Thrashers

By LAC

October 12, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Great NON response from waddell, what more could we expect !!!!!!

Just SO TYPICAL of this LOSER !

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 12, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Take Zhitnik out back and do him like old Yeller

By Tommy

October 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

1. Put Kovalchuck back on the point. His big shot generates rebounds and put backs.

2. Find a big center. I don’t care who. Suit up Bigfoot if you have to.

3. MOVE AROUND. On the power play they’re all standing around, waiting for someone else to do something. Generate some motion and get that goalie moving side to side.

They must generate scoring chances to make up for the lack of size. We’re getting pushed all around the rink right now. They HAVE to jump the Devils at the start. If they can get a 2-0 or 3-0 lead they’ll start to loosen up a bit and can play their game.

By Bob

October 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Don Waddell seems willing to ride this one out.

See, he is a good man. Every good captain goes down with his ship.

Put Kovy back on the point on the power play?

No, that was shut down badly last year. The whole scheme must change, there must be more transition amongst the guys on the power play, they’ve got to move their feet, one forward needs to go to the net, let the point man step down to his spot, other point slides over to cover him, backside covers there, everyone needs to move the feet instead of standing there and passing the puck around looking for a one timer. I’d try a big body in front of the net, like, um, who do we have, Holik? That’s a personnel issue there, too many midgets.

Change around some bodies on the penalty kill?

Again, the scheme needs to be changed, they need to pressure the puck much harder. We fall back into a set zone much too easily. Pressure the puck more aggressively as they’re trying to enter the zone and then attack each guy that gets the puck, create turnovers.

Is it fixable with the current roster?

It can be improved, whenever you have a man up, even with our limited talent, you should be able to score some goals with a man advantage. Goaltending needs to be better on the kill, if they pressure the puck and get some better tending from the guy that needs to be your best PKer, it can improve from the absolute bottom of the barrel in the league.

But I don’t see either improving to where we need them to be (top 1/3rd with both) in order to be truly competitive, just not enough horses that Don has corralled on this roster, too many donkeys.

By Kint

October 12, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah the Vets need to perform WAY better.. Havelid looks so unsure on every play.. its pretty unbelievable.. McCarthy is good and bad… Enstrom is the best defender right now.. I would love to see Kovy and Enstrom on the point.. Screw Zhitnik.. I also think that Kovy and Little should play more together.. There the only two that care right now… So why not put them out there together?

By Jerry

October 12, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Thrashers quick fix. Improve the special teams? They were scored on how many times at full strength? That’s not special!

By Kint

October 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Tommy has got it mostly right.. Put Koval at the point and get some movement out there.. I would like to see Perrin get some more ice… he plays the hardest other than Koval and Little

By erock

October 12, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

get some tough people on the roster and start making these teams respect us. we have nobody to step up and play the enforcer role. do we have to rely on kovalchuk to do the fighting for us?Losing 4 in a row and the only fighting major is Ilya.Bring back Hordichuk!!!!!

By HairyHeckler

October 12, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t put Kovy at point. Half of his shots miss the net when he is going big guns from the point and it ends up squirting around and ending up back in our end.

A bit of movement would be nice. While they’re at it, they might want to shoot the puck. The perimeter “hot-potato” passing has got to stop.

By Kint

October 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Even if half of Kovy’s shots miss the net.. we would still have way more shots on net

By ranallo10

October 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Well first we should cut Brodeur, as he’s clearly not the franchise goalie this team needs. He’s given up way to many “soft” goals to be allowed to continue playing in New Jersey (I can tell they’re soft from the stands and from the television replays…if I think he could’ve stopped them then he COULD HAVE!). Send him down and bring up Parise, he’s the real future of this team. Trade Brodeur, trade Elias, trade Z. Parise, trade White, and think towards the 2008 season. 1-3! This season’s OVER!!! FIRE Lamoriello!

Oh sorry, wrong blog apparently.

By Paul

October 12, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Something has to be done! I’m still shocked at how bad the Thrashers are right now. Its like the expansion days with Damien Rhodes and company.

Rather than say that the Thrashers are undergoing a youth movement maybe the Thrash are RESETTING FOR THE FUTURE.

Let’s not waste any more time. Let’s get some of the Chicago guys up here. How about Colin Stuart at wing? And if we need a big defense men how about Brian Sipotz? This guy is 6’7” 250lbs!

By Kint

October 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

The Reason you could put Kovy and Enstrom together at the point is cause they can both shoot.. so they would have to respect both there shots… It would be way better than Zhitnik and Havelid.. who play like they dont have sticks at all

By ranallo10

October 12, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I believe Sipotz is not Atlanta Thrashers property, but rather Chicago Wolves property. I don’t think the Thrashers can just call him up without signing him to a contract. Why bring up Sipotz when Valabik is already under contract?

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

The power play has been the same for three years and NOW Hartley has decided to work on it. Doh!

Here’s an idea, since the Wolves team is actually bigger than the Thrashers, call up some size from the Wolves and park someone in front of the efin net on the power play. Are the Thrashers the only team in the league that doesn’t park someone in front of the net on the power play?

Someone please give Hartley a V8.

By Boone7

October 12, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Here’s the question of the day: Who will score more goals this year? A) Todd White B) Don Waddell C) Bob Hartley D) Steve Rucchin

It could be neck and neck all year. What do you guys think?

By Paul

October 12, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Valabik sounds good to me although Sipotz had a great year with the Wolves last season.

While were on the subject, how about Ondrej Pavelec?

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Boone7 - Who is Todd White? Do you mean Charmin?

