Thrashers

By russian

October 11, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

I hope Popovic will help to get 2 points. Will Haydar play today?

By Craig Custance

October 11, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Yeah, he’ll take Thorburn’s spot in the lineup.

By ranallo10

October 11, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

That’s too bad, Thorburn played well yesterday. Boulton could use a replacement for a game or so.

By Chris

October 11, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Based on what I have seen so far, adding another undersized forward to the lineup is the absolute last thing we need.

By Bob

October 11, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Put Haydar in Sterling’s spot and see if he can do anything there.

By russian

October 11, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

I thought Haydar take Sterling place. 4 line was looking Ok yesturday.

By R. Stroz

October 11, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Is Thorburn this year’s Metro? Thorburn busted his hump to ride the pine, that doesn’t make any sense. Maybe it is time to start looking for coaches.

By ranallo10

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

Bob — I think you’ll be just as disappointed in Haydar as you’ve been in Sterling thus far.

But hey, why not try it anyways?

It sucks to know that Haydar is the best we can do when Hossa gets hurt. It’s a good thing Kovalchuk isn’t out.

By GSU-Lee

October 11, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Sterling has looked out of place. I thought Thorburn played well last night. I don’t know what Haydar can do to really shake that up much. Little continues to do well. By the way, Klee does not look that great. I think Pop should have been in last night, Klee made a few lazy plays last night. Hope all is well Craig.

By Mehoff

October 11, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

I liked having Thorburn and Boulton out there bangin around last night, they really picked up the energy. Even Slater was throwing his body around. Thorburn definitely didn’t get enough ice time and I think he deserved it..

By Sara

October 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

So much for not riding Kari to death this year! This is not helping to improve my disposition. Between this crap and stupid tax deadlines and lazy clients, this week is about officially a total bust. Here’s hoping for a resounding win tonight in Buffalo - I need a lift something fierce!

By PuckedUP

October 11, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Any ideas on whether or not he will skate with Sterling? I finally read the blog where some folks mentioned that idea. Seems smart to me.

But, just out of curiosity, when will it be time to start over-reacting? Does a win tonight cure all the ills? Or does it merely temper the flaring tempers for a time?

Let’s go Thrash!

By Chris

October 11, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I think Klee will be all right. It’s definitely a subtle positioning game for him. He’s screwed if he’s not in the right spot to start though.

Already turning to Haydar, hadn’t we at least made it through a couple months last season BK: Before Krog?

By GSU-Lee

October 11, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Craig, leading up to the season you kept saying that you felt Popovic was the most NHL ready guy, why do you think he has not been in until tonight?

By russian

October 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

By R. Stroz Maybe it is time to start looking for coaches. I was talking about it last season, but he saved his a* to made Play Offs. I think something happend very soon. ;-( But I did not see any good available coaches on Market.

By Craig Custance

October 11, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Pucked — It’d make sense to put Haydar on a scoring line, but we’ll see tonight. Most likely, we’ll see him with Slater and Boulton.

Sara — I agree with starting Kari. This team needs a win, and he’s more likely than Hedberg to steal one here in Buffalo.

By Craig Custance

October 11, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Lee — That’s a fair question. I think the team liked Enstrom’s potential on the power play better than Popovic’s and they weren’t about to start the season with two rookies on the blue line. Now it’s up to Popovic to stand out enough to earn a spot in the top six.

By Russ

October 11, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Craig.

I couldn’t make it home until the third period last night. My wife was supposed to record the game for me, but forgot…needless to say the paperwork for our divorce is being filed as quickly as possible.

Glad to see Popovic getting a shot…I’ve only been asking for him to get regular minutes over some of these journeymen veteran d-men since training camp last season.

By GaVaHokie

October 11, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

They need to put Sterling-Little-Haydar out on the ice for a shift or two… let Sterling play on the LW (his natural position) and see if he can regain some chemistry with Haydar. If Hartley doesn’t even atleast try this, he’s clueless.

By LAC

October 11, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Hope SOMETHING works…

We look like an EXPANSION Team so far… Just Terrible to say the very least.

By Craig Custance

October 11, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Russ — Thanks. And don’t be too hard on your wife, you didn’t miss too much.

By GaVaHokie

October 11, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Are the line-ups set for tonight yet? Line Pairings?… anyone?

By Bob

October 11, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Bob — I think you’ll be just as disappointed in Haydar as you’ve been in Sterling thus far

I’m afraid you’re right, but like you said:

But hey, why not try it anyways?

It sucks to know that Haydar is the best we can do when Hossa gets hurt. It’s a good thing Kovalchuk isn’t out.

