AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe start of a huge week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, this is it. The Thrashers are starting a week that coach Bob Hartley said could be the biggest in franchise history. The stretch from Wednesday through Saturday, three games in four days, will ultimately decide where this team finishes. So how are you feeling about the chances?
Hartley said his team has two options - to “turtle up” or to embrace these games and the excitement that comes with a season on the line. He’s confident that his players will rise to the occasion, although what’s he supposed to day - he thinks his team is going to choke? They played pretty well against Pittsburgh, and if they play a similar game against Florida/Toronto/Boston, you can probably count on two wins out of three which I’m guessing everybody would take.
Eric Belanger (more on him in a minute) made a good point, these games are probably more pressure-filled than the playoffs, because in the playoffs you can still lose one or two and it’s not the end of the world. The Thrashers are nearing a point where a couple losses in a row might be more than they can make up - at least as far as the division goes.
As for Belanger, he skated today although he said he paced himself a little bit out there. He suffered a little scare when his groin acted up in Pittsburgh, an injury he has some history with. He spent time on the injured reserve last year with the Kings because of a groin injury so obviously he’s being careful. Best case scenario is that the humid arena in Pittsburgh (and it was really humid in there) led to some cramping up.
It was good to see Jon Sim at the practice facility, even if he was in khakis and flip flops instead of skating. Considering he just had surgery to correct multiple fractures in his orbital bone he didn’t look that bad. Just a relatively small bandage and a shiner - I asked if doctors would have him ready to play sometime this year, and he said - “They’d better.” I’ll be sitting down with him on Tuesday for a Wednesday story to get more from his perspective, although it was interesting to hear Hartley say he thought the linesman should have stopped the fight earlier, which would have prevented Sim’s injury.
Practice report: Besides Sim, Greg de Vries was given the morning off for some extra rest, let’s not forget his face still has a bunch of stitches so it really isn’t that surprising. He’ll play against Florida, which I was wondering about when I saw McCarthy skating with Exelby - but there won’t be any lineup changes against the Panthers. Pascal Dupuis was still skating with Tkachuk and Kovalchuk, and the three and fourth lines weren’t (as usual) very clear. Maybe Boulton/Holik/Vigier for line No. 3 but that’s all subject to change.
Goalie rotation: Kari Lehtonen will start against Florida and Johan Hedberg will get the second game of the back-to-back when he starts against Toronto. No real surprise there, especially with the way Hedberg played against the Rangers. Both goalies are pretty close to the top of their games (the monkey puck goal notwithstanding) which is a good thing considering everything that is on the line this week.
Tonight’s TV: Darren Eliot and Billy Jaffe will be calling tonight’s game on VERSUS (w/ Joe Beninati) in a game I believe is a preview of the Western Conference finals (Anaheim vs. Detroit) - sorry Nashville. Although San Jose might have convinced me otherwise with its win over the Thrashers last week. I’ll let you know if I change my mind for good after watching tonight’s game.
Around the league: As if the Penguins weren’t scary enough with three of the best young centers in the game, the Pens are starting to get some goaltending. Marc-Andre Fleury shut out the Bruins on Sunday. Ron Cook says Fleury is the key to the Pens playoff success.
Hartley on bloggers: Lastly, I asked Hartley if the team’s streakiness was a concern, especially since the team has lost two straight and now would be a horrible time to go into one of those four or five game skids. He said he doesn’t look at any of that stuff. “I never get caught up in, what’s our record, what have we done - that’s for you and your bloggers. I don’t have time to lose.” So there you go, Hartley’s leaving it up to you decide if the streakiness is an issue.
Services »
Comments
By Bob
March 26, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
The boys nut up and take 5 out of 6 pts in win at Florida, an OT loss to the Buds, and a win at Bahstan.
Great job by Hartley with the goalie rotation this week, the exact right calls IMnvHO.
Eliott and Jaffe? Good, I can just have the game on as the secondary PIP while 24 is on.
Anaheim and San Jose in the Western Conf. Finals, assuming the seeding works out that way. They’re the two best clubs out West. DeToilet is all set up for another 1st round and out. What, have they lost 4 in a row?
The streakiness was an issue earlier in the year, not since Waddell made the 4 trades, it’s a whole new club now.
