and mature player, and the only way to see if that will come out in him is to put him on the ice. We need it badly.

Hnidy- Shane is the only one contributing to the offensive flow. Yeah XLB scored the shortie but that was a little bit of luck. Hnidy is igniting rushes and he is putting himself in places where he knows things can happen. I like the way he plays a two-way game.

Sutton- Everybody here wants him convicted of sucking in the 1st degree, but I hold out for him. He doesn’t win battles along the boards, but I notice he is very good at putting himself in the shotlane and doing what he can to prevent shots from happening. His shot block stats reflect this, and that is far more of an important stat than some may think.

Anyway, I dont particularly enjoy the three names given on the waivers list. I dont think any of them will fit here, and with the recent influx of new players and shipping off of oldones, a new panic addition may only clog up team chemistry….as if its not already clogged enough….

By Bob

February 26, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Chuck a Puck night at the Glads game, that’s a moniker- Chuk-a-Puck

Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out to be the Up-Chuk line.

I’d like to see Tkachuk center Kovy and Hossa, just for a couple of shifts at even strength.

By Russ

February 26, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

Thrashers over the Bruins tonight 4-2.

By KevinT

February 26, 2007 05:35 PM | Link to this

I say the team feels the new wind blowing. Somebody’s gotta cool boston down, they are due for a butt-kicking.

Thrashers 5 Bruins 2

Tkachuk nets one. Kozlov is the first star.

By The Falconer

February 26, 2007 05:45 PM | Link to this

re: Sutton on 3rd pairing. Woohoo! One step closer to out the door. Since he is a UFA this summer I say DW should try and something in a trade. Everyone says the market is inflated :)

By Tom

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

I am loving that we are waiving Kapanen.

Doesn’t it seem like Waddell started reading this blog last week to get some ideas on what to do with the team? :>

By TheRatio

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

I don’t post on this board too much, but I’m definitely a huge fan and reader of it. Craig, amazing job with all the updates!

I’m really excited about the game tonight, I haven’t seen any footage of Tkachuk play, but if he can get the puck to Kovy and crash the net hard, I won’t have any complaints. I’m still pretty impressed with Belanger’s play as well, he fits in nicely.

GO THRASHERS!!

By Lee

February 26, 2007 06:33 PM | Link to this

McCarthy is good man, I don’t get that. I would rather see Devo or Hnidy get scratched. I guess Sutton too.

By Rawhide

February 26, 2007 06:38 PM | Link to this

Tom, I am Don Waddell! :o)

Now, how do I get Smolinski????

By Tom

February 26, 2007 06:43 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvxV49-qDAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8b9tHo8vpI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5lH51Mk-W4

Garbage goals and tough guy in front of the goal. Good stuff and what we need.

By Tom

February 26, 2007 06:46 PM | Link to this

Found another one where Keith took a run at Hasek and a brawl erupts… Cap Rat was right in the mix.

By Craig Custance

February 26, 2007 06:48 PM | Link to this

TheRatio: Thanks — we’re glad to have you here.

By Tom

February 26, 2007 06:50 PM | Link to this

How did the song go from the Blues Brothers?

Move ‘em on, head ‘em up, Head ‘em up, move ‘em out, Move ‘em on, head ‘em out Rawhide! Set ‘em out, ride ‘em in Ride ‘em in, let ‘em out, Cut ‘em out, ride ‘em in Rawhide.

Glad to see you are waking up Rawhide… I mean Don…

By Brian

February 26, 2007 06:51 PM | Link to this

I was worried that it was going to be Hnidy. But McCarthy? Well, I said all along I wanted it to be Sutton and that it wouldn’t happen. Like some of you say, at least he is the 3rd pairing. Maybe that will fire him up, who knows right now?

This just means it will be Zhitnik & Kovvy on the PP points…

By Brian

February 26, 2007 06:52 PM | Link to this

Craig, there are a lot who just read this, I read it all last year and never posted once…

By Craig Custance

February 26, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

Brian — If that’s true, and I hope it is, I encourage everybody to weigh in. I’m determined to grow this thing to be as popular if not more than the Braves blog. That’s right DOB - I’m coming for you.

By dj

February 26, 2007 08:55 PM | Link to this

We can thank JPVJ for stopping in the middle of the ice for the second goal. Thanks buddy, great hustle. Idiot.

By BlueLand Billy

February 26, 2007 09:35 PM | Link to this

A great game by our 3rd Line Center Belanger. DW stepped up and made the moves we needed and I don’t believe he is done. Great win tonight.

By Daniel

February 26, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Belanger has really found some chemistry with Hossa and Koslov. Great news for the Thrashers. Let’s just hope that Walt and Kovy start clicking, granted it was their first game together, but I don’t think they made one pass to each other that connected.

