Thrashers

By John

April 16, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Good move. Moose played great, but lets get Kari ready for next year and the years after. Let him get some playoff experience, and if we lose, at least he got that.

By Bob

April 16, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Hartley is insane. Absolutely insane.

Moose absolutely played out his rear and one fluke goal beat us (not his fault, unlike like Kari’s fluke goal in Game 1 which was all on Kari), Moose won our last game at NY, of course he gets the start again, then you put Kari in for Game 4, the second of a back to backer.

Bye bye, Bob, good luck ever getting another job in the NHL after this year’s nonsense. What a moron.

By silverpork

April 16, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

This makes no sense to me. Moose was STELLAR the other night. Now you’re putting a kid back in net who may have a damaged ego, which could quite possibly affect his play. I’m not worried about next year, I’m worried about game three. What kind of mixed signals does this send to the rest of the team?

Maybe Kari will be unbeatable. I certainly hope so, but Hartley continues to puzzle me with his strategy.

By michael

April 16, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe Mac is still not brought in. He is the one person that could come in and rejuvenate a futile pp. I would much rather see him at the point than Havelid.

Defense has always been a downfall with our franchise. I don’t expect the shots on goal to go down so Kari will have to be super sharp. In my opinion Moooose has been better down the stretch. He has come up with the bigger wins.

By Jsmooth

April 16, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I hope Kari can rise to the occasion (well, I know he’s capable and I expect him to play well). However, I would have preferred Moose staying in for Game 3 and then using Lehts in Game 4 of the back to back. Question is: will Hartley go back to Hedberg should Kari we win Game 3? At some point, you’ve got to stop flip-flopping and stay with one goalie. Or do you? Does anyone think Lehtonen will be on a very short leash though?

By Thrasher_Ed

April 16, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Great, now that’s win some games. We really need Kovy,Hoss,Kozy, and Tkachuk to step up and play great these next two games. We can still win this series. Let’s Go Thrashers!

By Jsmooth

April 16, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, to hell with next year!! Silverport is right. Lehtonen will have all summer to reflect on this year and get over it before next season. Any decision made by Hartley should be about THIS year rather than how this could affect a young goalie next year. That’s why you signed Hedberg. This further leads me to believe that Hartley is desperate and knows he’s gone if he doesn’t win the first round series.

By kracker

April 16, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

I think Kari will play fine. He played well the first game, Moose played well the 2nd game, even though each had a bad goal against.

The problem has been the skaters coming up just a little bit lacking. They simply have to control more of the play in all three zones. Reverse the shot numbers for each team and the wins will be there.

Maybe the big hits will start to pay off.

By silverpork

April 16, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Michael,

Mac is hurt.

By Hnidy's Knights

April 16, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

While I think Moose should have earned himself another start, Kari now has a chance to make up for his sadsack effort in Game 1. BUT, none of that really matters when you have offensive players that DON’T Shoot the puck. SHOOT THE PUCK! You can’t score and CAN’T WIN when you DON’T shoot the puck! * Shoot the F’in PUCK!*

By michael

April 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Silverpork, Mac is practicing with the team. He can play!

By Mike

April 16, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Hartley may have just cost himself his job if this move doesn’t work out. Moose played well in his one start, Kari did not. And I’m tired of lots of people focusing on how this will effect Kari in the years to come. The organization has spent too long focusing on the future, the time is now for this organization. It’s critical that we stop trying to push success away from now and on to the future. MOOSE was the right choice, bad call Hartley.

By Bob

April 16, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Bob, you know what the NHL stands for? It stands for No Hartley League after this year’s decisions with your goalies, inabilities to fix our PP, braindead decisions like sending everyone out to play physical and abandoning our game for our 1st two playoff games.

So, what’s the bigger brain fart for Hartley this year? Pulling Moose for the shootout and throwing in a cold Kari earlier this year, or today’s decision to yank Moose after he played awesome, and put an obviously unprepared and nervous Lehtonen back in the net? Got to be today’s decision given the implications. Goodness gracious, if Kari was rattled at home, what’s he gonna be like in front of those rabid fans?

By Brian

April 16, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

I am more concerned with the top lines stepping up, at this point I don’t want to scratch my head over the goalie decisions.

I would rather see Sim moved up to the top line. I personally think that it is because BH only rolls 3 lines in the playoffs and he doesn’t want his veteran captain to get 5 mins of playing time, so he puts Mel with the ‘Chuks instead of Sim. That’s just my second guessing as to why Mel is there.

Wouldn’t you guys rather see Sim up there to infuse some a much needed boost on O? That can have a greater impact than a goalie change if it got Kovy going. Thoughts?

By jc

April 16, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

How about those Red Wings……Now there is a great Hockey team

By silverpork

April 16, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Michael, I know he’s practicing, but he’s nursing a recent back injury. Last I heard, he was a long way from game-shape.