Look at that, I think Satan just bought a sweater, we found some common ground.

They need to put Sterling-Little-Haydar out on the ice for a shift or two… let Sterling play on the LW (his natural position) and see if he can regain some chemistry with Haydar. If Hartley doesn’t even atleast try this, he’s clueless.

Ditto (and now Satan just bought a scarf as well)

Ok, now you guys talked me into recording the game and watching it later. I have hope, Have no fear, Haydar is here

By Icequeen

October 11, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Bob, Bring back Boris asap. We need him for the 18th.

By Icequeen

October 11, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, We need Boris back in the line-up before the 18th or we’ll never get in front of the net.

By Bob

October 11, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Ok, will do. How bout Natasha to boot?

By silverpork

October 11, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Sara - we can’t alternate goalies every night, because then neither goalie finds a rhythm. This is only Kari’s 2nd start-in-a-row, so I don’t see any problem putting him in (and I too am thrilled that Hartley says Moose will see more action this season).

By Brendan

October 11, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Bob: Ya know, I can’t help but think of poor Miroslav Satan. People are just waiting for Lamoriello to sign him up in New Jersey, claiming “it’s destiny.” Satan must play for the Devils. Still another part of me thinks … what if he’s dating some American girl, ya know? And he knocks on the door to meet her parents. Her father answers the door, “Hello young man, it’s nice to meet you. What’s your name, son?” He replies, “Miroslav. But you can call me, “Miro.” “That’s great,” says the young lady’s father. “What’s your last name?,” he adds. Without hesitation, Miroslav replies, “Satan.”

To which the father smiles, turns towards the kitchen, where his wife is preparing a tray of hors-d’oeuvres, and says: “Honey! You’re not going to believe this. But it turns out you might have been right all along. Our daughter just might be the ‘bride of Satan!’”

By Jameson

October 11, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Sara, I usually appreciate your insites, but I’m with Craig on this one. If Kari can’t handle one back-to-back this early in the season, then there is something a miss with him. I’m sure the Moose can be worked in next week to give Kari a rest.

By Wreckin & Thrashin

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

This is the result of not trying to having a #1 center… the Thrashers have a 1:30 long 2 man advantage and can’t even get a good shot on goal. They couldn’t even get the put to the front of the net and get rebounds. This is going to be a long season. Todd freakin White?

By BG33Brown

October 11, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Wow…this is embarassing. It looked like we were trying to kill the 5-3.

I am literally speechless.

By B. Thenet

October 11, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Craig, at what point can we legimately talk about Hartley being replaced.

The only problem I see is that the Thrashers have almost no breaks longer than 3 days until Thanskgiving.

The only times that make sense early are after the Thrashers home games this Saturday, or around the 27th of the month. They are 3 game breaks that begin with a home game and then their next game is one the road.

I am really tired of seeing the same things out of Hartley’s teams over and over. Yes, the tactics issues have been gone over ad nauseum, but I see no leadership out of this guy. How many times has this team won 5, lost 5, won 3, lost 4. He is incapable of bringing consistent play out of this roster, and lets be fair…this might be the most talented roster he has worked with in Atlanta.

By joe

October 11, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

why is it that other teams don’t have a problem getting shots on our net, we couldn’t hit water if we fell out of a boat. our power play has always been poorly coached. with our talent from the blueline in, we should be a force to be reckoned with during the man advantage. there are 78 games left, hossa should come back soon, i know they will find their groove, however if hartley can’t light a fire under their a*, then we need to find someone who will

By John

October 11, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

This team is just aweful… aweful…AWEFUL!

Kind of reminds me of the expansion days…you know, Gord Murphy and Johan Garpenlov…The good-old days.

This team wont even give us the benefit of a fight to release our frustration. Aweful….just aweful.

Funny thing is, it’s not even the rookies taking the bad penalties.

Aweful…AWEFUL!!!

Can’t wait to see the managment get canned…can’t wait to see who we get back for the Hossa trade that is now bound to happen this season.

So long Don Waddell…we hardly liked ye! You’re aweful, too.

By JayBird

October 11, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Wow, Kovy has really taken over a leadership role on this team. We saw signs of it last year but he has really stepped up. Seeing him go after the Sabre who took out Todd White brought a smile to my face. At least we have one player who has heart! Maybe that will spark the rest of the guys to sack up and play.

By B. Thenet

October 11, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Then we give up a shortie

In fairness, we can’t even buy a break. What a lousy bounce that led to the odd man rush on the PK

By Jameson

October 11, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Might as well, let Haydar-Little-Sterling play out the 3rd that way. Not much to gain at this point.

