AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBack in first
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nice win for the Thrashers this afternoon, who continue to look much more confident since picking up Tkachuk and Zhitnik. I know this game wasn’t on TV, so I wanted to point out a couple observations in a special post-game edition of the beat blog.
The power play, which struggled to get things set up early, has the potential to be really good with Tkachuk wreaking havoc down low and Kovalchuk waiting nearby. The days of the passing until Kovalchuk gets a slapper from the point are gone. Maybe we’ll see less broken sticks now.
Kari Lehtonen was sharp. His rebound control, which had gotten so bad that one Ottawa writer said he looked like a pinball machine a few weeks ago, was outstanding - or in the words of Hartley: flawless.
Hossa crashed into the boards late, a result of an all-out backchecking effort. He was down for a minute, and left the game. He said that his hand hit the boards in a bad angle, but it was only a bruise. He returned, and nearly scored his third goal, so he’s probably fine. But we’ll be monitoring the hand closely.
A better effort from the penalty kill — Dupuis, as advertised adds speed there, but it’s Belanger who has made the biggest impact on the PK.
And Bobby Holik registered his 700th career point on a nice pass to Hossa who scored his second goal of the game. Naturally, Holik said after the game that he had no idea he was close to 700 career points until just recently. “600? 700? It doesn’t matter,” he said. All he cares about is winning, and right now the Thrashers are.
Comments
By David
March 4, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Was a great game. Being my first chance at seeing the new guys in action, I was very pleased. Things that jumped out at me were…
-The entire defensive game was great. Never really gave them much.
-The crowd…anybody who doubts ATL as being able to host a playoff series needs to think again.
-Physicality…the additions seem to have made the team a much more physical group, which I like a lot. When we went on the west road trip I felt like we got pushed around a lot. Maybe acquiring KT is changing that.
-Kari…if he plays this well for the rest of the season we’ll finish in first place in the division.
All in all great game. I loved how we didn’t give up a goal at the end and kept the two goal cushion.
By David-ATL14
March 4, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Ship has been righted, Will be a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.
By russian
March 4, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Good Game. I injoyed to see PP goal by Kovy and 3-d goal was a beaty pas by Slava + Holik + Hossa. Hossa almost gotr a hat trik, I could not believe it is not coming to the net. :-)
By Brian
March 4, 2007 7:30 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? Craid, any reasons given?
By yellowjax
March 4, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Thank you Atlanta Spirit, Sports South and NBC for the tremendous TV coverage during this all important late season push. Oh yeah, never mind…
By Thrashersfan33
March 4, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
The guys played great. Now hopefully we can secure 3rd place in the playoffs early enough that we can give some of the guys a rest before the big push deep into the playoffs.
By Bob
March 4, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
You’ve clogged up every of the last 3 blogs I’ve read with this same dribble. You goof, the Thrashers only sent everyone an email AFTER NBC dropped the game saying BECAUSE NBC dropped the game, they were moving the game to the more fan friendly time of 2pm.
Great game, I was terrified again when Hoss went down, it looked to me like it was his shoulder that was jammed, good to hear it was just the hand and he came back from the locker room quickly. He had a great game, our best players were exactly that today, and that’s what you need to make a playoff run.
Lehtonen looks to be back in form, much more confident out there. Dupuis wheels and Belanger’s steady play are great on the PK, I wonder when Coach will move Dupuis up to the first penalty kill unit.
We’re not really tied for the lead again as Tampa has more wins so they’re still the division leader, but it’s nice to have the same points as them, I expect to pass them this week as Tampa is on the tough part of their road trip and out West now. They looked awful last night in the loss to Florida. They keep that play up (they looked bad in their previous game that they pulled out against the Caps) and we’ll easily pass them in the next week or so.
By Bob
March 4, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Here’s the email the Thrashers sent all of us, you goof, blame NBC for wanting to show Sid the kid, again, I know that Atlanta vs. Carolina would be a huge draw in the country, but stick to reality:
*March 4th game time change The start time for the Atlanta Thrashers home game on Sunday, March 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes has been changed to 2 p.m.
