Thrashers

By Barry

September 14, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Craig, I agree. I don’t like the XLB-Klee pairing either. I think you shouldn’t have both of the same types of defensemen on the same line. Should had a more skating and positional sound defensemen with a more big hitter and physical guy like XLB or Klee. So will the Slater line supposedly be the 3rd or 4th line? I would think the Perrin line should be the 3rd line. Dupuis is wasted on the 4th line if this is not the case.

By Matt H

September 14, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Huh! Interesting lines! Hope I can make it to Duluth for a practice…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 14, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I really like Holik with Hoss and Kozzy. He wins a ton of faceoffs, and can be a huge body in front of the net to get some garbage goals. That is of course if Hartley puts him down there. Yes he is slow, but he is still faster than Captain Rat was.

By Bob

September 14, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Sterling is a big x factor here. If he can bring his game to the NHL, that line could be a good one.

Rucchin will not be missed. Let us know how Pilar looks.

By Bob

September 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Zilla, I think Holik is wasted on that line. His talent is as a 3rd line checking center and he does not have the speed to keep up with Hoss. Think the cluster that was Rucchin centering Kovy. If Perrin can skate, I prefer to see him centering Hoss and Kozlov and then drop Bobby back to where he belongs, as a third line shut down checking center.

By GaVaHokie

September 14, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Nice… those lines are shaping up like I expected! I love that Sterling is being put on that Kovy and White line, absolutely love it!!

Barry… Dupuis is on the 3rd (Checking) line with Larsen and Perrin, as expected, and I believe he’ll be successful there… he’ll have a lot of breakaway chances and gives speed to the checking line (as does Perrin).

Buzz… good point on Holik winning faceoffs on the top line. That means less back-checking for Kozy and Hossa, and more scoring opportunities.

Another interesting observation is Krog’s line… doesn’t look good for him.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 14, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of Perrin on the line but I think Holik can give them a different look. Bobby does have offensive ability and size. Plant in in front to clean up the scraps and open the ice up for the other two. You leave Holik alone in front the other two are amazing passers and can feed him in front. Perrin is tiny and cannot sit in front. Holik will draw a lot of penalites and give us even more chances to score. If that doesn’t work out, then I agree putting Perrin in.

just a thought

By Barry

September 14, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Ya hopefully we won’t have such a big revolving center door on the top two lines again this year. Kovy needs someone like White on his line and keep him there to develop chemistry. Kovy can’t do it all himself. Hossa and Kozlov have chemistry already and don’t need as much help on that line. Whether it’s Holik or Perrin on the Hoslov line should be okay as long as one of them can be effective at it.

By JD

September 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Random thoughts… I have this feeling that by year end Little will be Center on the Hossa, Kozlov line. (if Hartley starts playing rookies)
We needed to get younger and faster.. I think White, Perrin help the faster part… Hopefully Sterling, Little, and Enstrom will make it for the younger part.. Holik looked great in the playoffs last season. Can he hold up that intensity for a season? Wasn’t he with Larsen and Dupuis in the playoffs? Why change that up? Very intersted to see if Oystick makes the team. He’s “older” for a rookie, but he has all the tools. Much rather see him make it than Mccarthy. Pilar good be that X factor.. Well a Y factor since we already have Ex. One of those new defenseman have to step up.. Why did we sign Kwiatkowski?
Who’s Ruccin? I forgot he was on this team… and apparently he did as well.. sorry bad concussion joke… October 5 it all begins again!

By GaVaHokie

September 14, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

And if you’ll remember the playoffs, Holik had an awesome no look, behind the back pass to Kozlov breaking across center (which Kozlov missed the goal), so I think he can “play up” to his linemates.

By russian

September 14, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Lines are looking good. Rucchin need to get rest for Hockey. Enough is Enough. I like a new Jersey also. I can not wait to team on Philips Arena.! :-)

By Barry

September 14, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Ya and Holik also had a nice play at Phillips to Kovy streaking in off the bench at a game I went to. I think it was against Florida. Holik dug the puck out of the corner and flipped a pass in the slot perfect for Kovy to one time it. It went in the goal so fast I didn’t even see the puck, and I was down sorta close in section 117.

By Mark

September 14, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Calling White a playmaking center is a stretch but he’ll be better than anyone Kovy had to play with last season.

By GSU- Lee

September 14, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Craig, Hows Haydar doing? Haven’t hear much about him or Krog, guys who kinda need to get it going if they want to play in the NHL.

By Craig Custance

September 14, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Couple of interesting things from interviews: Kovalchuk seems excited about playing with White and Hartley stressed the importance of stopping the revolving door at center with Kovalchuk. Hartley also made it sound like the goalie rotation will be different from last season, where Lehtonen saw long stretches of consecutive starts. He stressed that play will dictate who starts between the two goalies.

