AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMelrose: I like the Thrashers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m making an effort to eat healthy on the road, but made an exception while here in Philly — had a gigantic philly cheese steak sandwich and some great seasoned fries from a local sports bar. Caught some NCAA tournament action as well during a quick lunch break, but now it’s back to work.
Just got off the phone with Barry Melrose, was talking about the Eastern Conference for a setup piece I’m writing for Sunday’s game against Buffalo. I think for awhile, we’ve all assumed it would be Buffalo and somebody else coming out of the East this year, but he said it’s time to change that thought process. It’s wide open, and he made a pretty great point — whoever Buffalo plays in the first round (and he used Carolina as the example) will have been playing intense playoff-like hockey for 20 games, while Buffalo hasn’t been playing with the same level of intensity. He, for one, wouldn’t be surprised to see another Detroit/Edmonton-like upset. My next phone call will go out to Buffalo to get the Sabres point of view for the story.
He also likes the Thrashers, and loved the Zhitnik trade especially. He said he really likes the makeup of the Thrashers, good mix of leadership and skill. His biggest concern is goaltending, because, in his words - Kari Lehtonen hasn’t made a playoff save yet. What’s your level of concern about Lehtonen’s playoff inexperience?
In about two hours, I have an interview set up with Braydon Coburn, for a story for Friday’s paper. He’s getting serious ice-time, I’m looking forward to seeing in person how he’s playing for the Flyers. A couple players on the Thrashers said that all Coburn needed was confidence and he was on the verge of being a top defenseman, we’ll see if he’s developing some of that now with the Flyers.
Pretty uneventful morning skate — Same lineup as last game. The interesting twist that we haven’t talked about too much on here is Brad Larsen’s move to center on line No. 4. You can’t help but wonder if Jim Slater wouldn’t be a better fit there, but I’m not one to argue with W’s. Slater and McCarthy got a lot of work in practice today, I overheard a couple workers at the arena remarking that ‘there’s more coaches than players’ on the ice at the end of practice — McCrimmon, Hartley, Weeks and video coach Tony Borgford were all out skating hard with Slater and McCarthy. You gotta love that about hockey.
Biggest news here in Philly (hockey wise) is GM Paul Holmgren getting a two-year extension. The feeling here is that Holmgren, especially with all the young talent he got at the deadline, can turn this team around as soon as next year. Here’s a transcript of the conference call made after the deal was completed.
Like I said yesterday, Derek MacKenzie didn’t join the team today, but should be with the team on Friday. I’m still not 100 percent convinced that I shouldn’t be suspicious about the MacKenzie call up, but I haven’t seen anything to indicate its nothing more than what the team says, a depth move. Other than MacKenzie, everybody skated this morning at the arena. There won’t be a morning skate before the Rangers game on Friday, which I believe, is already sold out.
Alright, lastly, I picked Memphis in my NCAA pool, for no other reason than I liked dealing John Calipari when I did some college basketball stories last summer. The pick drew a laugh from Jon Sim (“Memphis? They’ll be out in the first round,” he said.) Sim picked Florida — Hey Jon, way to go out on a limb.
Comments
By Ryan
March 15, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Craig, great post! I am a little envious of your talk with Melrose, I am a fan of the mullet and his wardrobe. I tend to agree with his statement concerning the Sabres. they have been pretty banged up and have hit the late season skid. I have great concerns over Kari not having playoff experience. The Thrash will go as far as he will take them. Does this mean that he will crumble? NO. Playoff experience is nice tohave in net. I think Cam Ward has no experience going into the playoffs last season(I might be wrong here…a little help) but look what happened. Kari could get hot at the right time. Need the win tonight. By the way the weather here is great.
By Ryan
March 15, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
P.S. Can we do without B-Ball on a hockey blog. Its a bit weird.
By JayBird
March 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Kari has shown he can be a very good or an average goalie. Which one shows up from night to night? None of us know. I will say this, Kari is a very confident guy and maybe it will take something like the playoffs to get him in a zone. I believe our defensemen will be huge for our playoff run. Kari can only be as good as the guys in front of him. If our defensemen play smart and responsibly, we can go a long way. If we have some of the knucklehead plays (not clearing the puck) we have seen, our playoff run will be very short.
