By Rone

March 27, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Any Canadian that expressed confidence in a deep playoff run for the Thrashers could be legally executed by his fellow countrymen. Haters. Every last one of ‘em. Plain and simple.

By Looters Jr.

March 27, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Come on! The Thrashers have not worked this hard to let go of the cup THAT easliy. Get over it Canada and keep on dreamin’. Come on down to Blueland , Canada, we’ll show you what the playoffs are gonna be about!

By David Lee

March 27, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

By the way, when will we see McCarthy? Andrea Sutton’s Dancing with the Stars routine is getting old.

By darblue

March 27, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

good blog craig, keep it up - i already read DOB’s braves blog on a regular basis. It’s always nice to have the beat writer’s perspective.

and Rone - i have to agree with the canadians, we are primed for a first round exit. Not to say it will happen, but watching the way we have been playing, there is absolutely no way we make any type of run if this keeps up. There is no consistency - we can hardly ever set up the puck on offense, and when we needed some defensive stops (like in the 2nd period of the sharks game), we simply could not get the puck out of our zone, which is pathetic. That’s not playoff hockey. I am spending some good $$$ on playoff tix, so I expect a better quality of product come playoff time (which is not exactly a done deal), but the fact that we only lead our division by 2 points at this point of the season and still play inconsistently is a telling sign that we are in trouble if things don’t change quickly, and I know that’s exactly what Custance is thinking.

Out!

By jakethrash

March 27, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I am sure the Canadian press thinks that this will be the year that the Sens get out of the first round though.

By five_hole

March 27, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

IMO, $3.5 mil isn’t enough to get me to live in Philadelphia.

Thanks for the Rucchin update. The milk carton with his picture was yellow and faded.

Ask your producer for me where to go in Louisville, KY to watch the Thrashers game tomorrow. In this cow town, if it ain’t basketball, it ain’t squat. Thanks.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 27, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Craig,

I subscribe to the Hockey News and I remember your predecessor having at least one article in there while doing the beat for the AJC.

Why did they d*ck you out of it?

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

All the better if we were to draw Montreal or Toronto in the first round….

Beat the SCHnot outa them and the have CC call THEM to get their reation to being a one-and-done in the playoffs……to a team from GEEE-OR-GIA none the less!!!

Allons Thrashers. a battu les Panthères, et l’enfer avec Canadiens!!

By five_hole

March 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Philly. $3.5 mil/year isn’t enough to get me to live there.

Thanks for the Rucchin update. His milk carton picture was yellow & faded.

Please ask your producer where to find center ice in Louisville, KY? Up here, if it ain’t basketball, it gets no coverage (other than to bash Pitino).

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Craig,

I subscribe to the Hockey News and I remember your predecessor having at least one article in there while doing the beat for the AJC.

Why did they d*ck you out of it

By Darblue

March 27, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

good blog craig, keep it up - i already read DOB’s braves blog on a regular basis. It’s always nice to have the beat writer’s perspective.

and Rone - i have to agree with the canadians, we are primed for a first round exit. Not to say it will happen, but watching the way we have been playing, there is absolutely no way we make any type of run if this keeps up. There is no consistency - we can hardly ever set up the puck on offense, and when we needed some defensive stops (like in the 2nd period of the sharks game), we simply could not get the puck out of our zone, which is pathetic. That’s not playoff hockey. I am spending some good $$$ on playoff tix, so I expect a better quality of product come playoff time (which is not exactly a done deal), but the fact that we only lead our division by 2 points at this point of the season and still play inconsistently is a telling sign that we are in trouble if things don’t change quickly, and I know that’s exactly what Custance is thinking.

Out!

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Darblow.

Go back to the Braves blog. I’m sure you will not have to worry about talking about playoffs with them.

By Russ

March 27, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Gosh, I wonder if the teams the Canadian press think is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs are Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver…they probably still think the Oilers have a better shot than the Thrashers.

By Thrashy Thrashy

March 27, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I’d also have to agree with Canadians that think the Thrashers will be a first-round exit. I can’t imagine this team putting together consistent play and winning a series right now. Anything’s possible, but if they don’t take care of business in the next ten days, they may not even be IN the playoffs.