By Tom

February 26, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Craig, go get em. My experience as a blogger is one comment for every 50 readers.

Good solid game tonight. New additions looked strong, Hossa could have a had a couple.

Defense looked confused with Havlid passing to Boston as much as he was passing to the Thrashers. What is more important, DeVries game streak or getting him off the ice for a game or two?

Sutton looked just like the 3rd line defender that he has been since the injury.

Forwards and Centers looked very strong with rushes and passing that we have not seen for a while in Blueland. KT and Kolvy, The Chuks, or whatever they will be called were a half step off but the great news is they were looking for each other all night. That is gonna be one dynamite pair when they get on the same page. If Kolvy can take the puck into the corner knowing that KT is charging the net, defenders are going to have to think for once as Kolvy is a hell of a passer.

3 regulation wins in the last 10 games, lets build on tonight and catch Tampa Bay.

By russian

February 26, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Winner 3:2!!!! :-)

By Brian

February 26, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Tom - I’m with you on Sutton & Devries, but how did they each get an assist tonight? I saw Devo’s but Sutton is not even on either PP unit, is he?

Good news though is that we played with the lead in the 3rd, overcame the fast goal by Boston, Belanger is looking great, and Zhitnik got a point and made some great plays. I agree that Kovy & Tkachuk aren’t connecting yet but it is just a matter of time. Kozzy & Hoss are steppin’ up too.

Can’t wait ‘til Fri, but the extra practice time will be nice for this “new” team.

Gonna root for the Stars tomorrow and for all you with Versus, it’s on at 7:30pm against the Bolts.

By Thrasher_Ed

February 26, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner - 1pt back of the D’olts. Now if somebody will just claim Niko Kapanen we will all feel so much better! So my choice for center went to Vancover for a conditional 2nd round pick, Wow! We could have had Smolinski. Is Waddell done? We shall see?

By Brendan

February 26, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Craig Custance, You’ve definitely made a positive impact. Message traffic is way up from last year and earlier this season. From the moment you took over, right after Christmas I believe, you provided links to articles, other blogs, gave us timely updates, even from the press box, etc. I don’t think Manasso ever responded to a single question posed on his blog site.

Also, I think other hockey fans who had a disdain for Dany Heatley transferred that anger onto (your predecessor) Manasso, by association. (Manasso even wrote a book about the Dan Snyder Tragedy.) People took a lot of “pot shots” at Manasso over the Heatley situation, and I think he decided to ignore comments and criticism from that point forward.

But, it’s great to see the hockey fans finally coming out of the woodwork. I have always posted here that this is the SAME CITY that sold out 38 of the first 41 home games at Philips Arena in the inauguaral season (‘99). So, there’s no lack of hockey interest. There’s just been frustration over Waddell, Fraser, good players walking for nothing, no playoffs, etc.

I am happy that we’re in such capable hands as Craig Custance.

By michael

February 26, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else notice that Havelid is playing like complete $hit? Whatever happened to Hartleys water pistol promise.

By Brendan

February 26, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Vancouver was aggressive with its trade deadline moves, getting Smolinski and Sopel. The guns are loadin’ in L.A. A lottery draft pick, potentially, plus additional picks from their firesale. And they’ve got Frolov, Cammalleri, Kopitar, Jack Johnson next season, Rob Blake, etc. Even their 2nd round pick is in potentially “fertile” territory.

The Kings’ former player, Eric Belanger, has scored three times now for Atlanta since his acquisition. Still think we got “fleeced” on the Vishnevski deal? Now Atlanta has two solid lines. Belanger should get a lot of “looks” while the other teams key on his linemates.

Zhitnik and Tkachuk did allright for a 1st game. But the most important thing is … it’s a win. A road win. In regulation. Atlanta has pushed Boston a little farther out of it. Toronto lost, 5-4, to the Habs. Atlanta has a lot of home games left. It’s time to break the Blueland sellout “hex.” We needs wins on our home ice to win this division.

By Bob

February 26, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

You guys now see why I’ve been yelling for Waddell to get us a dman and a center all year?

When Tkachuk and Kovy start clicking, they could be dangerous. But just having them out there shifted a lot of attention off of Hossa and Kozlov’s line and gave them more room to operate. Now the opposing coach has two lines to worry about and can’t keep his top d pair out there all night.

Havelid is just worn down from being played to death by Hartley, and the passing of his Mom. They’ve got a few days off now, that should help him. Zhitnik will also take a lot of pressure off of him. He’ll be alright.

See what a difference getting Sutton off the top pair did? Woo hoo. He still looked like crap on our 3rd pair, but he’s not out there against anyone that can hurt us, so no worries.

