Thrashers

By ThrasherNYC

September 28, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Little vs Kapanen is a clear advantage to Little. Kapanen never fit into our system. He just doesnt have the touch that we need so babdly at center. Can Little’s touch be enough though as he will have to step up all the other facits of his game. Based on points alone Little wins.

Sterling vs Mellanby is also an upgrade for me. I agree Mellanby brought a lot of intangibles to the team but he was old and slow. With Sterling opposite Kovy it will free up ice for the superstar and Kovy’s stats alone could appreciate by Mellanby’s margin. Sterls is the most ready to contribute at the NHL level and I look for him to have 50+ points. Once again based on production Sterls wins.

Popovic vs Hnidy is a downgrade from my seat. Hnidy had solid game and Popovic will bring lots of rookie mistakes. He is ready for limited minutes but Hnidy held his own.

Enstrom vs Vish is and apple and an orange to me. Nothing similar in there games or rolls on the team from what I can deduce. I like Enstrom to help out the PP though and if it goes back to top ten in the league with Enstrom helping it out I think it is an upgrade. When the Sharks come to town and push us around it will likely feel like a downgrade.

By Darren

September 28, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

In general, it’s an upgrade in the speed and puck moving department, but a downgrade in the physical and/or grit department.

However, even there, I think you’ll see both Sterling and Little mix it up out there and play with a ton of heart. Particularly Little, since if he fails to show the same effort in the regular season he did in the preseason he knows he would probably be the quickest sent down.

Without Sim, Mellanby, and Tkachuk, I don’t think you’ll see Atlanta score as many garbage goals. However, with the more skill and speed, there could be some more breakaway and 2-on-1 goals.

Outside of Holik on the top two lines and the fourth line guys like Larsen, Boulton and Thorburn, Atlanta doesn’t have nearly as many guys who traditionally post themselves in front of the net to get the ugly rebounds.

I’ve heard Sterling likes to do that, despite his size, so we’ll see if he stays down low and takes the beating.

By Bob

September 28, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Little vs. Kapanen = don’t know for sure as Little has neverr played one NHL regular season game

Kapanen was pretty much worthless offensively, will Little be able to play defense? I can answer this one after 10 games or so, but my guess would be an upgrade.

Sterling vs Sim/Mellanby = don’t know for sure as Sterling has never played one regular season NHL game.

My guess would be a wash.

Popovic vs. Hnidy = upgrade, Popovic is much smoother with the puck and a better skater

Enstrom vs. Vishnevski = don’t know, never seen Enstrom play an NHL game.

My guess would be that a definite upgrade offensively, but how is Enstrom going to be defensively with no reach and no size? I really worry that he’s just going to get run over, have to evaluate this one after 10 games, can’t really even guess right now.

By GaVaHokie

September 28, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

White replaces Metropolit and that’s an upgrade.

Little replaces Kapanen and that’s an upgrade.

Perrin replaces Sim, and if Perrin can be more consistent than Sim, I think that’s an upgrade as well.

Dupuis replaces Vigier… UPGRADE!!!

We need consistent scoring from all four lines, and I think we just might have that.

By Hockeyfan

September 28, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

I havent posted this in a while but since the Braves are done, can you ask your editor about giving the Thrashers a link on the front page? Thanks.

Not wishing injuries or sickness for anyone, but I really want Kiwi here so you can do the Cinderella story. ROCK-ON!!!

By mike

September 28, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

LOL, its funny to hear some people doubting Little. He has succeded at every level he has played at (i played AAA bantam with him)rookie of the year in jr. B when he was 15 yrs old, Rookie of the year in the OHL with barrie, and I have no doubt in my mind he will be rookie of the year this year in the show. Just you guys watch. He rises to level everytime, ive seen it my whole life.

By GaVaHokie

September 28, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Mike… the problem is, Little has never played with grown men. He’s 19 years old, tiny and is playing against guys who can effing kill him.

