Thrashers

By Tom

March 28, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Best Goal of the Year - Bobby Holik overtime in the Garden for the game winner.

Coolest Goal of the Year - Metro’s reverse pivot behind the goal at home and Kolvy’s reaction. I can’t remember who we played but I can still picture the goal.

Most important goal - The game winner tonight soon to be replaced by the game winner tomorrow night.

By Russ

March 28, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

The two goals they get tonight in a hard-fought 2-0 shutout win will be pretty big.

GO THRASHERS!!!

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

I have to say that, to date, biggest goal was TK’s game winner in OT vs. Buffalo.

Coolest goal: I like Holik’s goal a couple weeks ago as he slide through the slot on his belly.

Timeliest goal: Holik’s winner in OT at da gaahhh-den.

Prettiest goal: the third goal in the last Carolina game a couple Sunday’s ago,…I was right behind the net as Hossa scored off a double dump passing sequence with Koslov and Holik Sim(?).

Most memorable shootout goal: The game winner Koslov had early in the year to deny Buffalo their 11th straight win to begin the year.

Most important goal of the year: I hope it is still yet to come,…..say the slapshot from Kovi off a pass from Hossa in double OT of game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals vs. Nashville.

LET’S GO BIG BLUE!!!!

The jersey is well rested and ready for action tonight!!!

By Brian

March 28, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Craig - obviously we are at that stage where every goal is more important than the last goal…

However, I will go back to that win vs. Buffalo in the beginning of the season. It was #1 vs. #2, we beat them to stop them getting into the record books, it was a nationally televised game, and it was the first moment in franchise history that the rest of the hockey world starting thinking “what about those Thrashers?”

Even though it is not a true “goal” I go with Kozzy’s SO winner. That finally put us on the face of the map of the hockey world.

The next biggest goal will be the one that wins the division, but unless it comes in the TB or Car game, you can’t narrow it down to one goal.

Then it will be the first playoff goal. Then the goal that wins the series, etc…

I like some of the dazzle ones that you guys suggested too though.

By Jack Black

March 28, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Nice to see McCarthy is benched again. WTF is BH’s frigging problem?

By CM

March 28, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

I particularly loved Holik’s goal as he was sliding through the slot on his stomach..good stuff! That one even made Sportscenter that night, but not the Top 10, of course.

Off subject, anybody know how to get a “Believe in Blueland” t shirt?? Not that I prefer it over my autographed Hossa shirt (be still my heart), but still, I want one!

Thanks..have a lovely evening everyone and LETS GO BLUE!!!

By Red Light

March 28, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Kovalchuk’s OT game-winner was a huge goal against the Islanders Jan. 26. The Thrasher blew a three-goal first period lead, took a 4-3 lead in the third only to give up the game tying goal. His wrister along the ice in the bottom right corner was a thing of beauty.

Kozlov’s OT winner at Ottawa on New Year’s Day was a peach, too!

By dbot

March 28, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

@ CM

Holik’s bellyflop goal did make SportsCenter’s Top 10 - it was # 1!

One of my favorite goals was Hossa’s hop, skip and a jump goal - he got a hat trick that night.

By CM

March 28, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

dbot thanks for the correction, I recall seeing it before the top 10 was shown that night..it sure deserved the #1 slot!

By dj

March 28, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

It really didn’t make a huge difference but the one hossa scored on the islanders after being hurt. It wasn’t pretty but it showed that he is a beast.

By Matt H

March 28, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I gotta go with Tom, Holik’s goal at the Garden was something special. It was one of the Thrashers’ best, most complete games all year, and one they deserved to win.

However, I was there for KT’s OT winner against Buffalo. I think I’ll remember that game for a long, long time. :)

Any of Kozlov’s SO monsters. I mean, how many points did Atlanta bogart off Kozzie’s clutch play? KSIGN KOZLOV!