The game, which was originally scheduled for a nationally televised 12:30 p.m. start on NBC, is no longer being televised. As a result, the team moved the game to a 2:00 p.m. start to better accommodate the fans.*
By Brian
March 4, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Bob - It was reported by the FAN out of NYC that the Thrashers moved the time first, NBC wouldn’t shift their schedule obviously, so the Thrashers are saying they moved it. Does anyone (other than Bob) have it reported by NBC that they dropped the game, or are we going by Thrashers PR? For the record I will believe anyone over Bob with the exception of Pucks n snot…
By Brian
March 4, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Bob - Why was the Detroit/Colorado game still aired in local markets by NBC even though Sid the Kid was being shown nationally? Why would they cut the Atlanta/Carolina coverage but still have coverage of the Detroit/Colorado? They agreed in contract to do all three games, of course regional coverage will still apply.
By Bob
March 4, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
For the clueless one who can’t figure out how to simply Google the phrase NHL drops Thrashers game
Every time I think you can’t get any worse, you set the bar even lower. Nice job. I’ll look forward to tomorrow’s edition of Brian and Ranallo’s Hockey Adventure.
By Lee
March 4, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
I was at the game and I must say it was the Hossa and Lehtonen show. When Hossa went down, i stood up and said “Oh dear god.” When he returned I quit holding my breath. I am really happy about Belanger and Dupuis, All those guys do is hustle and I love that.Hopefully we are about to make a run here…a long one
By Bob
March 4, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
You and me both, Lee. I don’t think I took a breath for two minutes until he got up but then headed for the locker room. Belanger and Dupuis both bring some much needed speed. Larsen suprised me getting the 3rd star, he did have a nice game, seems to have new jump. I think I would’ve given Kovy the 3rd, but it’s nice to spread the wealth around and recognize Larsen.
Lehtonen played great, back to the early season form. Craig’s article says his parents are in town, I agree with Coach, let’s move them here. At least till early June.
By Nicholas Irwin
March 4, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
The fact that this game was dropped really sucks. The NHL has to have a better system in place for this.
First of all, it is flat-out ridiculous that NBC would drop a perfectly decent playoff-push game so that the Northeast sector of the country could watch Sidney Crosby skate circles around the terrible Philadelphia Flyers. If you looked at the viewing map, the Avalanche-Red Wings game was shown over most of the country anyway. So what difference does it make what the secondary game is? Why it was necessary to switch out their secondary game, God only knows. And don’t tell me TV ratings, because we all know the NHL’s TV ratings aren’t worth a crap, regardless of what game they show. So don’t patronize me with that ratings crap.
However, all that said, the NHL has to do something about this. Either don’t allow NBC to drop games or make sure that the local channels will be there to pick it up if it is dropped. I mean, SportSouth was probably showing that freaking behind-the-scenes look at the life of Peter Laviolette for the 1000th time or something, it’s not like they were doing anything. The NHL simply cannot allow a game of this caliber to not be available on TV anywhere. So as far as I’m concerned, this (along with most everything else wrong with this league) is on Gary Bettman.
And another thing about SportSouth in general: There is never anything on that channel. How the hell it is that they can’t broadcast all games not broadcast nationally, I’ll never know. I guess it might occasionally overlap with a Hawks game, but that certainly doesn’t account for all the times SportSouth haven’t covered a game this year.
By Ryan
March 4, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Heard via radio that Larsen had a great game. To those who attended like to know what gave him a great game.
By Brian
March 4, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
Nicholas Irwin - that was a nice link to the coverage map. Much more useful than a link to a bunch of blogs.
The other thing that is odd is that this is the 5th week (not all in a row) that NBC has shown hockey games. The previous 4 weeks all had 3 games being shown, which means 3 sets of broadcast crews, 3 production crews, etc. Today they only had 2 games. What was the extra crew doing that didn’t work today? Couldn’t they have been in Atlanta to produce a game to be shown to the Southeast region? Unless of course what the FAN in NYC reported was true and it was the Thrashers who changed the time first before the game was swapped out with Pit/Philly…
Bob - I know that last paragraph requires a touch of logic and common sense to analyze, therefore no reply is expected from you.
By Tony C.
March 5, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
ok so it was a variation on the call I had hoped for…. nice to see #17 light the lamp. Now if we can get one of the other two lines to chip in with some of the ever popular “timely goal-scoring”…we could make some noise beyond the first round. I would hope that the room isn’t going to satisfied with just showing up fr the 2nd season…
Good win, they fell off a bit but seemed to come back with a will and some really good jump.