I look for us to play well tonight, the boys have to see how important this game is. A 4 point lead is huge. Kovy gets a hat trick in a 5-1 win.
By Matt H
March 15, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Lehtonen is a big question mark. Jim Carey? Patrick Lalime? Marty Turco? OR Ryan Miller? Cam Ward? Marty Brodeur?
Time, and only time, will tell.
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Ryan — True about Ward. Lots of playoff experience for Red Deer though. (I know, it’s not the same)
P.S. So, Ryan, I take it you didn’t check out Don Waddell’s NCAA picks?
By Rawhide
March 15, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Ryan,….last year was Cam Ward’s first playoff experience,…..before that with Red Deer of the AHL(???). Anyway, experience is something you just gotta get in order to get it.
I got Niagra going all the way!!!!!! So far, so good!!!! Go Niagra!!!
I sure hope it’s not too soon before……….Niagra Falls.
(Sorry)………..
By David Lee
March 15, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Kari - has kept the boys in the game ever since this run we are on. What else do you want from him? Let-none-in commented what a big difference Zhitnik (sp?) has made. Watch for Sutton to do something stupid like he normally does.
By Bob
March 15, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Melrose loves the Thrash. He talked us up last year big time, guaranteed we’d make the playoffs, I remember him saying stuff like “you don’t want to meet that club in the playoffs”.
He’s right about Lehtonen, he’s unproven in the playoffs. We’ve all watched Kari hit the wall a couple times this year and lose focus. Playoff hockey may be what he needs to keep focus every night. If he plays good every night, this team can go deep (mind you, I didn’t say great, just good, but if he plays average, we’re beatable).
So, it’s not all on Kari. He just needs to play good, solid. Let Kovy, Hoss, Tkachuk, Kozlov, and the boys do their thing.
By Thrashers27
March 15, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Hey C.C.!
What’s the latest on Rucchin?
Go Thrashers!
By random dude
March 15, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
If AHL experience counts, Lehtonen led the Wolves to the Calder Cup finals a few years back. Lost there to Richards, Carter, and I believe Nittymaki, all of the Flyers.
By Bob
March 15, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
I believe Lehtonen had some good playoff experience both in Chicago and back in the Elite league he played in as a youngster in Finland (he played with the older guys). So, he’s been in that situation, I’d put the AHL and the Elite league both above Red Deer (that’s major junior, right?).
By Russ
March 15, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
I’m not worried about Lehtonen’s lack of NHL playoff experience. He took a pretty mediocre Chicago team to the conference finals in the AHL a few years back. Although this is a new level, he seems to be a goalie that is very capable of carrying his team with the playoff spotlight on him.
I have a strong feeling we’ll see a shutout tonight…I’ll say Thrashers win 4-0.
By Chris
March 15, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Good points about Lehtonen’s experience in Chicago. I think that type of experience does transfer, it is win or go home regardless of the level of competition.
I’d also be surprised to see Philly finish the season sweep tonight.
I like the decision to go with Lehtonen. I applaud BH for recognizing that pts are pts, no matter what, and rather than risking losing what should be a sure two points, doing what he can to nail it down.
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Thrashers27 — I’ll be surprised if we see Rucchin before the playoffs. He said he’s in no rush to return.
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Matt H — Speaking of Turco, I think these playoffs are HUGE for him.
By Ilya k
March 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I am just glad to here Borgford can still skate!
By BDK
March 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Craig-Def a good point about the Wings losing early last year, but look at the teams in the early to mid 90’s when they lost to the Sharks and such. It seems like those teams really focused on the regular season and on getting the one seed as if that would make things easier. They finally coasted into the playoffs in ‘97 as the 3 seed and won the whole thing. My point is Buffalo is no lock and the hockey playoffs lately have been the most unpredictable in sports.
p.s. Memphis!? A&M is going to roll them up. Shouldn’t talk though almost lost a Final Four team (Maryland)
By Ilya k
March 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I am just glad to hear Borgford can still skate!
