AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USExcitement building for historic playoff opener
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, for my sake, let’s hope tonight’s game doesn’t turn out like the Vancouver- Dallas game last night. Four overtimes. 72 saves for Roberto Luongo. And countless missed deadlines for the poor sports writers covering that game. But despite that, there was some great coverage of a game that really set the tone for the playoffs. If you only have time to read one game story, try this one by Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province.
Fun morning skate today, tons of media and players from both teams were in good moods. Jaromir Jagr said he had a good feeling about tonight’s game, but then again so did the Thrashers. I didn’t sense any tenseness, although the lighthearted blue hair from Wednesday had disappeared. Andy Sutton went black (turns out his attempts to return to his natural color resulted in a hunter green. Reminds me of those old ziplock commercials — yellow and blue make green). Kari Lehtonen buzzed his off and has a white buzz cut. He kind of has a Mark Martin look going for him (didn’t think a Detroit guy could drop a NASCAR reference did you?).
Nobody admitted to staying up for the entire Vancouver game and New York Rangers coach Tom Renney joked that he would mute his hotel TV to make sure Henrik Lundqvist was getting his sleep and not watching the game in the next room.
Speaking of Jagr, Lynn Zinser from the New York Times, had a good piece today about how Jagr has changed his game to get the Rangers where they are today. I remember when I was up in New York, there was a lot of talk on the radio that he shouldn’t be the Rangers captain and he wasn’t a good leader. Lynn’s story disputes that.
In chatting with some of the Rangers, they said that this is a totally different team than the won that the Thrashers played earlier in the season. Brendan Shanahan said the team is finally comfortable and confident in close games, which wasn’t the case early in the season.
I’m curious to see how you guys break down the series by position. I’ll start, but would like to see your opinions:
Forwards: Both teams have a ton of firepower and before the Tkachuk trade I would have said this was pretty even. But the extra depth and balance that Tkachuk provides makes me think the Thrashers have an edge here.
Defensemen: The Rangers are getting healthy on the blueline and might enjoy a slight edge over the Thrashers in this department. Neither team has the really dominant No. 1 defenseman but you have to be impressed by a guy like 6-foot-6 Marek Malik was finished the regular season a plus 32.
Goatending: Obviously this is the key to the series, and I’ve become convinced that Kari Lehtonen is going to rise to the occasion. I asked Bob Hartley today how long a leash Kari was on, if the team would turn to Johan Hedberg and he said he’s staying positive and fully expects a big performance out of Lehtonen. He looked pretty focused this morning and when Lehtonen is focused he usually is outstanding. That being said, no goaltender played better down the stretch than Henrik Lundqvist who finished with a 2.34 GAA. He’s certainly the kind of goalie who can win a series by himself. But I may be in the minority here, but I see this series as the series Lehtonen really makes a name for himself nationally.
Coaching: Bob Hartley has the edge simply because of his playoff experience over Tom Renney. Hartley’s next playoff victory will be his 50th. Renney’s next playoff victory will be his first.
Music taste: We don’t miss a thing here at the blog b eat, so when you’re trying to find any edge one way or another between two teams, you can’t overlook pre-game music. Well, after practice this morning, the Rangers were blaring some Gwen Stefani, while the Thrashers had Metallica going. I like Gwen Stefani as much as the next guy, but The Sweet Escape doesn’t seem to be the best song out there to get me fired up to play hockey.
Comments
By Josh
April 12, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Ah the first one! At least assuming there aren’t any posts hiding in waiting… I’ve been in Spain this whole academic year but I catch the thrashers on the radio (the internet, really) whenever I can. Considering how excited I am, and considering I’m not even in the same country, I’m hoping Atlanta is buzzing with excitement… But AJC, come on guys, how can it be that the Thrashers play there first ever playoff game tonight, but the first thing I see on the internet sports front page is Tony Soprano and some baseball photos… I love my Braves, but they’re 8 games into the season, and the Thrashers are in the playoffs… use your heads!
By Ben
April 12, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Craig, any feeling from the Rangers organization about Bourett? It seems we pretty much snookered them on the trade although drafting him in the first place was a mistake.
By Thrashers27
April 12, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!
By Robbie Burke
April 12, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Gwen Stefani? You sure there wasn’t some Bette Midler and Barbara Striesand playing, too.
