Thrashers

By ranallo10

March 23, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Sim got F-ed up (that’s Fedoruk-ed up for those at home).

By Brendan

March 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Steve McCarthy is going to sit again. Oh, okay. The team loses Sim, who does have some 17-odd goals. But Hartley doesn’t want to infuse any more offense into the lineup?

Well, I hope Simmer will be okay and can return. Since he’s an unrestricted free agent this Summer, it’s theoretically possible that he’s played his last game as a Thrashers. I hope not. I hope he’s back for the playoffs. And next season.

By where's Steve MC?

March 23, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Moose should start against FLA then… I’d rather see some of the prospects come up and play instead of Slater. It’s been 2 full NHL seasons now for Slates… Let’s face it, that pick was a bust.

By michael

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

interesting that the sharks coach noticed the amount of shots we give up and they exploited it. What really makes that interesting is that the amount of shots we give up is not a concern of Wadells or Hartleys. Out of all the games why no shuffling of the lines last night? Defense is still the glaring weakness of this team. Hope the simmer gets better and is not out for the rest of the season.

By Whitaker

March 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

2 cents from a Yankee

I believe Joe Thornton suffered the same injury in 2005 after a fight with Eric Lindros. He came back shortly after the fight wearing a Full-Face cage, which they slowly cut the bars out of as he healed. At the time Thornton was the captain of the Boston bRUINS, and this might have been his way of showing a flicked city why he was the captain. Also Knuble of the Flyers is currently wearing a cage.

While every situation is different I think this can give the BlueLand Faithful hope that Simmer could be back on the ice sooner than later. Imagine Sim with a cage on and just agitating the other team to no end. That’s a funny sight.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Craig.

Not trying to get all superstitious again, but in your blog you had a quote from Sim talking about which opponent we would face in the playoffs. And look what happens. We get our d*ck kicked in by some fish, and Sim gets chuk’ed around the ice by a guy twice his size.

This is like the tiki doll from the Brady Bunch episode in Hawaii.

If one of our players tries to take Hula lessions you better stop them cold.

no surfing either…

On a side note….SAN JOSE is the closest NHL team to the island of Hawaii….freaky

By Whitaker

March 23, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

I believe Joe Thornton suffered the same injury in 2005 after a fight with Eric Lindros. He came back shortly after the fight wearing a Full-Face cage, which they slowly cut the bars out of as he healed. At the time Thornton was the captain of the Boston bRUINS, and this might have been his way of showing a flicked city why he was the captain. Also Knuble of the Flyers is currently wearing a cage.

While every situation is different I think this can give the BlueLand Faithful hope that Simmer could be back on the ice sooner than later. Imagine Sim with a cage on and just agitating the other team to no end. That’s a funny sight.

By Rawhide

March 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

“On a side note….SAN JOSE is the closest NHL team to the island of Hawaii….freaky” - LA isn’t???? Their further south down the coast.

Not that it really matters, the point is well taken…..Now, didn’t Bobby have to put that tiki dall back in the cave to break the spell????

What do we need to do to symbolicaly put the “tiki doll” back in the cave before Pittsburgh???

By Blueliner

March 23, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Not an ideal time for it, but Haydar on the Chuk’n’Chuk line would be good to see

By Bob

March 23, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve been wanting to see Dupuis on the Chuk line, I think his speed and shot fit that line much better than Sim. So no worries. Boulton was playing well on the checking line and there’s Slater to step back in.

I do think it was a poor decision for Coach to take Boulton out while everything was going well, he would have been the guy to try to light the spark last night, but that’s water under the bridge.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ Keep dem doggies Movin’ RAWHIDE!

2410 miles from San Jose to Hawaii Kai, Hawaii

2547 miles from Los Angeles to Hawaii Kai, Hawaii

(Hawaii Kai is a random point I picked in Hawaii)

So now is it creepy?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

As the crow flies…

By Rawhide

March 23, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

HMmmmmmmmmmmm,…it must be true then Zilla,….creepy indeed.

We need to put sort of moratorium on discussions of playoff “clinching” or “matchups”….

I mean, we dodged a bullet a couple weeks ago when we had the discussion of who we could afford to lose to injury the most. The whole thing just creeped me out.

