Thrashers

By Hip Czech

September 27, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

OK folks this is what most wanted. Everyone said Hartley never gives youngsters a chance.

Here is their chance.

I think Sterling, Little, and Enstrom deserve the shot. I think Popovic may have been a contractual thing. I think Kwiatkowski played well enough to make this team, but he signed a 2-way deal and Popovic had the NHL contract.

Any word on what line Little is going to be on tomorrow night?

By Rawhide

September 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Great choices,…..I like what I see going into the season.

By Thrash77

September 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

wow, that’s exciting

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 27, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

I like it! I would have liked to see Boris on the team since we have almost nobody that can stand up to the big boys in the league (so we will likely get pushed around) BUT they will have to catch us first. With youth comes speed. All four of these guys deserve a shot at the NHL. The problem is, so do most of the other guys. Some complained last year of us ‘trading away our future’. Time will tell but I have to say it doesn’t look like it.

I may be looking through Blue tinted glasses but I think with the improved speed that our defense might actually be a defense this year. Maybe even a strenghth…

I am getting ahead of myself. Just so siked for opening night.

Looks like we are all going to get a mini replica of the banner for the first giveaway….sweet

last thing…

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KqMUlvo1o6I

just reposting that from the last thread…

So are we done with the cuts? This is the team that starts Oct. 5th?

By Jim

September 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

These 4 appear to be the ones that most felt were most deserving given their past performances and play in the preseason games. Will be interesting to see if Little is able to push either White or Holik back to the third line. Glad to see some new “young” blood in there.

By Chris

September 27, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

This is great news. Young talent can galvanize a team AND their fans!

The Thrashers also know that these kids need minutes, which brings the topic to Bryan Little.

Doesn’t the team need to play him on a top two line? It’s waste to put him on the 4th line, though knowing HiBob, Little will see action on a variety of lines.

By Jeff

September 27, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

I would hope on the Hossa Kozlov line. 3rd or 4th is a bad place to deveolp talent. Maybe with Enstrom playing they can do a better job on the PP I still think that 4 forwards and a D-man is the way to go to rest the D but now we have at least three guys that can shoot, have the speed and puck handling ablity to cut down of those short handed goal chances.

By Craig Custance

September 27, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

It’s looking like we might see a line of Perrin, Little and Dupuis. Also, Brad Larsen is back out there practicing. He’s skating with Slater and Boulton.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 27, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

good job beating Ben to the punch Craig. Got him by 6 minutes…

By Justin

September 27, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

I’m hoping for lines that look like this:

Kovalchuk - White - Sterling Kozlov - Little - Hossa Perrin - Holik - Dupuis Thorburn - Slater - Boulton Larsen

Zhitnik - Havelid Exelby - Klee Enstrom - Popovic McCarthy

Lehtonen - Hedberg

By GaVaHokie

September 27, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

The other thing to consider is Hartley loves to roll 4 lines… and with Perrin, Little and Dupuis on the same line, they should get a fair amount of ice time.

And again, guys will be flip flopped off of different lines throughout the game.

By Aaron

September 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

You happen to know if Little and Sterling will be keeping their training camp numbers of 44 and 53, or will they be dropping to lower numbers now that they’re on the team?

I know Little has always worn 18, which is obviously taken.

By Brendan

September 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Well, a few more Waddell draft picks make the team. They join Kovalchuk, Slater, Exelby, and Lehtonen. Did Waddell draft Enstrom? I can’t remember anymore. Little and Sterling were Waddell picks.

Hossa is here via Heatley (2nd overall, 2000) and Dupuis is here via Alex Bourret (16th overall, 2005,) and Zhitnik is here via Braydon Coburn, (8th overall, 2003).

I like the youth movement. I think it’s looooong overdue. Give these kids a chance. It’s a league that emphasizes youth and speed. At least we won’t be regarded as one of the OLDEST teams in the league. This has to help our “averge age” a bit.