By Craig Custance

September 14, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Also, Rucchin is expected to miss, at the very least, the first half of the season.

By Bob

September 14, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Hartley also made it sound like the goalie rotation will be different from last season, where Lehtonen saw long stretches of consecutive starts. He stressed that play will dictate who starts between the two goalies.

Well, thanks goodness and better late than never, the old dog can learn a new trick. Tell him to read your blog this year, we’re full of good ideas for him.

Next up, ask Coach to take a look at mixing up the power play and forget about the one time to Kovy. Everyone and their sister knows how to shut that down.

By Christy

September 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Craig,

any word at the afternoon press conference on the captaincy? Ben Wright on the Blueland Blog seemed to think that Larsen might be as good a fit as Holik or better.

By UpperDeck4Life

September 14, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Criag, how does Sterling look on Kovy’s line?

I like the way the lines look, and I think that the top 2 lines on each side are the 4 planned lines for the regular season and the others are playing trying to make spots.

I think that the defensive pairings are interesting as well. I would have thought that XLB and Klee would each have been paired with either McCarthy, Popovic, Enstrom, or Pilar. It’ll be interesting to see how much that group of 4 gets to play to see who wins the last 3 spots because I think one of them is getting traded, unless it is Enstrom or Pilar and I think they’ll get sent to Chicago. I can’t see the other younger D breaking through this group.

By ranallo10

September 14, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Just four days ago NHL.com had a Q&A with Waddell link in which he stated Holik would be the second line center for Kovalchuk, and White would be between Hossa and Kozlov.

He also stated:
Exelby and Klee paired together
Of all the prospects, Enstrom had the best chance at making the NHL roster
McCarthy would play more as a Top 6 defenseman

It’s interesting to see the way Team A and B are split up after this interview, as clearly Holik isn’t between Kovalchuk and Sterling. No matter, there’s plenty of training camp left to sort out this matter.

Another observation from the listed lines…Krog, Haydar and Bartovic all seem to be put in positions to NOT make the team. Unless Sterling doesn’t make the roster, I think it’s quite obvious what the top four lines will look like. Defensively I’m guessing we’ll see line juggling to weed out the #5 and #6 slow, with Klee and Exelby making up the second pairing.

Anyways, back to work.

By The Falconer

September 14, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

The forward lines are exactly what I was hoping to see in a blog post this summer. The D pairing are about what I expected.

I do like the idea of having the lines established quickly in camp to get some chemistry going so the team can hit the game running in game 1 of the season. That Kovy-White-Sterling line is totally new so give them some time to work out the kinks.

By Craig Custance

September 14, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

GSULee — I think Krog and Haydar have an uphill battle to make the team. I’d consider them longshots right now.

Christy — No word on the captain, although Bobby Holik said something along the lines of, ‘you can’t make someone something they’re not.’ I don’t know if he was referring to himself or what, i’ll play it back when I transcribe my interviews. I like Larsen as well, I just totally forgot about him. I think he’d be a good captain and should be considered a contender.

ranallo — Hartley explained that he likes to pair two good players and keep them together to make sure his lines are balanced. Seems to me, he’ll keep Kozlov and Hossa together again, and he made it sound like White and Kovalchuk will be a duo that won’t get broken up. I’m not sure what Don told nhl.com, but he’s always told me that he signs the guys and it’s up to Bob where they play.

By Midfield

September 14, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Exactly. If Don wants to try his line combinations, he needs to fire Bob and stand behind the bench.

By Barry

September 14, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Ya Waddell might have envisioned White to center Hossa and Kozlov when he signed him, but until everyone is signed you won’t know who you have and where Hartley thinks the players are best suited to be.

By Brendan

September 14, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

This is good news. Well, stop. This isn’t good news for Steve Rucchin. I do feel badly for him. I’m sure this is not how he hoped to start this season, or potentially end his hockey career. Thoughts go to ya, Rooch.

But, I’m excited to hear Kovy is rarin’ to go with Todd White as his pivot. That’s a good sign. If he’s happy about it, it probably bodes well for the future. Also, I’d love for Sterling, one of my favorite Waddell draft picks, to play on that line. Imagine if the rookie made the team and popped in 20 goals?

Also, and I know this will spark controversy and disagreement, but I like Holik on the line with Hossa and Kozlov. Just hear me out, okay? We know his role has been “shut down center” on our 3rd line. But he gets paid $4.25 million. What will be his excuse if he plays with Hossa and Kozlov, not to be more productive? And let’s face it, Holik should like that deal!!

