Thrashers

By Russian

April 4, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

we have to win today. Washington stoped us last year. It can not be happend again. Let’s go Thrasher. My beard still is growing :-)

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

I’m hoping McCarthy can be ready, if called upon, for the playoffs.

Let’s just win these two games vs. Washington and Carolina, and then we don’t have to worry about Tampa Bay.

By Russ

April 4, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I said when there were five games left that I’d feel a lot better going into the playoffs if the Thrashers could show some killer instinct and get at least one more blow-out win before the end of the season. Hasn’t happened yet…maybe tonight???

By Thorpe

April 4, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Go BC!

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Not having Semin in the lineup hurts the Caps. I think they only managed one goal last night. And after serving up a shutout, the Capitals may be due for 4-5 goals against tonight.

Along those lines, wouldn’t it be great if Kovalchuk hit 40 tonight? Or Slave or TK got a hattie, to get to 30 goals for the season? How ‘bout 3-points for Hossa? That’d give him 100 for the season.

By Ryan

April 4, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Do yo think some of the boys remember what happened last season? I think so, look for Atlanta to come out strong….and keep A.O. from getting clean shots on goal. Should be a good one for Blueland.

By BB

April 4, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Russ, I’d feel a lot better going into the playoffs if we could score a few PP goals.

By Brian

April 4, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Brendan - can we say that the Thrashers fate is in their own hands? What is the appropriate cliche for this scenario?

I think Kovy gets the big performance tonight.

By Hu Ngwa Lao

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

Does McCarthy’s injury really matter if Hartley won’t play him anyway Nobody can remember the last time this guy saw any ice time, yet Suttsy gets a ton of minutes and even Hnidy gets to dress. Braydon Coburn must be glad to be out of here and playing where he can actually get some ice time. It’s not a matter of skill or ability, it’s about having French-Canadian roots or being one of Hartley’s boys.

I thought your article in today’s paper was ill timed. Hartley’s coaching style only works for a few years before the players grow tired of it. It was posturing by him to get the fans behind him when he gets a new contract. If he doesn’t know how much money he makes than if Waddell decides to keep him around he should pay him about $35k a year. Of course if that happens, don’t count on seeing Valabik, Bryan Little, or any other young talent getting time with us any time soon.

By Craig Custance

April 4, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hu - The timing of the article was a response to the situation in New Jersey. I approached him about his contract, not the other way around. His willingness to talk openly about it, might have been posturing (as you say), I don’t know.

By Matt

April 4, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I hate to say this, but does anyone remember the last time we faced an unproven goalie, in place of the normal workhorse? Oh yeah, our last loss. Facing a relative unknown can be good, because a lot of times the goalie is overwhelmed by the whole expereince, but there is also that ‘unknown’. We have ripped Kolzig before as well as Semin, so I didn’t think facing either one was a daunting task.

I hope we scout this goalie better than the rook from Florida last week…

By stor stark

April 4, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

If we win tonight the math on the magic number becomes REAL simple, 1. That’s a great situation to be in, knowing that your opponent has to be flawless and you just have to get a single overtime loss. TONIGHT IS MUST WIN!!!

By Brian

April 4, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

stor stark - if we win tonight, we get 95, get 1 point in the remaining 2, that’s 96. If TB wins their last 2, they go from 92 to 96. They win the tiebreaker because they have more wins as we would both have 96.

We need 2 points after a win tonight or a Tampa loss after a win tonight…

By Russ

April 4, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Actually a win tonight cuts the magic number to 2. Tampa would have the tie-breaker on us, so the Thrashers have to win out-right.

By luckydog

April 4, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

matt, not to disagree with your point about unknown goalies, but brent johnson has been around a few seasons. he’s 5-2-1 lifetime against the thrashers. but we beat him up pretty good last time we faced him.

By alex

April 4, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hey this is my first post on this blog but i have always looked at it and been a fan since the team started in 99. Matt, Johnson isnt an unproven goalie, he won 30 a few years ago for the Blues and the thrash had a win over him this year a game i was at so i wouldnt be concerned about that tonight. Im predicting a 5-1 win.

