AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThrashers are Southeast champs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Suddenly the last game is meaningless. What a night for the Thrashers, who not only bounced back strong from the Washington debacle, but thanks to Florida’s big win, clinched the division.
It’s not confirmed or official, but word from the team is that the first playoff game in Thrashers history will be on Thursday, April 12th (which also happens to be my wife’s birthday). I think that has a lot to do with the Hawks schedule, but nothing can be firmed up until we know who the Thrashers are going to play.
So what was going through your mind when the Thrashers clinched? You do realize that the last two Southeast Division champs went on to win the Stanley Cup, don’t you? (no pressure there)
Here are some Hartley quotes I didn’t use from my cell phone conversation with him as he boarded the plane, once it became official. Because like a good hockey coach, he refused to comment on the division, even when Florida opened a 7-0 lead.
Hartley from the plane:
“For the entire organization, the owners, fans, players, management - it’s a big reward. Home ice advantage. It gives us a banner in the rafters in our rink. Obviously we want to add to that banner. It recognizes the effort of all the players since day one.”
On this being a big year for him personally with the team
“That’s the mandate that Don had given me. To be his partner and to work in getting this team to the playoffs. Not only did we get to the playoffs, we got the divisional title, home ice advantage. It’s certainly fun as a coach and a player. You hope you’ll be in the playoffs, that’s the goal. We had step one, now step two is on the verge of starting.”
Alright I have to get back to the hotel before they kick me out of the arena. Early morning flight, then one more game.
Comments
By Matt H
April 6, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
HELL YEAH!
By Wreckin' & Thrashin'
April 6, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
YEAH BABY!!! 7 years in the making! As sweet as a Kovalchuk one timer!
By Sham-Rock
April 6, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
Not to beat a dead horse but will you guys at ajc finally give the Thash some press. They won the Southeast and on the front page is (you guessed it The Braves) not only that I dont see anything about the Thrash at all on the front page of the web. Give me a break!!!!! Oh yeah no one care that the miserable hawks won a game (whoop dee doo) even if it were by 100 points they would still be awful.
By B. Thenet
April 6, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
The Thrashers have a chance to pick who they face in the first round with the game tomorrow.
Just win the game and let the rest sort itself out.
By ssiscribe
April 6, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Such a sweet feeling. I was checking scores from our frosty perch down the right-field line at Turner Field, sharing the good news with all around us.
Can’t believe Tampa got drilled like that at home. Florida’s played great the past three months. Too little, too late.
Got a ticket for the second home playoff game, which now will be Game 2, probably next Saturday, April 14.
CC, thanks much for the quotes from Hartley. Great job on the beat. Gonna be a fun spring.
Later, folks.
—30—
By Rone
April 6, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t have to take my nitro glycerin pills to the game tomorrow.
Sweet, sweet banner.
By Brendan
April 6, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
It’s good to know that, no matter what else happens, we get a championship banner at Philips Arena. I never thought I’d be so happy over a division title. (We’ve had 14 of them, recently, with the Braves.) But this is very special to longtime hockey fans in the area, particularly those who were here for the Flames.
Atlanta’s last NHL playoff victory was April 11, 1980. A 4-2 win over the NY Rangers, who just might be the Thrashers 1st round opponent. The Rangers won that 1980 best-of-five series, 3-1. For the record, no Atlanta, GA-based NHL franchise has ever won a playoff series. Unless I’m wrong, the Atlanta Flames won only two (2) games in their history in Atlanta. The other win occurred on April 7, 1977, a 3-2 win over the L.A. Kings.
By Lee
April 6, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Craig, are you excited about covering playoff hockey? I know I would be…I was so happy to see FLA doing us a favor, and in the end it was Tampa’s biggest issue that cost them- goaltending
By Thrasher_Ed
April 7, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
Wow! I never thought we’d win it like that, 4-1 versus the Canes (Sweet)Tampa implodes versus Florida (should be even better next year, Look out there). Let’s just give’em an equal butt kickin and move on to the Playoffs in Style. Phillips should be Rockin’ Saturday Night! Congrats to the Thrashers and Thrash fans everywhere.
By thrashersfan
April 7, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
You’re right, Brendan, the Atl Flames never made it past the first round. I particularly remember the series with Philly & LA. Tough to swallow, especially against LA, but Rogie Vachon (sp?) & Marcel Dion were too good. What was it, 2, 3yrs later in Calgary when they broke through & won a series?
What a relief it was to win the division tonight. Nice for the team, and us, not to have the pressure tomorrow night. Yes, it’s a game you would like to make a statement in, but with a 7 game series, it really won’t matter that much. Just curious who cares more.