As for the press box, looks like Enstrom and Popovic may be alternating there. Lest McCarthy remain in Hartley’s doghouse. I have to think Zhitnik, Havelid, Exelby and Klee will play night after night. Then the last two spots might rotate between McCarthy, Enstrom and Popovic. That’s good for competition. No player wants to “sit” in the pressbox.

As for Little, I do have the sneaking suspicion he’ll be on the 3rd or 4th line. Which does raise the question, “Wouldn’t his time be better spent in Chicago, with longer minutes?” I guess we’ll see.

Also, Hartley will mix line combinations round and round and round again, until he finds the right fit. As he should. I want to see Holik centering Kozlov and Hossa. If that fails, it fails. And Holik goes back to the 3rd line with Larsen and Dupuis. If you’ll all recall, that was our BEST LINE during the playoffs against the Rangers. So, I do acknowledge those of you said, “It’s best not to fix what ain’t broke.” (Sorry for putting that in the vernacular.)

By The Falconer

September 27, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Good news. Now let’s hope they see ice time.

By russian

September 27, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Ok. Now we are talking. 22 people made a team. They are Looking very experience and young. It will be interesting season. My lines will be: 1. Hossa – Holik – Slava 2. Kovy – White – Sterling 3. Dupuis – Slater – Larsen 4. Bolton (Throburn) – Little – Perrin

Defense: 1. Zhitnik – Havelid 2. Ex – Klee 3. McCarthy – Popovic (Enstrom)

I can not wait until October 5.

By Bob

September 27, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hokie, Hartley doesn’t roll 4 lines, never has. He overplays his top lines way too much, it’s one of the problems I have with him. He did it in Colorado also, but then he was double shifting Sakic and Forsberg in their primes, so…

So Little will start on the checking line? I will pray that this is only to acclimate him to the league, and as he gets his legs, he can take Holik’s spot and get Bobby back to the checking line where he belongs.

If Little can’t cut it on the checking line and they don’t want to put him on the top lines, I assume they’ll bring Lavallee back up, I liked what I saw out of him in a checking role. Thorburn should also see time.

Good to see Popovic make it, we’re gonna like this guy, I think. I’d like to see Enstrom paired with Klee so Klee can lay back and cover his rear.

Zhitnik-Havelid Exelby-Popovic Enstrom-Klee

If Enstrom can’t cut it defensively and is too much of a liability (we know he can move the puck up ice), then McCarthy can take that spot.

We’re going to get pushed around a lot defensively, let’s hope for a lot of goals and that Kari and Moose are up to seeing a lot of rubber this year. A good goalie rotation should help there and keep both fresh.

Let’s drop the puck.

By Hip Czech

September 27, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Average age is now 28.36 (though look at it quick because Popovic and Zhitnik have birthdays coming up soon.

I have no idea what the league average age is. I THINK our average age last year was somewhere around 31. Hard to believe Kovalchuk is still only 24…a year older than Sterling!

By Hip Czech

September 27, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

One good trend is the shots we have given up the last 2 games. I think it was 30 on Tuesday and 27 last night.

If we keep the shots below 30 (preferably closer to 25) I like our chances, even if we get pushed around a little.

By ben

September 27, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

I like it!

Waddell picks make the team.

By UpperDeck4Life

September 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Little could see PP time in addition to his time with the 3rd line, I think that would be a good amount of time for his first 20 games or so. Give Holik time to really see if he can mesh with Hossa and Kovy. If he doesn’t, then Little has had a bit of time to get used to NHL play before he is asked to shoulder the burden of 1st line center. I really think that Popovic will be sitting in the box to start the season. I think Enstrom has passed him on the depth chart and if I were McCarthy, I would be really nervous right now about keeping my job over those 2.

By Thrashers27

September 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Great to see these kids make the team. That is exactly what I was pulling for.

I think Little’s talents would be waisted on a third, or fourth line. He should definitely be installed as a top 2 center.

By Erin

September 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

This is exactly the roster I was hoping for! These are great choices based on the recent camps/games!!