By Brian

April 4, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Whoever it was that was complaining about ESPN, they finally put the “x” next to Atlanta in the standings. They are idiots though, on their trophy tracker they have Ted Nolan as #3 for Jack Adams winner. Let’s give it to a guy who doesn’t even make the playoffs…

By where's Steve MC?

April 4, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Steve McCarthy has played his last game as a Thrasher (unless he is re-signed, which I seriously doubt will happen). GOTTA WIN TONIGHT BOYS! Blueland has risen…

By Chris

April 4, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Something to watch tonight: who matches up against Ovechkin?

Will be a precursor of what we can expect against the Jagr or Lecavalier lines.

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Brian, I’d agree with you. But Renallo doesn’t seem to like the terms “fate” and “destiny.” The semantics of it disqualify a notion of control. In his way of thinking about destiny, it wouldn’t matter how hard the Thrashers tried, if they are destined to not be division champions. That is, if Atlanta scored 11 goals, then the opposition scores 12, in such an ideology. That’s how it might go, if Tampa Bay is destined to be Southeast Division champs.

I’d simply say this. It’s a good thing that other teams don’t have to lose while Atlanta has to win, in order to claim that division title. Securing wins over Washington and Carolina will make the season finale versus Tampa Bay meaningless, vis-a-vis Atlanta’s Southeast Division tital aspirations. That’s what I’d like to see.

Now, as for the rest of the league? Since they wouldn’t care who wins either way, they probably WANT the Thrashers and Lightning to be separated by two (2) or fewer points headed into the finale.

Rubbing my hands together … ya know what I’d really like to see? (Evil, sinister laugh) I’d like Atlanta to be up by two points going into the finale, only to force OVERTIME!!! That’s right! That stupid overtime loss point would actually turn out to be the division CLINCHER. At least that way, I could get someone else (even if it’s only Tampa fans,) to agree that games should only be won or lost, with no points attached to them.

By Russ

April 4, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Or the Thrashers go into that last game tied or up one point and the game goes to a shootout. Wouldn’t the traditionalists love that…a division title decided by a shootout.

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Where’s Steve MC, I wouldn’t necessarily say that McCarthy is gone. For starters, we don’t know that Coach Hartley will be back next season. And if he isn’t, maybe McCarthy will be a regular along the blueline.

Second, McCarthy is restricted, I believe. So, the team that signs him will have to give Atlanta compensation in some form or fashion. It won’t be a LOT. It won’t be prohibitive, anyway. But some teams like having 3rd round picks and have a history of making them count. They may continue their search, bypassing McCarthy.

Third, McCarthy is due a qualifying offer this Summer at or near $850,000 to $900,000. If Don gives it to him, then it’s up to McCarthy to accept or decline. If he accepts it, then he’s back. If he declines it, the parties can go to binding arbitration. That can be costly. If Don doesn’t like the decision, he can try to trade McCarthy at that point. (Think Vishnevski, from last Summer. Ducks took him to arbitration, didn’t like the $1.55 million award, traded him to Atlanta.)

So, what if Don refuses to make a qualifying offer? Then, McCarthy can become an unrestricted free agent and sign with anyone he choses, and I think Atlanta also loses its right to compensation in the process. So, I kinda think McCarthy will get a qualifying offer. Then some other team will have to match the offer and give a corresponding measure of compensation (thinking … that’s it’s a 3rd round pick, but it could be more,) back to the Thrashers for having taken away a restricted free agent.

Even at $900,000, I think McCarthy represents good value. I haven’t done any STUDIES, mind you, to arrive at that conclusion. It’s just gut feeling, based on what I’ve seen of him. I’m not presenting any scientifically determined, proven FACTS here. It’s not a dissertation. This is a blog post.

By Brian

April 4, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Brendan - the terminology really doesn’t make sense, but I have to say something. How ‘bout if Atlanta wins out?

I think you are playing with fire hoping it comes down to that final game. I want it clinched before that. Although as many have stated it will be a fantastic end to the season.

Another good one will be Sat night - Toronto vs. Montreal for the #8 seed, loser goes home.

By where's Steve MC?

April 4, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Brendan, I think you were right on about them intentionally not playing McCarthy in order to use it against him come contract time. If he does stay, That would be great. It’s always good to have an offensive minded defenseman. In the meantime, my new blog name is Hnidy’s Knights. GO THRASH! Kick Brashear’s arse!

