AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNice start for Thrashers, Pavelec
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
St. Louis en route to North Bay — Ah, I’m blogging from an airport, it must be hockey season. Everyone was in good spirits last night after a 3-1 win over St. Louis. The team flew out of St. Louis last night, and is already in North Bay. It was a nice win in that the Blues played a lot of regulars, the Thrashers not so much. Paul Kariya scored the first goal of the preseason for the Blues and Keith Tkachuk got the assist. Meanwhile, Marian Hossa was in Atlanta and Ilya Kovalchuk in streetclothes.
But you have to give credit to the guys who did play. Bob Hartley liked the effort. We got a look at what Eric Perrin can do. When I saw him in training camp, I was surprised how small he was. But he definitely doesn’t play small. He’s quick, and his second goal (I believe) came on a great move to shake a Blues defender. I didn’t mention it in the game story, but I thought Pascal Dupuis looked good too. The third member of that line, Brad Larsen is banged up. He has a bad back. Hartley had a great line about it the other day, saying he saw a trainer working on Larsen’s back, cracking it and twisting it and he thought they were Ultimate Fighting. Glad to see Bob in midseason form.
Ondrej Pavelec looked great in goal. He kept the Thrashers in that game after St. Louis took an early 1-0 lead. Then he preserved it with a couple nice saves in the third period. Johan Hedberg said he was really impressed with Pavelec’s confidence in what was only his second game of NHL action. Don Waddell said he’s getting tons of calls from GMs looking to trade for the young goalie because they think he’s NHL-ready now. Last night, didn’t do anything to change that opinion.
Tonight, we’ll get our first look at the White, Kovalchuk and Sterling line. It should be fun. Evidently the arena in North Bay seats like 2,000 people and the whole town tried to get tickets. Should make for a better atmosphere for hockey than we saw last night, where there was an announced crowd of 8,000 and change. It didn’t help, I’m sure, that the Rams hosted the 49ers in a big divisional showdown that afternoon.
It was good to see Tkachuk. After post-game interviews, he was hanging outside the Blues locker room and Kovalchuk was chatting with him. Later Hartley stopped by to say hello to the big fella. How would Tkachuk look on the wing with Kovy and White? Now that would be a line.
Alright, we’re boarding. I’ll get to your comments when I land in Toronto.
Comments
By Russ
September 17, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Craig, If there are four opening night roster spots up-for-grabs (two at forward and two at D), I am wondering who already has the team made. This is my best guess, correct me if I’m wrong.
Forwards
Hossa Kovalchuk Holik Kozlov White Dupuis Perrin Slater Boulton Larsen
Defensemen
Zhitnik Havelid Klee Exelby
The Goaltending tandem appears set with Lehtonen and Hedberg.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 17, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
a win is a win. Nice to see our shrimp can score
By Rawhide
September 17, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Always nice to win, preseason or not.
Seeing the young-uns thrive is VERY encouraging as well.
the big thig here is that we limited them to less them 30 SOG. My take here is that THIS will be the telling stat all year long.
Keep track of the Thrashers record in games we hold the opponent to 30 shots or less vs. more then 30.
GO THRASHERS - RIP THE ISLANDERS
(I still say thats a big orange turd on their jerseys).
By UpperDeck4Life
September 17, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Craig, Bob said that he was going to carry 22 to open the season. I assume that would mean 7 defenseman. So saying there are 2 spots for defenseman….would that mean that besides the 4 that Russ mentioned, does either McCarthy, Popovic, Pilar, or Enstrom already have a spot secured? Just curious as to what you think.
By tiffany
September 17, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
what are the chances the thrash WOULD trade ondrej? with hedberg’s contract ending this season, if they went with pavelec and lehtonen, they’d potentially have 2 franchise players in the same spot. that can’t be good for confidence for either of them. thoughts?
By GaVaHokie
September 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Upperdeck… McCarthy has a roster spot, just like last year (he was never sent down last year, just scratched)… it’s just a matter of how often he’ll be scratched.
By Hip Czech
September 17, 2007 1:21 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. Heck, put a Czech on every line!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hope Hartley doesn’t give him crabs again.
I would like to see what he can do on the PP.
By Matt H
September 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Can’t effing wait for the season to start!
By Sara
September 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
I’m so excited I can barely stand it!! Can’t wait for Sat - an entire day of hockey - open practice, an afternoon of tailgaiting, and a game - can’t think of a better way to spend a day!