By joe

October 11, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

holik is a horrible captain. he is gliding around the ice. at least with mellanby, we had heart and determination. kari is playing like he doesn’t care, i think hedberg should be number one and we bring up pavalec, braithwaite. kari is too inconsistent. he has so much talent, but never really plays up to it.

By John

October 11, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Maybe Schuerholz will switch over to the Hockey world and turn this bumbling operation into something resembling respectability.

By russian

October 11, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

I could not say. Only one thing: “What is F*** is THAT????”

By LAC

October 11, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

5-0…

This is EXPANSION hockey at it’s worst.

In the first year you do not expect to win, but this is the 8th year of the five year plan… am I correct ?

What the HELL is going on ?????

I feel that if we score ONE goal it ia akin to a victory… This is BAD.

I have been holding off,but if the OWNERSHIP does NOT replace the GM & Coach within a week, or two more losses, we can FORGET this season and the ownership needs to understand this… Losses mean EMPTY seats and EMPTY seats mean losing money… I hope they can understand this.

I doubt I will attend another game until I see some BETTER play and several trades, like Perrin/White/Holik/Slater/Havilid These players need to be shown the door and shown the door FAST.

We the fans can see the issues plain as day, why can the owners not step in and TAKE action, a NEW direction would be refreshing.

If this keeps up, Hossa will surely sign elsewhere and then what ???

This team could ruin itself and end up in say Kansas City if the owners do nothing… Remember the Flames were better than this and left after 8 season’s … Will The Trashers be next ?

Wake Up Owners… You HAVE to ACT and ACT NOW !

By Kaladonis

October 11, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

complete disarray. We don’t know what a set play is…we can’t pass, we’re bumping into each other. We need some coaching. Any at all. It like they’ve never even met each other before…let alone play on the same team.

By Tom

October 11, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

I have to say, if we continue to play like this we will be lucky to win 10 games this year.

The announcers keep saying we are a team built for speed but in 4 games we are losing every foot race to the puck. Havelid looks lost, Koslov is afraid to shoot, Klee and Zhitnik are too slow and out of position.

Have you noticed only the guys who played with the Wolves last year are willing to shoot on the power play? What the heck is Hartley teaching this team.

I am so glad the Thrashers took away our discount that we enjoyed on the season tickets. We had these seats since the inaugural year, but nearly doubling the price of the tickets made us give them up.

Now it was a blessing in disguise. They will have a rough time drawing when we come back from the West Coast trip 1-12-1…

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

We have 8…count’em EIGHT shots on goal in TWO periods…

I can’t believe this !!!!!!!!!!!

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

I love it the Buffalo TV guys are saying the Thrashers look awful, far worse than last year !!!!

Great Don, Just Great !!!!

By JayBird

October 11, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

LAC, I don’t disagree that Hartley and Waddell should go but trading the guys you named will be pretty tough. At this point, none of them have any value. White and Perrin have new, long term contracts that I seriously doubt anyone would want to take on.

I wish there was an easy solution but there isn’t. We don’t have a ton of players with much value outside of Hossa, Kovalchuk, and Lehtonen (even though his value slides minute by minute). Whoever is the new GM will have to be very creative to rebuild this team.

By Rone

October 11, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Kovy, but I’m speechless after that. Holik should be fighting, not only for the Thrashers, but for his career right now. I love his tough play, but when is he going to fight for his team? 5-0 with 14:00 left and speechless. Speechless.

By Rone

October 11, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Speechless.

By Michael Shapiro

October 11, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Thrashers won’t shoot Thrashers can’t clear For fans of Blueland T’will be a long year

Pathetic.

We REFUSE to shoot on the PP. First 6 PPs the only thing looking like a shot was Enstrom’s bell ringer. You can just see us slow and out of position on D, especially when we’re down a man, and the rotation goes on as the Sabres patiently wait to strike.

I saw this 8 years ago. Why am I seeing it again?

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Jaybird, Yes I know,it was more wishful thinking than fact, but this is terrible.

I honestly cannot remember the team THIS BAD from season one, when we were expected to lose, not this season.

The players who were let go were boarderline, but white/perrin/klee are AWFUL… Let’s hope it stays 5-0 and no more.

Give Steve Weeks a chance, and let Brenden be GM… he would turn it around FAST !!!!!!!!!!

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

6-0 Good-Bye Season !!!!!

By Rone

October 11, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

:26 left and more speechless.