By Ted
March 15, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Great post, Craig!!!!
It should be an interesting April around here.
The key for the Trash, IMHO is:
1) Dump and chase. This team is most effective when playing a consistent dump and chase game with a strong forecheck. The Holik-Sim-Slater/Vigier line is key in this regard in terms of gaining momentum. You add 1-2 “garbage” goals a game to the expected tallies from the “scorers” and it adds up to victories
2) Responsible defense - Zhitnik has been so key in this regard
3) Kari - I think Kari will be fine in the playoffs but the Thrash may need him to be spectacular to advance past round 1 and he has yet to show that. He has been, for the most part consistent but, in playoff OT when you have to make every save, can he make the “stand on his head” save that keeps you in the game. We’ll find out.
I just hope the home games sell out. If not, it’s all anyone will be talking about nationally (witness the Braves)
By Ilya k
March 15, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Borgford can still skate?
By Jamie
March 15, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
I read that Kari has a knack for big games so he could be even better in the playoffs. The guy who said he played in the elite league with big boys is right and Kari was excellent there in the playoffs. I might of read it on TSN.ca somewhere
Hey C.C. Just wondering if you think Kovy is having an “off year” like everybody else. I don’t think he is
By Jamie
March 15, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Bold:yeah i found it. “Assets: Has excellent size, quickness and mobility. Handles the puck well. Covers most of the net and plays his best hockey under pressure”.
By Jamie
March 15, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Also to note: - 2001-02 SM-Liiga (Finland) - Playoff MVP. Yeah he was only 18 years old then so you doubters may want to think again.
By Jamie
March 15, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Just one more - 2001-02 SM-Liiga (Finland) - Player of the Year 2001-02 SM-Liiga (Finland) - Goaltender of the Year. Yeah he’s unreal and don’t worry about him.
By Matt H
March 15, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
CC- Yeah, everybody loves Marty, but this really is a make or break time for Turk.
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Jamie: It’s funny, I was asked that question during a recent radio interview (Kovy off year) and I agree, I don’t think he’s been that off. He had a cold stretch for awhile (without looking, I think it was mid-to-late December), but let’s not forget that his line was constantly shuffling. Sure he had Rucchin, but that other spot was constantly moving (Metro, Sim, etc). Look at how well he’s played since the Tkachuk trade, and I think once we look back at this year, nobody will be saying he had an off year. If he has big performances in the playoffs, nobody will remember December.
By Lee
March 15, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
CC and anyone else, I got Kansas, Wisconsin, OSU, and G-Town in the final Four with Kansas over G-Town in final game
By Jamie
March 15, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks for backing me up on this Craig. You got it exactly right.
By Nate
March 15, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
I got G-town, Florida, Louisville, and UCLA in the Final Four with Georgetown beating Florida for the title.
By Bob
March 15, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Jamie, yep, that is right. Lehtonen played as an 18 yr old in the Elite League over there, and did well in the playoffs (that’s not juniors, that’s playing with vets). And in Chicago he did well in the playoffs.
I really don’t think he needs to stand on his head for us to win a round. This club is dangerous, he just needs to be good, no softies.
Kovy is not having an off year. In fact, I think he’s having his best year in that he’s more defensively responsible. This is what makes Hossa a better player than him, the ability to play at both ends. Kovy is finally getting it.
Tell Rucchin he can take his time, we’ll see him next year in camp.
By Tony C.
March 15, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
duh. You go as far as your goaie will take you?
wow That Melrose, he’s a sage.
Seriously, thoough, he’s right. Look at NJD in ‘94 without Brodeur, they never push Messier into the “We’ll win tonight” corner. Or the Ducks from a few years ago 2000 I believe, when “Jiggy” took them to within one game of The Cup. Having your goalie play his best hockey in the spring is crucial…that’s why I have such respect for those deadwing team that won The Cup with a very conspicuously blue-collar netminder in Osgood. It just reinforces how good that team was. Ask Slava-Matic-he was a big part of that-un heralded, but a key piece none the less.