Nice to see our pups whoopin’ on some folks - although one wonders how hard the Blues were trying. Probably just brought their “B game.” (There’s a hidden meaning there - one day I’m gonna beat on Darren Eliot for uttering those words but I digress.)
As for Tiffany’s question - ultimately I think Waddell would prefer to hold on to Pavelec for right now. He’s got all kinds of upside and he may well be better than Kari. It doesn’t help that Kari really hasn’t proven anything either over the last two seasons. But possibly if someone offers Don the moon he might be willing to take it. I’m thinking we could get a really good, young, and talented center for Pavelec. Anybody know if LA needs a goalie? ;p
By Bob
September 17, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t help that Kari really hasn’t proven anything either over the last two seasons
My sentiments exactly. A good stud goalie is someone that can take an average team (cough) and make it into a playoff contender that could make a run.
Lehtonen has not shown he’s that guy so far, got to keep Pavelec as insurance.
By GaVaHokie
September 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Sara… San Jose is actively searching for a back-up to Nabokov. I wouldn’t mind a trade for Joe Pavelski.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 17, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Same O + Improved D = < 1st round playoffs
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 17, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
GaVa Holik-
Spoke to my ticket rep and season ticket holders are going to get an email for some free tickets to Saturdays game. He said they would be offering us 2 per season ticket, so between me an Matt we will have you covered. I just have to wait until they send us the email which will be in the next day or so.
word
By Hip Czech
September 17, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Buzilla, I don’t agree it is the same O.
Let’s rewind to the start of last year. We started with Rucchin, Kapenan, Holik, and Slater at center. Take Rucchin and Kapenan out of the equation and replace them with White and Perrin and that equals instant upgrade.
Last year we started with Kovalchuk, Sim, Hossa, Kozlov, Mellanby, Vigier, Larsen and Boulton at wing. Remove Mellanby, Sim, and Vigier and replace them with Dupuis, Thorburn, and one of the youngsters (sterling?) and I would argue that is at least even, maybe even a slight edge to this year’s group because of the nature of the ‘new’ NHL.
I know, at the END of the year we had Tkchachuk and Belanger but if we are in the same position at the trade deadline this year there is no reason to believe the same moves would not be made.
By GaVaHokie
September 17, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks Buzz… we’ll hook you up with a couple Gorin’s beers before the game.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 17, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
correction:
better o + improved D - Mandy = Stanley Cup?
By Hip Czech
September 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Right…
I don’t know if this team gets out of the first round either (assuming they even make the playoffs). THAT will depend on the goaltending.
Looking at the other Eastern teams lines (call me irresponsible here) I don’t think we are THAT bad off.
In our division the Caps look to have 2 pretty decent lines (assuming Backstrom lives up to the hype), Carolina has the same lines as last year, Florida might be improved because Weiss and Horton are a year older, and Tampa looks like a slight downgrade from last year.
Ottawa has the big 3, Buffalo has to hope the youngsters continue to improve, Toronto looks like it has 2 decent lines, Boston and Montreal stood pat.
The real power offenses are probably in the Atlantic. No doubt Pittsburgh has the firepower. The Rangers improved, as did Philly. Personally, I like the NJ lines but they are a slave to the ‘system’. Forget the Islanders.
So in my humble opinion we can match any offense in the east, except the Pens and probably the Rangers (Grrrrrr).
I am sure I will be proven wrong.
By Chris
September 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
How can anyone say that Lehtonen hasn’t proven anything over the last two years. We’ve had one of the worst defensive corps in all of hockey and this guy got us into the payoffs. Look at how many shots he faced last year(fourth highest in the league). And how many of those shots came after one of De Vries’ or Sutton’s beautiful breakout passes to the opposition? Pavelec might be a very good goalie, but many scouts aren’t convinced of his conditioning (i.e., work ethic) and his positioning. If Waddell can make a move for him right now, he’d better take it and then worry about locking Lehtonen up in a long term deal.
By GaVaHokie
September 17, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
There’s also Dan Turple who is a good prospect as well, with even bigger size… but for the money, they should keep giving Hedberg two-year contracts.
By Bob
September 17, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Our division is going to be more competitive this year. Washington is going to be improved, but will not contend for the division. However, Florida was hot as balls at the end of last year, and came on strong. They have some talent.
Carolina and Tampa both underachieved last year, I don’t expect that to happen two years in a row.
It’s going to take some luck and then some moves by Waddell again at the trade deadline again to get us in, the question in, is it worth it to raid the farm two years in a row to just get in the playoffs?
