Thrashers

By Rawhide

September 24, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

If I had to venture a guess right now, I’d say Sterling and Little. But I wouldn’t put any money on it right now.

We could see a situation here whe Bob goes with these two guys but the leash will be very short and LaVallee and/or Haydar get a call in a few weeks.

Good ‘ol competition, though. Gotta love it. That is what the preseason is all about.

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Haven’t seen Haydar yet this year, but I’d say Little and Sterling… I’m surprised Thorburn is penciled in.

I actually think Little will end up on Kovy and Sterling’s line, with White dropping to Third Line Center.

I don’t think they should have resigned Larsen, I think we have more depth than they expected.

By Sara

September 24, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

LaVallee has looked pretty decent from what I’ve seen and heard. So unless Don and Bob really want to go ahead and push Little into the majors, I’d say maybe him. Sterling should be a lock at this point.

BTW, the Captain is gonna be Havelid. Or so a little birdie told me.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 24, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I was surprised they sent down Bartovic was sent down. Granted I only saw last Saturdays game, but I was very impressed by him. He played well. Oystrick was no surprize. He was a turnstyle out there. Enstrom should make the team in my opinion. He thought he didn’t have good game but you can really see that he knows what to do with the puck. The only knock is that he comes up to Boris’s ankle.

Can’t tell you how good it was to be back in the arena. We even got to sneek down to the good seats.

Got my first buzz on (no pun intended) for the season. Didn’t do the hat trick but did get two 24oz beers from Gorin’s in me before the game.

I also almost got arrested with my friend in front of the arena for filming his idea for the fan video contest…

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 24, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Hey Craig…

what does your poll question mean?

Isn’t it a bit early for Bob Hartley to be lighting into the Thrashers?

Did you mean ‘laying’ into the Thrashers?

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Buzilla — I don’t write the polls, but I think laying and lighting in this case are interchangeable.

Also Re:Haydar — I’m doubt this will change anything, but his contract is a one-way deal, so he’s getting paid regardless.

By Russ

September 24, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Sterling and either LaVallee or Stuart for the last two forward spots. Let Little play one full season in the AHL before bringing him up. Also, I’d like to see Popovic and Pilar get the two open spots on D.

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

I think Sterling has done nothing to lose a spot, so he gets one.

I might like to see Little get a shot, but we already have 4 centers, or at least 4 that can play center (White, Holik, Perrin, Slater), and can’t Thorburn play center also?

So, I think the last spot goes to another winger. I have not seen Colin Stuart, know nothing about him so I can’t make a call on him. My pick would be Haydar.

As for the D…assuming McCarthy is a lock, I think I would favor Popovic over Enstrom at this point. I guess we’ll see in these last 3 preseason games.

By Barry

September 24, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

I think it’s pretty obvious Sterling is about a 99% lock on Kovy’s line. That whole line looked to have good chemistry already starting. Sterling is aggressive and had a good quick shot. He also has a no fear attitude about going to the net and buzzing around the net. That’s something snipers like Kovy need. My guess would be Sterling and Lavalle. I agree that Little needs some time in Chicago to get a better feel for the pro game and to actually get ice time and further his development.

By BG33Brown

September 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

I was impressed with Little on Sat night. He looked like the one forward playing sound defense in our zone. So if he can be defensively responsible and add the scoring punch everyone thinks he has….why not.

He should center either the hossa or dupuis line. I know he isn’t a big enough guy to be a checker, but his coverage saturday was far better than any other center all of last year.

By R. Stroz

September 24, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

For pick number one, Sterling should make the team.

For pick number two, bring Bartovic back up. Yes, I know that is not a choice.

For a realistic second pick, I say give Haydar a chance. Haydar has put in his dues. If given a fair chance and he doesn’t meet expectations, find a team that wants him and trade him.

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

BG33 — Good observations, I agree.

Russ - No Enstrom?

Hip Czech — No cheating, we’ll get to the D on Tuesday. Slater will center Dupuis and LaVallee on Tuesday, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up on the wing when all is said and done. He’s had a good preseason.

By ben

September 24, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Little 2 Chitown. Go get a 2nd line center, Thrashers are well under the cap.

By Rawhide

September 24, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I say, let the kids we have now have a legitimate shot at this.

Keep the “CAP-margin” so that we can use it for mid-season trades as needs become apparent.

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Sterling and Haydar. How’s that for brevity?