By Ric

October 12, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

I agree that the Scheme is flawed on both special teams. Hartley needs to change this the players can’t do it alone. Hartley sets the scheme. Right now on the Power Play they are content to pass the puck around the outside waiting for a onetimer opportunity from Kovi. Thus they rarley have anyone in front of the net, No traffic for the goalie to fight through, they don’t get any rebound shot attempts and the other team can focus on Kovi.

On the penalty kill they do not put any pressure on the man with the puck, they don’t cover the back door very well and the defensemen are not physical enough to knock a guy off the puck in the corner.

This team has taken at least 2 steps back. They are young, small and ineffective. Waddell should be ashamed of himself. This roster looks like an AHL roster. Other than Kovi and Hossa everyone else is a has been or a never was.

By Kint

October 12, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Thats pretty funny… But just give Whitey some time… He is a solid player.. he will score 15-20 goals this year… Have some patience

By Adam

October 12, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Someone please give Hartley a V8.

That and he needs his own room at a Holiday Inn Express.

If we go 0-5 them Bob has to go. Not only that but the C needs to come off Holik’s jersey, hell no A for him either.

By d

October 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

CC

Why the lack of urgency from DW? Is it (a) he truly believe just a few more games are needed for the “chemistry” to improve, (b) his hands are tied b/c of ownership problems, or (c) he does not want to admit to a number of FA hires that have gone bust?

By Bob

October 12, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

This team has taken at least 2 steps back. They are young, small and ineffective. Waddell should be ashamed of himself. This roster looks like an AHL roster. Other than Kovi and Hossa everyone else is a has been or a never was.

Bingo. Although Kozlov used to be pretty good, he just looks disinterested now, and a step or two slower. The rest of this roster is like Year 2 Thrashers. Bring back Tremblay and Tamer!

Why the lack of urgency from DW? Is it (a) he truly believe just a few more games are needed for the “chemistry” to improve, (b) his hands are tied b/c of ownership problems, or (c) he does not want to admit to a number of FA hires that have gone bust?

Sadly, I think he really believes it’s (a) and boy, is that just the ultimate indictment of his ineptness, or what?

When, in truth, the reality and correct answer should be (c), this roster he assembled is a farce and reminds me of Year 2.

Don Waddell, nice guy, bad GM.

By Craig Custance

October 12, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

ranallo — I think what you’re saying is kind of valid. Brodeur is 0-3, do you think he’s freaking out right now? Uh, no.

D — Don’s a calculated GM, he typically doesn’t act irrationally. So maybe there’s a certain amount of games in his head that he’s giving this team an opportunity to be successful, and until then he’s sitting tight. I know the team has looked bad, but it would also look bad to push the panic button after four games. Ten? Now that’s a different story. I don’t think ownership has anything to do with it.

By LAC

October 12, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I believe this ownership thing is much to do about nothing, Belkin has no say and wasn’t there a ruling recently that all but dismissed his suit ?

The ownership issue is just that a NON issue except for folks looking for an excuse, like waddell.

He is “riding this out” is crazy, when will he abandon ship and call in the replacements, his own would be great.

The point needs Kovy on it, like another blogger said, he SHOOTS the puck,creats rebounds etc… and like others say… WHY do we not park some BIG person in front ?

Bring Boris in, we need size a TOUGHNESS, someone who will hammer the other team when needed… We do NOT need our star player standing up for another player when he is knocked on his rump…

Need to place several on waivers, like 28/77/12/16/23/11 and so on…

It is just NUTS to see this type play.

Hartley, while I like him, does NOT change anything, it is the same old thing… One or two more and the Bob & Don show needs to be shut down once and for all…

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I think we should fire the Thrashers annoucers while we are cleaning house and hire Bob, aka The Program, as well as Ranallo10, aka Ranallo World, for an interesting point and counterpoint. The TV games would be entertaining that way.

By LAC

October 12, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Craig… Ownership BETTER have something to do with it…

Losing and losing BADLY, albeit only 4 games will result in one thing the OWNERS will notice… EMPTY SEATS… IE… LOSING MONEY !!!!!

When that happens they will react if it is not too late.

Again this is and has been a PROBLEM… we have owners not an OWNER, and they seem to not have a clue !

By Hockeyfan

October 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Keep Kovy moving around. Kovy at the point has not helped in the past.

Here is my solutions:

1) quit taking so many penalties. 2) rearrange D line to Havelid/Zhit, X/Mac or Pop, Klee/Enstrom. Klee can stand in front of Kari and maybe clear the crease while Enstrom can cover his mistakes on the side.

By dj

October 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Quick Fix:

Kovy needs to be in a shooting area. When he gets passes from Zhitnick at the goal line….not a shooting area. I don’t care who you point at the point as long as they can give Kovy a shot. I would be down for seeing Enstrom and Kovy on the point. The bad side of that is your almost asking for a Short handed goal but then again we’ve allowed 2 so far. What more could go wrong? The PK was aggressive all preseason. Maybe go back to that??

By ranallo10

October 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Stroz — Since it just so happens that I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism, I would take that opportunity in a heartbeat. Keep Odgers in the equation and you can have:

Ranallo World vs. The Program with mediation provided by The Sheriff

Craig — I’m glad somebody caught the point…well, I’m sure people caught the point, I’m just glad somebody mentioned it. I agree on your take of Waddell as a GM. I don’t feel that any GM is looking at their team after game 4 saying “we need to make drastic changes today” — but 10 games is a different story.

Freaking out now is not in my nature, so I’ll be waiting this out. I hope the team will still have fans when/if this ship is righted.

By Bob

October 12, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Sign me up Stroz, I can have me some tshirts made up to wear on air Git With Da Program!