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

All the better to draw Montreal or Toronto in the first round,…beat ‘em to a pulp and then have CC call THEM to as THEM how they feel about losing in the first round.

To a team from GEEE-OR-GIA none-the-less!

Allons Thrashers. a battu les Panthères, et l’enfer avec Canadiens!

By Matt H

March 27, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I’ve got a question for the boards:

Given that the Thrashers make it into the playoffs, who are your top three Thrashers who will surprise us the most with ratcheted-up intensity for the playoffs?

By where's Steve MC?

March 27, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Tkachuk, Holik, Mellanby…

By Bob

March 27, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

No loss on Rucchin. Team has played so much better without him. I hope they seriously consider buying him out this summer, if that can still be done under the new CBA, to save Cap room for next year.

Great news out of Canada. I love the underdog role. Make sure you spread that news around the team, it’ll give them that extra edge they’ll need, let them know all the snow farmers are scoffin at them.

Matt, I’d go with Kari (he seems to prefer pressure), Holik (crunch time player who can kick that extra gear in as he’s still in great shape), and Zhitnik (solid vet who can step his game up when it’s show time).

By BAF

March 27, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

ratcheted-up intensity? Surprise?

For True-Blue fans, I don’t think there will be any surprises. I believe all the Thrashers will come out smokin’ and doing their best.

High energy guys like Slater, Boulton, Larson, X, are going to be intense and fun to watch. But surprise……no, I won’t be surprised.

By Zeno

March 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Of course Canada believes we are out in the first. Hopefully, analysts in the States believe that as well. This team’s offense, defense and overall organization has been pathetic the last three weeks. How we beat teams like Buffalo, I’ll never understand. See ya Hartley!! I’ve been calling for your head over three years now! “Duhh!! passing drills at a Duluth practice?? We don’t need that.” Fool.

By five_hole

March 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Let me answer your question this way; for us to advance in the playoffs, the 3 players who have to be the best players on the ice: 1. Lehtonen. In the playoffs, you go as far as your goaltender. A hot goalie can get you to the cup. 2. Hossa. He’s been our best player all year. 3. Havelid/Zhitnik (yes, I’m cheating). These are our shut-down D-men, and they’ll play against the top line of the other team. We need them to stand tall and keep the other guys off the boards.

By john

March 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry guys, I’m as much a fan of this team as anyone, but I’d have to agree, this team COULD be a first round exit. Right now, I’m not THAT sure we’ll even get to the playoffs.

Don’t jump my case, I hope I’m wrong, but the way this team has played recently is not instilling a whole bunch of confidence. Our defense feels like it has way too many holes to make a good, long run, and our offense never seems to get consistant pressure.

A typical Thrasher game looks something like this: They (Thrashers) rush up ice, get a mid-to-long range shot, then the puck gets cleared and they go the other way, get the puck in our end, play it off the boards but not out. D-zone turnover, shot on our goal, defense scrambling around, finally cleared (hopefully) and begin the rush all over again…repeat…

But I’ll still be cheering just as loudly as ever. Like I said, I hope I am wrong…..

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

OOoooh, that is a good question, Matt.

I think that is the beauty of the whole post-season experience, one just doesn’t know what to expect from whom.

Case in point. The year the Braves won the World Series, (‘95), they had to beat the Reds in the NLCS. Do you remember who was the MVP of that series????

(Cheesey game-show music interlude)

Times up,….

Greg Maddux?,..no. David Justice?,…nope….Terry Pendelton?…..negative.

It was….

Mike Deveroux.

See, hardly a Hall of Famer, but someone who stepped up big.

One would expect Hoss or Holik to play big,…same with KT.

If I had to venture a guess, I would say someone like Belanger or Dupuis. Two players brought in prior to the trade deadline, but not the two that got the biggest pub…..flying under the radar, so to speak.

But who knows….let’s just get in and find out!

By caveman22

March 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I’ll repost this for those who didn’t hear it all ready — Steve McCarthy’s absence has recently been explained by my “inside” source. He’s has been using Extends to make that certain part of the male anatomy bigger. He no longer “fits” into his uniform and has been waiting for a special piece of equipment from Sweden. While this has caused lost ice time for him now it will pay “BIG” dividends in the future. It’s like playing with an extra stick. OK people “DISCUSS”

OH YEAH —TERENCE MOORE SUX!!