You heard it here first a couple weeks ago and I’ll say it again. This is all coming down to that last game vs. Tampa. All we have to do is stay within 1 pt of them entering that final 4/7 game. They’ll do that. And I don’t think we’ll gain more than a 2 pt lead on them, so no matter if we’re 2 up or 1 down to Tampa entering that last game, that last game is going to be for the division. And we’ll win the game and the division on that last day of the year, what a way to enter their first every playoffs.
By Russian
March 26, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Craig! Thanks for updates. It is a good news about Belanger. He is OK and he is going to play on Florida. We need 2 points and we can get it. Let’s go Blue…..
By Thrashy Thrashy
March 26, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Yeah. The streakiness is an issue. However, if the Thrashers can cut this losing streak short and go on a three or four game winning streak, they’ll secure a playoff spot. Of course, that means they’d probably go on a losing streak in the playoffs. Not good.
Ahhhh, screw it. I can’t figure this team out.
Oh, it’s nice to see that Hartley is aware of “your bloggers,” Craig. Nothing would delight me more than to have Bob come out after a division title-clinching win and say something like, “A lot of people outside of this organ-I-zation doubted us this year, especially those %@#$@&* bloggers, but we came through.”
By David Lee
March 26, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
What is it going to take to get McCarthy back on the ice? DeVo, Havelid, and Andrea Sutton are god awful.
By thrashermanfromtoccoa
March 26, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
no problem/thrashers rule…CAN WE SAY SWEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By where's Steve MC?
March 26, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Hey CC, What is the status of Steve Rucchin? Are we gonna see him at all the rest of this season or in playoffs? Haven’t heard any new updates recently.
By BlueLand Billy
March 26, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
How about a nice 6 game winning streak to end the regular season. We have not been able to pull that off and I see now as the right time to exorcise those demons.
By TB
March 26, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
I’d love to see McCarthy back in the line up occaisonally, but I’ve been happy with Havelid lately. He seems to be coming around again.
And I’m not too concerned about this “losing streak.” We lost to a great team in San Jose and one of the hottest teams around in Pittsburgh. I was unhappy about getting blown out by SJ, but I feel like we responded decently against the Pens. We will regain form this week and look good heading into the last week of the season.
By Rawhide
March 26, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Absolutely no sense in looking beyond the next game.
I, like so many others, like to tying to figure out the “numbers” on what it would take to clinch a playoff spot or division title…..but we are down to one game at a time right now.
Win in Florida and things look better…..then deal with the likes of the Leafs,…who are in a position where EVERY game is needed and will be playing some despirate hockey.
Good news there is we could do ourselves a lot of good with a win there and all but eliminate one more from the playoff race. At least put ‘em in a real bad spot.
With all due respects to the ‘ol gospel hymn,….
ONE GAME AT A TIME, SWEET JEEEE-SUS. ONE GAME AT A TIME!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 26, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Kind of a flukey goal…
I am planning on chucking some rabbits feet on to the ice on Thursday to break this bad voodoo that the media has created. I hope that does it…
Hossa scare with the knee after ICEMANS blog
Sim’s face after it was reported by Craig that “its ok to talk about the plyofs”
“fluke” goal costs us the game against Pit…
Anybody know any virgins we can sacrifice? Maybe Pucks N Snot? I’m sure his mom would love to have her basement back again.
By Brendan
March 26, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Everyone will feel a lot better after we beat Florida. That’ll be 90-points. And we move on from there. Wins over Boston and Washington, maybe even Toronto. There’ll even be the chance to knock Carolina out of the playoffs in Game 81.
By Russ
March 26, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
No worries…Thrashers will win the division.
By Red Wings fan in Georgia
March 26, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Today is the 10-year anniversary of the Red Wings-Avalanche game/memorable fight with Darren McCarty and Claude Lemieux plus Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon. Good times good times. Any true hockey fan remembers that. It would be fitting if Detroit played Colorado tonight. Oh well. Go Wings (your 2007 Stanley Cup champions!) Get over it Thrashers fans. Your birds won’t get out of the first round
By Craig Custance
March 26, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Thrashy — It’d be even better if he did it as a comment on this blog.