I’d love to be wrong, I agree with you regarding the PP.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Let me add this to the “Kari is the future” debate. If we are only concerned about the future of Kari, than wouldn’t it be better to keep the draft picks and miss the playoffs all together? NO The time is now, the talent is here. The NY Rangers are a good team, but we did finish with more points than them and we did win a division. Stop making decisions as if we are going to lose. Why would you possibly think about the future when we are in a series right now?!?!?!

By Brian

April 16, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

How about that jc……Now there is someone with nothing better to do in his life

By michael

April 16, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Brian—- I would much rather have Simmer playing on that line as well.

But I think the main problem is the pp. We are not going to win or advance any further if we continue to get donuts on the man advantage. If we score twice on the pp in game 2 we win. I don’t understand why these guys are so afraid to put a puck at the net when we have the man advantage.

Last year we finished with the 7th best pp in the league. This year we finished with the 23rd best pp in the league. The only difference between the two seasons is Savard. So if that is why the pp is as bad as it is now, Savard was worth the 5 mil. And if you wanna bring up his bad penalties, Tkatchuck does the same thing.

By Brendan

April 16, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I like moving Sim up to the top line. But more than anything, I just want to see our “HBK” line act like a top flight line in this league. If they shut down, we shut down. Brad Larsen can’t lead us in scoring.

If Hartley hasn’t played McCarthy by now, he’s not going to. This PP is broken. It’s “late” to be trying to fix it. This is on the coach.

Someone asked me, if you had to divvy up the blame for Thrasher woes in percentages, but you could only assign it to Hartley and Waddell, and not say scouts, medical staff, or the players themselves, what would be the breakdown?

That’s a tough one. But I’d put 70% on Hartley and only 30% on Waddell.

By Robert

April 16, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Matters not to me who is in goal…Kari or Moose. I’m a Thrashers fan and will support them 100%…(unlike some of these fair weather “It should by my way” fans in this blog). Go Thrashers, I’m proud of ALL the plaryers and coaches.

By No

April 16, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

So, Moose has a great game and now everyone thinks that Kari is a bum? I just don’t get it. Kari is a better goalie than Moose, IMO. I think he’ll come up big in NY.

By EAVBlue

April 16, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Robert, I could not agree with you more. I was at the game on Saturday and the whole day was ruined. Not by the loss, but by the guy sitting behind me. The whole game complaining about the Thrashers. Why go to the game? Why even pretend to be a fan? The Thrashers aren’t perfect but it’s not like we looked like Calgary out there. We have lost two 1 goal games. We have played hard and I would rather see us give up a goal because of trying to check and hit hard than looking lost like Calgary did yesterday in the first period and the Penguins in their first game. The Thrashers know what is at stake. Hartley, I think, knows that there will be a lot of pressure to fire him if we don’t show well the rest of the playoffs. So lets all wait to stab them in the back until we are out of the playoffs.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I put even more on BH. That is because these players have shown they can go on streaks of winning 8 out of 10. That would be 2 series wins of 4-1. They have shown they can be a top 2 team in the conference.

They lose motivation at times, they go on bad losing streaks, PP breaks down, that is all put on the coach, not the GM who went out and got the players that proved they can win.

Of course all this will not be an issue if we take the next 2 in MSG.

By JERRY M

April 16, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO IS IN GOAL FOR THE TRASH. THE TEAM IS A BUNCH OF SLOW GOONS….FLYER HOCKEY FROM THE 70S DOES NOT WORK IN THE NHL

By michael

April 16, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Brian— the gm had to get these players because of the dumb decisions he made at the beginning of the season. Rucchin, Kapanen, every year failing to put together a credible defense. Tkachuck is a ghost in the playoffs, but Wadell says he is exactly the player this team needs. I say they both need to go. We need to bring in a credible gm, that can draft, will fire a coach if things are not going right(Lou Lamariello). Then we need to get a coach that doesn’t just rely on things to fix themselves.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

michael - we were in 2nd place in the conference with those players, then we took our annual “mid-season/fall out of 1st place losing streak” and that’s why we had to make the trading deadline moves. For 2 years now we have been a streaky team, you can’t tell me that’s the GM’s fault.

By Matt H

April 16, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Shaking up the goalie can shake up the team. Hartley knows that no matter who we’ve got in goal, if the team in front of that goal keeps playing the way they have done (or haven’t done), we’re F’ed.

Plus, it’s a good opportunity to grow Kari as a player. If Lundqvist hadn’t been blown out of the playoffs last season in 4, would he be playing as well as he has been recently?

So, I can understand the move from those perspectives.

However, there are other ways to motivate your team, one would imagine. And this seems like a pretty low-percentage play to make with a good likelihood of blowing up in your face.

Personally, as a fan, I think I’d rather see Kari get lit up by a team playing sub-playoff hockey in front of him than see Moose waste a goaltending clinic on a team that’s going to let him down. This move is about the team, not the goaltenders.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

April 16, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

bunch on negative b*stards

By michael

April 16, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Brian— let me put it this way. Who hired Fraser and took way too long to fire him because they are good buddies. Who hired our current coach? Would you trust Wadell to hire a new coach? They both must go!