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

I told you caveman,…I’m not touching that topic with a ten-foot pole!

(Pad-dump-pump)

Thank you folks, I’ll be hear all week,..try the veal.

By Matt H

March 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Good point Rawhide. I don’t know much about baseball, but I know Superbowl MVP’s usually make pretty good trivia questions.

But I’ve been thinking about this subject a lot lately, so I figured I’d see what others have to say about it.

Here are my top 3, and why: 1. Ilya Kovalchuk- because he’ll be as good as you’d expect him to be, and more. He’ll blossom more as both a role-player and leader.

1. Alexei Zhitnik- because he’ll be better than you’d expect. A vet getting a second rennaissance.

2. Eric Belanger- because he’ll be better than you’d expect. A skilled role-player carving out an expanded role for himself with timely goals; similar to Cory Stillman during Tampa’s run.

By Brian

March 27, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Matt H - I have been saying during all the “we can get rid of xyz” blogs that Holik will step up in the playoffs.

Rawhide - great point. I watched all of the Sabres big runs since the 90’s (please don’t mention the 80’s) and yeah, Hasek played great, but it was also someone like Derek Plante or Curtis Brown who came through with the big goal or had the big series.

By Matt H

March 27, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Brian, I hope you’re right. I’ve always been a Holik fan, but at the price we signed him he just hasn’t contributed enough to keep in good standing with me on the Thrashers; though I’ll admit he could be bringin’ it in the “intangibles” dept (that’s why I like Hedberg so much). Come playoff time, he could be a real leader instead of just a role player.

Oh yeah, and that list should read “1,2,3” but, like Jeff Goldblum, “I-I can’t read or write.”

By Brendan

March 27, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Matt H., I’m going with Holik, Slater, and Belanger. You did say, “surprize” us, right? I expect Kari, Hossa, and Zhinik/Havelid to be solid. So, they’re not surprizes. But have we really seen the very best out of Holik, Slater, and Belanger just yet? I think the answer is no. They could be “surprizes.”

By Matt H

March 27, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I think the idea behind my question is that since the playoffs are such a different animal from regular season, who is actually going to rise above, so to speak, and get the job done?

It could be anybody. Or, worst-case scenario, nobody.

And since there are so few Cups on the Thrashers team (what, like, 4?) a bunch of these guys still have big things to prove, Zhitnik and Tkachuk included.

Will Marian Hossa be as important to the Thrashers in the post-season as he’s been in regular season? Or will someone else step up to fill that role? Will Kari be lettin’ em from the blue line? Will Johan? Or will Michael Garnett rush in and surprise us all (I’m a fan, but I don’t think that’ll happen)?

But they’re all possibilities. The most battle-tested Thrasher of all is probably Bobby Holik, followed by Scott Mellanby.

By “surprise” I suppose I mean, bring elements to their game which aren’t normally there to get the job done. Every player on the team, in respect to his own strengths and weaknesses, has the potential to do this.

By Brendan

March 27, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Uggh. My post “timed out.” Yes, it was one of those “war and peace” type posts. But I’ll summarize it by stating that this team (without listing them,) has a lot of unrestricted and restricted free agents this Summer. All of whom should be thinking about bigger pay days. Having a “memorable” playoffs would do that for them.

By Craig Custance

March 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Buzilla, I do a weekly notes update for the Hockey News, but the difference in this case was that they wanted me to do an opinion column. There’s a big difference between me saying Steve Rucchin is hurt, versus giving my opinion of what I think of Steve Rucchin. I leave that up to the big boys, like Schultzie. I report news and give analysis. Opinion is out.

By Craig Custance

March 27, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Do what I do for long posts, write them in a word processor or something, then copy and paste to the blog. That way you don’t run the risk of timing out (which has happened to me).

By polskidawg

March 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Who steps up that isn’t expected?:

1) Kari/Moose - if there is going to be a second series, one or the other must. I think that BH would love for Kari to be the Man, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Moose. Often, after one Kari meltdown.

2) X - some well timed hits and scrums can place some doubt in the minds of opposition forwards. Think “Scott Stephens” at a lower level.