I’m not doubting him, I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do, but the circumstances are WAY different than dominating in a junior league where guys are still growing into their bodies.

By Bob

September 28, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the first hand info, on Little, Mike. There’s a couple things you can’t teach, size is one, but the other is heart. Seems like you’re saying your boy has heart, that’s good. Real good.

Keep in mind though that there have been scores of guys who tear it up in juniors, but just can’t get it done at the NHL level.

Hey, if Little can get 9 games in and then goes back down, that’s still a win in that he gets the experience and comes back that much better next year.

By Brendan

September 28, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I’ll take a shot at it, Craig. I like Hnidy over Popovic, but … let’s fair about this. Popovic is young with a lot of upside. In time, Popovic will be an upgrade over Hnidy. Just not this season. For right now, Hnidy has lots of NHL experience, excellent work ethic, and know-how. The Ducks are fortunate to have him. Hnidy’s price tag is a bargain. But he’s 32. What’s Pop? 24? In the longrun, it’s better to have Popovic.

Little vs. Kapanen - I have to say Little, just by default. Kapanen never fit in here. Truthfully, I would have rather kept Stefan than have Kapanen, even if he did cost $100,000 more against the cap.

Enstrom vs. Vishnevski is an interesting choice. Do you want a heavy hitter? Or do you want a puck mover? Okay, who just shouted, “You want both!!!” Since Vish has NHL experience and physicality, I guess I’d give Vitaly the edge. But again, in the longrun, given the age disparity, this could work out for the Thrashers. (Nothing better happen to Exelby!)

Last, I have to honest here. I’ve loved Brett Sterling since he was at Colorado College and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. In my opinion, he “slid” nearly 100 spots in his draft year, such that Don Waddell must have spewed out his coffee to still see his name up on the board for available players. Even when I was railing on Don’s draft prowess, I always said, “Sterling is one of Waddell’s better draft picks.” Then people got mad at me when he didn’t make the team last year. Well, he made it this year, and I think we’re gonna like him. I think he’ll get 15-20 goals. Think Jon Sim. Very apt. Simmer is probably tougher. But Sterling is quicker, and just might have more skill.

And that leaves Mellanby. We can’t make comparisons to Mellanby. He played 22 years in the NHL and was a true leader. Although diminished by the time he reached Atlanta. His leadership and lockerroom presence will have to be picked up by someone like Holik. That’s the closest “Mellanby substitute” I can think of.

Sara said Havelid will be the Captain. I don’t know how I feel about that, if true. I kinda like Kozlov, since he’s under contract for 3 more years and has a commanding knowledge (Hartley called him a computer) of the game of hockey in all its facets. But I don’t see Kozlov as an “in your face” kinda guy, the way I see Bobby Holik.

By Kint

September 28, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Craig Any word on whether the rookies will be changing there numbers? Mainly Little and Sterling?

By Rawhide

September 28, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

I’ll echo what Brendan stated regarding Hnidy vs. Pop. If it’s anything close to a wash this season, it’s a win overall given the age.

As for Kap vs. Little,….if Bryan simply SHOWS UP all year, he gets 6 goals. Talk about a disappointment last year, sheeze. I will admit I was thrilled to see Kap here, but it didn’t go too well, did it???Depending on what line he is on and how many minutes, I think Little gets 8-12 goals. This is a plus.

Sterling we may have to wait and see,….it could be a plus,…but time will tell.

I agree with CC about Enstrom vs. Vish. I like what he brings as far as puck handling skills coming on the transition. He may even get a chance to to on the PP, (I hope, I hope),…..

It does not take EVERY newbie being 100% better then who they replace, but all or most of them being just that much better,….well that makes ALL the difference.

OK, short and sweet,….gotta get down to Philips, ya know!!!!

GO THRASHERS!!

By Thrashers27

September 28, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, you’re nuts. Both Sterling and Little will put up at least 25 each.

