Thrashers

By Rawhide

September 21, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Concerned for Kari, but less concerned about the team.

Two years ago when he went down in that first game in south Florida, it began a slate of problems that ultimately doomed the season.

If we had to put Lehts on the side while he got better I am more then fine with letting Moose take the helm and letting Pavelec,….(err, uh,….number 33 wink-wink-nod-nod),…back him up.

By Aaron

September 21, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

How come Kozlov’s number isn’t in that lineup?

You said he was playing earlier in the article.

By Thrashersfan33

September 21, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I am not really worried about Kari’s injury. It is early. Plenty of time to rest him before the season. Plus I am confident Moose can handle things until he gets back. Hopefully it isn’t too serious as I wouldn’t want the Moose-Freddy B. combo for too long.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 21, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

that sucks. How did he hurt it? Why does it take a week to find out he’s not practicing?

By Kint

September 21, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

IF he is hurt again that will suck… This is startin to p** me off already with him.. If he is in the best shape of his life.. how does this happen? Anybody know cause i sure dont’t

By Bob

September 21, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

you have got to be kidding me?

That is very, very concerning. It shows the problem is chronic. Forget about any talk about trading Pavelec. Kari’s groin is made of eggshells.

When you talk to him ask him if he followed the same workout regime that he did last summer? Last summer’s regime kept his groin intact all of last season, I have a sneaky suspicion he thought all was fine and didn’t do the same workouts he did last summer (the rubber band stuff, etc.).

By GaVaHokie

September 21, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Bartovic Holik Hossa

Kovy White Sterling

Lavallee Little Haydar

Slater Perrin Giroux

Zhit Havelid

Enstrom Klee

Oystrick McCarthy

Hedberg, Pavelec

By Bob

September 21, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Hokie. I like that lineup, all the guys I wanted to see like Bartovic, Sterling, Lavallee, Little, Enstrom. Except no Popovic, but hopefully we’ll see him all year.

By Jen

September 21, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

I’m anxious to see how Pavelec fairs. We didn’t have many veterans playing defense in Nashville, but a couple of those goals Pavelec should have stopped.

If Kari misses much time I suspect the starting tandem would be Moose-Brathwaite. I would want Pavelec in Chicago getting number 1 minutes instead of warming the bench playing every 4th or 5th game in Atlanta. When he is really ready to compete for the starting job (and he isn’t) bringing him up makes sense.

By Tony C.

September 21, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

WOW.

Incredible.

This could be bad news-or it could be people being a little gun-shy because of past history…I am not ready to run around screaming and cursing, but I am a little dissapointed that it happened again-if this is a lack of committment by The Kid, it does not bode well for the future.

GO BLUE !!!

By Russ

September 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Get Kari back healthy so he’s not “damaged goods”, then offer him and Hossa to Dallas for Turco, Trevor Daley, and Joel Lundqvist.

By Bob

September 21, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I was so pleasantly suprised to hear Craig tell us earlier this week about how there’s no true #1 goalie, and Moose and Kari are going to compete for time.

We now find out that Kari’s been hurt for a week, Bob knew about that then, and that’s why he came up with that story about competing for time, they’re looking at Kari being on the shelf again.

And here I thought old Bob had learned a new trick.

By GaVaHokie

September 21, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

The thing that jumps out at me with the Saturday roster is Kovy White and Sterling are still paired up… I like that, it’s a good sign. It’s working AND they’re getting in a lot of practice together.

By GaVaHokie

September 21, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’m going to submit a “Storyline” for this season that you’ll probably only see here…

A Calder Trophy showdown in the Southeast between Nicklas Backstrom (WSH) and Brett Sterling (ATL).

By Kint

September 21, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Kari and Hossa For essentially Turco.. are u serious????

By Bob

September 21, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Hokie, if that storyline comes true, that would be mean we’re going to be a lot better than I think, so here’s to your prognostication skills coming true!

By Craig Custance

September 21, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Aaron — Sorry, I posted that in a hurry to get the Lehtonen stuff up. I just wanted to report that Kozlov was back at practice and could play Saturday. He’s not going to, Bob was joking about his Czech line of Holik - Hossa - Bartovic.

By Craig Custance

September 21, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Aaron — Sorry, I posted that in a hurry to get the Lehtonen stuff up. I just wanted to report that Kozlov was back at practice and could play Saturday. He’s not going to, Bob was joking trying out his Czech line of Holik - Hossa - Bartovic.