Yes we were 2nd in the conference but fell to 3rd way before the deadline. We had the hot start of our first ten games but everything went downhill after that. If Hossa would hvae had a legitimate center and Kovy as well Hossa would probably have 20 or 30 more points on the year and Kovy would have at least 100. The man doesn’t draft worth a crap. Where are all the prospects?

By Thrashersfan33

April 16, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I agree with Robert. Seems many people are quick to want Hartley fired, but he did get this Team to the playoffs. Some people say it took too long, but that is easy for outsiders to say. I know many people want to see Mac in there (me included) but you have to think about the chemistry on the defensive lines that has been established. Yes…the guys have lost two games in a row, but these are the same guys that bounced back many times when their back was against the wall. I believe they stepped it up the last two games of the season and I expect them to step it up tomorrow. GO THRASHERS!!

By Brian

April 16, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

michael - you are crazy for bringing up Fraser. Do you honestly think that Scotty Bowman, Al Arbour, or Toe Blake could’ve done something with that expansion roster?

By Drew

April 16, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

You people wanting Moose to play are crazy. Kari is the future of the franchise. We can’t kill his confidence and then go into next year with him having no playoff experience AGAIN. Kari has responded well to being benched before, maybe that benching will be what he needs to steal a game for us tomorrow. Even if it doesn’t work at least he will have playoff experience for next year.

By silverpork

April 16, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Just because some of us question the coaches decision doesn’t make us fair-weather fans. To the contrary. If I was fair-weather I wouldn’t give a damn what the coach does.

By CM

April 16, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I realize many others have gone before me and said this, but Hedberg truly is a class-act and not to mention, a serious team player. No room for egos is exactly right. I wonder if he’s one of the few on our bench who realizes that?

GO THRASHERS!!

By michael

April 16, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Brian—- Scotty Bowman could do something with any roster. My main point is that it took DW too long to fire Fraser.

By Chris

April 16, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Going to Lehtonen for Game 3 makes sense to me, and I think it was expected. With the back-to-back games coming up, its unlikely that they’ll play the same goalie for both games, so its Lehtonen for Game 3 and if he wins, Hartley will go with Hedberg in Game 4 to tie up the series. If Kari loses Game 3, Hartley has Hedberg in Game 4 to avoid elimination. It will be very telling however, to see who plays in Game 5 (hope, hope, hope…) I think that will tell who is Hartley’s “Number 1” playoff goalie.

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

I’m still on record saying I woulda started Moose,…..but whadda-I-Know?????

GO THRASHERS - IT AIN’T OVER ‘TILL WE SAY IT’S OVER!!

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Brian - You’re absolutely correct concerning Sim. We need Sim’s speed and annoyance factor on the top line. I like Rat; but, his refexes aren’t as good as Sim’s reflexes. Rat had an empty net to shoot at in game two and wasn’t quick enough to get off a hard shot.

By Steve

April 16, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

If we keep giving them 40 shots a game and we don’t score some goals, the “who’s in goal?” question won’t matter…

By Tony C.

April 16, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Positive Potential-

The Kid Wants To Be Great. Well here’s his chance, bring the team back from a 2-0 defecit, get into the next round, and chances are you’ll get a sneaker/skate deal. Seriously, though as the song goes, “If I can make it there-I can make it anywhere”…MSG is the biggest stage in these playoffs-The Kid usually responds well to the spotlight.

I still think that putting Sim on the Chuk-Ching line is the right move, you’ll notice that was who was the RW when #17 beat Lundqvist. If for no other reason, I think hiBob will stick with that combo for at least two shifts.

2-0 is not an impossible obstacle

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By Bob

April 16, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

But I’d put 70% on Hartley and only 30% on Waddell.

I concur. Prior years are all on Waddell, but Waddell gave him the horses after the trade deadline this year, Hartley’s job is to whip them to the finish line.

If we get swept in 4 it’ll cost Waddell his job also, and that’s probably a good thing for the long run.

This is not over, though. Hockey is a crazy game and please remember that in Game 1, if Kari plays that knuckle puck properly, we go to OT and anything happens. Game 2, Avery doesn’t get the goal with the assist from the Philips Arena maintenance staff, and we go to OT and anything happens.

We played like crap, Kari s** the bed Game 1, Hossa, Kozlov, Tkachuk, Belanger, all MIA, and it still took a goofy goal in each game to beat us.

Nothins over till we say it is

I remind you that it seems like every time I see some stat in any sport like the Braves haven’t lost a 4 run lead in the 9th in 6 years you just know what’s coming next. So, I love to hear about the 94% probability that the Rangers win this series after taking a 2-0 lead on the road, the jinx is in.

By Brendan

April 16, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I know this about the playoffs, folks. Nobody can afford to quit or stop working. Two wins means nothing. Three wins means nothing. Until this team has lost four games, they’re still in it. The Rangers cannot coast to a series win. Hopefully, they’ll be overconfident and the Thrashers will take advatage.

As I previously posted, if ever there were a team that can choke away a 2-0 series lead, comin’ home, it’s the franchise that endured a 54-year drought from the Cup. It’s the Rangers!

Go Thrashers!