That night vs. Montreal, Hossa goes off limping after a knee-to-knee hit.

YIKES!!!!

By Rawhide

March 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I did not know crows vacationed in Kai, Hawaii.

By Brian

March 23, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - you beat me to it. Although I don’t have the mileage like you, LA is much further east than San Francisco…

By where's Steve MC?

March 23, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Not an ideal time for it, but Haydar on the Chuk’n’Chuk line would be good to see

Yeah, I agree. Add McCarthy on it and you have Darren and the McChukniks. Sounds like a sleazy 60’s garage band, but it would be one wicked power play line. Anyone know if we’ll see Rucchin again this year? Haven’t heard any updates on his status lately. GO THRASH

By Chris

March 23, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

This gives Dupuis his shot on the top unit which I think alot of folks have properly been calling for; but takes a little bite out of that checking line. Dupuis gave it a little jump and could stretch things, now we’re looking at strictly dump and chase.

This is likely the end of Sim as a major contributor this season. It is likely Dupuis will succeed enough to keep the top spot and Hartley has not shown an inclination to use Sim in a checking role - he’s either on the top unit or buried on the 4th line. Too bad this had to happen when he was literally taking one for the team.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

So a friend of mine, some of you may read his humorist post under the guise of Rone, is letting us paint his car. He has a red saturn and we are going to be painting the Thrashers Ultimate Warrior logo (I refuse to say ‘batman’ logo) on the hood of his car. Kinda like a crappy firebird. Its gonna look sweet.

As you may imagine, the car is on its last legs. So getting a jacked up paint job by a bunch of drunk idiots is not a big deal to Mr. Rone.

We will try to get it in the ticker tape parade when a certain team wins a certain cup this year…

Now that guy is a fan…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Cursed by Clement

That SOB. Doesn’t he read my posts!?!?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17755000/

By Brian

March 23, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - the national media can’t jinx us unless we are put on the cover of SI. I don’t think Craig or Ice Man will mention anything…

By ranallo10

March 23, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

To prevent the jinx you simply must not read the article. It’s that simple.

By Craig Custance

March 23, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Brian — Wait, Clement gets a free pass, but you guys freak out when I talk about possible first round match-ups? Why the double standard?

Buzilla - You need to post photos of that car — if you can’t e-mail to me and I’ll get them posted. It can’t be pretty.

By ranallo10

March 23, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Custance, I think you meant “it MUST be BEAUTIFUL”

By Brian

March 23, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Craig - not a double standard, you can’t compare a random article by a national media person to the two people who are tied to the team and the city. Clements has no stake in this team or this town. We know you and talk to you and post to you. You can’t say you’re not one of us. As Kracker said, people are checking the site earlier to get your updates.

By Thrashy Thrashy

March 23, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Bill Clement played with the Atlanta Flames for four and a half years (until they moved to Calgary) and lived in Atlanta for a while after his career ended. The Flames had good support in Atlanta, but Calgary offered a better deal and the team packed up. Anyway, I’m sure Clement would like to see the Thrashers do well. He was popular in Atlanta and liked it there. I guess that’s a stake of some sort.

By Brendan

March 23, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Thrashy Thrashy, wouldn’t a Calgary-Atlanta Finals be a great storyline? Along with the battle of the Finnish goaltenders. Kipper vs. Kari. We’d see plenty of the #9 overall pick from 2003, Dion Phaneuf.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Craig

Will do. I will also post a link to the “making of” video that I will put on You Tube

By Bob

March 23, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

zilla, starring in Pimp My Saturn

By Craig Custance

March 23, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Got word from the team that Sim’s surgery went well and that he had a plate and screws inserted to repair multiple fractures to his left orbital bone. Still too early to determine a target date for his return.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

In case you guys want to see the beating

http://hockeyfights.com/fights/32601

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 23, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

From the SJ Mercury News:

“He slashed my stick,” Bell said. “I said, What are you doing?' He said,We’re going.’ I said, Are you serious?'Yeah.’ So I dropped my gloves. I called his bluff. I’ve played against him before, so I knew he was probably going to run around a little bit.”

….Sweet

I hate basketball

By Brian

March 23, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Thrashy Thrashy - please explain how going back 25 years to dig up some facts about the man correlates to him having a stake in the city today that also relates to his career in journalism…

If he has such a stake in this city will you please provide links to all the other articles he has written about hockey in Atlanta.

