Thrashers

By BAF

March 19, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

That’s a tough one. One must also consider BH’s mentality on how he uses his players and his unwillingness on demoting his pets. So, based on everything I must say the Zhitnik deal has paid off the most. He has dramatically improved the defense, has improved Havelid’s play by getting Sutton off the top line, has dramatically improved the PK and has come through big on the PP.

However if BH would use his D’men differently without trading for Zhitnik, I would have to go with Belanger. But on the other hand, without Tkachuk, the Thrashers would have no chance making it past the first round of the playoffs. He is that important. I like Dupuis but he is the only one that the Thrashers could have done without and still be able to survive. He just improved the team but adding more skill.

All in all, the moves have been excellent and are all working out perfectly.

By JayBird

March 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I would have to say the Zhitnik trade was the biggest. Yes, Tkachuk was huge but Zhitnik has helped the defense out tremendously while helping on the penalty kill and power play. As much criticism as Waddell has gotten in the past, these 4 trades have been pretty amazing. I can’t think of any time recently where a GM made so many trades that have worked out so well.

By Russ

March 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Easily, the Zhitnik trade. He has completely stabilized the blue line. He has allowed defenseman who were cast in roles they couldn’t handle (too many minutes) to move down on the depth chart. I thought before the Zhitnik trade the Thrashers probably had the worst group of d-men among teams going to the playoffs, now they are at least respectable.

By Russ

March 19, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Oh, and also I didn’t mind giving up Coburn because I don’t see him developing beyond a #4 defenseman.

By GaVaHokie

March 19, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Gotta go with the guy getting 28 minutes of Ice Time… Zhitnik. It’s amazing what a difference it makes when you spend a little money on defense, right? We have a solid top pairing and it spreads the lines out evenly… you’ve got quality guys on each defensive pairing now.

However, without Tkachuk and Bellanger, it wouldn’t have mattered. We needed all three deals. I think you gotta retain Bellanger. I’d give him an offer sheet of 3 years $6 million this summer.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Zillanik…Without hesitation.

We finally have a all-around d-man. We have never had that before. Thank the lord baby jesus that we have him again next year.

Ask this question to Kari and see what he says..

By Ryan

March 19, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

BAF, JayBird, and Russ seems like all of you have the right idea, I agree. So I will not add anything else. Just wanted to say nice job.

Craig, nice to see you made it back in time. Enjoy the weather!

By dc

March 19, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

As much as I think Belanger has meant to the team, Zhitnik is the best acquistion for getting Sutton off the first pair.

Boulton needs to learn how to handle the front of the net like Tkachuk so when/if we loose Tkachuk next year, his replacement is in place. It should be obvious that we need a couple guys who can ‘hang out’ in front of the crease and create opportunities.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Oh! And while in the smoking section on Sunday (I quit but my friends are still morons) And I saw something I haven’t ever seen at a hockey game.

Some girl showing her cans in support of her team. Too bad it was Buffalo, but whatever. Cans are cans. These weren’t bad either. She was a but-her face.

I kinda hope this catches on…

By michael

March 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

No way you can just pick one of the guys. Every player aquired at the deadline has been just as important as the other. DW did a good job of covering the holes he left at the beggining of the season.Now if he could just learn how to draft. Glad to see Havelid is finally starting to play better.

By Russian

March 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

All our trades were very usefull and professional. I like Belanger trade and I hope we keep him at least for 3 years. He is very good center. I glad to have Zhitnik on Blue line. He will stays with us one more year, but Alex is getting older. I hope on this summer our young D will be ready to play on NHL level.

By Brad

March 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Zhitty Zhitty Bang Bang!!

By GaVaHokie

March 19, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Hey Buzz… let Matt know that #25 for the Sabres was Dave Andreychuk, since it was so important that he missed the Tig Bittie show.

By Rawhide

March 19, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

This is tough,……I think the beauty of last month’s trades were how all 4 of these moves have paid big dividends. The sum of the parts, in this case, are greater then whole, if that makes any sense.

But if I gotta go with one, I gotta say the Zhitnik deal has made the greatest impact. I say that because of his MONSTER minutes out there, his veteran presence has been immesurable and,…..some may argue this is the biggest plus,…..it has gotten Sutton off the ice for a majority of the game.

His two big goals over the weekend are just that more of a bonus.

By Tony H

March 19, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

It is an interesting speculation as to who has meant the most to the team. However, I think it is impossible to estimate the value only one would have had without the others.

They all have made major contributions to the team since their acquisition. And, without each of them playing their part, we aren’t where we are today. But, for arguments sake, let me say Tkachuk. Why? Because he appears to have changed the mentality of the team from I think we might be able to win to of course we can win. I played on a college sports team that was pretty decent but was unsure of how good we were until we got a highly-sought junior college transfer who expected to win, knew he was a winner and expected everybody around him to play to their max. It worked. I think Tkachuk has done the same to the Thrashers.

On the post-game show yesterday, Darren Elliot was commenting that you hope that if you make three or four acquisitions that, maybe, two will pan out. We are most fortunate as all of our new guys have make major contributions in their own way.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Since I have been bashing the hell out of Sutton let me say that he did have a decent game on Sunday. Got an assist. Didn’t take any stupid penalties. Didn’t cough the puck up along the boards. Didn’t do all the little things he does to p** me off.

So if DeVo isn’t really hurt and can go on Thursday. I still say bench Sutton in favor of McCarthy.

GaVaHokie-Rone doesn’t like boobs anyway

By farthammer

March 19, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Craig - Sorry our teams had to meet that early, the Spartans put up a good fight. I was never comfortable til way late in that game.

Which trade would I make? That’s pretty tough. Before I answer that though, let’s just point out how many people wanted DW’s head after these trades, especially the deadline day ones. Giving up prospects and draft picks hurts, but if you do it as well as JS and the Braves do (Tony Tarasco, Melvin Nieves, and others), then your team can be very successful. I think a little credit needs to go to the scouts. Yes, some of them screwed up drafting the players in the first place, but others recognized it and allowed DW to trade them before every other team figured it out.

So after all that … Not trading for Dupuis. I like him, but he’s not my one. Belanger has scored well for the team, and was traded for dead weight, so that’s a great trade, but I don’t think it’d be my only one. I’m tempted to say that it should be Tkachuk, cause of more off-ice stuff (American, big name, shows the casual fan the team is gunning for more than just the first round). And the Zhitnik trade, though it has alot of negatives… trading D for D, moving McCarthy to the bench… has dropped Sutton’s ice time and stabilized the PK somewhat. I’m gonna make the Zhitnik trade, since he’s played in the Cup finals and will keep DW from resigning Sutton.

By Rawhide

March 19, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Buzilla Baby Blues - mayby Kiss-Cam could be “augmented” with Cans-Cam????

By Matt H

March 19, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Zhit. Nik.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I saw a guy pull up his wife’s shirt once on the kiss cam. Only bra though

:(

Kids need to see cans at hockey games

By John

March 19, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I agree about all the trades being important, and they are all complimentary.