By Thrashy Thrashy
March 26, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Amen to that, Craig.
The question is this: What handle would he use?
By Matt H
March 26, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about Hoss for a second.
He’s one of the most “complete” players in the NHL. He’s also one of the best all-around, I’d say.
Hoss is not a streaky player, but he seems to be a streaky scorer.
Most of the time, I’d hazard that has something to do with the defenders he carries around in his hip pocket during games like you or I carry around loose change.
He’s not a vocal player, not that I see. I don’t know what kind of locker room presence he is, but he seems to be a “lead by example” type, with quiet victories and failures that have real ramifications within the team.
So if he’s playing injured, and I’ll bet he is, we really won’t know about it- and the Thrashers really don’t want any other teams to know about it either, for obvious reasons. I’ll bet there are many instances where he’s played hurt just this season, and either the team didn’t know, or didn’t broadcast it.
I really want to put the “C” on this guy. I really want him to step up and scream and own the league and run the show and lead the Thrashers to the Cup… but I don’t know if I can. I’m not convinced he’s that type of player, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Making him captain might create a similar situation to what the Rangers have with his countryman Jagr- he may be the best player on your team, but that doesn’t automatically make him the captain.
If I can draw from the championship Av’s teams from the 90’s: Hoss’ demeanor strikes me more as a Mike Keane type, but his athleticism and talent are on Joe Sakic levels.
Sakic isn’t a real vocal guy either, but he was the undisputed captain of that team, and still is.
This is all pure speculation, of course, from what I can glean as a fan. CC, perhaps you can give us a bit more insight into the character of Marian Hossa?
I suppose what bothers me is that Marian doesn’t exactly come to us from a team that’s vaunted for its playoff production. Say what you will about Daniel Alfredsson, he’s not a battle-tested championship leader (yet). If Hoss didn’t learn the necessary skills to excel in the NHL Playoffs while in Ottawa, has he learned enough “along the way” to get it done now?
Or is there another Marian Hossa lurking inside, waiting for the opportunity to take over a playoff series and prove himself on a whole other level with a whole other team?
I guess we’ll see in April.
With the playoffs coming up, I was curious as to his numbers with the Sens, so I looked them up and here they be.
2001-2002 12 appearances, 4G, 6A, +2
2002-2003 18 appearances, 5G, 11A, -1 with sharp dropoff in point production after 6th appearance
2003-2004 7 appearances, 3G, 1A, +2
Lifetime Playoff Numbers 37 Playoff Appearances with the Sens 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) +3 Overall
By Lee
March 26, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
Craig, don’t lie, we know why your picking Detroit (Craig’s from Michigan if you didn’t know)… and San Jose DEFINITELY convinced me. Not just cause they smoked us either.
By Red Light
March 26, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
I am not sure what the fascination is with McCarthy. In his last 30 games, he had three goals and four assists and averaged nearly five minutes of power play time per game. It’s not like Hartley is sitting down Paul Coffey.
Yes, Hartley blogging would be exceptional.
“Ya know like ah, we made da playoff, which ya know is Blueland’s first appearants. It’s like ah, an unbelievable feeling for us to be a part of da playoff for da city of Atlantah.”
Or, he can just type “au revoir” if doesn’t work out.
By caveman22
March 26, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
CRAIG — I asked this question earlier, is Hossa on a down spin from the injury he suffered in a game or is he just being overshadowed by the recent acquisitions?? He’s been accused of shrinking in the playoffs but I don’t think that’s neccessarily a fair accusation??
Anybody got a thought??
By Tom
March 26, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
Hartley builds shelf…
Hartley shows shelf to Rucchin…
Rucchin gets on shelf…
Rucchin stays on shelf…
By Tom
March 26, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
My wife thinks that Hartley learned English watching John Wayne movies.
By Tom
March 26, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
“Thrashy — It’d be even better if he did it as a comment on this blog.” CC
If Hartley did come on the site and commented, no one would ever believe it. We are way to jaded over here…
By thrashersfan
March 26, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
I think the opposing teams have started to target Hossa with extra attention. They’re clearly in shutdown mode on him. Also, it appears most teams on the PK are pressuring us as opposed to laying back. Unfortunately, we’re not very effective then. Speaking of the PK, I’m curious what you all think about the two strategies of the PK, pressure or laying back. IMHO, it appears teams on the PK do better pressuring. At least that’s what I witness with the Thrashers’ PP.
