Thrashers

By Thrasher_Ed

April 1, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Awesome News, now let’s win the Division Title and go into the playoffs in Style! Can’t wait for the team to take the Ice Wednesday and Saturday at Blueland! Go Thrashers!!

By michael

April 1, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Finally! It is good to be playing in the postseason rather than watching other teams in the playoffs.

I hope the guys still play hard for the remaining games and bring home the division title. No time for taking it easy.

By Hanson Brothers

April 1, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

WE’RE IN!!!!! Oh, happy day!! For all of us that have been there since day 1, it’s awesome baby! Playoff hockey is coming to Atlanta. I feel like the Cleveland fans in “Major League” when the Indians won the world series. Now lets go in on a roll and sweep the final three games.

GO THRASHERS!

By Daniel

April 1, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

I always imagined some dramatic win at the end of the season, and Kamal would say “And the Thrashers are in the playoffs!” or something like that, some great radio call. Its nice to clinch. So many years, for people like me, being my first and only hockey team, this is truly special. I hope the team can soak it in, and put their eyes on the division title and the first round of the playoffs! GO THRASHERS!

By Craig Custance

April 1, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Daniel — You may get that if the Thrashers clinch a division title with a win on Wednesday.

By thrashersfan

April 1, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

OK, I can no longer say, “they ain’t there yet!” What a relief, we’ve been waiting 8 yrs (7 seasons) for this. Wednesday’s game is going to be electrifying just knowing this team is in. Can’t wait to cheer them on.

Now, let’s head into the playoffs as SE Division winners! Go Thrashers!!!

By JayBird

April 1, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

CC, I like the sound of clinching the division on Wednesday. That would be an amazing experience. I guess those of us who ordered playoff tickets should get them in the mail soon. Can’t wait for that!

By Jeff

April 1, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Congrats Thrashers!!!!

By Hanson Brothers

April 1, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Now we can officially discuss things like where we will finish and who we will play in the playoffs and who we would like to play. It looks like that 6-7 position is flip flopping between the Rangers and Tampa. Based upon current play, I think I would rather play Tampa. The Rangers are playing great hockey down the stretch, and I would rather let someone else deal with them. Although Tampa has always given us trouble, if the playoffs come down to goaltending as it most often does, I like our chances against Tampa.

By CTB

April 1, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

571 games… WE”RE IN!!!! 572nd game.. DIVISION TITLE!!!

By Matt

April 1, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

GO THRASHERS!!! I have my tickets, and am ready to go. I sure hope AJC gets on board for this big run, they for some reason don’t think the Thrashers are front page of the Sports section material… I love the Braves and all, but this is the PLAYOFFS!!!!

Alright, let’s win that division baby, and here is all that needs to happen for us to clinch Wednesday.

1) Tampa loss Tuesday 2) JUST WIN BABY!

By Peter

April 1, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

It’s been a long time! I’m pumped! Go Thrash!

Craig, make this story gets the front page of the paper, and not buried behind previews for the Braves season and that basketball game.

By gobucks2006

April 1, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Thrashers. They’ve come a long way since that first season (I was at the 1-0 win over the flyers-only bright moment I think that year). I’ve got a sneaking hunch that they win the first round and they bow out in the 2nd round.

By Brendan

April 1, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

This weekend was Spring cleaning at the Brendan household. And one of the things I found in my packaging, reorganizing, and shuffling, was my souvenir game ticket from Opening Night, in 1999, vs. the NJ Devils. Kelly Buchberger got our lone tally in a 4-1 loss. I was there for the drop of that puck, screaming as loud as my lungs could muster.

(Singing) “At laaaaast. My love … has … come along.” Playoffs! A word so sweet, some of us DARE NOT mention it. (I’m looking at you, Thrashersfan. Uhh, vis-a-vis playoffs, not the love part.)

Tampa’s coach, Tortorella, has GUARANTEED a playoff berth for his Bolts. It well may happen. I’m thinking they could be the #8 seed, and have to face Buffalo in the opening round. Last year, Tampa squeaked in as the #8 seed, and lost in five games to the Senators. I wonder if Torts is feeling any heat, besides the weather, there in Tampa?