I think the Zhitnik trade was great, obviously, however, our shot totals have not gone down in any appreciable way since he came onboard, so I would hesitate to call that the “best” deal. I think the one that was most important was the Tkachuk deal. Kovy was struggling very badly, but since the Tkachuk trade, Kovy has really been reenergized and productive. He’s even throwing the body around a lot more than he was. The Hossa/Kozlov line was fairly productive before Belanger came onboard, but that Kovy/Sim line was in desperate need of an upgrade. Tkachuk has apparently been the perfect fit. We’re going to need out top two lines (at the LEAST) producing if we hope to go anywhere in the playoffs. So, I would have to say if I could have made only one of those deals, it would have been the Tkachuk trade.

This is especially funny, though, because it was the trade I hated most when it happened, and I’ve never been a big fan of Tkachuk. However, I blasted DW pretty badly to anyone who would listen about that trade, and it appears to me that it has worked out bette than I had thought it would. So, in fairness, I humbly offer my appologies to DW, and present to him a much deserved “Well done.”

By kracker

March 19, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Without reading all the other opinions, hands down it’s Zhitnik. He shores up the 5 on 5 D, excels on the PK and anchors the PP. He’s a 3-fer.

No matter the sport, defense wins. The rare exceptions would be teams like the 2000 Rams or some Yankees teams.

Plus, he’s signed for two more years.

And let’s compare Zhit’s 12 pts in 10 games for Atlanta: Hnidy has 12 pts in 64 gms, Sutton 13 in 47, McCarthy 16 in 46, Havelid 21 in 69 and de Vries 22 in 74. I don’t expect Zhit to keep the scoring pace of more than a pt/gm but he is a scoring Dman. I guess thet makes him a 4-fer.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Craig - If you ever get stuck in Philly again and want free food and beverages, go to a sports bar and ask the Philly fans about the body bag game. They will take care of you as long as you can stand to listen. If you’re not aware of the reference, the body bag game was a football game when the Buddy Ryan Eagles injured several players requiring them to be removed from the field by cart.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Craig or anyone else willing to do the research - Which teams’ trades have collectively produced the most player points since their trade dates.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Craig,

What’s up with your boy Shultz?

This is a quote from his post on his thread:

“I write columns on the Thrashers (by the way, more than anybody else in this town) the same way I write columns on the Braves, Falcons, Georgia, Tech and even Hawks. I write opinion, which is usually based on what the team is doing.”

That is Jeff defending the fact that he hasn’t jumped on the bandwagon with his first positive blog on the Thrashers all year long.

Again, let me state that I am fine with Bangwagon fans. I know we need them. I just don’t like Jeff’s negative writings that suddenly get all cheery when the sun starts to shine.

By Bob

March 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

No brainer. It’s Zhitnik. First, Waddell only gave up Coburn for him. Also, Zhitnik is signed for 2 additional seasons, after this one.

He moved Sutton of the top pair, big plus right there (Zilla, you didn’t see Mandy make the nice centering pass for Buffablow in the 3rd!!!???, that was a bonafied Mandy moment right there). He’s taken the load off of Havelid who’s game has picked back up. If Coach would work McCarthy out, it would help Havelid further as he wouldn’t have to be eating those PP minutes that McCarthy could handle.

But the sweetest part of the moves Waddell made, is that all 4 worked out. He can fiddle all he wants next year, just get er done by the deadline.

DeVries left a trail of blood headed across the ice, a couple of the Buffablow guys skated over to check out the blood and looked truly shocked.

Kovy stealing that stick was hi-larious.

I think I need to start smoking again, where’s the can section located?

By Bob

March 19, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

stroz, don’t even bother looking it up, the 4 Waddell got have at least 36 pts collectively, that’s got to be the winner, mabye by a factor of 2.

By JayBird

March 19, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Buzz, I was at the game when the guy pulled up his girlfriend’s shirt, it was funny as hell. She slapped the sh-t out of him. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the best looking girl around but it was pretty good.

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I’d like to thank John for being the very first blogger for OFFICIALLY placing his/her foot into his/her mouth in regards to their bashings of Waddell.

Most other bloggers who NOW support the moves Waddell made, but had previously bashed Waddell to high heaven for those moves (or lack of blockbuster moves), can all go climb a wet pole during a Buffalo winter.

Hypocrites, every one of you.

It was sad to see, once again, that Philips was overcrowded by Buffalo fans. We (Atlanta fans) couldn’t get any cheers going without being drowned out by Buffalo. Even the winning goal was cheered sub-par based on the sheer amount of opposing fans in the arena.

But what’s funniest to me about Buffalo fans is that they cheer no matter what is happening during the game. The team tied the game 1-1, and Buffalo fans started talking trash to us Atlanta fans…Peters goes off for dropping his gloves, and after Hnidy taunts him on the way to the bench the entire Buffalo crowd stands up cheering. Um, didn’t he just get a one-sided penalty for unsporting behavior?? Gotta love Buffalo fans, they’re relentless.

Anyways, OT wins are always nice, especially two in three days. It’s also nice to see an old defender fall over his own skates and go face first into the boards…I’m sure it was hard for the Sabres team not to bust out laughing at that fleet of foot move.

In regards to the trade question, I’ll take “Dupuis” for 1000 Alex. Anything that moves Vigier down to 7 minutes a game definitely gets the nod in my book.

By John

March 19, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Well, it takes a big man to admit he was wrong. I needed to wait ten games, though, just to make sure I was really wrong, and that the improvements weren’t just a temporary fluke.

I was wrong. But I’d like to point out, I am not a regular DW-basher. I just didn’t like the Tkachuk move at the time.

There, wrong…with a caveat…

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Caveat and all, I still applaud you John.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Bob - I saw Pucks & Slutton’s centering pass with a bunch of Buffablow fans sitting in front and to the side. They jumped up as if the puck had already entered the goal. When Kari saved the shot, I started screaming that Slutton gives it away more than any drunk girl at a frat party. When will BH see that this guy is dumber than a box of rocks?Actually, I shouldn’t insult rocks! Even the ten year old kid behind knew that Pucks & Slutton is a dope.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - In order, who do you think sucks worse, Vigier, Slutton, or DEVO?

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Ohhhh, tough call. Based on the fact that both de Vries and Sutton have had fleeting succes, and that on rare occassion Vigier actually does something well (refer to him hitting the stick of the Buffalo player who missed the wide open goal during a mad scramble in front of the net), it’s really neck and neck between the three.

Based on upside of each player, I’d order it (worst to best) Vigier, de Vries, Sutton (close tie).

If Sutton plays like he did near the end of last season, he’s better than de Vries. If de Vries plays like he’s 3 years younger AND DOESN’T TRY TO BE FANCY WITH THE PUCK (read, doesn’t fall face first into the boards), then he is better than Sutton.