By John
March 26, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Red Light,
Your Hartley impression was Spot on, buddy…Spot on. Thanks.
By Hartley Baby Blues
March 26, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
I think, ya know, that the boggers on this, ah, website, are ah, da best pepurle in da world.
bye a Fourd truck, eh?
By LAC
March 26, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Oh come on… Tom is right… Hartley reads this stuff, so does waddell.
They just do not want to get in a compromising position with a comment.
Believe me I know…
But makes sense, I would not blog is I was a coach/manager/owner.
But when YOU are in charge, That is all it takes, You are IN CHARGE, why change things ?
One advantage… Florida plays tuesday night at TB, so they play & fly back.
But we better get points… NYR is ONE point back now… So …
If we dump Toronto likely end of their season… Hopefully.
By Tony C.
March 27, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this
Tom
Ithink your wife may be onto something with the “The Duke’s Eloqution Academy” theory.
I don’t like the idea of looking past the Panthers…they have several very skilled young guys who are all auditioning for a “lock spot” in next year’s camp…plus there’s that dreaded “nothing to loose” mentality we know can be a big factor…
..my other concern is that “finnese” team up yonder in Toronto and their desperation. My opinion is that those guys have an official free pass from the Campbell and the NHLRA…I hope that Coach has Boults in the lineup for that one.
All in all, this week looks to be pretty damn exciting
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
March 27, 2007 3:18 AM | Link to this
Also, Bob…cut it out with the “it all comes down to the last game” crap-show some faith in your team!!!
Seriously
By Rawhide
March 27, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Tonight is a VERY interesting night of games in the Eastern Conference.
Take a look at the games that match up teams so close to each other & that effect the Thrashers, (currently with 88 points):
Obviously there is Flordia Vs. TB, (86 points),…no brainer here…GO PANTHERS.
Then there is NJ vs. Islanders, (84 points)….I guess a NJ win is best for us.
Now, take a look at two games,…..NYR, (87 points) at Montreal, (84 points)… and… Carolina, (84 points) at Toronto, (82 points).
My first inclination is to root for Toronto to keep Carolina off our heels in the SE, (I always think division first),…but a Toronto loss helps us if we find ourselves out of 1st in the SE…..
Rangers / Montreal,…..NY is only a point behind us,…but a Candians loss puts them on the ropes in the conference.
SHEEZE!!!!!! - Now,…..my main concern is some,…or all,…of these games going into OT,…then EVERYONE is gaining points on us. (This is reason #17-B why I thing 3 points should be awarded to regulation wins,…but that’s a topic for the off-season).
Of course,…none of this worrying over the standings much as long as the Thrashers take care of business in south Florida tomorrow.
GO THRASHERS - DO TO THE ‘CATS’ WHAT THE TAI RESTAURANTS DO!!!
By Bob
March 27, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Tony, I’ve got faith in them, they’re going to pull it out. But the reality of the matter is that Tampa has the tiebreaker on us, with more wins. If they stay within 2 pts of us entering that last game, they have a chance to win the division. Tampa is not going to roll over, they’ve already floundered a little with that road trip and then getting spanked by Ottawa the other night. They beat the Panther tonight, at home, and they’re back in first place in the division, but we’ll have a game in hand.
This race is going down to that last game on 4/7, look at each team’s schedule and let me know where you see us getting at least a 3pt lead on them going into the last game?
Whistle through the graveyard all you want, but Tampa is battle tested, they are not going to roll over. But I firmly believe that we take them in that final game to win the division.
Tom, Rucchin can sit on that shelf forever. If he never plays for this club again, that’s too soon. Anyone miss Kapanen or Rucchin? I didn’t think so.
