AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 10
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
It’s official: Rucchin out for season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We can put any Steve Rucchin comeback stories to rest. According to Thrashers GM Don Waddell, who I just got off the phone with, Rucchin is officially out for the season. It’s not a big surprise, although it’s the first time the team has said he’s done for good.
Evidently he went and saw a different doctor last week because he’s just not getting any better from the concussion he suffered from after taking a hit against Colorado back in February. With Rucchin’s history of concussions, he’s not taking any chances - plus there was the cracked foot, the shingles - it’s been a tough couple months for Rucchin.
So we can end any talks of Rucchin’s big return, and possibly moving Tkachuk back to his natural spot on the wing. Doctors are optimistic that Rucchin should be fine for training camp, but at this point nothing should surprise us when it comes to Rooch.
Steve Hummer attended practice for me today so I could wrap up my interviews and get writing on the Kozlov, Hartley and Lehtonen features, so I don’t have a practice update. Lehtonen story runs on Wednesday, so I actually better finish up there. Spoke with Scotty Bowman this morning for the Hartley and Kozlov stories, which was a blast for me considering he’s the best hockey coach of all time.
Since we were talking about the betting lines yesterday to determine who Vegas considered the underdog, well it’s official. I got an e-mail from somebody who found them on Bodog.com. Here’s a breakdown between the Thrashers and Rangers:
Odds to win Stanley Cup:
Thrashers 25-1
Rangers 22-1
Odds to win the Eastern Conference Championship:
Thrashers 12-1
Rangers 12-1
The series odds slightly favored the Thrashers
Rangers series -105
Thrashers series -115
As one reader pointed out, these lines are set up to even out the betting. So it’s pretty even between people picking the Thrashers and Rangers, except for those picking the Stanley Cup. The Thrashers pay a little more to win the Cup.
Standout stats: Was studying some stats, looking for trends when the Rangers and Thrashers play. Thought it was interesting that the Thrashers held Brandon Shanahan to just one point in three games. Marian Hossa has eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) in four games against the Rangers. Bobby Holik has two goals and an assist in the four games against his former team. Kari Lehtonen is a average 2-1 with 3.27 GAA against the Rangers. Only two players (Mellanby and Holik) have ever played the Rangers in the postseason, and both struggled. Holik has one assist in 12 playoff games against the Rangers. Mellanby has three points in 10 games against the Rangers.
Lastly, thought it was curious that ESPN’s John Buccigross, who is a hockey die-hard, concluded that the Thrashers have the edge at every position except in goal, and that “the Thrashers are the better team,” but picks the Rangers in seven. I guess until the Thrashers win a playoff series, they’re going to be considered underdogs.