Man, I don’t know. It’s been a long day and my movie projector ain’t workin’ so good right now. When’s this thing gonna be on? :)

Hey CC, did you get a sense that the Panthers still have a significant support base down there? You tune into games and there are fewer people there than a Devils game, and I know the Panthers have been brought up (along with the Preds) in contraction discussions lately.

By Chris

March 28, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Hoss had another goal before the ‘Hoss - Skip and Jump’ goal that was against Boston early in the year. I think that made the NHL’s top goal list for October.

By Ryan

March 28, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Holik’s slide against the Caps. Holik’s goal @Rangers-he had two quality goals, second one he got the rebound on his own shot and put it in. I’ll go with Brian on Kozlov’s SO against Buffalo early on in the season…Buffalo riding the streak and all. I also will add Tkachuk’s OT goal against the Sabres here. Sim had a great goal with that special behind the back feed from Mellanby-nice.

By Brendan

March 28, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Well, I agree with Tom. My first choice is Holik’s goal at the Garden in OT. Remember, he had a late goal to tie it. And another hit the crossbar, that I thought was a goal. (It turns out it really wasn’t, after all.) I also echo sentiments about Holik’s goal while sliding on his belly.

No one has yet mentioned another strong candidate. It was Oct. 14 vs. Washington. Yes, it took THAT LONG for Kovy to get off the schneid. His first goal of the year was the OT winner vs. the Capitals. At that time, Jon Sim had five goals for Atlanta.

Although the question is more geared towards goals scored by the Thrashers, that Oct. 13th game vs. Carolina was a memorable gut-punch. Carolina led, 3-0. Holik scored his 2nd of the year with 5:21 left in regulation. Then Ray Whitney scored with a 5/10ths of a second left on the clock. Officially, that’s 19:59 of the 3rd period.

Inexplicably, the onlooker on the play was Marian Hossa, who was headed UP the ice off the faceoff in the defensive zone. At first, I thought the goal came after the horn. But the replay showed it was a good goal. And I couldn’t believe that our Selke Trophy candidate was the guy “watching” his man score. Hossa is a great player. The best on the team. And things like this can happen to anyone, as this goal proves.

And finally, (yes I’m HOGGING GOAL SELECTIONS NOW), I’m also kinda partial to our 1st goal of the season. It was a sort of “poke re-direct” type goal by Captain Scott Mellanby vs. Tampa Bay, opening night. It was a great way to start the year!! Somehow, I doubt it will make the list. I know I’m top heavy with three Holik mentions, plus the Kovy OT winner, and Mellanby’s 1st of the year.

Sorry for the long post.

By BlueLand Billy

March 28, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

For me it has to be Hossa’s goal against Carolina on February 20th right before the trade deadline. We had lost the previous 4 games, Carolina was on a 21 game winning streak when leading after 2 periods and we erupt for 3 goals in the 3rd to win it.

If you all recall it was the short handed goal where Moose got an assist when he sent the puck down ice into the left corner, Hossa hustled to it and shot it towards the net and it somehow got past Ward.

Kovy’s blast with 2 and a half minutes to go was the go ahead and Bolts’ goal a little over a minute later sealed the deal.

If there was ever a game we needed to win this season (next 6 exlcuded) in my opinion that was it. We were reeling, on the road and down going into the 3rd. We lose that game and the season could have been done.

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Recap&gnum=897&seas=20062007&gtype=2

By Rone

March 28, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Lucky jersey is on. Let’s take this one.

By JayBird

March 28, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Damn Kari, what a soft goal! Not a good start.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

First goal for the panthers was soft.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Great pass from Sutton to Gelina!

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

I’m looking at SOOOoooo many empty seats down in Sunrise, FL. God-almighty,…what an embarassment.

It looks like a WNBA game or Indoor Lacross….or worse, a Hawks home game!!!

That franchise might well wind up in KC or Winnepeg,…or Kitchener…(that was for Snots…)

Glad Rone has on the lucky jersey,…mine is on as well.