3) Larson/Boulton - I really would prefer saying Sim, but alas I can not. So, I’ll cheat and say either Larson/Boulton. A player on the checking must contribute to the offense in a meaningful way, or there will not be a second round.

The opponents checking line will likely neutralize one of the Thrasher’s scoring lines, so our checkers (and Defense) will have to make up the difference.

Personally, I have serious reservations but our Defensive squads’ ability to do the job in our zone or theirs.

By Tony C.

March 27, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Important guys in the playoffs…well they’re all important.

But yes, we did sign Big Bob for Big Bucks with just that in mind the man is a playoff performer….yes I’m biased-I was (still am to a much lesser extent) a HUGE NJD fan. In The Best Hockey Game I’ve Ever Seen (Game 7 1994 Eastern Conference Finals), Big Bob scored with like 2 seconds left to send it to 2OT…now that was over 10 years ago, and maybe I am remembering it wrong…but my point is, out of 307 career goals, 54 have been GWG!!! That’s the sort of thing you overpay for. Plus, if you ever doubt his role/purpose on our squad, ask Mats Sundin about Bob Holik - He can’t stand to play against him, they’ve been matched up against each other since they were kids and btw- Bobby shuts him down….which is what Coach asks him to do for this Thrashers squad.

“Ehhh Bobby-get out there and do something about that $#&$@%^! !! Because, like, ehh, you know, he’s killing us in transition”

Just watch the way guys “perk up” when they are headed to the corner and they know Holik is out there…it’s fun.

Anyway, whoever was b!tching about passing drills-are you kidding? There is never a time that you can’t improve on your passing. What made #99 “The Great One”? I can tell you it wasn’t his cannon shot…it was his passing and his positioning (not to mention his dedication to practicing and perfecting his game)!!!

Whenever you see a weak breakout attempt stymied by the other team’s neutral-zone D, that’s an area that passing drills help out in. When you see #17 make a turnover, most of the time it’s on what? A bad pass.

Nothing wrong with practicing the basics. In fact if I had to pick just one thing for this Thrashers team to practice, I believe that passing would be it (although Defensive positioning is not far behind for some players). Not to beat you down about it, but seriously, it’s always a good idea to “tighten up” your team’s passing. It lets your team learn each other’s tendencies and likes/dislikes…half the reason that Hoss & Slava-Matic are so good together is because they practice passing to each other all the time. Even that hi-lob from Slava to Hoss for the PK breakaway-they practice that.

wow that was b***, lo siento dude

I think that the those frostbacks may have a point about our team’s early departure-if the team that only shows up for 30 minutes a game skates onto playoff ice, they will be quickly headed for the links at Atlanta National…however if that team that I saw playing “Thrashers’ Hockey” a few weeks ago shows up, well, we might just get to see some shiny hardware roll down Peachtree.

It’s a good idea to let the guys know about that sort of “bulletin board” material. But I also believe it’s a better idea to handle your business today and let the other people worry about the other extraneous details - win and you’re in!

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

March 27, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Craig - you actually think Brendan would have a long post and be timed out? Geez, no wonder you’re not allowed to give your opinion…

By danlmac

March 27, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

My Thrasher stars are: Kozlov, Tachuk, and Hnidy.

Kozlov is smart with the puck and makes his linemates better. Now he has Belanger and Hossa to set-up, or create space for him. Does anyone recall his soft pass to Tachuk in the Buffalo OT?

Tachuk has size, desire, leadership, and the willingess to get in front of the goal.

Hnidy, has been quietly good all year (cept that delay of game from the wrong end of the ice). He has had several close calls offensively and is due to start cashing in on them.

I think when you look at the Thrashers record against the top teams in the East (believe it was Tony C who broke that down)..you know we have it in us to play with the best. If we can get through the first round I like our chances to go to conference final.

Aging vets and UFAs all will play like there is no tomorrow.

Go Blue. Send a message, beat the Eddie and the Panthers.

By Bob

March 27, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

And the Panthers with the huge second period, including getting the backbreaking last minute of the period goal.

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

BOB - Yeah, we are getting some favorable results early….Fla up 3-1 in TB, Toronto leads Carolina 4-1, NJ is up on NYI 2-1.

I think Montreal leads Rangers 3-2, though.

If all that holds, with no OTs, I will take it!