By the way, EVERYONE has the “right” to criticize the coach, the medical staff, the scouting dept., and the GM. It doesn’t make you a bad fan. It means you CARE. Which, last I checked, was an essential part of a being a fan of a team. I cannot support any criticism of those who wish to air grievances against our team. That’s the most American thing a person can do. Our whole country EXISTS because it rebelled against its own government, when it was clear that it wasn’t working for the people anymore.

But c’mon now, folks. I’m not eager to talk about firings while we’re still right the thick of a playoff series. I probably shouldn’t have posted where I assign blame … until we get eliminated. What if we win the Cup?, just like Carolina did after dropping the 1st two games. Good point. It’s probably also a good point that I shouldn’t be talking about winning Stanley Cups while trailing 2-0, playing Games Three and Four on the road.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

michael - we can debate all day about when the right moment to fire Fraser was and never know the correct answer, but I understand your point.

HOWEVER, I most definitely disagree with your statement that “Scotty Bowman could do something with any roster.” Simple look to his record during the Buffalo years, mainly from 82-85 and most especially the playoffs, and you will see he was not the end all the Sabres had hoped for.

By erock

April 16, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

MAKE SOME MORE LINEUP CHANGES FOR CRYING OUT LOUD..SUTTON SUCKS AND IS GONE AFTER THIS YEAR AND MCCARTHY WILL BE HERE NEXT YEAR…..BYE BYE HARLLEY…YOU SUCK

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Bluelanders…..

Anyone looking to hit a sports bar to look at tomorrow night’s game?

By Hnidy's Knights

April 16, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Team that scores first wins the game.

By Hnidy's Knights

April 16, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

SHOOT THE PUCK!

By porksword

April 16, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Please. You don’t prepare young players for upcoming years in the playoffs. You go with the hot hand and Moose has it. Decision is questionable at best. ‘Course, I hope to hell that Kari finds his groove, but I hate this move.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - name the place and I am there. I want to watch the game with a ton of fans and give us the atmosphere we had in Philips.

By kracker

April 16, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I’m in the Duluth area, how is that? where is a sports bar there?

Gotta go do my taxes…

By CM

April 16, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

RH definitely a possibility, any ideas as to where?

By Chris

April 16, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

I think this is gamesmanship on Hartley’s part and Hedberg will be in net. If it’s not than this move just doesn’t make sense. And if it is true, as a Ranger fan, let me be the first to thank Hartley

As opposed to Lehtonen in game 1, there really wasn’t a time when Hedberg looked weak in net. Shanahan’s goal can be blamed more on the fact that everyone decided to converge on Avery and ignore the perennial allstar on the wing.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - are you coming from the southside? If so, we already have one from Duluth, you on the south, I’m NW in the city, we might need to pick a centrally located place. Taco Mac on Piedmont in Buckhead might be the center of us all and it is one of the bigger ones.

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I’m in the Town Center area in Kennesaw.

I know of a place call Slapshots in the Town Lake area off 575 at Sixes Road.

The Sidelines on Chaistain is good too. They normally have multiple playoff games on big screens in the bar area.

But that’s MY side of town.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I’ve been to Sidelines, that actually isn’t bad for me, how many others here can we gather? Let’s start voting and go.

By Brian

April 16, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I would also say that there’s a Jocks n Jills in Cobb Galleria (75 & 285)that is on your side of town but closer to some others here.

By Brendan

April 16, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

The most centrally located places are downtown. If I had to pick the biggest Thrashers bar, by default, it’s probably Jocks-n-Jills, at CNN Center. But there are parking concerns, etc. I would think ESPN Zone in Buckhead is fairly centrally located.

I always love Hard Rock Cafe. But, I’ll be watching from home, screaming and yelling, and quite possibly, hurling things at my TV. But I’d say this, if Philips Arena made itself available for watching the game on the jumbotron, I might just do it. What about it, Bernie Mullin? Can Thrashers fans come down to Philips Arena to watch the road games? I’d probably pay a $5 cover. Let us sit in the suites. What difference would it make? How many people would show up? Then again, the venue is probably reserved for some concert or other. I didn’t check the Philips Arena event schedule.

By Russian

April 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

OK. First of all our team have two very good Goalies. It does not matter who will play on Game 3. I like to see Moose, because he was playing great on Game 2. But Kari will be fine also. I am not worry about our NET! 2. I am worry about our Forwards. They did not shoot a puck to the NET! If they will continue to do that, Game 3 and 4 willbe on Rangers. 3. I very hope that I did not see Old Mel a* with Tkach and Kovy. He has to stay on 4-th line and get 5-6 minutes to play. This is too important for team and Funs and Hartley do not blew it.

By JayBird

April 16, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I totally disagree with Kari going back in goal for Game 3. I fully expected him back for Game 4, the second of the back to back. Moose earned the right to play tomorrow night and Kari earned the right to sit with a hat covering his stupid looking hair.