By Tonka

September 28, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

What I want to know is who is going to block shots? Little will be fine, will more than likely replace Holik on the top line after 10 games. Holik does not belong on the Hoslov line. Little will continue to put up numbers and 5’10” is not that small. Sterling who is 5’7” is small.

By mike

September 28, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

little will be a 20 goal scorer this season. mark my words.

By Midfield

September 28, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t see Havelid being offered the ‘C’ - not after last season, however sensitive his personal situation was. Le’t face it: his mind was not on the ice more often than Thrashers could afford it. As for the roster, I agree that we’ll have better speed and puck movement and we’re gonna get slapped around badly a little too often to my taste, I’m afraid.

By Rawhide

September 28, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Thrash 27 and MIKE - Believe me, I hope you both correct. I know that I am going conservative on the goal production numbers, but they are still young.

If BOTH of ‘em get to 25 goals this year, I buy you both a beer. And I’ll do it with a smile! Because if they do, (and we get the same numbers from Hoss, Kovy, Koslov and Holik from last year),….we hit 100 points and win the SE again.

Kari looked good tonight.

Looked like BH was playing with the line up a bit. Might as well now.

Next Friday ought to be much-big-fun.

See ya there!

By Rawhide

September 28, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Thrash 27 and MIKE - Believe me, I hope you both correct. I know that I am going conservative on the goal production numbers, but they are still young.

If BOTH of ‘em get to 25 goals this year, I buy you both a beer. And I’ll do it with a smile! Because if they do, (and we get the same numbers from Hoss, Kovy, Koslov and Holik from last year),….we hit 100 points and win the SE again.

Kari looked good tonight.

Looked like BH was playing with the line up a bit. Might as well now.

Next Friday ought to be much-big-fun.

See ya there!

By Thrashers27

September 29, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

I’ll hold you to that Rawhide. Just look for the tall guy, shaved head wearing #27 jersey.

By ranallo10

September 29, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Kint — Sterling is number 21, Little 44, and Enstrom 6 according to the Thrashers website

By mike

September 29, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

The only forwardthat got more ice last night than little was kovy, I think that is saying something there folks.

and bob, i agree one hundred percent that there are guys that rip it up in jr. but dont do dick all in the NHL, but trust me Little is different. It will be funny when he really busts out this year, and ill be here on these discussion boards laughing!

By Brian

September 29, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to say a quick hello as the puck is about to drop. Can’t believe it’s here, although a little odd that it’s in London…

More than happy with how the roster shaped out in Atlanta.

By Christy

September 29, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Listened to the game on the radio last night, and I admit to being distracted by some chores at the time, but got the impression that Sterling was everywhere, being a pest around the net.

Anyone who was there - was that just me keying in on his name, or was he that good?

By The Falconer

September 29, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Tonka: Who will block shots? Kari Lehtonen. I’d rather give him an unobstructed view of the shot than see him be screened by a hulking Andy Sutton all season. Who do you trust more to stop a puck a goalie who has trained all his life to block and deflect pucks or a defensemen?

Mike: I agree Little will score 20 goals, I’m just not sure what league it will be in.

By Brian

September 29, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

The primary job of a defenseman is not to block shots. That is secondary of tertiary. The primary job is to break up plays by taking the puck away or simply covering offensive players when they are moving without the puck, both of which Sutton does not do that well.

For the love of God, stop talking about how Sutton blocked shots. He might be a good juggler too. But do you want someone who is a good juggler but stands still when a winger is coming down the ice? Even if he can juggle 5 pucks at a time, or 2 pucks, a bowling pin, and a chainsaw, who cares?

By Frank

September 29, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Who said anything about Sutton?

By Thrashers27

September 29, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Okay, seriously…Can we just start the freakin’ season now? I wanna see how these boys are gonna stack up to the rest of the league.

I really think that Little and Sterling will make sizeable contributions this year and that Perrin will have a productive season. If Enstrom, McCarthy and Zhitnik can pop in at least five goals each and Kari is solid in net then this team is gonna be vastly improved over last season.