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Craig, sorry for jumping the gun ;-)

I was going to ask if it is one or two spots open on D…Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby, Klee, Kwiatkowski (sp?), and McCarthy would all seem to be locks, which would only leave one spot ‘open’ (the spot McCarthy manned last spring, up in the press box).

I will wait until tomorrow to discuss further.

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Brendan, wow…that must have been tough. :-)

By Shoot it

September 24, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Ok now I can vote for Brendan as the ‘ice man’ blogger.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 24, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I kind of like having one place to have all the blogging…

Craig, I have never heard “lighting” used in a sentence that way. Maybe its a southern th’ang. I am still learning about my southern brethren.

Anywho. Sterling and bring back up Barty..no?…ok, than Stuart. If Slater f’s up than bring up Haydar to fill a spot.

By Bob

September 24, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Sterling is a lock, they’re playing him consistently on that line.

I’ve never seen Stuart, so don’t know, but between LaVallee and Haydar, I’d take LaVallee, I liked his game on Saturday night.

Little has to go to Chicago for a year, learn the pro game, and put some muscle on.

By Russ

September 24, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Craig - Keep in mind most of these players I have seen very little of and am just going off what I have read about them. Enstrom seems like a Power Play specialist that might be a liability in his own end because of his size. I get the impression Pilar is more of factor on both ends of the ice, that is why I took him over Enstrom. Also, although Enstrom might help the PP, I feel like the Thrashers already have the personnel to have a good PP. I think they could have been good with the man advantage last season too, but the coaching staff’s lack of imagination held it back. Hopefully, that won’t be the case this season.

By Jim

September 24, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Sterling and Haydar

By Thrashers27

September 24, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Sterling is in. The second spot is a toss up between Little and Haydar. I’d love to see Haydar if he can have the same sort of production he had last year in the AHL. If Little is sent down then we keep a close eye on him for a month, or two. If he’s blowing up the AHL bring him up and bounce Thorburn.

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Craig… do you have the roster for tomorrow night yet?

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie — Here you go, note: They’re dressing Lehtonen, but Bob said yesterday he wouldn’t play.

13-16-18 50-23-9 17-44-49 36-11-27 77-28 41-39 2-8 1 32

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Brendan — So if you do that, how do you use Haydar?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 24, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

This is a tad off topic, but does anyone know how Dan Boyle got hurt? All I am hearing is that it was a “freak locker room accident”.

Good news for us

By polskidawg

September 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

As mentioned many times, Sterling seems to be a given.

I think Haydar is primarily an offensive forward, and a midget (no offense to any midgets viewing the blog). I would imagine that Hartley would prefer a two-way player for line 3 or 4.

With that in mind, I think that Stuart is the guy or possibly LaVallee.

I could see Little coming up if the offense is struggling in November.

By UpperDeck4Life

September 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

First off to answer Craig’s question, I say Sterling, Lavalle, and Haydar, cause I don’t see Larsen in the opening night line-up with that back.

I say have bolts-Slater-Haydar be the 4th line and watch it be one big whirling dervish.

Craig, could you see the team bringing in a waiver wire pick up out of no where to fill one of those spots?

As far as Enstrom’s height, he is 5’9. Here are some other defenseman under 6 foot that have been successful in the NHL- Brian Rafalski, Marek Zidlicky, John-Michael Liles, Lubomir Visnovsky, Keith Ballard (promising so far at least), Marc-Andre Bergeron, Kimmo Timonen, Jaroslav Spacek (has had flashes), and Dan Boyle. If the guy can play and do the things with the puck he has showed…well it would be a nice change of pace to have a defenseman who could move the puck out of our end with control.

By LAC

September 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Yeah Boyle is out 6 weeks… What a tough thing to happen.

Rawhide… you are correct, Sterling & Little… Hydar is Larsen is IR.

Was hoping for a bit more sprited, play from Boris, big andtough, but hehas played like he has eggs in his pants,not hitting anyone… He got really nailed once in St.Louis… Really was hoping he would make the team, but looks otherwise….

Lastly… Brenden GOOD LUCK as blogger, you will do a FANtastic job, make’em pay you a ton !!!!

By Sara

September 24, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Buzilla according to Spector, Boyle somehow cut his arm with one of his skate blades, severing a tendon. He’s expected to be out at least 6 weeks.

By Nate

September 24, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Sterling and Little. We need the offense. And like BG33 said about Little, he was the most defensively responsible forward Saturday.