By Russ

September 21, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Kint - I’m very serious. If you take a look at the contract status of each player and consider the potential of the two young guys from Dallas that I mentioned I don’t see how anyone could consider it a lopsided trade in either team’s favor. Now, I’m obviously not privy to inside information DW might have, but my impression is there is a good chance Hossa is gone after this season anyway. If I could get a world class goalie still in his prime, a player that could develop into a #2 or #3 center, and a possible top four defenseman for Hossa and an injury plagued goalie with lots of potential I think I would do it.

By GaVaHokie

September 21, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Both guys are set up to suceed this year… Backstrom on a line with Nylander and Semin… Sterling on a line with White and Kovalchuk. Not a lot of rookies are going to get that kind of opportunity this year.

Other consideration… Jonathan Toews (CHI) and Carey Price (MTL).

By R. Stroz

September 21, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Its deja vu all over again!

By Craig Custance

September 21, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Just got off the phone with Kari and he said he felt good after his skate with Ray Bear today. He’ll practice Saturday morning, but it looks like this groin issue is a minor one, for now.

By stendec

September 21, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

I have never been a Sori Letemin fan! His mind wanders during games. He allows perplexing whoops (soft) goals at the worst possible time. He seems to lack mental toughness and discipline. Hey, if the guy is THIS prone to injuries deal him. I doubt the Thrashers will ever attain the next level (playoff series wins and Stanley Cups) with this guy between the pipes. I am sure he is a nice young man in reality. That is just the way I feel. Drop the puck for real already!

By Darren

September 21, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

I too was excited to see LaVallee in person in Nashville last night, but he definitely didn’t help his cause.

Criag was right on when he noted the Oystrick and Valabik also didn’t stand out.

Of course, Nashville WAS playing three of their top 6 defensemen from last year, and their starting goalie, whereas Atlanta’s “veterans” had to include guys like Pilar and Haydar.

Pavelec looked pretty good, and there wasn’t much he could have done on the Predators’ goals. Even Brathwaite had some really good saves.

As for Lehtonen, I’m going to just bury my head in the sand, and pretend I didn’t just read all of this.

By ranallo10

September 21, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen will be fine, stop worrying. It’s not even the beginning of the season and some of you are asking for his trade.

Breathe…count to ten.

Now, wait until October 5 before you begin worrying about Lehtonen starting.

Hokie — I like your prediction, and have been waiting for the time to finally bring those out. I’m with you…Backstrom and Sterling will be the highlights for the Southeast. Not sure if I agree on Price though, and Toews is out for the next three weeks with a broken finger (early, I know, but a bad injury to have in your rookie year).

By Bob

September 21, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

I have never been a Sori Letemin fan! His mind wanders during games. He allows perplexing whoops (soft) goals at the worst possible time. He seems to lack mental toughness and discipline. Hey, if the guy is THIS prone to injuries deal him. I doubt the Thrashers will ever attain the next level (playoff series wins and Stanley Cups) with this guy between the pipes. I am sure he is a nice young man in reality. That is just the way I feel. Drop the puck for real already!

No you haven’t. And I can remember you saying this often, in direct contradiction of what I wanted to believe, but it seems you’re right after last year’s playoff display and now this.

And I remember some of the usual suspects giving you a lot of crap for saying it. Seems you were a heck of a lot more right than some of these goofs.

By Sage of Bluesland

September 21, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Great…getting ready for another letdown chapter from our glass-groined wunderkind…The long wait continues (for accountability)…

By Thrashers27

September 22, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Just dropped in on the morning skate @ Philips…the chilly air, the crisp cracking of vulcanized rubber on wood and the even better sound of vulcanized rubber hitting the pipes. Oh yeah, baby! Hockey season is almost here.

Let’s Go Blue!!!

By Tony C.

September 22, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Somebody get A Sierra Nevada from the Gorin’s for me - I have to work.

Also, for those who have seen Sterling in person, are yall really convinced he can last a whole year in the NHL???

No-one would be happier than I for us to have a legitimate Calder candidate…but I just notice how smurfy Le Thrash and I remember how easily we were pushed around at times last season….and well, it doesn’t promote large amounts of confidence when I see a line with only one guy over 6’ and this is supposed to be our top line???