By JayBird

March 23, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Maybe I am showing my age but I love the Brady Bunch references thrown in this blog. Love the tiki storyline but the best is Andy Sutton looking like Oliver but I think he plays like Cindy too. Hopefully Simmer will get back soon. I have faith in Dupuis, he is a grinder as well, just with more speed.

By j nes

March 23, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Jon Sim is a fearless sparkplug that will be dearly missed. In a game where the Thrashers were lacking enthusiasm, Sim took it upon himself to lay his outmatched physical stature on the line and literally take one for the team. Thanks Jon, get well soon.

On a semi-related note, where has the captain been when this team needs an emotional boost? He could have stepped up last night instead of Sim. Besides turning the puck over on a regular basis, Melanby has done very little for the team lately. I don’t want to completely bash the guy; I like him and I’m glad he decided to come back for another year…but show me something! Drop the gloves, hit somebody, be a leader. I know an 82 game season will wear down an 18 rookie, let alone a forty-something vet, but this is no time for excuses—I hope he is saving something for this playoff run.

By Brendan

March 24, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Talking about being “down for awhile,” The Oilers got their 1st win since losing Ryan Smythe at the trade deadline. They got an equalizer late in the 3rd against the Avalanche. Then won it in the shootout. Roloson stole this one.

Segue, speaking “stealing one,” did you guys watch the Sabres vs. Leafs tonight? Toronto gets a 4th goal, when the puck caromed around behind the net right off the linesman to the Leaf player standing all alone in the slot. He buries to make it 4-1 Toronto, with roughly 15:00 left in the 3rd. The refs give Buffalo some “make up” calls that result in two PPG’s. Then Pomminville scores on a breakaway and Stafford redirects a pass from Vanek. Sabres win 5-4, by scoring four (4!!) goals in 8:45 in the 3rd period. Toronto comes away with zero points. Buffalo inches closer to a President’s Trophy. Side note: HSBC Arena appeared to fill jam-packed with Leafs fans. ‘Course, I’m watching the Leafs’ feed on Comcast Cable, which will be skewed towards the Maple Leafs. I know the cities are georgraphically close, but how on Earth did Toronto fans manage to get tickets to this one??? Unless they’re season ticket holders for both the Leafs and Sabres. I guess that’s possible for a resident of Southern Ontario.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

j nes - a few people here have been saying that Mellanby will retire after this season and I don’t disagree.

By Brendan

March 24, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

j nes, earlier in the season, Mellanby was suspended for instigating a fight late in the 3rd period of a game vs. the Washington Capitals. Mellanby was standing up for clear THUGGERY by Erskine and other Capitals. Washington’s coach, Glen Hanlon, was fined for his player’s actions. I believe Bob Hartley was, as well. I’m not making excuses for Mellanby, but perhaps he didn’t want to risk another suspension and come under the microscope as the season winds down. Mellanby is 41. He probably shouldn’t be doing any fighting at his age. He’s not George Foreman. But he might have the wonderful Foreman grill. :)

By j nes

March 24, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Melllanby held his own against Jamie Heward in November(my biased opinion says he won). Maybe he shouldn’t be fighting at his age, but if that’s the case he shouldn’t be playing either. I think he can and should still whip some a$$.

By R. Stroz

March 24, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this

All Trashers fans - Put on your lucky jerseys, howl at the moon, place voodoo spells, forget your honey do list, turn your hat sideways, or whatever other superstition mojo that works for you, we need a win this afternoon!

By R. Stroz

March 24, 2007 4:16 AM | Link to this

Oops that’s Thrasher fans - that’s what happens when you can’t sleep and type.

By R. Stroz

March 24, 2007 4:37 AM | Link to this

Brian - Usually, arguing with you would prove futile, since you have more facts than most of us have brain cells, however, as the rare Atlanta native, I remember watching Clement play for the Flames. Clement was well liked as a player and was a hard worker. Anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if Clement was pulling for the Thrashers more as a former Atlantan than a Thrasher fan. He is aware of what Cousins pulled on the hockey fans of this city years ago. So since this is an opinion, rather than a fact, I thought I might be so bold as to argue the point that he may be pulling for the Atlanta hockey fans in general.

