Thrashers

By Tommy Hawk

October 7, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Hockey needs to stay up north along with its fans. This is college football country, like it or not. Hockey has to be the most boring sport ever invented. The Thrashers are even worse than the Hawks. Good off season moves. HAHA

By Thrashy Thrashy

October 7, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

We’ve got plenty of passion for this team. I thought Schultz’s column was the kind of thing we needed. After all, Holik said that the team hasn’t proven anything. If our freaking captain feels that way, why should we feel any different? Success is the only thing that matters. Ottawa is waiting for us on Wednesday. Let’s get this mess straightened out, dammit.

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 7, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

I am sorry for your loss Craig. Get back soon.

And if you could bring a top Defensive pairing back with you, that would be great.

I do not think this is going to be a kind month for us. We have probably the toughest part of the schedule and we are not even close to getting this right.

We need some Dr. Scholls inserts for our guys skates. We need to get our lines gellen.

For some reason, most “NHL Experts” like the Hockey News or Yahoo! Sports erroneously list Kovy and Hossa on the same line. But I have never seen it other than a power play.

Hossa-Little-Kovy

That should be our top line. Most of the eggs in one basket.

By the way, what the hell was that Kozzy pass on the point? ewwwwwww…..

Give Pops a chance on D. Hav and Zhithead have been AWFUL to put it mildly. Not that X/Klee have been much better

At this rate, Hartley won’t see November.

Sorry for the Brendan long post. But I’m p*ssed….

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 7, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Oh, and I never saw Bettman at the Center Club (the rich people restaurant on the second floor of the Club section) Too bad too. My friend Rone and I had a plan to take photos with him while we flip him the bird on the sly. I did see the Thrashers president. Bernie Mullin I think.

The food was OK. Desert table was excellent though!!!!

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Craig, first off, condolences to you and the Custance family.

Second, it’s definitely great to hear Commissioner Bettman read the AJC.com hockey blogs. I was hoping he had comments on yours, specifically. But if he only read Schultz’ column, many regulars here also posted there, so that’s great to know!!

Okay, during the Summer, we speculated on the future of many players. Yashin, Forsberg, Selanne, Niedermayer … VAGAHOKIE wanted Jeff O’Neil. We even contemplated bringing back Glen Metropolit. Metro got bumped up to the top lines tonight in Boston, when Marc Savard missed some action, in the Bruins 3-1 win over Phoenix. Personally, I was on a “Crusade” to lobby for Kings Center Mike Cammalleri, stopping just short of an RFA offer sheet. Before you call him “too slow,” he’s got four (4) goals on the year already. And he had “30-something” last year, if memory serves correctly, on a mediocre Kings team. That ship has sailed, though. Kings got him locked up.

We’ll argue about this, but I think the special teams are one of the biggest problems of this franchise. I like McCarthy and Enstrom as the D-man to Quarterback the PP. Maybe I’m in the minority in that aspect. But last year, when our PP was rockin’, it was McCarthy who played the point.

Total number of professional coaching wins by Brendan? Hmmn, let’s see here. “You carry the one, right?” Nope. None. Zero. Nada, bupkiss. Number of NHL wins by Bob Hartley?? 300-something or other. So, he’s supposed to know best. Right? He’s the got all the answers, right? Well, doesn’t he?? He’d better. He’s in the final year of his contract.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough. In come to town … the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the Ottawa Senators, led by PP specialist, Dany Heatley, the former Thrashers 2nd overall pick, from 2000.

Shut down Heatley, Alfredsson and Spezza, especially on the PP, and Atlanta has some shot at points in that game. Look to Pascal Dupuis, Brad Larsen, and maybe Eric Perrin to shadow them.

And, as I’ve said in the previous blog, if we lose in regulation-time, we’re 0-6 on the season, with 10 of the next 12 games on the road. It’s far from over, but why climb mountain, if you could climb a hill instead? The “mole hill” option is presently unavailable.

But remember this, for the love of Pete, folks, “‘Taint nobody out of it in October!!” Could I possibly add more exclamation points to that irreparably incorrigible transgression of grammar?

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Feels good to get a long post in, doesn’t it, Buzilla?

Keep it up!

By Thrashers27

October 7, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

Tommy Hawk has to be an incarnation of Douche and Snot…I mean Pucks and Snot.

Buzilla, I agree with you that Hartley oughtta give Kovy, Little, Hossa a shot for the top line. Then throw Kozzie, White, Sterling at ‘em. What the H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS could it hurt.

Come on boys, I know you don’t suck this bad. There’s too much talent on this team to stink up the joint!

GO BLUE!!!

By david H

October 7, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Why was headline grill closed? Look my self and 12 other people each game could buy a cheap ticket and go sit on the front bar, but the arena more than made up the $12 those spectators saved on over priced beer and food

By Dawggy Style

October 7, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Two games into the season and the Thrashers look like the first day of training camp! I think a big part of the problem is that Hartley didn’t make it a preseason priority to mesh the new talent with Hossa, Kovy, Slava, etc. and figure out what our lines were going to look like. Spending the first 10 or 15 games to accomplish this once the season starts may put us in a hole too big to dig out of!

By rj

October 7, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

If the Thrashers keep losing eventually the issue will get resolved.

New coach.

Probably have to get a new GM for that to happen.

I just hope the owners make some moves before the season is unsalvageble.

By Craig Custance

October 7, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Dawggy Style — Yeah, Bob was in a tough spot in training camp, because he had to give the young guys trying to make the team plenty of opportunities, keep his top players healthy and try to mesh eight new players from the end of last year.

By Craig Custance

October 7, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Brendan and Buzilla — Thanks for the kind words. I’ll have my laptop, so I’ll try to stay as connected here as possible. I hate to miss that Ottawa game - the Thrashers need a win and that may be the best team in the East.

By B. Thenet

October 7, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

It would be nice for the new players to get to play with each other on the ice for more than 10 shifts before Dr. Shufflelines starts to panic behind the bench.

A team playing this poor, this early in the season….definitely all the blame lies with the coaching staff.

How can a team this fast have so many problems creating odd man rushes?

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

CC - Sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Safe travels and God bless you all.

As for the Thrashers,…we have been out-shot something to the tune of 70-38 in the first two games. The oppositions can set up camp and get their mail delivered in our zone. We cannot get the puck cleared.

When we get in their zone,…one shot and out, at best.

Enstrom gets an A right now. Little a B and Sterling a C+ right now for their play. Oh, that Enstrom assist on Kozzies goal last night, BEE-U-TEE-FUL!

It is tough to put you finger on 1 thing to fix,…so much needed to get better,…but the D letting so many shots by is priority #1 in my book.

Gonna be a rough week with our schedule.

As for BH on the hot-seat,…..it is logical that he and DW will be if these troubles continue. But I am on the record saying that it would be a disaster to fire ‘em mid-season. BH has earned the right to see this through and given the chance to turn things around.

That’s my take.

GO THRASHERS!!

By T-Bone

October 7, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

If you think we’re p** what about those Sabres Fan’s. They’re 0-2 also with both L’s coming to the fearsome Isles. That 10-0 start last year has to be all but a faded memory now.

By stendec

October 7, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Too early to panic? Hell no! GOAL:KL ineffective. Moose even more so. DEFENSE:None. OFFENSE:Clueless. POWER PLAY:WHY SHOOT THE PUCK WHEN YOU CAN PASS, PASS THEN PASS SOME MORE? PASSES ARE SOOOOOO PRETTY!PENALTY KILLING:Only positive to date. Team lifeless without any evident direction. From worst to first? A STRONG possibility. Oh well, at least fans have last season. This terribly disappointed fan expected MUCH better beginning. Management kept wrong damn players!

By stendec

October 7, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Craig. Did not read your column before I wrote blog. So darn angry. Sorry about loss. Thinking of you and yours in this difficult time.

By stendec

October 7, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

CORRECTION:From FIRST to worst! Forgive error. So blasted disenchanted!

By UpperDeck4Life

October 7, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Craig, my condolences out to your family at this time.

On to the team. I have been impressed with Enstrom and Little so far. Little needs to stay with Kovy and let’s see what the kid can do. Enstrom needs more playing time at even strength. He has been great for the PP so far. His passes are where they need to be (that was a sick pass to Kozlov last night) and his shots are on goal. He was playing on the top pair for MODO and they won a championship last season…why can’t he move up and play more minutes for us? He has gotten the fewest shifts per game so far for our defenseman and if not for his time on the PP, his minutes would be next to nothing.

I think putting Holik back with Dupuis and Larsen was a good move. We need a 3rd line and that is what each of those is best at. I am not sure who the answer at RW for Kovy and Little is, but either Sterling or Perrin need to step it up. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing Lavelle and Stuart brought up to play our 4th line wingers. Thorburn hasn’t gotten a chance yet, but our 4th line has been a liability.

Think we could convince anyone to take White off of our hands? He just isn’t a top 2 center. It’s like Rucchin, only a longer contract.

I think spliting the defensive lines up should be the next thing we do. I gave Havelid slack for his play last year because of the lose of his mother…but he has no excuse for his play so far this season. How about this:

Zhitnik-Enstrom Klee-McCarthy XLB-Havelid

By Darren

October 7, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting you mention Nashville as a potential trade partner, because Mark Dobson has been at both Predator home games so far.

By Boone7

October 7, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Well, my thoughts after the first two games…This Thrashers team is too small to compete against many of the other teams. It was painfully obvious the first two games. The loss of a scrapper like Jon Sim was really obvious to me. All of the new guys have talent but no size to match up. If this team somehow is better than .500, it will be a huge surprise. Don’t take me wrong either, I am a huge Thrashers fan and supporter. Just trying to call them like I see them.

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Not to sound as if I’m whistling past the graveyard again,..(‘cuz there are so many things that are a concern for Le Thrash), but….

For those of us who were around these parts a decade and a half ago,….the Braves had just come off there miracle ‘91 season,…going into the ‘92 season there was much to look forward to.

After a month, they were 12-18 and sitting at the bottom of the division.

Looked like the previous season was fluke.

But they stayed at it, progressed and eventually won the division and went on to their 14 straight division titles.

Now,…I am NOT trying to compare the two team or the two sports. But what I AM trying to say is that is is WAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early to start pushing the panic button.

Too early to be concerned? No.

Too early to look for fixes? No.

Too early to get frustrated? No.

But way to early to panic.

Now,….all that being said, this is a HUGE week for the Thrashers. 0-2-0 and staring at Ottawa, Buffalo and NJ isn’t the way we wanted to start.

But this is the hand we have dealt ourselves.

Time to get to work boys!!!

By UpperDeck4Life

October 7, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Looking at our next 7 games is causing me a little panic.

Sens-Sabres-Devils-Flyers-Rangers-Lightning-Leafs

That is not exactly the type of teams you want to be working on trying to fix things against.

By LAC

October 7, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Two stinkers… Not what you expect from the Defending Champions…

I would like to have seen a couple more upper tier UFA’s rather than White and Perrin. Perrin has worked, White has not shown much so far…

A couple more like this and it will get serious. Wash is 4 up as is TB and Carolina 3 up…

WE CANNOT afford to get into the position of Catching up… Remember we had a GREAT start last year and it was the KEY to the entire season, the reverse will have a devestating effect that this long lasting I am afraid and I mean in resigning Hossa, why would you risk staying with a team that does not commit ? He cannot do it alone !

Look at NYI, they went out and spent $$ a lot of it, but they are 2-0 and we are 0-2…

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 7, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Maybe someone should drop the gloves?

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

ZILLA you referring to the Thrashers or your fiance?? :o)

Seriously, he makes a good point. Something has to happen to spark a flame and maybe a good old-fashioned smack-down might be the answer.

Now,…looking forward, I think BH should, and will, continue to rotate Kari and Moose in the back-to-backers. Question is, who plays in what games.

Need someone to dig up our goalies stats vs. Ottawa and Buffalo. Brendan, Brian,….Staff! STAFF! STAFF!!