Now granted that the new rules don’t make size as much of an issue, but still if I’m looking at where #17 likes to shoot from middle-back of the circle…and where Sterling is known to set up (right-side crease), exactly who is going to occupy someone like a Lukowich???

I just read that and it seems pessimistic…I just would like my guys to have a tad bit more “grit”

GO BLUE !!!

By Bob

September 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Tony, I keyed on Sterling tonight and I was completely underwhelmed.

Enstrom on D looked, ok. He’ll probably make the team but that only says how weak we are on D. He is going to get run over all year.

Most of all, White looked very weak and Perrin?

By R. Stroz

September 23, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

My analysis of the new and rookie players:

1) Todd White is softer than Charmin. I don’t think he is the center solution for Kovy. We would have been better off keeping Belanger. This guy reminds me of a rich man’s Krapenen. We are going to be sorry we signed this guy.

2) Enstrom is a skilled player but is going to get run over by large forwards. He is just too small. The best hope for Enstrom is to be paired with a beast.

3) Eric Perrin will fight for the puck but is also too small and easily moved off the puck. He does have more grit than White.

4) Nathan Oystrick needs to go back to Chicago. He was just plain terrible.

5) Alexandre Giroux is barely ready to play at the NHL level. At best, he is a fourth line replacement player. I would send him to Chicago.

and for some better news,

6) Milan Bartovic should stay with the team. He is fast and could, with time, be a first or second line player. For what its worth, I thought he worked well with Hossa.

7) Brett Sterling played with heart, and although he may not have been exceptional, he looked better than White on the first line. Of the smurfs, he would be the only smurf to make the team.

8) Bryan Little was a positive surprise. Although once again not exceptional, he played at the NHL level. I didn’t think he would be able to keep up, but he pulled his weight. If he isn’t going to get any ice time in Atlanta, I would send him to Chicago and be prepared to call him up.

and last, although not a new player or rookie:

9) Slater should be given a chance to center the Kovy line. He is fast and doesn’t mind doing the dirty work, and unlike Perrin, doesn’t get knocked around like a ping pong ball. I would like to see Slater paired with Kovy and Sterling before the end of preseason, that line would have speed and grit.

That’s all folks!

By Midfield

September 23, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Good run-down. I would add one thing on Enstrom: when Hartley tried him on PP - especially on the 5 on 3 - he was too obvious in his aversion to shoot, although he moved the puck well. He needs to be more agressive with the puck - this is something he is probably capable of.

By Rawhide

September 23, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

MIDFIELD - Enstrom fear to shoot is epedimic of the team, dating back to last season. They are too willing to just pass the puck around the perimeter and try to “set up” someone else’s shot. So, in that regard, he fit right in.

We gotta do something about THAT!

While I can’t be as harsh on White as RStroz, I can’t say I had a WOW moment from him last night. Maybe he and Kovy have to work out being on a line, but that is what pre-season is all about. I’ll hold off any comment about that for another week or so.

Sterling, while not playing up to his name, showed some flashes. I think he’ll be around in October.

Perrin has some fight in him,…he plays bigger then his physical size.

Enstrom,….well, he is fast. But I too am concerned about his size. Putting him out their with a bigger blueliner or a major hitter, (like Klee or XLB), will be what he needs.

I cannot recall anything out of Oystrick. Maybe that says it all.

Of the regulars: Hoss looked great in front of the net. That 2nd goal, shorthandded, flip of the back-hand… Very nice. Moose played well…..kinda left alone on that deciding goal….D played well as a whole only allowing, what, 26 shots…..PP still needs something, (we could start off every post with that),….

And the fans,….while only about half full, Philips was still alive. It was nice to be surrounded again by some of my favorite people in the city!!!!

GO THRASHERS!!

By R. Stroz

September 23, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Rawhide - My concerns with White center, pardon the pun, on his being our major free agent signing with a multi-year contract. He just didn’t show enough effort or talent to warrent the hoopla over his free agency signing. We have this guy signed for four years. YIKES!

By Rawhide

September 23, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

RStroz - Your point is well taken. I guess I’m just taking a wait and see approach. We are only 4 games into pre-season.

Last year he was a 13/31 for 44 points kinda guy. That was 8 points better the Mellanby’s 12/24 year, the highst point production of any of our centers that played the entire season for us last year.

If he can duplicate that for us this year Kovy should have a 50/40 kinda year.

Again, we just hafta see.

