Thrashers

By pondscum

March 2, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk will net his first on the PP.Also with a helper.

Why no McCarthy again? He was just warming up and playing pretty well.I’m hoping Hartley doesn’t have a “man crush” on Sutton to.

And your right,why no Boulton in the line-up? He has also been playing well lately,why let Larsen take his spot so soon? I just don’t get Hartley sometimes when this happens.

By Darren

March 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I’m certainly hoping to see Tkachuk and Kovalchuk create some great scoring chances like they did again Boston. Hopefully a few days of practice have gotten them closer to being on the same page.

I’m looking for Zhitnik to continue his good work on the power play and at even strength, since he’s Atlanta’s new No. 1 defenseman.

And I would love to see Dupuis play like Belanger on the penalty kill. The latter has been a great pickup thus far in all facets of the game.

It will be interesting to see if the Thrashers get the speedy difference-making Dupuis that got rave reviews from some posters from Minnesota or the inconsistent and indifferent Dupuis at odds with Jacques Lemaire. My bet’s on the former.

He’s a UFA with something to prove, which makes him and Belanger very dangerous Thrashers.

By Syl

March 2, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Good test for us tonight. The new guys will get the attention but Lehtonen has to get us the win and really start stepping up.

By Shane

March 2, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Craig, are they going with only 4 d-men? Or did someone just have a typo? I hope the moves turn things around this year. Because starting next season, we into another 10-year building program again. But at least we have hope now.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Craig - this is a great post. I love to see starting lineups. I don’t have a problem with Boulton sitting, but obviously I would like McCarthy in there on the 3rd pairing of d-men.

I think if Tkachuk had some tome with Kovy this week he will be the impact player. I know he had a day off for personal matters of being traded, but still, they must have had some good practice sessions.

Craig - I was also wondering if you can answer the question of SOs being practiced on. Are they? What are your thoughts?

By Russ

March 2, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Kovalchuk needs to look to shoot tonight…that is the best way for him to set-up Tkachuk up…generate rebounds and let Tkachuk go hard to the net. In the Boston game I thought Kovy was trying to force it to Tkachuk.

Prediction - A tight-checking, low scoring game tied at 1 after two periods is blown open with four goals by the Thrashers in the third…Thrashers win 5-1.

By Bob

March 2, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

If we’re to win, Zhitnik will have the biggest impact, as he’ll need to shut down the Spezza-Heatley line.

5-4 Thrash in OT.

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Custance,

Is it ever spoken about why Hartley decides to scratch one player over another? I’d like to hear him say “McCarthy needs to be bigger on defense” or “Boulton needs to stop raping the goalie”, or any other form of constructive criticism that explains his choice for gametime cuts.

It’s apparent McCarthy isn’t the style of player Hartley likes, and it’s also apparent that Vigier and de Vries are that style he finds useful. So maybe it’d be nice to hear WHY he thinks such things, so those of us who disagree with him can understand his perspective.

And for those of you outside of Custance who want to explain all about Vigier’s, de Vries’, or anybody else’s “strengths”, I already understand the points…I’d like to hear coach’s opinion now.

By Craig Custance

March 2, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Shane — it’s a typo, I just fixed it. Thanks.

By Craig Custance

March 2, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Brian — The shootout isn’t something they spend a lot of time at practice on. But I know afterwards guys (especially Slava Kozlov) will take a couple shots on Kari Lehtonen. It’s a pretty good competition.

ranallo — Hartley does talk about the decisions. For instance today, he said Boulton sitting had more to do with special teams than anything. If you figure it came down to Vigier vs. Boulton, Vigier contributes on the PK, so they can’t sit him. That makes Boulton the odd man out in that exchange.

By Matt H

March 2, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Thrashers! (That’s all I got right now)

By teevee

March 2, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

why, oh why is this game not on the television?????

By Brian

March 2, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Craig - Ok, thanks for the info. But this just makes me infuriated. Not you, but if Kozlov as you say spends just a few minutes afterwards and takes a couple shots on Kari (and makes for a pretty good competition as you say) and has 1 of the highest %’s in the league (see my link I gave to Tony C. in the other blog), why doesn’t BH just take Kozzy, Hoss, Kovvy and 1 other guy and do this more often? How many points are won & lost because of shootouts? To not spend just a few minutes at the end of every practice is insane. For the number of OT games we have had this year it should be a priority.

There has to be another reason for this (getting away from the “public” practices, something) because it is just a no-brainer.

By B. Thenet

March 2, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Bob Hartley giving out daily lines is an exercise in futility for him, you, and us readers. They will be changing by the middle of the 1st period.