Not that I want to see any injuries, but I would like to see Haydar, Lavalee, Valabik and Kwiatkowski get shots with the big boys at some point in the season.

LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!

By Brian

September 29, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Frank - I haven’t seen your name before, but this is a common battlecry among Sutton supporters. They quickly pull up the stat of how many shots he blocked but ignore the times he slipped on the ice. So the second someone starts talking about blocking shots, it is only in reference to one player who thankfully will not have a Thrasher logo on his chest this year.

By R. Stroz

September 29, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Christy - Sterling was a pest around the net. This kid really hustles and is excellent at stealing the puck. If Kovy keeps an eye on Sterling, Kovy will pick up some easy goals after the steal.

By GSU-Lee

September 29, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Craig, Spartans almost got it huh?

By Brendan

September 29, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

No, Spartans got it. I believe it was a 3-1 win for Michigan State over Boston College, for the National Championship. It ended 20-years of Spartan futility in the NCAA tournament. Jeff Lerg, the hero in net for MSU.

Hey Craig, did Lerg get drafted?

By Brendan

September 29, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

The Chicago Wolves are fortunate to be getting Darren Haydar and Joel Kwiatkowski. And, of course, the Thrashers are lucky to have them as call up options. Of course, if they are called up, we’ll have to sweat it out again for them to clear waivers to go back down to the AHL.

By Midfield

September 29, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

As a long time Sutton’s supporter, let me close this chapter by saying that you’re looking at the wrong stats. Granted, blocked shots should not be used as the criterion. However, his +/- was consistently at the top - until he got hurt last year. I’m not worried about his depature because his replacement is Klee who is of comparable size and had good +/- last season. I’m not sure, but I sure hope that he is a better fighter.

By Simple_Man

September 30, 2007 4:10 AM | Link to this

Brendan:

Since Haydar and Kiwi have already cleared waivers, they’ll only need to clear waivers again to be sent back down, assuming they’re recalled, if they’re on the roster for more than 10 games or 30 days.

Some examples, Haydar was recalled last season and played in four games , then was sent back down without going through waivers, because he’d cleared once already during the preseason last year. Furthermore, Krog was called up twice, once just for one game, then sent back without going through waivers for the same reason. Of course, Krog was also recalled again and stayed for more than 10 games or 30 days and had to be put on waivers to be sent back down. And that’s when the Rangers claimed him off waivers last season.

By Brendan

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

An excellent clarification, Simple_Man. Thank you. I’m hoping that Haydar and Kwiatkowski won’t be needed for 10-games or 30-days. But hey, if they earn their roster spots, then it means they outperformed other Thrashers. And that’s good for the team.

So, I gotta ask. (Here’s my poll question.) “How many games will the Thrashers win in October?” A) 0-3 games, B) 4-6 games, C) 7-10 games, or D) More than 10 games.

I’m watching the rematch of the Kings and Ducks, Curry just scored for Anaheim.

By Brendan

September 30, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Make that Corey Perry. Not Curry. Laughing.

By Brendan

September 30, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Oooooh. The announcers just slammed the Thrashers, vis-a-vis Chris Kunitz. They said, “one team’s garbage is another team’s treasure,” mentioning that the Thrashers didn’t think enough of Kunitz to safeguard him.

How’s that for an unprovoked attack? What’s next? Slamming us for the Stefan pick? By the way, if you haven’t checked out www.cbs.sportsline.com/nhl for their “so-called” expert picks, the Thrashers did get three 1st places votes. But the lead writer, Wes Goldstein, lists the Thrashers as the LAST PLACE team, and declares Atlanta to be his personal choice for “most disappointing team” for the season. Goldstein picked the Penguins to win the Cup. Clearly, he doesn’t see goaltending as an issue for the Pens. Or he’s had second helpings of the Crosby Kool-aid. Still, Pittsburgh is a good and popular pick to win the Atlantic and the Cup. Though, that’s a pretty tough Division, with the Rangers, ever-consistent Devils, newly re-vamped Flyers, and the Islanders, who were a playoff team last year.