By R. Stroz

September 27, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Let the games begin!

By LAC

September 27, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Great to see the Young Guys make the team a positive step…

Creates some buzz for sure. Like one fellow blogger said, too bad Boris did not make it,we DO need a guy other teams are afraid of… would have loved to see Boris level Avery one game…

Well let’s see the finished product friday night and hope for a repeat of the Southeast Championship…

Don & Bob will be on a hot seat come late March if things are going south however, but enough on that.

Let’s WIN !!!!!

By Sam

September 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Hartley really has little choice but to to go with youth this season. Waddell didn’t do much with pick-ups over the summer. And its not just giving them a chance, its nurturing young, inexperienced players into becoming the best players they can be…teaching them, supporting them, providing coaching and leadership not merely placing expectations on performance and saying, “Go achieve.”

Instruction, leadership and real coaching. Let’s see Bob do THAT this season. I expect to see him do more blaming, his usual default behavior when the team struggles.

By Nate

September 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Nyyyceee!

By R. Stroz

September 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

BELIEVE IN BLUE SMURF LAND!

By Kint

September 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

This is the Team i envisioned.. And i Really like it.. Also Some of you might not know that Little may only play up to 9 games cause his contract only kicks in after nine games. So thats something to keep in mind. I think he will stay, but it is something that could happen.

Craig— Do you think Little is here to stay or is he on the 9 Game Audition???

By GSU-Lee

September 27, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Very interesting, I like the fact that they went with the future instead of the vets. At the same time, we do seem to have enough guys to back up the Pro team. At some point we know we will have injuries (SEE Larsen), but maybe now we have enough depth behind them to get us through.

By Kint

September 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

East Prediction on Hockeybuzz

EASTERN CONFERENCE 1. Buffalo 2. Pittsburgh 3. Washington 4. Ottawa 5. Philadelphia 6. Toronto 7. NY Rangers 8. Montreal 9. Boston 10. Florida 11. Tampa 12. NY Islanders 13. Carolina 14. New Jersey 15. Atlanta

Anybody Agree With That?????

By GSU-Lee

September 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Craig, I know you will report it when it happens, but any captain news? The roster is settled now, so whats the word?

By Mary

September 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

What does a d-man have to do to stay in Atlanta? Kiwi had 3 assists, this is ridiculous.

By Mary

September 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

What does a d-man have to do to stay in Atlanta? Kiwi had 3 assists, this is ridiculous.

By Mary

September 27, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

What does a d-man have to do to stay in Atlanta? Kiwi had 3 assists, this is ridiculous.

By R. Stroz

September 27, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Sounds like hockeybuzz sat down with Vick and got more buzzed!

By Hip Czech

September 27, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Mary, I think it was just because of Popovic’s contract status. If Popovic went down he would be exposed to waivers and scarfed up (just like Pilar) was.

Kwiatkowski, though playing better and probably deserving the spot had the ‘luxury’ of a 2-way contract, which means he can be sent down.

At least I think that is it.

By Sean

September 27, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I am excited about the inclusion of these guys. Little and Sterling will be immediate impact players but will obviously also make rookie mistakes. We all need to be a little patience with these two. I also love that Enstrom stayed. Fingers crossed, this might be the point man we need on the PP.

By dj

September 27, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I like the youth movement. Little looked sharp but his endurance will be question which is why I don’t see him spending the whole season on the top line. I can’t see him play 20+ minutes on a top line. Same thing with Sterling. I see:

Hossa-Holik-Kozlov with Little hoping in and out Kovy-White-Sterling with Dupuis in and out Perrin-Little-Dupuis Boulton-Slater-Larsen

Hav-Zhit Ex-McCarthy or Popovic Klee-Enstrom

I don’t think 15th in the east is accurate at all. Kari has a short memory and last season is gone. Washington has Kolzig but he still can’t make up for a bad defence and Ovechkin can’t score 6 goals a game. Washington will be similiar to Atlanta two years ago who scored at will but couldn’t stop sloth.