I need some numbers!

By kovyheater

October 7, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I think it is time to let some of our older plays go.

Brad Larsen Nic Havelid Alex Zhitnik Ken Klee

Lets get some more youth on this team.
Little and Enstrom are wonders on this team and they should be getting more ice time. I’ve had enough laziness from Zhitnik and Havelid. Larsen and Klee is just ineffective.

Bring up Valabik, Lavallee or Stuart. Play Popovic.

Keep Kovalchuk’s line stable for 5 games: Kovy - Little - Sterling

Keep: Kozlov - White - Hossa

Play Lehtonen for 5 straight games.

If we stink after 10 games. Break up the team, fire the coach and GM, sacrifice the year, get the top draft pick next year, and start all over again with new office personel.

There’s your solution.

By Kaladonis

October 7, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with the comment about preseason being somewhat wasted on figuring out who the starting line-up was going to be. This team doesn’t seem to have any chemistry at all. Part of that I think is from 10 new guys on the roster but also Coach Hartley’s bad habit of continually screwing with the lines. If you watched the TB game last night, you saw the benefit of a line staying together for along time (St Louis, Lecavalier, Propsal). I apologize in advance for spelling mistakes.

BH has got to just let them play some.

By Thrashers27

October 7, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

One thing to keep in mind folks is that last year was unlike any other year in Thrashers’ history. They started off strong and sucked it up in the latter part of the season. We could be seeing the usual slow start. It seems like things really start popping come December and then take another dip in February, then sprint for the last two months to try to make the playoffs.

I still agree that BH should keep Little on Kovy’s line. Right winger can either be Sterling, or Hoss. Fill in line two with Kozzie, White and Hoss, or Sterling. Then he should let them all play together for a while to develop chemistry.

If that doesn’t work, turn the lines upside down.

By dj

October 7, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Craig, sorry for the lost buddy.

As for the Thrashers, First, a coach can only give his players a chance to win. After that, it’s up to the players to execute. Blind passes across the blue line on the PP is not execution. Having your number 1 (or 2) defender pass the puck up the middle of the ice is not execution. The one thing the Thrashers have not done is get the puck deep in the zone. They try to often to skate the puck through neutral zone and it gets turned over. The lighting with all their talent dumped it in, forechecked like hell, and caused us to get lazy penalties. It think Lehtonen played fine. Hedberg as well. The good news about the ottawa game is we will have a different officiating crew. Never in my life have I seen a linesmen look straight at a player about to clear the puck up the zone and not move. It happened in the home opener which led to the third Capitols goal. Those guys were horrific and no consistency was not there.

By Brian

October 7, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Craig - my condolences.

David H - which one is Headlines? I know that Philips is not making $$ on one of their restaurants, but I am not sure the name of it. They may be closing the one I know about though.

Darren - nice catch that you know Mark Dobson was in NashVegas. How did you catch that? Be aware though that those guys are watching all sorts of things.

To the rest, every game counts, but no one wins the title in Nov. They need some motivation though. Just coming out way too flat with no effort.

Oh yeah, I know Bettman reads our posts. In an interview with another outlet he mentioned he found a great deal on a ring, but is holding off before he bids on it…

By woodie

October 7, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Not much of a hockey fan- but the local team is as bad as always…oh well

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Sim was injured in the Isles-Sabres game. Boone7, Check out this Jon Sim update Sim just turned 30 a few days ago, and he signed a 3-year/$3.0 million deal. Over the Summer, the blog discussed the contract he signed with the Islanders.

My feeling was … that DW didn’t want to commit to a 3rd year, given Sim’s age. That is, if his goal is a “youth movement.” But bumping him up from $610,000 to $1.0 million, while a hefty percentage of pay increase, I think would have been worth it. I was kinda hoping for a 2-year deal, for $1.25 million per year, for Sim. Instead, that deal went to Ken Klee, who is 36 years old.

That’s when I questioned whether Waddell was really going for a youth movement. Bygones. Klee would be the guy I’d put up in the pressbox. I like Zhitnik with Havelid. But if Enstrom earns top line minutes, fine by me. If could bump Havelid down to the 2nd pairing with McCarthy, then “X” and Popovic could take 3rd pair duties.

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Kevin Lowe RFA offer sheet to Kari Lehtonen next Summer?. Well, amazingly, Oilers GM Kevin Lowe will at least get that opportunity, as Edmonton just inked him to a brand new four-year contract extension. To be clear, there’s nothing in that article that suggests Kevin Lowe has any designs whatsoever on Thrashers netminder Kari Lehtonen. But Lowe did make two rather memorable RFA offer sheets this Summer. One to Thomas Vanek, which failed when it was matched by Buffalo, and one to Dustin Penner, which was successful, when Ducks GM Brian Burke opted not to match a ridiculously over-inflated contract.

Would it be fair to say that … the Oilers ownership knows and recognizes that RFA offer sheets might be Edmonton’s best offseason options? I’m just asking a question. Fire away!

By Barry

October 7, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

I know Thrashers needed to get younger and faster but it seems to have backfired because the boys are also smaller and weaker. Speed doesn’t mean anything if you can’t even have puck control for more than 10-20 seconds in the offensive zone. I think it’s too early to start tinkering with the lines IN GAME. That’s what practice is for. Hartley needs to be more patient and let the guys develop chemistry IN GAME. I’m not sure where Holik should play. He is good on the checking line, but that leaves a huge hole between Hossa and Kozlov. You more White up there, but that leaves Kovy with two rookies on his line and he’s force to try to do it all himself. I think Hartley needs to go back to what was working in preseason and give the guys a few games to gel.

By bob

October 7, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

As one of the 45 bobs, let’s not panic folks. Look at last year’s opener, a loss to Tampa and we had a whopping 11 shots. We won the next one against them with 19 shots but pitched a shutout. They outshot us 2 to one in the first two games we played. We then lost the third game to the Bolts as well. We seemingly have difficulty with their style of play. We’ll be fine. We had a bad 1st period in the opener and being in the penalty box early is not helping. We are faster and deeper and will get it together. For all the detractors out there, our coach has WON a cup and over 300 NHL games. He ,DW and our players are professionals and they know the game and the business better than any of us posting. We all have our opinions and mine is we’ll be fine. Our best players have to play consistently over 82 games and we need to avoid major injury…just like basically every other team. The Stanley Cup Champion Ducks have one win in 5 so far, Buffalo is winless so let’s let the season play out.

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

BARRY - You make two very good points.

1. Use praactices to tinker with lines, not games. There is no way any chemestry can be found if bnot given the time.

2. Smaller and faster is being out-muscled. But this is the route they have chosen and it needs to be worked out.

My biggest concern going into this season was at Center. Not getting Belanger back in here was not good.I think we are one big dude down the middle shy of having somethig to work with. I am more and more thinking that we need to make a deal with someone to get a solid #2 center in here. Question is, who and what do you put on the block for it???

By Brian

October 7, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Rawhide - Perrin has looked ok so far, by this season’s standards that is excelling. He can play all 3 spots up front, I say move him to center with Hossa & Kozzy, keep Little with Kovvy. The only downside is you put Sterling on the 4th with Slater and find someone else for that LW spot with Kovvy & Little, but that is better than hitting the panic button. I also think Barry made a good point in that you stop expecting people to gel after 1 shift. Pick a lineup and stick with it the whole game, then come back during practice or the next game and tinker.

Ultimately, you make Kovy, Hoss, Kozzy, Little & Perrin 5 of your top 6. Holik, Larsen & Dupuis would make a great checking line too. Put Little between Hoss & Kozzy then you can have Sterling in there with Perrin & Kovy instead of on a 4th line.

Finally, they are not getting out muscled as much as they are just plain not even moving their feet.

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

BRIAN - cement in the skates is indeed a problem.

Another issue is the passing. It has been atrocious. Of course, that could be a product of lines not playing enough together to gel properly.

Although your pairings are noteworthy, I would still like to see what centers might be available.

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

If you’re of the persuasion that some of these rookies are being “auditioned” for 9 games, (I am not of that belief,) which one(s) do you send down to Chicago?

By Rawhide

October 7, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t send any of ‘em down right now.

Little has 1/3 of our scoring production; looking very good.

Enstrom has looked the best of the rookies, being a blue-liner that is a great thing to see.

Sterling, while probably the least consistant, still has not played awful.

I’d like to see Pops get a game in soon. I’d sit Klee down for that, (whoda thunkit).

If there HAS been a positive note this weekend, it’s been the play of the youn-uns. Now if the vets can step it up.

By GSU-Lee

October 7, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Craig, I am sorry for your loss. Hope you and your family are doing okay. I know that stuff is hard to deal with, see you in due time.

By Brian

October 7, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I didn’t say that Sterling was being auditioned, I said he could play on the 1st or 4th line. Now that can make a huge difference in his development and also influence Kovy (having to play with 2 rooks for starters), but either way he is here to stay in Atlanta. Also, I said Little stays in the top 6 forwards and EVERYONE has had praises for Enstrom. Not only did I not say that but I haven’t read anyone say that any of these rooks should be sent to Chicago…

RAWHIDE - All I can think of is someone like Hossa who is in the last year of a contract. And a player like that is going to be moved closer to the deadline based on how his team is doing, not after the second game of the year.

By Barry

October 7, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Now that it has been brought up passing has also been bad. There hasn’t really been good puck support except maybe by Enstrom last night in Tampa. I see too many far stretch out passes instead of like you guys said…skating and moving your feet and do short more accurate passes. Too many passes are getting tipped or picked off in the neutral zone. If Thrashers are to play like Buffalo did last year with their speed they need to skate and pass like last years Buffalo. They skated and made those short accurate passes and had defenders and goalie looking all over the place. Thrashers not as physical of a team anymore and can’t muscle it in like last year. I think once this team and Hartley realize the identity of this team then they can work on improving and perfecting that style of play.

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 7, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Since everyone is being ridiculous with throwing the season away after two games, let me join in.

If we do trade Hossa at the deadline. I say we do it with the team that has the best shot at the top pick (if we aren’t in the basement)

Next draft is the John Tavares sweepstakes (for those who don’t know, he is supposed to be the next Gretzky/Lemieux/Crosby)He would sure look sweet in a Thrashers Uni!!!!

Trade Kari to another team as well for there top pick so we double or chances of getting Tavares.

By Bob

October 7, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

My sincere condolences, Craig.

There’s no panic here as I’m not suprised by this start, didn’t expect much out of this lineup. I don’t think we’re this bad, but man, we our simply outmatched. Good that they already figured out Holik shouldn’t center Hoss and Slava, that was a bad idea from the start. But with White not an answer either, we’re back with no centers again. Little should stick all year, so that’s good for him as he should see some good icetime.

It’s good to hear there are rumblings of a trade, even Waddell can see how outmatched this lineup is.

Who would be available this early in the year that’s any good? Unless he moves Hossa for a good return, that’d be something, no? That might be the best move.

By silverpork

October 7, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Way too early to panic, certainly not too early to be concerned. Although there have been some massive defensive breakdowns in the first two games, I am not one to be too critical of the D yet, especially considering we’ve played both games entirely in our own zone. With no sustainable forecheck, of course the D are being tested, and of course we are giving up too many shots. If we can start to tilt the ice in the other direction with puck possession, those things will even out a bit. White appears lost so far, as does Sterling IMO. Didn’t take long for the Tinkerer to tinker, did it?

By Matt H

October 7, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

I’ve liked individual flashes I’ve seen from individual players. Kovy, Little, Enstrom (G-damn, that pass to Kozzy was sweet), Holik, both goalies, Perrin, Sterling, Hossa, Ex and even Jimmy Slater have all shown me something.

The players that have me concerned are first and foremost Nic Havelid, who may as well have been playing for the Bolts last night, and Ken Klee, who needs to be playing better.