By JayBird

October 11, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Insult to injury! What an embarassment! This score is just like a first year score but the difference is that team played with heart.

By Tom

October 11, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

ugh…

By JayBird

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

I wasn’t criticizing, LAC, just frustrated like you and everyone else. If you took it that way, I’m sorry.

Anyone have any ideas for replacements for Hartley and Waddell?

By joe

October 11, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

6-0 and all you see is bob hartley staring with a deer in headlights look on his face. does he ever get fired up at all. the only ones to play hard were the rookies and Ilya.

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Attention Owners…

Blueland will be vacantland if this goes on any longer, meaning YOU LOSE MONEY and lots of it.

Do YOU want 5-6,000 at the games ? Well that is what is GOING to happen if your great GM, who has ruined the team and coach are still here in a week.

I will not attend to watch this kind of play by professional players making millions of dollars until CHANGES are made.

I bet there are a large number of fellow bloggers who agree, I still support the team, don’t get me wrong, but this is TOO much from a defending Champion.

It’s like the banner went up and the air went right out. We have been MAULED in every game, every one DAMN it !!!!!

Carolina is beating Ottawa, Florida is beating NJD, so we are LAST in the league, not confrence, ENTIRE NHL

When will the OWNERS ACT ???????????

Maybe when we are 0-16 or so, I hope not for the teams sake !

By LAC

October 11, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Jaybird, No you were correct for sure, This whole thing stinks like hell !!!!!!

By Kaladonis

October 11, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I say put in that coach from the wolves - I can’t remember his name. He’s got to be better at working with young players and rebuilding from scratch

By Brian

October 11, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

LAC - if this team has a self imposed cap (which is the common consensus around here), they will not pay for the extra players, right? Well, if they won’t pay for the extra players, why would they pay for 2 head coaches (which is what they would be doing if they fire BH). With that said, I don’t see them firing BH. It will take a good $500k to go out and get someone to replace him while they still have to pay out his contract for the rest of this year. Agree or no?

By John

October 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone would be better than Hartley. But DW needs to go too. He’s the one who created this disaster in the first place, but Hartley has completely lost everyone’s respect.

I say ship ‘em all out and start all over (again…ugh…AGAIN!!!)

By Bob

October 11, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

So, I guess I won’t bother playing back the Tivo of this one?

this might be the most talented roster he has worked with in Atlanta

You’re funny.

Whoever is the new GM will have to be very creative to rebuild this team

Yes, but the good news is that it can be done very quickly, by the right guy. There are a lot of contracts up next summer, a good GM could turn it around quickly.

I guess Hoss should be signing that extension soon, he?

Over/Under on Hartley is down to 10 games now, too many taking the under.

We’ll open the windows on Waddell at 20 games. I do not want to wait for the summer to see him gone, Hoss is going to have to be traded for the return, cannot let that asset walk for nothing. Earlier we move him, the better return we’ll get.

By Brian

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

Bob - I will take the over on both. No one in the NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB ever changes a GM in mid season, it just doesn’t provide any advantage unless like you say, they start from scratch. What they will do is make him run ever roster move past ownership (like a Hossa trade).

Changing the coach does make sense, because at least he can change attitudes, draw up new plays, play the right players, inspire, etc. which can lead to wins on day one. But for my reasons above, I don’t think that will happen.

By November

October 11, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Everyone just freaking relax. November is almost here, and we can all forget about these bums and this sport that had a nice run for a year and a half.

LET’S GO HAWKS

By Sage of Bluesland

October 11, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Young Brian doesn’t know his sports history—I can think of at least TWO instances where a GM was re-assigned in midseason:

1. Bobby Cox in 1990 sent to the bench to coach.

2. Pat Peppler in 1974 (?) sent to the bench to coach.

That’s simply off the top of my head—I’m sure I could ‘Google’ plenty of other examples…I’m sure the crow tastes good, young one…(well, that is once the attitude is lost).

Still ready to concede on your bumbling hero Donny Waddell?

(Didn’t think so)

By Gobacktodahood

October 11, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

November, this isn’t the Hawks blog, so go away. This blog doesn’t require a criminal record and a stolen computer to post.

By Brian

October 11, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

I just hit the panic button. A Hawks fan told us we have it bad. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By JayBird

October 11, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Sage, you aren’t suggesting a move of Waddell to the bench are you, a la Cox? HAHA

I propose we send Waddell to the pretzel stand and let him throw away dough there. I know we are all tired of seeing him do it in the front office.