By GSU-Lee

September 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Hockeybuzz is way off, not just on the Thrashers either.Washington at 3? Give me a break!

By Jenn

September 27, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Okay, okay, so who’s the captain already?!

By The Falconer

September 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

There has been a lot of carping about Thrasher drafts, but the farm system is producing. I did some number crunching on it in the spring and the Thrashers are about middle of the league in terms of their drafts. Today’s roster really shows the fruits of recent drafts.

2003 Draft: Sterling 145th overall, Enstrom 239th overall (a steal!), 2005 Draft: Lavallee 116th overall (he will make the team at some point this season) 2006 Draft: Little 12th overall

The good news is that there are more guys one the way. Next year I wouldn’t be surprised at all if some of these made the team out of camp. Pavelec 41st overall, Zubarev 187th overall, Holzapfel 43rd overall, Lewis 40th overall.

By Hip Czech

September 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee, the Washington pick at #3 is not because they are projecting them finishing 3rd overall in points. They are projecting the Caps win the SE division, which would be the #3 seed (like the Thrashers were last year).

Their SE division would look like:

1 - Washington 2 - Florida 3 - Tampa 4 - Carolina 5 - Atlanta

I posted my SE division predictions on yesterday’s blog…no way Atlanta finishes last in the SE unless there are a slew of injuries. If they do, we all Andy Sutton a big apology.

By LAC

September 27, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Hockeybuzz… Must be BUZZED…

Caps third… yeah right… us last… NO WAY…

As we speak we are second in confrence in preseason… Just people outside Atlanta who just cannot accept we have a pretty good team in town… Just stupid…

How about those leafs or is it loafs… No playoffs again this season too !!! Heck even NRY has given up over 20 goals in these early games…

By R. Stroz

September 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Ecklund has been hanging with MV7’s posse and he inhaled.

By Bob

September 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

*There has been a lot of carping about Thrasher drafts, but the farm system is producing. I did some number crunching on it in the spring and the Thrashers are about middle of the league in terms of their drafts. Today’s roster really shows the fruits of recent drafts.

2003 Draft: Sterling 145th overall, Enstrom 239th overall (a steal!), 2005 Draft: Lavallee 116th overall (he will make the team at some point this season) 2006 Draft: Little 12th overall*

Take a look up from the stat sheet and see the forest.

That these guys made the roster speaks to how weak our roster is, not draft prowess. It’s not like they cut Kozlov to give the spot to Sterling. They didn’t cut White to give Little the spot, yaknowwhatImean? I agree with you on Lavallee, I liked his game and see him as an NHL player.

I’d be pleased as punch to see this lineup hang around the 8 seed all year and be able to make some deadline moves to make a real run, and give these kids some serious experience that will pay dividends down the road.

By Kint

September 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Bob Your Such a Tool. When are you Gonna get over the fact that this is a pretty good team??

All you do is Trash the Thrash.. Your a Huge Plug

By Craig Custance

September 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Captain will be named on Tuesday.

By Geoffrey Paul

September 27, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

I’m happy with things right now. Although Bob does tend to ride his horses, I think he will be able to spread some of the ice time this year off of the top 2 and onto the 3rd. A line of Perrin, Little, Dupuis isn’t exactly a checking line. Yes, they will be very responsible defensively and will probably all be plus players, but both of the wings have the ability to put a few pucks in the net, and Little is the kind of pivot we have never had- someone who makes his wingers better. We should have 3 lines with scoring potential, and our 4th line will be the only one that is out there only to keep the other line off the score sheet. I think Holik is savvy enough that he will work well between Hoss and Kozzie, and if Little’s play improves enough over the course of the season that you can’t keep him off a top line (let’s hope), then I think the thing to do is to swap him and White, rather than bumping Holik down. Putting Holik on a 3rd line with Dupuis and Perrin totally takes away the scoring punch from that line b/c both of those wingers are the kind of players who create chances off of their speed, and Holik won’t be able to keep up. So if Holik does eventually move off of that line, I think he should drop all the way down to the 4th- besides, him and Larsen have a lot of chemistry anyway.