It still feels bad about his recent slump, but after hooking up with that cute pink ladies jersey, size petite, (you know, one of those form-fitting jobers),….well, he’s been feeling better. Smiling a lot more :o)

LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!

By Rone

March 28, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

That was a SWEET goal by Kozzie!

By BG33Brown

March 28, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

We better turn it on in the second or we are going to lose this one. Kari looks bad. Hope he gets his head out of his rear at the intermission.

By Matt H

March 28, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Ach, Brendan, you had to go there din’t ya… to Ray Whitney. My girlfriend and I went to a bar and asked them to watch that game (I didn’t have cable yet). So, so horrible. I still feel crushed from that one.

I’m liking Holik’s play so far tonight :)

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

What did BH put in Sutton’s oatmeal this morning?

That was an AWESOME hit in center-ice!!

By Rone

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

I was just about to post something good about Sutton. It was a great hit. But why in God’s name do you drop your gloves before anyone on FL? He had a clean hit, and should have taken anything that FL had to give. Luckily, we wound up with a power play. And, as I write this post, our go-ahead goal is under review…
That hurts. Kozzie’s second denied. Thanks Toronto!!!

By Rone

March 28, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Baby face Joke-inen blows the first PP for FL. Beautiful!

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s see those Molson drinkers in Toronto take THAT away from Koslov!

By BlueLand Billy

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

Flyers up 2-1 on the Canes, 16 minutes to go in the 3rd

By Rawhide

March 28, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Look again billy,….Flyers up 4-1 now!!! Whoo-Hooo!!!

By Rone

March 28, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

What a B-S@#t call on X.

By westcoastbird

March 28, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

A bad call against Fla. to put Atl on the 5 on 3. The only difference is that florida could actualy do something with it.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

SportSouth has to fix their F’n clock. Luckily, there was less time left than I’d thought.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Where’s the penalty for tripping Hossa? It nearly KO’d him for the season!!!

By B. Thenet

March 28, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Which Thrashers players will use the “hot goalie” excuse for losing to the Panthers rarely used backup?

Is Hartley going to call Lehtonen to account for that dreadful softie to start the game?

This was just as poor an effort as against the Penguins, which Hartley and Mellanby actually praised.

They had better wake up, because a team that actually has something to play for will be in town tomorrow. This kind of effort will result in a 3-4 goal loss.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Can’t blame Kari for that loss. If anything, he helped get us a point. The ulcers continue…

By Lee

March 28, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

First of all, you are right about that awful no-call on the Hossa trip. (EXPLETIVE)!MOTHER (EXPLETIVE)! CAN WE JUST WIN ONE GAME? PLEASE? They now have 4 goals in 8 periods, one overtime and a shootout. Man they are ice cold.

By luckydog

March 28, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Somebody buy a plane ticket for Leht-em-in’s parents and get them over here. They’re the only thing that seems to make him come up big — and by that I don’t mean just keep us in the game I mean win the damn thing. First goal was a gimme and he got abused in the shootout with a critical point there for the taking.

Worse yet, our new power play is starting to look a lot like … our old power play.

By russian

March 28, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Kari was Ok. Our Funcking PP is Horrible. Thanks God, that we got one point. Last minutes were on Panters. They controled a puck very well and make 35 shots on goals. Thrashers wake up!!! Idiots!!! You were playing with Team which played day ago and team had a young goalie. I can not believe, that Thrasher make PO on this year. Toronto will kill us tomorrow. :-( Sorry Blue Landers but we are going to miss PO games by, I will say, two points. ;-(

By LAC

March 28, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Should have been 3-2 or 4-2 Atlanta.

S—- Call in toronto, Stupid Town Canada, They will do whatever it takes to ruin it for Atlanta.