Hypothetically, (mea culpa for even mentioning it,) but what if the Thrashers have the chance to eliminate the Bolts on that last, final game of the season? Do we risk injury in a meaningless game vs. the Lightning just to OUST them? Or, do we play the starting lineups of the Chicago Wolves or Gwinnett Gladiators and let Tampa get in?

We’re no where near that question being reality just yet. That last, final game could be the difference between hanging a banner from the rafters or being a lower seed entrant into the playoffs. That’s why the Capitals is important. Washington would love nothing more than to attempt to derail our division title dreams.

By Sean

April 1, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Thank you Thrashers for giving the City of Atlanta something to cheer about. It will be nice to see that SE Division Champs banner hanging from the rafters in Philips next season.

By BAKE

April 1, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

i got my playoff tickets in the mail last week…almost threw those unmarked envelopes away! let’s win the SE Thrash and make a run! i love our experience and think we are a playoff built team. can’t wait to be in philips for that first playoff game!!!

By Pagan53

April 1, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU Thrashers for the most exciting moment in the history of the Thrashers organization!!!!!! My playoff tickets haven’t arrived yet, but will be here soon! I look forward to each and every moment of the playoff games!!!!!

By Craig Custance

April 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Brendan — You’re right, I know the team is already looking forward to the possibility of clinching the division on the ice. As big a moment as clinching a playoff berth is, I think if they clinch the Southeast with a win, that could be a bigger moment. Here’s what Waddell had to say about that tonight: “I think just making the playoffs is different, guys expected it this year. Winning the division might be different. You hope you’re going to do that winning the hockey game. Obviously this is a big week.”

By Brendan

April 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Until the Thrashers clinched, the only playoff games ever played at Philips Arena pertains to the Georgia Force, of the Arena Football league.

By Brian

April 1, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Ok, even though I have done the math a million times, I still thought this was an April Fool’s joke carried over from the last blog. Did it really just happen?!?!?! So, I just went over and looked at my tickets and read:

EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS ROUND 1 GAME 1

And boy did it look nice.

Brendan - you are cracking me up because when I got the tix a few weeks ago the first thing I thought of was that souvenir black box with my NJD tix from the Thrashers’ first home game ever. This will look nicely with them…

Oh yeah, I also have been figuring that if the ‘canes win tomorrow night, do we rest our stars as you have hinted at?

By Wreckin & Thrashin

April 1, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Man, I’m sitting here getting emotional. Trough the years we’ve seen this team go from nothing from everything in front of our own eyes. From Norm Maracle to Scott Fankhouser to Pasi to Kari. From Kelly Buchberger to Shean Donovan to Ilya. From Dany Heatley to Dan Snyder. We’re here today because of players like Dan Snyder. He was what playoff hockey is all about. Lets win a Cup for Dan, Thrashers.

By russian

April 1, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Holy Smoke! WE are IN!!!! I want a SE champion. Come on Thrasher bring a Poster to Phillipsd arena. I am so happy!!!

By Craig Custance

April 1, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Wreckin’ & Thrashin — Good comment and great perspective.

russian — glad to see you’re happy, I know you were doubting there for awhile.

By russian

April 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

To Craig Oh man. I am Cool now. I was scary if anything went wrong, but it did not. This is a Happy Day for me, and it is a April Fools. :-)

By JSS

April 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Congrads Thrashers!!!

But ladies and gentlemen, don’t settle like we have with the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves, shoot even goes for the old Flames, you’ve got to be in it to win it! I saw the Bruins hoist the Cup as a little boy… I saw the start of the great teams in Detroit in late 80’s. You have to WANT TO BE A CHAMPION!!! Come’on fellas, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

By BlueLand Fan

April 1, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

I want a banner hanging from the rafters!!! Let’s get that on Wednesday!!!

By Brendan

April 1, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

From the ‘99 roster … prepare to laugh and sometimes cry.