Both coaches may ease into this one and limit play of some vets. Obviously, Tkchuck was hurt tonight, Belanger has the groin issue and Hoss could use the rest.
It will be a proud, happy moment tomorrow night. Looking forward to congratulating the guys and cheering them into the playoffs. Us season-ticket holders have been waiting a “long” time for this.
Go Thrashers.
By kracker
April 7, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
I’m giddy, what else to say???
By Alex
April 7, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
As i said in the Kovalchuk/Goalie blog, Tampa got fell flat on their asses and were blown out by Florida (go check my comment for proof). Im confident whoever the Thrash play in the first round they wil beat them.
By Ryan
April 7, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
To all posters on this blog for a long time, let’s enjoy this one for a few days. It truly has been a long time coming. Go Blue!
By scribe
April 7, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
Personally, I want John Tortorella, to shut his fat mouth and slither away like the snake he is. He is the biggest loser ever to have his name on the cup. He’s an accident. His players did all the work, he’s unworthy…
By rockdr99
April 7, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
INCREDIBLE — WHAT A CELEBRATION TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE — But the game has meaning for Tampa — A Tampa win and a Rangers loss means Tampa plays us — Anything else and we play the Rangers —-
An aside to LAC — You get a zero for prognostication and a zero for class, like in none —
By Jameson
April 7, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
So, where did that Rob guy go to? I thought he was coming up here to see the Southeast Division Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. I guess he must’ve been talking about a game in 2012, or something.
By JayBird
April 7, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this
Rob was probably the douche bag kid who was sitting on my row Wednesday night wearing the Lightning jersey, cheering for the Caps. Talk about wanting to kick the sh-t out of someone. It took everything I had to not punch him in the face and bust all his zits!
Great game tonight, the boys made us all proud. Talk about a good Friday, the division is won and my playoff tickets arrive in the mail!!!
By westcoastbird
April 7, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this
Did anyone notice kari after the game? It looked like he was telling the guys on ice the score of the fla/tbl game. I can’t read lips, but the smile on his face seemed to me that he knew the division tilte was almost theirs. Also, what’s up with sharing the rafters with widespread panic, do they really have a banner flying in phillips.(It has been a while since I have been home).
I am now eating my drunkin’ words after the loss to washington on wens. Thank Dog!! LETS GO BIRDS!!!
By R. Stroz
April 7, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Rob - I hope to see you tonight wearing your Lecrapalier jersey. What a moron, you drove eight hours to watch the Thrashers fans laugh at you the entire game. I’m hope you enjoyed paying $2.50 a gallon for gas to find out your pathetic Dolts lost to the Panthers and your entire trip is meaningless.
Maybe, you and Tampa Bay Joe can hook up and cry in your beers together. Or, even better, you and Tampa Bay Joe can hook up on kiss cam.
By Paul
April 7, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Thrashers. They played very well tonite. Major Kudos to Moose. I let him play tomorrow. He looked superior tonite.
By LAC
April 7, 2007 4:05 AM | Link to this
Come on “rockdr99”… They play in cycles, that has been an issue all season. Lets hope they are riding a winning one now.
We CAN Beat NJ/NYR/Pitt/Ott, We have winning records against ALL of them.
So, NYR looks like up first… I say Atlanta in 5.
Lastly the TB implosion was a story to behold, to hear the TB announcers was wonderful… Paul Kennedy saying “We need a big third period to win the SE” HAH, three minutes in it was 7-0. The look on Tortarella’s face was PRICELESS, PRICELESS, yes John you made the playoffs, But you ARE NOT SOUTHEAST CHAMPIONS, The ATLANTA THRASHERS ARE… Got that JOHN !!!!!???
By Don!
April 7, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this
The sad part about all this is the lack of support the franchise is getting from the AJC.
There’s not a mention on the site’s main page, and the headlines from the Braves’ loss trump the quickly added picture on the Sports page.
I hope the Thrashers get a little better support and coverage once the playoffs begin. The way it is right now, if they won the Stanley Cup, it wouldn’t be the top story to this editorial group.
Later,
Don!
By LAC
April 7, 2007 4:43 AM | Link to this
I agree 110% with Don, ajc is NOT supporting a WINNER and gives headlines to a golf match that takes place every year and a Bad baseball game tonight.
Would the Hawks get as poor a coverage ?
The Atlanta Thrashers are CHAMPIONS this season and should get CHAMPIONSHIP COVERAGE, it is the LEAST a very poorly run local paper could do.
Saturday Night… Atlanta 6 TB 1
By Brendan
April 7, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
What a good game! We’re still in the shootout. Kozlov missed, Hossa missed, but Kovalchuk and Tkachuk scored!! And now so has Sim!!! If we lose, we face the the Rangers! But we win!!! New Franchise record for wins, 43, and points, 97!!