Smoke went cheap, but mabye DW is out of bullets unless someone claims Kapanen. Like that’s going to happen.

Zhitnik still has some nice wheels, good decision making on the outlet passes, but his shot is lacking. That’s ok, he more than helps in all other areas.

Our PP looked much better. Get ready for a run guys, Tampa has Dallas at home tomorrow, then goes on the road for 6 straight, here’s where we catch ‘em. By mid-March, we need to have at least a 3 pt lead on them, could set up a season finale showdown with them for the division.

By thrashersfan

February 26, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

I am sick of Hartley’s love affair with DeVries. For two months now we’ve all watched Devo cost this team goals & games. McCarthy on the other hand is one of our most consistent defenseman who also does an outstanding job on the PP.

McCarthy should “never” sit and I’d like to see Hartley look us in the eyes and tell us Devo deserves to play over McCarthy. Sorry coach, but this decision is wrong and on par with the way you’ve handled the goalie “rotation.”

Regarding tonight’s game…I saw a higher level of confidence on the ice. Surprisingly impressed with Mr. Tkchuck. Didn’t really feel I was watching a 35 yr old (Mar 28). Compare him to Rucchin…night & day! Kovy even looked like he had a little extra jump playing with his new center. Nice to see.

It’s only one game, but hopefully the guys get a streak going. They’ve got a tough weekend ahead but winning both could really put them back in it. I’m worried though that Fri will be a sell-out….Go Thrashers!

By Geoffrey Paul

February 27, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Thank God! A regulation win- did anyone else notice that the guys looked just as relieved to get a win as all of us fans felt? Tkachuk seems to be genuinely gitty to suddenly be in the middle of the playoff race. A lot of the boards up north are talking about us as a Cup contender now… well, I don’t know about all that, but at least it doesn’t sound ridiculous like it would have if you had told me the same thing a week ago. I thought Zhitnik looked good and brought a sorely needed element- a good breakout pass. I travel for a living, so unfortunately I can’t see nearly as many games as I like (I finally found a bar with Versus halfway through the 2nd), but in the first I was listening on my laptop (in the passenger seat) and I hear Kamal say something I hadn’t heard all year, “nice outlet pass.” Finally! It’s basic, but we’ve struggled with it all year. If Zhitnik does nothing else, he helps us tremendously just by calmly making a smart first pass which not only gets us out of the zone but helps start the flow. Prior to Zhitnik, I’d say at least 50% of our breaks out of our zone required at least 2 passes within the zone before we figured out how to get safely across the blue line and oftentimes we were lucky to make it to the red line without the puck touching an opposing players stick… whatever, hopefully we won’t have to endure that ineptitude anymore. When the Tkachuk trade was first announced I was a bit upset- but Keith Tkachuk is on our team! Le Thrash went out and got the 2nd most sought-after player at the deadline (and truth-be-told, the first wasn’t even available to us)! We are newsworthy for what we have done rather than for our inactivity! How great is that? Man, I really want us to win a playoff series…

I love blogs. I love hearing what other fans think- but boys, the time has come to stop acting like GMs and remember that we are fans. This is great. This is what it is all about. If I get the opportunity to sit in Phillips in mid May and sip a cold beer while watching MY team skate with a chance, however unlikely, to win the Cup- it will be pure ecstasy! If I can have that… man, it is hard to care about anything else…

By Dave

February 27, 2007 05:53 AM | Link to this

Get off Waddell case, he apparent recognized what we need and he went our an got it Now lets stay positive so we all can help this team to the post season, GO THRASHERS!!!

By bobo

February 27, 2007 06:53 AM | Link to this

I’m very happy with what Mr. Waddell has done to this point.

It was great to hear Kari’s comments last night about how good Zitnik was.

Looks like it pays to have competent defense in front of you. It helps take some of the pressure of the goalie.

Somehow I don’t think Waddell is finished tweaking things so its very interesting to watch what transpires.

I’m hoping the new aditions help the team gel together and once we get into the playoffs (fingers crossed) its the hottest team that can go all the way.

It just may be us.

By drew

February 27, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I am pleased with the recent moves. Both are upgrades. PK & PP both looked good last night. We still need to shore up out defensive corps. I really dont understand the sitting out McCarthy. Devo & XLB are the proverbial chickens with their heads cut off. Sutton needs to toughen up. And Havelid looks like he’s hit a wall. But, we all know Hartley has his favorites. We do need to toughen up a lot. Tkachuk is a nice start. We cant continue to let Kari get run over and have no one put a beating on someone. And, is there a more mediocre player than Brad Larsen? Another member of the Hartley Love club.