Jason Botterill, Hugo Boisvert, Bryan Adams (not the singer,) Andrew Brunette. (Oh, we were WISE to let him go.) Nelson Emerson, Sylvain Cloutier, Jody Hull, Dean Sylvester. Mike Stapleton, Herbert Vasiljevs, Ed Ward, Vladimir Vujtek, Johan Garpenlov.

Deep breath, the list goes on, Kelly Buchberger (Captain), Ray Ferraro (future Captain,), Matt Johnson (the boy could fight!), speaking of which, tough guy Denny Lambert, who is still in the league, somewhere. Remember Andreas Karlsson? (He’s plays for Tampa Bay; that’s how desperate they were for players after Brad Richards’ contract gobbled up their cap room.) Martin Prochazka, Dan Snyder (God rest his soul,) and Patrik Stefan (Good luck in Dallas).

The glorious blueliners? Ready? Petr Buzek (Was actually an All-Star one year, thought it was a requirement that every team send at least one player. He was our representative.) Didn’t Buzek leave right after a practice, or something??

Brett Clark, Kevin Dean, Maxim Galanov, David Harlock, Gord Murphy, Darry Shannon (Of Buffalo Sabre fame,) Chris Tamer, Yannick Tremblay, (Isn’t he in Vancouver now?), and … drum roll please … Steve Staios. (Thinkin’ … maybe we shoulda held on to him.)

And in net, lol. Damian (how appropriate!) Rhodes! (Can’t believe he’s married to former Intermission babe, Amanda Jahn.) Also in net, Scott Fankhouser, Scot Langkow, Norm Maracle, and Corey Schwab (later played for Toronto and New Jersey, I think).

If you’re still feeling nostalgic, here are some of our 1999 Draft highlights. The guy called up as a healthy scratch, Derek MacKenzie, was the 128th overall selection. Tommi Santala, now playing in Vancouver, was 245th overall. Garnet Exelby was selected 217th overall. Stephen Baby, traded away earlier this season, was taken 188th overall. Zdenek Blatny was taken 68th overall. Luke Sellars was 30th overall. And with the #1 overall selection, Patrik Stefan.

The Head Coach was Curt Fraser. The GM, the ubiquitous Don Waddell.

By JayBird

April 1, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go to the first regular season game in Thrashers history but I was at the first preseason game at Philips against the Rangers. I remember a Thrashers player getting cut by a skate, which was horrible. Anyone remember who that was? I also remember they gave out little hard hat keychains at the game, wish I knew where mine was.

By Ryan

April 2, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Thank GOD! Lets go Blue!

By Darren

April 2, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I do believe the player cut was Sergei Vyshedkevich.

And yes, I had to look up how his name was spelled.

By Darren

April 2, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

My apologies. I got the wrong Russian.

It was Vladimir Vujtek.

By Lee

April 2, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Craig, what has to happen for us to clinch on Wednesday? That could be an exciting game….perhaps I’ll just skip lacrosse practice….

By Tony C.

April 2, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Ok. ow that it’s official, back to business boys-I’m sure words to that effect will be coming out of coach’s mouth sometime tomorrow. But now it makes the DC game and the Tampa game even more interesting. I would think that we do call up a few more guys…but I don’t know that you play them against DC…according to NHL.com Tampa no longer has the game-in-hand advantage…but they do have the head-to-head edge. So do you play the “A” team against DC, going for the clinch, or do you rest the horses you’re about to run into the ground?

For my money you play your best the whole way. Maybe you tweak your 4th line/3rd pair with some call-ups and or your scratches (Mac fans rejoice), but I think you want to have the guys know that the playoff berth was expected the real goal is to win the division!

I am anxious to see how it plays out. I was here the last time there was playoff hockey in ATL-and you couldn’t get a ticket-hopefully Blueland’s citizenship is also in high demand.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By dj

April 2, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Awesome, current Biggest goal in franchise history belongs to Mr. Tkachuk and hopefully the game winner on Wed. will be the biggest goal. I’m sad I’ll be out of town all this week for my own hockey tournament. BUT GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope we get some snobby canadien team in the first round and just kill them.

