Thrashers

By GaVaHokie

October 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

The “A” is falling off my Kozlov jersey… this would be a great time to replace it with a “C”.

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I know many won’t be surprised by this statement but…I have confidence that Don Waddell will get things done with the Hossa situation. There is no historical comparison between the type of impact this one player has on this franchise now, and in the future. Waddell knows this, and Hossa knows this. I wont be surprised of Hossa bolts, but I will truly believe that Waddell will do his best to keep him signed. Bob will probably say that makes me a “newbie”.

If I were allowed to hand out the C, I’d be giving it to Kozlov. Jagr is a seemingly quiet leader, and he’s a fine C in New York. I think Kozlov has the contract, ability, and experience to correctly fill that spot. However, I’ll trust Sara’s little birdie and continue to assume it’s Havelid until otherwise informed.

Thanks for the insight from between the benches, it’d be nice to hear more tidbits that you picked up while there. Any other player interactions that surprised you?? Any specific stars on the team that would turn to other players for advice?? Would Kozlov and Havelid tend to focus their assistance towards several players, or were they helping the entire team? How was the goalie relationship that you saw (it’s been said that Hedberg is of immense help to Lehtonen, and that they get along well)?

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Can anybody confirm that Chicago has placed Pilar back on waivers?? Hockeybuzz isn’t reputable enough for me.

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Starting Kari is the right choice. He sure looked sharp Friday night!

Seeing that we have back-tobackers this weekend and next Wednesday/Thursday,….I’d like to see BH get Moose in there on the back ends of ‘em. there is no sense wearing out a goalie in the first couple months and it will keep Hedberg sharp if we might need him.

Either way, it sure is nice to have the two net-minders we have.

By Brendan

October 1, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

All Summer long we’ve speculated on a Captain. All Summer long we’ve waited on a contract for Hossa. I had hoped that the Hossa deal would come before the declaration of a Captain. But it’s far from the end of the world. Kozlov has been my choice all Summer. I made that choice on the basis of Hartley’s assessment of him as a computer on the ice, his three-year contract, with a “no trade clause,” and his longevity with the club. Only Kovalchuk has been here longer, now that Vigier is playing elsewhere. (Somewhere, Ranallo10 is cheering!)

I still think Hossa will re-sign with Atlanta. When that happens is anyone’s guess. Hossa is in the “power position” of negotiation. It’s his choice as to when and *if” he re-signs with Atlanta.

But if Marian Hossa chooses to leave, he gives up a lot. I know I’ve covered this ad nauseum. But where ELSE are they going to chant his name? Where ELSE will they pay him WHATEVER HE SAYS? Where ELSE would he gets as much ice time, including PP minutes? Where ELSE is he the #1 guy, almost without batting an eye? And Where ELSE is a team going to have the “cap room” to sign him? At HOWEVER MANY YEARS he wants? And the Captaincy is there for his taking, if he wants it.

So, if Hossa is really going to “condition” his re-signing based on the outcome of this season, and this season alone, he’s missing the “big picture.” A lot can happen in the space of two to three years.

I see you doubters out there. The 2006 Blues finished DEAD LAST. This year, they are the “consensus” #2 pick in their division and many rate them as a playoff team. The 2007 Philadelphia Flyers finished DEAD LAST. They are projected to finished between 2nd and 4th in their division and are expected to be a playoff team this year.

Still not convinced? In 2001, the Tampa Bay Lightning finished DEAD LAST. In 2004, they won the Stanley Cup. In 2003, the Carolina Hurricanes finished DEAD LAST, and in 2006, they won the Stanley Cup.

At the end of this season, Holik’s contract is up. So is Rucchin’s. So is Hedberg’s. So is every other player who signed a one-year deal (Larsen, Dupuis, Boulton, McCarthy, etc.) this time around. And Zhitnik and Havelid will have one-year left on their contracts. That’s a pretty big opportunity to COMPLETELY RE-STRUCTURE the team. And if these rookies, Enstrom, Popovic, Little and Sterling, make it at the NHL-level, then we’re young … with money to spend. With Pavelec and Valabik waiting in the wings.