By chowdersurge

September 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Awsome!!! I love the choice’s.But I must say I was surprised to see Little stick,which is great and Sterling will make alot of noise this year.As far as getting pushed around on D.I don’t see that, in the New NHL it’s about speed and postioning.Many of us still have the Pre-Lockout mindset on D-Men ie, Chara,Kubina,Hatcher,Gill,etc…my point is there big and struggling in the New NHL.Anyway 15th on TorontoBuzz…sorry Hockeytards.com…um yeah…..OK.Can’t wait till the 5th GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!

By Kint

September 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Craig— Do you think Little is here to stay or is he on the 9 Game Audition?

By Bob

September 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Bob Your Such a Tool. When are you Gonna get over the fact that this is a pretty good team??

I guess if after 20 games they have a 12-6-2 record or so , then you’d be right. I’m not blindly optimistic, however. This defense scares me and I don’t think we should get our hopes up on Sterling and Little saving the day. I see Kovy, Hoss, Kozlov, and a lot of ifs. I think the best rookie out of the 4 that made the team is Popovic, let me guess, you don’t?

I truly hope you’re right that this is a good team, I see an average one that I hope will stick around the 8 spot.

By ranallo10

September 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, now the only problem is that the Waddell haters will claim all of these choices were “shoe-ins” and were guaranteed a spot based on his lack of movement in the offseason.

crap, Bob beat me to that

Seriously though, Kint has stated a very important point for this entire situation — Little and Sterling are on entry level rookie contracts. Enstrom too. Those three players can play in the NHL for the first 9 games of the season, without the arbitration clock being started on their NHL contracts. If any of those three falter, I have little doubt (pun not intended) that Waddell and Hartley would easily relegate them to Chicago, thus calling up any of the solid more experienced candidates (Stuart, Kwiatkowski, Haydar) BEFORE calling up another rookie.

Don’t get me wrong though, I love knowing young guys like Sterling Little and Enstrom are getting their due shot. I also love most of our young talent, such as LaVallee, Valabik, Desbiens, Holzapfel, et ali…my point is that this could quickly turn into a 9 day test run, or extension of preseason to test the rookies.

Here’s to hoping two of them stay up for the remainder of the season.

Go Blue.

dj, are you able to get me from the airport on Sunday?

By dj

September 27, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

What time dog?

I got a game at 9 pm.

By christy

September 27, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Hey All.

Ben has it posted that Pilar was claimed off of waivers by the Blackhawks. Anyone know if he’s headed for Chicago direct or to AHL?

By R. Stroz

September 27, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Pilar went from a Wolf to a Blackhawk before the plane from Atlanta landed in Chicago.

By ranallo10

September 27, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

To my understanding a waiver claim allows you to directly send the person to your AHL affiliate.

Confirmation would be great though.

By Jeff

September 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Bob has several good points if Little Sterling, White, and Dupuis don’t produce this team goes no where you can have an average or below average defense if you have great goal tending and great offense. But if either falter the season is over. Besides if the thrashers need one thing it is scrutiny I wish more people would take them to task for bad deciions and bad draft picks. Most of the media in this town is happy to just release press releases handed over to them by the organization. Controversy breeds interest it is good for the thrashers and hockey in Atlanta. Remember their is no such thing as bad publicity as long as they spell your name right. Who cares what hokeybuzz thinks about the thrashers anyway they don’t do their research at most all they do is call the front office for a quote and look at the fantasy issue of hockey news On that note good article in this weeks hockey news craig. Why is it that the Kovy White sterling line is automatic they have only played together for two games and white may not handle the minutes that kovy and sterling can Little should be considered for that line too. White played with Hossa in Ottawa on and off, he might fit just as well on that line.

By LAC

September 27, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10… I doubt the rookies were a lock.

It is refreshing to see some young players who have solid track records, make the team.