But in the end, Vigier would rank 1-2-3 from your pool of candidates.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 19, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

I guess I missed that play by Sutton due the ENORMOUS head of the Sabre’s fan in front of me

By Sage of Bluesland

March 19, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ll be the first to say that our brilliant GM finally got off his rear-end and did something that actually worked.

What an unexpected change for all of us who are used to ONLY his blustering about “five-year plans” and “building through the draft”…

But, you know what, I honestly don’t think he would have done anything until he began feeling the incredible heat as the team was nosediving once again…He looked like he lost his dog when he informed us his prize prospect Coburn was traded…

Don’t pour it on too thick, Waddellites—as these were desperation moves made by a desperate man who has proven he cannot draft past the overwhelming consensus of the top three picks in the very first round…

I hope he continues to trade picks who will never see the pro-club for players that will actually contribute something at the highest level—Sounds like a good trade-off to me, considering Don’s, umm, “record” at “building through the draft”.

He finally did his job—and did it well this time. Who would’ve thought we would have a GM who, sadly, needed OJT (that’s On-the-Job-Training) for seven years now…

By Bob

March 19, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Oh goody, I’ve so missed Ranallo World bringing me my daily chuckles. Nice job old chum, you succeeded in one short blog post to catch up on my fix by missing two weeks of wrong out of you.

I (and many bloggers on here) were b*** at Waddell all year to make moves to improve this club to bring in a center to skate with Kovy and to bring in a dman to get Sutton of the top pair (remember, the club that you, in Ranallo World, said would make the playoffs if Waddell stood pat—lol!). To get rid of Kapanen, Rucchin, Slater, get us a centers (2, even better). To get Sutton off the top pair and bring us a dman. Dupuis was icing on the proverbial cake.

Look at the points the guys who Waddell brought in have scored. We’d be battling for our playoffs lives right now without the moves.

But in Ranallo World blogging on here all year and making the call that we needed moves to be made and b*** at Waddell to get er done, then watching it get done and reaping the benefits of it is hypocrisy? 8-2 since the moves, PP is clicking (3 for 4 yesterday) PK is hammering people (90% clip). Yet, in Ranallo World we were fine if Waddell stood pat and we’re hypocrits for making the correct call that’s worked out perfectly? lol. Only in Ranallo World

What game were you at that the Buffablow fans drowned us out? We drowned them out every time they started the Let’s Go Buffablow, and the place was rocking yesterday as well as on Friday as I’m sure my fellow rational Thrasher fans heard for themselves (my voice is still hoarse). I for one am proud of my fellow Thrashers’ fans for getting off their rears and into both of the last two games. But, in Ranallo World they drowned us out? lol.

I knew you’d like Dupuis as he moved Vigier down to the 4th line and the 2nd pairing on the PK, but again, take off your blinding hate for THE JPVJ and see that ever since he got back from injury, our PK has been on the rise and continues to do so. But the main reason is that Coach changed the scheme up and the boys are pressuring the puck, not sitting there waiting to get scored on.

Thanks for the laughs, can’t wait for tomorrow’s edition!

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Did anyone actually see what happened to DEVO? I was behind the far goal and just saw him fall straight into the boards. Was the ice screwed up or did he just wipe out?

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Craig - To answer your trade question, I think the best trade was for ummmm Zhit-chuk!

By Christy

March 19, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Devo’s falling into the boards had more to do with the ice conditions than anything else. it’s like he hit a hole in the ice and lost it. Same with Kovy in the 3rd across the blue line. I hope they figure something out to improve the ice before it’s something worse than stitches and a bloody nose.

By Chris

March 19, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Stroz - could very well have been something on the ice. He was moving just about in a straight line when he bit it.

Bob - second your comments on the crowd. I thought our fans represented themselves pretty well yesterday in the face of another foreign uprising.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

I know we drowned out the Buffablow fans, especially in the third period. My son and I were screaming GO HOME BUFFALO from the moment we stepped out of the car, we aggravated the Buffablow tailgaters while standing in line, sitting in our seats, and just for kicks, after the game. Love those free mega horns from spin the wheel.

We had some Buffablow jerk sitting next to us, who jumped up after the first goal and put his finger in my face. I politely informed him to sit his b!tch backside down before I ended his life. He promptly sat down. DARN! Once his wife and child arrived, he decided to behave. I guess I know who wears the pants in that family. After the overtime goal, the whimp jumped up and left his wife and child behind. I guess he couldn’t take the heat, must have been Snoty Pucks cousin from Buffablow.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Bob - You and Ranallo need to learn to get along better. The enemy is PUCKS!

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Bob & Ranallo - you guys need to learn to get along, you are Thrasher fans, you just have slightly difffferent viewpoints.

THE ENEMY IS PUCKS!

By Matt H

March 19, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Kovy stealing the stick was the highlight of the game for me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like that play in all my years of watching hockey.

Also, DeVries had a pretty good game, I thought. His play has been much improved lately (though he did look tired out there at times).

That ice was in horrible shape. I don’t know what went on at Philips the night before, but I was lucky enough to sit close enough to see the divots and scars criss-crossing our end of the ice. I can only imagine the other half was just as bad, maybe worse.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

March 19, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

can we get one blog for just bob and pucksnsnot? terrence moore can take over iceman and craig’s duties for this new hockey blog.

terrence: hockey is racist, it’s all white guys

bob: that’s because there’s only white guys up north and i know better than everyone else.

pucks: bull! have you ever been to detroit? michigan is the home of affirmative action. martin luther king jr. got all his ideas from us. atlanta should thank us for that.

By Brendan

March 19, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Hmmn. This one was a thinker. I have liked all four trades so much. I eliminated the Bourret for Dupuis trade first. Then, I thought about it and reluctantly crossed off Belanger for Vishnevski. That left Zhitnik for Coburn or Tkachuk for Metro and the picks. After mulling it over, I eliminated Tkachuk, since he’s just a “rental.” That left the winner as “Zhitnik for Coburn.”

I’m glad the rest of you thought this was so easy. I really had to think about it. But came to the same conclusions that most of you did. Zhitnik really has become essential to our playoff push and, perhaps, divisional title. He is under contract for two more seasons.

By R. Stroz

March 19, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Matt H. - The event the previous evening was a Josh Groban concert that should have started around 8:00 pm. and ended around 11:00 pm. No, I didn’t go.

All the chairs on the floor had to be removed and the ice prepared within about a ten to eleven hour period.

By danlmac

March 19, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Good question Craig. My vote also goes to Zhitnik. It would be interesting to know if our “goals against” has gone down more than our “goals for” has gone up. I’m not saying that the drop is all Zhitnik as the new forwards on the PK factor in. On the goals for side, however…who is the top scoring D-man since the tradeline?

Am also hoarse from yesterday’s game. Buffalo fans were thick in section 120. They were class hockey fans though. They tended to quiet down quickly whenever someone started chanting “Bret Hull, Bret Hull, Bret Hull.” That may come in handy should we meet again (conference finals?). I’d be happy if they would trade their Buffalo blue for Thrasher blue.