By JayBird

September 30, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Pretty much off topic but has anyone seen the new replica jerseys? They look and feel cheap as hell. The lettering is cheap and looks horrible. Pretty disappointing because I really don’t want to pay the $300 for an authentic.

By DB

September 30, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Midfield: Klee a better fighter than Sutton? My wife could beat-up Sutton. For a person his size, he ran from fights (see Edmondton before the lockout and Washington last year).

Brendan: We did get Kunitz from the wavier wire from the Ducks. He was their trash? Since we were down goalies when we sent tried to send him to Chicago ( and he is not a goalie), we didn’t have much choice. Just another example of poor broadcastor knoweldge.

By Rawhide

September 30, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

BRENDAN - If I have to go with the way you word the poll, I might say C, (7-10). Of our games in October, 7 are against playoff teams of last season, 5 are not. So it won’t exactly be a cake walk.

However, being that the Thrashers are still playing in the NHL where points can be accumulated in certain types of losses, that is what is important. Points.

I break it down like this:

There are 6 months in the season, (+2 in April). So, if you accumulate an average of 16 points a month, you have 96 points. That’ll get you into the playoffs, possibly as a division winner.

Since there are 12 games in October, to get to 16 points you can go 8-4 or 6-2-4 or 7-4-2, whatever.

Just get those 16 points.

GO THRASHERS - CAP THE CRAPITOLS!!

By Brendan

September 30, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

DB, that’s right on the money. Thinking back to 2007, we gained and lost players via the waiver draft, too. I think we lost Krog at one point to the NY Rangers?, (I think,) and then got him back. And, if you think about it, what’s the bigger mistake? The Ducks leaving Kunitz unprotected or the Thrashers leaving Krog unprotected? That is, if these broadcasters want to trumpet “waiver blunders.”

RAWHIDE, I’d take 16-points. But if I could choose how those points came, I’d want them to be wins, since wins are the tie-breaker edge, when points are tied. Last year, Tampa Bay had more wins than Atlanta. Thankfully, we had more points. I’d confident about shootouts. Ilya’s 2 for his last 2, Kozlov’s nickname is “Slavamatic,” and Hossa is a good bet, too. Little and Sterling could also get shootout attempts throughout the year.

As much as I think shootouts have no place in a “team game,” I like our chances in them. Especially with Lehtonen and Hedberg backstopping us. Hey, if the league says you can earn in a win in that fashion, I say “take it, take it, take it!”

By Sara

September 30, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

LOL, I had also noticed the “trash/treasure” comment during today’s game and had a few choice words for the announcers. Morons.

Friday game was good, although there are definitely some areas to work on. A lot will just be getting the chemistry going, some of which should be helped by the early season road trips. Frankly though, FLA looked horrible on Friday - made that game an easy win.

As for the captaincy issue - Holik may not be around after next season, I doubt Slava or Hossa would want it, Kovy certainly isn’t ready for it, and neither is X (although he’ll likely be the one to eventually get it). Not tons of options here.

By Thrashers27

September 30, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Don’t know where I saw it, but I heard that Havelid would wear the “C”. That would be fine by me.

By Brian

September 30, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Brendan - shootouts belong in “team games” as much as free throws & field goals. Much more than pitching and hitting…

By Buzilla Baby Blue

September 30, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Nice article in the Hockey News Craig.

By Rawhide

September 30, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

I agree about the shootout, Brendan,…but it’s here to stay. The fans have spoken in this regard.

Now, what I would like to see is the NHL address the inequity of how points are doled out regarding OT wins and regulation wins.

I know this has been hashed to death here and in othere forums, but I think it’s wrong to award three overall points in an OT game and only 2 in a regulation game.

That is why I fall on the side that support 3 total points per game. 3 points for a regulation win and split the points 2-1 in OT. I can even see it where the 2-1 split is only for shootout games.