By Hnidy's Knights

April 4, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

BRASHEAR sucks! McSorley was framed! BLUUUUUUUUUEELAND!!

By Matt H

April 4, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Looking down the hallway towards Waddell’s office at the team’s practice facility, Hartley joked: “I don’t want to see Don, I’m going home.”

lol

Say what you will about BH, the man’s got a quick wit. CC the guy’s gotta be a great storyteller… anything you can tell us that made the notebook but didn’t make the deadline? :)

By Matt H

April 4, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Brian- On Hockey Night in Canada no less!!!

Oh, if only I had Center Ice… If only…

By Tony C.

April 4, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Who can I talk to about a ticket for Sat.’s game???

As far as who you match up on A-O’s line?

duh

Big Bobby and the Boys

You set Dupuis on A-O (he might be able to keep up with him) and Holik sics Zubrus.

Pretty much standard for the past two years, the Holik line goes against the other guy’s #1 line (be it LeCavelier, Jagr, Sundin, Spezza/Heater you know the scary-good line). Personally, I’d like to see our 4th line go up against A-O’s line if we can get a big enough lead (3 goals+), just so as to see those guys get some qualiy minutes…because if you think Coach isn’t going to shorten his bench severely during the 2nd season…think again.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

April 4, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Matt H - playoffs are almost starting, don’t worry anymore about this year. But before next year, just do the math of the number of games you will watch divided by the cost. It comes out to be a couple bucks a game at the most.

I heard some of the complaints about reception but I don’t agree. The only time I ever had problems was when my dish was not fastened properly and that could’ve been easily fixed but I was moving so I didn’t take the time to do it. But over the grand scheme of things it was next to nothing.

I also never plugged my phone line into it even though they said I had to. The cord/line would’ve had to go across the room so I didn’t and everything still worked fine.

As for HNIC, you’ll be watching the Thrashers game anyway.

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Brian, if the Thrashers win out it’s fine by meeee! That’s what I want to see.

Suddenly, I feel the urge to sing from the movie, “Young Frankstein,” Gene Wilder’s dream sequence, “Destin-y! Destin-y! There’s no escaping that for meeee!!”

Now thoughts turn to his scene with the youthful, sexy Teri Garr, in which he demands, while standing on the platform, “elevate me!” To which she replies, “Right here?? In zie laboratry?!” To which he replies, “Yes, yes! Raise the platform.” Teri Garr replies, “Ohhh riiight. Zie platform. Gotcha.”

Alright, enough talk of destiny. Onward to victory!! And be sure to check out the Stanley Cup in the CNN Center tonight!!

Where’s Steve MC, I’ve got to be careful here. I asked if anyone thought something might be going on with McCarthy and his contract. I didn’t OUTRIGHT ACCUSE Waddell, Hartley, or the Atlanta Spirit Group of conspiring to limit his ice time, and games played, specifically to reduce his Summer contract signing.

As Renallo points out, McCarthy can then just point to his actual minutes played and games played, then project what he would have done, had he played. I think McCarthy is a “new NHL” kind of defenseman. There will be interest in him. And, what’s more, I think he’s a bargain. There’s been debate about the veracity of my claims. Some feel that at $775,000, he’s EXACTLY priced for what he’s worth. I leave that for y’all to debate. I haven’t done any comparison studies.

I’d rather have McCarthy than not have him. But he is not flawless. What player is?? (Hossa, someone just yelled.)

By LAC

April 4, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

If we play a team like Buffalo, It would be a very WISE move to have Steve Mc. in the lineup and sutton sit.

Speed and offense are a key he has and sutton does not. Against a speed team, TB?carolina are the same type he plays, Washington he sits let’s say.

But if I were him, I would play some place else next season as he,for some unknown reason, is not liked here.

One gripe with Hartley is this loyal thing, it makes NO SENSE whatsoever and that need to go.

Need a 5-1 win tonight Guys!!!!!!!

By thefan

April 4, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

3-1 caps bad bad

By BG33Brown

April 4, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Unbelieveable!!! That effort sucks. And what dumb a** turnovers.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

By westcoastbird

April 4, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

This is the team that is going to take us deep into the playoffs? They need to pull it together for the third, or we can kiss the division win goodbye.