The biggest problem, of course, is that none of these players have formed a team yet. And I believe that will happen. Having 4 good rookies is something to be proud and happy about, but it will take a while to sort things out. I’m thrilled with our kids. Seriously. They bode well and I can’t wait to see more.

Condolences and best wishes, Craig…

By R. Stroz

October 7, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Craig - Condolences to you and your family.

By R. Stroz

October 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Observation:

Has anyone else noticed the Thrashers line changes seem slow and untimely?

First line change observation:

After the Thrashers finally move the puck out of their end of the ice and we have a player break across the other team’s blue line, BH calls a line change leaving the player that brings the puck down stranded against two or three of the other team’s players. As a result, the other team regains control of the puck and brings the puck back into the Thrashers end of the ice. I noticed this all of last season as well.

Second line change observation:

On numerous occasions, BH calls a line change with the puck loose in the neutral zone. As a result, the other team has a player wide open on the side of the ice opposite the benches waiting for the pass with an unobstructed path to the Thrasher’s net. Unfortunately, most of the Thrashers D-men aren’t fast enough to alter the other team’s player’s path to our goal.

So, has anyone else noticed?

By Roner

October 7, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry about your loss, Craig.

Very frustrating right now, but I haven’t given up hope just yet.

Buzilla is correct when he speaks of dropping gloves. The Stanley Cup Champs had more fighting majors than any other team last year. The only problem is that we have no one currently on our roster that strikes real fear into opposing players. Why not bring up Boris for a game or two? I love Boulton, but we need someone bigger to bring the pain. I don’t think he can make things much worse unless he plays like Sutton.

With regards to Bettman, he was booed before the strike. I only started booing him after the strike. Not just because of the strike, but because of the decisions he’s made after it. OLN? I’m sorry, Versus. Even if the NHL had to pay ESPN loads of cash to show games, it would have been better for hockey.

Moving forward, if Bettman puts every bit of money and effort the league has to broadcasting more games in High Definition, and not just a couple a week on VS., then I’ll give him a pass next time he visits Atlanta. There is no other sport that translates better in HD.

By Brendan

October 7, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Brian, I wasn’t addressing your post, or accusing you of having made these suggestions. Many people above have commented about the poor start to the season, brainstormed on possible solutions, mentioning how BH used the preseason to determine roster cuts, as opposed to developing line chemistry, while resting starters, etc. Still others have suggested bringing up guys from Chicago as a possible remedy, if you look back on the last 2-3 blogs, including the Jeff Schultz blogs. And somewhere in mix of all these recent blogs was the notion of “auditioning” players. It was mentioned in reference to nine free games before the clock starts ticking on RFA eligibility. Which is also something to consider, iffffff any of these rookies are returned to the AHL affiliate.

I’m not saying anyone will be demoted. I was merely tossing out the topic for discussion. So far, most folks are happy with Enstrom and pleased with Little. Sterling is getting “mixed reviews.” We haven’t even seen Popovic yet. I hadn’t even considered the prospect of a trade until Craig mentioned in it his blog. (See his final paragraph.) All summer long, this blog speculated what Hossa might fetch, if shopped. (Buzzilla even chimed in on this topic in the current blog.)

But the topic of a potential Hossa trade fizzled out during the Summer blogs, as Hossa only has a year left on his contract. So, who’s going to give up a “windfall of young, speedy talent” for one-year of Hossa?, barring a “sign-n-trade.”

Well, if Waddell could get Hossa re-signed, I doubt he’d trade him. I think he wants to keep him all to himself. And many of you speculated that whenever and wherever Hossa signs in the next 10 months, his next contract will stipulate a “no trade clause.”

For my $0.02, I don’t think Waddell wants to be remembered as the guy who traded away Hossa. Stop. I could be very wrong about that. Maybe the reason we talk so much about Heatley resides in the fact that Hossa is his replacement on this team. Well, if Hossa is lost to free agency or traded, this is another “degree of separation” from the Dan Snyder tragedy, which caused Heatley’s departure in the first place. “Heatley for Hossa and DeVries” was never a hockey trade.

But I digress, I suspect Waddell sees Hossa as a key ingredient to the team’s longterm future. I doubt the thought of trading Hossa much enters Waddell’s brain. The trouble for Waddell is that Hossa holds all the cards regarding contract renegotiations. Hossa is only obligated to play out his contract and nothing more.

So, if anyone is thinking about a trade, as a “remedy” to the poor start to the season, who do you think is on the trading block? And don’t say Kovalchuk, either. Havelid has another year left. Zhitnik has two more years. Todd White has this year, plus three (3) more!! “X” just got re-inked to a 3-year deal. Someone above mentioned Kari Lehtonen as a possible trade casualty.

Or, are your “trade notions” going in an entirely different direction? Say, future draft picks, some players down in Chicago. Don’t laugh, in the past this GM has moved former 1st round picks, like Bourett and Coburn, to fix problem areas. In that regard, do you think Waddell could be shopping Valabik? Or worse yet, Pavelec?

Personally, I wouldn’t think any sort of trade is in the works before we’re at least 10 games into the season. Sorry for such a long post.

By todd

October 7, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

yikes, this thrasher team looks like the curt frazier team a few years ago…no offense pressure, giving up way too many shots at our goal….it will take a 50 win season to win the division…. I dont blame Hartley, he can only do so much with what he’s got !!!! What coach is out there that’s better? We all knew we were going to be taking our lumps with four rookies making the team, but we are small and fast, we need to be big and hard hitting!!!!! Lets give them 20 games and then really decide what direction we need to go….

By Brian

October 7, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Brendan - I just asked what time it was, you didn’t have to tell me how to build a watch. With that said, the rookies looked good…

By Brendan

October 8, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

It’s a little past midnight, Brian.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

This team needs an easy button.

By luckydog

October 8, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Too early to panic? Yes.

Too early to worry? No. We wanted more speed so we gave up size to get it, but we still look like we’re getting beaten to the puck at every turn, and now we are also getting shoved around and our new no. 1 center isn’t looking sharp (so what’s new?) The Caps and Lightning played a pressure game against us — just like they always do, so that was hardly a surprise. But it’s a fire drill about every time we hit the blue line…

Just a decent showing against Ottawa would be nice, then maybe we can get a little win streak going…

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

How about some kind of team strategy? If you’re constantly mix matching lines, then how can you possibly be running any kind of strategy or plays? Second of all, “bunching” is an issue… I made this point several times last year as well… too many guys funneling towards the puck. Looks like a Pee-wee soccer game… SPREAD OUT!! Trust your teammate to get the puck.

The rest is just going to take awhile for the guys to get used to each other… where guys are… tendencies… etc.

Enstrom’s pass to Kozlov was a beauty. I was waiting to see something like that from those two! They should always be on the ice together.

By Matt H

October 8, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Stroz That’s a good observation. Now that you mention it, I think you’re right. Of course, with no real set lines, this is probably more of a problem than it could be otherwise.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Todd,

We aren’t getting lumps from the rookies. They are actually the brite spot. We are getting our lumps from our Top D pairnings and Keystone cops forwards.

Toby and Little looked like our best players the first two games (exept for Hossa’s goal…that just wasn’t fair)

By Sage of Bluesland

October 8, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Wow, eight years (or nine, if you include the year of the lockout) of “building” led by our brilliant architect Donny and all we have to show for it is a sweep in the playoffs! It sure feels good!

Well, the incompetent chickens are coming home to their pitiful roost with Donny…We’ll see how many of you are laughing derisively at me at about mid-season…

I called this five years ago with our brilliant GM…Two “constants” with the woeful Thrashers: Donny and pitiful defense…They go hand-in-hand…

By Bob

October 8, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Two “constants” with the woeful Thrashers: Donny and pitiful defense…They go hand-in-hand…

The day he signed Klee I said that this was just this year’s Reardon, Smehlik, Burt, et al

Waddell just cannot build a good defense. He proves it every year, and again this year when people are drooling over Enstrom, since he makes a blind behind the back pass. Sure, real pretty play, but I’ve seen nothing out of Enstrom except good offensive skills, he is not very good in his own zone where we’re getting manhandled. Mabye he should be a forward, he’d fit right in with most of ours, 5 foot nothing and 180 soaking wet.

There are major underlying problems with this lineup that Waddell built. We once again have no centers. Holik centering Hossa and Kozlov was a bad idea from day 1, but that’s what Waddell bandied about all summer as our solution at center. He signs Todd White for 4 years! It’s not like White has some unknown upside, his days in Ottawa and Minnesota were marked by the same play he’s shown here. He’s soft and will not go into traffic or dig in the corner. Looks like he completely stinks on faceoffs as well. 4 years of this guy.

Our defense is woeful, once again. Both Havelid and Zhitnik’s best days are behind them, Klee is this year’s Sutton, Smehlik, etc, Exelby is good for a big hit, that’s about it.

It’s going to be a long year, folks. Seriously, if he knows Hossa isn’t going to re-sign here, then move him now for a good return, instead of just the playoff rental return he’ll get later.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

On a completely different note:

Anyone see the photo on the Thrasher wab site of Bettan at the Rob Clark Academy???

the kid he is with looks scared out of his wits.

Like he has been spooked by….THE PENGUIN!!!!!

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

On a completely different note:

Anyone see the photo on the Thrasher web site of Bettan at the Ron Clark Academy???

The kid he is with looks scared out of his wits.

Like he has been spooked by….THE PENGUIN!!!!!

By Bob

October 8, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

OLN? I’m sorry, Versus. Even if the NHL had to pay ESPN loads of cash to show games, it would have been better for hockey

It’s mind boggling how bad of a decision that was. Here there were with the perfect change to finally grow the sport, they’re coming out of the lockout and had opened up the ice with the new rules, and what do they do? Relegate the league to an obscure network that no one watches.

You are 100% right, even if they had to pay ESPN to show the games, you have the opportunity to get the games on 2 high def channels that everyone watches!

Mind boggling.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

October 8, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Bob, our goalie was way out of position on one play and guess who was down on his knees in the crease and stopped a point blank shot to the open net? Yes, it was the offensive player you don’t like, Enstrom. That was the save of the night. Wide open net, goalie is not even in the crease, and the puck hits Enstrom right in the chest on his Thrashers’ logo.

Brian, great line about the Brendan and his long replies (ask what time it is and he tells you how to build a watch). Ask a simple question and that guy will write 10 paragraphs, 9 of which I don’t read. Although everyone did a much better job of making fun of Buz Baby Blues.

Craig, I am sorry for the loss.

Rawhide, when does the new blog start? I haven’t clicked on the fan one all summer but it is still the same.

By Bob

October 8, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

our goalie was way out of position on one play and guess who was down on his knees in the crease and stopped a point blank shot to the open net? Yes, it was the offensive player you don’t like, Enstrom

Ok, because as everyone knows, the sign of a great defenseman is the ability to play goalie.

Look, Enstrom isn’t bad. My point is that our defense is so awful, people are gushing over Enstrom since he can pass a puck. In comparison to the rest of our d, some are making him out to be the next coming of Bobby Orr. I see a power play specialist who isn’t going to contribute much defensively in our own zone.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Roswell Thrasherfan - I’m still waiting to hear from the ajc.com people. Soon as that happens it will get rolling.

As for your point about Enstrom’s “save”,…it was dynamic! I thought it was gonna be a turning point in our favor,………….alas.

I’ve heard great discussions here regarding the NHL’s deal with OLN,…Versus,…whatever. I too was disappointed in it at first. I think in order for the NHL to fully recover from the work-stoppage it needs a big time deal with ESPN. But as I know it, ESPN dropped the NHL,….and thus, The Penguin made the best deal he could.

Maybe I am wrong,…..er ah,…..since I’m NEVER wrong,…maybe I’m just “less correct then I normally am”…..but I think we will soon hear rumblings of an impending NHL deal with ESPN.

That being said, since I can FIND Vs. on my cable dial,…..I have NO problem with the coverage.