Is Hossa totally discounting all that for the “promise” of a Cup win in 2009? There’s no “can’t miss” Cup contender, with cap room for him, next year. Hossa’s best bet is right here for a 4-year deal, at the price wants, with the ice-time wants. He can always “waive” some “no trade clause” if he wants outta here. And Waddell would likely oblige him, provided he likes the exchange. The “cap hit” for Hossa will be sizeable. Enough to give Waddell plenty of options.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

I would say one goal allowed in two games would win you the starting job. Good to see the groin cleared up quickly.

Ditto on what Rawhide said, let’s see Bob get Moose in there for at least one of those back to backers. I’d guess he’ll play Kari on Friday and Sat, then again Weds. and we’ll see Moose on Thursday.

I have confidence that Don Waddell will get things done with the Hossa situation…I wont be surprised of Hossa bolts, but I will truly believe that Waddell will do his best to keep him signed. Bob will probably say that makes me a “newbie”.

No, just naive. Everyone’s getting extensions done with their key guys, except Heatley in Ottawa and Hossa. Why would Hossa want to leave, we just signed Todd White!

Havelid seems to have no problem getting after the refs on calls, he’d be a good choice. I thought Holik all off-season, but Havelid may just be the better mentor for the young rookies.

By chowdersurge

October 1, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Ranallo it’s hard to be a newbie when the team is not even 10yrs old and I also agree with you and I’m also a diehard Trashers fan let alone hockey fan. I grew up in New England and was a Hartford Whaler fan till the bitter end. So to the Bob’s on this blog who think The Thrasher’s are miss managed? PLEASE… they haven’t come close to the F@#* UP boneheaded deals the Whalers did. Also go ask Chicago,Bruins,fans to name a few on how bad they are being run. I guess my point is we don’t have much of a tradition/history yet. But I see that changing. We still have alot more growing pain’s to go through with this team. Anyway… to Ranallo,Brendan,Hip Czech and even BOB!!! I love reading your post’s. Because win or lose were still on the same side. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!! Also sorry for typing crappy my 2yr old is sitting with me. LOL!!!

By Thrashers27

October 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I’m officially starting my anti-“KNIGHTS!” campaign this year? That is the stupidest thing ever! Wrong team tardos!

By GaVaHokie

October 1, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Brendan, to answer your questions on WHERE Hossa can get all those things… is ANYWHERE, and that’s why he won’t resign DURING the season. Hossa is a guy any team will make room for, and pay him handsomely… it’s not about the money or the length of the contract. Hossa can easily command $8 million a year on a 4-year contract and have any number of teams clamoring for him. His choice will have everything to do with being a part of a winning organization.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 1, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Methinks Captains should be: C—Hedberg, A—Kozlov, A—Havelid.

Thrashers need to be rotating both goalies on a legitimate schedule. Remember Hartley’s boneheaded rotation in the playoffs? Let’s hope he’s a little smarter this year. How about Kari on Friday, Moose on Saturday?

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

chowdersurge - No need to apologize,…your 2 year old can probably type better then most of us in here.

By Craig Custance

October 1, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Brendan — I agree with Hokie on this one. Where else will fans chant Hossa’s name? Wherever he signs. Where else will he get the money he wants? Anywhere there is cap room. Where else will he get PP time? Any team in the league. The bottom line is this — if Hossa is convinced this team is serious about winning, I think he’ll sign.

By Thrashers27

October 1, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Sorry Boults, but goalies aren’t allowed to wear the “C”.

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

I think Hoss is playing this contract thing smart. he knows is value here.

Hokie is correct, he could play anywhere and that is why we need to do whatever we need to do to lock him up.

I’m sure DW will get this deal done,….(look, that’s me whistling past the graveyard)…..

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

My guess is Havelid gets the C and Kozlov & Holik get an A.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Hoss will get his money anywhere, which is why he can choose any team he wants, and why he will not re-sign here before testing the market next summer.