By Brendan
April 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
We began the season at home vs. Tampa. In a shootout. But we lost, with Jon Sim shooting last. We end the season, at hom, vs. Tampa Bay. With a shootout. With Jon sim scoring.
What a ride!! Hossa hits 100-points. Kovy has another 40+ goal year. (He scored vs. Tampa Bay, by the way.) Lehtonen played the whole year, injury-free. Hedberg showed why he was Don Waddell’s 1st offseason move. He’s been a great backup.
This should be fun!! We’ve waited a long time. Good things come to those who wait. That’s what they say. This is why they play the games.
By Brendan
April 7, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
We began the season at home vs. Tampa. In a shootout. But we lost, with Jon Sim shooting last. We end the season, at hom, vs. Tampa Bay. With a shootout. With Jon sim scoring.
What a ride!! Hossa hits 100-points. Kovy has another 40+ goal year. (He scored vs. Tampa Bay, by the way.) Lehtonen played the whole year, injury-free. Hedberg showed why he was Don Waddell’s 1st offseason move. He’s been a great backup.
This should be fun!! We’ve waited a long time. Good things come to those who wait. That’s what they say. This is why they play the games.
By Chris
April 7, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Thrashers first ever division title on page 2. How could the AJC be this pathetic?
By thrashersfan
April 7, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
With no pressure to win tonight it was a pleasure to be at the game. Always prefer to win, but at least we could sit back and just enjoy the ride, regardless of the outcome.
Really looking fwd to Thurs, just wish it was sooner so the boys had fewer days in-between.
Brendan, after Holmqvist’s incredible performance, I’m not sure I’d want to face him again. Holmqvist was incredible tonight. Actually, both goalies were and without the two of them, it might have been 7-6. As good as the Moose is, he would not have stopped many of Tampa’s shots. Kari is clearly the future of this franchise.
Go Thrashers!! Beat NY!!
By R. Stroz
April 8, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this
The irony in tonight’s game was about as thick as irony can get. All of the reasons we should have lost the game occurred. First, the game was a sellout. Second, the Thrashers didn’t score on a 5 on 3 power play. Third, Kozlov and Hossa were both stopped in the shootout. All of these factors had been the kiss of death for this team all season. Instead, we win, with Sim, the guy who didn’t score in the season opener in the shootout against Tampa Bay, producing the winning goal in the season finale against Tampa Bay. And, by the way, the win results in the Thrashers playing the same team the Flames lost to before they were shipped to Calgary. Now, thats irony.
By LAC
April 8, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Chris… 200% correct.
The Atlanta journal/constitution is a has been local neigborhood nothing paper. I never read it in my hands only here and FOR NHL HOCKEY ONLY !
Who in the ABSOLUTE HELL gives a s—- about DUMB football PRACTICE… YES PRACTICE 75 miles away, but this is FORNT page news, I’d rather have my dog pee on ajc than read that STUPID stuff.
Then GOLF, ok it’s the Masters, but that is EVERY YEAR… Championships are NOT every year for any team.
With this city having such a POOR WINNING sports record over the years, less Braves, but only 1 WS Win, This is BIG for Atlanta Sports.
But the urnailconstipation continues to back page The Thrashers and has been void of solid coverage for awhile.
Sure there may not be a million and one Thrasher fans out ther in Atlanta, but I bet it is CLOSE and this CRAP fifth rate so called “paper”, who BTW do not care about anything BAD said about them, treats our NEW CHAMPIONS with almost DISRESPECT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do not take the urnal and never will, because frankly put they pick and choose who they like & support and THE HELL with the reader or FANS !!!!
For your Thrasher coverage you pepole get F. You get A for your comtempt of The NHL & Thrashers…
When we win in the PLAYOFFS… Guess that is a word they do not know how to relate too, will Thrashers get FRONT PAGE ahead of some DUMB high school football jock… With the uneducated at the ajc… I seriously doubt it, Ashame too, not I have to go and read a real paper to get better coverage !
Simply put in terms ajc can understand ajc SUCKS !
By LAC
April 8, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
Gee Whiz… I wrote something about HOW BAD ajc Thrashers coverage is and ripped them good… They did not post it… How surprising is that folks ???