All that being said, I don’t worry so much about The Kid and the dreaded “playoff spotlight”. He likes to show out. Would anyone disagree that when his parents were here we saw some of his most confident, controlling games to date? Even that blockhead Engblom noticed how much more ‘on’ The Kid was (Not to knock him, but Engblom usually doesn’t talk up goalies), playing at the top of the crease and improved rebound control.
So I don’t worry as much as would with another “untested” goalie-say Marc-Andre Fleury-who hasnt been a playoff galie before.
Also we have his Calder Cup performance-very much took that team on his back and carried them to the finals. That is an encouraging sign. Because, unlike those Wolves, we have more than one line that can score. Heck-on a good night we’ve got 3 (still cant get over Boults’ “soft hands” the other night)!!!!
Big game tonight, this Philly club is playing with that “Oh, so we were unwanted?” edge and can be very dangerous…but it is key that Le Thrash beat these guys in all hockey-senses of that word. It will improve confidence in our club, and plant the seeds of doom for next year in a Philly lineup that is going to be quite talented.
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
P.S. Thrasher27 - Like I said aboout Jersey’s it’s your money-I’m all for you putting your name on it. I was more talking about the guy that gets his name on a #4 jersey or something like that. Plus I don’t think you’ll have to worry about somebody asking for Stepanie’s number…enjoy!
By Brian
March 15, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
Rawhide - as the only Niagara alumnus you will ever find on this blog, I take exception to that…
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
BDK — I think you’re right. Hockey has the most unpredictable postseason in sports. There’s no reason to think this year will be any different.
As far as postseason goalies go, the Wings are usually the exception to the rule. They rarely won because of great goaltending — but I can name a bunch of cases where they lost because they ran into a hot goaltender.
I think Kari has the potential to raise his level of play in the postseason. When he’s focused he’s upper echelon, and I’m guessing he’ll be focused in the playoffs - whether or not his parents are here (although, if I’m Waddell, I’m not risking it. I’m booking two plane tickets from Finland to Atlanta right now for April-June.)
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
Anybody feel like arguing that the NCAA tournament is more unpredictable than the hockey postseason? Could be a decent debate.
By LAC
March 15, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Well let’s HOPE the playoffs are on the way…. The last time the NHL Playoffs were in Atlanta… it was WIN or move, due tothe incopentent tom A.H. cousins, we lost.
I believe we can win a few and maybe advance, would be nice… Tonight is VERY, VERY important, to go 4 upon TB with them playing Buffalo/New Jersey/Ottawa their next three… A couple wins and we could be 8 up…then start the countdown…
By Brendan
March 15, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
An ability to accurately predict games often does NOT correspond with actual knowledge of a sport.
Last year, our secretary won the football pool 4X, and revealed methodology to be picking teams based on weather, shopping, team colors, and alphabetical order. She also took Ilya Kovalchuk, 1st overall, in 2001. And a hockey genius, she is not.
And ya know what else? She’ll win this March Madness tournament, too. Does she follow college hoops? Nope. Her strategy is based in some numerology non-sense. She is not taking Miami University to face Niagara University in Left Bracket. Though, I’d certainly welcome it!! That’d be very compelling to watch! Both schools would have to think that this is THEIR YEAR!!
I know absolutely nothing about College hoops. But I know not to take the four #1 seeds. I kinda like Georgetown to win the whole thing. Ohio St. and Memphis to be secondary choices. If Georgetown loses, maybe it’ll be UNC that does it to them. In which case, I’ll take the Tarheels. But, again, I’m a college hoops ignoramus.
By BlueLand Billy
March 15, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
I would love to see a repeat of last week’s Montreal game. Just like Philly we were 0-3 against them this season and blew them out the last time we faced them this year.
By Craig Custance
March 15, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
For the record, Lehtonen has played in 48 career playoff games — 26 for Chicago in the AHL, and 22 in Finland.