The puck was kicked by Salva, but you could PLAINLY see it touched his STICK, But when the NHL wants a team to lose like they do Atlanta they will DO WHATEVER THEY CAN, to stop us, it was a goal period and was called so on the ice.

mike murphy, a STUPID jerk,former player who calls these things was just a THUG player, and has a bone to pick with Atlanta… Well Mr.Murphy, come on down you LIAR and we will stuff a Chicken Bone down your LYING throat you PUNK !

Now, Sutton palyed a rare Strong game for a change, nice to see.

But where is the OFFENSE AGAIN ???????

Who was this NOBODY in net for Florida, had NO record this season for crying out loud.

Those stupid canada loafs are in town and they need points… We HAVE to be READY… Really Ready !!! A MUST WIN !!!

Lastly what happened in the shootout ?

We looked TERRIBLE and their LAST goal…Good Grief.

Lastly, Craig, liked the white t-shirt look tonight on the FL interview… Gee your hair is SHORT… Youneed some sideburns to enhance the profile…

Let see what happens next…

Phila did do us a favor,,, 5-1 over the Toasted Canes, Gee John and Tripp are in PANIC mode in Raleigh, so let’s hope THEY regroup against TB friday.

If they win and we can preform likewe should,and rake the loafs.. oh leafs, We would be 5 up with 4 to play.

Meaning a win in Boston coupled with a loss in Carolina by TB…. Correct me if I am incorrect… We Win The SE, Up by 7 with 3 to play…

By Tom

March 28, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

luckydog

Interesting you said that about the powerplay. There was 1 window where we started shooting from the point and it was looking good.

But if we insist on making 5 passes to get the perfect opportunity for Hossa or Kolvy we are screwed.

We have the bodies to shoot from the point and crash the net. Lets use them.

By bloviate

March 28, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Anybody seen Tkachuk and Zhitnik in a week or so? They made a nice splash and then pretty much vanished…

By luckydog

March 28, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Tom, the power plays I saw tonight were the old familiar scene where the opponent pressures the puck all over the ice and we are forced into hasty passes and get disrupted. The league seems to know that’s how to defend us and we don’t seem to have a counter, at least not consistently.

Interesting point about T’chuk and Zhitnick…I’ve thought the same thing last couple games. Bellanger seems to be a pretty consistent playmaker even in losses…

By Brendan

March 28, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Conventional thinking says, “we got a point on the road.” But, I gotta be honest. There were three (3) things I h8ed about tonight. One, Kozlov had a hat trick. That ruled non-goal should have counted, when the game was tied, 1-1. Kozlov got that puck with his stick. Two, that call on Exelby was “weak.” It was marginal. Perhaps, a penalty, but certainly discretionary. It lead to the PPG that tied the game. And three, there was a non-call on a trip of Hossa that simply must be called. It may have led to an injury, or exacerbated an existing injury. Hossa didn’t look too good after crashing into those boards.

Yes, Kari let another “soft” one in. But it wasn’t late in the 3rd. There was plenty of time to overcome it. Atlanta could have, and should have, won this game. That’s 1/6 for possible points in the past three games. That’s “inching” our way to the playoffs. Atlanta had a really good chance to bury the Cats and push Tampa’s divisional title hopes on the shelf. It’s going to be HARDER now. But if the Thrashers win their home games, they’re in, and probably division champs.

By Jess

March 28, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Just so you know, its Kozlov, not Koslov. And Kovy, not Kolvy.

By Rone

March 28, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Whatever, Jezz.

By Brendan

March 28, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

I guess Pittsburgh’s still alive in their quest for the Atlantic division title, since Buffalo took them in regulation time. The Devils got a goal with 1.8 seconds left, to make it, 4-3. Too little, too late for New Jersey. If the Penguins wind up in the #2 seed, I’d hate to finish 7th, and have to face them. But, I’m trying to think positively, that there will be wins over Toronto and Boston and Carolina to lock up this division title, to be the #3 seed.