I have been one of the biggest critics of Andy Sutton all year long but I was quick to praise him when his played turned around the last weeks of the season. Unfortunately, Andy has turned back into Andrea. He has absolutely killed us as has most of our other defensemen. Watching other teams, they don’t blindly pass the puck like we do. Our guys seem to just fling the puck without rhyme or reason, hoping it clears the zone. I am also highly disappointed in Tkachuk, Hossa, and Kozlov. We acquired Tkachuk to help us and he hasn’t done a thing in the playoffs. He has been absolutely shaky, looking like a rookie. Hossa and Kozlov have been horrible has well. 3 shots on goal in 2 games? Hoss needs to step up and play like the world class player he is…in the regular season.

As for firing Hartley, I think that is pretty ridiculous at this point. Yes, I feel like he hasn’t handled the goalie and defensemen situations the way I wish he would but he shouldn’t be fired. Who do you guys think we could get to coach here? Scotty Bowman? Glen Sather? Get real, it would be hard to get a better coach than Hartley to come to Atlanta.

By Ilya k

April 16, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Hey CM, not trying to be to negative but I am sick of seeing atl teams loose in the playoffs. HARTLEY…I think he is hoping Karri plays out of his head for two games and the Thrash are back in this thing. IF a goalie gets hot he can shut down another team. Karri is the better goalie when he is hot. I once asked Hartley about a goalie change last year and he said Karri is SOOOOOO…GOOD he had to put him back in. I think he has seen alot of unbelievable saves in practice and knows the potential IF he gets hot.

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - I’m in the Towne Lake area as well. Have you ever seen a game at Slapshots?

Brendan - I like the idea of opening up Philips for viewing the game. Besides, they could open up the store and sell more playoff stuff as well. I would hope the Spirit management could provide free parking for such an event.

By Tony H

April 16, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

As usual it is interesting to hear all the comments about which goalie, line changes and everything in between. However, what does it matter if we don’t shoot the puck?

Good things can happen if you do. If the Thrashers don’t pound the Rangers with shots it wouldn’t matter if Patrick Roy was in goal for us.

Just shoot the puck and go to the net!!!!

By mb

April 16, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

I thought Hedberg earned the start with his play in game 2, but I think if I had to choose between games 3 and 4, I’d rather have Kari in there for #3 knowing that Moose is ready to step in if need be. But who knows what BH is thinking.

Definitely agree with bringing Sim back to the Chuk line. Mellanby should have buried 2 on Saturday. I like the guy and he really seems to be working hard, but I’m afraid he’s hurting us more than he’s helping, at least on the ice. I’d love for him to make me eat crow.

On the PP, the one promising/hopeful sign was our 2nd to last PP, I believe, before the one in the final minute. During that PP, the boys actually skated and moved from their set positions, and were able to create space and opportunities. No, they didn’t score, but they had the Rangers on their heels and maintained pressure. Hopefully that style continues tomorrow night.

Finally, as others have said, shoot, shoot, shoot! If your watched the Wings game yesterday, you saw that they would shoot from just about anywhere, and eventually get a good chance on a funky rebound.

By Christy

April 16, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Hey All - with all that’s going on at Va Tech, was wondering if anyone had heard from GaVaHokie. Hadn’t seen him on the blog and was wondering if anyone knew if he lived up there, was in and or around the campus.

By Lee

April 16, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

First of all I just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all people involved with the tragedy at VT today. I have family and friends at VT and thank God they are okay, Now about hockey, what the hell does Moose have to do to earn a start? He gave up one goal. Kari gave up four. Um, Hello?

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

STROZ - Actually, I have watched a game or two at Slapshots. It’s not a bad place,…has a bar, and the kids can go too and eat wings while watching the game on a giant projection screen. I don’t consume adult beverages myself, but you can see the screen from anywhere.

Multiple TVs also have other games of all sports. I’m thinking of it,….Jocks n Jills at CNN isn’t a bad thought.

I wonder if there is anything going on at Philips. A 5 or 10 dollar donation, (say to the Danny Snyder Foundation), would be worth hanging with Bluelanders while watching the game.

I just wonder if anyone down there has put any ceribrial activity to that….

By ZAvalanche

April 16, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Well, I want you all to let me know where you are meeting. Im up in Alpharetta by The Cooler and if it isn’t too far that traffic would prevent me from seeing the whole game I would dig hanging out with some Bluelanders. Has anybody heard of them showing the games at Phillips? A lot of other teams do that and really brings in good $$. Damn, the hawks are at home tomorrow it looks like, so no Phillips. Can’t they move that game to Tech or something?………

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

ZAvalanche - There are probably a number of high school gyms available for the Hawks game. That seems like an apprpriate venue for the Hawks anyway.

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

There are some courts down the road on MLK,…

By michael

April 16, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

another major defect of this team is our transition game. Our first pass out of the defensive zone is terrible. In fact most of the time it is icing. We probably lead the league in icing per game. Zhitnik excluded, he has a great first pass from our own zone.

Tampa has just gone up 2-1 in their series.

The Nasty Nesters are watching the game at the peachtree tavern.

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

So far we got the following who are interested and where they are located:

Me - Kennesaw, but I work around the Gallaria area.