By Brian

October 11, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Sage - Neither Bobby Cox nor Pat Peppler were fired in those instances, thus, neither one of those examples match what I said. I am speaking of a GM that was fired in midseason and then another GM was hired from outside the organization in midseason. Read my posts next time as you can now eat the crow you were trying to serve…

By Tom

October 11, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Maybe Waddell decided to take GM lessons from the Hawks GM. The results are sure looking like the same.

And if this keeps up, attendance will be about the same as the Hawks… 26th out of 30 and the numbers reported must be tickets sold, not the gate.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/attendance

By stendec

October 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Beyond disappointed with Thrashers! Can stand losers (been Atlanta pro sports fan for almost half century) but latest Thrasher non-efforts have been too much. KL not top tier goalie. Moose not top tier goalie. Hockey players with sense shoot puck especially on power play. Thrashers refuse to shoot puck even with mutiple player advantage. No excuses for this crap. Sori Letemin - Five goals on 20 shots in 40 minutes (goal every four shots and every eight minutes). Moose - Goal in 20 minutes (last half minute to be more precise). Do math. It is not pretty! Where is fire? Leadership? Pride? Dignity? Falcons on ice was playful jab. May be closer to truth than I realized. Sad.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 11, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

“No one in the NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB ever changes a GM in mid season, it just doesn’t provide any advantage unless like you say, they start from scratch.”

Yeah, I guess I got exact quote wrong…That’s another problem with attitude—inability to accept being completely wrong—and then ‘conveniently’ changing the previous bombast when the truth was jammed down throat…

(Point, Set, Match…Maybe you’ll learn something here? Then again, maybe not…)

By Brian

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

Tom - I would say it is tix sold. However, the Thrashers are better according to the same reports for the same time period

But what does this really say when the team right ahead of us won the Stanley Cup?

By Brian

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

Sage - I was responding to Bob, where he provided an over/under, where he alluded that it would be 20 games that DW would be dismissed. Please read my quotes in context. If I am saying that no GM changes are made in the context of responding to Bob who said the over/under on DW being dismissed is 20 games, I am saying that GMs aren’t dismissed from the team in midseason, meaning he won’t be dismissed. You provided 2 examples in which the GMs were not dismissed, instead they were reassigned. Please read things in context.

As for trying to jam the truth down my throat and then talking about attitude, don’t make me giggle…

By LAC

October 11, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Just checked standings…

With Florida and Buffalo winning only ONE team has ZERO points in the entire NHL… Yes Our Atlanta Thrashers, The Defending Southeast Champions.

This is as disgusting a display of NHL hockey ever in Atlanta, it is numbing to see NO offense, NO crisp passing, NO forechecking, BAD goaltending, BAD defensemen (# 22/28/77)and a TERRIBLE GM…

What Next ? 2,000 fans at a game, Then the owners will open their eyes.

Guess we can hope for the Number ONE pick next summer, since we may not score 100 goals this season and give up 400… a couple more losses and we are TOAST this season, we will NEVER catch up…

By Brian

October 11, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Sage - to further illustrate the point, even JayBird asked why you would want to put DW behind the bench given the examples you provided

By Brian

October 11, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

LAC - I don’t want to ever hope to get the #1 pick. 78 more games, let’s see what happens in the next week. Boy, this NJ game is even more critical now, and I don’t ever like our chances against Brodeur, let alone an offense that isn’t clicking…

UpperDeck4Life threw out the idea of putting Kovy out with Hossa when he comes back. Could that be the spark? It works when Ottawa loads ‘em up on one line. I was shocked that Klee got benched tonight.

By Bob

October 11, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

said all summer that Bobby Holik would play more of an offensive role at center, but Holik was a step behind in scoring opportunities. Should we have seen this coming? Maybe

Craig, you are the master of the understatement in this game article. Mabye? Good one.

Waddell talked all summer about Holik playing on one of the top 2 lines. You seem to know the game, Craig, I suspect you even rolled your eyes every time you heard that dribble out of him.

Hartley goes first in Don’s last gasp move to save his job. Waddell down to the bench again, then he goes. Bring in Fat Quinn as Coach/GM. Then hope for that lottery pick, there’s some stud coming out in the draft this summer.

I think Hoss will bring a very nice return when we move him.

Night folks, last one out turn out the lights.

By Russ

October 11, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

The concensus seems to be that Hossa is waiting to sign an extension to see if this team is going to be a serious contender in the coming years. How are we feeling about having Hossa back next season? At this point Kovy is probably wondering how much longer he has left on his contract so he can get the hell out of here.

John Anderson should be the new coach.