It is refreshing to go younger this season rather than the patch job fix that was tried last season.

It will be REAL interesting to see these guys play night after night, and how much ice time they get.

With this young influx is Larsen really needed ???????

By Craig Custance

September 27, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

The Falconer: The farm system is producing IF the guys you mention turn into productive players this year.

By Brendan

September 27, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Let’s take something into account. Not trying to be a “downer,” here. I’m as enthusiastic about these young players as the rest of you. This ISSSS what I wanted to see. But this month of October is a rough one. Lots of road games. To come out of it as a .500 start might actually be pretty good.

If Sterling, Little, Enstrom, etc., are on a “9-game” audition, they’ll be gone by November. And generally speaking, you “audition” at the end of a season, or if/when you get injuries. I have to believe these guys made the team. And they’ll only be sent down if they “can’t cut it.” And that’d be a “downer,” for sure.

But I want to remind you all … that there’s no need to throw the team under the bus if they’re .500 on Nov. 4th. They will have played ten (10) road games. And the home games aren’t “gimmies,” either. Ottawa, NJ, and the NY Rangers are tough opponents, sandwiched inbetween two (2) games vs. Ovechkin and the much improved Capitals.

Yeah, the Caps made some offseason moves. Go check out their free agent tracker. Back yet? See what I mean? I think we’ll win the season series with the Caps, but there will be some very close games. I hardly think we should pencil in 4-points for those two early home games with them in October and November.

Geoffrey Paul, welcome back. Where were ya all Summer?

Christy, bummer about Pilar. At $600,000, he was priced to move. And Waddell knew that when he signed him. The guy has a heart condition. It was “risky” from the very start with him. But I do wish him the best. Hey, I trust Hartley to know what he’s doing. I’m sure Hartley and Waddell talked about Pilar at length before they left him unprotected.

By ranallo10

September 27, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

If given the choice, would you all rather fielding a team with young hoegrown talent, or a team consistently improving and making the playoffs with “cast offs” and “other teams problem players”?

Washington and Florida have been doing fine drafting recently…how’ve they faired recently?

Each opinion is of itself, and bares merrit from some base. Those that cry for a team stockpiled with homegrown talent are clearly looking at the successes of Buffalo, but clearly missing the failures of Edmonton, Columbus, Florida, Washington, etc. On the other hand, Detroit seems to do fine without drafting every impact player on their team, or stockpiling high draft picks alah Pittsburgh.

It’s easy to sit back and criticize from a perch that is flawless, and base opinions on successful models laid out by multiple opponents, but to expect perfection is assinine.

Now, I’m off my box for a second, and completely content with the team as it stands. They’ve continued to improve, the GM has shown signs of learning from his weaknesses, and the team continues to show signs of room for improvement.

As Brendan said before, you’re all entitled to complain about the team. You’re right Jeff, from criticism comes improvement. But at some point criticism needs to yield, and needs to make room for support.

I’m not a blind supporter, but I’m nowhere near a blind nay-sayer.

I’m now all the way off my soap box. Flame away.

By The Falconer

September 27, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

re: farm system. It is true that I can’t predict the future, but they’ve already taken the first step of winning roster spots over the insurance bodies that were brought to camp.

Personally I find it hard to believe that Sterling will not match the points put up by Mellanby—if Sterling stays on Kovalchuk’s line all year and get PP ice time like Mellanby did.

By Dave

September 27, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I think we can all agree that the second the puck hits the ice we are all supporters of the Thrashers (except those that leave the first 2 minutes of the third because they are down by one) many of the players have earned our respect and total support and the coaching staff has earned an opportunity to put their plan into place . I don’t think that there is any one road map to success in the NHL but when a team has limited resources the draft is very important. But criticism of the organization forces accountability to us fans that have waited a very long time for a team to come back to Atlanta and for that team to be a contender. This season is important a good product will bring people in sell seats, convert the masses, and make the franchise profitable. A bad season could bring the lose of our top player. Hossa only wants to stay if the thrashers are competitive team. The team has worked hard to get a break out year let us all hope this is it.