BRIAN - Looking at the top 4 in the conference, Thashers are 2-1-1 vs. Buffalo, 3-1 vs. NJ, 1-1-2 vs. Pittsburgh and 3-1 vs. Ottawa for a 8-4-4 record. Not shabby.

By Brian

March 27, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - you lost me, I thought I was making a point about the unknown hero? Actually, I thought you were too?

By Brad Flechsig

March 27, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Oh Canada…what would you do if the Cup went to a Southeastern Team for the third time in a row?!

Regardless of whether the Thrashers go deep or exit playoffs early..they will give whoever they meet a tough time. It is a wide open conference.

My hope is they can go far as the Flames never had any playoff success. But this team can be as scary as anyone and due to their streakiness who are we to argue if someone says they will get knocked out in first round vs winning the Stanley Cup…both are conceivable with this team.

I think they can at least get to the Conference Finals and the Cup is not unrealistic if they play their best.

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry, danlmac made referrence to the rcord vs. top seeds in the east,….

By Brian

March 27, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - no problem, I just didn’t think I got hit in the head THAT many times with the puck…

By Brian

March 27, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Final: 5-2 Panthers, that is good for us. Stumpel ran out of time for the EN so it could’ve been more…

By Bob

March 27, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

2 empty netters, that first one by Allen was sweet, Tampa had been buzzing.

Habs getting 2pts brings them to 86 in the 8th slot. Go Devils.

By Rawhide

March 27, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

OK,..really good night! TB and Carolina both get smacked!! NYI losing is good, too. No OTs, even better.

Now,…the Thrashers have to get ‘er done in south Florida tomorrow,…take advantage of this.

4 points up with 5 to play,…that’d be nice!

Sorry for the confusion earlier. Paying attention to multiple games & blogging at the same time,…..I’m exhausted!

G’night Bluelanders!

GO THRASHERS - POUND THE PANTHERS!!

By Brian

March 27, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Bob - yeah, I only caught the end of it, was between games. They almost would’ve had 3 empty netters in :51

By BlueLand Billy

March 27, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Direct from The Hockey News post that they probably wanted Craig’s opinion on:

http://thehockeynews.com/en/news/news.asp?idNews=24097

Atlanta will make it out of the first round – Why? Because no one thinks they can. It’s called Murphy’s Law and it is ironclad. Coach Bob Hartley has been all the way before and if any trade deadline deals are going to make the difference, it’s the pickups of Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik, who have already turned around a lost flock in the final quarter of the season.

By russian

March 27, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Thank you Panters and Leafs. Very good job. Now Thrasher must win!!!!!!! Everything is working for you Blue Land. Do not blow it. :-)

By Hanson Brothers

March 27, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Not a bad night tonight. Good work Panthers beating Tampa. That was unexpected, at least by me. I think that tomorrow’s game with Florida will be tough. Even though they are on the brink of elimination they are playing hard and well. A Thrashers win tomorrow officially eliminates both Boston and Florida from catching us, if my math is correct. That would leave 3 more teams we need to eliminate from catching us.

That brings up an interesting question, at least to me. I know its looking ahead few days, but Tampa and Carolina play on Friday, who will you be rooting for. Are we more interested in winning the division and holding off Tampa or more interested in getting in to the playoffs and eliminating the competition. For me I would love to win the division, but at this point after 7 years that to me is a bonus, and I just want to make the playoffs, so I may end up rooting for Tampa and against Carolina, and against NYI, Toronto, Montreal. What do the rest of you think about this?

By Brendan

March 28, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Craig, let me be the first to say, “congratulations to your Michigan State Spartans.” They beat #2 seed Notre Dame, 2-1, to make it to the “Frozen Four.” They’ll face Maine, who defeated UMASS, 3-1. North Dakota beat Univ. of Minnesota, 3-2, in overtime. And BC beat my alma mater, 4-0.

This means all four top seeds are gone. It’s anyone’s tournament. I’m kinda leaning towards North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Last year, Boston College lost to Wisconsin, 2-1, for the championship. I’m sure they’d like a return trip to the Finals. They play April 5th.

Great games tonight in the NHL, which you guys covered. I just wanted to add that the best game of the night was Calgary vs. Minnesota. It was 0-0 after regulation. Though the Flames had their chances to win in in the final minute on the PP. The PP carried over to the OT, but neither team could score. The Flames won the shootout, 2-0.