Brodeur is 0-3 and has a 2.68 GAA and .911 SV% Weekes is 1-0 and has 1.00 GAA and .970 SV%

Lehtonen is 0-3 and has a 4.22 GAA and .885 SV% Moose is 0-1 and has a 4.50 GAA and a .850 SV%

Devils have been outscored 9-7, Thrashers have been outscored 17-4

Devils have some size on their club and a GM named Sweet Lou who after 4 games has already told Matvichuk he’s gone and they’re rumored to be going after Markov.

We have a GM named Don Waddell who’s ok with what’s going on and waiting 10 games.

Yeah, I can see why Brodeur should be freakin about his prospects for this season. Way to compare an apple to a moon rocket.

Let’s see how we match up against them tomorrow night. Our club has to come out firing on all cycles and get our first lead of the season, right?

By dj

October 12, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

And to everyone who says quit going to the games….they already have my money so I will still go.

By Bob

October 12, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t feel that any GM is looking at their team after game 4 saying “we need to make drastic changes today”

Oops, you stepped in it again. The very team you reference, has this GM called Sweet Lou, he’s already told Matvichuk he’s gone. After 4 games. And he’s rumored to be ready to sign Markov.

That’s why Sweet Lou is Sweet Lou, and why Don, is well, Don.

And why Brodeur isn’t freakin out, they got a GM who takes care of things, and has the rings to prove it.

Have a great weekend, fellas, and please, let us at least be competitive tomorrow.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 12, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

There is much talk of ‘ten games’ in for a progress report in Thrashersland…Was this another of our bumbling Donny’s “promises”???

OK, so I can keep this straight: We are NOW on a “Ten-Game Plan in Year-Eight of the aforementioned “Five-Year Plan” all the while “building through the draft” and, last but not least, Donny is “promising” to make the playoffs this year….

Do I have that right, Waddelites? (Poor sheep will believe anything…Almost ten years and counting for the ‘nice guy’…Suggestion Number One to fix things in the figurative joke otherwise known as Blueland: Stop subsidizing the incompetence.)

By Ben

October 12, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

I really don’t think the team is getting out-muscled or pushed around due to their size. I actually wish that was the case instead of what I personally see happening out there. They’re getting out-skated and out-hussled. If we’re supposed to believe our biggest strength is team speed, but every team we play is faster and skating better than us… then that’s a far bigger problem than being out-muscled. Getting beaten at your weakness is one thing, getting beaten at your strength is a major problem! The best example of that was seeing Afenigenov’s spin move on Toby Enstrom last night, he practically skated circles around the team!

As for the PP and PK, they look far too passive and hesitant. I’ve seen lots of loose pucks in the slot that the point man could and should simply blast right at the keeper and see what happens. What actually does happen is they wind up to shoot, fake the shot, and keep passing around the perimeter until it gets broken up. To me the answer is simply… SHOOT THE PUCK!!!! PK is similar, we’re not pressuring the point man. We charge out of the crease like we’re going to, but half way to the point they pull up and the puck gets passed right by them. Be aggressive, force the other team to make a split second decision, force them to make the play instead of giving it to them.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Since we have new announcers for the Thrasher games, Da Program and Ranallo World, the Thrashers should put the games on pay per view and be able to raise enough income to bring in a real center with some beef for Kovy. Everyone would be willing to pay money to see what happens when Da Program calls Ranallo World sparky.

All problems solved

By Stephen

October 12, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

It is time to rebuild. Fire Waddell and Hartley. Trade Hossa and trade/get rid of/take out in the woods and leave for dead Zhitnik/Havalid/Klee/White/Holik/Boulton/Rucchin. It is time for a youth movement in Atlanta. Too bad someone got rid of Coburn/Bourret and draft picks.

I want the Thrashers to succeed badly but I question the direction of the franchise today.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Craig - Would you please put up the following AJC poll, would Thrasher fans rather listen to Darren (Phone Home) Eliot and J.P. Offhiscamera or Da Program and Ranallo World?

By jdb

October 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Waddel is waiting this out to ten games, with the PP and PK no different than last year. And with no changes? Give us a break, spend some money get the Thrashers a center. At this point even a middle of the pack center with experience would be better.

Special teams-find a special teams coach, but don’t move Kovy to point. Kovy is our best chance at a quality shot, keep him moving. Enstrom and Klee on defense maybe? Klee can screen the goalie, and Enstrom can move fast enough to provide defense if there is a break. There is so much wrong, I don’t know-but standing on your skates isn’t going to work on the PP. Find a new coach for special teams, Hartley and his crew can’t get it done; this is the same story as last year.

Get the legal crap with the owners over with, though Belkin isn’t saying anything, it is money tied up with lawyers and not available to spend on the roster.

By ranallo10

October 12, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

So it’s agreed that the Lamoriello, and Brodeur are both greater than their ATL counterparts? Just clarifying this, as it makes my original point. A team with sustained success and facing hard times to begin a season are not currently in panic mode.

Devils have some size on their club and a GM named Sweet Lou who after 4 games has already told Matvichuk he’s gone and they’re rumored to be going after Markov.

Matvichuk!? Are you serious??? He’s a DRASTIC MOVE?!?

Quick quiz:

Matvichuk played how many games for the Devils last season? 1

He’s what pairing on their defensive unit?? Pressbox — 0 GP this season

He makes how much per season??? 1.368M

That’s a drastic change?? Clearly that 0GP player has negatively impacted the team, and needs to be moved quickly. It’s a good thing Lou is giving him the boot, the team would continue to flounder with him on the roster.

As for Markov…he has been a target of New Jersey’s since JULY 1st. His asking price (reportedly $3.5M) couldn’t be met because they resigned Parise, and still had to field a competitive team. Lamoriello is hoping to jettison DEAD WEIGHT in a player he had to finagle with the NHL to get off his payroll last season, and hopefully enabling him to sign an impact defender to play with his lacking defense. I’d say the NJ franchise can monetarily afford that sort of swap, where as the ATL franchise cannot.