Brian - Town Center area

Stroz - Town Lake

ZA - Alparetta, (BTW, I heard they are changing the name of that town to Heavy Breathing,…because it’s so close to Cumming) - :o)

CM - Duluthland

My suggestion would be Sidelines off 75 at Chastain, CM would have to travel farthest.

I’m up for others,…..

By Rawhide

April 16, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Nasty Nesters at Peachtree Tavern,…..now that sounds like a plan.

By ZAvalanche

April 16, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Ha! High school gyms, how deserving. We do have a problem with the the breakout as Michael said. This may be cliche, but I have always been told the first pass is the most important and you can see it in teams that seem to have the ‘flow’, detroit, buffalo, Anaheim et al. Perhaps the problem is just a matter of keeping the feet moving. We have all seen the Thrashers play some very innovative and improvisatory offense. They can do it , i just hope they start it soon.

Peachtree tavern? That in Buckhead?

By ZAvalanche

April 16, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Heavy Breathing, that is great. Though i will get blasted for this, the right wing conservatives will get their panties in a knot if we change the name to Heavy Breathing.

All i need is a place i can make it to after work in time that has big TVs and a good, loud cheering crowd.

By thrashersfan

April 16, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I am stunned! Absolutely stunned that Hartley made this move…even if it works out. I have completely given up trying to figure this man out. I’m not saying it’s the wrong decision, but my God, is there anyone on this blog that was calling for, or even imagining Moose not getting this start?? After the outstanding game he had Sat night, what sane man wouldn’t give him the next start? Well, maybe that’s the point. Maybe, Hartley isn’t sane.

This move will likely work and Bob will look like a genius! Seriously, it will work, but I wouldn’t have dreamed of making this move.

Have at it Bob, but I will never understand you. I’ll root for you, I’ll support the team, and I’ll go to every playoff game and scream my heart out, but I’ll never understand you Bob.

Go Thrashers! Beat NY!!!!

By michael

April 16, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

peachtree tavern is in buckhead.

By Hanson Brothers

April 16, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Taco Mac on Piedmont in Buckhead is also a good place to watch the game. That’s probably where I’ll be.

By michael

April 16, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

The game is not on regular t.v according to nhl.com. Hockey package only.

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - I truely hope and pray that you, your family, and friends are safe and were spared from the senseless actions earlier today.

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Hanson Brothers - I thought there were three of you.

By R. Stroz

April 16, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

michael - According to the Thrashers web site, the game is on FSN South at 7:00 pm.

By stendec

April 17, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

KL sure to give up at least one soft goal. More than likely regulation game-loser or in overtime. He just does not seem to have experience to remain focused. Moose distinguished himself in defeat. Yes, I was peeved over fluke goal, too! All it got him from Mr. Hartley was more bench time. If KL is the Mike Vick (franchise) of the Thrashers WE ARE IN TROUBLE. Always bridesmaids and never brides! Sigh.

By Lee

April 17, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Craig, that was a hell of a good article on Slava. Really good stuff. That’s why your in the big leagues right there for stories like that.

By BGKAHUNA88

April 17, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

as a rangers fan i don’t get the move to kari at all. i was at the 1st 2 games and hedberg play his tail off in game 2. the defense was horrible and he still kept the thrashers in the game.

no the series isn’t over if the thrashers forget about hitting and just play solid shadow defense. thats what bothers the likes of jagr, shanahan, and starka. everytime they miss a big hit it leads to a breakaway for the blueshirts.

if the rangers score early (1st) the series could be over beacuase as loud as philips was the garden will rock.

GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS GO RANGERS

By Thrashers27

April 17, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

Nice piece on Slava, Craig.

By Brendan

April 17, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

My Comcast cable onscreen TV guide says Fox Sports South is showing Braves baseball. But FSN is showing the Thrashers game. In a slightly related topic, I saw ads for “Center Ice” for only $49 for the playoffs.

That’s a pretty good deal for any die-hard hockey fan, who will be watching playoff action, irrespective of whether his or her favorite team is still in the hunt. Today at 9:00 p.m., the Ducks go for the sweep of Minnesota. Yeah, I had the Wild in this series. They’ve all been one goal games. Vancouver, on Center Ice, will try to go up 3-1 on the Dallas Stars. Memo to Dallas, avoid overtime!

On Versus, it’s a double-header. Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa is the early game and Calgary hosting Detroit is the nightcap. I’ve got the Flames in this series, and I’m still waiting for the Flames to wake up. I think they gave up 97 shots in Games One and Two. Miikka Kiprusoff is a great goalie, but he’s not Superman.

Don’t look now, but the Bolts are up, 2-1, on the Devils. Brodeur didn’t look stellar. But this is why it’s called a series. A team can drop two (2) and it’s not over. If the #7 streak over #2 seeds is to continue, it’ll have to be TB over NJ this year, since the Wild are down 3-0. I think the last time a team came back from down 3-0 in hockey was 1975. The Islanders did it to the Penguins. Then got down 3-0 to the Flyers, tied the series at 3-3, then lost Game Seven.