By russian

April 4, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

This is f*** game. I can not believe that we are going to loose. Last periodis coming and we are two goals down. Very bad.

By harleyman

April 4, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Like I said the other day. When the Thrashers play against the back up, he looks like the second coming of Patrick Roy. Inconsistent play is really starting to pi$$ me off. If you can’t play defense, you better be able to score. No excuse for this crap tonight. I’m really not sold on the fact that they want it. I would rather not even be in the playoffs if this is the effort we are gonna get. What’s the point? Prove me wrong Thrash.

By harleyman

April 4, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Brashear even outskating some of the Thrashers tonight. What a f**king joke.

By LAC

April 4, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

This is a COMPLETE JOKE, I left and when to the house after the second period, To LOSE to these clowns without two of their better players out ?????

Seems playing for a contract next season means more than the SE Title does, Now it is GIFT WRAPPED for Tampa, They will win because they want to and know how too, We do not, sad thing too before another great crowd…

This is Too much to watch and ALL of Canada is seeing it on TSN what JOY…

I don’t expect much now in the playoffs…first round EXIT after playing like this crap tonight,

Why were we NOT prepared ???? I will never know, and playing without ANY passion except the first ten minutes and sutton again… GEE WHIZ !!!!!

We had it for the taking and now it has been taken away… Thanks fellows for false hopes…

By Tony C.

April 4, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Wow.

Cruise control with a 1-goal lead??? well you see what that gets you.

What do yall think about Coach sitting #17 for the whole 3rd so far?

Personally, I’m OK with disciplinary measures, but we need these 2 points!

I tell ya what, I love Coach’s confidence that we do not need the 2 points this bad.

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. A comeback at this point will be HUGE

By russian

April 4, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Hartly lost his mind! He changed lines complitely. What is going on???? Thanks God we are in PO. I guest we willbe in 8 position and play with Buffalo :-(

By BG33Brown

April 4, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

F’ing A SUTTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COME ON THRAH.

I want to kill that ref.

By BG33Brown

April 4, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

6 on 3 for 45 secs. Man do we need this.

By harleyman

April 4, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Can’t play the first ten and last eight minutes. No drama, just a huge LOSS.

By westcoastbird

April 4, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Bye bye Birdie, I mean Diviosion title

By pblsn

April 4, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

the most frustrating team in professional sports. unable to put away a team you’ve dominated all year with nothing to play for and this is what they deliver? my prediction - lose in 5 in the first round, unless we’re lucky enough to draw Buffalo. At least we’ll be the lowest seed in the playoffs and can’t lose to a lesser team. ugggg…

By luckydog

April 4, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

pathetic.

vinnie and marty were probably laughing their heads off watching this on TV.

they are going to eat us for lunch. our only hope is their goalie has a bad series and we win some 5-4 jobs.

props to kari and sutts though for some big 3rd period plays.

By pblsn

April 4, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

the most frustrating team in pro sports. can’t beat a team you’ve dominated all year and when it matters, this is what you deliver? my prediction - first round loss in 5 games. only hope is being the #8 seed since there won’t be a ‘worse’ team below us. maybe we’ll get lucky and draw the Sabres…..ugggggly!

By Russ

April 4, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Have I mentioned that I’d like to see some killer instinct from this team before the end of the season????? I was talking about winning one game convincingly, but winning two games in a row against non-playoff teams to wrap up the division also would have qualified. Losing to the 14th best team in the East with their back-up goalie and without their second leading scorer really doesn’t.

Also, since the Thrashers have the oldest team in the league I would assume that means they have lots of great veteran leadership, right??? Is it the veteran leadership that gets this team to play to the level of their competition, rather than consistently dominate teams they have way more talent than??? I guess it’s a good sign for the playoffs that they won’t have to play teams like the Flyers and consistently go against back-up goalies.

This game was over as soon as they called that last penalty on Washington…the Thrashers never score 5 on 3 (or in this case 6 on 3). Nice work guys…if you wanted to make sure there was plenty of interest in the Tampa game, mission accomplished.