By Roswell Thrasherfan

October 8, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Bob, can you please point out the mistakes that Enstrom made in the defensive zone? Can you also explain why so many people on this blog are caught “gushing” over Sutton and his blocked shots? I may not have been around this game as long as you have, but I have two eyes and I don’t see the defensive lapses by Enstrom and I saw some great plays, offensive AND defensive.

rawhide, looking forward to your posts. are you the guy who had the superstitious jersey that you would wear to each game?

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

RTF - Yup, that’s me.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t take long for Sage to come out of the wood work… 2 games in, 0-2 record and he’s ready to burn Waddell at the stake again.

What a sad sack you are… why do you watch hockey? You seem to get no pleasure out of it.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Oh, just realized… it’s Monday Morning… it’s Sage’s day to QB.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

OK, guys,….I just got back from the mail room.

I just sent out an appeasment package to the Hockey Gods. A few dozen cases of Molson and Labats as well as several slabs of back-bacon.

Sheeze, when did it become so expensive to ship items to Nunavut!!!!

I hope this will help them see their way to smiling upon the Thrashers this week.

We need it!

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Roswell Thrasher Fan -

Although everyone did a much better job of making fun of Buz Baby Blues.

Who is making fun of me?

I’m no Sutton people. I’ll beat some @ss. Just ask the future Mrs. Buzilla.

(I’m just kidding. I don’t condone beating up woman…unless its Mandy Sutton, but I don’t count that)

By Bob

October 8, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

But as I know it, ESPN dropped the NHL,….and thus, The Penguin made the best deal he could

Nope, ESPN offered to re-sign the NHL, but at a discount over the previous contract. Bettman felt he could get more money from OLN, and he did, he got $20m more over the contract, but who cares, he killed the exposure in the meantime. Penny wise and pound foolish.

can you please point out the mistakes that Enstrom made in the defensive zone?

Roswell, you’re missing my point, my point is that our d is so bad, that Enstrom is looking great in comparison. He’s getting third pairing minutes and PP time. But our d is so bad, he’s looking great in comparison. I’m not doggin him, I’m doggin the rest of our d.

Can you also explain why so many people on this blog are caught “gushing” over Sutton and his blocked shots?

I can’t, I never did care for Mandy. Mabye it’s the same reason you’re excited about Enstrom’s goalie save (not much else to be excited about so you’re happy that at least one guy was doing something?).

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

RTF — Enstrom has been a bright spot, I definitely agree there. You’ll learn that Bob has a tendency to latch onto everything that is wrong with this team, and use those problems to downplay the good on the team. Just ignore it and you’ll be better in the end.

Bob — for all the complaints for the team, who would you rather see out there right now?? I’m personally content with watch the rookies playing, performing as advertised, and learning the game at this level. I’d rather see Enstrom and his small size play than see de Vries. Who would you recommend??

As for the Klee argument, everyone since day one has stated that Klee is the obvious replacement to de Vries — a slow footed pylon on defense. Klee however has carried with him theability to have a high +/-. In my opinion the only problem with him right now is that Hartley has him paired with the wrong defender, and on the wrong line. I feel he’s a 3rd liner who should be helping Enstrom learn the defensive subtleties.

Sage — Welcome back, we always appreciate your candid yet convincing comments. The elegance of your words, the proofs of your arguments…they’re breath taking.

Buzz — Stop beating your fiance or Pucks N Snot will unleash a wicked +2 Ogre on you.

Rawhide — Thanks for the hockey god offering, though from what I recall your luck with them was only fleeting last season.

Anyways, we’re two games in, let’s hope the team can turn around soon enough. This will be a tough season to watch if they keep playing this absurd excuse for “hockey”.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

BOB - See, I knew someone could set me straight on that.

But I think we agree that getting the NHL back on ESPN is crucial.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

I find out if I screwed the pooch or not on my center ice package…

I have my fingers crossed. I really want to see the Devils/Sens game tonight after I get back from Softball.

please, please, please…I have no money

By UpperDeck4Life

October 8, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

OK, thought I would throw my 2 cents into this discussion.

As far as the Vs. vs. ESPN thing, ESPN told the NHL they were not going to pay for the games, and were going to give them chump change from the commercial revenue. They already had NBC doing the same thing to them, they couldn’t get nothing from their TV deal. OLN at the time, Vs. now, came to them and offered them real money, revenue from the commercials, and told them they were going to expand and they believed them. I can’t falt the commish for trying to make the deal that looked like more money for the league.

As far as Enstrom, quit raining on our one bright spot. Bob, you may not be bad mouthing him out right, but he seems to be the only d-man we have who seems to be playing worth anything right now. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again, move him up to a higher pairing and I would venture a guess that his play will not suffer. Time to drop Havelid to a lower pairing. Put Klee with McCarthy/Popovic on the 3rd pair and see if the kid really has what it takes. Otherwise…I believe one Mr. Markov is still a free agent on the market waiting for a team to call.

Oh, and Rawhide…you forgot to include the Ryan Reyenolds films. I hear they like those as well.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

RANALLO - We appeased them enough to get us into the playoffs. After that,……I dunno what happened.

I also tossed in a VCR of “Strange Brew” and “Slap Shot”. Hoping that helps out as well.

But what I think is REALLY going to put us in their favor is that copy of Ice Girls Illustrated…..

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Buzz — I’ve yet to own Center Ice and I still had it as of last night, and was able to watch San Jose get spanked by Colorado.

Good luck.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

There’s no reason for this team to fail… it’s simple. Hartley better find a system that works, soon, or he’ll be gone… there’s nothing wrong with the roster. No excuses other than coaching and line pairs.

By Brian

October 8, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Roswell Thrasherfan, GaVaHokie & Ranollo - you all are absolutely correct about Bob & Sage. See, the problem is that they have been bashing DW for not being able to draft outside of the top 5 picks. Now that it looks like there are some great rookies that DW drafted in late rounds, they must make these rookies look incompetent somehow and therefore must say that Enstrom can only pass and not play D. By doing that they can continue their life-long purpose of bashing DW.

Buzzilla - you still crack me up and I love the little story you have going on here, but I am dissappointed that you have yet to get 1 bid on your Cuban, I mean Cubic Zirconia wedding ring.

Rawhide - I think the hockey gods are somewhere between Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat this week. I will take the Labatt’s and my father can have the Molson’s in their place…

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

UD4L - %$#@&!!!, I forgot the Ryan Reyenolds films.

I suck!

By Off the pipe

October 8, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

there’s one problem with this team and it’s the same year in and year out: the guy building it is incompetent. It’s clear that he has no idea how to build a winning team. How does Waddell still have a job?

It’s pretty easy to see now how so many experts and hockey writers picked us to finish last this year.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Although during the preseason the Thrashers weren’t playing the other teams A team, the defense performed well keeping the other teams at or below thirty shots per game.

The difference between preseason and regular season, Kiwi, Valabik, and Pilar are in Chicago and Zhitnik, Havelid, and Klee are on the ice in Atlanta.

Just an observation.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Off the pipe… you should take another “hit” off the pipe and relax.

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Off the pipe — Eklund is not an “expert” by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, he picked us to finish 15th LAST season. The merit to his “predictions” is non-existent.

Buccigross on the other hand has issues, in my opinion. He sems to pull for the teams that will clearly help the NHL as a whole, so thus he continually favors teams like Pittsburgh, the Original 6, or any of the Canadian teams (except for Edmonton). That’s the only thing I can really explain to make sense of his “predictions”. But if you notice in that same prediction he also stated that unless our rookies were competing for scoring titles and individual trophies that they were [useless]. Basically in his mind, unless you’re Crosby, you’re a chump.

Buccigross can eat a hammer.

Now tell me how Barry Melrose — a distinguished hockey analyst and hockey expert — predicted the Thrashers. His opinion carries more weight than the thinning hair and growing bellies on the other two “experts”…in my opinion.

None-the-less, predictions mean squat. Production means everything. Right now the team is lacking production, but hopefully they will get that back soon.

Go Blue?

I mean, GO BLUE!

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Stroz — I’d disagree. The defense during the preseason was far more aggressive in our defensive zone, pressuring the puck with much more frequency and intensity. The defense we’ve seen thus far has been from the system “sleeping box”. It’s not aggressive by any means, it’s not even passive, it’s sleeping. Our defenders will not for the life of them pressure the puck holder, but seem content with holding the stick to the ice with one hand (a Hartley favorite) and worrying about passing lanes. The lack of pressure allows the skaters to get better looks, get closer to the net, and have movement in the back side that opens up passing lanes for themselves.

In my opinion, that’s the system, not the players. But you could be right too. I’d love to see Valabik popping some heads off up here — plus having him and Enstrom on the same line would be better than the circus.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Damn it!!!

Avery is out 4 weeks!

I really wanted to see him get his come uppins!!!!!

If they show my video I hope that they show him reacting to it on the jumbotron.

I hate him sO MUCH!!!!!!

By Brian

October 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Off his rocker, uh, I mean Off the pipe - 3 out of 5 experts from CBS Sportline picked the Thrashers to finish in first

They seem to agree with most others on other picks such as teams like the Bruins, Blue Jax & Oilers coming in last while teams like the Sens, Pens & Rangers are fighting for first.

By Bob

October 8, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

there’s one problem with this team and it’s the same year in and year out: the guy building it is incompetent. It’s clear that he has no idea how to build a winning team. How does Waddell still have a job?

It’s pretty easy to see now how so many experts and hockey writers picked us to finish last this year.

No, no, no, no, no. There will be none of that, no objective critical thinking here. Who cares what these so called experts say, they’re idiots and clearly do not know our team, they’re just wanting to bash us, we only have coaching problems.

Guys, if it makes you feel better to be mad at me for pointing out the obvious, then be mad at me, I’m a big boy. But the quicker you wake up and figure out what the real underlying problem is here, the quicker you can voice your concerns where they’ll do some good. Waddell is the guy who thought Holik could play on on a top 2 line and told us that all summer and that White is worth signing for our top line for 4 years, that Klee was anything more than this year’s Reardon, Smehlik, etc.

BTW, why don’t some of you go back and read Schultz’s column from last Friday and your knee jerk reactions to it. Guess what, he was right and he wasn’t bashing the team, read his words objectively, he’s pointing out the truth. There are problems at center and on defense, that’s why so many picked this team to finish last this year. I personally don’t see them as last, but I see them having to overachieve to stick around the 8 spot and then hope for some deadline deals to make a run.

Coaching isn’t going to make these guys all grow 6 inches and 50lbs before the next game. Coaching isn’t going to make Holik into an offensive center or White go to the net or into the corners and dig. you can’t make s** shine or something like that.

UpperDeck, Enstrom is fine where he’s at, it’s his first year, give him plenty of PP time and leave him at third pairing minutes at regular strength. If Hartley played him against the top lines in the league at even strength, they’d steamroll him. That would be bad for his development. Let him eat up the minutes on the PP at the point, he is a definite plus there, and let him take 3rd pair minutes at even strength. The guy I would like to see get in there is Popovic, I think he’s a steady guy in his own zone and can make an outlet pass.

The dman who flys under the radar is Exelby, his skill set is definitely lacking, beyond the big hit.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - Whether its the system or the players, the preseason defense was far superior to the regular season defense we have seen so far, which is my real point.

So is it the preseason system, more aggressive play because players were fighting for jobs, younger players with more foot speed, or whatever, the preseason defense was getting the job done. Not only were the shots against down; but, the shots on goal were up. For once, the ice was tilted our way.

By j nes

October 8, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

NHL + HDTV = more hockey fans

Isn’t this what the NHL wants? I know Vs. is broadcasting in HD now, and that is great, but most will agree that coverage from espn would be better.

On that note—Does anyone know when/if Sports South is coming to Direct TV in HD? Do they already have an HD channel on regular cable? The regular broadcasts look awful on my TV….but then again maybe it’s just the team.

By Brian

October 8, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Bob - I believe RTF asked you to objectively point out why you thought Enstrom would have some weakness in his game. You never did that. We’re not mad at you because you are a free thinker, we just don’t like your whining. And every time someone asks you to back up your words, you whine more and never point to evidence.