By Greg

April 17, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

Just a note to that guy who said Lundqvist is only playing this well because of last year’s playoff bust…

I don’t think so. He was injured last year (hip flexor strain, and migraines) and was off his game. He’s always been a big game goalie, he DID win a gold medal at the olympics last year. He’s just an amazing player… his numbers last season and this season (since the all-star break) are great. while the playoff sweep last year probably did give him some experience, that was not the same lundqvist, due to injuries. (it was also not the same rangers team.)

I was fully expecting hartley to play hedberg. maybe something happened at practices that the fans didn’t see… but i don’t understand the “FIRE HARTLEY” chants after he just brought you your first playoff berth and division crown.

and that from a rangers fan!

By Tony C.

April 17, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Nasty Nest @ Peachtree Tavern huh?

I dunno….I don’t think I can handle the “Lundqvist You Suck” chant in the 1st minute while watching the game on T.V.

I kid, I kid….

Seriously, let’s get a consensus (spl?) by 1pm Tues. it’d be cool to see the game with some fans, as opposed to being the one guy who asks for the tv to be changed to hockey over NBA….

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By CM

April 17, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

CC - Awesome article on Slava, very well done. How about that for some perspective?

CM’s in Alpharetta, but Duluth is close enough.

So, Peachtree Tavern?

By Bob

April 17, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

I’d be up for it this Sunday if we make Game 6, but I can’t make a bar in the areas you guys are talking about by 7pm.

Even the Ranjerk fans are scratching their head over not playing Moose again in Game 3.

It seems like Hartley is trying to keep the Rangers off base with the physical play, switching of goalies. How about this? Let’s just play our game and concentrate on going to the net, and play responsibly in our zone. Forget about chasing guys around the ice, forget about goalie swaps, just play our game and let the chips fall.

All year this club has been confounding. Every time you think they’re on a roll, here comes a 5 game losing streak. But also, every time it looked bleakest this year, here came a 5 game winning streak. Time for the winning streak.

Let’s go, Lehts. Time to show what you got. Prime time. Big stage up there in MSG. Time for the big boys to step up and tote that mail. Yes, I’m looking at you Hoss, Kozzy, Tkachuk, Kovy, and Lehts. Our best players need to be exactly that. We win tonight and we’re right back in this series. We lose, and we’re done.

Biggest game of the year right here tonight. Git er done

By Brian

April 17, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - I work in Galleria area too, so I can get to anywhere from work and wore a Thrash shirt today. I live near there too, so I can get to most places easy as long as it’s not TJ’s in Alpharetta, that will be a hike up 400. Although I like that place. With that said, let’s get the Tony C. consensus by 1pm today, I am up for any of the places as long as I’m not the only guy in the place screaming.

Oh yeah, you guys are being too nice to the Hawks. Local high schools? I was going to send them to the Brookhaven Boys Club. You’re right, they still won’t fill the place up. We’ll just have them play on the outdoor court where there is only 1 set of bleachers…

By michael

April 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

The only thing is I don’t know how the nasty nesters would feel about us crashing their party?

I would assume they would welcome Thrasher fans.

By michael

April 17, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Thrashers website says the game will be featured on Taco Mac’s bigscreens.

Sound would be nice

By Brian

April 17, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

michael - that sounds like a general promotion, there are about 10 Taco Mac’s in the city spread all over. I want to go to someplace with Thrasher fans to yell with. Which Taco Mac will that be? Peachtree Tavern sounds like the choice so far, it is centrally located as well.

By CM

April 17, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

There’s a brand new Taco Mac at Lindbergh Center, off Sidney Marcus.

Yes, sound would definitely be nice. : )

By skank nest

April 17, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Speaking of the Nasty Nest, it’s a fun place to sit but my girlfriend and I have had the misfortune of sitting next to a loud mouth, obnoxious skank who yells nonstop during the playoff games. It’s one thing to yell occassionally but to yell nonstop, like you are doing a commentary on the game is ridiculous. Listen honey, shut the f-ck up for a minute and let other people enjoy the game without having to hear your stupid bull$s**. And it is not cool to cuss incessantly when there are kids sitting in our section. Thanks for ruining an otherwise great experience of seeing a team I love make their playoff debut.

By Jason

April 17, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I feel Hartley should stick with Hedberg…I am trying to see the logic in Hartley starting Lehtonen and I cannot find it. Lehtonen had his chance to in game one and came up short…Everyone don’t forget that Lehtonen got swept out of the Calder Cup finals vs Philly…I saw all of those games and the pressure got to him, especially in the last game, the elimination game, where he let in 5 goals…Lehtonen is a good goalie when there is no pressure on him…

By NHL Scout

April 17, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

The facts are the facts … The Rangers have been one of the top teams in the NHL since the All-Star Break. Lundquivst has been the best goalie in the NHL since the All-Star Break (Leads in GAA since then) Yes Atlanta won their division but so what??? Which division sent 4 out of 8 teams in the East to the playoffs? Thats what really matters when you compare records. Anything can happen in a 7 game series but face it as of now, the better team is winning.