Why?? ‘Cuz, this is his CONTRACT YEAR!! He needs all the ice time and padded stats that can possibly come his way! If he’s not careful, he might just price himself out of Atlanta’s budget for a contract next year. (Fine, let someone else overpay Bobby Holik.) He’s welcome to stay another year at $2.0 million.

Last, I want to borrow a quote from one of my former bosses, as I feel it’s “apt” vis-a-vis the proposed goaltender rotation. “This is permanent, until it changes.”

Fully digest that one yet? Are you chuckling? If so, then you got it. Congratulations.

That’s effectively what’s been advanced here, and ya know it!! What Craig wrote was Hartley also made it sound like the goalie rotation will be different from last season, where Lehtonen saw long stretches of consecutive starts. He stressed that play will dictate who starts between the two goalies.

How is it any different from last year? Play did dictate who started. And if it play dictates Lehtonen or Hedberg play successive games, then that’s what Hartley will do. Remember, this is permanent, until it changes. That’s just the “double-talk” we’ve always gotten outta Hartley.

What’s next? Hartley talking about the youth movement, while Enstrom, Oystrick, Valabik, and maybe even Kwiatkowki and Popovic either sit or play in Chicago? Gotta love Bob Hartley. I’m just waiting for him to say, “Well, Craig. I used to be indecisive. But now, I’m not too sure.”

By Brian

September 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Christy - No way Larsen is captain.

I think a speedy linemate is much more important for Kovy than it is for Hossa, so I like Holik with Hoss & Kozzy.

I like the thoughts of Klee & X being broken up. I also like the idea of moving McCarthy up.

Ranollo - I won’t cry if Krog & Haydar get cut.

Looking forward to the 5th.

By Thrashers27

September 15, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

I’d be interested to see if Krog, Haydar and Sterling could have the same chemistry in the NHL as they did in the AHL. Those boys put up some ridiculous numbers last year.

By Tony C.

September 15, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

WHY THE !@#$%^&^%$#@ Do you pair X with Klee?

Unless he’s been given the go-ahead to just count coup on the other team’s best forward and Klee is there to make sure at least someone is in position defensively…I can’t get behind that pairing. Now if it is a situation where Coach has decided to slip the leash on X and just have him cannonball guys-well that’ll be fun to watch until he concusses himself.

Krog is half-a* trade bait it seems like…guess he really underwhelmed hiBob when he was up last season-

I like Big Bob centering Hoss&Slava-Matic-it gets more “bang for the buck” as well as saving Hoss’ legs for charges towards the attacking zone, rather than hustling to backcheck-also the big body garbage goal/screener facet previously mentioned.

Sounds like #17 has “seen the light” His quote of “I’d like to be a plus-player[sic]” is very telling-not too long ago it’d be “Maybe I can score 100 goals”…now he’s at least paying lip-service to the complete game-huge advancement. He seems very pleased with the idea of having a decent-to-above average passer playing his pivot-good sign…What does White have to say about it CC??? I’m sure you have an interview in the pocket-if not-get to it!

Anybody have any links to a Thorburn highlight reel? does one exist? only youtube I pulled him up on is him getting undressed by A-O…

Rucchin-I feel badly for him but I am impressed he still wants to try and get out there-but still I think we should IR/whatever Cheap Lou did with Mahlakov…So we have the cap space to get someone for the push in Feb. But still if he makes it back, I have no problem with him being our 4th/sometimes3rd-line C/2ndkey faceoff guy. Best of luck to him and his health.

The Kid wants to forget? Me too! Hopefully people will stop reminding so that he can really let it go and do better this year. I like the implied pressure of Pavelec(spl?)…Sterling being given a shot on #17’s off-wing Sweet

Also, CC (or anybody really) tell bout the Haydar/Lavallee line (Yes I’m inordinantly high on the kid ptthhbbtt!).

Less thant a month!

GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

September 15, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Thrasher27

You don’t think that line would be too smurfy in the NHL?

My $0.02

By Thrashers27

September 15, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Well, Tony it is “Blueland” and everyone is blue.

In all seriousness if all three of them make the big boy team this year then I think Hartley would be foolish not to give that line a look.

I still wish Waddell would have made a push to get Marcel Hossa down here to play with big bro. I traded Devo for him on my PS3 and I think he has scored more than Marian. Oh well, it may not have happened in Blueland, but it’s fun in Fantasyland…I wonder if they played hockey on Fantasy Island. I can hear it now…”GOOOOAL TATTOO!” “SAVE TATTOO!” That little b******* had skills.

By raindawg722

September 15, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

It’s good to hear that Lehtonen didn’t learn anything during the playoffs last year. I wonder what color he’ll die his hair this year if the Thrashers make the playoffs?