Why don’t you do this, can you point to all the experts that are picking against the Thrashers and then show all the experts that are picking for the Thrashers? Since you claim that we are upset with the experts, why don’t you tell us, which experts?

By Brian

October 8, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Buzzilla - I am home for Columbus Day (well, I am just off of work today, has nothing to do with Columbus) and I hit record for that Devils/Sens game. I will just have to figure out how to e-mail it to you, this DVR is new courtesy of Sunday Ticket and I am not fully aware of how to use all the functions yet (such as e-mailing recorded programs). In the meantime I just saw Deb Kaufman doing the pre-game for the Isles/Caps and she is pleasant to look at but I don’t rank her that high overall…

By Bob

October 8, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

j nes, I heard SportSouth said no to high def Thrashers’ broadcasts, which just plain stinks.

Stroz, in the preseason games, we truly had guys fighting for jobs, whereas most teams were just going through the motions, some auditon, but most clubs didn’t have 4 roster slots up for grabs. I think you can just point to effort for the difference.

Caps and Tampa both brought their games and we looked way outmatched. I started counting on Friday how many of our guys were knocked off pucks by bigger opponents and 8 consecutive puck battles lost at one point, that’s what’s leading to the sustained pressure in our zone, we don’t have dmen, that can take on guys and strip the puck. That’s not coaching, it’s nothing other than a bigger guy taking a smaller guy off the puck. We’re going to lose a lot of battles in the corners and in the middle of the ice, that’s where games are won and lost, in the small details.

With all this prediction talk, I did a search and came up with the The Hockey News’ preseason predictions and found it interesting that Hartley was the coach most predicted to be fired, after Tortorella. Wonder why, hmmmm

The scary part, look at who they predicted the first coach to be hired would be, it’s good ol’ Fat Quinn! Who wants to see that lughead behind our bench? Goodness.

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bob — White is a defensive center with offensive upside. He’s relatively responsible in his own end, and has admitted that his goal is to achieve a positive +/- rating. He never said he expect to put up 90 points (which most people expect from a center after Savard did as much here), nor did he say he’d be fighting Chris Pronger in front of the net or on the boards with every waking moment. He said a positive +/-. Thus far, he’s leading the team (+2).

As far as him going hard into the boards, only about three players on the team have done as much. Perrin, Dupuis, and sometimes Larsen. Hossa and Kozlov are being soft along the boards, and not digging for pucks, but you’re not complaining about them. No, you’re complaining about Waddell’s free agent acquisition because it’s easier to link to ineptness. That’s not objective thinking, since you’ve made your motivation to such “observations” abundantly clear in the past.

Your “source” from Minnesota is entitled to his own opinion, but you’re now taking that opinion and blanketing it across White’s entire career. He’s 5’10, not 6’4. He’s not going to be a big hitting board digging player. He’s going to make good passes (which he does), he’s going to be defensively responsible (which he is), and he’s going to help his teammates improve (which he has yet to do). In the minors he scored A LOT, but that was against little kids. He’s got offensive upside, but he focuses his game on the defensive aspects. Read the NHL article on him, Custance linked to it a while back. It’s rather enlightening.

And finally, Waddell is not the head coach, he does not make the decisions on where a player plays. If he says to Hartley “we need Holik in a more offensive role”, Hartley needs to do what he can to fulfill that request. But Waddell does not sit there and say “Bob, you need to put Holik between Hossa and Kozlov, or else you’re fired”. Bob Hartley is the coach, he determines the lines, he’s the main person to blame if an experiment didn’t succeed. And likewise, Hartley deserves the credit for putting players into suitable roles, such as Little with Kovalchuk (currently). Waddell fields the team, Hartley molds it.

Brian — figure that stuff out, I could use a copy.

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

The Blue Jackets shut out the Ducks 4-0 this weekend… it’s early, people. Relax!!

To summarize for everyone… most of us don’t have issues with how Waddell built the team (Bob, any team that spends $7 million under the cap in a non-hockey market, technically has to overachieve to be successful)… if the team doesn’t come together soon, Hartley and Waddell will be gone and the other half of you will be happy.

This is it…we’ve reached the proverbial “Breaking Point”… let’s not kill each other as it unfolds (or fades away).

By Brian

October 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Bob - you searched the entire internet and couldn’t find one expert to predict the Thrashers finishing out of the playoffs? Interesting though that you found something that says that coaching is our problem…

By Brian

October 8, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Ranollo (& Buzzilla) - I will need your e-mail addresses to try to send this to you (if I can).

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Todd White is soft as Charmin. His plus two rating should be lower since one of the Caps goals came while he was in the penalty box.

We have been thru enough undersized centers the past two years. Krapanon was horrible. He wouldn’t fight for the puck either.

Of our “value priced centers,” we got the most bang for the buck from Metro with 14 goals and 19 assists for the 06-07 season. In comparison, White had 13 goals and 31 assists for the 06-07 season.

Furthermore, from what I have seen, Little is faster and more aggressive than White.

We would have been better off with Belanger than White. Also, Belanger would have cost less money.

Oh well White (think of what goes on Charmin) happens!

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

buzilla74@yahoo.com

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

for_realsies@hotmail.com

By Bob

October 8, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Brian, in case you haven’t noticed, I ignore you, I usually just skip your writings when I see you name.

But I read that last one, and we’ve had this discussion before, Sherlock, which is one of the many reasons that I now ignore you. I don’t spend hours on end researching mindless things on the internet, like you apparently do. I have a job, one that keeps me pretty busy, but I googled 2007 hockey predictions and the first link that came up was The Hockey News one, I found it funny that if we chase Hartley out of here, we wind up with Quinn, so sayeth the pro prognisticators.

So no, I didn’t “search the entire internet” you goof, I clicked on one link that I found funny.

I base my opinions on exactly that, my opinion, not regurgitating some talking head points.

Have a nice day.

By Darren

October 8, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

danieltjarnqvists#1fan@hotmail.com

By Off the pipe

October 8, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Hartley can only play what he’s given. white’s always been soft and Holik isn’t a top line center, the Rangers found that out years ago

By Off the pipe

October 8, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Hartley can only play what he’s given. white’s always been soft and Holik isn’t a top line center, the Rangers found that out years ago

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 8, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Hartley is given 3 of the top fowards in the league and the most highly touted Goalie in years…

Where’s my lemonade?

By GaVaHokie

October 8, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

It’s no use arguing with Bob and Sage… when Atlanta starts winning, they’re nowhere to be found anyway.

By mb

October 8, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

CC, condolences to you and your family.

As for the panic button, I do think it’s too early to press it, but I think it would be wise to stock up on shovels to get out of the hole we’re digging.

Unfortunately, with a bunch of new faces and little time working together in the pre-season, this team is going to require patience (in its current makeup).

Eventually, though, we simply have to get some top D talent. With all due respect to Havelid and Zhitnik, they’re second line players, and would probably excel there. Right now, they’re losing most of the battles, struggle to gain control of the puck, and the first pass out of the zone is weak beyond belief. The ice is way too tilted towards the other side right now for us to have much success, and it’s a struggle we’ll have (and frankly, have long had) as long as DW refuses to pay top $$ for defense.

By Brian

October 8, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - you’re right, perhaps we should look at them the way we look at Pucks n Snot…

By UpperDeck4Life

October 8, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Alright, we have a tough week staring us in the face. I think these next 3 games will tell us a lot about this team. I want to see improvements, plain and simple. If there is no noticeable improvements, Hartley’s pants should start getting warm. All I know is Wednesday night, I’ll be decked out in Blue screaming my head off.

By UpperDeck4Life

October 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Could we be seeing the beginning of “Money Ball” being turned into “Money Puck?”

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=4daa5bd0-7bab-43fe-bd8d-4cd890b15e04

By Tony C.

October 8, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

I’m just upset that what is being asked of White is maybe just a little bit beyond him…certainly, he has shown the tools for the job, but also he has played about as nervously as you can without puking while on the ice. White was the “big” off-season signing???-not that this guy is a bad player, but as pointed out by Craig Button in his ESPN NHL preview ” [#17] and Hossa deserve an elite-level pivot, and Todd White just isn’t one.”

When I look at Nylander with A-O, or Comrie (there are others, but those two in particular) I get more than a bit fustrated with DW. I understand that there wasn’t a real shot @ Gomez (he has come out and said that he really only had eyes for NYR), but there were other much more O-fensively established centres than one Todd White! Now I’m not upset with not landing the marquis names like Drury, Gomez & Datsyuk (Didn’t really want Briere-we were soft enough already)-but c’mon! I think it isn’t unreasonable to think that Nylander was availible to come to ATL. Or Comrie (although in his case, there may be some resentment towards certain players on our squad). Or even Smolinski.

I had worries about our smurfiness, and so far they’ve been borne out. Now I am not about to throw in the towel, but I think as a Coach or Manager your job is to put your personnel in the best position for them to suceed. This would not include asking a speedy, undersized 3rd-line centre to become a 1st-line centre that is able to create for one of the premier scorers in the universe. I remain optimistic about our blueline though. Outside of the pairings themselves, I don’t really miss any of our departures from 06-07 except for Hnidy maybe.

I have a problem with the pairings though. I was given to understand that defensive pairings should try and complent and or cover each players’ strength’s/weaknesses! Soooo. Maybe we can break up the X/Klee pairing? I saw where someone else had suggested dropping Havelid to the 3rd pairing-I don’t buy that, but I do think that Klee should go to 3rd pair, put McCarthy out there on the 2nd pair…man I dunno, but I do know that we cshould’ve gotten a top-4 D-man or a top-6 pivot this offseason and we didn’t. We got faster and smurfier but didn’t really address what were the glaring needs as seen by the core of this blog and hockey fans in general: #1 Another realiable scoring threat and decent pivot for #17’s line. #2 someone able to make a breakout pass without that being their only NHL-level skillset.

Now we have some rookies that show promise in those areas, but THEY ARE ROOKIES!!! It is a very rare rookie who can be reasonably expected to make a significant positive impact on the top two lines/pairings, that’s why Crosby and A-O are such a big deal.

I just look at personnell deciscions and how those choices were handled…and well, still dissapointed w/DW. But he is improving. The race is me reaching retirement or DW actually building a contender…Under Waddell, the Thrashers have a total record of 204-288-84.

Not being a pessimist, but yeah I’d like to see a better product, and true due dillegence to improve said product.

GO BLUE !!!

By Tony C.

October 8, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Apologies for the novel.

By R. Stroz

October 8, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Forsberg is still out there. Anyone want to roll the dice?

By Brian

October 8, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Upper Deck - great article. Be careful, there are 1 or 2 bloggers here who don’t like crunching numbers or dealing with facts.

By Bob

October 8, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

I posted the comments below in an effort to achieve some level of sanity in these boards. Unfortunately the other Bob, wants to continue to be negative (and of course not financially support the team). The facts are we do get better every year. Based on comparisons of who we lost and who we have, we are much faster, just haven’t played well yet. Do all of you think the Ducks and Sabres are panicking already? Of course not. It’s 82 games people. You lose 8 of 10 and you are still in it…bottom line it is a LONG season and way too early. Have we played well so far…no, but we will. Let the professionals who are in this business do their jobs. Bob I am sure you are probably on a short list for some team’s next GM. Give it a rest. It’s frankly idiotic. Can you be positive for once and be relevant? Yesterday’s post: As one of the 45 bobs, let’s not panic folks. Look at last year’s opener, a loss to Tampa and we had a whopping 11 shots. We won the next one against them with 19 shots but pitched a shutout. They outshot us 2 to one in the first two games we played. We then lost the third game to the Bolts as well. We seemingly have difficulty with their style of play. We’ll be fine. We had a bad 1st period in the opener and being in the penalty box early is not helping. We are faster and deeper and will get it together. For all the detractors out there, our coach has WON a cup and over 300 NHL games. He ,DW and our players are professionals and they know the game and the business better than any of us posting. We all have our opinions and mine is we’ll be fine. Our best players have to play consistently over 82 games and we need to avoid major injury…just like basically every other team. The Stanley Cup Champion Ducks have one win in 5 so far, Buffalo is winless so let’s let the season play out.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 8, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Well, given our brilliant GM’s success in the Port-a-Potty business, by all means he’s qualified to run the show here at the big-boy league…He’s done a bang-up job here for almost nine years now after his sterling one-year record with the Detroit Red Wings…

Just be sure to remember who said it first…(Don’t worry, I’ll remind you as you attempt to revise history)

By Tony C.