By CM

April 17, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

So being the #18 fan that I am, I ran across this article. Some of you may have seen it and some of you, like me, may not have. It’s a good one. Let’s hope Hoss (and Slava and the rest of the guys too) return to form tonight.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16911138/

(I hope it works)

By Tom

April 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

This did not go through last time:

There is a good article in the NY Post today by Larry Brooks on not counting the Thrashers out…

Worth a couple of minutes to read:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04172007/sports/rangers/cullenknowsitcanehappenrangerslarry_brooks.htm

By Radio

April 17, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Truth is, its not the goal tending that is our problem, it the lack of OFFENSE!~ Where is Hossa, and Thachuk?/Both goalies can do the job, but we need more offense and how about a few shots on the PP??? As a coach myself, you always play your hot/better goalie in the playoffs. In this case it should be Hedberg.

By Brian

April 17, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

CM & michael - if you have a home team, ala Dawgs/Tech/THRASHERS, Taco Mac says the sound gets turned on and they take precedent. Not to mention if we get a bunch of fans they don’t want us all walking out the door on a Tues night. With that said, what is the consensus here by everyone, Peachtree Tavern or Taco Mac in Buckhead (at Lindbergh & Sidney Marcus)?

Sorry if this posted twice, this site gets screwy sometimes…

By michelle

April 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

the biggest mistake ever was putting the moose in for game 2. body ain’t even cold yet and already he’s making the change. hartley should’ve let kari bounce back and redeem himself the next game and taken his veteran for the road stretch.

i like kari in goal but i think the above scenario would’ve been better. i hope he does alright tonight.

By Rawhide

April 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

OK,…I have gained clearance from Mrs. Rawhide.

I don’t care where,…..somebody name the place.

CM, BRIAN, AV,….??

By luckydog

April 17, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

right on, radio. we need more GOALS! After two such close games, I feel a 4-1 job coming on — just hope it’s us with the 4.

By michael

April 17, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Either place works for me. I like the idea of being able to hear the game. The peachtree tavern— I don’t know how many tv’s they have?

By Rawhide

April 17, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Peachtree Tavern, then???

By Rawhide

April 17, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Maybe I miss-read Michael’s post…..

Either way,….let me just put a motion on the table to get things going.

I say TACO MAC at LINBERGH CENTER as CM suggested. It’s new,….centrally located, has the game and, as she stated,…..if a group gathered the Thrashers game would take precedence.

So,….do I get a “second” and who is in????

By CM

April 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Sure, if no one’s concerned about crashing the “Nest”. I mean, surely they’d welcome more Bluelanders, right?

T-Mac does always have sweet TV’s, especially in their new stores (and also an endless selection of brews).

Either or, RH - you want to make the call?

By Brian

April 17, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Rawhide & michael - I called Taco Mac, they said they will put the sound on, they have:

100 BEERS ON DRAFT 250+ IN THE BOTTLE 38 HIGH DEF DISPLAYS 2 HIGH DEF BIG SCREENS

Does Peachtree Tavern even have food? If I am coming straight from work I am going to need food as well. I say Taco Mac at Lindbergh.

By Robert

April 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

It seems that people here are so quick to judge the talent of someone else. These NHL players are true athletes. They put their lively hood and HEALTH on the line each night to entertain the “fans” in the stands. I dare say that most people would not dream of letting a 6 foot 6 245 lbs man, slam them into the boards, or stand in front of a 95 mph slap shot and try to block it. People here have been very quick to judge Andy Sutton. If these people would look at ALL of the stats, they would be see that Sutton really had a good season. In fact his numbers averaged out over a full 82 games, are better than Nicolas Havalid and very comparable to Greg De Vries, placing him in the top three of the Thrashers defense (not to mention he finished plus 6…for all you moaners and groaners I hear in the stands). All I’m saying is before you speak you should study ALL aspects of the game. Anyway I have the up most respect for every Hockey player out there for what they bring and try to bring to the fans. I just wish certain fans could show respect to the player and to surrounding fans…(not to mention respect for theirself).

GO THRASHERS

By Rawhide

April 17, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

I’m making the call,…

Taco mac at Limbergh center.

Who’s OFFICIALLY in…?

By Brian

April 17, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Robert - spare me the sentiment that the players put their lively hood and HEALTH on the line each night to entertain the “fans”… Perhaps you should look up the average salary of an NHL player while also looking up the average price to attend an NHL game before you ask us for your sympathy. If Sutton is balking at not receiving $4 million a year and is already planning on going to free agency, you can fully expect me to boo him all the way to the Greyhound station when he leaves town.

By caveman22

April 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

i’m in if you let me come

By Rawhide

April 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

OK Caveman,..but leave your club at home.

By Brian

April 17, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

caveman22 - only people not allowed to come are residents of Lavonia, Michigan…

By Robert

April 17, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Brain ??????

Where did that chip on your shoulder come from????? All I’m saying is don’t put down someones ability. Where did you get it that Sutton is balking about not getting 4 million a year and already going free agency?????

As I said before….Research…