If this club is in the 10th spot or worse at the deadline, Waddell will trade Hossa. And rightly so. He can not let him walk for nothing.

What is interesting is what’ll happen if we’re in the 8 or 9 spot and the deadline comes. If Waddell keeps him, Hoss is gone for nothing.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I’d really to like to see Kovy get an A.

If he does get one, read into that what you will, but I think they need to prepare for the void of Hossa being gone and this becoming Kovy’s team. The way Kovy stepped up at the end of the year and in the playoffs, he would warrant one.

By LAC

October 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Craig, Any word on new FAN blogger, the old iceman blogs about socks is getting too old to look at…

Hossa should stay, maybe we should trade UP in next years draft and try to land a bluechipper…

I would liked to see Haydar stay instead of Larsen, just better feeling on the youth movement.

Should be an AWSOME site to see the SE Banner raised and remember it is the FIRST in Philips Arena… Let’s hope for a BIGGER and Better one NEXT season !!!!

By GaVaHokie

October 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I’m sure everytime Waddell asks Hossa’s agent about what dollar figure he’s looking for, he says, “It’s not about the money, Don.”

In fact, if it WERE only about the money, the deal would be done by now.

By Brian

October 1, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Boults - regardless of G’s not wearing C’s, why should a backup be the first to do it?

Thrashers27 - I will be there Fri, I want to hear more about your anti-Knights chant. When I go to games half the people who yell that don’t even know that it for the Knights, they just yell because everyone else is. I think it is disrespectful and not to mention it was a AAA team. Let’s support the big league now. Or just put a burning, flaming C on Havelid or Kozzy or whoever…

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Valid point Hokie, but do you think Waddell has the ability to freely spend upwards of $8.5M. Discounting money in this contract renegotiation is a bit premature, in my opinion.

If I had to guess right now when Hossa will sign with a team I would be forced to say sometime in July 2008. Like most have said, his value will be set by the market. If Heatley is re-signed for $8.5M for any number of years, Hossa knows he can subsequently get $8M+. However, if Heatley doesn’t sign until next free agency period, Hossa risks losing the maximum contract he is capable of receiving. I feel that both these players will impact significantly the value of the other.

And Bob, how’s Miikka Kiprusoff’s contract renegotiation coming? Hossa isn’t the only player in the world sitting on a good resume and an expiring contract. Spezza needs to be re-signed. Redden needs to be re-signed. Healtey needs to be re-signed. Those three players are on just one of the thirty NHL teams.

Research makes an opinion appear to be valid. You should try it sometime.

By ranallo10

October 1, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Thrashers27 and Brian — Count me in on that anti-Knights campaign. It’s nice to know I’m not alone on this.

It was very relieving to be listening to The Star-Spangled Banner in Salzburg, AT and not hear a word uttered by the fans. It was nice to hear the singing, and see the respect each foreign person and player gave each nation’s anthem as it was song (or played instrumentally). Sweden got and gave that respect, Switzerland and Austria did too. The sparse Los Angeles fans did too. Why can’t Atlanta fans give that same respect to their own nation’s anthem??

It was embarrassing to be an Atlanta fan during the All-Star game last season. Unfortunately “Knights” will be yelled again at this year’s All-Star game, thus furthering the misconception that Atlanta fans are hockey ignorant.

By Brendan

October 1, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Craig and Hokie, a lot of contending teams would have to make room for Hossa. Could Hossa go to the Penguins, for example? (No.) I’m not saying that it prohibits him from going elsewhere, but his playoff numbers aren’t overwhelming. And for a contender, they’re not interested in “regular season help.” They’ve got that, in spades. Or they wouldn’t be a “contender.”

Fans didn’t chant Hossa’s name in Ottawa. Would they do it, elsewhere? I guess it’s possible. But if Hossa goes to a contender, he’ll have to compete for ice time, just like he did in Ottawa, when the lineup was jam-packed with star players.