October 8, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

So anyway, let’s hear y’all’s revamped lines & pairings.

Or what about the “sweat-pooling” properties of the new jerseys??? I thought this was a complaint they heard this time last year???

(I hope that The Kid’s comment about the new jersey “making him look fat” was a joke)

I think also, that a lot of the team’s ills lately will be overcome as players grow accustomed to each other…but even the most optimistic fan must admit that Le Thrash looked pretty ugly past 2 games.

GO BLUE !!!

P.S. Buzz What? You’re more interested in Avery getting lit up than Holleweg? Ha! You’ve fallen for his “pest” antics too! j/k

By Roswell Thrasherfan

October 8, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Sage, what job did you apply for when the Thrashers didn’t return a call after you submitted your resume? Or is there some other reason you are so bitter towards them? Your critique of the team is beyond being objective, you are extremely personal in your attacks.

By Rawhide

October 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

TONY C - Your 6:35 post was almost Brendan-esque.

As for the “pooling” of sweat on the new jerseys,…yeah,….I thought the new unis were supposed to address that. I hate the new uniforms!

R STROZ - I would roll the dice, if we could afford him, (anyone out there that can clue us in on cap room issues here??? Anyone?….Staff?!?…..STAFF!?!…..STAFF?!?).

Anyway,….I would like to think someone in the front office is thinking about it. It would show they are interested in the “now” aspect of the Thrashers as well as the furure.

BTW, I just submitted my first blog posting. Should be up as soon as they set up the system.

I’m just goose-pimply!

By Thrashers27

October 8, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

I’m not trying to open recently closed subjects, but for Slava’s sake, can’t the freakin’ local “sports reporters” spell his name properly? No wonder nobody takes hockey seriously when it’s in a town that’s geographically south of…I don’t know…Iowa, Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana. Ohio, Pennsylvania.

By ranallo10

October 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Tony C — I understand your frustrations, but don’t you think it’s possible that Waddell did pursue those players, and those players either wanted more money than the team had to spend, or didn’t want to play in Atlanta?

Personally, I feel he did a lot more studying of the available players than just a few scouting sessions in Minnesota and a discussion with the accountant about how to spell Todd’s last name.

By Brian

October 8, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Tony C - I think ranallo makes a great point. Just because we don’t see results doesn’t mean work wasn’t being done. I remember back when the whole talk was about signing Kozzy. Everyone was saying how DW was not doing anything, I wrote in a blog that we just don’t know that. I think it was Brendan who made the wisecrack that we can’t know unless we get the FBI to tap DW’s lines, but the point is still the same. Sure enough, Kozzy was signed so it turned out DW was working all along. Lack of a contract is not proof of no effort being made towards those bigger names…

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 8, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Tony C

I am not downplaying the Hollweg angle. I think there are enough beat downs to be handed out. I would have preferred Kovy to go at it with Avery. There isn’t a size difference (well, maybe Kovy has the better of that) I don’t like see our stars have to fight but I would really like to see Kovy pull some of Averys hair and light his face up like Nintendo’s Ring King.

Maybe finish him off with a lightsaber…

I guess I did fall for his antics, but that d*ck needs to pay…..

na na nana na na na na na nana na na na na na nana na na na THE RANGERS SUCK!

Anyone else know the “1940” chant?

By Brian

October 9, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Buzilla - not sure of the 1940 one, but if you are going to chant the Rangers suck at the end, you have 3 too many na’s in your post. Sorry, either I pick on you for this or your fiance finding out about you…

By Bill

October 9, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this

No, not to early to panic, the Thrashers need to start a winning record out of the box. Start working on it right away. The 4-0 Senators are coming.

By Russ

October 9, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

Craig - My condolences to you and your family.

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Brian and Ranallo… I might concur if we hadn’t signed White on DAY ONE of free agency… it’s the one thing I might agree with Sage and Bob on when it comes to Waddell. It’s still early, and I hope White proves me wrong. For the money, Nylander and Comrie look like the better picks… and I could have made that judgement call back in June without the slightest hesitation.

I’m starting to think that building a team to be “defensively responsible” is a team that spends a lot of time in their own end PLAYING DEFENSE!! Here’s a strategy that got Kovy the Rocket Richard trophy… LET HIM CHERRY PICK!!

If Kovy cherry picks, it takes a defenseman out of the other teams rush (they’ll have to hang back to cover him)… let Todd White, or better yet Enstrom (the accurate passer) dish out the outlet pass.

Worry about defense when you’re up 3-0 in the third period.

By Northener

October 9, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Wa Wa Frickety Wa!

Why are so many of you crying already? Its 2 games?!

Ducks are 1-3-1 (3 pts in 5 games) Devils, Dallas and LA are 1-2 (2 pts in 3 games) Buffalo is 0-2 (0 pts in 2 games)

What’s the big deal?

Yes training camp and preseason was for cuts NOT perfecting lines.

All of your whining all summer about “youth movement” and we finally give a chance to 3 off the bat and hey its gonna take time.

Have any of you ever played or coached hockey before? If not, I suggest you reserve your opinions and leave it to the “pros”.

BTW all of you Hartley bashers that think he isn’t the “Youth Movement” kind of coach, think back to 99 in Colorado when Hartley coached a couple of kids named Hejduk and Drury to 1st and 2nd place for the Rookie of the Year trophy?! And don’t tell me that they were superstars “outright” and would have performed just as goos elsewhere.

We have the exact same type of team here that won the cup in Colorado with one BIG exception! GOALIE! or more specific PLAYOFF GOALIE!

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Buzz… do you mean King of the Ring… because the Nintendo Ring King was not quite as impressive. :)

http://www.consoleclassix.com/infoimg/RingKingNESScreenShot2.jpg

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Northerner… most of us are not crying, we realize exactly what you said. The people who are crying ALWAYS cry, even when we’re winning.

My personal complaints are based on game management and strategy… and Drury and Hejduk had it pretty easy playing with Sakic, Tanguay, Forsberg, Blake and Roy. If their success had anything to do with Hartley their performance would have dropped off in his absence, which obviously, it hasn’t. Those are “sure-fire” stars.

You’d hope Sterling and Little would have the same easy time playing with Kovy, Hossa and Kozlov.

I’m sorry, but Hartley inherited one of the best all-time teams in hockey in Colorado… the verdict is out.

By Matt H

October 9, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Congrats, Rawhide… Now what are you gonna do about our taxes??? (is it too early to ask that?) ;)

By Brian

October 9, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Hokie - Remember, lack of a contract isn’t proof of lack of effort. Look at all the activity that was going on before the free agency period. Didn’t we trade KT or someone just so someone else had the rights to negotiate with them? Clearly DW had an idea of what Nylander would command in the market. When he learned that, he said well if I am going to sign Kozlov like Bob, Sage, and all the AJC bloggers want me to, that leaves no $$ for Nylander. Nylander is getting $5.5mm this year, White is getting $2.1mm. How can you say those two are in the same ballpark? Considering that Kozzy was also signed for $3.3mm, who would you have, just Nylander ($5.5mm) or Kozzy & White ($3.3mm + $2.1mm = $5.4mm)?

Weren’t there past blogs that said don’t sign 1 big name, sign 2 smaller names for the same price?

I also know that Nylander’s & Kozzy’s amounts are going to fluctuate by a small %, but this is also a cash flow analysis so let’s look at year 1. And considering that the numbers aren’t going to change dramatically, the scenarios in Y2 & Y3 doesn’t change the decision.

By Bob

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

It’s no use arguing with Bob and Sage… when Atlanta starts winning, they’re nowhere to be found anyway

Hokie, I can only speak for myself, but that’s just plain b******. I’ve been on here for years, in the good times and bad.

Look, you goofs are shooting the messenger. Talk about your displaced anger. Take a look at the team. Take a look at the guy who built the team. There’s your answer.

Unfortunately the other Bob, wants to continue to be negative (and of course not financially support the team)

Not only are you not bright enough to come up with your own blogging name, but you apparently have memory problems.

I’m a season ticket holder, have been from day 1. Which is why I am so frustrated. I have spent a ton of money and time on this team, with little to no result. I expected a hell of a lot better lineup in year 8 than what we’re looking at today. No #1 dman, no #1 center. A shaky #1 goaltender.

Look, some of you want to believe that this is just coaching or anything other than a GM who can’t assemble a talented team, you go ahead and believe it. I prefer to deal with reality. The problems on this club run deep, this defense still has no shut down top pairing, we have a bunch of 3/4 and 5/6 dmen.

We still have no top line centers. Kovy has to be the most frustrated guy in the league, anyone that complains about him reverting back to old habits and trying to do it by himself may want to rethink that. When he doesn’t have a center or offwing to play with, what the heck is he supposed to do?

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 9, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

My “na na nana” were just right thank you. (it is sang to the ‘Chicken Dance’ tune)

And of course I meant Ring King. That was an awesome game. I never played King of the Ring.

I did play Nintendo’s Pro Wrestling a lot. Starman vs. Kin Corn Karn (or The Amazon - half piranha half man….freakin sweet)

By Bob

October 9, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

I’m just upset that what is being asked of White is maybe just a little bit beyond him…certainly, he has shown the tools for the job, but also he has played about as nervously as you can without puking while on the ice. White was the “big” off-season signing???-not that this guy is a bad player, but as pointed out by Craig Button in his ESPN NHL preview ” [#17] and Hossa deserve an elite-level pivot, and Todd White just isn’t one.”

Yep, White is a square peg put into a round hole by Waddell. It’s not like he was the only choice, he was Waddell’s first choice! If Nylander signed with the Caps, he would’ve signed here. Waddell’s answer for our other top 2 center was Holik. But I suppose that’s Hartley’s fault, or better yet, it’s Sage’s fault, yeah that’s it. lol.

I just look at personnell deciscions and how those choices were handled…and well, still dissapointed w/DW. But he is improving. The race is me reaching retirement or DW actually building a contender…Under Waddell, the Thrashers have a total record of 204-288-84

Dude, if he’s still around when we reach retirement, we are poly-screwed. This is his last hurrah. Take a look at the contracts on this team that extend past this year, there’s not many, a new GM could come in and turn things around quickly. It’s the only upside if they tank completely this year.

By Brian

October 9, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Buzilla - trust me, growing up in the Northeast near Lake Erie, I have heard that thing at more weddings than I care to explain…

Bob - I think you need a timeout. Where ever you are, stop reading this and go sit in the corner while you think about what you said. (and he says other people have displaced anger???)

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Brian… I had it in my head we were paying White $4 million for some reason… it IS just $2 million, and you’re right. I withdraw my statement.

We actually did show interest in Comrie all summer, and it’s apparent that he wanted to play elsewhere for a dollar amount we didn’t want to pay.

And yes, I am still an advocate of getting two guys for $2 million each versus one for $4 million… unless we’re talking a bonafide star like Guerin, Arnott or Tkachuk.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 9, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

THE

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 9, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

RANGERS

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 9, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

SUCK!

By Bob

October 9, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

The Toronto Sun reports there is some hope, and our owners may not be brain dead

Keep an eye on the Atlanta Thrashers. The Atlanta ownership group isn’t thrilled with the job done by GM Don Waddell. If the club gets off to a slow start and Waddell feels the heat, coach Bob Hartley might be the first one out the door

Could be pure conjecture on Garrioch’s part, he’s a numbnut of the highest order with wild rumors over the years, but mabye there’s an inkling of truth and our management has Waddell, rightly so, under the microscope. You know Waddell would throw Hartley under the bus first.