I don’t have a suggestion for the new GM right now, I liked Dean Lombardi when he was available a few years ago, which is when DW should have been shown the door. Some people in the past have said if there aren’t big name candidates that the Thrashers are better off sticking with DW because the new guy “could be worse”. That is a completely ridiculous way to look at things. I believe the goal is supposed to be to attain the Stanley Cup. Suppose on the off chance, however unlikely, that a new GM was worse than DW. What do the Thrashers do go from being maybe the 25th best franchise to the 28th? That huge dropoff isn’t worth the risk to pick someone, even if it is not a big name former GM, who might be significantly better??? The Islanders picked their back-up goalie for cripes sake, and they were supposed to be the laughingstock of the league last year, but Garth Snow and Ted Nolan led them to the playoffs. Ownership needs to grow a pair and make some moves, really where is the risk??? Could it be much worse???

By Brendan

October 11, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

So, how many of you concluded that Haydar provided the spark?

Someone has to say something optimistic. Because Haydar is not the solution. Actually, who can replace Hossa?, if you think about it.

Positives … 1/19 on the PP for the season. “Ungood,” to quote Rawhide. The PK is doing better than the PP. Did that work for ya?

Okay … positives. Positives … well, there’s 78 more games? It’s hard to argue that we’ve run out of games, and are mathematically eliminated.

Yes. That will do. That’s a positive. The magic number remains at 95.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Concerning Slater and Fartley (now thats funny)

Many of you complain Slater just skates around and hits a few players.

I’m beginning to think that is what Fartley is telling all the players to do.

By Jameson

October 12, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Brendan, I’m going to go ahead and disagree with you here. Not only did I like Haydar’s play, but instead of shipping him down, I think we should double… No tripple shift him next game.

No where to go, but up, right?

By Brendan

October 12, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Russ, I kind of like the idea of giving John Anderson a try behind the bench. But another part of me thinks, “Don Waddell owns the ‘vision’ for this club.” Every single player who ever came here did so via Waddell’s oversight. He must have a plan for how things ought to be out there on the ice. I want to see how he would coach them.

I realize that no one really wants to hear talk of 1st overall picks. But really, look how far teams like St. Louis, finished DEAD LAST in 2006, have come? Philadelphia finished DEAD LAST in 2007. Look how quickly they rebuilt? I think they wound up owning something like 13 picks in June’s Draft. The Flyers essentially raided the Predators team. (Sort of overpaid for it, too, though.)

Another thought on Hossa … if Hossa would just “fess up” about where he wants to go, if staying in Atlanta isn’t what he wants, DW could try to put together a “sign-n-trade” with that team. I know. I know. No one wants to hear about trading Hossa. And tougher still … is that the team Hossa wants to be traded to, hypothetically, has to have cap room and/or be willing to part with players they actually like to make cap room for Hossa. Including for those future years.

It’s late and I’m flustered. So I’m not doing my best thinking right now. Let’s see how all this looks by the light of day. Okay? What if this team rattles off 3-straight wins? It’d be right back in it, potentially. I know it’s easy to say, “Yeah, right. And monkeys might fly outta my … Ask Sage what happened.”

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Positives:

The Thrashers held the Sabres to less than 30 shots on goal.

By Brendan

October 12, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Jameson, Bob Hartly might try just that! You may be getting your wish.

By JayBird

October 12, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Brian, I wasn’t being serious about putting Waddell behind the bench and I really don’t think Sage was talking about that either. He was just mentioning a situation with a GM resigning during the season. By the HAHA, I was laughing at the thought of that and not at Sage’s comments.

Brendon, I’m pretty unhappy with Waddell’s vision. He seems to have the vision of Stevie Wonder, who ironically enough will be at Philips in the near future. But I think a lot of us can say a blind man has held residence at Philips since the inception of this franchise.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

JayBird - Stevie Wonder may be blind; but, he knows which keys to push to turn out music, thats better than DW and BH can do.

By Thrashers27

October 12, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Holy Schnikies!!!

Come on guys, I know you’re not this bad.

Anyone else notice that it seems all passes and movements come just a beat too late? I wonder if they’re still adjusting to the faster game. It seems like the plays are timed for a slower game.

Love ya boys, but I may have to start working to coordinate a brown bag with my BLUE sweater.

By drew1956

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

Bye Donnie. Bye Bobby. While we are cleaning house, let’s lose those fruity-looking home jerseys,too.

By luckydog

October 12, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

I’d say Haydar fits in beautifully — another undersized minor league “star” skating around like mad and getting nothing done.

By Rodey

October 12, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

WHAT THE!!