By rockdr99

April 2, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

As an original Flames season ticket holder, This is extremely emotional night for me — I’ve seen a lot of bad hockey — Sure the Flames made the playoffs, but never with this type of hockey club — We need the Division championship and then we could actually go somewhere —

My warmest congradulations to Don Waddell — I know he bleeds Thrasher blue — I remember when we first met under the tent near Centennial Olympic Park — I’ve truly appreciated all of your town meetings —

There was mention of Petr Buzek, our first allstar — Does anyone remember who we got in trade for him — MS

Finally to Craig — Thanks so much for your tireless efforts to give us accurate and interesting coverage for the last ten+ weeks

By R. Stroz

April 2, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

In theory, if we clinch the division on Wednesday, resting our players for the two remaining games sounds like a good idea. However, the Thrashers usually don’t play well after a break for several days. I would like to see the players that are banged up rested and replaced with Wolves players. The other players, who are healthy, should probably continue to play so they remain sharp.

By LAC

April 2, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT… I loved watching the LOAF try to COAST in with the LITTLE talent they have.

They now, as does Carolina, need to run to table and win all 3 remaining games. That WILL NOT HAPPEN.

I ONLY… hope waddell does NOT make more stupid moves over the summer… Resigning Keith would be a SMART thing to do… Dumping Rucchin would be smarter.

Ok… We hold tie brakers over these teams, Pittsburgh 2-1-1, New Jersey 3-1 Ottawa 3-1, NYR 3-1,so that is good.

We do not with TB /Buffalo/Montreal.

Carolina at TB tuesday night, a win by Carolina, means SE TITLE with win wednesday night, a special night for sure…

Lastly, Carolina cannot catch us in the division now either.

No time to rest, wednesday and friday’s games are important.

Thanks Atlanta Thrasher Players for a GREAT SEASON OF WINNING NHL HOCKEY !!

Thanks also for Craig’s excellent coverage in AJC and for keeping BLOGGERS, all whom are GREAT, except one, informed by asking important questions and letting US know !!!!!!

Keep up the GREAT WORK Craig in The Playoffs… Can just see you sipping from THE CUP !!!!!!!!!

By Sebastian

April 2, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Way to go, Thrashers!!! It’s been a long time coming but we couldn’t be happier. Now lets get that Division banner and hang it from the rafters!

Dare to dream!

By kracker

April 2, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Wooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooo!

Now, get that SE division banner to hang in Blueland and I can finally forget those Flyers games (at least for the first round.)

PS - The AJC did have the Thrashers clinching the playoffs on the front of the sports section, above the fold. It was an actual article by Craig, not just a box directing readers to the interior pages.

By Bob

April 2, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Awesome. Now, let’s keep our eyes on the ball and remember that the key to a good run in the playoffs is winning the division and going in at the 3rd slot.

I’d like to play Tampa in the 1st round, so I hope they keep that 3rd slot, their goaltending is weak. Rangers goalie could steal a series. If the Habs move up to 6th, I have no problem playing them.

But winning the division is key.

By Thrasher

April 2, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Great job by the Thrashers but……this town is not “buzzing” as Levinson stated. The Falcons, Hawks, or Braves would have claimed the cover immediately on AJC.com but the Thrashers don’t even get the top spot of the sports page. Don’t blame the Final 4 as there were no games yesterday anyway. There is little talk on the radio this morning and John Kincade of 680 has said on numerous occasions that Thrasher talk kills their ratings. He says they get far higher ratings talking about the Falcons in the offseason or the Braves in spring training. Hopefully, the playoffs will turn the tide in this town.

By NCThrash

April 2, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Thrashers! Good luck in the playoffs.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 2, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

For the record:

I had to throw 10 pounds of salt over my right shoulder.

I had to buy 82 blue rabbits feet.

Threw $100 in pennies into a fountain.

And sarcifice 72 virgins to break the curse imposed by the media…

You guys owe me a beer.

Can’t wait to see some playoffs!!!!

By jumbo

April 2, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

No April fools joke here! Playoff bound baby. Now with a Tampa regulation loss Tuesday and a win Wednesday over the caps, we can say Division Champs! How awesome would that be. Cant wait for the first playoff game. The atmosphere will be similar to the worst to first Braves of 91. Atlanta are you ready?