By kreedham

September 27, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m looking forward to the “new” team. I think the youth with added speed will make us better.

On a side note…since Ice Man is giving up the fan blog I think the AJC could take down the Socks and Underwear blog.

By dj

September 27, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 am I picking you up or what?

Craig-Do Little and Sterling need a third roommate?

By rockdr99

September 27, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

I really like our young guys — I believe they have genuinely made the team — We are certainly better off than we were at this time last year — Rucchin, Metropolit, Kapenen, Mellanby, Sutton DeVries replaced by White, Sterling, Little, Dupuis, Enstrom, and Popovic —

But, being realistic, there is no way we are 12-6-2 after 20 games, considering the brutual schedule we face in the first 20 games —

We need Blueland rocking and trust what is potentially a very exciting young team — Let’s show Hossa that this is where he will want to be —

As to LAC, the minute he misbehaves, we should suggest he take one of his patented business trips, perhaps to see the Gladiators

By Jeff

September 27, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

The first 20 could be tough a good home crowd would not hurt. I truly hope Hossa thinks Atlanta is going to be in the hunt for the cup every year and this is where he wants to stay.

By thrashersfan

September 27, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

ranallo10, well said.

By d

September 28, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Barry Melrose has the Thrash winning the SE and finishing 4th in the East with 95 pts.(http://melroserocks.blogspot.com/2007/09/your-obligatory-ultra-super-spectacular.html)

By stendec

September 28, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers enter a new season as defending champions. No other Atlanta team can make that claim. I am damn proud of them. I will probably get aggravated with them during the season, naturally, but I wish them every success. Even my buddy between the pipes. Fare thee well, Thrashers. True sports fans will be watching. Drop the puck for real already!

By Bob

September 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

The farm system is producing IF the guys you mention turn into productive players this year.

Bingo. My point exactly.

But this month of October is a rough one. Lots of road games. To come out of it as a .500 start might actually be pretty good.

Excellent point, forgot about that early road trip. Let me temper that then and say a 10-9-1 start would pleasantly suprise me and be a success for this lineup.

Besides if the thrashers need one thing it is scrutiny I wish more people would take them to task for bad deciions and bad draft picks.

Bingo again. Glad to see a new guy aboard that gets it, welcome Jeff. Some of these newbie fans think it’s a crime to hold your team accountable. I know that the real crime is to blindly support them, because then your mgt. knows that you’re coming to the game if they’re missing the playoffs, or making a run. It’s a business, you keep going back to the same restaurant who overcooks your food? No, you hold them accountable, they fire the chef, and improve. If you keep sitting there sloppin up the same stuff they feed you, you think they have any reason to improve?

Wait a minute, I’m having deja vu all over again…

This town is turning into a real hockey town, I can feel it. The taste of the playoffs last year was just what we needed.

I’m hoping this club can hang around the 8 spot and then let’s hope mgt. green lights Waddell to make some deadline moves again to let us make a real run.

By raindawg722

September 28, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Great Hartley line about having growing pains with an old team. That guy is comedy gold.

By ThrasherNYC

September 28, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

As old as we were last year they should have been shrinking pains.

I traded in my 316 reference as I had to give up my seats int eh arena. I will now be counting on this blog more than ever for commentary and analysis of the team.

The “youth” movement finally arrived. I am pleasently confused by the moves Don made and truly upset I wont get to see this team develope first hand. I just hope the early road trip doesnt shake us up too badly.

My bold prediction for the season is the Kovy rivals Hoss down the stretch for team lead in points.

My one wish for Christmas is that we have success this season with out special teams play. Improvement in that category could make us a playoff team.

By Andy

September 28, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I think Little should be on the top line between Kovalchuck and Kozlov. Then they should let Sterling play the Hossa and White.

www.fantasyhockeyexperts.com

By Buzilla Baby Blues

September 28, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

GAVAHolik

Did you get the tickets I emailed you?