By GaVaHokie
September 17, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
The addition of Nylander to Ovechkin’s line and Vokoun to the Panthers are the biggest upgrades in the division.
I’m still convinced that Tampa’s going to grab a goalie in the next few months, they’ll probably trade for Bryzgalov.
Regardless, I still think Atlanta is the team to beat in the Southeast.
By Sara
September 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
I’m not trying to dog on Kari - the boy has skills, no question. He has also shown great work ethic. He’s also been ridden to death at times by his coach. BUT he is not an elite goaltender yet. Unless your name is Roy, Brodeur, etc., you are expendable in my opinion. Kari had one good season last year (remember the debacle of the season before???) but then self-destructed in the playoffs. He’s had lots of experience at that between his time in Chicago and in International competition that he shouldn’t have been very nervous, IMO. It didn’t go well for him. And I don’t care if a goalie can pitch 82 straight shutouts, if he can’t get the job done in the post-season, then houston we have a problem.
My point is, if Pavelec ends up being as good as some think he may be, and he ends up being better than Kari, then I want Pavelec between the ATL pipes and Kari can go find a home somewhere else. I mean that’s a logical situation - you want the best player at a given position. Either one is going to be good trade bait, although that said I agree the best return might be right now for Pavelec.
Kind of ironic though to have all these great goalies coming out of this particular organization with its stellar goaltending history.
By Matt H
September 17, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
If Tampa gets goaltending, the SE is in trouble.
By Matt H
September 17, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Also, I like the Thrashers’ modified uniforms; but if they could put the Ultimate Warrior logo on their home blues instead of the bird and stick shield… Then we’re talking.
By Craig Custance
September 17, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
UD4Life - Bob will carry seven defensemen, so you have the top four that Russ mentioned and McCarthy. Popovic, Pilar and Enstrom are part of the group battling for the two openings.
Hip Czech — Rucchin’s salary will count towards the cap, but it won’t be an issue because the Thrashers aren’t even close to the cap right now.
Tiffany — At some point they’ll have to make a decision between Lehtonen and Pavelec. They’re not at that point yet.
GaVaHokie — Don’t forget Backstrom in Washington too.
By GSU-Lee
September 17, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Craig, Do you think Hossa wants to stay here? I am sure you have asked him about it, so what is your hunch? Does he want to stay or go?
By Thrasher Ryan
September 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
I’m still confused—are the Thrashers home jerseys this year gonna be the whites or the blues? Would like to see the red/blues come back in the mix this season for a few home games as well. As for Pavelec, there is no need to trade him away. We need the depth to stay in the system. Just look at the Falcons and Matt Schaub—you don’t really know how good you have it until it’s gone. My 2 cents.
By Brendan
September 17, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Sara, that was your best post ever. I completely agree. But I to say that I wouldn’t want to see Pavelec traded unless the deal was just too good to pass up. And who makes those kinds of deals, for an “unproven” NHL goaltender? That hypothetical “interested” team might not even make such a deal for Kari. But, one never knows what Waddell might do.
But I think Waddell is getting smarter. He very well remembers what he went through in the 2005-06 season, and really, since 1999! Now he has the chance for a solid 1-2 punch in net for the coming years in Lehtonen and Pavelec. I think it would be foolish to throw that away, when goaltending depth is so very important in the era of salary cap.
By Thrashers27
September 17, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Go to:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/
To watch a live stream of the game.
By Brendan
September 17, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
HipCzech, I’m enjoying reading about the projections and analysis of other teams across the Conference. I’d like to toss out a topic, along these lines. Ready?
Pick me three (3) teams in EACH conference that you consider to be “dark horses” and project how they will overachieve this season. It’s not easy. Let’s set some guidelines. Don’t pick the Penguins, Rangers, Red Wings, Senators and Ducks, then say you think they could make their Conference Finals. Those teams are “favorites” to varying degrees. You can pick a “bubble team” and project a playoff berth and/or 1st round upset as a perfect example of what I’m asking for. Or, maybe some bottom feeder team to elevate up to a .500 season. Note: The Flyers don’t count!! Obviously, they won’t finish DEAD LAST again. By most accounts, they’re already a playoff team, based on trade deadline and offseason moves. If you said you think the Blues, DEAD LAST two seasons ago, 81-points last year, would make the playoffs this year and pull a 1st round upset, thaaat’d be an example of a “dark horse” team.
I’ve got you thinkin now, don’t I? (By the way, the Blues aren’t one of my three dark horse teams out West. But they very well could be on someone else’s list. And I’d understand why. But I’ll save that for them to explain.)