I’ll be there tonight, in the cheap seats, screaming my ever-loving head off.
UNLEASH THE FURY!!!!!!!
By Craig Custance
April 12, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Ben - I haven’t heard anything on Bourret, but then again I haven’t asked. I know this much, when Waddell first asked about Pascal Dupuis, there was some trouble getting the deal done. When he called back and let them know Bourret was available, the deal was done in a hurry. So someone there likes Bourret.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
We need this one
By mar1jdh
April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
CC, game sold out yet???
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Ben, I think we could have Bourret back for a bag of pucks in a few years. I don’t see NY taking the time to develop him.
By Russ
April 12, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Craig - I think these teams are very similar at all positions. I, personally, think the Rangers might have a little more depth and better role players. Also, with the Thrashers not having the top-notch d-man (although Zhitnik has been very good) I’m afraid Jagr could have a dominant series. I think Hossa is capable of having an equally good series, but Jagr is a proven playoff commodity and Hossa isn’t yet. These slight advantages are why I picked the Rangers in 7. I hate picking against the Thrashers, but I’m trying to be objective. That being said, I will be as happy an anyone if I am wrong and I do think the Thrashers win game one 4-2 with an empty netter.
By Hnidy's Knights
April 12, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
JP VJ and MacKenzie are the scratches, along with Steve MC.
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!
By Bob
April 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Gwen Stefani? Gwen f’in Stefan? Are you kidding me? The Rump Rangers are coming out, did they go to Midtown last night? Gwen Stefani! roflmfao
I concur, Craig. Forwards are pretty even, I’d call the d even also. Special teams are pretty even. Bob definitely gets the nod in the coaching dept.
I also expect Kari to come out and play a very focused and solid game. Similar to how he started the year.
Thrashers in 7, it’s gonna be a fun ride, kids.
Gwen Stefani! lol.
Unleash the Rump Rangers on Midtown
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Russ, I think we have better role players actually… I was going to make the point that we match-up better with Holik on Jagr than say Holweg on Hossa… I think we have better defensive forwards and that is what’s going to make the difference in a match-up that’s fairly equal.
By Russ
April 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
GaVaHokie, I hope you’re right. This is the time of year Holik is supposed to step up…time for him to earn his salary. I hope he comes up big. I also like Dupuis a lot as a good role player and penalty killer.
I am really getting pumped for the game…I wish I wasn’t at work. Even as a fan the adrenaline can really get flowing. I feel like I’m going to break my keyboard as I type this.
By LAC
April 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Craig,
In order to win big… bring The Painted Lady to center ice for the puck drop…I would love to see her bend over and drop the puck and those 40D’s..
How about it Craig… You dropping the first puck 2nite?
By Andy
April 12, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Actually it won’t be Hollweg on Hossa. Hollweg is a 4th liner with very limited skill. Instead, the Rangers will deploy a combo of Betts, Ortmeyer, and probably the 3rd line of Cullen/Prucha/Callahan to try to keep the puck deep.
As for Malik being impressive, take it from a guy who has watched almost every Ranger game this year, he’s been our worst blueliner, despite his +32 rating. He’s slow, avoids contact, and has knocked more than 1 shot into his own net. instead, look for guys like Tyutin, Mara, and Girardi to have a big effect on the series.
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
The most important thing is they don’t let their emotions take over. Stay calm, play smart, and be creative. You can’t go in expecting to play the same game you’ve played all year… it doesn’t work anymore. The first team that adapts the quickest to the other will win.
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Tyutin, Mara and Girardi…the more names that get thrown out for the Rangers, the more I like our chances… this game is coming down to goaltending. How goes Lundqvist, so goes the Rangers… same for the Thrashers and Lehts.
By Russ
April 12, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Andy - I’m just glad the Thrashers don’t have to go against Malik in the shootout, lol. Is there a more unlikely guy to have such an amazing highlight to their career?
GO THRASHERS!!!!!!!!!!
By Tom
April 12, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
I am thinking more and more about the series and I am thinking that it will depend on our backline.
If they play soft and watch we are done, but if Sutton and DeVries play like they did the last couple of games, and Exelby starts jacking up the Rangers at the Blueline we should win.