I expect Dupuis will get some chances with the Chuk line tonight, Sim is a solid grinder but right now the only way he is scoring is if someone else deflects it in off him. Dupuis really clicked with Gaborik, and he might find the same kind of chemistry with Ilya.

Hey Craig- How upset is the organization that NBC pulled coverage of the Atlanta-Carolina game on Sunday? Two playoff teams facing each other in the South and NBC yanks them and goes with Sid the Kid vs. the hapless Flyers. Is NBC compensating either organization for letting its fan bases down by blowing the chances of any local coverage of this important game?

By silverpork

March 2, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Hopefully we’ll see some chemistry starting to develop between Kovy and Tkachuk, but even with a practice or two under their belts together, we can’t expect TOO much too fast (but we can hope!).

Syl is right thought, newcomers aside, it has to be Kari, night in, night out.

It seems to me, at least compared to our other D-men, that the one thing I see from Zhitnik that I like the most is an obvious confidence when he handles the puck. With the rest of our blueliners, I always hold my breath when they carry the puck, like I’m anticipating an odd-man rush the other way. With Zhitnik, I feel like I’m watching a forward who wants the puck.

Granted, he’s only played one game with us so far…

By Scott

March 2, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

How the hell is this game not on TV? Thank God for XM. Sportsouth seriously needs to get its act together. HUGE game and no TV? LAME

LETS GO THRASHERS!!!!

By Craig Custance

March 2, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

B. Thenet — With all the deals, and trying to stay on top of the trade deadline, I haven’t really chatted with anyone about NBC’s decision. It’s unfortunate because right now there’s a stretch of four of the next five games not being televised. If you want to see the new-look Thrashers, you’ll have to come down to the arena.

By LAC

March 2, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Sutton/De Vries either one sits or waivers…

Larsen sits, Boulton PLAYS…

Like others have said… Why the old Colorado players play when they are not very good… Is a FAULT Hartley HAS TO GET OVER.

By Tony C.

March 2, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Class move by Kamal,

pointing out that enough is enough with the booing of Heatley.

I swear this guy could make picking out a head of lettuce at the produce aisle sound exciting.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By dj

March 2, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

HEY BOB WHO WAS GUARDING HEATLEY WHEN HE SCORED BOTH OF HIS GOALS AND WHO DIDN’T PLAY AGAIN FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT AFTER THE 2ND ONE??? IT WAS JPVJ AND GUESS WHAT, WE END UP WINNING THE GAME, VJ SUCKS!!!!

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Many things to like, and some not to, with tonight’s game. Thrashers scored 1st. That’s good. They outshot the Sens. That’s good. They won for the 6th time when trailing after two periods. That’s good. Ottawa has 11 shots in the first period and may have been held to less than 11 for the remainder of the game. That’s good. The Senators have only lost four (4) times in regulation since December 1st. Add another to that list. That’s good. Our new guys, Zhitnik, Dupuis and Belanger are all playing well. That’s good. The Thrashers outscored Ottawa 3-0 in the 3rd period. That’s very good. And the Thrashers won. That’s most important thing. Especially since Carolina and Toronto won.

The not so good? Two PPG’s against, both by Heatley. Ottawa’s broadcast crew gleefully and repeatedly beat like a drum that is was Exelby’s “undisciplined penalty” that lead to the 1st Senators goal by Heatley. The Thrashers still have dryspells or “lulls” when it seems like they are truly just “phoning it in.”

By Skeletor

March 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Thank greyskull we won that game. I thought Havelid was single handedly going to lose that game for us. He continues to be a liability. I thought Harley said the water pistols wouldn’t continue to play? We really have to get better at our special teams. Nice to see Belanger and Dupuis score. Lets hope Tkachuck and Kovy can get it going on sunday. Dupuis looks like he would be better than Sim on that line.

By Geoffrey Paul

March 2, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

I echo the TV woes… The situation with the NHL’s lack of tv exposure really stinks- especially if you travel for a living (me). My exposure to Le Thrash comes from sitting at a bar with my laptop open and my headphones on listening to Kamal through the internet. Kamal is great, but it gets old to not be able to watch, hockey just isn’t a sport that translates to radio. I’ve heard some rumors that the NHL next year will be offering live video broadcasts of all games through the league’s website. I really hope that is the case. Has anyone else heard anything about that?

Oh, and oui oui Pascal Dupuis!

By David

March 3, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Good third period! Lack of tv tonight was a bummer, especially with the hype, but i’m just glad we won. In regards to the Heatley/JPVJ thing…anybody think a player of Heatley’s caliber is really going to be slowed down by a JPVJ or anybody of that nature…nuh uh. The booing is getting old, but whatever.