By Thrash Daddy
March 27, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
I’m not certain about the Pittsburgh game — I realize everyone thinks we played our “best game” overall in a few weeks but it seemed to me we CHANGED how we normally play. Not really a lot of offensive attacking — of course that led to fewer odd man rushes with Crosby and Malkin. I get why that was useful against Pittsburgh but I think the jury is still out as to whether we change our whole style with 6 games to go — “dance with what brung you” as my granddaddy used to say. Our record in games where 5 goals or less total are scored is right at .500 : meaning when more than 5 goals are scored its about 12 games over. If defense wins playoff games even if we make it we may be on borrowed time.
And I agree with the tenor of the comments on McCarthy — I’d like to know what he did to get on Hartley’s bad side while Sutton continues to turn the puck over time and again, and again ,and again, and again. McCarthy is more valuable on the power play and if Sutton actually used his size with any intelligence maybe it would make a difference.
Anyway, big slate tonight even if the Thrashers aren’t playing — if we go a meager 3-3 the rest of the way including one win against Carolina or Tampa it is almost impossible for us to miss the playoffs — that said if they can’t do that to finish the season then we probably shouldn’t be in anyway………
oh the games they’d like to have back in February (.500 that month and the division is basically done), and just a break even record versus Philly……I still believe in Blueland, but now is the time for the guys to show that THEY believe.
By Rawhide
March 27, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Just heard that Rick Dipietro of the Islanders is out indefinatly due to his cuncusion.
That means Mike Dunham will carry the weight for the NYIs.
OK,…if past results mean anything, their out.
By Ryan
March 27, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
If they can get a win, then I will say that the streakiness is not a problem. It has been an issue for a couple of seasons. Tough week indeed! Go Thrash!
By caveman22
March 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
I just got some “inside” info. I heard that McCarthy has been taking Extends to make that certain part of a man’s anatomay bigger. Apparantly he no longer “fits” into his uniform and has been sitting out waiting for a “custom” piece of equiment to arrive from Sweden. While this may have caused him to miss some ice time it should pay off in “BIG” dividends done the road, or whenever he loses a stick on the ice. OK guys “DISCUSS THAT”
By five_hole
March 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
The Islanders don’t directly affect us anymore. They don’t play us, TB or Car. At this point in the season, I am much more concerned about point production regarding these 3 teams.
We need to play like we’re already in the playoffs. Screw that; we need to play like we want to WIN the playoffs.
By Geoffrey Paul
March 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Matt H- good points. However, don’t go telling Hossa that he and Jagr are countrymen unless you get in a time machine first. Hossa is a Slovak and Jagr is a Czech. Even when they were a part of the same country, these two groups still thought of themselves very differently.
I differ with you guys about Rucchin. If the question is, “have you missed Rucchin while he’s been out,” the answer is no. However, the team has changed a lot in his absence, and I for one and am interested to know how his presence might change the lines. I think we all agree that he was not a good fit for the role he was asked to play earlier in the season (#1 center). However, he would certainly be an improvement over Larsen as our checking line center. Plus, I’m at least intrigued by the idea of re-inserting him on the top line and moving Tkachuk over to the right side. Hey, I’d at least like to see it for a game and see if it can spark something. So I may be the only one on this blog, but I’m rooting for Rucchin to get back before the end of the regular season.
By Rawhide
March 27, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna start work on a big banner to take to Philips,…it’s gonna have a picture of BH’s head with him saying, “This is no time to turtle, eh”.
Next to it a picture of some cartoonish turtle with the circle/slash though it.
Caveman - I’m not touching that subject with a 10 foot p…….., oh, never mind!
By caveman22
March 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Rawhide — it could be true, it’s possible. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m posting on TB Lightning blog about an incident that happen in their training room involving a goalie and a zamboni machine. Let’s just say the proper authorities have been notified and you can expect video on YOUTUBE as soon as I can “fake” one up.
By Matt H
March 27, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
D’oh!
Good point Geoffrey. I was going on the fact that when Hossa was born, “Czechoslovakia” still existed. Jags and Hoss both look like they’re from different countries, anyway.
By Red Light
March 27, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Perhaps it would be wiser if you consulted the stats before intimating that Hossa has cooled off or is streaky, etc. Hossa is one of the best two-way forwards in the league. Even if he cooled off, he contributes in many other ways.
But, in his last 16 games, Hoss has 8 goals and 13 assists, leading the team in both categories during that time. He’s going to go through stretches of games where he doesn’t convert opportunities into goals but it has only been three games since he’s scored a goal.