By michael

March 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Brian— you really need to get over this jinx $hit. Unless you are in elementary school.

By Red Light

March 24, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

This is what bugs me about Hartley. Fall behind by two or three goals, and then ask someone to respond physically. These days, it’s rare for a fight to turn around a two- or three-goal deficit. Give me a few instances when it has paid off for the Thrashers? You lose a pivotal guy late in the season during a game that was a lost cause!

Still hate the shoot-out! Check out the Eastern Conference standings by backing out the shoot-out wins:

Ott 94 Buf 93 NJ 86 Car 82 Atl 82 Pit 82 TB 76 MTL 76 Tor 76 NYR 75 NYI 75 Fla 73 Wash 63 Bos 62 Phl 49

It’s not a lot different, but there are a few teams with an argument against it.

By Red Light

March 24, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Brendan: They said on the TSN broadcast last night that many Sabres fans subsidize their season ticket expenses by selling their Leafs tickets to fans from Ontario. Apparently, it was a hot ticket last night. I’ve been to one of those match-ups a few years back, and it is a great atmosphere, just like you witnessed last night.

Tickets to games at the ACC in Toronto are still tough to come by and expensive. So, I guess that’s why the short trek to Buffalo makes paying higher prices worthwhile for fans of both teams.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

R. Stroz - Yes, he might be secretly pulling for us, I will give you that. But again, given that he writes 1 article a year on us I don’t think that shows a “stake” or “pulling interest” in the team.

michael - if you really think it is just my elementary school attitude go look at the blog where Ice Man first brought this up. Oh wait, it was taking off the site. Why is that?

Brendan & Red Light - I went to college with students from Canada and 1 guy who was from Toronto told me that it is impossible to get tix to almost any Leafs game. Although Buffalo sells out a lot of games, they do not have as high of a season ticket ratio. So, it is possible to get tix to any Sabres game if you plan early enough. I am sad to say that those Leafs fans plan early enough. The Sabres even initiated a new plan where they charge more for certain games. Those QEW games are certainly one of them.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

michael - I am curious, do you think we are in elementary school by asking about Rawhide’s jersey?

By Red Light

March 24, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Wondering?

If the Thrashers lose today and the Lightning beat Ottawa tonight, the Lightning would then have a three-game lead in the win column. The Rangers with a win today would creep within three points of the Thrashers in 6th place with a game in hand.

I know it’s sheer conjecture, but what do you think the mindset of the Thrashers would be, and what about their level of confidence?

All three probably won’t occur, but am concerned. Anyone else?

By michael

March 24, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Brian— all these jinx’s and superstitions are ridiculous. The thrashers hold their own destiny. Not if someone writes an article, someone wears a certain jersey, etc.

By russian

March 24, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

We need two points. It is very important game for us. I think we can beat Pins on OT or SO.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

michael - absolutely not. If the Thrashers win today, it will solely be due to the fact that Buzilla’s friend painted his car in Thrasher Blue. Of course, once we lose another game we will have to find another car to paint to start a new winning streak, so we will come and paint your’s for free. Do you prefer the regular logo or the Thrasher’s Ultimate Warrior (Batman) logo?

By ranallo10

March 24, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

I’m just curious michael, but how does one “hold their own destiny”? By definition destiny is a predetermind course of events, and are inevitable. I know I’m picking on you for such a ridiculous statement, but think about it. You believe in destiny (by stating someone holds it you are admitting to its existance), but yet you’re saying that a person (or team in this matter) can control it…that’s a bit of a contradiction.

One cannot control the inevitable. One does not “hold their destiny” or “control their destiny”. Too many sports journalists use that phrase when emphasizing the importance of a game.

I’m not trying to pick on you, but I think the phrase is a little overused and incorrectly used as well.

By Rawhide

March 24, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry I’m late guys,…

My tax-exemptions won their bantam league hockey championship today, 3-1. Post game celebrations kept me a bit….

Kari is unbeleivable today with some of these saves,…keeping us in it!!!

GO THRASHERS - WE NEED SOME POINTS IN PITTSBURGH TODAY!!!

And while were at it,….GO OTTAWA!!!