I never would have dreamed that Belanger would be playing this well. When we picked him up I was thinking, “well…i hope he is not awful”. Getting 3 goals out of recently acquired players is definitely a good sign.

Keep up the good stuff and I can’t wait to go see the Thrash in Phillip’s Sunday! Woo!

By silverpork

March 3, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

David,

It wasn’t a matter of JPVJ manning up on Heatley and being out-classed, it was a case of JP being out of position by about 20 feet and Heatley essentially walking in. If JP is in position, that first goal doesn’t happen.

But, we won, so bring on the Canes!

By Bob

March 3, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

ranallo and all your lame alter egos, give it a freaking rest aleady, we understand JBVJ stole your girlfriend, you look like a complete moron trying to blame Heatley’s goals on him. Goodness gracious, we won the game you tool.

I Tivo’d the game, X wanted Heatley’s a* big time at the end. Wonder what was said. My Faith is being tested here again with that, uh, uh, uh, gentleman Heater. Bee-yotch. Scoreboard, Dany.

GP, I told you guys you’d like Dupuis. He should really help out more as coach works him into the PK more.

Kozlov had a nice game. Zhitnik was solid. Kari looked good. Coach screwed up the lines again.

Stayed 2 pts back of the Bolts. If Tkachuk and Kovy can start clickin’, watch out.

By Jameson

March 3, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

Anybody else think this team is due for an 18-0-0 run?

By Scott

March 3, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this

It would be nice to have the games televised. I live in Montgomery. Kind of hard to travel two hours for every home game.

By Tony C.

March 3, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this

Ok Bob the backhander by Dupuis looked pretty damn good I must admit.

Now of course I did not get to see the game…because there is no webcast…..you would think that NHL would be on top of this…if for nothing else that webcast rubles from Russia (I mean their #1 and #2 lines play in the NHL) as well as all the other countries who have their best players playing here (Czech Rpb. Slovokia, Sweden, etc.)….or if nothing else then set up something for centerice subscribers….

Anyway, all in all It seemed to be a pretty good game for this team to build on….I’ll be buying some of the Kool-Aid if The Kid beats Ward with 1 GA or less. I look forward to hearing the call “Ilya-SHOT-REBOUND Tkachuk-SCOORRRRRRRE” sometime during the Carolina game….more than once is fine by me. It did seem like this is going to be a chippy little set-to each and every time from here on out. It seemed like a very conscious effort was made to get a little dirty with these guys…did Kamal steer me wrong? It seemed like X was in Heather-I mean Heatley’s grill a lot as well as Msr. Neil…also, the lead pass from Sutton to Belanger on his 2nd goal looked great perhaps the good twin has found his way back to The Flatscreen…let’s hope so…I mean it is a contract year and he did just get set down from the top pair.

Damn.

DW looks pretty smart 2 games removed from all the moves. Like I said, I’ll start buying the Kool-Aid if The Kid gets over his thing about Ward

By drew

March 3, 2007 6:00 AM | Link to this

McCarthy In…Havelid out….Nic’s looking a little shakey these days. Maybe a rest would do him some good.

By silverpork

March 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Bob, I think X wanted Heatley after Heatley’s elbow to Kari’s head. You couldn’t really see it well on the broadcast, but if you listen to Hartley’s post-game press conference, he says from the bench they had a good angle - Heatley went hard at Kari’s head with an elbow during the 3rd period pile up at the net. If so, that’s especially interesting considering Bryan Murray’s comments about our dirty play around the net.

By Thrashersfan33

March 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

For those of you who were at the game, I think Sutton’s slowness was obvious. He was beat to the puck all night. Yes, he had a great pass to set up Belanger, but one good thing does not overshadow all his mistakes. Sit him Hartley. Let him get 100%. Play McCarthy. Enough said.

By Midfield

March 3, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Ottawa seems to be the wolves crying “wolf” kind of bunch. Last time around Neil called Kovy a “dirty player” - after Mezsaros got away with elbowing Kovy to the head. Nice.

By ranallo10

March 3, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Bob, just because other people dislike Vigier and voice their frustrations toward you (you seem to be the lone supporter of the hapless Vigier), doesn’t mean it’s an alter ego.

I’ve said this before, I stand by all of my opinions, and do not hide behind other posting names. I have “Remember me?” selected to yes on the two computers I use (work and home). To insinuate that I’m even stooping to that level shows your insecurity in your own opinions. You can’t seem to fathom OTHER people disagreeing with you. That’s fine with me though, your “Faith” will lead you fine.