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Supposedly Boyle was hanging his skates up and got distracted…the skate fell and severed a tendon. Tough break (and glad I didn’t draft him on my fantasy team).

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 24, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sara,

One of my friends just told me that a skate was hanging in his locker but somehow got untied and hit his arm.

weird…

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Kozlov Holik Hossa

Lavallee Slater Dupuis

Kovy Little Stuart

Bolts Perrin Thorburn

Zhit Havelid

Enstrom Pilar

Exelby Kwiatkowski

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Interesting that Sterling is sitting out… this will be the final audition for Little, Lavallee and Stuart.

We’ll probably see Slater and Perrin being swapped out on that Dupuis line throughout the game. It’ll also be interesting to see if Little has any chemistry with Kovy.

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the roster Craig.

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Hokie — I’m not surprised about Sterling, he’ll get his four games that Bob promised. Thanks for decoding the lineup, my formatting on the comments isn’t my strong suit.

I’ll be watching that Kovalchuk - Little - Stuart line very closely.

By sisu

September 24, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Haydar should get a spot, it is the last go around for him so why not give him a shot? If Pop does not make this team he should be traded right away!

Sterling is staying as well.

By GaVaHokie

September 24, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Craig, I’m not surprised either… I didn’t mean it as a negative for Sterling. It’s a last chance effort for Little and Stuart. Lavallee will probably start the season in place of Larsen.

I’m thinking the final cuts at forward will happen after tomorrow’s game… the final defensive cuts will come after Friday’s game (Forward positions will be locked in place for that game)… just a theory.

Kozlov Holik Hossa

Kovy White Sterling

Larsen Perrin Dupuis

Thorburn Little Haydar

Boulton

By GSU-Lee

September 24, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Craig, Do you see Kovy in more of a leadership role this year? I know one of the biggest knocks on him is his maturity level. It is starting to seem more an more like he is maturing. Your thoughts?

By Craig Custance

September 24, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hokie - So you’re cutting Slater?

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech - Thank you. And it was harder than you could possibly imagine. :D Shoot it, you rock! LAC, go on witcha bad self.

Craig, … and the answer is … “sparingly.” (Pause). Bah-dum-pum! Oh Geez, I shoulda known my drummer would quit before the rim shot! It’s hard to find cheap help these days, Craig. But yet, the search for the new fan blogger goes on!

Okayyyyy, so that wasn’t the answer you were looking for, vis-a-vis “the use of Haydar.” Well, let me back up a moment. I answered the question more in terms of what I thought HARTLEY would do. But let’s just say (Skip to next post if you hate my ‘hypotheticals’) that it is Haydar and Sterling.

Still with me? (Thank you for WHOEVER is still reading. I appreciate that.) I’d try out Haydar on the 4th line with Slater as Center and Boulton on the left side. If that doesn’t work out, there’s a couple of options, including one fairly ‘radical’ one. Didn’t Haydar play “center” at some point in his career? Toyed with it, at least. But Brendan, if Haydar doesn’t work out, isn’t it more likely that he’d either be sent to Chicago or traded? Yeah, well. I won’t deny that’s a possibility. Especially since Thornburn is a Center and if/when Rucchin returns, he’s also a center.

My third line is Larsen on the left, Dupuis on the right, and Perrin in the middle. So, yes. This means I do have Bobby Holik centering Kozlov and Hossa. I want to see that combination given at least a try. Look folks, Holik makes $4.25 million. And this is his contract year. I think that could translate into better production than on the 3rd line, as a “shut down” center. Which, obviously, he can do. He’s just overpaid for that function. My top line is Kovalchuk, White and Sterling. Craig quoted #17 as saying he’s happy to play with White. So, that’s what I’m thinking.

Allright, that should stir the pot a little. Go Thrashers!!

By R. Stroz

September 24, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Although Holik is in a contract year, he still skates slower than a log flowing down a river. I don’t see how he is going to keep up with Hossa and Kozlov. Can Bartovic play center?

By j nes

September 24, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

For anyone interested—I stopped by the Ice Forum this morning and Kari was between the pipes working on his movement from pipe to pipe as a coach (Weeks?) fired shots at him. His movement looked good from what I saw, and he didn’t appear to be in any serious pain.