It was rather sad to see all the former Buffalo stars names on the jerseys. In my mind Buffalo would have won a cup had they had the financial where-with-all of some other teams. Some great plays came through that organization.

Great, entertaining hockey game. Brendon if you have a DVD of the game to “share” please put me on your mailing list.

From my perspective DeVries right skate seemed to veer inward and clip his left skate. I’d have to think that is more likely a groove or crack in the ice than him stepping on a band-aid or something to make him loose an edge.

Tony C..good job on our record against the top 4. My math says it is 10-3-1 though (all the better). Lets hope it is equally good in the “2nd season.”

Who ever mentioned the “Chuk-Ching” line gets my vote for the line mame.

On the national scene: Congratulations to Mike Modano.

Also, I believe it was the Pred’s Jordan Tootu who dislocated Hnidy’s shoulder in exhibition two years ago. He needs to be taught to respect our great game.

Go Thrashers.

By Fred

March 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

For this year, I’d say Belanger because you didn’t have to give up anything. That said, I’m going with Zhitnick because he’s under contract for another 2 years at a reasonable price. Another reason for Zhitnick is that once he came in and was paired with Havelid, Havelid’s game has stepped up TONS, so basically we went from an underperforming rookie in Coburn to a fantastic offensive blue liner and one that brought a former fantastic defensive blueliner back to life!

By Fred

March 19, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Something else about the Buffalo crowd (as well as Cubs crowds at the TED), you have to remember that unfortunately, half of the Atlanta tickets sold (you note I don’t say fans) are corporate types that either (a) don’t show; (b) don’t care or (c) stay up in the 1st Horizon Club hob nobbing. However, ALL of the out of town crowd are FANS (as in short for FANATIC) and are 100% there to raise hell and have a good time. There is no doubt that 4000 FANATICS will always make as much or more noise than 7000 socialites and 7000 fans put together. Sad, but true. However, it just made the win that much sweeter and the depressed look of the Buffaslugs Fans on MARTA going home was priceless!!!

By dj

March 19, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Daniel Briere is like Greg Luganis, except a little more homosexual and little less HIV.

By dj

March 19, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

I enjoyed a Buffalo Fan telling me how we are in third and won in OT with a team that had a ton of injuries and we would lose in the playoffs. A Buffalo fan telling me we will lose in the playoffs, I guess they would know the best seeing the Bills lost four super bowls, Brett Hull’s skate being in the crease for the “non-goal”, and you know many other exits with no championships. If they had a Baseball team they would be cursed more the the Cubs and Sox’s combined. Classic. I love Yankess.

By Mike

March 19, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Most important trade - It’s either the Tkachuk or Zhitnik deal. Talking this year obviously, the more important deal is probably the one for Zhitnik as the Atlanta Blue Line looked mighty shaky before his arrival. The impact of Tkachuk is harder to gauge particularly with the star power upfront. Has anyone noticed a more physical Kovy? We also may be expecting more from Tkachuk because of the bountifull package of picks.
The chemistry of the new collection of players seems fantastic which I believe credit has to go to Mellanby (C) and Hossa (A) and even the Coach.

By Paul

March 19, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

I think Tkachuks physical play has inspired Kovy to play tough. He has been laying some hits on people and is becoming a better overall player. The difference in this team is pronounced. There are still some better teams than us but these last 2 games prove that we can go deep if Kari plays like i think he will. Our confidence is very high now and this will carry into the post season.

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Bob, you’re a moron.

I’m glad to see that you don’t let your feathers get ruffled by a little Vigier ribbing. Seems you’re a little overprotective of the French Canadians…maybe I shouldn’t say anything about them in the future, I don’t want to get you into a tizzy. Lord knows that if you get all riled up, you’ll start assuming people’s belief systems, opinions, and sexual identities so that you feel better in the end. I have this feeling that your wife just doesn’t love you enough, or tell you how great of a man you feel you are, so you need to take it out on the blogging world.

I’ve missed a few weeks of blogging for a few simple facts…I’ve been busy, and you all have been talking about boring subjects. I have conflicting opinions about throwback uniforms and uniforms with a random person’s name on it. I also don’t like people who buy their favorite players’ uniform so they can show how much of a fan they are. But since my opinion clearly conflicts, I think whoever spends the money on the uniform has all right to buy what the hell they want. Does that make you feel caught up since the Philadelphia game??

Alright, now before the Philadelphia game you all talked about Ice Girls. How perverted can you old men be?? Seriously, half of those girls are underaged, and I’d be willing to bet that most of you are double the age of the other half. Most of them, for what it matters, are about 20-22. I personally know two of them. But I also think you ALL are perverted old men who need to download more porn and quit oggling the rink girls…they could be your children for doG’s sake.

Whew, I’m so glad I caught up for you Bob. Go ahead, attempt to tell the entire world how you didn’t partake in these conversations, or how you “from the beginning” wanted some change that eventually came to fruition. You’re a genious Bob, which is obvious by your domination of this blog medium.

For those who have missed the dadily “Bob-ism” for today, here are a few more Bob statements/predictions:

1 — The Thrashers will make the playoffs.

2 — If the Thrashers don’t make the playoffs, it’s Waddell’s fault and he should be fired

3 — If the Thrashers miss the playoffs, it’ll be because Hartley didn’t play Hedberg enough and overused Lehtonen, making him worn out (I’m going to imply physically now, then mentally once the coach admits Lehtonen might be MENTALLY DRAINED. Either way, I’ve covered my bases.)

4 — The Thrashers wont make the playoffs because they don’t have a scoring center.

5 — The Thrashers will make the playoffs because Tkachuk is the answer at their need for a scoring center.

6 — Belanger is just another 3/4 center, and is useless to this team. Waddell needs to be fired.

7 — Belanger is the scoring center the number 1 line always needed, and fits perfectly on that pairing. Waddell must’ve gotten lucky, and it’s clearly Hartley’s doing.

8 — I’ve liked Belanger since his days in Nashville, oh wait, Carolina, oh wait, Los Angeles. He really sucked this season for Nashville, oh wait, he never played for Nashville he simply flew there for a night, oh wait…uh…Waddell Fiddles While Atlanta Burns (I call that Ol’ Faithful)

9 — Atlanta will win tonight 4-2

10 — Atlanta will lose tonight 3-2

11 — I knew you Atlanta would win 6-1 and Vigier would score, told you so…

12 — Chuck Wagon is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

13 — Nobody else likes Chuck Wagon? I’ll just keep putting it in bold so somebody will eventually notice

14 — LOOK AT ME, I NEED ATTENTION TODAY…PLEASE TALK TO ME!!!

15 — Whew, Pucks-n-Snot is back to rile up everyone else so I can fit in with other people’s opinions…happy days!