By Craig Custance

September 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Tony C: I’ll get to White eventually, I’m pacing myself during training camp. But how about this quote from my back pocket from White on making Kovalchuk a plus player: “That’s my plan. I take pride in it. I take pride in being a guy who is a two way centerman, who can take care of defensive responsibilities for the line and allow him more opportunity to go on the offense, because i hopefully will be taking care of the defensive part of the job.”

By Chas-Beee

September 15, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

The top brass went after speed and they indeed got it. This guy Bartovic can outright fly. He will definitly raise a few eye brows.

By Thrashers27

September 16, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

I wonder if anyone will be wearing the big “C” tonight. I would assume they have to designate a captain even for a pre-season game.

By Thrashers27

September 16, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Anyone have any info on an internet radio source to at least listen to tonight’s game?

By ranallo10

September 16, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Slater, Dupuis, and Exelby are wearing an “A” tonight according to NHL.com

Also, I can’t find any radio sources, only “realtime” scoring on NHL.com

By ranallo10

September 16, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

What’s up with the Blues fielding their Varsity team for the first game of preseason?? Kariya, Tkachuk, Legace, Brewer, etc…

Meanwhile the Thrashers’ most experienced players are backup goalie Hedberg (Pavelec started), Exelby, Dupuis, etc.

There’s no surprise to me if the Thrashers lose (1 to 1 through the first), but this will be good experience for the young guys.

By Brendan

September 16, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

After one period, it’s tied, 1-1. Colin Stuart scored a PPG for Atlanta at 13:59, from C. Thorburn and K. Pilar.)

By ranallo10

September 16, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Perrin just scored at 11:41 in the second (a 10 foot tip in), Popovic and Stuart with the assists.

Atlanta leads 2-1

By Thrashers27

September 16, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m stuck with the stupid “real time” thingy too. Oh well, it’s better than nothing. I’m seeing a 3-1 score now. Wonder who scored the last.

By ranallo10

September 16, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

End of second period, Perrin scored again (Exelby got the assist) to put the Thrashers up 3-1.

By Thrashers27

September 16, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Perrin scores #2 on the night. Wouldn’t it be great if he could keep that pace all season.

Anyone else played the new EA Sports NHL ‘08 on PS3? It is freakin’ awesome!!!

By Bob

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

Nice to hear that Popovic had a good game, Craig. He’s my choice for our 6th dman, as the year progresses, I can see him being a top 4 guy like he thinks he is. Last year when Coburn and he played, I thought Popovic looked much more ready than Coburn.

By LAC

September 17, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Great game here last night in St.Louis… The new uni’s look nice as well.

First, Bob Hartley was as dapper as ever behind the bench.

St.Louis played most regulars, only Weight/Jackman were not in the line up.

We had only for regulars, but I want to let everyone know… We were a very fast team last night, outskating them with speed time and time again… This has not been the case in the past.

Eric Perrin was really a force, all around the net and great on the PK.

I was impressed with Joey Crabb, he was everywhere,sending “Walt” to the ice twice and nailing Eric Brewer real hard behind their net. Got off two nice shots as well.

Jim Slater looked like a player at the midway point of a season. Throwing some hard checks and winning faceoffs, looks like he is REALLY going to have a good season.

Exelby was in MID-SEASON form,dished out a couple stiff standup hits in open ice and the best play was a 2 on 1 with Kayria and McClement, he sprawed on the ice,stopped the pass played the puck out and then skated down shot from the point a Perrin tip in for a goal…Just Great !!!

But out goalie Ondrej Pavelec was EXCELLENT, stopping a couple point blank shots and fending off the final 2:34 of the game when they pulled their goalie. He looked Sharp, I mean Sharp, really wonder if he should be in Chicago this season, he looks ready for sure.

All the players worked hard and it was a great game much to the dismay of the 8,500+ St.Louis fans… Liked there We’ll do anything… slogan to win back fans…

Only drawbacks, were Pilar, slow afoot and he had two great shots open and he passed instead of shooting,he was not impressive.

Lastly Boris was kinda slow as well, I was really hoping for a couple hard checks, but he gave none and was taken off his skates by Salvador in the corner, but he made three nice outlet passes, after all this WAS the first pre-season game and not game 7 of the playoffs.

A nice way to start the season, albeit a pre-season one, we lost here last year… Back here 12/23 for a regular season visit… Bye !

By Hip Czech

September 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

At what point does Rucchin’s salary not count against the cap? It would be real nice to free that cash up come mid-season.

I have no problems with Holik centering the Hossa line (although need to replace Kozlov with somebody whose last name starts with ‘O’…instant moniker - the H2O line). Heck, put a Czech on every line!