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz, we didn’t assemble this team. Don Waddell did. So, we’re going based on the roster of players that is available/provided. Well, maybe Holik can get faster?? Shrugs. What was it that Mr. Spock used to say on ‘Star Trek’? “Captain, I’d like to think there are possibilities.” Kozlov is what, 34-years old? Holik’s just a year older. I’d have to double-Czech (intentional spelling error) that. What about when Rucchin comes back, R. Stroz? He’s a Center in his mid-30’s, too. Slow or not, these are the guys that are going to play. Yes, fine. They could be healthy scratches. I don’t want to split hairs, here.

By LAC

September 24, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Brenden, what did you say ???

I think you’d be a Great Blogger !!!

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I think there are several good choices for fan blogger, LAC. But, to be clear, the position doesn’t pay anything. It’s a labor of love, as it should be. It’s an obligation we take FREELY.

I’d just hope that whoever the new fan blogger is would be a person who cultivates new hockey fans, encourages “clean language” and conduct becoming of proper ladies and gentlemen, and, of course, prods readers, rather than insult them.

Stop. When you are insulted on a message board, that you’ve come to for the purposes of sharing your love for the Thrashers, is that the sort of thing that makes you want to return to it? And post? No, it isn’t. It’s the sort of thing that makes you find something better to do with your time. You won’t grow the Thrasher Nation that way.

So, above all, I hope the new fan blogger will attempt to bring impartiality and an open mind to debates over the direction of the team. I think it’s great that Thrashers fans care very deeply about the team, but not to the point where any criticism of it, valid or not, be shunned.

There is nothing more American than to criticize one’s own Government. That’s how the whole country got started. Likewise, if you disagree with Don Waddell or Bob Hartley, a fan blogsite is a proper place to air that grievance, even if it is an unpopular one. Or hurtful to hear. It ought to be a place of “free speech.”

By R. Stroz

September 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Brendan - My problem with Holik is that he talks a big game but is ineffective due to his lack of speed. Furthermore, Holik’s lack of agility often results in “clutch and grab” penalties. I believe he leads the team in preseason penalty minutes.

I realize Kozlov is getting up there in age but he produces and isn’t prone to taking penalties due to a lack of agility. Kozlov also leads by example.

In regards to Rooch, if I remember correctly, the Thrashers first preference for a center after Savard left was Cullen. Rooch was second choice for a center last year.

I know DW assembled the team. However, I would prefer to give the younger players a chance. If left up to me, although I know its not, I would prefer promoting younger players than tapping the free agent market for slow older players.

I understand we have to deal with the current deck of players; however, I would like to see the team lean toward developing and promoting younger talent. Since this is the last year of Holik and Roochs contract, we have a better chance of seeing Little, LaVallee, and Stuart next year. Hopefully, Bartovic will still be a viable option as well.

By the way, I double Czeched the ages of Holik, Kozlov, and Rooch. According to nhlnumbers.com, Holik is 36, Kozlov is 35, and Rooch is 35.

By Tony C.

September 24, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Wow.

So the smurfiness fear seems (somewhat) justified…The question for me at least, is this:

Does White bring enough to the table in the circle (winning draws/tying his man up) to warrant the smurfiness of that line?

Now realize I’m a huge #17 supporter-I’m just wondering that if you (read: Coach)continually ask him to go against ALL the tendencies he’s learned before coming to the NHL, how fast do you expect him to progress??? Now if does hiBob bonestly see #17 going hard into the corner and digging pucks, protecting White and Sterling and being his normal goal-scoring-machine self?

I think #17’s got it in him, but I also think that this is a HUGE thing to ask him to produce consistently this year. I think we will see a much-improved #17 in our own end, and if he remembers that he can mix it up (by that I do not mean drop the gloves) with all but the heavyweights, then it can happen-if not…well I surely hope this Sterling kid is as tough as everyone says.

Still it seems like that line will be fast and dynamic, which will work also provided that everyone gets off the ice in 40sec-1min…ahh well, if nothing else we have options @ centre-not all of them options I endorse, but they are options.

GO BLUE !!!

By Hip Czech

September 24, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Very cool…from here on out all references to the shut down line will be to the ‘Czeching’ line. Holik is playing for a payCzech next year, and last time I Czeched, we still have 2 Czechs on the bubble.

I don’t know what I was thinking in an earlier post…OF COURSE Pilar should be the man ahead of Enstrom and Popovic. Reality Czech.

Although I think Brendan would make a great ‘ice man’, I still wonder if we need a fan blogger. I like having the posts in one place, but if the AJC really wants one I hope that wasn’t Brendan’s concession speech. You can’t concede before the election.