By Tom
March 15, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Rawhide
I still remember the upset by Niagara over St. Johns… ouch…
This is probably one of the biggest games of the season for Kari. He gets a strong win and his confidence will shoot right up.
Lets hope the consistant play and control of the puck the Thrashers continues.
Oh, and that they shoot on the powerplay after every 3rd pass. Amen
By Thrasher_Ed
March 15, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Matt H., I too live in Athens and drive down to the games at Blueland. I’ve found it best to drive down to the Chamblee Marta train station just inside 285 and take the train down to Phillips. Maybe we’ll bump into each other. Thrashers 5-2 over the Flyers tonight. Go Thrashers!!
By Paul
March 15, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Why does Philly play so well against us? They look terrible when i see them play other teams but they actually look pretty good when we play them. 1=0 after 1. Thrashers are going to have to play with urgency the next 2 periods or will be a big disappointment tonite.
By LAC
March 15, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
After this first period… I have a sinking feeling.
Question is… WHY IN THE H—- IS sutton playing… He is TERRIBLE, made a hold he did not need to and then GAVE the puck away, caused Hnidy to hook, then THEY score… Hell even Colburn got an assist for crying out loud.
If we lose this game… sutton sits the rest of the season, BRING McCarthy back ASAP Guys !
By Tom
March 15, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
ugh,,, too many passes on the powerplay, too much Andy Sutton on the ice.
That is my readers digest first period analysis.
By Brian
March 15, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
LAC - you beat me to it, but I was going to ask if one of you Sutton lovers out here can ask your boy Andy to clear the puck up the boards.
Tom - thank you for both these previous comments and the St. John’s memories as well.
By Paul
March 15, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Sutton again. He is going to beat us single handed. GET HIM OUT OF THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Tom
March 15, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Dang,
LAC is gonna blow a gasket after that second goal for the Flyers. Should we buy Andy a ticket so he can watch the game any better?
By dj
March 15, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Sutton enjoy your stay in Atlanta. Your moving next year.
By Tom
March 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
You wonder how much Andy’s stock has fallen since the beginning of the season. He has not been the same player since his injury.
By harleyman1903
March 15, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
What the F**k? Here we go again with these Flyers. Sutton definitely needs to sit. Maybe we can get bounce in the third.
By Bob
March 15, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Alright, Sutton needs to make up for it in the 3rd, how about an assist or goal for him? We need at least a point out of this game.
By Rone
March 15, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Sutton should have been on his way to the minors after period #1. This is killing me. He wants what next year?
By Rone
March 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
PP 10:30. Need one here.
By Rone
March 15, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Belanger!!!!!
By Rone
March 15, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
1:21 left. We a f-n break.
By Tom
March 15, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Well , we got to get rid of Andy. He is a liability on the ice. There is no nice way to say it.
By Paul
March 15, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Remember this game at the end of the season. Really terrible loss.
By LAC
March 15, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Tom is 1.000000000% correct.
Hartley needs the BALLS to tell sutton SIT.
he DOES NOT need to be on the ice friday night or the rest of the season… Why could we have NOT traded him ????????
He is the WORST defenseman we have and his mistakes COST us games, like tonight, enough BS Bob… BENCH this guy before Tampa sends him a bonus check.
Championship teams DO NOT LOSE to THE WORST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE FOUR, That is right FOUR, ONE/TWO/THREE/FOUR TIMES in a season, just complete BS tonight, and sutton, you need to GET OUT OF TOWN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, Please send him to Chicago… McCarthy DOES not make those mistakes and there will be NO excuse from Bob Hartley for sutton being in the lineup Friday night, a loss friday and a TB win and we are in 6th place and sinking… This game was a MUST and sutton COST ATLANTA THE GAME Out of here sutton…NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gee I have not been so ticked all season, but tonight ONE player and his POOR play cost us, Time to pack it up and move out Andy…Good-Bye!