By the way, isn’t stooping to name calling against said “Faith”, but forgiving a persons mistake (Heatley’s) is something you’re striving for? Oh, then I forgot, you relapsed and called him a “Bee-yotch”. ANd I’M the tool?? Seriously Bob, grow a pair of testicles, understand some people don’t agree with your opinions and like to show you when you’re wrong, and stop blaming me for other people not liking you or your opinions.

David, dj, Silverpork, and anybody else who said something anti-Vigier…be careful, Bob will be convinced you are actually me and be very very mean to you with his hurtful comments. (note the sarcasm) Consider this HIS warning.

Finally, I agree with the several posters and their comments about Vigier’s inneptnes on the PK. He looks lost out there, and seems to skate harder in warmups than he does throughout the game. Notice that he’s been relegated to the 4th line with Mellanby and Slater? How many even strength minutes did Vigier play?? He’s a liability at best, and is fighting for a roster spot with AN ENFORCER. Vigier’s “specialty” is defensive hockey, but yet he is on the ice and out of position for both of the goals scored against the Thrashers.

Vigier sucks, it’s obvious, cope with it.

By Brian

March 3, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Ranollo10 - please don’t show Bob that he is wrong. He will tell you that you have a bug up your butt when he can’t escape your proof. As for signing on with other names, that was Bob’s trick. He uses the name “Zeklar”. It’s funny because we never heard of that blogger before, then “Zeklar” coincidentally blogs right after Bob writes something.

By Zeklar

March 3, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Brian,I am not Bob.

By Brian

March 3, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

How nice of you to join us…

By B. Thenet

March 3, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Congrats on observing that a 3rd/4th line player isn’t a great player, perhaps we could get some of you guys on the Thrashers scouting staff.

JPVJ is a solid PKer, and I think he would be on the PK units for 80% of the teams in the NHL.

By Tony C.

March 3, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

OK.

on the Sutton thing…trust me if you go back over my comments from last season til now…I’m not really his biggest fan. Super nice guy in person though-I usedto work at a place he is a member of-interacted with him a couple of times, like I say, really nice guy. All that aside, oh how I shower curses at the TV when I see him standing around the front of the crease while his mark backs up two feet and gets an uncontested shot at The Kid who Sutton is partially screening….I was really pleased at the progress he (Sutton) made over the last month of last season and up until his injury this year-it seemed like he had realy turned a corner and was poised for a huge improvement-but I think y’all are right and he may have come back too soon…anyway I was encouraged by the excellent outlet pass-trust me, nobody wants this guy to do well more than I.

Anyway, what about JPVJ is so bad? he’s a grinder who (generally) is responsible in his end-and his effort is unquestionable. Now he’s never going to be on the cover of a video game or be the guy that media-types chooses for the pregame photo ops. Honestly, give me another player on our roster you would slot into his duties that you feel would do a better job? Until the Dupuis deal, there wasn’t really a better option. hiBob is going to be sweet on his Frenchmen, so perhaps he will get some extra strikes at the plate-that’s on Coach, not on JP.

Anyway this isn’t a defense of Sutton or JPVJ-just an opinion. Let’s just enjoy that Dupuis backhander until Sunday’s big showdown with the Canes.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By kracker

March 3, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Bolts lose 2-6 in Sunrise to the Panthers!! FLA on 4 game streak, 6 pts out now.

By Brendan

March 3, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

I would be VERY SURPRISED if the Florida Panthers made the playoffs. Too many teams ahead of them, who play each other. Montreal is stuggling. Boston is inconsistent. Toronto can’t rise above. The Islanders actually look like they’ll be a playoff team. And Carolina very may well finish 8th. It sets up a rematch of the Conference Finals between Buffalo and Carolina. I would think that Sabres fans are really relishing the prospect. I always thought that, if healthy, Buffalo would have won the Eastern Conference last season. I bet if you polled Sabres fans, they WANT to draw Carolina in the 1st round.

By ranallo10

March 4, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Prior to the addition of Dupuis, I would’ve rather had Hamel play on the PK AND Holik/Larsen line. Prior to the addition of Hamel, I would’ve rather had Serge Aubin plucked from Switzerland for both duties. I understand your point of “better” options, but many people can play decently on the PK, while giving our younger talent a chance to shine on the roster spot that Vigier holds. Would you rather see Mellanby playing wing with Larsen and Holik, with Haydar playing on the Slater-go-round (4th) line? I personally would.