One last thing, are you still afraid of Tampa Bay? I will root for whatever guarantees that the Bolts will be our 1st round opponent. They lose, twice, in regulation against Ottawa and Florida. That’s not impressive. The NY Rangers gave up five (5!) second period goals to the Habs. They’re not looking that great, either. The Habs are now just one point back of them, if the TV graphic was right.

By Tom

March 28, 2007 5:11 AM | Link to this

After getting away from work and watching the Tuesday night Center Ice line up Tuesday, I have one thing I need to say.

Thank god we are in the East. The level of play between the two conferences is completely different in my humble opinion and it looks like no one wants to be in the playoffs this season. Weak effort by Carolina, Tampa struggled against Florida (whom we can now put out of their misery tonight),and Montreal tried to give the win back to the Rangers.

Overall, the East teams all have a glaring problem. Even Buffalo is too small for multiple physical series to escape with all their players intact.

I think that once the playoffs start, Buffalo is the front runner by a hair, but then every other team will have a shot to get to the cup.

If the Thrashers were in the West we would be a one and out team. Of course, if we make it to the finals the team will have morphed into another animal and all bets are off then.

Tonight is the night to step up against Florida and send a message after last weeks lethargic efforts.

By Bob

March 28, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

I completely agree. The West is head and shoulders above the East, across the board amongst playoff clubs.

I figured Tampa would easily beat Florida at home. In that second period after watching how hard the Panthers were playing, I remembered that Florida sees Tampa as their biggest rival. Kind of like how the Capitals relished knocking us out last year. I think Tampa has to play Florida once more.

That was a big swing last night. Thrashers pull this out tonight and Tony may be right, this may not go down to the last game!

The division is all I care about, but don’t look down at the # of pts in the 8th and 9th spot.

By Bob

March 28, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Rawhide, you see Dunham had to leave the Isles game last night. At first they said “injury”, at the end of the game they were saying “leg cramps”. What a wimp! That guy is just a cancer. I almost feel sorry for the Isles. Nah.

By Craig Custance

March 28, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Brendan - Good to see the Spartans making a run - I think this blog needs to officially adopt MSU in the Frozen Four. You guys are getting updates whether you want them or not.

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

BOB - yeah,…the second I heard Dipietro was out, I know that spelled doom for the Islanders.

Who did they bring up???? Sheeze, that team is where we were last year.

Stick a fork in NYI, their done!

As for the division,…your right,..that HAS to be the focus. Screw the rest of the conference.

And on that note,….TB seems to be hitting the skids,…they are 2-3 over the past 5 games being out scored 12-23. They have been shelled by the likes of Washington and Florida. This is good news. I think their net-minder issues are catching up with them.

Interesting week for them as they play Carolina twice in the last 5 games,…then us, of course, to end out the year.

One just hopes that the Carolina/TB games don’t go into overtime,..that way one could knock out the other.

BH has to have the guys stoked tonight. We gotta shake off this 3 days rest bug-a-boo we have.

GO THRASHERS - NO TURTLIN’!!

By Red Light

March 28, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Regular season means nothing except to qualify for the playoffs. Records against certain teams are overblown. Since 2001-02, of the eight teams that advanced to the past four finals, four teams had winning records against the conference opponents they faced and four didn’t. So, the Thrashers’ regular season successes this year are not a predicate for playoff success.

But, I do feel there are certain trends that emerge during the regular season that we can keep in mind as we look at potential playoff match-ups. For instance, if the Thrashers were to play a team that was very successful on the power play (Pittsburgh) that could spell problems given the fact that while shorthanded Atlanta is -67 in goal differential during the regular season. The Penguins are +75 on the power play and both teams have similar rankings at even strength. Yet, if you look at the regular season games against the Penguins, the Thrashers killed off 18-of-22 Penguins power plays and Hnidy had a shortie against them, too. On the other hand, the Thrashers scored on 5-of-22 PP chances against the Pens, and Staal had a shortie for the Pens. Every game was decided by one goal (except for an empty-netter, which gave the Thrashers a 4-2 win).