16 — I (like the rest of the hockey world) always knew the Thrashers needed a top 2 d-man, I think I should rank top 10 on the Forbes GM list.

17 — The Forbes GM list is a crock.

By kracker

March 19, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

CC, I guess you just have to sit back, chuckle and marvel at the responses…while remaining above the fray so to speak. The fun of being the lead blogger I guess.

Anyway, I, who knows I’m not too hockey smart, try to read and learn, even so I’m beginning roll my eyes at some of the very definitive opinions expressed here.

Who’s opinions are worthy of consideration, which to basically ignore, it’s great fun. There’s too many P&S’s here. I love it.

By Bob loves ranallo

March 19, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who thinks Bob and Ranallo are former lovers and one of them jilted the other? These two “guys” fight like a couple of pimple-faced seventh grade girls. You both are jacka$$es, so shut up. Both of you think you know everything about the Thrashers and hockey but guess what, you don’t. If you knew so much, you would actually have a career in sports and I don’t mean as janitors at Philips, which I both think you are. Who stole the other ones broom? Grow up, everyone on here, minus the mongoloid Pucks, are Thrashers fans and deserve the respect from fellow fans.

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

DJ, isn’t Daniel Briere French Canadian?? You better watch out, Bob is going to be MAAAAAAADDDD!

By ranallo10

March 19, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Respect comes to those who deserve it BLR, not those who command it. The nice thing about our arguments though, is that we confine it to ourselves, and we don’t attempt to include other people. It’s amazing that you call us “pimple-faced seventh grade girls” — isn’t that what those girls did to the 6th graders (name calling, if that went over your head)?? I mean, it’s like calling a person self-absorbed and demanding they pay more attention to you…it is contradicting.

But hey, Bob knows my buttons, and I know his…let us play around every once in a while. It’s not like the teacher is around and will get us into trouble.

By kracker

March 19, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

“I also don’t like people who buy their favorite players’ uniform so they can show how much of a fan they are.”

DUH. That’s really a classic comment. What sweater do you expect fans to spend their hard earned dough on? The Healthy Scratch King’s sweater? No.

They buy their favorite player’s sweater every time. I just bought XLB’s. Am I a chump? No. Next maybe Kovy or Hoss or a new guy or Kari.

Jeez…What obscure player do you buy? Kamakazi Karl Stewart maybe? (Who I really liked, oops that means I can’t buy his sweater…)

By JayBird

March 19, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

HAHA, yeah, I guess we are all supposed to get Darcy Hordichuk jerseys. Oh yeah, I forgot how “uncool” it is to wear a jersey of a player you like. I guess next time I go to a game, I should wear khakis, a golf shirt, and penny loafers. I don’t give two $hits what jersey a Thrasher’s fan wears, as long as its a Thrashers jersey. If some guy wants to have the name of his invisible childhood friend, who cares as long as he is cheering for the boys in blue.

By kracker

March 19, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

BTW, not trying to start a big fight, I just advise thinking before typing not vice versa.

Or at least clean it up later, we all mis-speak as they say in DC. I know I do.

By LAC

March 19, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Gee Whiz… SO Many posts… Great,,, But I like cans if they are about 38C, was our win total going into Sunday’s game.

I about fell out of my chair watching the tape of the game… That Rick BLABBER MOUTH,Jannerrt of Buffalo is such a LOSER, when they scored it was live they walked on water… When Atlanta scores I thought he was going to die… What a JERK !!!!

Well anyhow, I have to say the Thachuk & Zit trades are about even. Thachuk give us toughness up front, WHICH is something we have little of… Remember him Decking the Montreal guy That was GREAT… I, unlike most here, Would like to see him resign for a couple years, Remember… Hossa is UFA after next season, Holik/Rucchin gone.

So there is some $$$$.

Should be another tough contest thursday against San Jose… a Strong team… they play Wednesday night in Chicago, so Hope the Hawks rough them up a bit.

Saw Ric Flair at a Carolina game recently… Stylin and Profilin…

Where is our wrestler mascot ? Bill Goldberg or Mr.Wrestling II… What a KICK !

Atlanta 4 SJ 1

By The Falconer

March 19, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

The Zhitnik Trade. Makes our goalie better (fewer quality shots against) Makes our defense better (Sutton to 3rd pairing) Gives a better shot at holding leads. He will be around 2 more years.

By ranallo10

March 20, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

“But since my opinion clearly conflicts, I think whoever spends the money on the uniform has all right to buy what the hell they want.”

Apparently these words slipped right past your eyes…solid reading skills JayBird and kracker.

Now my turn at words of advice: attempt to finish reading somebody’s thoughts (often times separated by periods, or hard returns) before jumping to your misguided conclusions.

I see you got confused by my conflicting statements…I clearly admitted to that conflict. People who buy jerseys with another person’s name on it (Kovalchuk, Lehtonen, Hossa, et ali) are annoying to me because they ARE WEARING SOMEONE ELSE’S UNIFORM. I like to do the common joke of “hey, what’s Hossa doing in the stands tonight, I thought he was playing!? I could’ve sworn Hossa was a European male, not a heavy set American female.” I also get annoyed by people placing their own name on a uniform for a team they never played for, or with a number that they never could’ve received had they played for that team. How many 69, 99, 66 or 00 numbers do you see around the rink? The only fan deserving of his/her own name on a Thrashers uniform is Rabid Fan, because his IDENTITY is that of Rabid Fan, and he’s quasi famous for THAT identity. Joe Blow in 314 is not famous for wearing “Douche Bag” 69 on his Thrashers uniform.

SO now my opinion towards unifroms comes out…I like seeing people who are wearing BLANK jerseys (I know, it astounds you to think about such a uniform, but trust me, they DO exist).

BUT IN THE END, I REVERT TO MY ORIGINAL PARAGRAPH CONCLUDING SENTENCE:

“But since my opinion clearly conflicts, I think whoever spends the money on the uniform has all right to buy what the hell they want.”

Why does it bother you two so much to hear someone’s opinion, though it obviously differs from your own?

By R. Stroz

March 20, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Rules, Observations & Questions:

1) Pucks is the enemy. He only shows up when the Thrashers lose. The rest of the time he is on someone else’s blog annoying them. He is a whimp and still a virgin at 50 plus years of age.

2) Bob & Ranallo are happy annoying one another. Everyone should accept that they have a different point of view from one another, but both, are Thrasher fans.

3) Brian knows his facts. If you argue with him, you will probably lose. The man knows his material well.

4) Brendan is a researcher and an analyst. This man knows his material well too.

5) Russ can predict the final score.

6) Buzilla likes cans and thinks they should be added to kiss cam.

7) LAC is happy with the new additions and that is good.

8) Craig doesn’t want to be stuck in Philly anytime soon.

8) DW will make trades that help the team if his job is on the line. Whether you are a DW fan or not, his trades this year have proven effective.

9) I think anyone at a Thrashers game wearing the other team’s jersey should be heckled. As you walk by these people after a game the Thrashers win, yell loser to make them feel welcome again.