Hossa gets to rule in Atlanta. But you’re right, if he doesn’t want to be here, then that’s how he feels. And certainly, he’s entitled to his feelings. He’s earned the right to be a FREE AGENT. A lot can happen in 3-4 years, though. That’s the truth, guys.

What should Atlanta be doing differently, in the eyes of Marian Hossa, to be serious about winning? That’s a fair question to ask him, Craig. I think Don Waddell is doing the best job he can.

If you wanted to see Don Waddell at his very best, you saw it this offseason. That’s the best he’s ever done/is capable of. He got many of his players re-signed, responsibly. He got some free agents (Perrin, White). He only lost Belanger, as far as a player that could have been retained. (Don’t give me any non-sense that Keith Tkachuk was anything but a “rental,” with all those St. Louis liens on his contract.) If you asked me if Don Waddell is serious about winning, I’d say, “Yes. He’s trying very hard. Especially with budgetary constraints.” Or are you driving at the ownership situation? Said another way, “Hossa’s mad at the ownership for a self-imposed cap, rather that being up around $48 million?” Okay, that’s another “fair question” to ask him.

Maybe, we’ll just have to wait ‘til the trade deadline to see how far the budget will stretch. I hear you, though. It might be too late by then. Losing Hossa to free agency for nothing but reclaimed cap room may not sit too well with Thrasher fans.

If the Hossa camp and the Thrashers camp “aren’t close” in terms of a contract, why doesn’t Hossa just state he wants to see happen in Atlanta? At least this way, DW and the Spirit Group can know what Hossa expects from them. This way, the Spirit Group can’t say they “didn’t know” what Hossa wanted. And Hossa can’t say, “they didn’t try” to meet my expectations.

If Hossa doesn’t tell the the Spirit Group what he wants, what are they supposed to do … “guess?” Okayyy, I know. They’re pro sports owners and managers, they’re supposed to know what to do to win. Fair enough. But at least there could be some better communication going on. Maybe there is, we’re just not privy to it.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 1, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Brian—Yeah I guess I forgot that goalies can’t wear the “C”. I think (correct me if i’m wrong) that goalies can wear an “A”?? And to answer your question about why the backup goalie—because Kari is too immature (re: blue hair at playoff time) and Hedberg is a veteran who has been in the league longer than most of the guys on this current roster. Just $0.02…

By Brian

October 1, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Boulton’s Bruisers - I’m with you on that whole blue hair thing. I guess my point is that lack of proof for Kari does not = proof for Moose. There are a lot of goalies that have been around. The only G I would consider putting a C on is Brodeur.

By Bob

October 1, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

But at least there could be some better communication going on. Maybe there is, we’re just not privy to it.

Bingo. You know Waddell has worked his butt off to get Hossa signed to an extension. Read and guess into antying you want, but the season starts Friday and there’s no extension offer that’s even been made. That speaks volumes about Hossa’s intentions.

It almost makes me hope we’re out of it by the deadline, instead of hanging around the 8 spot. Hossa could bring a heck of a return in young assets to rebuild with. Plus this club has lots of contracts that expire next offseason. A new competent GM could rebuild very quickly. Anyone have a UFA list of available dmen next summer?

By Brian

October 1, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

I hope we are in the top 3 instead of hoping we are in the 8 spot or out of it all together…

By JayBird

October 1, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Please, morons, quit yelling Knights during the national anthem. I am with Thrashers27 on this one. I don’t find it disrespectful to the national anthem, I just find it f’ing stupid and disrespectful to the Thrashers.

I think the people who yell Knights should be taken to the bowels of the arena and castrated so they can’t produce another generation of knight yelling j*******.

By Brian

October 1, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

JayBird - as much as many people here will endorse your plan, that will only cause them to yell in tune with the anthem singer…

AAA gimicks for AAA fans

By Brendan

October 1, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

I, too, hope the “Knights!” anthem screaming ends by the All-Star game. It took no time to teach them to do it. But sometimes, unlearning something takes a little longer.