By Brian

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

How much time in the final 10 minutes was spent in our end of the ice? We have to put more pressure on than that. Or were we just playing for the tie so to say? Good news is that Philly took care of the ‘Canes for us…

By danlmac

March 28, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

OK..we don’t do well in the games we are expected to win..but do much better in the ones we aren’t. Many bloggers (and I will take our blogger’s word to the bank) have picked us to lose against Toronto…so maybe we will do well.

Tom, tomorrow’s game winner will be the one we all remember.

Let’s win this one (and the next one, etc) for Captn rat. This is the old warrior’s last chance to drink from the cup.

Thrashers, if ever there was a time to bring your “A” game tomorrow against Toronto is it.

By JayBird

March 29, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

I am worried about the Toronto game, more so after the lackluster performance tonight. The boys had better play their best tomorrow night because Toronto will be rested and hungry. This team is so frustrating!!! Hopefully Hoss is okay and ready to go. We need strong performance from Moose and some points out of Kovy and Hoss. Am I the only one who gets really frustrated at Hnidy bring the puck up all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I like him but damn, pass it off to someone who can bring the puck into the zone and actually control it.

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I just realized that, straight up, the Thrashers are just 39-38, and would actually trail Tampa at this point, without “dirty” points.

Okay, forget I said anything. Bring on the Buds!

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

What we need is … production out of all of our lines. Not just the “HBK” line.

By R. Stroz

March 29, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Does the goal replay official in Toronto use the same bookie as Pete Rose?

By LAC

March 29, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Excellent R.Stroz… 100% Correct !!!!

By Bob

March 29, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Craig, it’s pretty obvious that Hossa is playing hurt, looks like the shoulder. Can you get confirmation from the team?

Goal of the year hasn’t happened yet, it’s the one that clinches the division.

By ranallo10

March 29, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

dj — speaking of beasts, how’s your mom?

Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.

By ranallo10

March 29, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Why do people continue to complain about the NHL scoring system? “Dirty points” Brendan? A point is a point, isn’t it?? Prior to this shootout system, those points would’ve only been worth one, but still would’ve been points. The new proposal (which was not accepted last owners meeting) is to rid the world of the OTL points. I personally don’t understand why.

For the method of scoring in overall standings that hockey uses, the only other major sport to compare to would be soccer. In soccer, every team gets a point for drawing with their opponent. However, soccer does not give you OT unless it’s an important tournament (in which case points don’t matter). You don’t hear Arsenal fans complaining about winning The Premiership by a margin of the 5 points they earned in draws (randomly created points, not based on real standings or past standings). But in hockey, fans complain about (or degrade) their own team getting points during “free” hockey.

OTL points are here, SO points are here, and every team has an equal opportunity to earn points in those manners. To degrade the points seems futile. Deal with it, if the rules change, THEN you can complain. Until then, suck it up and consider that this team is earning points (no matter what the method) and inching their way to the first playoff berth in their brief history.

Leave the complaining to Bob.

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

If the league allows, then it’s great to take advantage of it. I just don’t like the concept of points for losing, when games are won and lost, via OT’s and shootouts.

I wonder if we polled NBA and MLB fans and asked them if they preferred to go to a system that assigns two-points for wins and a point for an overtime loss or extra-inning loss, if they’d be in favor of it? They might say yes. And if they did, and it was adopted, I’d be surprised.

I think it’s really this simple. Win the game. However that happens. Why should it matter WHEN it happens? And if you lose, you lose. Irrespective of WHEN it happens. But, you’re absolutely right. Every team has the opportunity to bank these “loss points” so, take advantage of it. Every team is permitted to do this. I just think it looks bad.

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

A team could go 24-10-48 and make the playoffs, with 96-points.

But, wouldn’t it also be true that the team lost 58 of 82 games? That’s somewhat laughable.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 29, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

it is what it is….

By Russ

March 29, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I never had a problem with ties, personally, but I don’t feel strongly about the point system one way or another…I do have to say that “lose one in overtime for the Gipper” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it though.