Can we please stop the dump and run PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! It is not looking good! (I WILL BELIEVE IN BLUELAND.II WILL BELIEVE IN BLUELAND. WILL BELIEVE IN BLUELAND.I WILL BELIEVE IN BLUELAND.I WILL BELIEVE IN BLUELAND.) More for me than anything. SHESH

By Brian

October 12, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

JayBird - I know you weren’t serious (I HOPE you weren’t). I was just trying to illustrate how his analogies didn’t fit what I was saying instead would lead to something more like you were saying.

Thrashers27 - I think the brown bag would match the retro jersey better if you like that triangle logo (or whatever buzilla calls it). But I’m with drew1956, I don’t like the blue ones either (that one-arm stripe just irritates me as much as our PP strategy).

By russian

October 12, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

It was hard to watch “Hockey Play” yesterday. We were playing very bad. I was upset and could not sleep all night, but on the morning I just realize that I have nice plan. We have 10 games until November 6 against Washington. It is going to be Home game and not on public TV. Well, here is plan. Continue to play with same players and same coaches all 10 games. If result will be bad, meaning 0-14, owners have to fire Head Coach and keep DW as a temporary Coach until they find a real one. Unfortunately, I do not know who is available on this time. If we are going to go down again then fire GM it will be a middle of season. At this time try to get out expensive players such as Bobby Holik – 4.25, Steve Rucchin – 2.4, Todd White (he is just sign, damn) – 2.1, Marian Hossa (I do not want to lose him, but he is definitely gone) – 7.0, Zhitnik – 3.3, Havelid – 2.7 and Kari – 2.2. IT is lot of free money. New GM should do that and bring Good players, real Stars, not like White or Rucchin. He must build 2 strong lines, bring good center for Kovy and center for Kozy and Hossa (if he want to stay). 3 and 4 lines are completed. We have lot of third and fourth lines players. That is my plan for this season. There is no Play Offs on this seasons. Finally, I did not pay for season tickets.

By Bob

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

I don’t have a suggestion for the new GM right now, I liked Dean Lombardi when he was available a few years ago, which is when DW should have been shown the door. Some people in the past have said if there aren’t big name candidates that the Thrashers are better off sticking with DW because the new guy “could be worse”. That is a completely ridiculous way to look at things.

Yep, and Russ, I know you are also not Monday morning QBing because You and I have been on here a long time saying the same thing, for years. And we took a lot of crap for it, from newbie fans that just didn’t want to see what the real problem was.

I realize that no one really wants to hear talk of 1st overall picks. But really, look how far teams like St. Louis, finished DEAD LAST in 2006, have come? Philadelphia finished DEAD LAST in 2007. Look how quickly they rebuilt?

That’s not true, there’s a few uninformed goofs around these parts that may not want to hear about it, but the knowledgeable fans know that’s what we need to do. This is not a playoff team, it’s rebuilding time (I am so disgusted by that) and it’s got to be done by a new GM. The best ammo he can come in with is a #1 pick. He also can trade Hossa and get 2 NHL players and a good prospect.

And you are 100% right that it can be done quickly, by the right guy. Brian Burke inherited a bad Anaheim team and look what he did, very quickly. He and his players are walking around with rings today.

There are a lot of contracts up at the end of this year, the right guy can turn things around quickly and we can finally get on with building a real club. One bit of baggage the new guy is going to inherit is Todd White for 4 years, and if I remember correctly, Waddell signed Todd White first overall on July 1st! I mean Todd White was the 1st UFA signed out of everyone in the whole league. That says it all right there.

Finally, I did not pay for season tickets.

Thanks for rubbin it in, Russian!

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

The problem is threefold:

1) Cheap owners that don’t understand that better teams translate into higher seat sales, higher merchandise sales, and higher concession sales. If you win, financial problems are solved. But, in order to win, you need horses, not donkeys that are called horses.

2) General Manager that stops bringing in donkeys and telling the fans that horses have been procured.

3) Head Coach that uses more than one strategy for each situation. If I were a scout, I would love scouting the Thrashers. I could watch five minutes of regular play, one power play, and one penalty kill and call it a night.

By Sara

October 12, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

There is no denying that this season is already a stinker - gettin’ smellier by the minute even. Ya know, I was griping yesterday about Hartley seeming clueless and after watching the game last night and his post-game presser, I’m convinced of it. We badly need a new coach that’s worth a darn in here, but frankly I’m not sure what’s available. I want proven NHL-winner that’s a hard@ss to boot to teach these guys some work ethic.