Markov would also be an improvement for this club, but there are less viable options of players that are useless to the ATL franchise that are wasting $1.4M of cap space. If Rucchin was healthy you might have an argument in him, but he is not healthy, and thus cannot be cast off to another team. Where else can Waddell get rid of dead weight in order to accommodate the price tag of Markov?? I’m sure you’ll regurgitate the typical names thrown around, such as Slater, Holik, etc…but think about it from a serious stand point. From what position can Atlanta lose a player’s salary while taking on $3.5M for the remainder of the year?

By **Boris Valabik**

October 12, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

let’s bring up Boris Valabik to crack some skulls as long as the team is struggling.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - Here are a couple of salaries to lose, White and Havelid for 4.7 million while taking Markov for less than 3.5 million.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

If we lose Saturday night, I think we try some Olde Time Hockey, Slap Shot style, thats right Tiger Williams, Dave Schultz, Willi Plett. Empty the goons from the minors, bring um up, Desbiens, Valabik, Stoesz.

Starting for your Atlanta Thrashers tonight at center Myles Stoez, at right wing Guillaume Desbiens, at left wing Eric Boulton, and on defense, Boris Valabik and Garnet Exelby and in goal Dan Turple.

I’m sure that would sell some tickets to the Rangers game.

Maybe “the game could really start” before the National Anthem.

By B. Thenet

October 12, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Are we really comparing Martin Brodeur to Kari Lehtonen?

By the time Brodeur was in his 3rd NHL season he had gone to two ECF, won a Stanley Cup, and had 24 playoff wins.

Are we really comparing a team at the end of one of the best championship runs of the past 20 years, with a team that is trying to make the playoffs for the 2nd time?

The only thing these two teams have in common is they play in the NHL.

Why aren’t the Devils screaming about the sky falling. I think those 3 Stanley Cup titles are something nice to look back on. Plus they have a management team that has proven itself to be one of the best groups in the NHL(though they have had problems since the cap)

I know we have tons of issues with the team, but please do not make it worse by comparing us to the Devils.

By Craptain Holik

October 12, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

A quick fix? Cut me from the team immediately. We all know I am robbing the Atlanta Spirit anyways each time I collect my paycheck.

By wh

October 12, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

17 on the point for the power play is a disastrous idea. This guy is the leader of the high and wide club(I don’t recall other elite “snipers” missing the net with his regularity) and small forwards are not going to win battles in corners and behind the net.

Enstrom so far has looked somewhat the part of a legitimate PP QB with a pretty good shot. Get 17 the puck below the circle where he is more likely to hit the net. Put Holik at 240 in front and force teams to commit to moving him ala Holmstrom.

Here’s a thought - how about winning some face offs? I know Rucchin is slightly less popular than the plague but he can win draws - If not is there not one decent face off man in the whole system?. If not than why are the Thrashers not getting the exemption Lou took for injury w/ the Devils last year (admit memory is a little shaky on this one and he may have lost this in a league ruling (Brendan?) and getting a specialist in here?)

I agree whole heartedly with giving Big Boris a look - can he be any worse than what we’ve seen so far? If so back to Chicago after 3 games. Watching Little charge into a scrum in front of the net when some nastiness was occurring literally had me laughing (no disrespect and I admire his courage but c’mon).

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

OMG, the Thrashers link is back on the ajc home page.

By Craig Custance

October 12, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Stroz — I’ll say this, watching Stoez fight every 15 minutes was one of the highlights of my Traverse City trip.

Boris Valabik — I’m not sure Boris is the answer right now.

How about some good news — The Thrashers have given up 17 goals this season and Todd White and Ilya Kovalchuk +/- is at zero and Bryan Little is at a +1. Little hasn’t been on the ice for one opposing goal. Okay, that’s all I’ve got.

By Sage of Bluesland

October 12, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

“…The only thing these two teams have in common is they play in the NHL….”

Thank you for the sanity, B. Thenet…The utter ridiculous and asinine lengths the Waddellites will go to is humorous, indeed!

By Craig Custance

October 12, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz — We were just waiting for the Thrashers to really struggle before putting the link back out there. (I kid, I kid)

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

This year’s theme song for the Thrashers:

We’re going to party like it’s 1999.

By ranallo10

October 12, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Stroz — Where do you send them, what do you get in return, and who do you replace them for on our roster?

Markov replaces Havelid, but who for White? Perrin and Slater can’t fill his role. Little is already on the top pairing. So who’s your next choice?

Thenet — Do you really think the successes of the past help placate the fans when the failures of the present rear their head? Go ask a Toronto fan how happy they are to have seen the likes of Lord Stanley’s Cup in their arena…40 years ago. I’m sure they will be jubilantly jumping for joy when you remind them.

Hate to burst your bubble, but the New Jersey fans I know aren’t content with having won The Cup in 2003. Most of those fans are upset that they haven’t seen The Cup since, much like Red Wings fans that are upset they haven’t seen it since 2002. The New Jersey fans I know are also not worried about a 3 or 4 game skid, because they know such is the nature of professional sports (streaks).

I’m sure there are many “sky is falling” fans who are freaking out over their 1-3 start, and are likely asking for the GM’s head. Hell, people in NJ are STILL upset about him firing their coach right before the playoffs.

But you presume to say they’re incomparable to our team?? Based on what standard? Where did they rank last season comparatively? I’m sorry, but this is not Nascar, you don’t get a “champions provisional” just because you’ve won a Cup.