By jc

April 2, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

GO RED WINGS………

By jc

April 2, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

LETS GO RED WINGS

LETS GO RED WINGS

LETS GO RED WINGS

By GaVaHokie

April 2, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Hmmm… I’m not seeing the “clinched” symbol next to the Thrashers on NHL.com’s standings. Toronto has 3 games left with 6 points up for grabs. That would tie us. We would have the same exact record with the tie-breaker going to GA and GF differential which wouldn’t be determined until the end of the year.

Am I missing something?

By Brown-Eyed Girl!

April 2, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t able to attend any of the Thrasher games before I left Atlanta in early 2001, but I always cheer them from afar. I still keep up with the team and I cheer for them here in Louisville (KY). I am so proud of them and look forward to watching the playoffs. Hey, someone send me a jersey so I can represent proper here in Kentucky.

By LAC

April 2, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Great reading comments by darcy tucker after the LOSS yesterday at MSG.

Said… ” There is a LOT of character in this dressing room… We just need to find a way to win.”

So TYPICAL coming from a LOSER on a team of misfits. The”Great” mats sundin… lets see… one goal in 18 games now… and that is THEIR leader… What an example of a player whose time has passed him by. Maybe ECHL next season mats… You might… might score 10 goals.

Glad they will be GONE and Toronto suffers through ANOTHER season of BAD NHL Hockey in the “So Called” Hockey Capital of the world…..

Hey mats… maybe you can drop the first puck at The ATLANTA THRASHERS PLAYOFF GAME….. NOOOOOOOOOOOT !!!!!!

WIN ON WEDNESDAY !

By GaVaHokie

April 2, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I think I figured it out… our record against the Leafs this year is 3-1… we won the four game match-up.

By LAC

April 2, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys…

Go to the St.Petersburg Times site through Lightning at NHL.com,

They ask WILL THE LIGHTNING WIN THE SE TITLE ?

At this point 67% say YES… Let’s SEND THEM A MESSAGE and That IS ATLANTA WINS, ATLANTA WINS, ATLANTA WINS !!!!!

Vote NO on the question..Sound Good ???

By thrashfan30309

April 2, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - We win the tiebreaker because we have a winning record against them this season. I don’t think you will see the clinched symbol until the division champ is named.

By CM

April 2, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Wooo hooo! Now this is what it’s about, post season play. Love it!

Russian so glad to see you stoked with the playoff berth..you had (well we all had) your doubts!

LETS GOOO BLUUUUUE!!

By GomerPyle

April 2, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Thrashers for making the playoffs. The goal, however, is to win the stanley cup and the Thraashers have just as good a chance to win the stanley cup as any team that will participate in the playoffs. Lets all back the Thrashers all the way and see if they can gather enough momentum to do something really special.

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Now all you scalpers out there, or season ticket holders who cannot attend due to unforeseen circumstances, there is to be ABSOLUTELY NO SELLING OF TICKETS TO OUR OPPOSITION. This is Blueland. As in, Atlanta blue, not Rangers blue. Not any other color blue, like Leafs or Sabres. No selling to Tampa fans. No selling to Habs fans.

Atlanta Police Dept: If you catch a scalper selling to a Bolts fan, Rangers fan, Habs fan, or any other club, the fine shall be double!!!

By James

April 2, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

What is the deal with the tv broadcasts? Will all the games be on, or will we have to search for OLN?

By tim

April 2, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I am excited that we are finally in. I think it is important for us to win the division so that we can get home ice at least for the first round. I got tickets to the playoffs and will see yall in blueland. UNLEASH THE FURY!!!

By jay

April 2, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

The only ATL team in the playoffs and the “Stews” will talk about other citie’s BB teams & ignore Hockey …… Thank the Lord for John Kincade & 680 the Fan.

By GaVaHokie

April 2, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Can’t wait for the playoffs… this is where real rivalries are made! When you eliminate a team during the playoffs, it’s never forgotten!!