I know this will distort the record books as far as overall points in a season, but hey, we have already gone down that road with the current system of awarding points for OT losses.

Anyway, that’s my take on it.

But my point is, as you gathered, just get the points. I’ll take 16 points in a 8-4-0 manner over a 7-3-2 fashion any day,…but just get the points!!

By Midfield

September 30, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

DB, are you saying that Klee is a good fighter, or you’re just using another opportunity to smudge Sutton? If it’s the former, it’s comforting; otherwise it’s just pointless.

By Brendan

September 30, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

There’s no doubt that the shootout’s not going anywhere, Rawhide. Fans love it. The NHL loves the “exposure” of guaranteed highlights on nationwide sports review shows.

My “feeling” about shootouts is … if you’re going to have them, make the standings “W-L, games up and games back,” since that reflects the actual outcome of the games. One team won. The other team lost. We’ve hashed this 1,000 times, too. In the NBA, even if the winning points in overtime are a couple a foul shots, it results in a win for one team and a loss for the other. In MLB, some 12th-inning “collapse” by a pitching staff isn’t rewarded with a “half-loss.” It’s a full loss.

The NHL had the “courage” to adopt the shootout, but not the follow through to adjust the standings. But, I’m not “frosted” by it anymore, since the financial inequity, despite a salary cap has returned to hockey. A cap of $50.3 million?? Shaking my head. Yeah, that’s “fair” to all markets. The $34.3 million “floor” is precariously close the “break even” point for several clubs. Now, I’ll shut right the HECK up if I find out Nashville, Phoenix, Buffalo, and Atlanta are getting 20 million in “revenue-sharing” dollars. Fiiine. If true. But if that issss true, I’ll revert back to “why have points at all?” Games are either won or lost. Adjust your strategy if you’re afraid of overtimes or shootouts.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the “business aspect” of sports could care less about the “integrity” of the game. Now there’s talk of MORE than 16 teams in the playoff field? And even baseball, the most stingy of all major professional sports when it comes to playoff berths, are talking about having two “wildcard” berths. I remember when traditionalists went ballistic that there would even be a “wildcard” team. We’ve seen “wildcard” teams win the World Series and the Super Bowl. That’s the “business aspect” of sports.

Don Waddell once joked in an interview, “why not have 50 teams, and 32 playoff berths?” Then he chuckled about his “job security” in the league.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Shootouts are an abomination to long time fans. They are meant, as Brendan correctly points out, to simply excite the newbie fans and get the highlights on Sportscenter. But it’s part of the growing pain we have to endure as the NHL tries to attract new fans. The way the points are distributed now, as Rawhide points out, is ridiculous. Some games give out 2pts, some 3. Nonsense.

And what’s with one of the usual suspect anal goofs who can’t stand someone blogging on Sutton’s shot blocking, or whatever topic? Goodness, Sutton blows, most of us agreed on that, but if someone wants to blog that they are going to miss his shot blocking, why the dire need to shut him up? It’s his opinion, deal with it, argue against it, state your case, but why try to shut him up?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 1, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

USA Today has us winning the SE again.

They have a two page layout in the paper if your interested (not on the Thrashers..just on the league)

By Christy

October 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz - thanks for the confirmation.

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

ESNN.com’s John Buccigross picks the Thrashers 15th in the East. What a joke.

I don’t see the Thrashers as one of the top 3 teams,….and we may even have a fight on our hands to make the playoffs,…but 15th????? What an idiot.

His main concern is the young talent coming on board. It’s gonna be great proving what a moron this cat is.

GO THRASHERS - CREAM THE CRAPITOLS!!

By Bob

October 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Rawhide, that is an eye opener from Bucci since for the past 3 seasons, he’s been very high on the Thrashers, he’s a definite supporter of this team. I don’t think we’re the worst team in the East, but 8 seed is really the best I think we can hope for, with this lineup.