How I see it (and why I can fairly compare them to our team) is … NJ is having beginning of the season difficulties. They’ve started slow, their best goalie is playing solid despite an offense that isn’t producing enough points to propel the team to a win. Unlike New Jersey, Atlanta has a less impressive defensive corps. New Jersey fans are not rallying around the bandwagon of FIRE THE COACH, TRADE THE SUPERSTAR, KILL THE GM…they’re waiting it out.

But hey, it’s a point, I don’t expect everyone to agree with me.

Stay the course, make the brash decisions when the point in the season is of more concern…such as 10, 15, or 20 games. Don’t freak out after 4.

If NJ fires their coach, fires their GM, or trades Elias, Parise, or White in the next 3 games (basically the same things everyone wants from Atlanta), I’ll gladly eat my words.

By Barry

October 12, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure who sets and creates the PP strategy but if this is what Bob thinks how a PP should work then he needs to get his head checked. Surely he has more hockey smarts than to have his guys stand still and pass around the perimeter for 2 minutes. The short handed team can just post up in box formation and all they gotta do is flip their sticks left and right and cut off any shooting and passing lanes. Thrashers have to skate around on the PP, make the defenders rotate, and create that space. The Thrashers PP unit outnumbers the opposition 5 to 4 or even 5 to 3. If Thrashers would just move around and force the other team to you know…actually defend, they can’t cover everyone and someone has to be open. It’s not that hard, yet don’t understand why Thrashers continue to stand around on the PP and expect different results. Think back to that 1st PP goal for Buffalo for example. Kotalik skated around and snuck in down low for a super easy shot after pass. Again, can’t cover everyone on the PP so get a man open for crying out loud geeesh! Kovy to the point is not the answer. He bobbles the puck too often at the blueline and he’s more lethal finding a pinpoint spot and snapping off his quick wrister instead of blasting from the point and hoping it goes in. Point shots only work if someone gets in front of the goalie to create traffic or screens otherwise goalie can easily see and stop those shots all day while drinking a cup of coffee.

By R. Stroz

October 12, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - Thorburn, at least he has some beef!

By rj

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

Kurt Frasier could have won the Cup with the Colorado team that gave Hartley a ring. If Hartley was any good he wouldn’t have been available for Waddell to hire. The real problem is there is no proven coach available. Time for the next Therion to be found.

By Brendan

October 12, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

If the Thrashers can put 3-straight wins together, I can’t believe that the season would be thought of as “over.” Or that it’s hopeless, hopeless, so utterly hopeless. But right now, the losing streak is at eight (8) games, dating back to the playoffs. And really, it can be argued that all those games were meaningful games.

I want to clarify, we all know and remember how important last year’s October was in terms of “setting the standard” towards reaching the playoffs. Those early wins and points were the difference as the team was floundering at the trade deadline.

I want to add this, also. Not trying to be inflammatory. This organization does not have a recent history of instances it can point to where fans can say, with confidence, “Oh yeah. Not to worry. Remember when we were 17-points out of 1st place in our division on New Year’s Day, and still won the division? Waddell will get it done. His three (3) Stanley Cups and four (4) Conference Titles are proof of his acumen.” But that can be said of Lou Lamoriello and the Devils. NJ really did rally from that deficit in 2006 to win the Atlantic Division, in the final hours of the final day of the season.

Braves fans, to this day, still think Schuerholtz can get Atlanta back to the World Series. I think it’s about “trust” and “proven reliability.” I would have said, “faith.” But “faith” is the belief in something for which there is no proof or evidence. It does not apply to Lamoriello or Schuerholtz, even though their successes grow more and more distant.

Said another way, It’s not like the President, General Manager, and Coaching Staff of the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs are still at the helm, doing their level-best to “try, try again.” “Punch” Imlach, God your soul. You sit at the Great Council fire of the hockey gods.

By Brendan

October 12, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

I apologize for this in advance, but I found this little nugget while researching the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs. Here now, presented for your amusement, is the following:

“With an average age of over 31 years old, the Toronto Maple Leafs sported the oldest line-up ever to win a Stanley Cup. Goaltender Johnny Bower (42) and defenseman Allan Stanley (41) were the senior citizens of the squad, which included seven players over 35 and 12 members over 30. Twenty-seven (27) year old “youngster” Dave Keon, who scored a goal and an assist in the series, captured the Conn Smythe Trophy on the basis of an outstanding defensive performance. The Leafs won the series, 4-2, with two wins in Montreal (Games 1 and 5) and two in Toronto (Games 3 and 6).

And now, you know the “Rest of the Story,” (TM, Paul Harvery News, all rights reserved).

By Bob

October 12, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, really, give it up dude, it’s embarrassing. You’re better off going out on your deck and p** in the wind.

our best players the last two games, which makes it difficult. You want to give these guys some time; there’s only been four games to gel together. There’s no panic from this end.”

And that’s good news for a team that is causing its devoted fan base to panic. And rightly so.

Good news? Rightly so? You’re pretty funny, Craig.

By David

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

I’m going to write things off until Hossa gets back. We don’t have the scoring depth without him and that explains some PP issues as well.

The team will get on track here. We have a decently young team and that means it may take a bit to be a winning team. Don’t be too critical and look at positives. The biggest positive I’ve seen so far is that to me Kovy looks really good. Maybe not a ton of points, but he definitely looks like he’s taking the A to heart. Backchecking and really hustling. Go thrash.

By Thrashers27

October 13, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

Maybe, just maybe, what we’re seeing now is the boys working out that mid to late season melt-down that they’ve been so prone to have. If they get that out of their systems now, maybe they will get through the rest of the season without a major slump.

Just some hopeful, wishful, positive thinking.

Go gettum fellas! We need to see a win! A good effort just won’t do. Two points is what we want to see!

Kovy keep up the good work. You’re working hard. It shows and we appreciate it.