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Braves fan 202
March 5, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Finally the thrash are playin good again, i went to my first game friday cuz i was finally able to snag a ticket. I loved it and im goin tuesday. They look good and maybe they’ll take down the sabes in the playoffs!
By David
March 5, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
Larsen did have a good game. Good checking and smart defensive playing. Wasn’t so much any one thing, but more of a consistent work ethic that showed.
By Tony C.
March 5, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
Just thought yall may like to know-Burnside @ espn.com feels the NBC shaf-move was especially weak check out the box on bottom right here.
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
P.S. is anyone else having trouble with the highlight vids not loading @ http://www.atlantathrashers.com ????
By Christy
March 5, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Hello all. The praise for Larsen being so lacking I’m motivated to make my first post after two years of reading the blog. Larsen MOVED. He pushed, he prodded he stole and made things happen. He got shoved into the ice more than once, picked himself up and kept going. Has for the last few games. Played the same way on Friday night. He was all over the place - thus the assist Friday and yesterday. The Hossa-Belanger-Kozlov line has been scoring all the points, but the Holik-Larsen-Dupuis line has been wearing the opposing teams out. Even that fiasco against Carolina the Saturday before the trade deadline - the only line that seemed to have any life at all was Holik-Larsen-Vigier (yes Vigier, as part of the line).
By wristshot
March 5, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Larsen looked like a man possessed out there yesterday. The spark we have all been waiting for has been lit. The whole team was playing great two way hockey.
By Bob
March 5, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Brian, good work, you set the bar even lower in just a short span of time, you are the standard bearer. This Bud’s for you, Sparky.
Tony, Burnside is right saying that NBC shafted us figuring everyone wanted to watch Sid the Kid more than they wanted to watch Carolina vs. Atlanta. You know what though, I can understand why they made the decision. Outside of our local markets, people generally would want to see Crosby more than our matchup yesterday. I can understand their logic on it, don’t like it, but I understand it.
Yesterday was a rare case where CenterIce wouldn’t have helped you watch the Thrash, but it’s definitely worth it. Despite Sparky The Standard Bearer previously telling all that it only comes in handy once a year for Thrash games, reality is quite different. You could have watched the Ottawa feed last Friday night, and the other two games later this week that aren’t on SS are on CenterIce. Montreal isn’t on SS but RDS will be on CenterIce (Montreal feed in French) and then Friday’s game at Florida is being shown on FSFL (Florida’s feed). That’s 3 times in 1 week CenterIce would have got you the game when there’s no local coverage. On the 18th of this month, there’s no local coverage of the game at Buffalo, but MSG is showing it. So, if you’re thinking of CenterIce, it’ll come in handy here over the next couple of weeks.
Florida actually comes in on a bit of a roll tomorrow night, can’t let up, need these two points.
By JMar
March 5, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
For anyone even remotely worried about us overtaking Tampa Bay, just take a look at the remaining schedules. Ours is full of eastern conference bottom feeders and 9 of 15 games are at home. Tampa’s is full of powerhouses, including a road trip out west. The only reason they’ve caught up is that we’ve already gone through all the rough patches and they still have a big one remaining. No worries.
By Bob
March 5, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
JMar, I think this week is when we pass them, they in their tough trip out West, and they’re playing like crap. Pulled their goalie early in the last 6-2 loss to the Panthers, backup got spanked too. Nice!
By Rawhide
March 5, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
What a ROCKIN’ place BLUELAND was yesterday!!!!
Now, 3-0 since the trades,….very good,….but they are 4-1-1 in their last 6. Very, VERY good.
Now we need to take care of some lesser teams in the next week or so.
I understand Mom and Pop Lehtonen have been in town recently,….wonder what momma’s been cooking for Kari?????? Any chance we can get them to saty around ‘till, oh,….JUNE????
GO THRASHERS - SWING THOSE FLORIDA P***-CAT AROUND BUT THE TAIL AN SEND ‘EM BACK TO SUNRISE WITH THEIR TAILS BOBBED!!!!
By Brian
March 5, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Bob - in typical form you result to name calling rather than facts. Can you please state where I said CenterIce would only help “once a year” for Thrasher games as you claim?