Vigier shows little evidence of responsibility in the defensive end. Often times Vigier is too busy making up ground for his mistakes than he is positioning himself well for his defensive duties. That hustle you speak of is an attribute MANY of the team exhibits, and is not unique to Vigier. Sim, Slater, Kapanen, Larsen, Boulton, Krog, Haydar…all of these players try JUST AS HARD as Vigier. The difference between those players and Vigier is that they are (or “were” in Kapanen’s case) better suited for a sparkplug type role.

But if you don’t believe my feelings about Vigier, why don’t you turn to the evidence from each of the games this season. Bob’s been TiVoing the games, perhaps he can watch the two Ottawa goals last night and explain to us all exactly what Vigier was attempting to do. Some semblance of an explanation will due, because I was completely flabbergasted by what I saw.

Dupuis is the much needed improvement over Vigier on that defensive line, as well as on the PK. By getting Dupuis, the role that Vigier supposedly held is filled by a seemingly superior (and even younger) player. We’ve all seen the many players that have played PK: Hossa, Kozlov, Belanger, Rucchin, Holik, Larsen, et ali. You can’t tell me that Vigier is better than any of those PK men AND more useful defensively on the Holik line. Dupuis’ acquisition SHOULD HAVE BEEN (in my opinion) the spark to the demotion of Vigier. If he were a healthy scratch I’d be content, but I definitely think Haydar or Krog deserve more chances than Vigier has been given throughout the entire season.

And by the way…when Vigier was hurt, his replacement was found ON THE WAIVER WIRE (Hamel). Kinda goes to show you that perhaps it’s easier than you insinuate to find a PK specialist/defensive offenseman. It’s too bad Hamel got claimed by Philadelphia.

If Vigier were on the PK for all of the opponents of the Thrashers, no Atlanta fan would have a problem with PP production. Every NHL player has his role, and Vigier’s is on the bench.

By Brendan

March 4, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

I meant, Montreal is STRUGGLING. I’m not quite sure what stuggling is.

By Tom

March 4, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

stuggling is a popular thing to do on a cold night in Elbonia according to Scott Adams … :>

On happier news, I have a sneaking suspicion that the tough attitude that a Keith and Zhit bring is changing the attitude in the Lockerroom at Phillips. The European softness seems to be leaving the team and a fiesty attitude is taking hold. We have been good hitters but not good protectors of our goalies and teammates.

The new additions may be giving Cap Rat, Holik, and Simmer the chance to convince their teamates that it is time to play toughnose play off hockey in the ATL.

And that would be great news.

By Brendan

March 4, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

I love Elbonia, Tom. They found oil deposits that will render the country rich beyond its wildest expectations. Surely, nothing could go wrong for them? And the Elbonian Prime Minister is asked, “Well that depends. Are you planning on developing any weapons of mass destruction?” The Elbonian Prime Minister replies, “Why? Is that a problem?”

By Darren

March 4, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

In other news, Atlanta won a hockey game today…

By Brian

March 4, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Well, I finally talked to the right person and we can stop blaiming NBC, Comcast, SportsSouth and all the rest for not seeing that game today.

First of all, NBC was supposed to carry the game, so don’t blame SportSouth, Comcast, CenterIce or anyone else because NBC had committed to doing the game and therefore it is on NBC, not anyone else.

Now as for NBC, well, the Pens-Philly game started at 12:30pm, the Wings-Avs game started at 12:30pm, and I still have my magnetic schedule from opening night with the original time and wouldn’t you know it, the Thrashers game was supposed to start at 12:30pm. Well, the Thrashers moved the game to 2pm which was outside of NBC’s programming grid and they already have 4 other teams scheduled to play at that time. So NBC dropped the game since it wasn’t going to be played at 12:30pm. They can’t show anything if nothing is being played.

The question now is why did the Thrashers move the time and refuse it to go back to the previously scheduled 12:30pm start time?

By Bob

March 4, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Brian, between goofs like you and ranallo it’s no wonder Atlanta fans get mocked league wide. Do us all a favor and educate yourself a little before posting this dribble.

First off, I could care less about JPVJ. I hope that Coach works in Dupuis (yes, Tony, you’ve seen what I’ve been saying about him) on the PK. Both he and Belanger will help the PK improve more. Look up the stats on the PK when Vigier was out. Look up the stats on how the PK has been doing since he got back. His job is to be a defensive checking line forward, Dupuis is better in that role, as I’ve said, so that’ll knock JP down to the 4th. But you two look like tools going after JPVJ for goodness sake.

Next, the Thrashers only changed today’s start time AFTER NBC dropped the game. They sent out a press release email to all of us stating that since NBC dropped it, they were moving the game to 2pm to be more fan friendly.

Can you two be more clueless?