By russian

April 4, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Please anybody tell why we can not, f***, score a goal with 6 agains 3. This was huge help from Refs. 45 seconds is time to athoher team score winning goal. Why could not we??? THIS question need to addres to Hartly. Our coach is crazy and lost his mind at all. I can not take it this s** anymore. Please kill us for 4 F*** games in PO. ;-(

By CM

April 4, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

So it would seem as though our team played hard and strong for the 1st period and then seemingly took nearly the rest of the game off until the last 44 seconds of a 3 man advantage and then only managed 3 shots I think. Whatever..that kind of play doesn’t earn anyone a championship, not in any sport.

And I thought Hartley’s call to sit Kovy was pretty good. He certainly made his point and sure, we seriously wanted to win this game, and Kovy may have been able to muster something that the rest of them couldn’t manage in that sorry 3rd period, however it sure looked as though he absolutely quit on that soft shot turned goal. Unacceptable play tonight as a whole, in my humble opinion.

Hats off to Johnson though, he made some great saves and Kari definitely kept us in it. That one save towards the end was a beaut.

On a much more positive note, the Braves are in extra innings thanks to a 2 run blast by Brian McCann. Now that kid’s a gamer. (Sorry, I know it’s not a baseball blog..but I’m frustrated)

By luckydog

April 4, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

CM, don’t feel bad…I also turned to the Braves game for solace several times during this wipeout

By Russ

April 4, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Who are the Braves?

By Tampa Bay Jim

April 4, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Thrashers suck…Bolts are gonna kick their stinking ASSES on Saturday…of course you dopes will probably lose to Carolina on Friday…living the dream in Tampa Bay!!!

By Ryan

April 4, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I stated in an earlier post, “Keep A.O. from having clean shot and/shooting lanes”. I swear if I had the keys to the game tonight. GEEZ!

By Russ

April 4, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Tampa Bay Jim, you son of a……I wish I could make a legitimate argument, but there is no reason to think the Thrashers can beat the Canes.

By CM

April 4, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

I hope they enjoyed their visit with Lord Stanley’s Cup today, b/c I’m afraid that’s a close as any of us (that includes you Tampa Bay Jim) will get to it.

By B. Thenet

April 4, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t Hartley bench other players when they either stink or put in a poor effort, instead of rewarding them by putting them on the ice against top talent like he does with Havelid every night? Havelid right now has no business being on the ice at the same time with Ovechkin.

There is something to this “oldest team in the league” thing. This team is so incredibly lazy, they want to do the easy/sneaky play instead of the right play.

If I see one more drop pass from someone who is streaking forward at top speed with nobody in front of them I might implode.

By Barry

April 4, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Not sure what happened but the Thrashers just seemed to totally give up after the 1st period. I know Caps changed their game around and put the pressure on, but you should not leave AO open anywhere with time to think, pick out a spot, remembering to call his mother, wondering if he left the stove on, figure out what he wants to eat after the game and then still time to shoot and score. It was a decent move by Hartley to bench Kovy but not for that long period of a time when we needed him out there on the ice. Also how in the world can you have a 6 on 3 and not score??? It’s amazing just how much our PP sucks. We got great players out there with no real game plan. The perimeter passing and shooting hasn’t worked for 6 months…it’s not going to work now. This team is not ready for the playoffs. Heck this team is not ready to win the division. It’s like they knew they couldn’t win the division on home ice tonight so what….they decide to lose this game and try do so on home ice Saturday??? Sure what it feels like.

By Tom

April 4, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

What happens when the fans have a greater sense of urgency than the team?

That was my impression tonight.

However, I got a picture with my family with the Cup so I still have a smile on my face, even though I do not have a voice left.

Boo’ing the Ref for the whole 4 minutes of the powerplay was impressive. I think the Thrashers realized we were p** at them and the ref.

Oh, and we have 2 of the top slot grinders in the league yet we refuse to put shots on the net on the powerplay and expect to make 10 perfect passes to set up the ESPN Hockey2Night highlight reel. We have to tell the boys that NHL2Night has been off the air for 2 years. JUST SHOOT THE DANG PUCK!

And Pony Tail guy who was in charge of the line to see the Stanley Cup, next time be a little more prepared. That was one of the worst displays of crowd control since Kevin Bacon in Animal House.