By R. Stroz

September 24, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Tony C. - As a fan often frustrated with Kovy’s one way play, I was shocked to see him bust his tail getting back on D to help. Kovy seemed to be the first forward back each time Saturday night. It looks like Kovy has decided to become a two way player and that’s great news for the Thrashers.

By Tony C.

September 24, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Also, to address the question: I say LaVallee (duh) and Sterling OR Lavallee and Hydar (get your money’s worth!)

Brendan for fan blogger; I’d nominate myself but they changed my schedule so I will only be able to attend like 15% of the games. Or even be home to watch them.

GO BLUE !!!

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

R.Stroz, speaking of two-way players, there’s an article on Todd White at www.nhlpa.com that you might enjoy reading.

Okay folks, I gazed at the poll question about Bob Hartley and voted, apparently, like most of you did. But let me ask you something, honestly.

Ladies and Gentlemen, beeee honest here, how many of you think Bob Hartley isn’t on a short-leashed, one-year contract?

It’s okay to say, “Brendan, I think he’s got a 5-year deal. And this is just a pep talk because October is a very important month for the Thrashers playoff bid, just look back to last year, and you’ll see that’s true.” Fine. All I’m asking for … is your honesty. We all know how to be honest, don’t we?

By Tony C.

September 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Stroz

Thanks for the scouting report-everyone else as well who provided some good candid observations of the weekend’s game-it helps a guy like me who is stuck @ work.

GO BLUE !!!

By Brendan

September 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Hip Czech, all the other major pro sports teams in Atlanta have a fan blogger. So, in a way, I think it would look bad if the Thrashers didn’t have one (fan blogger). What are we, arena football? No, we’ve got to have a fan blogger. Overkill or not.

Craig does a super job. I agree completely. We are very, very fortunate to have him.

R.Stroz, I agree with you. I’ve wanted to see a youth movement for some time now. We were, AFTERALL, an expansion team. But, apparently, the drafting hasn’t been there. And/or, there’s been a fundamental lack of trust on the part of the Head Coach to experiment with young players. In his defense, he’s under the gun. Said another way, if you had the choice, who are taking into war with you? Fresh outta Basic training recruits or those who have done a few combat tours? Those who know and understand the theatre of operations. (Admittedly, not the best or most timely analogy. I apologize. Moving right along.)

Nothing has changed from last season, R.Stroz. This team has to make the playoffs. And it has to win a few games. Or at least one, or all this talk of “incremental progress” goes out the window. It’s my opinon that, Atlanta Sprit Group as ownership or not, changes will be made if the Thrashers miss the playoffs. But relax. They won’t. They won’t.

By Rawhide

September 25, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

I agree with Brendan on this: A fan blogger is something we need to have. Wouldn’t look good if the three other major sports franchises have on and we don’t. Doesn’t send a good message at all.

I would not go as far to say that the official fan blogger HAS to be a season ticket holder to be qualified as such, (would be nice, but not a requirement). There are many true, die-hard, knowlegable fans who cannot make every game due to finances, schedule or otherwise who are great fans none-the-less.

Just needs to be someone who knows the sport and can set the platform for a reasonable, thought-provoking, entertaining discussion of the team and Blueland.

I will also echo Brendan’s statement that CC does a great job here as the Beat Blogger. I appreciate the info he brings as well as being able to provide and read the feed back.

By Brendan

September 25, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Here, here, Rawhide. Many of us have to travel out of town for weeks at a stretch. And the only way we can keep up with Games if is the hotel room has sports pay-per-view or via the Internet.

Which reminds me, don’t forget to get your “Center Ice” packages” this year, if you haven’t already. There’s just no substitute, if you’re a die-hard fan. Plus, this helps you scout players for your Fantasy leagues, if you’re into that. And when the trade deadline approaches, you’ll be glued to every game you can that involves faltering Western Conference teams (Think potential trading partners).

To echo Rawhide’s point, “Ice Princess” (Fan Blogger two seasons removed) mostly listened to games on the radio, while at work. Of course, that didn’t stop some of you from attacking her and her commitment to hockey fandom. (When people do that, it reveals MORE about themselves than they REALIZE, or truthfully should want to reveal. But I digress.)

Sheesh. If selected or elected, I’ll serve as your “fan blogger.” But if I’m not, I’m hardly going to harbor “sour grapes” against the person who is and/or attack their “qualifications” for the job. The blog is for “a fan.” Any fan.