Funny how rather than being logical you turn emotional…
By TheRatio
March 5, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
I don’t know about you guys but I come to this blog to read and comment about the Thrashers. I do not want to read about any childish arguments between two readers.
If you guys have any issues with each other, please exchange emails or phone numbers. This isn’t the place for that.
Anyway.. Thrashers played a great game yesterday and Philip’s continues to get louder and louder. I couldn’t be more excited about this team.
GO THRASHERS!!!
By Bob
March 5, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Logical?! You’re priceless, Sparky. You said in a previous blog that CenterIce comes in handy mabye once a year for Thrashers’ games, no? I remember laughing at that one also as it boggles my mind to read this stuff, it also makes me understand a little better why we Atlanta fans get the rep around the league we do, underservedly so, but sometimes people lump all fans after seeing just a few uninformed ones.
I’ve got a hint for you, Brian. If you don’t want to get it back, then either don’t start it, or don’t show up to a battle of wits unarmed.
But please, don’t let me get in the way of your rant on every blog about how the Thrashers’ moving the start time to 2pm caused NBC to drop the game. This is your time, Brian. This is the place. You go get those dirty Thrashers who moved their start time and caused NBC to drop the game!
By Ryan
March 5, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the news on Larsen, it seemed he quietly made a difference. But the word that jumps out to me the most in one post is “consistency”. Afterall, the boys need that.
By Matt H
March 5, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Is it October again?
Is it safe to feel genuinely good about the Thrashers again?
One win, and it could be a fluke- a result of the personnel shake-up following the trade deadline.
Two wins, and it’s the law of averages.
But put together three consecutive, convincing wins, and you’ve got a good topic for message board debate between Tampa and Atlanta fans over who’s really the best team in the Southeast.
The special teams have actually been worth talking about. Over the past 3 games the Thrashers have converted on 3 out of 15 power play opportunities, moving along at a respectable 20% clip.
The penalty kill is where things have really picked up though. Not only have they been taking fewer penalties lately, they’ve killed most of the ones they’ve had- killing 9 for 11 in the past three games to go for 81%.
And production, defensive and offensive, is coming from all ends of the ice- from Brad Larsen to Andy Sutton to Marian Hossa. Lehtonen has looked sharper and his rebound control refocused.
As for the new guys- Belanger, Zhitnik, Tkachuk and Dupuis have combined for a total of 8 points since the trade deadline; 3 of which have helped to bolster the Thrashers’ beleaguered power play.
It may not be October. But it may be time to feel good about the home team again.
By Bob
March 5, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Come on, Ryan. We’ve been consistent all year, win 5 in a row, lose 5 in a row. lol.
You’re right, consistency from here on in is key. I think the changes Waddell made changed the chemistry in the room, and definitely changed the skill level. Everyone seems to have new life, I’m real excited about this run and feel confident the Thrash can win the division and make a good run. How far depends on how well Lehtonen plays, and how good Kovy and Hoss are in the playoffs.
I like our chances just as much as anyone else, cept Buffalo, in the East. That’s why winning the division is key, we can avoid Buffalo till the Conference finals if we win the Southeast.
By Fred
March 5, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
My observations from yesterday’s game:
1) Kovy set early tone with great physical play in 1st period 2) Crowd was great, mostly because it was a ‘younger’ crowd. An arena full of kids will ALWAYS be louder than a crowd full of suits 3) Nothing personal to those wanting to watch it on TV, but it wasn’t a sellout, so you could have still seen the game with the rest of us - seriously, I didn’t know televised games were on a fans “bill of rights” 4) Havelid and his -20 in the 2nd half of the year since returning from Sweden is STILL is playing terrible. I understand the tragedy of having a parent pass away, and that’s just as good of a reason as any human with feelings can have, but Hartley needs to simply acknowledge it and move him to the 3rd D line or sit him from time to time. I’d rather see McCarthy in there. 5) For a 2nd straight game (forget Boston), the team showed they can win close checking games against playoff calibur teams. Encouraging to those not just hoping for playoffs - but success in playoffs.
GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!