I understand the motivation for doing it (yelling Knights!) may be to show your longstanding roots to professional hockey in the Atlanta-area. Here are two substitute ideas that convey the same message.

1) Wear your “retro” Thrashers jersey. Yes, this is the one with the “Ultimate Warrior” logo, as some call it. Well, it at least says you’ve been with the team since 1999, anyway.

2) Wear an Atlanta Flames jersey, with an Atlanta Thrashers cap. Or a Thrashers jersey with a Flames cap. People will understand that you have been a longtime supporter of NHL hockey in Atlanta.

No good??

Okayyy, it you must, 3) wear an Atlanta Knights jersey or hat. I know. I know. I’m really runnin’ thin on ideas here. But all of the above beat screaming “Knights!” during the National Anthem.

Please don’t remind me that I’m a self-professed “free speech” advocate seeking to suppress free expression by others. I suppose screaming “Knights!” is better than screaming “Fire!!” But not by much.

C’mon, aren’t I entitled to a little “hypocrisy” every now and again?

By Rawhide

October 1, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

If we were to implement JayBird’s plan, after administering their “punishment” they should then be issued a Red Wings jersey.

By Hanson Brothers

October 1, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

I’m with you Thrashers27. Never have yelled “Knights” and never will. Strange though how much you get conditioned to it so that when I am at other sporting events it seems weird when nobody yells Knights.

By Brian

October 1, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Brendan - there are a lot of things that are better than yelling fire around Flames fans…

By Brendan

October 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

I know the professional media pundits have not been “kind” to Don Waddell since Feb. 27th. But the truth is, he didn’t overpay for any contract he wrote this Summer. And I’m not squeamish about criticizing Waddell contracts.

Some people think he overpaid and/or overcommitted to the length of the Kozlov contract. But really, Keith Tkachuk had similar results (27 goals) and tenure in the league, and he got $4 million from the Blues, while Kozlov (27 goals) got $3.75 million. The “no trade clause” somewhat hinders the team. But what if they don’t want to trade him, anyway? And if Kozlov should want out, he’d volunteer to waive the “no trade clause.”

The Todd White contract, 4-years, $9.5 million, might be the other one that gets some scrutiny. Four years was surprising, but he honestly didn’t overpay for White. At least not egregiously. If another team took an interest in White, he’s priced to move. He’s not “cost prohibitive,” like Holik.

The offseason criticism of Waddell is that he didn’t get a Tier One defenseman or a topflight Center. But, the organization is showing courage in its draft picks, with Little, Enstrom, and Sterling. In the “new NHL,” teams need youth and speed. I applaud the direction that Waddell and Hartley are taking. I hope we stick with guys like McCarthy and Popovic, rather than trading them for more established players in their mid-30’s.

If things don’t work out, Waddell will look to a Western Conference team to try to rectify the situation. Absent that, Bob Hartley may find himself on the unemployment line. I don’t buy the theory that he’s got some “multi-year” deal. Even if he did, if this team is 8 games under .500 at Thanksgiving, he’s gone. The Thrashers can’t afford to procrastinate too long. They have to make the playoffs.

By Moose Man

October 1, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

I get that yelling “Knights” is stupid for a lot of reasons, but at the same time its one of the few truly interactive moments during the game, and one of the few traditions we have. Come up with something more fun for fans to yell (i.e. Mooooose and Goalie x3, you suck) and they will do it.

By Tony C.

October 1, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Just to be a nerd:

According to National Hockey League (NHL) rules, the captain is to be the only player who is allowed to talk with referees about rule interpretations. Goaltenders may not be designated as captains or alternate captains because of the logistical challenges of having the goaltender relay rules discussions between referees and coaches and then return to the crease. The last goaltender who served as team captain was Bill Durnan of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1947-1948 season.

International rules stipulate that “each team shall appoint a Captain and no more than two Alternate Captains.”[2] When the captain is off the ice, any alternate captain on the ice may fulfill the captain’s official role as liaison to the referees.