By Daniel
March 15, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
We just needed one point to give ourselves some breathing room. Tomorrow is a must win. Today was a must win come to think of it. I dunno, hindsight being 20/20, I think the Moose should have played today if we were going to lose. Hope the Moose is focused, cuz he’s gonna need to be on his game.
By Ryan
March 15, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
I agree strongly with the Sutton comments, missing his assingments………..again!
By Thrasher_Ed
March 15, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Sutton Blows!! Why! Why!! Why!!!!!Hartley did not immediately sit Sutton arse on the bench I DO NOT KNOW! My 90 year old Grandmother was better than him tonight. Craig Custance, I beg you to ask Hartley tonight or tommorrow why he has not sat out Sutton in favor of McCarthy. I know Bob is loyal to a fault, but it may very well cost us the division title. Philly sucks and we lost to them 4 dang times!! I’m literally pucking as I type this. Sutton, YOU SUCK!! Custance wrote about the Big Baby crying over his lost ice time, well guess what Andy. It should drop, you hack!! Sutton, YOU SUCK!!
By stendec
March 15, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Sori Letemin was at it again! This guy will fold up like Nifty Notebook Paper come playoff time. IF these CHOKERS actually MAKE the playoffs! Printed playoff tickets will then become collectible curosities.
By LAC
March 15, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Yeah Craig… I could play better defense than sutton, so could Brenden, Bob,Thrasher_Ed, ANYONE ever Colburn !!
This loyal thing needs to go and go right now Bob Hartley. I have not been upset with our coach all season, he was playing a dealt hand, but with a FASTER, Better passer, Not caught out of position defenseman like McCarthy ready to go… HE BETTER BE IN THE LINEUP FRIDAY NIGHT BOB…NO MORE LOYAL EXCUSES, sutton STINKS and should be placed on waivers friday morning… NO MORE EXCUSES, If ALL of us FANS, that is right, the bill payers, can see sutton’s mistake, after mistake,after mistake, why the HELL can’t YOU BOB !!!!
This game was a disgrace no doubt about it… Lastly did everyone see the look on Shane’s face as he went to the box in the first period ???????
He turned and looked at sutton and went off, JUST made me sick tomy stomach tonight.
Craig…TELL HARTLEY, sutton goes and does NOT return, we were a better team earlier with him OUT OF THE LINEUP then when he returned, the wheels started to come off.
READ THIS HARTLEY……….
SUTTON SITS, PLACED ON WAIVERS, RELEASED, SENT TO MINORS… ONE OF THE ABOVE, BUT NEVER EVER LET HIM BE ON THE ICE AGAIN THIS SEASON IN AN ATLANTA UNIFORM… GOT THAT MEMO BOB ????????
We pay your salary and if you play him again YOU are NOT doing YOUR JOB !
By Lee
March 15, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
The team looked so flat, if it wasn’t for Tkachuk, this game wouldn’t have been worth watching.
By Bob
March 15, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
If it wasn’t for Biron, we would have had a couple points tonight. Sometimes a team has your a # in a year. Didn’t we beat Carolina 9-0 last year or something?
They need to bounce back tomorrow against the Ranjerks.
This thing is going to come down to that last game vs. Tampa.
By thrashersfan
March 15, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers are “not” in the playoffs yet….
By bartdunwoody
March 15, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
The team played fairly well. Biron was great. But this is a blast Suttton blog and rightfully so. He was so bad. CC Does anyone from the Thrash read this blog? like Wadell? he needs to step in and help Hartley make the call to get Sutton out of the lineup.
By R. Stroz
March 15, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Sutton looks like he’s on the same stuff that Anna Nicole Smith used to do, stupid zoombie pills.
By R. Stroz
March 15, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Bob, could you please let McCarthy out to play now! Andy looks like he missed his afternoon nap AGAIN!
By j nes
March 16, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
PLAYOFFS?!?! PLAYOFFS!?! YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT PLAYOFFS!?
By Lee
March 16, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
well said J Nes
By Brian
March 16, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
j nes - you’re cracking me up. I had to go back and listen to that file on my computer again as I am thinking about it.