I agree Brendan… no selling tickets to opposing fans!! If we don’t outnumber the opposing fans 20 to 1, I’ll be p**!

By Sean

April 2, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

There better not be one empty seat in Philips Arena come the first playoff game. It’s been heartbreaking to see plenty of empty seats at past Braves playoff games. Lets not do the same to the Thrashers what kind of message would that send? Not a very good one if you ask me. So fellow Thrasher fans lets pack Philips Arena to the rafters next week.

By RedandBlackAttack

April 2, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers will come out strong against the caps to get a win and leave tb with no doubt who the division winner is. Go Blue!! Go Thrashers!!!

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Don’t you worry, Sean. Blueland will be soldout. In 1999, the Atlanta Thrashers established a new all-time attendance record for an expansion team. I suspect we’ll see that level of hockey “enthusiasm” now that the team is bound for the playoffs.

In my humble opinion, the reason the Braves don’t sellout home playoff games lies principally in the OVERKILL of their annual appearances in the playoffs. I assure you that most baseball cities are fortunate to make the playoffs twice a decade. So when they do, it’s a “big deal.”

That’s not the case here. This is the 1st time-ever, for the Thrashers. It’s not some “hiccup” in the team’s timeline.

Now, if the Thrashers should make the playoffs for 14 straight years, winning the Southeast division in each of those years, and be considered as annual favorites, only to fail to win the Cup, year-after-year .. then all bets are off in terms of home playoff sellouts. For the record, I like the Braves. I attended many playoff games. But my affection for baseball cannot compare to my absolute love of hockey as the #1 sport. Period, the end.

By Brian

April 2, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - here is the link for http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/standings. We have the “x” for clinched. I like this the best because it has the division and playoff standings on the same page. Every other sports site you have to flip back and forth between full standings and then the conference/playoff standings. That drives me nuts, this one is nice. Their scores are not updated as quickly though but they and nhl.com have logos next to the team which, call me picky, I always like.

LAC - http://lightning.tampabay.com/. It is up to 30% “no” now. Are we stirring up the enemy though?

Our playoff clinching push must be making news all over the country. I bet other teams fans are going to start coming onto our site to read more about our PLAYOFF BOUND ATLANTA THRASHERS!!!

By Matt H

April 2, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

This is awesome!

I’d like to say, also, how great it is to see so many new posters on this page. Good thing, great sign.

I’m so happy that the Thrashers have made the playoffs.

Now I just hope I’ll be able to see it.

Unlike many posters here, I don’t live in Atlanta or get my cable from Comcast. I have Charter. And while I’ve been very happy with Charter’s service thusfar, they have not negotiated a contract with Comcast to keep the Versus network.

I called Charter today and told them, politely, but under no uncertain terms, that I would drop them if they drop VS.

They told me that Comcast was sort of up to dirty pool by starting a campaign saying that Charter may drop VS, in an attempt to drive the price of the contract up.

That sucks. And I don’t like to be manipulated by any company for any reason… but the fact remains that I’m hockey’s b!tch, and if I can’t get my hockey with your service, I’ll find another service who can do.

If you’re a Charter subscriber like me, click here to let them know you want VS kept in your cable package

The Charter Rep I spoke to said the issue should be resolved in one way or another in the next couple days, and I’m sure SportSouth will be carrying Thrasher playoff games, but if you want NHL, not even the Center Ice package will provide more games than VS in the playoffs (I think the #’s in the 40’s somewhere).

Why is it we hockey fans are so often treated as mere bargaining chips lately?

Growing pains I guess.

Anyway, GO F’IN’ BLUE!

KEEP KOZLOV

By BG33Brown

April 2, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Julien Fired…..WOW

Anybody got a guess why?

By majordawg

April 2, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

This is great! Any chance it earns the Thrashers some front page pub. The Braves did it like 14 times and made the front page all the time. Heck, opening day was the front page story on AJC.Com today and this is the day the Thrashers clinched!

By Sean

April 2, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t have Versus where I live so i’ll either have to catch the Thrash when they are on NBC,Online Radio or hope maybe sportssouth will carry playoff games.