By Brendan

September 28, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

I do see Waddell as learning from his mistakes of the past. We’re hardly MAXED OUT on Opening Night, cap-wise. Our team isn’t a bunch of 6’4” pylons who can’t skate or move the puck up the ice. So the “dinosaur mentality” is gone now. Our team got a “Little” bit younger. (C’mon, everyone’s using that pun.) And more draft picks are on the team, instead of in Chicago or traded away for older and slower, but more experienced NHL players.

But, let’s remember something about these rookie draft picks. If the team does falter this year, you can expect the Waddell draft critics to boo loudly and call for accountability.

There’s no doubt that this GM “hand selected” this group. Every single player. Don Waddell is the only GM in the history of the Atlanta Thrashers hockey club. He can’t escape that truth, if the worst should happen. Hartley would be gone first, however.

Personally, I want to give these kids some time to develop at the NHL-level. That’s what I felt should have been happening in the early portion of this decade. Win and lose with our kids (draft picks), as they learn and grow. Assuming that we made good draft selections with our extremely favorable draft positions, from 1999-2004.

That’s not how it happened. And there’ll be plenty of you who’ll rightly point out, “The expansion era” of this franchise is over. We’re not in ‘rebuilding mode.’” And that’s right. We have reached, as Don Waddell said, the time when we are expected to be a playoff team and to make moves towards winning the Stanley Cup, not just making “incremental progress.” That’s what all those 2007 trade deadline moves were about.

I’m not expecting miracles from these kids. But I am glad that the team is now trying to win with youth and speed. I think that’s the way to go in the “new NHL.” (Just don’t allow the refs to let the “clutching and grabbing” back into the game.)

And next year, Rucchin and Holik’s contracts will have expired, and there’ll only be a year left on Havelid and Zhitnik’s. Hossa can be re-signed and Kovalchuk will still have two-years left on his contract. And these four rookies will have had a year of NHL experience under the belts. Hopefully, with playoff action, too.

If we change coaches during the year, then we do. If that happens, someone will be brought in to develop young players.

By R. Stroz

September 28, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

A BIG YESSS to Rucchin and Holik’s contract expiration.

By Lee

September 28, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Craig, who would you vote for Captain if you had a vote?

By Jeff

September 28, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I agree that five drafts at or near the bottom did not get the thrashers much before this year only four players are on the team you can add one more for Hossa but that is it. Pittsburgh (Whom I despise) Plays at least 9 and Buffalo plays 10 from the time they spent at the bottom Buffalo due to bankruptcies and looking for a new owner. I do like the look of this team better than last season the offense is going to be much harder to defend against if the kids pan out. Last year in December all the other teams learned how to play the Thrashers (put the top D line up against Hossa and Kozlov double team them both and force Kovy to beat you on a line by himself Also shoot up high on the glove side of Kari beause the thrashers allow more shoots on goal than almost any one else and goalies from Finland are weak on the high glove side)
Sorry Rucchin, Sim, Metro, and Kapanen but I like the chances the thrashers have with Little, Sterling, Dupuis and White better.

By Maury

September 28, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

This is a SMALL team. We better hope that SMALL and FAST does not meet LARGE and FAST. Little was injured on his first or second shift in the Chicago playoffs. Never saw the ice after that. Sterling played in a round rink,no corner action.

By john dossey

September 29, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this

You folks in Atlanta will fall in love with mr. Little. I had the pleaseure of watching him for four years in Barrie. NOt only a gifted offensive player but may be the most responsible junior hockey player I have ever watched. He has been an underfog on every team he has played on and has alsway left as the star.

Good Luck!

By LAC

September 30, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Come on rockdr99 it’s a NEW season, new players and a new outlook from a LOT of people, bloggers and everyone…

Let it go, I will give waddell good marks for going with younger players and give Bob a chance to use them…

It is a team effort I hope we do as well and better than last season, let’s hope other teams faulter…

The season this season will tell the futures of the management team.

Let’s WIN… OK rockdr99 ?