If it were my blog, it doesn’t matter to me one iota if you’re rich or poor. Or if you’re a season ticket holder. Or if you’ve got a 7-game plan. Or if you’ve played the game in college, minor league, or you’re a former NHL player or referee. I’ve sat in the 100’s, the 200’s, the 300’s, and yes, the 400’s for games. And some of the most lively, most energetic, and loudest fans are up in the rafters. No one can tell me any differently.

Buying a $200 seat along the glass doesn’t make you a better fan. And if you think it does, look in the Yellow Pages for “Therapists.” There might even be a coupon.

By Rawhide

September 25, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

BRENDAN - Funny, but I kept hearing “The battle Hymn of the Republic” in the background as I read your last post.

LOL!!

By Chris

September 25, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Kozlov Holik Hossa

Kovy White Sterling

Larsen Perrin Dupuis

Thorburn Slater Haydar

Zhitnik Havelid

Klee Enstrom

Exelby Pilar

press box Boulton - McCarthy

By Matt H

September 25, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

all the other major pro sports teams in Atlanta have a fan blogger…

I didn’t know that, though I probably should’ve considered as much. That’s an important consideration, I suppose. Equal representation is important.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 25, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Center Ice Package: If you have comcast, you probably do not have to reorder the center ice package. You probably have the baseball package right now and not even know it. I haven’t paid for the baseball or hockey package in 3 years. So go home tonight and see if you can get a baseball game. If you can, you do not need to reorder

By GaVaHokie

September 25, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

Craig… I knew I forgot someone (Slater)… Chris, I agree with your assessment.

By Matt H

September 25, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Wow.

If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and read about this barn-burner on the Island.

Looks like Mandy Sutton has been reading the blogs and has something to prove.

‘Course, the only thing you prove with an elbow to the head is that you’re dirty….

By Hip Czech

September 25, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Chris brings up something with his line listings…why is the Kovalchuk line the de facto number 1 line? I think it makes sense to make the Hossa-Holik-Kozlov line the top line, especially if Holik remains the center.

Maybe that would take some pressure off of Ilya…then again maybe the ‘demotion’ would make him sulk.

Gotta like Ovechkin…his response to a reporter’s observation that his English is much improved over last season was - “I practice on the girls”.

By GaVaHokie

September 25, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I was just reading Ben Wright’s column on the Thrashers site and it got me thinking… wouldn’t the best scenario be this…

Kozlov Little Hossa

Kovalchuk White Sterling

Thorburn Holik Boulton

Perrin Slater Dupuis

… Larsen in the press box.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 25, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

When are they announcing the captaincy? Hasn’t it been 24 hours?

FrankenBOBBY for Captain baby!!!

By Sara

September 25, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Brendan amen brotha!

Matt H It’s not like this would be the first time Andy’s taken cheap shots at somebody. But keep in mind also that the Rangers were the ones responsible for ending Andy’s post-season trip last season and some of it got testy. So he may have had his own frustrations he wanted to vent there as well.

And I’m still p** at the League for letting Simon back. I’d rather have a dog-fight ring-leader as a QB or crooked ref than a pllayer so vicious and quick tempered he’d commit violence that could kill another human being.

By Jeff

September 25, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Kozlov-Holik-Hossa

Kovy-White-Sterling

Larsen-Perrin-Thorburn

Dupuis-Slater-Haydar

With this line up it will give the thrashers another good scoring line to use in the 3rd period when the top two are slowing down. Also I would not use the same set up for power play as the end of last year. Havalid is getting to many minutes and it is affecting his game in the 3rd by going with a 4 forward PP instead of a 3 forward PP this will allow Havalid to concentrate on his defensive game. PP1 Kovy-Kozlov-Slater-Hossa-Zhitnik

PP2 Kovy-White-Sterling-Dupuis-McCarthy

By Hip Czech

September 25, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Jeff, why have Kovalchuk on both PP units? I would put Hossa on both before Kovalchuk.

I guess it’s just me, but I am SOOOOO tired of our PP deterioting into feed Kovalchuk for a 50 foot slapshot. Get the puck to Hossa/Kozlov/Holik down low …they shoot and look for rebounds.

I still would rather have 2 D on the PP. If Enstrom or Pilar make the cut give them some PP time, or McCarthy.