Shanahan and Jagr are older and the hits in a 7 game series will take their toll. Marian and Ilya are younger and should bounce back out of the hits better than the Rangers guys. And Keith is just an old time bruiser who expects to get hit anyway.
We will be in front of the television from 6:30 till the final horn (or goal)cheering the boys on.
GO THRASHERS!!!
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
The two guys I’m most worried about are Cullen and Betts… I think we’ll find match-up issues on them; the disregarded speedsters. There’s a reason why NY picked up Cullen this year, and it’s exactly because of what he did in the playoffs this time last year… he comes alive.
By Andy
April 12, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
so true Russ. He lived off that one moment for a long time. But it’s starting to wear thin with Ranger fans now. He’s been tough to watch this year. I just hope Hossa, Kovi and the other speed demons don’t take too much advantage of him.
GaVaHokie, don’t let these relatively unknown names lull you to sleep. Tyutin and Girardi are 2 of the better young dmen around. True that as Lundqvist goes, the Rangers go. I’ll take my chances with him. He’s been the best in the NHL since January. And he’s seen his share of big games (a little tournament held last winter in Italy I believe).
By Kari's Karpets
April 12, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Huge game tonight i might have to miss it though. I’m supposed to go to baseball practise and if i dont go i will get cut for missing to many practises. However i think i will watch the thrash game tonight cause there unreal and are gonna do some damage. GO THRASH GO
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Kari’s Karpets… you need to get a Tivo… worth every penny!
Russ, I’m not underestimating the Rangers one bit… that’s why I have two Vegas “sheets of paper”… One with Atlanta on it, and one with the Rangers on it. I got them back in October before the season started.
In the west, I’ve got Calgary and Nashville… again, before the season started.
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant Andy, not Russ… forgot who said what.
By GaVaHokie
April 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Wow… the difference between hockey in the US compared to Canada?…
Provincial government in Canada passes resolution chastising the NHL for scheduling a playoff game in the afternoon…
(http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/04/11/nhl-novascotia-legislation.html)
By Craig Custance
April 12, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
LAC - Why are you so interested in who is dropping the puck? Last I heard, the team isn’t doing anything special for the drop of the puck.
By Ron
April 12, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Rangers in 6!
Go Rangers!!!!!!!
By Who's Ron?
April 12, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
I don’t like Ron… Go birds! The Blue Shirts will lose to Atlanta in Blueland.
By Tom
April 12, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Here is an interesting stat for the Ranger fans to chew on. They are crowing about how bad we are on the powerplay?
Between the trade deadline and the end of the regular season, the Thrashers ranked sixth among all NHL teams on the penalty kill at 87.3% (62-for-71) … The Thrashers killed off 77.8% (246-for-316) of their penalties through the first 64 games, and finished the regular season at 79.8% on the penalty kill (312-391) to rank 26th in league.
From tonights game notes
By LAC
April 12, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
Craig, Just think it would be fitting… Plus a little fun… You did answer… Thanks !
Checked stats, need to stay OUT of the box. They humbled us in November 5-2…
We MUST have a fast start and take them out of their game and the CROWD needs to be the 7th man tonight & Saturday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s GO and have FUN watching Atlanta whip The Big Apple !!!!!
By Tom
April 12, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
LETS GO THRASHERS
Damn I am getting fired up…
By stendec
April 12, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Line up Sori Letemin defenders! What a goalie waste at crunch time! Soft goals galore! Against the despised Rangers! What a pitiful effort! Sit his butt on the bench. Until next season!
By Brendan
April 12, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
I’m not gonna pin this one on Kari. Though he gave up some controllable rebounds. Look, the team got down by two goals, not once, or twice, but three times. Credit the resiliency of this team to battle back. The 4th goal was the backbreaker. If we go into the 3rd period down 3-2, it might have been a different result.
And … let’s give Blueland a Standing Ovation! You guys did us proud. I’ve been reviewing the videotape, and Blueland comes off pretty loud. I couldn’t make out a single Rangers chant off the tape.
Two late goals at the end of periods is a familiar trend. The Thrashers took too many penalties tonight, too. I credit the Rangers for a perfect game plan and excellent execution. They got goals from the very players they needed to neutralize, like Jagr and Rozsival. But they did not ever take the fans out of this game. I am very proud about that.