By B. Thenet

March 24, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Why is Jim Slater on the ice when the team is down by a goal with less than a minute in the game?

Of course, it did not surprise me that Slater was offsides.

What an awful effort by the team as a whole. Lehtonen with the garbage goal, poor effort all night. Just plain lazy hockey, all the vets should be embarassed.

By dj

March 24, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Can please sit Sutton now?

By Brian

March 24, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I agree with you completely that Kari kept us in it. But that was not a fluky goal, regardless of how many times the announcers say it was. It was more of just a matter of Kari not sticking to the fundamentals. Especially in a tight game like today, if the puck is in the corner, but your right leg up against the post. Any goaltender coach will say that, it’s just a rule. That should never happen at this level, it’s not a fluke, it’s lack of discipline.

I’m also going to start a sheet of everytime Pucks n Snutton screws up. He clearly gave one away to Malkin in the first. Towards the end of the game, with less than 5 minutes left, I was thinking I have to start writing these down. 4:07 mark - fell down in zone. 3:37 mark - gave it away. Brendan can tape the games for us and put the plays up on youtube…

By LAC

March 24, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Good defense… But WHERE is THE OFFENSE ?

With NYR/NYI wins today, TB win tonight and we may be in 7th… with NO game until wed,in FL…where we LOST last time, we will likely be OUT OF THE PLAYOFF picture.

Then with TB having a lighter schedule if looks like we have had it.

Will waddell be around after THIS ?

By j nes

March 24, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Can’t win many games when you only score once—Kari needs goal support—Hossa has not looked like himself since the knee to knee hit—Kovy needs to trust his shot instead of passing to walt every time, big shots=big rebounds—Thrashers with another three days off….uh oh.

By Harry Hawk

March 24, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of this team failing to show up for the first two periods. Darren Eliot says this is the sort of hockey the Thrashers will see in the playoffs.

Gulp.

Fluky goal aside, the Pens are too fast and (for the love of God, I can’t figure this part out because they’re so young) too disciplined for the Thrashers. The Thrashers were lucky to get a goal tonight. Hoss, Kovy, Kozzy…MIA. The Thrashers need these guys to score because we all know this team cannot defend well enough to take heat off of Kari.

But hey, they’ve got three days off(!) before they take on the Panthers. They’ll certainly be well-rested, right? Hahahahaha. That worked well the last time, didn’t it???

Ugh.

By j nes

March 24, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

predicted playoff opponent for thrashers: how bout tiger woods

should have never started counting the chickens craig

By thrashersfan

March 24, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

We’re “still” not there yet.

CC, never again should there be “any” discussions of playoffs or matchups until this team actually “makes” the playoffs.

By LAC

March 24, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Can we make some NEW Waiver deals ???

I will bet $500 we do NOT make playoffs HATE to say it, but these two last games really show how shallow this team is up front….

Yes Get the GOLF clubs ready…

What worries me, if we CANNOT get in the playoffs why would any good players want to stay ?

We are paying for past BAD Drafts and poor UFA’s… equals don waddell MUST BE FIRED AT SEASON’S END….

WAKEUP OWNERS… it is slipping away !

By Rone

March 24, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’m “True Blue”, but the sweet additions to my ride will work with it’s red color. The chest logo from the best jersey we have had so far, (the original away jersey, former home jersey, and currently hosed jersey) will adorn my hood, a la sweet 80’s Trans Am, minus the actual Trans Am. (A 95’ Saturn will have to do.)

By Brian

March 24, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

LAC (and the rest of you non believers) - your negativity is making me laugh. We played Florida 7 times this year, beat them each of the first 6 games, yet you put it in caps that we lost the last game to them and claim that will lead us to being out of the playoffs and hear comes the “fire DW” chant.

You mention how TB has the lighter schedule than us, but did you compare our schedule to the current #9, #10, & #11 seeds? We have 6 games remaining, 3 of them are Fla, Was & Bos, all non contenders at this point. 2 are against Car & Tor who are just fighting to be the #8 seed. Then the final one against TB.

Yes, they all have games in hand against us but we have a 6, 7 & 8 point lead against these teams already. They also play the most playoff caliber teams than say our Thrashers.