R. Stroz … my email is tom @ scaredmonkeys dot com for your pics with the Lord Stanleys Cup.

By russian

April 4, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Bpb Hartly needs to go after this season. He has all of it and he could not do it. We are just so lucky to get PO spot. All our regular season was just hoping that other team beat Tampa or Carolina. We lost 16 points advantage on Tampa. Look on Buffalo, NJ, Pittsburgh and Ottawa. They got 100 and more points and they did not care about team as Thrashers, Rangers or Tampa. One more thing, when Tampa won a Cup they get 106 points and clinch Eastern Conference. When Carolina won a Cup they got 112 points. It was only one point behind Ottawa. But I am sorry, Thrashers got 93 points and we are talking about Conference Poster. It is f*** Funny.

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Move on, and put this one behind us. If this were a playoff game, which it was, unofficially, that’s still what you do. If you play poorly, you regroup for the next game. This team does not play well on three days rest. Nor does it have any killer instinct. Not since October, anyway.

Truthfully, after Kovy got his 40th, just 1:06 into the 1st period … I looked around the rafters of Philips Arena and tried to decide where they would hang the banner.

Big mistake. All the Championship banner talk has to stop until it’s clinched. I got to see the Stanley Cup tonight. I think it was a major source of distraction. Not only was the team unfocused, but truthfully, so were we, as fans. All the people around me were “yawning” and lulled to sleep. The whole building, except the Capitals, took the 2nd period off. I think we all just wanted that picture taken with the Cup tonight more than we wanted what would have been a franchise record for wins and points.

Almost from the opening drop of the puck, the atmosphere felt like a preseason game. There were empty seats. Late arrivals. It felt like a game in October, rather than one in April. How did this happen, Blueland? Was it because it was Wednesday night? Was it because no one in the building thought the Capitals might actually pull it off? A little from Column “A” and little from Column “B.”

Thank God they play again soon. It’ll be three games in four nights to close out the season. Hopefully, our team average ago > 30 won’t haunt us.

So, Moose vs. the ‘Canes?

By Brendan

April 4, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

In the poll question, I have been voting for “wait and see what happens in the playoffs” regarding Hartley’s contract. Contrary to my preason thoughts, I blame Hartley much more than Waddell for the follies of this team.

Again, this is just one game. An important one. But one game, nonetheless. Put it behind us. Win vs. Carolina and win vs. Tampa and the division really is ours.

By Brendan

April 5, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Craig, Did the Thrashers come out of this game injury-free? Hopefully, all that was wounded was their pride.

By the way, that high-stick call on Boulton … was really marginal. I really thought the Larsen goal should have counted.

And for the record, that Andy Sutton goal really was one of the best of the season. Knowing Hartley, Sutton will be shooter #3, behind Kozlov and Hossa, for the next shootout.

I’m watching the Ducks vs. Sharks on Center Ice, and this is a real doozie. 2-2 in the 3rd, with a 1:00 left. This was the kind of effort I expected from the Thrashers tonight.

By Brendan

April 5, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

I almost forgot. It was really nice to see (Moose) Hedberg get recognized by his teammates as the most outstanding teammate. That’s a nice honor.

By Natalie

April 5, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Hi. I’m new to hockey, and I didn’t quite understand why Hartley benched Kovy. Can someone pls explain? Thanks.

By Tony C.

April 5, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

Natalie Did you see the 2nd goal that Ovechkin scored?

Did you see #17 join the scrum for the puck along the neutral-zone boards-that he just kind of poked at, and gordon got free and pooped it out to Ovechkin for his breakway goal?

This is the time of year that you are expected to “get in there”. You often here hockey people talk about a player who is “not afraid to get his nose dirty” that’s the sort of play where you get your nose dirty, to get in close and wrestle, poke, pull, smack, kick, push, punch whatever and get control of the puck. Especially at the end of the period! You want to make sure that you make the “safe” play at the end of a period, you don’t want to give the other guy some “juice” heading into the next period-if you’ve got a team knocked on their can, you don’t want to let them up easy….#17’s lackadaisical play did just that, and so Coach benched him for the better part of the 3rd.

Bad loss, again our guys thought they could turn it on and turn it off…and again they were found wanting with this style…could be a good thing-get all the guys’ focused.

But to hear some of you bloggers, clearly there’s no point in playing any of the remaining games on the docket COME ON! act like a fan! b!tch about the poor play all you want, but don’t throw the towel in before the bell’s rung.