Folks, let’s not ‘freak out’ over one (1) loss. It’s a seven-game series. I took the Thrashers in seven. I have us winning 2/4 at Blueland and 2/3 at MSG. I could even see us winning games 3,4,5, and 7 to take this series.
Let Game Two … begin!!!
By Bob
April 12, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
You can absolutely pin this one on Leht-them-in. Pitiful performance from our goaler, I cannot believe Hartley didn’t yank him after that atrocious 4th.
Unleash the Moose before it’s too late
By Bob
April 12, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
By the by, wonderful job from my fellow Thrasher fans. There was nary a Ranjerk sweater to be found, think I saw 4 guys all night sporting their gear, and each got hazed.
The fans brought it all night long, great job everyone!
By Brendan
April 13, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
The fourth goal was bad. A back breaker. Kari clearly mishandled a flip in that fell right out of his glove, into the goal crease, where it was jammed home. Several things went wrong on that play, including the Thrashers inability to clear the zone, and being muscled off the puck. But I don’t think all four goals were “softies.”
Looking at the schedule, it did get me thinking, “two back-to-back games.” Last year, Kari’s groin couldn’t handle back-to-back games. So, I do think we very well might see the Moose in either Game Three or Game Four. Or Game Six, if necessary.
Dupuis hit that post or crossbar with 1:29 left in the 2nd period. Imagine if that had gone in? The Thrashers I thought played well were Hnidy, Belanger, Dupuis, Kovy, and Brad Larsen. Larsen had a good scoring chance in the 1st period, but shot it right into the mid-section of Lundqvist. My heart nearly stopped when Hossa went to the lockerroom after taking a tumble into the boards. Also, Dupuis looked shaken up pretty good on one sequence. This team has got to stay healthy to make a long run.
By Tony C.
April 13, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Ok. that was a tough one.
The 4th goal-that was crucial, but with Mandy making psses right on the tape of Jagr-what goalie is going to be able to deny that sort of thing (and don’t answer Luongo-he gave up the lead TWICE). Clearly, the boys MUST stay out of the box-that’s what killed us.
As far as Bluelenad goes, all I can say is-The Flatscreen was one rockin barn last night…loud and proud. It felt good to be part of an actual homecrowd.
All in all I thought it was a decent effort by the boys-I’d like to see us shoot more often-I mean didnt someone post earlier that their kid asks why the Thrashers pass so much on the PP? It seems like our chances on the PP will be limited, so they’re going to have to make it count. I thought #17 could’ve had a better game, if he goes to the net hard, he will draw those penalties he flops @ the blueline trying to get. Still, lie to me and tell you didn’t think the boys were ging to tie it up right up until the horn sounded.
LET’S GO BLUE !!!
By Brendan
April 13, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
I heard Bernie Mullin on 680TheFan this morning. He didn’t make any excuses. I’m starting to like Bernie Mullin more and more. Folks, this is one game. One.
Guess what? The mindset never changes from one game to the next. The goal is always the same: To win. That is, if you are playing four games, you expect to win them. What teams goes into a series thinking, “looks like we can take tonight off. We don’t need a win.” If there are players who think like that, they should be sent to the minors or benched. I don’t agree with Kincade’s assessment of Thrashers in five. Or even that Bernie thinks Game Five could be the clincher for the Icebirds. What I’m saying is … it’s a long series. You try to win every game. If you lose or two, or gasp, three, it’s still not over.
That’s why they play the games. I’ll be the first to admit that Bernie Mullin brought up the 2004 ALCS between the Red Sox and Yankees, where Boston rallied from down 3-0 to win the series. That sort of thing is improbable. But the concept is right. You play every game to win. That’s what the Thrashers must do from here on out. If Kari falters, put in Moose. But let’s do give our playoff rookie a chance to refocus.
By Fuskie
April 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
That was the most fun I’ve had at the Arena for a Thrashers game. The first 5 minutes was intense, the stands full, the fans loud, the beer cold and the heart pumping. Even if I did miss 20 minutes from the mid 2nd period to the mid 3rd period. The NY video was really funny but give credit to the winners of the Unlease The Fairy/Furry/Flury/Fury video. Blueland was rockin’ the house last night!
Fuskie, who thanks all those who waved back to the Zamboni rider during the 2nd intermission…