By ranallo10

March 29, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Playoffs are laughable for most sports, no matter how the qualifications lie. In the NBA (the sport you chose to theoretically poll), teams can make the playoffs with losing records (last season Indiana, Chicago and Milwaukee all made it with a .500 record or worse). HALF of the NHL currently makes the playoffs, even though it’s not the best half of the league (look at the Western/Eastern Conference point discrepancy). In my opinion, the only equal distribution of playoff talent in a smaller package is MLB playoffs, where only 4 teams of the 30 actually make it.

Imagine hockey, where the only teams that make the playoffs are the divisional winners, and the “wild card”. Then this “dirty” point situation wouldn’t be as big of a complaint, because 96 points would only get you into the playoffs if you played in the Southeastern Division.

Obviously the points work a certain way, but currently the system is working equally for every team, so it’s not exactly worth complaining about.

For all I care, the Thrashers could go 0-0-82, and if they still qualified for the playoffs I would be happy.

By Tom

March 29, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Russ

If that “losing one in overtime” on the 7th against Tampa bay is what it takes to get the 3rd seed, then that will be very sweet.

But I do agree with you, losing in OT and still proclaiming that one point is great is frustrating…

I would also have been pleased if the East wasn’t so dang close. When every team we are playing is fighting for the playoffs it makes for a rough couple of weeks.

I can’t wait to play against guys who are playing for a position on the team next year… lol

By hotgoaliewatcher

March 29, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

All I have to say is that Hedberg is The Hot Goalie. My prediction is that he gives up only 1 goal tonight.

Go Hot Goalie!!!!!

By Tony C.

March 29, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

My thoughts on last night’s game:

Those Panthers are going to be tough to play against for the next several years…it seems Martin has learned some lessons from his time in OTT. and has built a team wih a good bit of sandpaper in the mix…add that kid who was in goal last night (I’m sorry to bring up bad memories, but the save on Hoss in the SO is as fine a glove-save as you will ever see) to some promising O-fensive talent, and I think we are looking at our primary threat for the SouthBeast Division crown for the next several years.

I do think Hoss is playing at about 85%, but I’ll take it. I do think that our guys finally showed up against another team taking physical liberties-that is something that needs to continue especially in the 2nd season.

This was a game that hurts, not so much that it was a SO loss, but because it was one that the team let slip away. Not to take anything away from that Panthers squad(who played a heck of a game from the 3rd period on)-but that was a game the Thrash was in the driver’s sseat for. The no-goal call took some wind out of the team’s sails, but Coach should’ve used that as a catalyst for an increase of tempo rather than allowing the team to sit back a bit.

(That’s my opinion and it’s easy for some guy from ‘burbia Georgia critique a French-Canookians hockey savvy huh?)

I liked Dupuis’ play last night…Belanger clearly would like to stay in between Hoss and Slava-Matic…#17 and Tkachuk seem to have plateau’d in the “chemistry” department…that was very apparent in the 4-on-4…I was flabbergasted as Walt carried the puck backwards over the blueline on two occasions when #17 was the other forward on the ice…you have to know that he is ging to be going forward, It just seemed that they were out of sync. We can work on that.

Big night tonight, hopefully the 7pm puck-drop won’t be a cncern for yall

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Bob

March 29, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

The point they award for OT losses is a joke. Hopefully they’ll fix it, at a minimum, they should give more pts for a regulation win.

They finally get it right when you get to the playoffs, win or lose, no bs OT points.

The 39 and 38 record wouldn’t seem to bode well for our chances in the playoffs, but remember, this is a completely different club after the 4 trades.

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

I’m not philosophically, or militantly, against complaints. I think it’s human nature to complain about things from time to time.

I think complaints are sometimes valid. Have you checked your subdivision convenants lately? When they say something looks bad, (not too sure if awarding points for OT losses count,) they not only complain, they make you take corrective action to fix it.

By Brendan

March 29, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

As long as profits continue to take priority over the actual integrity of the sport, we’ll continue to see too many teams in the postseason. I won’t swear to it, but I thought some NBA team made the playoffs last year with a 40-42 record.