Still they should’ve won that game.

LET’S GO BLUE!!!

P.S. anybody know about a ticket for Saturday? Also, who’s going to practice Friday?

By Tony C.

April 5, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this

Actually, after watching it again #17 didn’t even join the scrum he just kind of passed by and poked at the puck a couple of times…watch the higlight on ESPN Natalie, and you’ll see what I mean.

LET’S GO BLUE!!!

P.S.

Boulton’s hi-stick shouldn’t have been a double-minor IMO

By Dave

April 5, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Hey the Thrashers need the Canes game or else Atlanta will fall to #7 seed and play the Devils and Brodeur. Let’s face it, the Lightning will probably win the division and the Rangers will zip right by the Thrashers as well into the #6 seed. Talk about a quick exit!!! Hartley deserves credit for benching the ‘superstar’. It might wake him up for the Lightning game and potential series against them. How many points does he have against the Lightning this year in 7 games? I believe it is ZERO!!!

By thrashersfan

April 5, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

You guys are right, it’s just one game and you move on. BUT, I don’t care! Can this team ever step up in a critical game!? Can they ever put away a team when it matters!? You never know what you’re going to get with these guys!

Damn, they frustrate me. Now win Fri, & win Sat!!

P.S. Anyone thinking about the layoff between season end and first PO game? Wish it was only a day or two instead of 4-5 days.

By Bob

April 5, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Tony, Boulton’s call was very marginal but a good call, after seeing the reply. Them’s the breaks.

Sutton’s shortie was a thing of beauty, my goodness he can play when he gets that emotion going. I thought for sure they were going to OT.

Great move by Hartley to bench Kovy in the 3rd. If Kovy plays like that in the playoffs, he’ll kill us. Remember, Kovy always responds well after episodes like this, and he plays better p** (and man, did he look p** sitting there on the bench in the 3rd). Kovy has to be responsible all over the ice and give a much better effort in the playoffs. Message sent, balls in your court, Kovy.

I’ve been saying for a month that the division is coming down to the last game, and it is. And it should. I am psyched for it. One game, the boys will step up and take it and send Tampa home with their tail between their legs.

Unleash the Fury

By Matt H

April 5, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Well, this team’s gotta grow up sometime and maybe this game is the kick in the a* they needed. To want it so badly at the end, and not get it, is probably better for them than if they won it.

The vets know it. Holik has been saying it for a long time. 60 minutes. They got the first 20 right.

Great to see Hedberg get honored. I hope we can keep him with the team.

Tampa Bay Jim If you think any kind of hockey dream includes Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist as your goalie tandem, you must be that guy I kept seeing at the intersection of Kennedy and Dale Mabry talking to himself all the time.

By Russian

April 5, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I think we will be playing with Buffalo or NJ on first round. Rangers will clinch 6 position. People, may be it is not bad to play agains strong team for us. We always do much better against NJ, Buffalo, Toronto, Rangers. I do not know it is really killing me. I could not stop thinking about our team. DAMN HOCKEY. Why did I pick this sport 35 years ago :-)

By John Allen

April 5, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I got this from SportsUnlimited’s web site and it made me think!

“Any discussion of a Southeast Division race between the Lightning and Thrashers must begin with three previous head-to-head meetings. The Thrashers coughed up two-goal leads to the Lightning three times this season in games eventually won by Tampa. John Tortorella’s team got an extra point in all three, which means if the Thrashers held the lead in just one of those games, the division title might have already been decided. Giving up leads has been commonplace in the NHL this season, and the Thrashers took part surrendering leads to many other division and conference opponents throughout the season.”

The link to the article is: SportsUnlimited

By JayBird

April 5, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

John, those games are telling but to me, it’s the dropped points against Philadelphia that are biting us in the arse right now. If we win one game against Philly, the division is locked up. I just hope the boys are ready to play against Carolina because I’m sure the Canes are p** off about not making the playoffs. And please, Florida, do us a favor.

By michael

April 5, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

if anyone is interested in going to the canes game tomorrow we have an extra ticket and spot on the van. there are 6 season ticket holders going, we need a seventh. we will be coming back the next day for tampa game. let me know

By Matt H

April 5, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Way to be, Michael! Spread the lurv. Wish I could go. Y’all rock them sumzabishes up there tomorrow night!