Did you also notice how many times the NYR, Car, Mtl, NYI & Tor play each other (the #7 - #11 seeds)? They can’t all get 2 points in those games which means by default some are guaranteed to lose. Do you really seeing us going 0-6 in the final 6 games? 3-3 gets us to 94 points which is Russ’s magic number.

By Rone

March 24, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Although a tough loss to swallow, it was an ok road game. The O was lacking, but Kari kept us in it, and the D wasn’t bad.

By Rawhide

March 24, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Damn,….DAMN,….DAMN!!!!

By michael

March 24, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Brian— you are aware that Washington, a non contending team kept the thrashers from reaching the playoffs last year.

By j nes

March 24, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

I still believe Brian, I’m just frustrated that some people disrespected the hockey gods and started making premature predictions…

By R. Stroz

March 24, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

After watching Pucks n Snutton skate today, I think we should submit his name to Dancing with the Stars.

By Dave

March 24, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Not a good sign after that 5-1 Sharks humiliation. GOOD teams bounce back from horrible games (see Bolts 7-1 loss vs Caps then wins vs Isles and Devils). For the Thrashers to play so poorly against the Penguins is not a good sign. That effort in the final 5 minutes today with Pittsburgh constantly dumping in the Atlanta end was just embarassing for a club struggling to keep the #3 seed. What game were the broadcasters watching? They were talking about the great effort in the 2nd half of the game. What???? If not for a horrible Whitney giveaway it was a shutout today. Tampa Bay may lose against a tough Sens team tonight but I see the #3 seed going away very soon. The FL game is going to be a real bear. The Panthers did lose one recently on home ice but they have been extremely tough at home during March, beating real good clubs.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

michael - so would you rather have 3 games against the Sabres, Ottawa, NJ instead of the Panthers, Caps & Bruins?

By R. Stroz

March 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

MIchael - When the Caps knocked us out last year, Dunham was in goal or at least he was pretending to be. Even if we had made the playoffs last year, the Thrashers were burnt toast without a good healthy goalie. On the other hand, teams with nothing to lose can play a different style of play. Now, we are in a six game series in which we must take five games.

By Brendan

March 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

I see nine (9) more points for Atlanta between now and the end of the regular season. I see wins vs. Florida, Boston, Washington and Carolina, with an OTL vs. the Leafs. That’s 97-points. Unless we get more vs. Tampa on the final game. At a minium, Atlanta gets seven (7) more, to finish with 95-points. Which, again, is still in the playoffs.

Now, if the “unthinkable” should happen, there’s no doubt in my mind where the blame belongs. Nope, it’s actually NOT Waddell. The blame falls squarely on the guy without the contract for next season, Bob Hartley. I could review some of the Hartley file, but you bloggers have SEEN it. It’d be overkill to list it all.

So, I’ll say this. This team has Hossa, arguably the leage MVP, Kovalchuk, a bonafide sniper, Tkachuk, a proven commodity, Sim, a capable forward who nearly got 20 goals this year, and is a former Cup winner, Kozlov, A shootout wizard and two-time Cup winner, Belanger, a very capable center, the speedy Pascal Dupuis, and blueliners like Zhitnik, Havelid, McCarthy and Exelby. Plus another former Cup winner in DeVries. And in net, are Lehtonen and Hedberg. The Captain is another proven leader, Scott Mellanby.

There is no excuse for a Head Coach not to get this lineup into the playoffs. It’d be one thing if the team were depeleted by injuries, and half of Chicago (AHL) were here in its stead. That’s not the case.

Hartley sets the line combos. Hartley controls the line matchups. Hartley determines the goaltender rotation. And Hartley decides who sits and who plays.

I don’t think we can pin this season on Waddell. His offseason and trade deadline moves were good. Especially trade deadline moves. I argue that many of his moves could have been made sooner rather than later, but he did, eventually, get them done. On a shoe-string budget, with permission of the ownership group.

Bolts lost! At least something good happened tonight. The Panthers and Devils are in the shootout. The Penguins are Cats fans tonight. Devils just won the shootout.

By michael

March 24, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Brian— hell yes. We actually play hockey against those teams.

By Brian

March 24, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Brendan - great post, but I don’t know if we can say that DW could’ve pulled off that coup in Jan. Come on, were all those players really being offered up or on the block in Dec?

michael - so if we play against those teams we can expect to see some more points coming.