You might be interested to find out that in the final 15 regular season games of each his last three NHL seasons (not including this year, yet), Hossa has scored 23 goals, added 26 assists and had a plus rating of 18 in those 45 games. Last year as a Thrasher was his best with 9 goals and 12 assists and +12 in those 15 games. It’s time to look elsewhere for a scapegoat!
Added depth at any position is helpful at this stage of the season. McCarthy hasn’t played but having him available as a healthy scratch at this stage of the season is a luxury. Rucchin must be viewed in the same manner, particularly in light of the fact that he has more playoff experience than any other Thrashers forward except for Tkachuk, Kozlov, Holik and Mellanby, and the fact that Sim is out of the lineup makes it imperative that he returns. He is not a prototypical second-line center, but he’s a better option than Rockhead or Slater.
Rucchin playing between Tkachuk and Kovy would be an interesting line combination and would give the Thrashers three complete lines of guys playing their “natural” positions.
I believe you all have forgotten that he has been plagued by injuries most of the year, and we haven’t seen him at his best at all yet.
By Red Light
March 27, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
After reading the update, I guess we won’t see Rucchin anytime soon. Too bad.
By Brendan
March 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Matt H., thanks for the Hossa playoff stats. I look for him to truly establish himself in these playoffs. I can only hope that rumors surrounding Hossa’s health are exaggerated. Certainly, everyone is playing with pain. That’s a given. Especially, this time of year. I would think that if Hossa had an injury that would preclude his presence in the lineup, that the medical stuff would step up to the plate … and that the team would announce it.
Same with Belanger. And Rucchin. Or whoever else. I’ll be watching the games tonight on Center Ice and mostly hoping for no 3-point games. My stance on all this point allocation non-sense is simply this. One game should be worth …. (drum roll, please) … ONE GAME!
Well, how on EARTH would that work??? There are 82 games on a schedule. Every game is either won or lost. Hopefully, your favorite teams wins 50 of them. And the issue of WHEN a game is won or lost becomes irrelevant. Folks, we’ve already got the requisite shootout part of the deal. All we need now is the FORTITUDE to implement a “W-L” format, with “games up” and “games back.”
It’s not like there are economics at play. Every team has the same budget parameters and the smaller markets get compensated with “revenue-sharing.” It really is this simple. It’s a 60-minute game. Not 59:59. And if you fail to hold a lead, there’s still overtime. And if you fail there, there’s still the shootout to salvage the win. If not, you’ve learned a VALUABLE LESSON about the length of the game and what it takes to win it.
Go Thrashers!
By Bob
March 27, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
I guess that’s not only true with ex-girlfriends/wives, etc. but with slow assed over the hill centers also.
Rucchin was awful. Awful! How can anyone put up so few pts centering Kovy? Simply brutal.
Redlight, I’m not scapegoating Hoss. He’s our best player. He’s just not the same lately, he hasn’t had that same jump and ability to bull through dmen. I’m just concerned he may be playing through some injury. I never bought into the Ottawa fan’s scapegoating him as disappearing in the playoffs as I watched their games and he played well, he also put up good pts. Let’s hope he’s back to full strength soon.
Dunham? Isles can start making their tee times.
By Natalie
March 27, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Florida beat TB! Woohoo!!! These next 6 games promise to be an exciting ride for us Thrashers fans. Streakiness has been an issue with our team in the past, but I am convinced that they will buckle down and focus, coming out on top. All this reminds me of the early 90’s when the Braves were starting out on their journey to the World Series. Now, just like then, you can feel the anticipation and excitement of something amazing about to start.
Bold:I believe in Blueland!!!
By Zygot
March 28, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I agree Bob. I was not fond of Rucchin at all. Slater could do better then that!
What’s up with all of these McCarthy lovers? He is slow, I cannot count how many times I was watching him behind Kari on a power play thinking——GO!!!! We are on the power play, stop wasting so much darn time!!! The last game he played was a little bit better (same with Havlid).
Come on Thrashers, let’s play some fast, aggressive hockey! I am tired of everyone being able to predict all of our moves. Good goaltending can only go so far.