By Hockeyfan
April 8, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
The Atlanta Thrashers just won the division title (in case you didn’t know) I’m extremely disappointed in the Atlanta media. I pick up the paper, go to a local news website, and the top story is “A FEW FLURRIES FELL OVERNIGHT ON PEACHTREE STREET IN MIDTOWN” . Are you kidding me? The Thrashers clinch the division title and are about to go to the playoffs for the first time, and you’re telling me about a few flurries? WOW. Unless there is a blizzard outside, or at least enough snow to make a snowmidget, I don’t care! Where is the support and pride for our hometown hockey team? It is so embarrassing to be in a city whose local media ignores such a huge event. The Fans are there, where are you guys? Oh wait, the reporters are outside filming people holding a pea-size ball of frozen water. Great!
By hockeyfan
April 8, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
The Atlanta Thrashers just won the division title (in case you didn’t know) I’m extremely disappointed in the Atlanta media. I pick up the paper, go to a local news website, and the top story is “A FEW FLURRIES FELL OVERNIGHT ON PEACHTREE STREET IN MIDTOWN” . Are you kidding me? The Thrashers clinch the division title and are about to go to the playoffs for the first time, and you’re telling me about a few flurries? WOW. Unless there is a blizzard outside, or atleast enough snow to make a snowmidget, I don’t care! Where is the support and pride for our hometown hockey team? It is so embarrassing to be in a city whose local media ignores such a huge event. The Fans are there, where are you guys? Oh wait, the reporters are outside filming people holding a pea-size ball of frozen water. Great!
By Brendan
April 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Chris, the AJC did have a front page blip on the Thrashers with “DIVISION CHAMPS!!”* in bold font. I was at least happy to see that.
Thrashersfan, watch this Tampa-New Jersey series. Holmqvist might have two outstanding games, and maybe Denis puts in one decent showing. But even that probably won’t be enough to win Tampa more than two games in that series. With Lamoriello, the guy who writes the players’ contracts, behind the bench, the Devils just might be the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. It’s not the “worst” pick you could make. Though, I’m sure Sabres fans would interject that they are the team to beat. And that’s a pretty valid argument, too. They just got Connolly back. They sent Clarke McArthur down. I wonder if MacArthur has to clear waivers to be called up, even during the playoffs?? I think the answer is no. But, I wish I knew for sure. What a “steal” it would be for Waddell claim MacArthur off waivers!!
Well, it’s Dixie vs. Broadway. I just want you all to be prepared for utter objectivity from the good folks at ESPN, the supposed worldwide leader in Sports. (PFFT, chuckling.) Yeah, whatever. Just remember, ignore them!! Nothing silences media like wins do, in terms of criticism.
By LAC
April 8, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
WHY WILL AJC NOT ALLOW NEGATIVE COMMENTS CONCERNING THEIR POOR THRASHER COVERAGE TO BE IN THE BLOG ?
My last two have been BLOCKED…
Real cheap ajc… Coward cheap !
By LAC
April 8, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Seems ajc cannot take the HEAT for giving Thrashers such POOR Coverage,
Post three comments they block…will this make it past ajc anti-critize blockers ??????
Go Thrashers !!!!!!!
By BlueLand Fan
April 8, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
The AJC publishes a newspaper? Who knew? When does the banner go up? Opening game next season?
By LAC
April 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Brett Hull on NBC… says “The Rangers will win, because they have Great team defense and Jagr is The key and will carry them, and Atlanta cannot compete.
Well… Look at THE STANDINGS Brett. Look at the record, Atlanta 3-1.
So shut up and QUIT defending New York simply because they are New York.
That is BUSH league and to slight Our Atlanta Thrashers, is BS.
Then Ray Ferrero sits there with his mouth shut… Great Ray…… I expected more CLASS than that from you.
Then why does ajc ban negative comments about Thrashers coverage ?
Please explain that Craig ?????
By michael
April 8, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
What a weekend! Went to the game in Raleigh with 6 other season ticket holders. We were yelling mooooooose all night, and just being loud all night. We had our faces painted, one of us even painted his body blue. Drove back the next day straight to phillips and wathed the game. Great road trip! What a great way to end the season, now lets do some damage in the playoffs!
By Tony C.
April 8, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Wow.
looks like it’s gonna be one fun spring huh?
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
UNLEASH THE FURY
By Thrashers27
April 8, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig!
Any word on Rucchin? It would be interesting to see how he would add to the team and gel with the new guys.
Keep up the good work!
GO THRASHERS!!!
By GuyLefleur
April 12, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
As a former Montreal Canadian, I can appreciate what the Thrashers have done this year. The Thrashers have the potential to win the stanley cup championship this year. The Thrashehrs will have to play completely error-free hockey, have outstanding goaltending and play absolutely stellar, lights out hockey in order to bring that about. Hopefully, the Thrashers are saving their best hockey of the year for the post-season. If they are, the Thrashers will win Lords Stanleys Cup this season and Blueland will feel more like Disneyland when the Thrashers shock the world and become stanley cup champions.