By Brendan

March 24, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Oh, well not that early, Brian. I was thinking more like mid-February, instead of Feb. 27th. It would have been cost prohibitive to land Tkachuk in January. We knew a player of that caliber would be a Feb. 21st and beyond type acquisition. The Wild were shopping Dupuis in December. I don’t know what they were asking in return, however. In any case, I’m not crying over the loss of Alex Bourret.

By CM

March 24, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

I’m with Rawhide…

I sincerely hope they only have enough time off to sleep and travel until Wednesday. Now isn’t the time to have extra time for rest. They need to stay sharp (or perhaps get back to being sharp). Too much rest, in my opinion is not the answer. I hope they haven’t lost the heart to go all out.

Losing stinks..LETS GO BLUE!

By Bob

March 24, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

LAC, make it $1k and I’ll give ya 2 to 1 odds.

They played fine, it was a good comeback, fluke bounce, good learning experience today, s** happens.

Kari Lehts that one in 1 out of a 100, let it go, win the next one.

Tampa sucks worse, good for us, it’s coming down to that 4/7 game, folks.

By russian

March 24, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

To Brendan It is great speech. I hope you are right and we can get 95 points. But I did not see that our Team will get those wins. We are going to get 90-92 points and it is not enough to PO spot. I did not blame to our GM. He did GREAT JOB to get very professional players. If we are going to lose this year I will Glad to say Good Buy to Hartly. He could not see anything. He got all support, healthy Goalies and no injuries for best players and he did nothing. Bob Hartly must be FIRED. I liked him and I always like his practices, but he is done. What I could say happend on last 6 games. 1. Lose for Florida. Too much time to break and we always play like S**. 2. Lose for Toronto. We will be very tired after game with Florida. 3. Win to Boston on OT. I really hope it will be happen 4. Win to Washington. 5. Lose to Tampa 6. Lose to Carolina Final Pints 92. Pack your bags and go to Vacation. Kovy will fly to Moscow and play world champion in here. End of Story. :-(

By BB

March 25, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Until we can score with some kind of regularity on the PP, we can’t expect to beat good teams.

By Tom

March 25, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

I just read Hartley’s comments from yesterday and I must have been watching a different game from him. He was pleased with the effort! Heck, even Darren Elliot said he expected they would come out with more jump in the 1st after that poor performance against SJ. Yes, we kept the shots below 30, but we still get seriously outchanced. I saw several open looks for the Pens that required great saves by Kari. This isn’t the time of year for moral victories Bob! The Buffalo game was a great 60 minutes of effort, but those games are the exception for this team. And now another 3 day layoff of which this bunch have never handled well. I hope my strip of playoff tix don’t become worthless wallpaper like last years sheets!

By michael

March 25, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

CC— any word on Belanger’s injury?

By Brendan

March 25, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Folks, we’re gonna be in the playoffs. Russian, I agree 92-points isn’t enough. It that happens, I’m not filled with confidence. But, c’mon. We’re gonna do better than that. It’ll be atleast 95-points. With “luck,” it’ll be 99. And if it is, I think that’s enough to win the division, too.

Truthfully, I’m hoping the win vs. Carolina clinches the division for Atlanta, so that we can recall Chicago (AHL) to play a meaningless game vs. the Bolts to end the season. I said, “hoping.” I’m not putting $$ on that.

By russian

March 25, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

to Brendan I realy worry about Belanger injury. I hope hi is OK. we need some updates from CC. Did you see Pins and Boston? They smoked Boston easily. 3 PP goals 1 SH. I am affraid that we are going to lose to Boston. :-(

By Tony C.

March 25, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah, what’s up with Belanger???

I hope all is well…also, what call-ups do yall think we should make (even if it’s just to be “sparring partner” to the regular lineup)???

I do think that hiBob has to be held accountable for the team’s performance during this crucial stretch-one thing that hasn’t been metioned is that Coach has a contract that features “triggers” for performance goals-so it’s in his best interest to get things righted….plus, you know that even if the room has tuned him out-the lure of The Cup will provide motivation-for so many of these guys they know this is their last and/or last best shot at The Cup - Cap’n Rat, Tkachuk, Big Bobby, Rucchin (if he comes back) are all too long in the tooth to kid themselves that a better opportunity is probable.