Years ago, the NHL just took the top 16 teams in the league. And if a Prince of Wales Conference team faced a Campbell Conference team, that’s the way the cookie crumbled. The #1 seed faced #16, and so forth. Then the winners re-seeded, highest to lowest.

In subsequent years, the NHL adopted a “top four teams in the division” make the playoffs. In other words, just don’t finish last in your division, and you don’t have to worry about making the playoffs. That was embarrassing. Plus, 16 of 21 teams made it in. Yeah, they needed to play 80-games to eliminate five (5) teams??

It was laughable. I don’t know that allowing 16 of 30 teams in is anything to trumpet to the Gods of Integrity. But, oh well.

By ranallo10

March 30, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

8 of 30 and I’d be happy, but that’s a solution to something that I don’t see as a problem.

Look at the standings, and notice that the majority of teams with double digit OTLs are OUT of the playoffs. The point for an overtime loss is not diluting the points system. The teams that are better will pull of the victory no matter what…show me one example of a team who made (or will make) the playoffs SOLELY on the points garnered by overtime losses.

By Brendan

March 30, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Renallo, you know that you just “chummed up the waters” for the STAT SHARKS in BLOGLAND OCEAN. With 4-5 games left, depending on the team, there’s bound to be one who will qualify by losing ALL of those games in the overtime or shootout.

Uhh, iffff that’s what you meant. If you meant, EXCLUSIVELY through overtime losses, it might be mathematically impossible. If a team lost every game and went 0-0-82, it probably wouldn’t make the playoffs. 1-0-81, might do it. The 2002 Islanders got in with only 83-points.

By Brendan

March 30, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Renallo, I actually tinkered a revised playoff system last Summer. Truthfully, when you hear it, you’d rightly say, “And THIIIS is so much better than what we have now??? Yeah, well. Admittedly, it’s got flaws. First and foremost, it’s a system that generates LESS REVENUE than the current one. And, it still allows something close to 50-percent of the league to qualify for the playoffs, with 14 of 30 teams getting in.

Basically, my plan eliminates one team per Conference. But, it does alter the seeding from the current methodology. No longer would a division champion get a “guaranteed” top 3 playoff seed. It works like this. The top seven seeds make the playoffs.

There is an exception. What is it? If a “weak” division Champion is actually 8th, or WORSE, by point total, it gets the 7th and final seed. I felt that it “looked bad” if a division champion didn’t make the playoffs.

Okay, how does it work? Well, the top three teams get a 1st round bye. That leaves seed #4 to face seed #7 and seed #5 to host seed #6 in something I call a “Wildcard Tournament.” At first, I thought the Wildcard tournament might work as a “round robin” type format. But in the end, I thought it was just EASIER to make them play a “best-of-three” series, highest vs. lowest, with the series winners meeting in a “best-of-five” Wildcard Finals. The winner would become the #4 seed, and be called “Wildcard Champion.”

Then play resumes #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3, in the “best-of-seven” series.

Why even “entertain” the idea of it? I think fewer teams in the playoffs gives a “little” more integrity to the regular season. And the Wildcard tournament might become one of the most popular elements of the playoffs, since every game counts so much more. (Not much margin for error.) And what’s home ice worth in a situation like that? It would be a 1-1-1 format. Although, I though a team should have the option of a 1-2 format. In other words, if the higher seed wanted to start on the road, then play two games at home to finish out, it should have that “option.”

The best-of-five would be a 2-2-1 format. I can’t imagine a higher seed wanting to start out with two road games, then play the final three at home. Plus, it could negatively impact profits. If your team got swept as a higher seed, who opted to start on the road, you just denied yourself $2 million worth of playoff profit and handed it over to the lower seed. In the “best-of-three” series, it wouldn’t matter. The lower seeded team will play one game in their rink, irrespective of WHEN that game is played. (Either as Game One or Game Two.)