By Midfield

September 23, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding about Oystrick? He comitted at least three major turn-overs, one of them costing Thrashers the loosing goal. This guy needs to pack up and catch the next flight to Chicago - not to waste anybody’s time.

By Rawhide

September 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

MIDFIELD - My point about Oystrick was that I didn’t see anything positive about his play. Maybe I wasn’t clear.

Your observation of this kid is on point. I was just trying to take the nice rout in saying he should be wearing a Wolf on his jersery in a week or so.

But honestly, I think no one REALLY though he was ready for the bigs yet.

I think the starting 6 bluliners are XLB, Zhitt, Havelid, Klee, Mccarthy, and the last spot battled out by Enstrom, Pilar and Popovic.

I don’t know off-hand when the next round of cuts are, but one can expect Oystrick to be on that list.

By Thrashers27

September 23, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

RStroz, Mel wasn’t a center, so what does he have to do with the price of tea in China? I’m not necassarily disagreeing with you on White’s performance, but how you compare him with White.

By Craig Custance

September 23, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Another round of cuts this morning - Krog, Bartovic, Giroux, Oystrick.

By Rawhide

September 23, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Thrasher27 - that was my mistake, not RStroz’s,….I hadn’t had my 2 cup of coffee yet,….I looked at my roster incorrectly. I was meaning to compare him to Rucchin’s 5/15 number or Holik’s 11/18 numbers from last year, (although I’m not ragging on him at all).

My bad.

Of Course, Rucchin only played in 47 games or so,…so that might be a bad comparison as well.

CC* - Thaks for the update,…..no big suprises there with the possible exeption of Bartovic.

By Thrashers27

September 23, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, guess I need some coffee too.

Too bad “Bart” was sent down I was looking forward to seeing his speed in person. Maybe he’ll be pulled up and given a chance at some point in the season.

So many things up in the air right now. I can’t wait for the season to get started and for all the players to settle into their respective roles. October 5th can’t get here soon enough.

Go Blue!!!

By R. Stroz

September 23, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Bartovic deserved to stay with the team, at least for another round of cuts. The other cuts were correct.

Thrashers27 - I don’t understand your reference to Mel. My point is that White looked real soft, which reminded me of Niko Kapanen. However, Kapanen was alot cheaper than White. I hope we all get a chance to see Bartovic again soon.

By Thrashers27

September 23, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

I misread Rawhide’s post earlier and thought that it was you who referred to Mel as a center. It was actually Rawhide who referred to Mel as a center.

By Dewayne

September 23, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

good crowd for a pre-season game, dissappointed the icegirls wore their long warm-ups the entire time, missed the skirts on the ice.

By UpperDeck4Life

September 24, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

Thrashers27 and R. Stroz we won’t be seeing Bartovic again. He had a clause in his contract that if he didn’t make the team he could go back to Europe. He didn’t want to play in the AHL and this was basically a tryout and not to add him to the organization. It was either he made the team or thanks for coming over.

By Thrasher316J11

September 24, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

My thoughts after the first preseason game:

Sterling: The high note. I was impressed and sit assured he will make a spot on the roster. He has good positioning in the offensive zone for a rookie and the god given ability we have needed on Kovy’s line for a while. I saw him skating the puck up ice more than White and he looks to have the scoring instinct. While being great at offensive positioning I thought he was a little lax back-checking and getting to his man in D coverage.

White: For our big offseason aquisition I was not impressed. I cant remember any one play where I even got excited about him. He does look to bring solid defensive balance to that line. While fast the combination of him and Sterling on a line will be tuff against bigger teams.

Slater: I was really hoping to see a much improved confidence in Slate’s this season. This game did not show me what I wanted. Sterling looked like the third year vet and Slater like he didnt want the puck yet again. My fingers are crossed that he can find some chemistry on a line to pull up his production.

Bartovic: Already cut at this point. I agree with Hartley, he added nothing to the line and besides his speed was nothing special.

Enstrom: Shocked at his lack of size but I think his speed can make up for it. Also seems to have the offensive instinct. Like him for bottom pairing and lots of PP and PK time.

Perrin: Didnt even notice him.

Little: Wanted to see more of him. Hartley didnt feature his line and his linemates are not helping to display his talents. I personaly want him to make the team and sit in between Hossa and Kozlov even if he is not ready. I think he will step up to the challenge.

Hossa: A GOD amoungst men yet again. Second goal was a classic Hossa moment. Wish he could teach some of the other forwards how to use the boards as a seventh man.