Todd White is going to be the subject of much ire around Blueland, methinks. He has no upside and he’s been labeled as soft and ineffective in Ottawa and in MN (and he had some nice wingers to skate with in both places).

Our defense is going to be our weak point once again, someday that has to be fixed.

I guess look at it this way, which is the more outlandish prediction, 1st in the East, or 15th? I think 1st would be the more outlandish one. Neither is accurate, I hope for competitive games and hanging around the 8 spot till the deadline and then see if we can go get some players to let us make a serious run.

By Brendan

October 1, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Ron Smith, of the Sporting News, in his “Hot Shots” segment, lists three teams on the decline this year. They are, in HIS VIEW, the Sabres, Predators, and Thrashers.

Hey, this is just more fuel to the fire, when the Thrashers prove everyone wrong, especially Wes Goldstein, at CBS.SPORTLINE.COM/NHL. We’re his personal choice for “most disappointing team” for the 2007-08 season.

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Rawhide — I’ve lost all respect for Buccigross as soon as he began dedicating his blogs on ESPN to music, or making more references to himself and pop culture than to the sport of hockey. I cannot stand a person whose “points” on a topic are made by stating “I’ve said this all along” or “as I’ve always been saying”. Unfortunately he knows hockey, and I would trust his prediction before most writing staffs for THN, TSN, etc.

Anyways, I agree that he’s probably a little off base with his prediction. I have a feeling that Atlanta is getting the under-the-radar penalty in the predicted standings, because the predictors have been seeing what they deem “significant” upgrades for struggling clubs, where the Thrashers seemingly took a lateral step towards improvement. For instance, Washington can score, and signed a big name Center. Due to this, most people now think they’ll make the playoffs. So that prediction alone drops Atlanta from 3rd to 9th in the rankings. Then Carolina and Tampa have won a Cup recently, so Atlanta MUST finish below them, so now Atlanta’s as low as 11th. Then you assume teams like Montreal, Florida, Islanders, Rangers, etc will keep making improvements, pushing Atlanta further down the list.

I consider it all unimportant, and agree with most people that these last place predictions are way off base. However, I don’t think anything above 9th in the East is guaranteed, so I look forward to the team proving all of these predictions wrong, and finishing in the playoffs.

Bob — Are you done with your hypocracy? You’re attempting to shut a person up for complaining about a post when that’s all you seem to do around here. It’s his opinion, deal with it, argue against it, state your case, but why try to shut him up? …take your own advice.

Brian — Welcome back. I don’t agree that Sutton is a complete waste of space, and I slightly disagree with the notion that a defender is not meant to be a shot blocker. However, your best point I can agree with is that I would rather a defender who is positionally sound, than a defender who is always out of position that is clogging the lane (though blocking shots). Not all blocked shots are happening by a defender screening the goalie (look at Havelid), but Sutton’s style tended to do that. Sometimes he’d be blocking a shot while not even facing the puck, basically accidental. That being said, I’m fine WITHOUT Sutton, but will miss those flashes of greatness he would show half a season, annually.

I am however perplexed with how he got an A in New York. Were there not any other more qualified candidates?? Oh wait, elbowing cheap shot artists are now being awarded in the NHL, as Pronger was made Captain in Anaheim. In light of that, I guess it makes more sense.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Are you done with your hypocracy

What is that, the new leadership regime I built in Blueland that’s led by giant grey mammals?

Let me also teach you what it means, it would be hypocrisy to say one thing, and do the opposite.

See, it’s you and Brian that are so anal you can’t stand to read words that you disagree with and tell people to shut up and stop saying it, and as Brian said above:

For the love of God, stop talking about how Sutton blocked shots

I don’t do this, ranallo. You do it and Brian does it, but I don’t. Thus, not hypocrisy to laugh at you anal types that do.