Personally, I would like to see the guys shooting more often on the PP even though it seems that the players would rather look for the “perfect” shot…that’s something Coach can address. Also, I see our entry plays have consistently been a challenge area throughout the season…that is something for both the players and the staff to work on.

Still, as I said on Iceman’s board, if you had told me in October that we’d be sitting #3 in the east with a 2-point lead in the division with less than 7 games left, I would’ve given you a hi-five and hollered.

So there is fine-tuning to be done, but I am confident it will be done right.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Buzzilla where’s the youtube for the Blueland Bullet???

By Tony C.

March 25, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Again, hats off to Jon Sim - What a ballsy guy.

Someone else found this article, with Bell’s quote

gotta love that sort of heart.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Brendan

March 25, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Russian, I think the Pens won 5-0. Boston is done. I’m not worried about them in slightest, other than whatever vendetta Marc Savard may with Atlanta. The Bruins are playing for roster spots next season. On one hand, that can be bad. On the other hand, it might be guys from their farm system. Well, if THIS ROSTER can’t beat a bunch of AHL call ups for “evaluation purposes,” then we probably don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.

Allright, look. The Bruins are still mathematically alive. But they just lost a game to the NYR where they led through 58 minutes of the game, then lost in OT. They just got shutout by the Penguins. This doesn’t appear to be a team that is playoff bound. And we don’t play them for another six days. By then, the Bruins might be mathematically out of it.

I wish I could infuse some “faith” back into this message board. The team lost to two very good clubs. One of the losses, a bit on the fluky side. While that’s not exactly desireable, it’d be far worse to come away with two (regulation time) losses vs. Florida, Toronto, Boston and Washington. Those are the games that will determine where Atlanta finishes. I see 3-0-1. At worst, 3-1.

I believe the Thrashers are going to the playoffs. And when they do, I would like to remind everyone that if they lose GAME ONE of the series, they’re not done. They’re not even done if they drop the first two games. The approach to a game never changes. It’s to win. And if the Thrashers tie the series back up at 2-2, then lose GAME FIVE, it’s still not over. Ya know what I’m saying? Atlanta can still win games six and seven and advance to Round Two. It’s a long season. And playoffs can be a long series. With more twists and turns than a Tom Clancy novel. Anything can happen. You’ve got to believe. You’ve got have some “faith.” Check out your playoff tapes from last year. Those fans in Edmonton were HARDCORE believers in their 8th place team. They kept that “Let’s go Oi-lers” chant going from the conclusion of the national anthem ‘til the final buzzer. (And sometimes, even AFTER that, as they exited the building.)

I hope all the “white collar” fans bring that level of committment to Philips Arena. This is not a latte sippin’, mint-julip swillin’ event, to be accompanied by polite applause, white gloves, and doilies.

I hope the Icehouse chugging, fist pumping, glass pounding “blue collar” types aren’t PRICED OUT of the festivities. Because they’re gonna make some noise. If you’re waiting for those corporate suites to create the decibals, I hope you’re not holding your breathe. Or we’ll have to send in the paramedics to revive you.

If we are drowned out by crowd noise by fans for the opposing team, I shall be quite embarrassed. For it means the team was ready for the playoffs, but WE weren’t. Or we couldn’t AFFORD a seat. Either way, it looks bad.

By Bob

March 26, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

This is coming down to the last game vs. Tampa, and that will be one wild night. We’ll win the division on that last game on 4/7, Tampa getting spanked on Saturday was big.

This is a good linep we have now, that San Jose game was a joke, but those things happen. They played very well in that Pens game, I’ll take that effort any night.

The concern for me right now is Hossa. Ottawa fans always talked about him disappearing in the playoffs and I discounted that as he’s put up pretty good pts in the playoffs. Is he hurt? He’s disappeared lately, time for him to step up and start dominating some games like he did early this year.

By Lee

March 26, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Craig, I love Simmer, but i gotta know how hurt Belanger is. Any idea?

By Simoree

March 27, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

I found the YouTube of the fight… Jebus that was rough to watch! Poor Simmer… here’s to a speedy recovery!