GO THRASHERS!

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Keep the Czech line in tact!!

Oh, that’s right…sorry, I am supposed to be so sensitive and be offended by Czech remarks. Hey, I’m quarter Polish too, anybody have some good Polish jokes? I can’t stand the politically correct crowd..lighten up, half fun and don’t take yourselves so bloomin’ seriously!

Alright, off the political soapbox…as for Saturday’s game (sorry for the late posting)…

Positives:

PK - I really liked Slater and Perrin on the kill, they looked good. I love Marian Hossa, but he DOES NOT belong on the PK..he stands around too much, the one PP goad they got Hossa was too late covering. Keep Perrin, Slater, Dupuis and somebody else on the PK.

Faceoffs - seems like we won a ton of faceoffs, which is nice for a change.

Ken Klee - I liked what I saw from the grizzly vet

Negatives:

PP - it’s early, and Kozlov wasn’t playing but the bad tendencies were still there. Come on - SCORE on a 5 on 3!! Kovalchuk was moved down low, but then he and Zhitnik changed positions and we wound up with the same old Ilya blast from the point that gets blocked in front.

Oystrick - Ugh

Neither Positive nor Negative:

Sterling and Enstrom - I think Sterling may have an impact this year. Enstrom showed some good things (shot when he took it and speed). He is really small.

White - give the guy a break. He is getting used to the players and system here. He’ll be fine.

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

one follow-up…OK, Hossa is nice on the PK as a source of short handed goals. I’ll give you that. I may have to recant and say, OK, keep him on the PK. But when is in the DEFENSIVE zone he has to be more active. Definitely no problem with his OFFENSE on the PK. Obviously.

Sorry for the spelling and grammar errors in the previous post.

By Bob

September 24, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech, the thing with White is that he’s not a rookie getting his feel for the NHL. He’s been in the league for a while and the skinny on him during his time both in Ottawa and in Minnesota, is that he’s very soft and will not go to the net or in the corners, exactly what we saw Sat. night. We talked on the way home about, “we signed that guy for 4 years?!?!”

Enstrom is going to make this team, but he is going to get absolutely run over in his end. I think I’d rather have Mandy than Klee, so there’s no improvement there. Zhitnik and Havelid aren’t getting younger. It’s going to be a long year on d again, folks. I think our wins are going to have to come in the form of the 5-4 variety, our shots on goal and GAA will be among the league’s worst, once again.

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Bob, I hear ya.

I just wonder how important it really is that White be an agitator in the corner. If he wins faceoffs, is a good back-checker, and can move the puck then he should be successful.

I wonder about the rationale between signing him and not signing Belanger. Seems they are the same player. White must have a strength that Belanger did not (faceoffs?).

I think the key on that line is Kovalchuk. Can he become a ‘Hossa’ type player, or will he continue to be a defensive liability and continue to make some bone-headed plays at times? If Kovalchuk can become a more ‘complete’ player, than White’s ‘softness’ is not that big of a deal.

By Sara

September 24, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

I had a GREAT time on Sat. Practice was good, especially watching the B group do the one-on-one scrimmages. Two things I noticed just at practice - this really is a team of midgets and Bob is still using his same ol’ PP system. It was obvious just with the drills. Seeing it later in action during the game was even worse. If that PP doesn’t change, then Hartley needs to hit the road. I can’t put up with another season of watching 2 minutes of passing clinics.

The only real player impression I had was of Oystrick - as had been covered. Glad to see him go. They actually didn’t get run over as bad as I thought they might, but it’s also pre-season and there are tougher and more physical teams than the Blues. So we’ll have to see how they handle themselves.

Can’t wait til the 5th!

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

The team speed is so much improved. Unlike some of the lackluster opinions on Enstrom, I was very impressed with his speed, awareness and tape-to-tape passing skills.

He’s still trying to get his brain to react a little faster to the NHL, and I think when Kozlov is in the mix with the PP, those two will be very lethal.

I think Little has a lot of promise, he showed some great stick handling, and speed down the middle… he gave me a few “wow” moments.

Sterling- great awareness in front of the net. He could have easily had 2 goals himself Saturday night.

Perrin- I’m ready to see him with Dupuis and Larsen. Checking line intact.

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

After Oystrick turned over the puck for the first St. Louis goal, I said, “Grab a jacket Nathan, it gets cold in Chicago.”