Buffalo (+54) and Ottawa (+45) are the best teams at even strength in terms of goal differential. Buffalo struggles while shorthanded (-71). New Jersey is much the best shorthanded (only -36 for the year). Atlanta is +9 at even strength, +51 on the power play but -67 while shorthanded.

I think the interesting thing is, that much like NCAA basketball, teams that can win both low-scoring games and high-scoring games have an advantage in the playoffs. For instance, Tampa Bay has a record of 0 wins and 29 losses when scoring two goals or less.

New Jersey, not surprisingly, has the best record in the Eastern Conference with 17 wins and 24 losses when scoring two goals or less. The only other team in the conference that has more than four wins when scoring two or fewer goals is the Rangers, who have 10 wins in those instances. The Rangers also have the worst record (29-14) when scoring three or more. The Thrashers are 35-9 when scoring three or more and are just 4-28 when scoring two or less. Of course, those stats also include the shoot-out.

Buffalo, Ottawa, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay lead the conference with more than 40 wins each when scoring three goals or more.

By Ryan

March 28, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Red Light, interesting stats there.

To all the masses, Big…no HUGE game tonight. Florida is good at home, and after taking it to Tampa last night they will either be pumped or tired. Thrash cannot come out flat. Dictate the tempo and all will be fine.

By Wayne

March 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

“My hope is they can go far as the Flames never had any playoff success.”

Remember, back then, the 1st-round of the playoffs were best-of-three (instead of today’s best-of-seven).

By CM

March 28, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Hello Bluelanders - Well game day is (finally) upon us. I guess whether the guys step up or not remains to be seen, but I for one beleive this team has the talent to go the distance. We could only hope they have that same confidence in themselves.

I don’t mind that we’re the underdogs, I mean clearly we are just that. But who here isn’t familiar with similar circumstances? Who hasn’t been a part of a team that’s been overlooked and underestimated, yet in the end conquered the seemingly unconquerable, and were the only ones who weren’t completely surprised by it. Being totally disregarded is not such a bad thing, if it provides the necessary motivation. I hope it does just that, I mean, who doesn’t love a Cinderalla Story? And this city could sure use one..

About Matt’s question. 1) I think our Captain has a lot to play for down the stretch. For starters, it could be his last one and I doubt he’d prefer to end his career quietly. Secondly I think he’d love to see his team succeed, any good leader would. I expect him to step up and go all out the rest of the way. 2) Holik - he plays with a lot of passion. To succeed when all the circumstances aren’t exactly ideal, passion can definitely carry you a long way. I look for Bobby to play as hard and aggressively as always. Hey may not wear the ‘C’, but the way he plays is definitely the stuff leaders are made of. 3) Kari - I pick him for two reasons; he’s young, he’s talented and must be absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to play for the Cup. Also b/c if he doesn’t then we will struggle for sure. There has to be complete confidence (in my opinion) that every man on the ice is going to do their job to the very best of their ability from here on out. And we’ve all seen Kari’s ability and the possiblities there are endless. What he’s able to bring to the net, as you know, will be essential.

I can’t beleive I left out #18, b/c well, hands down he’s the man if you ask me, but he hasn’t been the same lately. Maybe it’s the knee, I don’t know. Obviously, he’ll still be a major player. I do think however, that when whoever it is does step it up, that the rest will be join in. We must put together a complete team (and a complete game) to compete. I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out. April 7th is going to be a stresful day…

Much love Blueland! Now, UNLEASH THE FURY!! THIS is OUR TIME!

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

REDLIGHT - Good job with those numbers,…you have done your homework indeed, fellow Bluelander!

If the Thrashers gain 9 of the 12 points available to them,…they win the SE. A win tonight brings that number to 7.

Carolina plays tonight as well, so there is scoreboard watching to do as well!!! Go FLYERS!!!!!

By Red Light

March 28, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks to all! My stats machine has been working OT.

One other meaningful stat is how teams fare in close games, such as games decided by one goal. Here’s how they stack up in the East in games decided by one goal. Ottawa is a bit of a surprise.

New Jersey 30-14 Buffalo 24-14 Tampa Bay 23-14 Pittsburgh 23-18 Montreal 16-13 Carolina 14-12 Atlanta 18-18 Toronto 15-15 NY Rangers 20-22 NY Islanders 12-19 Florida 11-20 Ottawa 10-19

Take a look how different this year could have been for Florida. They have 11 wins, six losses and 14 OT/SO losses in games decided by one goal.