By Russian
March 5, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Eastern Conference is very close right now. Only two teams can not go to Play Offs – Philly and Capitals. Every other team stay close to each other and every point is count as Huge. We need to get two points on Florida and possible two points on Montreal. If we can do that it will be great for us.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Bob - Again, if you can just show that I said that, it would be nice. If you can’t, stop making false claims.
JMar - good points being made. The Bolts have a tough road swing coming up followed by some tough playoff opponents. We have some bottom feeders as you called them coming up. No worries at all.
By Ryan
March 5, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Bob, my thoughts exactly. 5 in a row…lose 5 in a row. It’s one of those things. The Thrash may be sitting in one of those situations again, real soon. Yes, consistency is the key…look at the Oilers last season, I don’t think there was many of us who saw them making it to the Finals. They had consistency with every player. Most of all from Roloson, if Kari can put together a run like that we will finally be posting on this forum about our own Thrash for a change. Buffalo is a team that I wish the Thrash not to meet early, they have shown that they can win with guys from Rochester coming up and remain consistent. Florida is on fire, going to be a tough game to get two points.
By Chris
March 5, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Fred good point about Kovy - he got run pretty good on his first shift and that seemed to put him in an ornery mood the rest of the way. Thanks to whichever Cane it was that hit him.
By Craig Custance
March 5, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Good points about Larsen — He had a great game, including a couple good scoring chances.
I don’t want to jump into the argument between Brian and Bob, but the official word from the team is that the starting time was changed after NBC decided to drop the game.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Craig - Any reason why NBC did only 2 games instead of their normal 3?
By Ryan
March 5, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Uuuuuhhhhh! Waddell named 6th best GM in all sports/out of 90 something. Did I miss something here?
By Michael
March 5, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Everyone at the games has noticed Havelids terrible play except for Hartley. I mean when he is quoted in the ajc as saying he will not play favorites and he continues to play Havelid like he is dominating, he must not be paying attention. I just hope Havelid cowboy’s the fu!k up before we hit the playoff run, we can’t afford the crap he is pulling at that time.
Glad to see Kovy get a goal yesterday. Graham’s save on Hossa’s potential 3rd goal was crazy. Hossa put the mojo move on him but he stopped it.
By Matt H
March 5, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Ryan- Glen Sather of the Rangers is in at #12, which makes me think Forbes.com probably used a dartboard to come up with this list.
Possibly a Bingo card…
By Brian
March 5, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Ryan - This is Forbes magazine, a business journal. They are going to look at things from a financial perspective. From a p/l standpoint, can anyone produce an argument of who is better and why? Better yet, who among you have worked in sports finance to where you can fully explain the business model that the Atlanta Spirit have? Pucks n snot need not reply…
I know we all want the Thrashers to go to the playoffs and win the Cup, but there are bigger issues at stake when evaluating how good your GM really is. Especially when it is Forbes and not Sports Illustrated doing the evaluating.
By Panther Hunt Tuesday
March 5, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
It seems like everytime I am on here, “Bob” is trying to bash anybody that disagrees with him. As far as the NBC thing goes, does anyone know the specific reason NBC pulled the game?
By Ryan
March 5, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Point taken gents! Just a bit odd thats all. Florida is on a 4 game win streak, should be a good one tomorrow.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Matt H - on other blogs, we have all been throwing the number out there of how home games in the NHL playoffs will add $xx million to a teams revenue stream. Imagine what would happen if a team went all the way to the finals (which Edmonton did last year).
Now imagine that this same team is so tight on their budget that they wouldn’t even sign their star player for an extra $100 - $300 thousand a year.
Now combine that with the fact that you have a financial periodical measure that much revenue against so little expense and where else would you expect Sather to wind up?
By Brian
March 5, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Matt H - I just realized it was Sather and he is in NY now. Ok, I stopped referring to the Minnesota North Stars but I still get players, coaches & GMs mixed up with their old team. Sather is of the Edmonton tight penny mindset. Throw in all the MSG revenue from the biggest market in the league and it adds up to a high ranking. Again, this is a financial mag that is doing this, not ESPN or SI.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Ryan - good point on the Panthers recent streak. They actually have gotten a point in each of their last 7 and are 7-0-2 in their last 10. Some good teams in that recent streak that they were playing. I watched them for a period on Sat and they looked good. Not to mention we play them again on Sat, so 2 out of the next 3 are against them.