Kozzie, turn it on. We know you have it in you.

Slates, Pop, Enstrom, Dupuis keep up the intensity and speed, but execute.

Little, keep cracking away. You’re gonna be a great center in the NHL.

X, keep laying the lumber and don’t be afraid to smack some people around if they take liberties with our little guys.

Holik, start earning that paycheck. We know you’re worth it.

Sterls, you have it in you too. We’ll be patient with you, but it would be great to see you pop a few into the net. Keep flying all over the ice.

Havelid, get your head in the game. Last season is over with. You’re better than what you’ve shown us so far this year.

Klee, let’s see that +18 performance. We need it!

Boults and Lars, you two are looking pretty good so far this year. Keep up the good work and start smacking people around.

Mac, you’re doing alright, but I hope you can find your groove from the point this year.

Zhit, come on buddy, remember what you did when you first got here last season?

White, show us what you’re made of. It’s still in you!

Coach, play Thorburn I think he’ll be a great compliment to Dupuis. Bring Boris up for some beef and for pete’s sake get the power play clicking. This team has too much talent to be such a dud on the power play.

Wow! I didn’t plan on going into that. I’m by no means an NHL coach, but that was my little inspirational “Captain’s Speech” that I’ve practiced in front of the mirror for years. (No, I haven’t had too many Molsons tonight.)

Boys, I just love Blueland and want to be proud of you. Now, get out there and kick some “Jersey Devil tail”.

By Dave

October 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

I see at least a point against the Devils. I’ve watched several of their games and right off the bat vs Tampa Bay in the opener you could see this wasn’t the same club without Rafalski and Gomez. Thinking in a different direction, has anyone signed Nolan Pratt yet?? He was a decent d-man with the Lightning and proven winner with that club, always around a 0 +/- rating if I can recall correctly. The Lightning had to get rid of him and Sarich (Calgary) for payroll reasons but how much could he be asking? Maybe he is someone that could provide a different look back on the blue line and not be a liability.

By LAC

October 13, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

I watched the Rangers/Capitials last night. Saw are THE STARS on the NYR.. Jagr/Shannhan/Gomez/Duray/ among others… Avery was in street clothes and wondered… The NHL has a salary cap, to make ALL teams equal…correct ?

They go out resign their Big Name players,and bring in THE two Top UFA’s and are STILL under the cap.

Shows their man Glen Sather is Excellent at doing his job, made his team a Cup contender for sure.

Sure they had to cut ties with a few players but they are better and they have some excellent rookies, and they still have size and toughness, Nobody will push them around.

Then look at us… we are smaller than last season,after this first week, I am not so sure we are as fast either, and we make these GREAT UFA signings…white/perrin/klee Oh Boy… We turned a very important corner last season, but now we take two or three steps BACKWARDS !

Is it ownership that is not committed to winning or the fact we have a really terrible GM ? I believe BOTH !

We are trying to do it on the CHEAP !

I just do not understand with the cap a team like NYR can go out and draw in TOP players, keep Their TOP players and stay under the cap that was established to keep the entire league simi equal in their ability to win.

The UFA signings we have made have been worthless, Sim was better than others, but oh no he cost too much he left… I sincerely hope somebody in the silly ownership box will wake up and make some POSITIVE changes before 4-5,000 start coming to the games, then they will notice and it may be too late.

I also agree bring Boris up, despite he is green he is TOUGH and nobody would mess with our top players for a change…

By Maury

October 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Simply Stated Size 6’3” Weight 220 Hands, Speed, Physical, Strong on Wall and in Corners,Plays Hartley System Chicago power play position- In front of the net LaVallee

By Robbie Burke

October 13, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Simple solution? Shoot the puck. Possession after possession the Thrashers dump the puck only to have it go to the opposition, but when they do gain possession in the offensive zone, they do nothing. It’s almost as if they’re looking for the perfect shot. Just shoot it! Most of the goals scored come from creating a scramble in front of the net, but if you don’t shoot it can’t happen. I think the guys we have in there now can get the job done; the question is will they get it done.

By Tom

October 13, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

LAC

We still have to compete with players wanting to come to ATL as opposed to NY. In New York their are many opportunities to suppliment ones income, in ATL Hossa is never recognized.

We have to pay a premium for any talent to come to this town as any supplimental spokesperson money is not a very good option.

By Tom

October 13, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

If Hartley has a lick of common sense he should leave these rookies together for a while.

Great chemistry

By russian

October 13, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

0-5 what is bad start. If you shoot 17 times on the net, You Never win a Game. Brodur is old, but He is not loosing game for 17 shots.

By stendec

October 13, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Loss tonight squarely on Sori Letemin! NO DAMN EXCUSES! Thrashers score more than enough goals to win. Divine intervention! STILL LOSE DUE TO COMPLETELY INEPT DAYDREAMING UNTALENTED NETMINDER! Cut this CS SOB loose. Trade him somewhere else where he can give up four or more goals per night. The Thrashers DO NOT need him! If Moose fails then call up a rookie. Non-efforts like tonight MUST NOT be tolerated. Pardon me, I am still angry as Hell!

By Jsmooth

October 13, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

How in the world do you lose this game??! Simply pathetic and hopelessly bad defense. Do those freakin’ traffic cones (# 28 & @ 77) ever do anything on a PK other than stand there flanking or screening KL when they could be fighting for position with one of the TWO Devils in front of the net?? And where the hell is the puck pressure on the PK in that last 2 mins…you know the pressure that held NJ to two lousy shots in a 4 min PP??? We have absolutely NO DEFENSE WHATSOVEVER! What a stupid and completely unnecessary penalty by Exelby at 1:54!! X should be benched for the next two game for that garbage. I am so disgusted I could tear a phone book in half right now. JHC!!!!!!