By Brian

October 9, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Buzzilla - point taken, and agreed

Hokie - the question really becomes, if we get player x, then which player y do we get rid of to make room for him? We’re back to the same old question, is the only way to work someone under the cap to get rid of Hossa? Who would take Drury for Hossa straight up? Then we finally get that high priced center and Bob and Sage complain how we can’t have both Kovy & Hossa…

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Brian… the “self-imposed” cap is what’s causing the trouble. If you’re going to limit the team to $43 million or less, you shouldn’t have any players making more than $6 million.

I’d keep Kovalchuk as your franchise player and move Hossa, let’s say, to Minnesota for Brian Rolston ($2.4 mil) and Pierre-Marc Bouchard ($2.6 mil).

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

How about Hossa to Nashville for Jason Arnott ($4.5 mil) and J.P. Dumont ($2.5 mil)… yes, I would have no problem trading Hossa in a 2-for-1 ‘er.

By Off the pipe

October 9, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Avery and Hollweg would both wipe the ice with Boulton. There’s no toughness on this club, you think we got pushed around last year? This lineup has no one to step up.

Last I checked, this club was $10m under the salary cap, so signing Charmin White-I love me that name-and saving money was more important than getting a top line center they can afford well under the cap? Umm ok. Nylander tore it up for the Rangers last year, he’ll do pretty damn good in Washington as well. But it sure is a nice thing the Thrashers saved some money on Charmin.

By ranallo10

October 9, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Bob, Nylander had been signed by Edmonton before Washington swooped in to steal him. That being said, he still signed a $5.5M contract. Nylander is a 35 year old former Rangers center…how has Waddell’s luck been signing other players that fit that bill? You were yelling for youth movement all of last season, complaining about the average age of the team, yet your best two solutions for center have been Nylander (35-$4.875M for FOUR YEARS) and Conroy (36-$2.85M for one year).

If Nylander signed with the Caps, he would’ve signed here.

Seriously?? Imagine you’re a UFA, coming off a career year, going into your early late thirties (I know, it’s tough to imagine all of this, but keep trying Bob)…you’re telling me you’d rather play in Atlanta than in DC? Seriously??? Talk about being a homer, that’s just a ridiculous statement.

For the record, Comrie is making $3.375M for one season, meanwhile White is making $2.375M for four.

Brian and Hokie — I agree, I’d rather have Kozlov and White than Nylander.

By Rawhide

October 9, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

MATT H - Thanks!

As for taxes….when I’m elected King, I’ll abolish all taxes on income, gifts, inheritance and investments.

I’ll implement a national lottery and fund only the national defense and government workers salaries.

If there is a surplus at the end of the year, I have a lottery in which I pull one set of dog tags numbers from a soldier currently serving and he wins it all.

By Rawhide

October 9, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Excuse me,…he or SHE wins it all.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 9, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

In case people in this blog haven’t heard, I won the Rawhide sweepstakes!!!!

First post on the Rawhide Bloggith

By ranallo10

October 9, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Off the pipe — having cap room doesn’t mean the team can afford it…it doesn’t go hand and hand. Ask Nashville how they’ve been holding up spending close to the salary while only getting an average attendance of 14,000.

Brendan would love to give you a few paragraphs of specifics for the economic standing of small market teams in the NHL, I’ll leave that to him.

Hokie — I’d rather Hossa than the other two. Hossa is the type of player where I feel his production alone outweighs the benefit of getting two players for his salary. Arnott and Dumont for him would be something I doubt Nashville would accept also, as they’d lose a more productive tandem of players that do not solely impact the bottom line if injured. So in the end, I come out happy with Hossa staying here, they’d be happy with Arnott and Dumont staying there.

Let’s get off of Hossa…I’m having flashbacks to Eklund.

By GaVaHokie

October 9, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… I agree, but I’m just saying it’s a better way to manage salary.

By ranallo10

October 9, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Very true, to which I agree on the whole. Hossa fits into the exceptions for that general rule, in my mind.

And as for Dumont…haven’t we had enough Jean-Pierre’s in this town??

By Brendan

October 9, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

I could, Ranallo. But the attention deficit disorder types would be lost. Tony C., I loved your long post (6:35 PM). Keep it up.

By Bob

October 9, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

You were yelling for youth movement all of last season, complaining about the average age of the team

My goodness, a couple of you jokers are in such a tizzy you’re just making stuff up today. Let me refresh your memory, Brendan was the guy that dug up and continually wrote that we were the oldest team in the league. A few of us, including me, wrote in response that wasn’t it just dandy that a team that was to be built through the draft so sayeth The Don, was the oldest team in the league in it’s 7th year.

I think what you’re confused with me about, is that I derisively looked at Waddell’s comments this summer about the youth movement since he was keeping Hartley as coach. To me that was contradictory that you’d have a youth movement yet keep Hartley who got chased out of Colorado for his inability to handle rooks (as I recall the players literally revolted against him there).

Seriously?? Imagine you’re a UFA, coming off a career year, going into your early late thirties (I know, it’s tough to imagine all of this, but keep trying Bob)…you’re telling me you’d rather play in Atlanta than in DC? Seriously??? Talk about being a homer, that’s just a ridiculous statement

Yes, seriously. Usually I’m not suprised by your responses as you know I understand the sky is a different color in Ranallo World but this time I am, I didn’t even think you were this silly. What is so great about Washington over Atlanta. Either quality of life wise or franchise wise? Washington D.C. is an armpit, there’s some nice burbs, but don’t be caught in that city after dark, you think South Atlanta is dangerous? The cost of living is higher there, I see no draw to Washington D.C. over the city of Atlanta.

And franchise-wise, what’s so great about the Caps vs. the Thrashers? They both have been flondering as franchises. They might have a more stable goalie, but Lehts isn’t that big a drop off from Kolzig. Do you think Ovechkin is that much better than Kovy? I’d probably take Ovechkin if I had to choose, but I don’t see Nylander saying, crap, I’m not playing with that Kovy schmuck when OMG!!! I can play with Ovechkin!!!!

So, yes, seriously, I see no reason why Nylander wouldn’t come here over Washington, if the money being paid were the same.

Now if his choice was to stay with the Rangers vs. come here, then sure, you’re right, I can see him staying there. But Washington over us?

I thought we were about $8m under the Cap, the pipe. But your point is still correct, there is plenty of room under the cap, it’s not like Waddell could only afford White since we were pushed up against the cap.

Now if the owners gave him a self-imposed budget, which they apparently did, that’s a different story and then we’re just hamstrung and that’s why I have no problem moving Hossa now for a good return, if you know he’s not going to re-sign here. It’d be the best thing for the club, long-term.

By Brendan

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

Thank you, Ranallo. I needed a good chuckle (Re: Vigier reference).

This upcoming game vs. Ottawa is actually very important, even though it is still so very early. This is really our first “litmus test” of the year. We’re matching up against one of the very best teams in the Conference. They won the Eastern Conference last year.

I think we’ll find out if we’re this really awful team or if the Thrashers just got off to a “bad start.” I think it’s the latter. There is a decent amount of talent on this roster.

I remember when the blog speculated how our market would ever attract bonafide “superstar” players. We’ve got at least two in Kovy and Hossa. There will be spirited debate about whether Lehtonen and Kozlov also fit that bill. Some might even argue in favor of Zhitnik as a Tier one type player. But I really don’t want to get into all that. I just want the team to reverse this six-game losing streak, dating back to last year’s playoffs.

It starts with a win. And we go from there. Does anyone think I’m being “negative?”

By Brian

October 9, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Brendan - for the record, I don’t think anyone ever thought you were “negative”. War & Peace length blogger? Definitely. Factual and objective? Yes. Negative? No.

By ranallo10

October 9, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Geez, The Program is now worried about crime??

In my opinion, Washington DC has a plethora of more palatable places to live as a high class individual than downtown Atlanta. If I were looking to have an upscale apartment in a city for a few years, living with my family at my actual home (i.e., not in the same place) during the offseason, I’d rather do it in a city like Washington DC with it’s rich history and plenty to do every week, than in a city like Atlanta. Seriously, what does Atlanta have to offer a person like Nylander? The city itself. Buckhead? The World of Coke?? I like Atlanta for what it is, but to imagine it’s some gem in the southeast is absurd. I don’t see players lining up to play here.

As for the team, many circles I’ve heard from outside of Atlanta have this idea that Kovalchuk is a whiner, and not a great teammate. I don’t agree with that, as I can definitely see people having a misconception of him due to his age, star status, and emotional outbursts. However you have no clue what Nylander was looking for when he signed with Washington. He might’ve liked what he saw from Ovechkin, and decided he HAD to play with him. Or it could’ve simply been about the $5.5M paycheck he’ll be receiving this season, or even the fourth year on the end of his contract.

But this argument can be settled with one FACT:

At age 39, Michael Nylander will cost $4.875M towards the salary cap.

At that price Washington can have him. And that’s why he’s now playing there.

By russian

October 9, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

I do not want to be pessimistic person, but we lost Hossa for Ottawa and Buffalo games and I think our team will be 0-4 after Thursday.  I checked a Thrasher history and found out that we never lost two games with opening season. Last time was on 2002-2003. I hope they are going to show up something interesting tomorrow.

By Bob

October 9, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

At age 39, Michael Nylander will cost $4.875M towards the salary cap

And in 4 years we’ll still have Todd White, I’d rather have Nylander every day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

So Washington DC is a big draw over Atlanta? Hoo boy.

By ranallo10

October 9, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

This is where we disagree, obviously. You’d rather a shell-of-his-former-self center playing for top dollar in his late 30s, yet you complain about Holik’s contract. Hmmm, contradict much?? After one season in which Nylander doesn’t produce 80 points, you’d complain that his slow footedness and inability to finish is hurting the team, and that he’s a waste of money. Then you’d bandy on about how that’s a perfect example of why Waddell is a bad GM.

So Washington DC is a big draw over Atlanta?

In case you didn’t realize, this is Nylander’s SECOND stint with Washington. Apparently it’s a bigger draw to the people that matter than you really think.

I’d rather have Nylander every day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

I don’t think anybody disagreed with you there. But this isn’t about one for one. You’re talking about a $2M+ salary discrepancy, for an aged player who is coming off a career year playing with Jaromir Jagr. Kovalchuk and Ovechkin might be good, but they’re not Jagr…yet.

We’ve now seemingly agreed to disagree — I’m content with White and willing to give him a shot. You’re angry with anyone but Conroy (and now Nylander apparently).

By Bob

October 9, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

You’d rather a shell-of-his-former-self center playing for top dollar in his late 30s, yet you complain about Holik’s contract. Hmmm, contradict much??

I guess in Ranallo World it’s logical to compare a #1 center with a #3 checking line center. And in same Ranallo World you know that Nylander is over the hill in a year or two and not going to be worth whatever the Oilers and then the Caps signed him for?

And once again today, in Ranallo World you’re dreaming up that I complain about Holik’s contract. Uh, no I don’t, Sparky. I’ve read several bloggers complain about his pay, not me.

I have complained about Waddell talking all summer about putting Holik in a top 2 offensive center role for this year, when he’s a checking line center and that’s what we signed him to play, and what he’s played for us until a one game experiment that obviously blew up. I could care less what he gets paid, he’s a great checking center.

Do you intentionally try to be so wrong all the time?

By bob

October 9, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, you said previously that you got rid of your tickets due to “DW incompetance” so which is it? What team are you going to be GM for? Bet you are just in such demand with your wealth of Hockey knowledge.Basically, you ignore FACTS, apparently DO NOT understand business and need to get off the board due to idiocy and irrelevance.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 9, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

By Buzilla Baby Blue

October 7, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Maybe someone should drop the gloves?