I do not mind reading an opposing view. In fact, I quite enjoy it and try to show the other blogger where I disagree, and try to lead them to the light, much like my ongoing quest to get you with the program, Ranallo World

Back to building my Hypocracy in Blueland.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

I cannot stand a person whose “points” on a topic are made by stating “I’ve said this all along” or “as I’ve always been saying”.

lol, missed this tidbit of insight into Ranallo World, it’s pretty interesting then that you lap up everything that comes out of Don Waddell’s mouth. Waddell answers about every question by saying “Absolutely, as I’ve said all along…”

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Key words and phrases I notice in your posts:

Quest; lead them to the light [also known as “enlighten”]; get you with the program.

It’s a very noble quest of you my good sir. Might I ask, who has set you forth on such a journey of hockey fandom enlightenment? It must be an arduous time for you, having to deal with dissenting opinions every day. But you’re right, “The Program” needs more nefarious people such as yourself, and less people such as myself (or Brian, as you so politely lumped him into this disagreement). I wish you well on your quest, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you will inevitably fail.

As for the Buccigross opinion of my own. I appreciate you reading into my statement and attempting to figure out whom I was criticizing with the statement, but you missed something as usual. I said “I cannot stand a person whose “points” on a topic [emboldened for you to notice the key phrase] are made by stating…” Let’s think about that statement, shall we?

Buccigross is a hockey writer, and analyst. You (implicitly lumped into that statement) are a hockey blogger, and fan. You both have a key aspect in common. THE OPINIONS OR SPOKEN/WRITTEN STATEMENTS OF YOU TWO DO NOT INFLUENCE THE NHL DIRECTLY. No decision you two individuals make, nor predict, will come to affect a franchise on a whole. So thus continually spouting “as I’ve said all along” is a futile statement, as it has no meaning to it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve always said it, nor does it matter if you never said it, your words only reach people just like you —- FANS.

On the opposite side of that spectrum is Don Waddell, Brian Burke, and other NHL GMs. These people directly impact the product we are seeing. One action by Waddell is important, where as one action by you is unimportant (except in Bob World, or “The Program”, but I digress). Waddell stating “as I’ve said all along” bears merit because his actions and opinions actually do come to fruition. Amazingly enough, his opinion and beliefs about the sport (for which he states “Absolutely, as I’ve said all along…”) have a direct impact on the sport, which is why he’s a part of the competition committee, and why he’s a NHL GM. His statements matter, yours do not.

Did you understand that, or was that in too “newbie” of a language for you to get? I took the extra time to spell check, my editor last time fell asleep on the job. Hope it helps.

As far as hypocrisy (sorry, I put an a, I hope you’ll forgive me in the future). It’s hypocritical of a person to mock a spelling error, when they themselves commit the same errors. It’s hypocritical for you to tell Brian to stop posting complaints about other people…your complaint about his post is how he complained about another’s post.

And also, for the record, I never complained about people bringing up blocked shots. I stated why I disagree with Brian’s opinion on blocked shots by a defender, namely Andy Sutton. Show me my post where I said anything different, or used the words you erroneously quoted me as having said.

Context is everything, which apparently you know as you’re quite adept at taking things completely out of context.

So I say to you again, take your own advice.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

It’s hypocritical for you to tell Brian to stop posting complaints about other people…your complaint about his post is how he complained about another’s post.

You really are this thick, aren’t you? You goof, I never told Brian to stop posting complaints, or to stop posting anything. I simply wondered and questioned what it is that possesses people like he and you to constantly yell at others to stop posting about this or that.

But mabye you’re not as anal as I think, since you can’t even understand what I say to you in plainly typed words that you can read, and re-read for comprehension. So, never mind, I guess, carry on, kind sir.

By ranallo10

October 2, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

It’s his opinion, deal with it, argue against it, state your case, but why try to shut him up?

Drink a sip of your own Kool-Aid.

I would say trying to shut a person up and giving verbal abuse after every post made by a dissenting opinion is in affect the same thing.

By Bob

October 2, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Get some sleep, Sparky. Your jet lag has you more irrational and irritable than normal. Have a nice day.