R Stroz I must respectfully disagree with your reason #1 - we do not have cheap owners. Cheap is Bill Wirtz (hate speaking ill of the dead but got to call a spade a spade too). These owners have invested WAY more into this team than AOL/TW ever did - now that was cheap.

I’m still ok with Waddell as GM. But I’m a believer in that you don’t have to have a bunch of shining stars to win - you only need a few. I think we have a good team right now - we just need a coach who can figure out what to do with it.

Hard work and implementing a good system will go a loooong way in this league. Unfortunately, the team isn’t working hard in the right ways and the system blows.

I do honestly wonder if the Thrash lose on Saturday if Hartley will still have a job come Monday.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Sara - Wirtz may have been cheap; but, the Chicago Blackhawks payroll is $4 million dollars higher than the Thrashers payroll, according to nhlnumbers.com.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 12, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Well, i’ve said it for 3 years now—Slater is a BUST. Holik is crap. Sori Letemin(that is perfect, Stendec) could be materializing into a bust as well. At this point, the only good things I’m seeing are coming from Kovalchuk (and even that’s weird, because since 2001 Kovy seems to always start out the seasons a little slow—it takes him about a month or so to get going, but this year is an exception.) Hartley should have started Moose last night. That is the one thing that really ticks me off about Hartley (i’m with Sara on this one). He has the worst goalie rotation strategy I have ever seen! Ridiculous! Kari looked like complete crap. Let’s call up Pavelec and send Kari to Chicago for a month or so, because folks, Kari Lehtonen IS NOT the future of our franchise. Sorry for the long post, but I’m p**. This team looks worse than the 1999-2000 team. UGH!!!

By Brian

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

Boulton’s Bruisers - I agree on Kari, but we almost have to play the game where we keep him in the lineup so as to get maximum value in return when we do trade him and give the keys to Pavelec.

By Brendan

October 12, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I have two (2) topics I want to toss out there for discussion. If someone has to be fired, what’s the best course of action? A) Fire Waddell, so that the new GM can hire the coach he wants, or retain Hartley, if he chooses. B) Fire Hartley, and replace him with a new Coach. C) Fire Hartley, and have Waddell Coach what he, alone, assembled? That option technically doesn’t cost the Thrashers any money, it’s just an accretion of duties for the GM.

Second topic: How many points, after 10 games, must the Thrashers have for Hartley to retain his job? A) 1-3, B) 4-6, C) 7-9, or D)10-12.
Okay, I didn’t give you zero (0) as an option. But would 0-10-0 really make you say, “C’mon, give Hartley another 5 games!”

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 12, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I am about ready to get the brown paper bag out people.

By Russ

October 12, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Good questions. I have to say Waddell has to be gone before any more personnel decisions are to be made, whether that is the trade deadline or sooner if you want to start shopping Hossa now. I would think if the Thrashers don’t have at least 8 points after 10 games Hartley is going to be getting awfully nervous. If you are much lower than that you would already need a telescope to see the top eight in the conference.

On a related note, I’m sure everyone remembers two seasons ago when the Thrashers had all the goalie injuries and started terribly. They dug themselves a big hole in the first quarter of the season and actually played very well over the last 60 games, but couldn’t quite overcome their poor start to qualify for the playoffs. This has only been four games, but it can not be overstated how difficult it is to come back from a prolonged poor start. As bad as things have looked so far, I’m trying to remain optimistic (although hopeful is probably a better choice of words), but if the Thrashers are sitting at around 6 points after 15 games the season might be over already.

By Bob

October 12, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

7-9 pts after 10 for Hartley to keep his job.

Best option is to fire Waddell, because as Russ correctly points out, personnel decisons need to be made, and made during this season, especially the Hossa trade. But what’ll happen is Waddell will throw Hartley under the bus first, and take the bench.

He’ll have to play the season out right there, unless they can get an AHL guy to come up. Then Waddell will be gone one day after the season ends, and we can get one with the rebuilding.

By lottojunky

October 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

When is the Thrashers’ management going to realize the right chemistry needed to be strong competitor in the NHL? Look at the vast majority of the teams who won the Stanley Cup the last few years. They were not teams made up of little bitty fast skaters and little bitty mobile defensemen. These teams (Anaheim, Detroit, Dallas, New Jersey, etc.) were stacked with rugged, strong, skaters that could score, hit, and transition from offense to defense in no time.

The Thrashers have never had this and the certainly don’t have it this season.

Although the game of hockey has changed a lot over the years (in my opinion, for the worst), it still requires a solid, rugged hockey club to raise the cup in the end.