By LAC

October 13, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Awful, white/klee/zit/havilid haveto be cut loose NOW, bite the money clip, but they stink and are killing us.

17 shots on goal NUTS !!!!!

My wife & I will not be back at Blueland until SWEEPING changes are made both on and OFF the ice…

This is horrible to watch and I do not see it improving anytime soon we can kiss Hoss good-bye, Who would want to stay in this circus !!!!!!!

By Sage of Bluesland

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

Why, our brilliant GM Donny would LOVE to have yet another “Five-Year Plan”…After all, he’s ‘getting better’, isn’t he?!

This sad joke of a GM/”architect” must go now…If Hartley takes the fall, I will insist that our bumbling, buffoonish GM immediately be stripped of that title and become the head coach of the absolute mess that he, alone, constructed.

Waddell-apologists, where are you??? Doesn’t the excuse-making get old? Isn’t it, by now, completely embarrassing?

How sad. We deserve much better than this…

By LAC

October 13, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

RIGHT ON SAGE… RIGHT ON !!!!!!!!!

By Tony C.

October 13, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

What a great time for a holding penalty. Ugh.

By thrashtheeast

October 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

poor decision to start Kari. He’s lost his last 6 and given up 11 goals on his last 52 shots. Should have pulled him after the first. He is not showing the maturity needed to win in the clutch. Play Moose and let Kari think about it for awhile.Every coach will tell you the best player on the PK must be the goalie. we are NOT getting good goaltending from Kari right now and it’s killing us. If we were we would have won tonight and not fallen begind so quickly in two other games. It’s time for some big saves to give our team confidence and a better cahnce to win. Sit him.

By Bob

October 13, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

I see at least a point against the Devils. I’ve watched several of their games and right off the bat vs Tampa Bay in the opener you could see this wasn’t the same club without Rafalski and Gomez.

Dude, I would’ve loved a point of that game, that would have been something to build on…that was a bad Devils club that beat us tonight. Jumpin Jehovahs, Brodeur let in 5 on 16 or someting, and you can’t win, wtf!

Waddell-apologists, where are you??? Doesn’t the excuse-making get old? Isn’t it, by now, completely embarrassing?

Dude, I really do not blame them. I feel bad for the sheep that bought into Waddell’s vision, or should I way, lack thereof.

The worst news is, they played pretty well tonight, for their abilty I don’t blame Hartley and thought it was his cannon shot upstairs when we put Little, Haydard, Sterling out there on the PP at the end of the 1st., and again later.

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Houston, we have a problem…

By Wreckin & Thrashin

October 14, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Wow, when it couldn’t get any worse. I’m speechless after that. Absolutely ridiculous.

By Thrashers27

October 14, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

I love the “Baby Bird” line. Once Hoss comes back I say…

Kovy, White, Fill in the blank

Kozzie, Perrin, Hoss

Haydar, Little, Sterling

Dupuis, Holik, Boults/Lars

Or maybe throw Hoss on right wing for Kovy’s line, bump Kozz down to third line with the “Baby Bird” line being the second line.

D is definitely hurting us at this point. Zhit, Klee, Havelid look great at first glance, but there is something missing. Tobi looks fantastic!

Kari is struggling. The kid has so much talent it’s ridiculous. If he had half the heart of Pasi we would have a shutout every third game. Might be time to bring “kid” Pavelic up, play Moose and let Kari sit for a couple, few games.

Decent offensive effort tonight fellas. You showed flashes of what we expect you to be. Keep improving and you’ll be dancing come May.

By Pinball34

October 14, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

I’m panicking.

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

Are Kovy and Enstrom the only players that can bring the puck up ice?

Has Kozlov retired?

When will Lehtonen “grow a pair”?

When will someone realize we need to bring some players with beef up from Chicago?

Why is Thorburn sitting when we need some beef at forward?

When will Hartley change the PP and PK?

When will Hartley bench an underperforming vet to send a message?

Does Havelid even want to play hockey any more?

When will our centers win a key face-off?

When will the Thrashers win a game?

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

As a former Kovy critic, I must say I have never seen a player show so much heart in the face of such apathy. Someone give Kovy the purple heart for attempting to carry this entire team on his back. So for the love of hockey, will someone, anyone in Thrashers management, please give Kovy something to work with before he gives up too.

By Brendan

October 14, 2007 3:19 AM | Link to this

This was the fifth-straight game for giving up the 1st goal. “Ungood,” quoth Rawhide. This was a game where Kari Lehtonen was responsible for a minimum of three (3) goals. Is this how the team responds in a “critical” game for turning our season around?

Who gives up six (6) goals, and gets points? Brodeur didn’t look stellar, either. And nearly gave up the equalizer, with 15 seconds left. It was such a very unnecessary penalty for Exelby to take at the end of the game. “X” was doing his Marc Savard impersonation.

Okay, 0-for-10 in points. Is this over? Not over? Believe it or not, it’s not over. It’s just very bad, with a long road trip on the horizon.

Sage, despite the vitriol, brings up another point. “Should Don Waddell get another ‘5-year plan?’” In other words, are you willing to rebuild with this GM still orchestrating the personnel decisions?

How would it look, around the league, if the ownership’s decision was the “blow up” the team, and hold a “firesale,” yet retain Waddell as the GM? Wouldn’t they say, “seems like you’ve already ventured down this road?”

I’m jus’ sayin’. I’ll also say, there’s still 77 games left. But every single person on this message board KNEW that Atlanta had to get wins and points in these early October home games. We all knew of the road trip to come.

I can hear Jeff Schultz now, “If the good ship ‘Thrashers’ takes on any more water, someone will be spitting up a flounder.” Hard to argue with that one. Will it be any easier to come back from an 0-10-0 start??