By Thrasher_Ed
March 5, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Ok, great game yesterday as the Thrashers beat the Canes with me in a Mullet Wig none the less! Question for all you experts. I realize Havelid scored on the Power Play assist with Kovy, and Tkachuk, but he scares the hell out of me on the power play. He has been very unsteady on defense lately, in my opinion. I would love to see Hartley dress Steve McCarthy and let him work the powerplay with Znitnik, Kovy, Hossa, and Slava. Mac bombs it from the point and he would be a good complement to Alex Z. Craig any word on if and when McCarthy may get another chance? I realize too that Tkachuk is going to get time on PP in front of the net, but Big Keith, Kovy, Hoss, Zhitnik and McCarthy would be a great PP.
By Chris
March 5, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
On Havelid: in having seen it a few games now, though it is working now, I’m not a huge fan of having Havelid with Zhitnik long term. I fear that in the playoffs this duo is going to be too easy to play against.
If Ex/Devries are inseparable, I wonder if BH will mix in a little - deep breath - Sutton in with Zhitnik? The 3 game win streak does coincide with greatly reduced Sutton. But I fear that 25 minutes of this year’s Havelid per game in the playoffs could be recipe for disaster. Last year Havelid was almost Hossa’s equivalent in his ability to win puck battles. That is really missing from his game this year.
By Craig Custance
March 5, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Thrasher_Ed: Mac will be sitting again on Tuesday. No word on his return, although Bob Hartley doesn’t usually tinker with the lineup too much after wins.
By Russian
March 5, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
I do not think Hartley will change anything right now. His philosophy is simple; if we win a game keep same people on the ice. I think if we are going to lose game something will change, but not now.
By Fred
March 5, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
A real shame Hossa didn’t get his 3rd. It would have been the NHL’s first ever “Mullet Trick” - 5000 mullet wigs would have hit the ice!
By Rawhide
March 5, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Couple quick hits for ya’ll:
So, any combination of Thrasher points gained or Canadian points lost, (loss or OT loss) equaling 23 and the Thrashers clinch. i.e. if the Thrasher win tomorrow and Montreal loses it’s next game in regulation, the magic number drops to 19.
Congrats to DW being names #6 on Forbes list of GMs. He takes a lot of crap in here,…..so given this news and what he has done via deals in recently, how about given the man his props???
Haven’t seen ‘ol Pucks-n-Pucks lately. Wonder if mommy cut off his internet service up in MEEEE-chigan or if he’s travelled to Kitchener, ON to wait in line for his season tickets once the Thrashers become the Ontario Owls…..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I mentioned the magic number above for playoff reference, however, the division title is within our reach. This is where the focus needs to be. there is TOO much difference between the 3rd slot and the 6th. That last game of the season may well be a doosey….I mean, could you imagine TB and Atlanta going into that game tied and the outcome of the division is determined in ONE GAME head to head???? Whoo-Boy!
Speaking of winning the division. This is something the Hawks have not accomplished, (or even making the playoffs), since, BEFORE THE THRASHERS PLAYED THEIR FIRST GAME!!!!!!!
**GO THRASHERS - PUMMELL THE PANTHERS!!!!
By Tom
March 5, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
I would rather have McCarthy with Zhitnik. I would love to see the chemistry between those two and how they could work together on the power play.
I think McCarthy sitting while Devo is playing is sending the wrong message to the team. Devo and Havelid have struggled in the past couple of months and I am afraid they are played out. Hartleys keeping Devo in to keep his consecutive game streak is helping no one, and Havelid needs something to get back his form.
Keeping Sutton on the 3rd line is looking like a very good move.
By Matt H
March 5, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
I agree with the defensive situation. It looks too much like somebody (Waddell, Hartley or both) is playing favorites here. “Mac” should be in the lineup, no doubt about it. He’s earned it.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
I think we all agree on the D side of things. It has to be BH making these calls, it’s got his MO written all over it.
As for DW, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if I said I was a fan of his based on my posts. But clearly if any of you just bought an NHL team you would be very happy with him as a GM if you had to look at things as an owner ($$) and not a fan (insert disgruntled 5 year plan comment here).