YES—Maybe someone should kick Heatley’s little arrogant punk a*s! That ought to wake up Blueland.

By Tony C.

October 9, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

My main point was this: Todd White is your biggest addition? Seriously? Don’t get me wrong yall know I was an outspoken propent of bringing Slava-Matic back…and yes, I didn’t realize Nylander was getting paid that much. Good move by DW to pass if that was the price…I also realize that ATL may not be the most-desired location in the NHL, but uh, isn’t that what the GM’s job is? Selling your team to potential players and making sure the nucleus you drafted pays off at a high level?

All the above points are pretty valid, but I’m just flabbergasted; you know you need a true top-line centre and you give me….Todd White, and Eric Perrin???

Seriously?

flame on.

GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

October 9, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Tony C - I am all for adding more, but what are your options? Given we already have 2 superstars earning in the $6 - 7mm range, we can’t go get Drury or Briere. We also had to resign a star as you said. Who should we have gotten? Also, this whole Atlanta is not a destination thing needs to end. What is that based on?

By Bob

October 9, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Bob, you said previously that you got rid of your tickets due to “DW incompetance” so which is it?

Uh, no I didn’t. If memory serves, it was LAC saying something about canceling his company’s tickets due to DW’s incompetence, ain’t that right LAC? In hindsight, I wish I was as smart as him to quit wasting my money until they got rid of Waddell, but no, I love the game enough to keep going.

Basically, you ignore FACTS, apparently DO NOT understand business and need to get off the board due to idiocy and irrelevance.

Hoo boy. I’ll stick with my broker’s tips for now, Gekko, but if I need some M&A advice, I’ll come right to you, deal? lol. And this coming from the brain child that can’t even come up with a unique handle to differentiate himself from someone he completely disagrees with.

Let’s see, I’ve been reading this hockey blog for quite some time and there’s this guy who just really bugs me and I want to start blogging and disagree with him, I think I’ll call myself Bob, because that’s my name, so I’m Bob and I’ll argue with Bob. Ok, here we go.

Hey, I have an idea for ya, how about you call yourself Robert?!

I also realize that ATL may not be the most-desired location in the NHL, but uh, isn’t that what the GM’s job is? Selling your team to potential players and making sure the nucleus you drafted pays off at a high level?

No, no, no. Haven’t ya heard? Waddell has to compete with the likes of Washington D.C.!!! Yes, he must compete with the Mighty, Mighty Capital franchise for players. Are you kidding me, damn son, we’re lucky we got Slater to move here! If Birmingham gets that there franchise, we’re poly screwed, cousin! I hear Hossa has a mansion down there with chickens and pigs and stuff and he’s flat gone if they get that there franchise.

By Bob

October 9, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

YES—Maybe someone should kick Heatley’s little arrogant punk as! That ought to wake up Blueland*

Oh, hell yeah. Now that is something to look forward to, the only problem is, Dany won’t fight, he’ll just run. There was a brawl last year, was it the Isle that got into it with Ottawa? Everyone was going and it was a line brawl and Heater just ran away when someone squared off with him.

I would not mind seeing Exelby take a run at him if he catches Heater with his head down.

By R. Stroz

October 9, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

If Holik knocks Heatley on his backside, I promise not to complain about Holik’s lack of speed and 4.25 million per year for 10 games. Oh heck, make it 20 games.

By Brendan

October 10, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

The person who complains about Bobby Holik’s salary is me. Craig Custance once asked Don Waddell, “Is Bobby Holik overpaid?” Waddell’s response, “For a 3rd line checking center? Yes, he is overpaid.”

Waddell earned some points with me for that candid response. That was a “straight answer.” The reason that salary bothers me ought to be self-evident. Which one do you want to pick? A) That his salary is ‘cost-prohibitive’ for trade purposes or B) that it hurts our ability to sign better players and stay within this self-imposed cap? I doubt we could even lose Holik on waivers. Someone else would have to be willing to take on his salary, for the whole rest of the season.

Sorry for this “War and Peace”-like post.

By R. Stroz

October 10, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Brendan - More than one person can complain about Holik’s salary and lack of speed.

Since I’ve heard Holik gives straight answers, I would love for someone to ask him if his play and production are worth 4.25 million or closer to 1.5 million. Then ask, does your salary limit the team’s options by tying up too much salary?

I’d pay a dollar to hear those questions answered.

Without Holik’s salary, the Thrashers could have easily afforded a center along the lines of Comrie, who already has 4 goals this season.

Maybe the Thrashers should invest in a “money puck” stat service as UD4L suggested. I’d pay a dollar to hear those questions answered.

By bob

October 10, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

Bob, I guess you have selective amnesia. We had a similar debate over the summer. Either that or you just cannot keep a story straight. So high and mighty and knowing all. WE WON the DIVISION last year. That is not incompetent. Give our players and leadership some respect. THey all know the business and the game better than you, that’s for sure.

If you are so down on Don Waddell and Bob Hartley, who would you suggest? It’s easy to complain. You gonna convince Scotty Bowman?

Complain all you want. I personally invest heavily in this team and have since day one. It’s a business and entertainment. The ownership is not a mess but they must operate within reasonable finacial parameters.

You are just so negative and frankly wrong I am sick of it. What an idiot.

By Bob

October 10, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Yep, that was it, both Brendan and Stroz write about Holik’s contract, but Ranallo World wants to put that on me also. I’ve got you goofs really in a tizzy, eh? What’s next, I’m to blame to global warming (actually, that may be true, see I was on this beans/high fiber diet all through the 90’s and the resulting, err, greenhouse gases had a nasty effect I’m told).

Bob, I guess you have selective amnesia. We had a similar debate over the summer

No, I don’t. I re-signed before the end of last year for this year in order to get playoff tickets. Why would I tell you this summer I dumped my tickets when I had already paid for them months prior? Dude, you are a complete tool, you can’t even come up with your own blogging name. Even the guy running the blog makes fun of you about it “the 45 Bobs”. If I recall correctly, it was LAC that said he dumped his company’s tickets due to Waddell’s incompetence. I’ll let LAC take credit for that as Brendan and Stroz took credit for their Holik salary complaints.

The ownership is not a mess

And I’m the idiot?! Hoo boy.

By ranallo10

October 10, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

By Bob

August 16, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

wee bob, sorry to disappoint, but I’ve dropped major coin on this club every year since 1999, used to be a full season ticket holder, now only 1/2 due to the ineptness.

To help jog your memory, this was during the blog when the 45 Bob’s appeared because you were having a feud with the other Bob about his screen name. The link should work.

Guess both Bobs were right…

By russian

October 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

lines for OTTAWA GAME Kovalchuk- White- Sterling Perrin- Little- Kozlov Larsen- Holik- Dupuis Thorburn- Slater- Boulton

Havelid- Zhitnik Exelby- Klee Enstrom- McCarthy

Lehtonen Hedberg

By Tony C.

October 10, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Russian- You really like X & Klee together??

GO BLUE !!!

By russian

October 10, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Tony C I do not like Klee at all. I think it was mistake to bring him into the team.

By R. Stroz

October 10, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

russian - welcome back comrade

By GaVaHokie

October 10, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

According to Eklund (grain of salt), Hossa is extremely p** about the ice conditions that caused his accident.

Also, as I’ve mentioned a few times, Tampa is interested in Bryzgalov again now that Giguere is almost ready to return.

By Bob

October 10, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Guess both Bobs were right…

More fiction from Ranallo World (I’ve got to come with something better, even I’m getting sick of calling you that). The wee bob said I dropped my tickets due to DW incompetence. No I didn’t.

The quote above that you selected out of context was where the wee bob, as I recall, accused me of not financially supporting the team. I told him I was a season ticket holder since 1999 and that I was full season and then went to 1/2 season since I got sick of the losing (I went to 1/2 season years ago when they first offered it).

LAC, I believe, is the guy that said he dropped his company’s tix in revolt due to Wadell.

I have to come up with a new nickname for you though, that one’s stale (I like The Program though, you can keep that one for a while).

By Jameson

October 10, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

I’d have to say that the b0b troll was probably my greatest feat on these blogs to date, and for the record, I’ve complained that Holik is overpaid, as well.

By GSU-Lee

October 10, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

It is time to panic. The team is flat, taking poor shots, and Lehtonen just refuses to shut anybody down. Thihs team is weak and NEEDS TO ACT NOW

By Jameson

October 10, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

For the love of puck, get White off of Kovy’s line. I’m sick of hearing “White has trouble skating it out.” “White misses the puck in the slot.” Slater is playing a better game than White at this point.

By LAC

October 10, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

We are looking like more like an Expansion team than defending SE Champs…

White has to go, Perrin as well, these signings were a WASTE and I believe we could have signed Commire…

Typical…

Guess Sutton was correct when he said It Was Time To move on to a team that was COMMITED to winning THE STANLEY CUP…

This is going to be a LONG season folks…

By Thrashers27

October 10, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Well, I would have liked to see a win, but I did see some light at the end of the tunnel. Kovy looked good and Slater was hustling his little rear end up and down the ice. He still can’t hit the net, but neither can Dupuis and Perrin. Enough of the negative…Enstrom looks like he could turn into a huge assett on the PP. Little showed signs of greatness and Kari looked decent although he appeared to be dozing on that slapper from about 40 feet out. The announcers said he was screened, but looked like he had a clean view to me.

Alright boys, I still love ya’. Let’s put it all together tomorrow night and bring home two points.

By russian

October 10, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

This is it. Third loose. We were playing like crap. I am just interesting when Hossa will ask to trade him to another team. I hope Kovy will find good team after his contract is over. Tomorrow will be fourth lost. We get tired after Ottawa, Kovy got heat and Hossa is out. My result is 4:1 Buffalo.

By Pucks n Snot

October 10, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

AAAAAAA HAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAA!!! Looks like my 0-15 start prediction for Atlanta is right on track!! What do you droids that spent all offseason saying this team was going to be better than last years have to say now?? The ULTIMATE in regression generated by your INVALID of a GM…..and to watch you people buy into it is absolutely hysterical!! I see Hossa didn’t even bother to suit up tonight….I don’t blame him! Meanwhile Detroit already sits atop the western conference - ho hum. The Datsyuk/Holmstrom/Zetterberg line is the best in the NHL, and put on another freaking clinic of skating, puck handling, passing & shooting skills tonight. Not to mention our defensive wizardry with the top pairing of Lidstrom & Rafalski, and Kronwall being healthy again. Oh yeah, and Chelios is 45 years old and 10 times the player any of your blueliners dream of being. Why don’t you guys just chuk it in, buy the Center Ice package and some Wings jerseys, and tune in Friday night to start cheering for a team that’ll give you a reason to love hockey again? I won’t hold it against you, just don’t be moving up here and making my state as overcrowded and polluted as yours has become.

By Bob

October 11, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Well at least it’s nice to know that there’s not a fellow Thrashers’ fan that’s so moronic as to show up and start arguing with me by naming himself, Bob.

Well done, Jameson, well done my good sir.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 11, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

M-O-O-S-E!!! It’s time to let the Moose loose…

By ranallo10

October 11, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t know anybody who thinks Holik is not overpaid, including the GM. He appears to be a $2.5M player, on a $4M contract.

Bob-1 — bob is remembering somewhat correctly. As you said yourself, you dropped from a full season to a half season ticket plan “due to ineptness”. Incompetence and ineptness, he’s not perfect, he remembered the main point. He is just stating that you dropped your financial contribution to this team due to what you feel is a bad GM, or as you said “ineptness”.

Come on, that’s not even close to out of context. I even linked the blog for you, which is about as close to giving you a reference as I can get.

Throw me a bone here, I tried to be nice to you and concede that both of you were not wrong with your statements.

By Craig Custance

October 11, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Thrashers called up Haydar, he’ll take Thorburn’s place in the lineup tonight. Kari’s back in goal.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 11, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

It’ time to let the Moose loose…