For more info click here

Hoss is going to see exactly how comitted to winning and how comitted to him management is. I think that for a guy who was signed to an extension and then traded less than 4 hours later (according to the rumor), being able to decide where you work would be more than passingly important.

I am very anxious to see how well our smurfs do. Yes, we’re faster, but you’ll notice that the smurfiest smurf in the NHL (St. Louis) skates on a line with a guy who’s just plain big (LeCavallier). I am hesitant, but don’t think it’s as big an achilles heel as having sasquatch-sized pylons on defense has been.

GO BLUE !!!

By JayBird

October 1, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Obviously the castration comment was tongue in cheek. I thought the Knights yell was great at Knights games but just doesn’t make sense at a Thrashers game. As far as the yell being an “interactive”, how many of the 12,000-18,000 actually do it? Not many, thank goodness. If that stupid yell is a tradition, I am ashamed to call myself a Thrashers fan.

I think using soccer chants would be great and I don’t mean U.S. soccer because that isn’t real soccer. English soccer fans have the best chants. If anyone has ever seen the English fighter Ricky Hatton fight, his fans use a well known soccer chant. It goes, “There’s only one, Ricky Hatton”. If you need, look it up on youtube. I like the idea of chanting “There’s only one Kovalchuk” or “There’s only one Marion Hossa”. Just an idea. Of course, we probably shouldn’t use my favorite one, “the referee’s a wanker”!

By Tony C.

October 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

I just wish the nest would only do the “you suck” cheer once a period….

By Ryan

October 2, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

I like the choice of Lehtonen to start. He’s got the be the man for Atlanta as they need a goalie who can steal them a few games. I love Hedberg, too, and he’s a great backup for Kari. I hope Hartley uses them a little better this year. Instead of playing one guy until he gets tired and flames out, I hope he gives them a rest now and then to keep them both fresh and sharp.

As for the letters, if Havelid, Kozlov and Holik get the C and A’s respectively, I think it would be the first time in NHL history that a team has given all the letters to European -born players. I could be wrong on this and I’m not sure if there’s any way to check it, but it would be interesting. Amazing how far the NHL has come in breaking down the stereotypes of Europeans.

By GaVaHokie

October 2, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Brendan… Hossa is a Top line, 20-minutes a game RW on any team in the league… even in Pittsburgh.

If he went to San Jose, he’d play ahead of Cheechoo… If he went to Boston, he’d play ahead of Glenn Murray…pick any team, and he’s the number one RW on the team.

About the only place he’d struggle for Top line minutes would be Ottawa (Dany Heatley) and maybe New York (Jaromir Jagr). And he’d probably be fine with that, because he’d know he was on a deep squad that’s going to contend for the Cup.

Waddell would give him $8.5 million in a heart beat… so would anyone else, but how much is Waddell going to spend on the rest of the team is what worries Hossa? Hossa doesn’t want to be the “dog and pony show” with Kovalchuk… he wants to be surrounded with talent.

It’s simple, there’s no reason for Hossa to sign a contract extension before the season is over.

By Bob

October 2, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Anyone else going to the event tonight? I guess we’ll hear there who the new captain is.

Is it any coincidence that the loudest “Knights” ridiculous cheer comes from the same sections as the “goalie, you suck” chant every 5 minutes. I also don’t like the Knights thing, but at least those guys are passionate, which is better than nothing. This club is going to need all the fan support it can get this year, especially early in the year.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

I sat in the Nasty Nest (section that all the noise comes from) and I have to say that they are great fans, but its all a bit too much. One of these morons that leads the chant of “Lets - Go - Thrashers” sat right behind me. He would actually lean forward to amplify his voice in my ear. He and his 300lbs wife get absolutely blitz on moonshine or whatever hillbillies drink. Then, while joining her hubbie in a rousing rendition of “Lets Go Thrashers” she comes crashing down on top of me and my friend. Trying to gaff this whale back to her was no small feat. I was grabbing things on her that I probably shouldn’t have been but it was very hard to tell the difference. So after we get Orca back into her seat she disappears (probably to get medical treatment) but the hubbie stays to yell some more.