By R. Stroz

April 5, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

First of all, I’m in the camp that thinks Kozy is very talented but has a bad habit of not using his brain. Second, Kozy has played better since not making the All-Star game.

That said, benching Kozy to make a point is good coaching, * IF THE SAME PRINCIPAL IS APPLIED TO ALL PLAYERS WHO SCREW UP*. Although Sutton has played well the last several games, he didn’t get parked on the bench for his mistakes. DEVO hasn’t been parked on the bench for playing soft.

The best way for a coach to lose the respect of his players is to apply different rules to different players. Most of the season, Hartley has punished the younger players when they screw up but gives the older players a pass. If I’m going to make an example, I punish the older players first so the younger players know what comes next.

By R. Stroz

April 5, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I meant Kovy, not Kozy. OOPS!

By Russian

April 5, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

to R. Stroz Man, what are you talking about??? About Kozlov or Kovalchuk???? Learn names, Please.

By caveman22

April 5, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

* QUESTION FOR THE BLOG *

OK , I know that I should know this already but somebody help me out.

What happens when the Cup gets filled up on the outside with the etchings?? Do they add another layer on the bottom?? Just curious.

By R. Stroz

April 5, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Russian - Problem fixed. I know names but sometimes my brain and fingers don’t communicate well, except when I’m driving the car in Atlanta traffic.

By R. Stroz

April 5, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Russian - Speaking of Russians, wouldn’t it be nice if Kozy’s brain could be placed in Kovy’s head.

By thrashersfan

April 5, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Great point R. Stoz, think about the blatant mistakes by Devo in Jan/Feb and to a lesser extent Sutton. Devo should have been a healthy scratch many times over, if not because he was clearly worn out. Regardless, neither were benched, ever!

By thrashersfan

April 5, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

The Cup etchings are on removable silver bands. As new names and bands, are added, the NHL places the older bands in the Hall….correct me if I’m wrong guys.

By Bob

April 5, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind that the Panthers are to Tampa as the Caps are to us. The Panthers see the Boltz as their biggest rival and would relish beating them tomorrow night.

By Brendan

April 5, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Caveman22, in 1958, the modern one-piece Stanley Cup was introduced. The collar of the trophy was replaced by a duplicate in 1963, and the original bowl was retired in 1969. When the trophy was remodeled in 1958, it was designed so that the last space on the Cup would be filled by the winner in the Cup’s centennial year (1992). This plan went awry when the names of the 1964-65 Habs were engraved over a larger than normal space, forcing the Cup to be altered by one year, in 1991 (Penguins 1st Cup win).

Rather than make the trophy bigger, and thereby change the shape that had become so familiar to hockey fans, the league decided to remove the top band (containing the winners from 1928 to 1940) and retire it to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The four remaining bands were then moved up the barrel and a new 5th band was added at the bottom. Each band of the Cup can hold 13 years’ worth of winners. In 2005, the top band was removed again and retired to the Hall of Fame (Le temple de la renomEe du Hockey). I think, but won’t swear to it, that Carolina’s Cup is the 1st team on the new bottom band of the Cup. If it isn’t, then I guess this year’s Cup winner will be the 1st, and Carolina’s would have been the last on the band that got moved up. I guess the winners from 1941 to 1953 are now able to be seen in the Hall of Fame. A replica Cup is always on display at the Hall.

By caveman22

April 5, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

brendan thanks dude, I feel stupid for not knowing that already. But that’s what your friendly neighborhood blog is for. To confirm the fact that I’nm stupid for not knowing that. lol

thanks again dude!!

By Brendan

April 6, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

No need to feel down, Caveman22. Unless GEICO has been calling you to denigrate your online prowess. And if they do, you threaten them with a ‘class action’ lawsuit on behalf of all cavemen, as well as a harrassment suit. And then you end the call by saying, “I’m not a sellout. I will never log on to GEICO.com just to save some money. My dignity doesn’t have a price tag.”

By Natalie

April 6, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks Tony C.. After watching that play several times, I totally understand. It was great to see Kovy score in the first few minutes tonight!

Atlanta Thrashers - Southeast Division Champions