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this

What did DW learn from last spring? Nothing!

Explanation:

The Thrashers were tanking last spring so DW went out and brought in a center with some beef and ability and disposed of the “value centers” he brought in before the season started (Kapanen, Metro, Rooch out on IR).

So what did DW do this off season, he brought in more undersized “value centers”. Now we have the same problem again. So what did DW learn? Nothing!

If he doesn’t learn from prior mistakes, why is he still the GM?

By Brendan

October 14, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this

R.Stroz, Russ would tell ya, “it doesn’t matter that the ownership doesn’t know how to conduct a search to find a new GM. Anyone would be better. It’s worth investing the risk to try with someone else.”

Discuss.

I can already determine Sage’s response. If you put any 12 bloggers’ names into a hat from this message board, then draw one. How could they do any worse than one playoff berth and zero playoff wins in seven seasons?

But, then again, that doesn’t factor in the annual “incremental progress” this franchise has experienced, from Year One to the present.

Discuss. Feel free to mention that the St. Louis Blues, last place finishers in 2006, are today the consensus #2 pick in their division. Feel free to mention that the Flyers finished DEAD LAST a season ago, and are now expected to be a playoff team. Feel free to mention that in 2001, the Tampa Bay Lightning finished DEAD LAST, and won the Cup in 2004. The Carolina Hurricanes were cellar dwellars in 2003, finishing dead last in the league. By 2006, they hoisted the Stanley Cup at Center Ice in Raleigh.

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 4:06 AM | Link to this

Quick Fix Number 1

Do any teams need a goalie that have a productive center in there mid 20’s?

By R. Stroz

October 14, 2007 4:33 AM | Link to this

Brendan - At this point, the GM and Coach have to go.

DW was probably spared a few years due to the Heatley incident. That situation gave him a few more years to excuse away substantial progress. At this point though, he has run out of excuses. Too many mistakes, too little progress, and too slow to learn.

Even though BH was dealt this deck, he continues to implement strategies that are as predictable as the sunrise and work as well as a broken clock. Since a broken clock is right twice a day, BH thinks his game plan is working. BH has not mastered the concept of sampling error.

So, lets clean house, bring in a new GM and Coach and see what happens. It couldn’t be worse than another expanded “five year plan”.

By B. Thenet

October 14, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

1 shot in the 3rd period.

17 SOG in the game

Out shot 2-1 by the opposition

And we actually view this game as an improvement.

By LAC

October 14, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Brenden, Good points, however, are WE to pay to see crap hockey this season and have waddell make the moves ?

He cannot draft, he makes very few decent trades and lets go good players who fit here for UFA’s that are flat BAD.

If we give up on this season, and we might as well, what the hell do we have to look forward to ?

waddell has made ALL the player changes and we are going NO WHERE FAST, we are already 10 points down in the division, that’s great.

Hartley has no input on ufa’s I believe, only waddell and he has let go much better players for this CHEAP quick fix, Belanger is much better than white, he BTW scored the winner for Minn last night, Sim is heads and shoulders better than this perrin and Hnidy was way better than klee.

But all were shown the door by a cheap team with CHEAP owners and a LOUSEY GM.

What next ? Hopefully a GM who knows what the heck is going on and knows NHL hockey.

By Thrashers27

October 14, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Geez, LAC, as always…I don’t know how you go on living. Such a pessimist. I’m not saying I don’t have doubts, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world quite yet. I do agree with you that Belangier was better than what White has shown us thus far. We do need a large, fast center that can take up space and throw his weight around.

By Tom

October 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

My guess is the owners will be panic’ing when the cash flow slows to a trickle.

We gave up our season tickets (dating back to 99) when the team took all the discounts away. Their perogative.

We may be going to the Thursday game on free tickets that they are offering through our league to the boys.

That is not good economics in any book and even with the All Star game coming you will see a huge drop off at the gate in the coming months.

By Michael Shapiro

October 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I agree with nearly everything I’ve read today. Sat in my usual center ice seats. Cheered when we scored (nice to see the kids line, “Baby Birds”, and to have them rewarded with good play and hustle by playing them as a line on the PP at the end of the first). Kept cheering as we saw our first lead of the season, and extended it to two goals. Thought Bolts owned one goal, and Zit was on the ice for frigging 5 of 6 Devils’ goals. How can Bob not see that? Zit looks awful and Nic isn’t much better. Wondering if Sterling is really up to skating with Haydar and Little or if Thorburn should get a try. Doubt if Hoss’s return will make any difference here. Still the old problems, can’t clear, won’t shoot, dump and chase. I swear I yelled my lungs out for these bums to shoot. As for Kovy, what an outstanding game. He IS the heart of the team. Take the C away from Holik (whose grind line spent WAAAAY too much time on the ice last night) and give it to Ilya, he’s earned it. My $.02.

By Birdman

October 14, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Kari is killing us right now. He lets in soft goals and doesnt control rebounds because he is not mentally TOUGH! He is more concerned with dying his hair and partying in Buckhead, but straps it on to play for his country. That’s the kind of play we need right now. He needs to sit and get the message. Playtime is over, this is the NHL.

By Thrasher_Ed

October 15, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

According to the Ottawa Sun and ESPN, Waddell is interested in aquiring a #1 Center and another defenseman. Anybody got any ideas who we could get. I would think we most likely would have to look out west. Forsberg is available, but I don’t think he would come here. Question remains who would be available and at what cost?

So far I must say, I like Enstrom and Popovic out of the rookies. Sterling and Little will come around as well. I am concerned that we are getting nothing from Slater, Dupuis, Thorburn, and Boulton. We need more guys to step up and contribute. Anybody like to have Eric Belanger back?