By Matt H

March 28, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Tony C ‘94 was the year I started watching hockey. To this day I’m still a bit of a Devils fan (a very small part, because the Devils knocked the Bolts out of their second playoff appearance. It’s small comfort that NJ went on the win the Cup that year).

And a small part of me still hates the Red Wings and takes glee in their demises. It’s sad to see Continental Arena so empty all the time. Is it the location that’s doing that?

Though every fiber of me hates Philadelphia with a burning passion….

I digress…

Hooray for the Panthers! Let’s hope we can dash their spirits tonight. Dash ‘em good.

Thanks for the interesting responses on the “hidden heroes” post everyone!

Let’s go BLUE!

By stor stark

March 28, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

on a side note, my new Hossa collectible figure by McFarlane Toys arrived today. I got it on the Thrashers website and it is FREAKING AMAZING. Totally worth the money. I’m a little jealous of the Naslund figure’s euphoric celebration skating through a sea of hats, but I’ll take my Hossa doll any day.

By stor stark

March 28, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

should bring good mojo too, maybe now Hoss can step out of his little slump.

By Brian

March 28, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Matt H - NJ’s new arena is going to be put next to a rail or subway line from what I heard and folks think that will get more people to the games. Someone else on this blog will chime in with more info on that I bet. Not sure what to make because even when the Nets were going to the NBA finals they too were drawing poor crowds for what they SHOULD have been getting.

Red Light - anyone here will tell you that I like stats and provide plenty myself. One thing I will advise that can be interesting to look at is how teams fare in OT for those close games. For example, if a team’s OT wins are repeatedly in the shootout but they lose more frequently in OT before the shootout, that doesn’t bode well for the playoffs as it all becomes sudden death, no shootouts…

I don’t mean to make you work more but that has to be figured into the equation when analyzing for playoff forecasts.

By Brian

March 28, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Matt H - NJ’s new arena is going to be put next to a rail or subway line from what I heard and folks think that will get more people to the games. Someone else on this blog will chime in with more info on that I bet. Not sure what to make because even when the Nets were going to the NBA finals they too were drawing poor crowds for what they SHOULD have been getting.

Red Light - anyone here will tell you that I like stats and provide plenty myself. One thing I will advise that can be interesting to look at is how teams fare in OT for those close games. For example, if a team’s OT wins are repeatedly in the shootout but they lose more frequently in OT before the shootout, that doesn’t bode well for the playoffs as it all becomes sudden death, no shootouts…

I don’t mean to make you work more but that has to be figured into the equation when analyzing for playoff forecasts.

By Red Light

March 28, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Already have it Brian!I didn’t want to go to stat crazy.

Overtime records not including the shoot-outs.

Buffalo 5-3 New Jersey 3-1 Tampa Bay 5-3 Atlanta 6-7 Carolina 4-3 Ottawa 2-3 Pittsburgh 6-4 NY Rangers 3-5 NY Islanders 2-7 Montreal 2-1 Toronto 2-3

By Red Light

March 28, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Including the shoot-out… PIT 16-10 BUF 15-7 TBL 15-4 NYR 12-9 ATL 12-10 NJD 12-8 NYI 8-12 MTL 8-6 TOR 6-10 OTT 4-8 CAR 4-8

By Geoffrey Paul

March 28, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Yep. Getting to the Meadowlands is not easy unless you have a car- and guess what, most people in the tri-state area don’t have one. If you are coming from New York, you have to go to Port Authority and then get a bus. The bus ride only takes about 25 minutes, but you may have to wait up to an hour before your bus departs (they tend to depart hourly). I personally think the Devils would draw better if they moved the arena away from the city to increase the perception that it is New Jersey’s team, rather than New York’s castoff.

There are many arguments to be made as to why the Thrashers will exit in the first round, but there are probably close to the same number for why we will win the first round. Personally, the matchup wiht Tampa scares me b/c we have traditionally had problems with them. However, as everyone always says, you are only as good as your goalie (especially in the playoffs). And I would take both Lehtonen and Hedberg over either of Tampa’s boys… take it with a grain of salt.