10) Besides myself, which Thrasher bloggers are native to Atlanta and watched the Flames before they were shipped to Calgary?

By j nes

March 20, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

LAC, We get the Macho Man on the jumbotron—oooo yeah—that should count as our wrestler mascot. Anyway, I like Lil John better. I hope to see him at Blueland in the playoffs. It always fires up the crowd when they show him in his front row seat and play “Lets Go…”

By Bob loves Ranallo

March 20, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

I hope Little John isn’t at the playoffs, he needs to stay at Hawks games and not turn Thrashers games into a ghetto like the rest of Atlanta. It’s bad enough we have to hear him butcher an Ozzy song. The best thing about Little John is when Chappelle makes fun of him.

And Ranallo, did you wear the number 10 when you sat the bench for your tee ball team? I think it is obnoxious to rag on people because they choose to have their own name on a jersey. You know, you really should take your comedy show on the road. “What’s Hossa doing in the stands tonight?” That’s profound stuff, Carlin and Seinfeld should be opening for you!

By JayBird

March 20, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Ranallo, I respect your opinion but it doesn’t bother me at all, I just think people have fun having their name on the back of a jersey. I’m sure a lot of people do it just to see their name on a jersey and what harm does that do? I have two blank jerseys (home and away) and a Kovalchuk jersey (old style) that I mix up depending on how I feel.

Am I the only one who thinks Bob loves Ranallo is Snot incognito? What a prick! I think its entertaining reading Bob and Ranallo go back and forth. Keep up the work guys!

By R. Stroz

March 20, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

JayBird - I don’t think Pucks is that smart. Besides, if BLR is Snot Eating Pucks, he is too much of a whimp to come out of the closet.

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this

Danlmac, I didn’t exactly get the express written consent of the National Hockey League or the MSG network when I taped the game. Hopefully, no one turns me in for this clear Intellectual Property Right theft. But, in my defense, it was for my private viewing. I taped it on VHS. It’s actually a “standard grade, Sony 6 hour” video cassette. Not exactly a “state of art” recording for posterity. But effective enough for my purposes. I just wanted to review the game when I got home to hear the commentary on some of the penalty calls. And to check out the goals.

By Christy

March 20, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this

Well hell, I couldn’t post my response to James on the Jeff S. blog, so I hope you will all forgive me for doing so here because I just couldn’t let it go. I know, I should, and I’m jumping at the bait, but some insults are too much to let go.

James - before you take an opinion on local media coverage and apply a political belief based on an economic theory to someone, I suggest you study up on the finer points of both the political and economic theory.

Now, unless the world has turned upside down, capitalism allows for local demographic studies. And that’s what I was talking about (Sara did a marvelous job on the national level, so no need to go there.) On a local level, not only is NFL king, but all of football, along with NASCAR, in the South. MLB is a poor third in that race down here. And it’s not just driven by men - have you ever thought about why Jeff Gordon and Junior are all over the place? See, I grew up here too…. None of which justifies poor media coverage of a local pro-sport. They do better covering the Hawks than the Thrashers, and since the ownership group is the same, that can’t be the issue.

As to Hockey being the rich man’s soccer in this country - are you kidding? Talk about lack of understanding of key demographics. It may be the well off man (I wouldn’t say rich) sending his kids to play in the kid’s leagues in Duluth, but it’s also the people who go paycheck to paycheck to make sure the kids play the sport they love. It’s those same people making sure there’s enough to get at least a half-season ticket package up in the 300s, or even single game tickets. The Rich men of hockey are the ones who buy up the corporate seats and then leave them empty most of the season.

There out of my system. Thanks!

By Christy

March 20, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this

I was wrong, not completely out of my system yet.

And, if the WORLD is upside down and you are right, that hockey is the rich man’s soccer here, then that wealth would also be a key demographic that this paper would want to tap into, so where is the logic in not covering the sport?

There. that did out. all out now. Thanks!

By Hip Czech

March 20, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Getting in a late post here (not sure where to go with this one now)…but anyways, I agree the Zhitnik deal will turn out to be the best in the short term and long term (if 2 years is considered long term).

The point I would like to make is look at the team that made NO MOVES…none other than Tampon Bay (I like that name…along with the Hedberg comment earlier this year - maybe they can market Moose pads).

I wonder if Bolts fans are giving as much grief to their GM as Waddell was getting here? What happens if TB does not make the playoffs? In a perfect world, the Thrash win the SE division and both TB and Carolina get in. That would be cool to have 3/8 of the playoff be from the ‘southleast’.

Any one else rather see us face the Rangers in the first round?

By Chris

March 20, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

The Rangers’ run lately has made a Rangers/Thrashers first round more of a possibility. If we could pick our first round opponent I’d pick them or the Islanders. I’ll be shocked if DiPietro leads the Isles to a first round win this year regardless of who they face.

By Bob

March 20, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Good work, ranallo. You finally showed a little restraint and kept your head from exploding. Stroz has got it right, I just like pokin your buttons, cause your overreactions have been so predictable, at least you tried a little humor today! Much better. I will keep this reply entirely on point since you managed to keep your head from exploding this time.

Your buddy dj has it right, Briere is Louganis, minus the AIDS (brutal, but I am lol-ing). I should have brought my scoring cards to the game Sunday, we need to bring these out if we meet Buffablow in the Finals 5.8 from the Russian judge for Briere’s 1/2 gainer I’d still take him on my club any day, twice on Sundays.

Really, ranallo, I could care less about THE JPVJ that whole deal is just to yank on your chain. I do think he’s a good hustle guy, solid on the PK, but whatever, those guys are a dime a dozen and Dupuis (he’s the guy I watched play for Minehaha, ya hump) does it all better.

As for all the bloggers, you guys should learn something today from Ranallo’s Blogging Evolution if y’all would just ignore Pucks and Slutton like ranallo finally managed to (relatively) keep his wits about him after I poked him again, then that troll will slither back to De-Toilet where he belongs.

Czech, I think Tampa is the club we’ll open against, with us in the 3rd slot. I actually don’t mind that matchup in a 7 game series, they’ll take a couple games, but I think we can take 4.

Tampa’s fans may get on their GM a little. However, he just won them a Cup, that gets you a 10 year pass in my book.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Christy,…last week we were doing math with cap numbers,…now were getting a civics lesson on the “isms”….my brain hurts!

With all the cerbrial activity going on here, may James should be calling hockey the SMART man’s soccer,….or, for that matter, the SMART man’s ANYTHING.

Er, ah actually, Christy,….I mean, “person’s”…. :o)

By Bob

March 20, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

stroz, lol at the 6) Buzilla likes cans and thinks they should be added to kiss cam.

Sounds like an arena enhancement I could go for.

Anyone remember when we had Amanda Jahn doing the in-game jumbotron keys to the game and it was a little chilly in the arena that one night? NippleTron.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Nice article in USA Today about the Thrashers. Sad that we get more coverage from a national paper than our own.