By JayBird
March 16, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
I HATE ANDY SUTTON!!! And people actually had the balls to criticize me and everybody else on here who called for his benching. He f’ing sucks. Well people, “Mr. Nice Guy” is killing us. He can go be nice somewhere else next year, hopefully in the Captain Cook league in Antarctica or some league near Chernobyl…as far away as possible from Atlanta. $4 million a year? That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard in my life. I wouldn’t pay him $4 to wash my car.
By R. Stroz
March 16, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this
There is one good thing I can say about Sutton, he sure is making DEVO look better.
By R. Stroz
March 16, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Sutton is surely making one free agent decision easy for DW. Any chance we trade him for a seventh round draft pick after the season. We did get EX in the seventh round, didn’t we?
By Tony C.
March 16, 2007 5:27 AM | Link to this
j-ness
classic!
By thrashersfan
March 16, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
We’re on the same pg j-ness, we ain’t there yet!
By Thrasher_Ed
March 16, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Wow, Keep it up Bloggers! Sutton must sit and sit now! Maybe we need to take picket signs to Phillips tonight! Here are a few ideas. 1)Playoffs? “Out with Sutton, In with McCarthy!!” 2)Hey Sutton! SIT DOWN, you bum!! Any other ideas for Sutton banners, please share so when can all laugh or cry if the big lug actually plays tonight. Craig Custance have you asked Hartley or Waddellsworth about Sutton’s horrible play of late? Thrashers fans need our voice to be heard, Craig! HELP US!! WE BEG YOU!!! Steve McCarthy would be a breathe of fresh air and he deserves to play more than Sutton!! Thrashers Fans Unite! Sutton sits out! Sutton sits out!! Sutton sits out!!! All together know! Go Thrashers kick the crap out of those Rangers!!
By Hip Czech
March 16, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
If Sutton is dressed tonight I’m chuk’in my beer at Bob Hartley
By Thrasher_Ed
March 16, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Hip CZECH, If you sit that close let your voice be heard. Hartley Sutton must sit!!
By Thrasher_Ed
March 16, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
Hip Czech, Let Hartley hear you voice screaming…Sutton must sit Bob, he killing our chances!!! Any appropriate Sutton must sit poster or banners are also welcome at tonights game. Where are the NastyNesters when we need them. I hear there faint cry now. Sutton,Sutton,Sutton, you suck!!!
By where's Steve MC?
March 16, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
M-O-O-S-E
By bartdunwoody
March 16, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
The 3rd goal was soft. Apparently everyone in the league knows Kari can be had on the short side. But this is STILL about Sutton. He has to be scratched, tonight, Sunday…… Sutton may/should get more boos than the officials if he is in the lineup.
By Bob
March 16, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Don’t sweat it, just pick up the 2pts tonight and move on. I would assume Coach will sit Sutton and we’ll see McCarthy back in, that’d get Havelid off of the PP also, which would be good.
This thing is going to come down to that last game on 4/7 vs. Tampon Bay. Should be fun.
By Thrash
March 16, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
There is no question mark when it comes to goal for the Thrashers… The way to neutralize the Kari concern is to simply OUTSCORE the opposition.
By Hip Czech
March 16, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
You guys are right…why waste a $7.50 beer?
I will be yelling/screaming/booing whatever it takes to get the message across - McCarthy in, Sutton out.
What is it that BH/DW see that we obviously don’t? Sure, Sutton is big - but he is not Chara big with a booming slapper. He is not Hatcher big delivering crushing hits. He is big, and slow, and slow, and slow, and slow, but I repeat myself.
By Ilya k
March 16, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Yep, Sutton is brutal. JUST SAY NO!
By Ilya k
March 16, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Sutton……not covering his man in front and letting him poke in the rebound is pathetic. I think I learned this as a Mite.
By Scott
March 17, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
I’m just glad the Thrashers got a win tonight in front of a sell out crowd. Hedberg was awesome all night as was Hossa and Brad Larsen. Larsen made some great plays on the penalty kill tonight.
Go Thrashers!!!