By ranallo10
March 5, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
I really appreciate that Forbes did some sort of list that relates to the effectiveness (business wise) of a GM. And it’s no surprise in my mind to see Waddell in the top 10. People may not like his ability to draft (blame that on scouting too, not Waddell solely), or may not like the process by which he negotiates contracts for current or impending freeagents (doesn’t bother me, Schuerholz does the same). But in the end, somebody on these boards pointed out that he’s been raising the amount of wins for this franchise since the first season he came in. Now Forbes is giving evidence that not only is he helping the team, he is also helping the ownership situation by MAKING PROFIT without jeopardizing the product. It is a little odd that some of my personal favorite GMs ranked low (though the MLB ranked low in general, I assume due to the win/loss discrepancy created by the shear amount of games played, thus affecting winning percentages). For those scoring at home, I’m a fan of Schuerholz (#42), Lamoriello (#5), Beane (#29), and Epstein (#30). What does that say about my standards for GMs? Feel free to decide (if you even care).
That being said, I’ll support DW until he does something DESERVING of losing that support (Bob, insert any witty blind sheep comment here). I have yet to see a collection of things that Waddell has done to garner my hatred, and therefore will continue to attempt to help others (this board) see HIS point of view when it comes to the Thrashers.
I’m logic driven, so don’t assume that Waddell will get off scott-free if he does something unforgivable. I’ve yet to see that unforgivable thing, so Waddell is good in my books. I’ll take a tie for divisional lead any day of the week.
By Brendan
March 5, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
I agree with Matt H & Tom that McCarthy needs to be playing, not sitting. Again, I am holding Hartley accountable if this team falters this year. Moreso than Waddell. Waddell did his job THIS YEAR. It was “late,” but he got it done. It’s up to Hartley to coach this team into the playoffs and beyond. And he should be able to do that. If not, he is not under contract for next season and I wouldn’t think he’d get that contract extention. But I agree with (poster) Bob, this team should not only make the playoffs, but win the division. Now is the time to stockpile points while the Bolts go off on that very difficult Western roadswing.
Christy, welcome to the blog. I’m glad you’re here and please post more often. All Thrasher fans are welcome. Not nearly enough ladies make posts. Now, we do have some pretty good female posters, too! Sara and Jenn come immediately to mind. There are others, of course. So don’t be a stranger anymore, Christy.
By Fierce Dawg
March 5, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
I’m the only Thrash fan in a group of Sabres, Ducks, and Red Wings fans, and I was laughed at in the month of February. However, I told ‘em the trades would be the key. Haven’t been laughed at in two weeks. Feels SO good to finally get to join my friends in actually covering the playoffs(knock on wood). Gotta watch out for Florida Tuesday. I know weeknights are tough for some, but we need Blueland sold out tomorrow night!
By Brendan
March 5, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Atlanta has done well vs. Florida all year. I expect that to continue, especially since our team is a better one since the trade deadline.
By Brian
March 5, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Ranollo10 - That was me who posted DW’s results since inception. Here they are again and you can see that with one exception we get better and better every year and we are on pace to do it again.
1999-00: 39 pts 2000-01: 60 pts 2001-02: 54 pts 2002-03: 74 pts 2003-04: 78 pts 2005-06: 90 pts 2006-07: 74 pts with 17 games remaining. If we play .500, that’s 17 pts and we hit 91 pts for the year, an improvement again. Who here really thinks we will only get 17 pts from here on out?
Again, if you were an owner in the year 1999 and someone told you you can have a GM who will build this way, would you say no?
Keep in mind to he is being financially successful without making the playoffs? Remember that number we keep throwing around that each home game is $xx million in revenue. If he can be this good without the postseason revenue, can you imagine how much better their income is going to be with a playoff run? Now you know why Pucks n Snot has no shot at seeing a Thrashers game in Kitchener.
Fierce Dawg - he who laughs last laughs best…
By Bob
March 5, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, I got nothing for love for the Old Fiddler these days. In my opinion, he made some great moves at the deadline, and we’ll enjoy a nice playoff run here.
From a business standpoint, I can definitely see why they ranked DW where they did. From a Win/Loss and fan perspective, not so much, but that’s not Forbe’s job to do that. So, they’re right. He’s made his owners money.
Now, let’s go win a Division. Tampa going down tonight!