So what did Slater do that got him in Hartleys doghouse? I know he hasn’t been lighting it up, but I don’t think his play was aweful. Maybe he is victum to the “if it ain’t broke” situation. An 8-2 run will do that I guess.

That may be what is happening to McCarthy as well.

Either that or Sutton has kidnapped something dear to Bob’s heart (like his favor rolled up playbook)

I say get these guys a little playing time in case we need them in the playoffs.

By Bob

March 20, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

zilla, I think it is the case of “if it ain’t broke”

Boulton has played suprisingly well, it might be hard to get Slater back in. Slater had tons of chances this year on various lines, he just can’t finish and always seems out of control.

McCarthy should be given some time, I’d really like to see him on the PP with Zhitnik instead of Havelid.

By Christy

March 20, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Rawhide. apologies. no more isms. I promise - no more posts that require the taking of aspirin after.

By five_hole

March 20, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Why is it that USA Today can run a nice feature story on the Atlanta Thrashers, and the AJC can’t post one story, when the Thrashers are about to clinch their FIRST EVER PLAYOFF SPOT?

Can SOMEONE at the AJC please keep up? Thanks.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Christy.

5-Hole,….you know, it’s not JUST that the Thrashers are on the cusp of their first playoff season,..but it’s the fact that they look to be in GREAT shape to win the division doing it!

That plus the fact that the Hawks haven’t seen the playoffs since BEFORE the Thrashers played their first ever game….the Falcons are a major let down the past 2 season,…..the Brave, (although I love ‘em),…..just had their first off season since the FIRST Bush administration!!!

It IS time the media in this town get on board.

I liked Schultz’s peice yesterday. The USA Today’s write-up,…very nice. But let’s be honest,…everything in those articles have been done and re-done on this blog-site.

At least give us Top-Photo-Billing the day after a HUGE win like Sunday’s,…..not some Bubbu spinning his wheels at AMS for God’s sake!

By Tony H

March 20, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

It really is amazing how the AJC treats the Thrashers. Almost no coverage, with the exception of Craig, and when they do, it’s generally negative.

Nice USA Today article today and good coverage from even ESPN and TSN. What’s wrong with the AJC?

My best guess is that they know very little about the sport and don’t want to make fools of themselves by writing about something foreign to them.

By five_hole

March 20, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Christy, I too saw Mr. Adams post and was offended on multiple levels.

First, he’s a mysoginst, when he makes wild statements like “…because we men drive the economy”. He loses a lot of credibility with statements like that.

Second, I seriously doubt if Mr. Adams has ever seen an NHL hockey game. IMO, I would much rather watch an NHL exhibition game than game 7 of the World Series. Baseball; can you say BORING?

Third, he’s apparently a right-wing nutcase with his reference to Al Franken. So he has ZERO credibility.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 20, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

You have to admit, its a lot easier to follow cars going around a circle than to be able to grasp the concept of offsides.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Tony,….as long as they have Cythia Tucker writing Op-Eds for ‘em,…how much MORE foolish could they look???

Besides,….let’s not dump on ‘em too much,….they are the only paper we have in town and we don’t want to scare the away!

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

LOL, Buzilla. Yep, a bunch of left turns isn’t that complicated. For the record, I’m sure that NASCAR is a wonderful sport. Moving right along.

Christy, keep on with the posts. I followed it completely and easily. I’m not overcome or utterly vainquished by having to read a few paragraphs. :) I used to have to read 500 pages a night, sometimes in a foreign language. But I digress.

This topic of Thrashers coverage is something we’ve beat to death here. I’m telling you that you must email Ronnie Ramos if you wish to complain. He’s the sports editor. Don’t blame Craig or his predecessor, John Manasso. They don’t run the Sports Section of the AJC. And blaming Jeff Schultz for a lack of Thrashers coverage is misplaced, as well.

Finally, I’d like to agree with Bob’s post that Atlanta will likely face Tampa Bay in the 1st round. Though far from a certainty at this point, I have to believe Ottawa and Pittsburgh are going to finish 4th and 5th. I guess Carolina could climb up into 6th, or the NY Rangers, but I suspect it will be the Bolts. Keep in mind that, while it looks very good, the Thrashers have not yet clinched the Southeast Division. A six (6) point lead with eight (8) games left to play is very encouraging.

Okayyy, one last thing. Since we’re airing grievances today. Sunday afternoon, I’m listening to 680TheFan on my drive into the arena. No mention of a hockey game at 1:00 p.m. Or 1:15 p.m. And when 1:30 p.m. finally rolled around, IN MID-SENTENCE, the college hoops coverage was interrupted to bring us a hockey game. All I could do was laugh. Honestly. This is the “flagship station” of the Thrashers? They don’t even do an hour lead-up to the faceoff? When they do, FINALLY, cover the game, there’s ABSOLUTELY NO SEGUE into the hockey game. It was literally as if a “tornado warning” weather watch interrupted the current programming. D’oh!! The only thing missing was an announcer voiceover, “We now interrupt this incessant college basketball coverage … to bring you a hockey game. We’re sorry for the inconvenience. We’ll get right back to that March Madness tournament whenever this HOCKEY is over.”

Sorry. I’m venting a little. Mea culpa. I’m far from perfect.

By Rawhide

March 20, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

5-hole,…..I didn’t care for what Adams was ranting about either, what with bring politics into the matter.

Granted, I have my political opins as well, quite conservative, (or, as you would say, a right wing nut job)…..but, this is sports,….HOCKEY by God. keep politics outa it.

It is a refuge from all that. I mean, a sporting event is one of the few places I can sit right next to a bleeding-heart, nose-picking, 60’s-reject, bed-wetting, Tree-hugging, Global warming-Kool-Aide-drinking, Berkinstock-wearing, pony-tail-sporting, commi-lib …. and, as long as we are both rooting for the Thrashers, I could have quite a good time with him :o)

(Sorry, couldn’t resist)…..

Anyway,…..

GO THRASHERS - TAKE A BITE OUTA THE SHARKS!!!*

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 20, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Brendan,

I am also amazed that 680AM doesn’t get a signal inside Phillips arena…

THOSE WOULD BE THE PEOPLE THAT WOULD LISTEN TO IT!!!

They used to sell ($5) a tiny radio that could pick it up…but they don’t sell it anymore (I’ve asked)

Maybe after we win the cup these dckheads with get there sht together.

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Ummn, I just re-read my post. It sounds like I’m attacking Christy. Which wasn’t my intent. At all. Christy did none of those things (blaming Schultz, Custance, Manasso, etc.). The “you” that I meant was “bloggers” and the topic was “complaining about a lack of Thrashers coverage.” To do that, effectively, an email must be sent to rramos@ajc.com. But bear in mind, his job is to sell newspapers. If he CATERED EXCLUSIVELY to the whims and desires of hockey fans, the circulation might even diminish further. Though, I’d buy it more often!!! I love hockey coverage. But I think there’s a “happy medium” that can be reached. A page one Thrashers item, following by a page two “mini item,” and another piece on a player or a coach towards the back of the paper. That’s at least three (3) articles right there. Is that so much to ask??