By Brian

April 2, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown - didn’t Lamoriello do the same thing before and fire Pat Burns or Robbie Ftoruk this late in the season only to go on and win the Cup?

Brendan, back me up on this one…

By Ryan

April 2, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Brian, got this from NHL.com: “Monday’s firing isn’t the only time Lamoriello made a late-season coaching move. He fired Robby Ftorek with eight games left in the 1999-2000 season and Robinson led the team to its second Stanley Cup title”.

By Brian

April 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Ryan - thanks man. I think that was shortly after Ftorek threw the bench out onto the ice, can’t remember for sure. Either way, this seems like typical Lou…

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

That’s exactly right, Brian and Ryan. And you’ll remember that the Philadelphia Flyers led the Eastern Conference Finals, 3-1, when Robinson erupted in what could only be described as a MEMORABLE speech to his troops. The Devils rallied to win the series, 4-3. Then won the Cup over Dallas, 4-2, in the Finals. The winning goal scored by Jason Arnott, in overtime, of Game Six.

In case you’re curios, future Hall of Fame Goaltender Marty Brodeur’s record in OT games is a meager 8-17. But, he was in net the Cup clincher back in 2000.

By BG33Brown

April 2, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I forgot about that. But your right. That’s lou.

By bigdawg

April 2, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t ESPN list Atlanta as having clinched a spot?

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

I trust Lou’s judgement on most things. But if this is a “trend,” I don’t like it. Time will tell if Lou made the “right call.”

By Brian

April 2, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Brendan & Ryan - if I can add in here right now that the best OT game for Marty was a loss. He lost 1-0 to Dominik Hasek and the Sabres in a playoff games that went to 4OT.

By kracker

April 2, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Matt, thanks for the info on the Charter/Comcast spat regarding VERSUS. I clicked thru and sent the email informing them I will drop Charter if they drop VS.

I assume the dish networks carry VS?

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Brian, was that the Dave Hannan goal?

By Brian

April 2, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Brendan - yes it was, and I am proud to say that I watched all 4 OT’s

How would you like to shut a team out for over 2 hours (60 mins in reg and 65 mins in OT) and then lose 1-0?

By Brendan

April 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Brian - I wouldn’t like it one little bit. Sounded like a fantastic game. A strong defensive effort by both clubs. Hasek vs. Brodeur. That’s about as good as it gets.

By LAC

April 2, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Brian, That’s SUPER, I should have added link !!!! VOTE NO To Lightning winning SE.

NHL.com has CHANGED the standings…. I got so upset I called, spoke to a lady and explained to her Atlanta is IN and got to some guy, He said they had not “updated” the standings yet…

Yeah right and you are in TORONTO Too… Right ?????

Well it NOW SHOWS ATLANTA IN The Playoffs.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

By Brian

April 2, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

LAC - yeah, I don’t mean to get picky but I couldn’t find it in nhl.com like you spoke of so I added that link. But you referenced the St. Pete Times so I was able to find by googling it.

Shame on me for not using brackets properly, I actually had a note in there to you saying I voted “no” and liked your idea but I put the wrong part in parenthesis and not brackets so only the link showed up…

By Scott

April 2, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

GOT MY PLAYOFF TIX. CANNOT WAIT!!!!!

By Matt H

April 2, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

kracker I remember my friend having the Dish Network and getting VS a couple years ago.

I really don’t want to have to drop Charter, but I will if I have to.

By AJ

April 2, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO GUYS!!! NOW LET’S SEE IF THE HOME TOWN PAPER WILL GIVE YOU THE FRONT PAGE COVERAGE YOU DESERVE!!! I AM PROUD TO BE A SEASON TICKET HOLDER, HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT MINE FOR NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE IN THE SEATS SCREAMING MY HEAD OFF DURING THE PLAYOFFS!!! WAY TO GO!!!!

By caveman22

April 2, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

much the same as when I was younger, I feel strangely empty without my daily dose of RAWHIDE.

Where for art thou RAWHIDE!!

ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ RAW - HIIIIDDE