By Matt H

September 25, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Hear, hear, Hip Czech! The first thing that needs to go from last season is the power play. Yuck.

By j nes

September 25, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Brendan—As a voice from the rafters, representing section 412, thank you. I love my 10 dollar seat, and I love this hockey team. I also love sneaking down into the good seats when the rich corporate ticket holders don’t find anyone to use thier seats.

By Jeff

September 25, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

I certainly see your point about Kovy staying out to long but he is going to stay out anyway he has that reputation. As far as placing Hossa on both lines I think he is going to be skating to many minutes. Right or wrong Heartly is going to want him in the penalty kill to try and get a few short handed goals. And while I agree that short handed goals are great when you only have three top goal scores it seems like a waste. Your best players need to be able to play when they have the best chance of affecting the out come of the game. When hossa isn’t worn down like the last couple of months of last season he is able to push past any d-man in the league and do some amazing thing I just think that we want him in top form for the second half of the season and the playoffs. I still believe that the 2D PP is not going to work in Atlanta until the thrashers pick up a true scoring defenseman or two. The thrashers have a lot of responsible forwards who can score(Slater, Holik, Dupuis, Perrin, and White to name a few) using them will keep the minutes down on the defensemen and help out a very average defense.With the thrashers being 23rd on the pp last season and with the goalies combined facing more shots on goal than almost any other team in the league it is very clear that something has to change. they need better sharper d-man but that is not the team DW put together.

By Hip Czech

September 25, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Well said Jeff…fair enough about Hossa’s minutes. I suggested the other day to take him off the PK, but I cowered a bit on that, strictly for the shorties he gives. I would not have a problem taking Hossa off the PK (though my fantasy team certainly would suffer!).

I’m waiting for Craig to post his column today about the D, but I can’t wait any longer.

I agree 100% about the need for a top PP defenseman. I have been thinking that the UNLESS we have THAT type of young D in the system any other young D is superfluous right now. Trade em, trade em, trade em. Oystrick, Popovic, Enstrom, etc. unless they can become a Neidermayer, Souray, Boyle, etc. type PP quarterback there are always plenty of stay at home responsible D men you can sign as FA’s.

Maybe THEY are a dime a dozen ;-)

By jeff

September 25, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I certainly can not understand this team or should I say this GM’s desire to pick up so many players that have never achieved anything, instead of trying players in the system. I guess he has no faith in his own draft picks (who can blame him he dose not recognize talent) I agree that young talent is what this team needs and not other teams bad picks and problems.

By Chris O,

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

The PP was so horrible last year, that I think you almost need to keep Enstrom around to anchor or second PP unit with McCarthy. I would really like to have two solid PP units with two defenseman on each one. The idea of throwins Zhitnik-Havelid-Holik-Hossa-Kozlov out there and then putting out Enstrom-McCarthy-Kovalchuk-White-Sterling sounds pretty good to me. Kovalchuk and Hossa will get plenty of even strength goals, and we have enough skill on the third and fourth lines for them to get those hard work “garbage” goals that always seem to fire a team up. But the PP last year was our Achilles’ heel. Granted, most of that was the loss of Savard, but no one on this team is going to replace Savard, so we have to find a way to adapt this personnel to create a successful PP unit.

By Brendan

September 25, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Sara, thank you. And good luck to you in your bid for fan blogger. I think you bring a strong package. j nes, hail to you and those in 412!! Ya know, I have sat in 411 and 410 at various times. It’s practically center ice and is the same view as the $35 seat in section 311, rows “N” and above. So, why not save that $25 and put it towards food, drink, parking and souvenirs?

Pretty smart, if you ask me. I can’t tell you how many times, since 1999, that I scurried to the box office for a game that wasn’t on my plan, and was happy I found a $10 seat! Especially for the games that I thought were soldout. Sometimes, they put $10 seats on sale 3-hours before game time. I don’t know if they still do that.

Rawhide, I aim to please. And I love the Battle Hymn of the Republic! And for the record, the first 10 minutes of “Patton,” (Be seated) are some of the best in movie history. (“By Gawd, I actually feel for those poor b@st@rds. We’re gonna go through them like cr@p through a goose!”) Ahh, so many memories! I notice “Patton” got a lot of references from this blog back during the playoffs! Especially as unleash the fury was all the rage.

Buzilla, I have “Extra Innings” baseball on my Comcast package. Comcast let me add NFL Network for only $5 a month. Seemed like a “no brainer,” so I did it.