Truthfully, I’m not all that excited about “grapefruit” action, or the March Madness tournament. But I’m probably the minority. To me, ITEM #1 is Thrashers hockey and these playoffs. In the preseason blog I mentioned that the Thrashers might be the only Atlanta-based major PROFESSIONAL sports team to reach the playoffs. It was met with a chuckle or two. Some agreed with me, though. If it does, indeed, turn out that way, I would like to think that the Thrashers would start to get MORE of the Page One coverage. But if I have to bet, the NFL draft will get a SEPARATE SECTION or a 4-6 page SPREAD. I’m not sure that the Thrashers winning the Stanley Cup would get a 4-6 page spread in the Sports Section. Though, we could certainly lobby for it.

By Craig Custance

March 20, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Some real good debate on here, even enjoyed the ranallo/bob arguing - they need their own point-counter point blog.

I’m going to steer clear of the media/AJC bashing, other than to say we’re planning our coverage for the playoffs, and let’s just say, we’re bringing in some re-enforcements besides just the beat writer and Schultz. I think you guys will be pleased.

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Wow. Buzilla, I didn’t even realize that fans cannot get the flagship station inside the arena. That’s utterly egregious. While I don’t bring headphones to the games, it doesn’t bother me that other people do. I tape the game at home and watch it when I get home. Assuming it’s televised, that is.

When I’m at the game, I like to stay focused on the action. I’m not the guy talking on the cellphone. LOL.

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

YES!!! Please tell me. Pleeease tell me, you guys landed Scott Burnside. He’s from Atlanta. He freelances with ESPN.com. He’d be an AWESOME addition to the AJC hockey playoff staff!

Scott ate hockey pucks for breakfast and has been writing hockey articles since he was seven. Maybe even younger than that.

I sometimes see hockey articles from Chris Vivlamore. And I welcome Jeff Schultz’s stuff. He may be critical of the Thrashers at times. But sometimes that’s called “honesty.” Attack the content of his articles, not the man. Some folks are just on a CRUSADE to try to get Jeff Schultz fired. I think that’s so misplaced, that I scarcely know where to start. And Terrence Moore CAN write hockey articles. He just chooses not to. I remember an article he did about how Kovalchuk remains relatively unknown in Atlanta while being a big star back in Russia. If the Thrashers reach the Conference Finals or the Cup, everyone will recognize his face and name.

By Brian

March 20, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, how did I not get in the middle of this? Oh yeah, haven’t logged on the last couple days. I will just make a few points from the end.

Craig - glad to hear that coverage is being beefed up in Apr. I look forward.

Rawhide - haven’t you noticed the (inverse) correlation between the rise in Al Gore and the bad ice in the NHL? They both started in the 80’s? Sorry, I had to make a liberal joke.

Brendan - I didn’t think you were attacking Christy, but I laughed when you said “I used to have to write 500 pages a night”. Then I realized you said “read” and not “write”. Then I saw you mention foreign languages and realized you weren’t talking about your blog entries. Although you have given us some French lessons. Shoot, who am I to point fingers on that one?

Either way, keep going Christy.

Let’s all get down to Philips for the playoffs and make a strong showing for the hometown Thrashers.

For anyone’s head that doesn’t hurt, go find the blog where we talk about the odds of a President’s trophy winner taking the Stanley Cup. We even carried it over to the next blog. Serious #’s going on there…

By Bob

March 20, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Some real good debate on here, even enjoyed the ranallo/bob arguing - they need their own point-counter point blog.

That’d be good. It’d be even more better if you could get me someone competent to debate, I feel shame sometimes for pickin on the poor guy. His buttons are easy to push and he suffers under the delusion that he’s pushed mine, although I do find it amusing when I read the shots he takes (hint, ranallo, your boy THE JPVJ has better aim, you’re 0 for 3 on your guesses at hot buttons, but keep swinging, blind sow and all).

I think we’ll get some real good debates going once the playoffs begin and the opposing fans start showing up.

Thanks for the info on the increased coverage, that’ll be great I know it’s not your job to promote, but it’s an opportunity to get the attention of and bring in the casual fans if the boys have a good run this year. Anything that makes the club stronger for the long run is good, and if that means I wait longer in line for my beer, so be it.

I think the main reason that the AJC doesn’t cover the Thrash to the extent we wish they would, is that they give the majority of their readers want they want. The sad truth is that football (prep, collegiate, and pro), baseball, hoops, and NASCAR, all are more popular with Atlanta fans. It’s the same reason you don’t get the radio coverage here in town and I wind up listening to satellite for good coverage. HockeyHeads are few and far between in general, but we make up for it in passion and loyalty.

And a quick shout out to my fellow Card Carrying Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, when’s the next meeting, Rawhide?

By Craig Custance

March 20, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Brendan — let me clarify, we’re not hiring anybody new, just devoting some additional manpower to hockey here pretty soon. Although I’d be the first to get behind a Scott Burnside hire — unless it cost me a job. In that case, I’d rather he stick with ESPN.

By Brendan

March 20, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s still good news, Craig. I want to remind everyone who thinks there’s a lack of hockey interest in Atlanta, that back in 1999, the Thrashers sold out 38 of 41 home games, and in the process established a new NHL record for fan attendance for an expansion team. (The record was later broken by the Minnesota Wild, in 2000.) But the point remains. The Thrashers didn’t sellout all those games because no one was interested. To suggest it was some sort of freakish accident is to somewhat reveal a hidden anti-hockey agenda. Uhh, those folks make an appearance here every so often to bash the sport and its place in Atlanta sports.

By ranallo10

March 20, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Bob, when you say “get me someone competent to debate” do you mean someone on your intellectual level?? I think I could probably find a few door knobs that would take you up on that offer. Or, if you’d like something that gives you responses, I could train a monkey to type…of course, that’d be putting you at an intellectual disadvantage immediately.

Have you seen the episode of the Simpson’s where Homer has the bird desk toy do his job while he works from home? I’m thinking a toy that could type “Y” over and over would be most in line with your debate level.

Start up the page — we can expect a ton of posts regarding two-way predictions and gross misinterpretations of online emotions, but Bob would have a good ol’ time.

And a friend who frequents this blog had an interesting statement to make:

“If Ranallo World is a place where JP Vigier, Andy Sutton and Greg de Vries all get LESS ice time, then I think that’s a place I’d like to be.”

By Bob

March 20, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

You’re not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I rate you a little higher than a doorknob, monkey, or bird desk toy but hey, you know yourself best, if you feel they’re more competent than you, send them on over, Sparky.

They can’t be any duller than you, now could they?

Wait, never mind.

By ranallo10

March 20, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

mistranslations — the trademark of a typical Bob post