By Thrashers27
September 17, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Watch the game live. Not good quality video, but it’s better than nothing.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/
By Darren
September 17, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Go to www.cbc.ca, and click on the link in the middle of the page.
Kovalchuk just made a sweet pass to Sterling for a goal!
It’s 2-1 Atlanta!
By Darren
September 17, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Go to cbc.ca and click on the link in the middle of the page
(Sorry if this is a double post)
By Darren
September 17, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Go to cbc.ca and click on the link in the middle of the page
(Sorry if this is a double post)
By Darren
September 17, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
Go to cbc.ca and click on the link in the middle of the page
(Sorry if this is a double post)
By Darren
September 17, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Go to cbc.ca and click on the link in the middle of the page.
I’ve seen two Thrashers goals so far.
Kovalchuk set up Sterling with a sweet pass to make it 2-1, while a scrum in front of the net allowed I believe Holzapfel to poke it in to make it 3-1.
By John Wilson
September 17, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
I find it very refreshing that someone is writing and talking about hockey here in Atlanta.
Woith all the hockey that is being played down in the Atlanta area you would think some of the local news media would give it more coverage. With 2 pro teams, the Thrashers and the Gladiators, plus UGA hockey and Kennesaw State hockey. And then you have all of the high school hockey club teams playing in the Georgia Student Hockey League.
I would like to see more coverage of the hockey here in the South, so maybe some of the news media should do an article on the local hockey jsut to let everyone know that there is hockey being played here in Georgia. Who knows, this could become Hockey Town South.
By B. Thenet
September 17, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
A couple of very nice efforts back to back by the Thrashers.
Sterling-White-Kovalchuk looks like a winner, and Popovic and Little had their moments as well.
It is hard to kill a kid who scored twice on the night, but Crabb’s penalty, in the offensive zone, with a little over 2 minutes left, in a tie game…not good.
By LAC
September 17, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Another interesting win tonight 4-3.
These rookie’s are really and I mean really busting their butts.
Watch Joey Crabb folks, he was all over the ice lastnight in St.Louis,nailed a couple Blues and really nailed Eric Brewer behind the net… He skates and had a good shot, Thrilled to see Little and Sterling do so well tonight, I am so happy our rookies are starting to step up and make a difference.
These guys look very very good and FAST so enjoy… Let’s go to Nashville and cheer them on !!!
By Tony C.
September 17, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Nylander feeding A-O is scary. I had been able to block that out. Thanks for reminding me.
GO BLUE !!!
P.S. What was the score from the Islanders game? espn isn’t updating.
By Hip Czech
September 18, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this
Nice to see the scoring last night…Crabb with 2 goals, Sterling with a goal and Little with an assist on X’s game winner. Popovic, Oystrick, Stuart and Holzapfel all had assists also.
Interesting box score line from the Anaheim/Vancouver game:
Attendance - 1 Game Time - 63:24 Referees - Tom Kowal, Line Judges - Vaughan Rody, Brad Lazarowich
Wow, that one fan had it made, no lines for the bathroom or concession stands and he probably got all the t-shirts from the t-shirt launcher!
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 18, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Craig: Anything happen with Sutton last night? Did he play? Did Boris smash his Buster Brown hairdo into the boards? Did he try to block Kovy’s shot from the point? or did he do his immidation of a sloth again and just stand there as Thrashers go wizzing by?
Maybe he gave us some nice outlet passes from his defensive end.
By GaVaHokie
September 18, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Craig… Backstrom on the second line with Alex Semin… yes, very good line as well.
I also forgot about Tom Poti and Jurcina. Plus, the team is only around $35 million so far.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
September 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Hope this doesn’t double post but its been an hour so I think I am safe:
Craig: Did Sutton play last night? Did anyone rough him up a little? Did Boris smush his Buster Brown hairdo into the boards? Did he have the cojones to try and block Kovy shot from the point? Or did he just do his impression of a Sloth and watch our players wiz by him? Did he make some really nice passes to our players finially from his defensive zone?
By Jsmooth
September 18, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Where is everyone? Usually, the conversation is pretty hot and heavy after a hard-fought win. Even in the pre-season. Surprise no one wishes to discuss the promise being shown by our youngsters especially Sterling, Little and Pops.
Or is this blog thingy simply broken at the moment??
By Mojo
September 20, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
How is Nathan Oystrick doing with the Thrashers thus far? I’m sure you’ll like him and given time he has the pedigre and leadership to be a future captain.