After the next period he comes back wearing the ugliest Thrashers Leather jacket I have ever seen. His red eyes melting out of his head saying to anyone that looked his direction, “Hey, yall like my lever chakett!!!”

His wife no where to be found. She did turn up at the next game. We moved our seats for this season. Two sections over…

I am no Nest fan

By UpperDeck4Life

October 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

JayBird soccer fan here as well and English soccer fans have some of the best chants. In some stadiums they sing the whole game as a way of cheering their teams on. I don’t have a problem with stealing a couple of their songs/chants to fine tune to suit the Thrashers. Oh, and I really do think we should use “The Referee’s a wanker,” when one of the Thrashers gets put in the penalty box. To philips ringing with that chorus would be pretty funny.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

I think the Nest people should have a few rules:

1. Don’t yell “shoot” when we are on a powerplay during the faceoff; when its in our end; just pretty much stop saying it. These are professional hockey players that I am sure are aware that in order to score a goal they would need to shoot. You reminding them every second isn’t helping.

2. Do not start your “Goalie name. Goalie name. You SUCK!” until after we have scored a goal. Because until that happens, by definiation, he does not suck. He is probably winning.

By Christy

October 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

My own two cents on the “knights” chant - unlike thrasher27, I do find it disrespectful to the anthem. Had a teacher that drilled it into me when young because of the way some fans changed it back then at Braves games to the “land of the Braves”….

The thing is, unless you get someone well respected by everyone to stand on the ice and ask fans not to yell it every home game for a full season, I don’t think it’s going to go away.

By Midfield

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

So, I guess, Glen Hanlon shouldn’t do it.

By Thrashers27

October 2, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Christy, you may want to go back and read what I wrote before. I detest the screaming of “KNIGHTS!” during our national anthem. I didn’t delve into anything about disrespect, because I don’t think it needs to go beyond the fact that it’s just plain stupid. I don’t think anything should be screamied during The Star Spangled Banner. Show some respect people! For your team and more importantly for your country!

By Bob

October 2, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Then, while joining her hubbie in a rousing rendition of “Lets Go Thrashers” she comes crashing down on top of me and my friend. Trying to gaff this whale back to her was no small feat. I was grabbing things on her that I probably shouldn’t have been but it was very hard to tell the difference. So after we get Orca back into her seat she disappears (probably to get medical treatment) but the hubbie stays to yell some more.

Oh my goodness, you owe me a new freakin’ keyboard, I had my soda coming outa my nose reading that. L O freakin L

Seriously, if there are any Nasty Nesters that read or blog here, keep up the cheering, good work, but please take Zilla’s advice to heart. No goalie you suck until we at least score on him, ok?

By Brendan

October 2, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Hokie, of course it’s true that Hossa will get 20 minutes a night anywhere in the league. Where will he play 30-minutes a night? (Atlanta)

How would the Penguins be able to afford to add, let’s just say $8.0 million, in salary cap hit? Put your hand down, if you said, “They’d jettison Sid Crosby and save $1.0 million in cap room, by signing Hossa to replace him.”

Who would the Pens let go? Recchi. Okay. Sykora, maybe. But those former 1st round picks and young players probably aren’t leaving, like Colby Armstrong, J. Staal, Ryan Whitney, Christensen, Malkin, Fleury, or Crosby. Now look, I’m sure the Penguins would like to add Hossa. But if Hossa wants a 4-year deal, how do they re-sign Malkin and Staal, or whoever else, and stay under the cap? They can’t.

Now look, there are some contenders and “borderline” contenders out there who probably do have some cap room. I’m looking at Minnesota and potentially, Washington, down the road. All I meant to say was … Hossa has it “pretty good” here. If he leaves, he gives up a lot. And so much can change in 4-years. Like finishing DEAD LAST to winning the Cup. Just ask Tampa Bay and Carolina about that. That was my point. Or one of them.