Thrashers

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Please pass the “Pat Quinn = Joe Torre” nugget on to Waddell. We don’t need him here.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

I WIN!

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Buzilla - ranallo10 wins, pay up

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Suck it Buz! Future Mrs. Buzilla is mine for the night (my prize). You’ll get the $5 I owe you during the exchange.

I liked your Schultz comment…short, sweet, and got to the point.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 18, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

damn you Ranallo..

I think its a tie….

I like the idea of Kari starting tonight.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

If Quinn was named coach, we would see Desbiens and Stoesz in Atlanta alot sooner. Other than that, I don’t think he offers much in the “new” NHL.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Craig - Thanks for the update.

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I think Anderson or cunneyworth (spelling?) are smart but risky moves. Waddell needs a slam dunk, he can’t afford any kind of a mistake. He needs someone who he honestly believes WILL win. who is the guy that best fits that description? Who is closest to being the “sure” thing coach? I don’t know so I am curious to what people think.

By russian

October 18, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Someone on other Blogs talked about Larionov to be a coach. It is going to be intersting. I am OK with anyone except Pat and Dave Lewis.

By FormerIslesFan

October 18, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee That’s (one of) the problem(s) with firing your coach six games into the season. There are no “slam dunks” available at this point. I think Anderson is the right move, but I’m way past the point of thinking that Waddell is going to make the right move if there is not a consensus pick.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee — If your feeling is right and Waddell needs someone he believes can win NOW, I’d assume he’d go with someone he has experience working with. Was it Milligan who was the assistant coach for Team USA? Maybe he would get a shot. Or there was the other guy who coached the World Juniors team for USA.

Just a guess though.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 18, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

John Anderson.

Its really that simply.

Just like it was when I called the Captain.

Its in the bank. Lets move on

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

[http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3068340] Can somebody tell Burnside that not everybody in the south eats grits everyday? And I don’t remember the last time anybody mentioned General Sherman outside of a classroom. Typical Yankee assumption. Excuse me now while I have a glass of sweet tea and wash my Dixie Confederate t-shirts. I think I will listen to my Hank Williams CD in my Chevy on the way to the game tonight…

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Just to make it clear, I do think Anderson should get the job

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

We really have some former head trauma victims on the other ajc hockey blogs today.

Russ & Ranallo10 - Do you know what I mean?

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Buzilla is the AJC Blog’s version of Ms. Theo, we should all put some money down on this prediction.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

As do I GSU-[Robert E.]Lee.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Stroz — You sure did get a few people’s panties in a wad over there. You might not want to wear anything identifiable as “Stroz” to tonight’s game!

Craig — Is it possible for you to get a few clips of how players feel about Hartley leaving? Not the “it’s our fault not his” type question, but more the “how do you feel losing Hartley as the head coach, will you miss his style of coaching?” type question.

Kovalchuk made it sound like he’ll miss him, as Hartley has made him a better all around player. I’d like to hear what Hossa, Lehtonen, Hedberg, and others think.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee - You left out the Lynyrd Skynyrd eight track tapes.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

October 18, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Listen child, dn’t be tawkin’ bout me behind me back now.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10 - If I were attending the game tonight, I would wear my red S.A.W.B. jersey with Stroz in big white letters. I’d be willing to bet the same person is just using different names for each entry on the other blog. As you said, some people just need to fade back into obscurity!

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Stroz — True true.

Bring it Buzilla, or will you open a can of dreadlocks on my a$$??

Seriously though, I was talking to my buddy yesterday about the firing, and he’s of the camp that feels Kovalchuk and Hossa need to be on the same line. I know, many people feel that way too, but this is my thought on it … if it doesn’t work for a 5-4 or 6-4 situation, what makes us think it will for an even strength situation??

Some players do not play well with others. Ottawa’s “Pizza Line” is an example of three superstars who meld together rather seamlessly. That line is the ultimate goal of every coach…three superstars, all working well together, benefiting from the upside of each linemate and negating the downside.

Kovalchuk and Hossa do not balance eachother (in my opinion). Hossa is the type that needs time with the puck, creates shots, and needs a passer like Kozlov who can also finish when given a good dish from Hossa. They work well together. Kovalchuk however is more of a shoot first player, who needs a rebounder and a passer on his line.

Basically, I don’t think the “all your eggs in one basket” approach will work with Kovalchuk, but I’d be excited to see it tried.

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Ranallo 10, I think that is a great analysis of Kovy and Hossa. I agree. I just think that Todd White is not the answer for Kovy and I think Slava will turn it around….or at least hopefully…The bottom line is what is the most obvious: Kovy needs a number one center. Furthermore, we don’t have one, and we haven’t in a while. Although I like the chemistry (there is that word again) between he and Little and I am curious to see how that develops. By the way, Tkachuk already has three goals and at least one assist

By Russ

October 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

OK - We have 4 very active blogs going on. I can’t keep up with all the posts. It might be time to agree to stop posting on Schultz and Bradley’s blogs and limit ourselves to Craig’s and Rawhide’s. Lots of people coming out of the woodwork regarding the firing, Who’da thunk these Thrasher blogs would ever be this busy?

By Bob

October 18, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Three predictions for tonight.

1)Waddell gets booed

2)Kozlov, Hossa, Holik, Lehtonen all play well

3)Thrashers win 5-1

That is all

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

It’d be nice for those three to be true.

Can I add a fourth please?

4)J.P. Vigier will be the difference maker of the game, and will undeservedly be snubbed from the 3 Stars.

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I will not boo Waddell. i think he is an idiot, but I believe he too is a good man and is trying to make this team better. He just sucks at it.

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

By the way, Bradley said DW had not found a number one defenseman in nie years. Do you guys think that is true? I personally think that EX is pretty good. Not sure if he is a top liner, but damn close

By Andy S

October 18, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Backstreet’s back? Alright!

By russian

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

I read about Mike Sullivan. He will be OK with our team. He is young 39 years, has two years with Boston. I think Don can try him. If he will not doing good, he can fire him end of season.

By Russ

October 18, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee - I like Exelby a lot, I even thought he would have been a good captain, but he is no better than a #4 or #5 d-man on most teams.

By LAC

October 18, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Bob…Close…

waddell gets booed out of the building almost.

Yeam has two GOOD periods and then tank.

NRY 5 Atl 3…

Kari has to being showcased for LA, he is as good as gone, who will we get in return ?

Kopitar ? Cammalri (Spelling ?) Frolov ? Package White/Perrin/Popovic and 2nd pick and it could work ?

By PuckedUP

October 18, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Hello folks, you are correct. Nothing but nutbags on the other blogs. I do agree with the comments about hoping for the team to do well no matter who is running the ship.

From a purely competitive standpoint, I never understand the “let’s just lose every game to get the best draft pick” idea. With the luck teams have in this town, the NHL will wind up saying Tavares will not be allowed to enter the draft this year.

I’m hoping for a turn around. All I can do. I’m not happy with DW - haven’t been for a few years. But that will be coming. I can wait for that one. But I do find it interesting all the DW apologists from the Nasty Nest have been somewhat quiet lately. At least on these blogs anyway.

Side question: why are Thorbourn and Popovich up here if they never see the ice? What good is this doing them?

By LAC

October 18, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Boy O Boy what a lineup… We are so tough, Orr & Hollwig will kick our butts… again, Thanks don another debacle in the makings !

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Popovic getting the bench over Klee makes no sense to me (rhyme not intended).

By Russ

October 18, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

PuckedUP - Popovic especially has to be getting very frustrated. He should have been in the line-up all last season, rather than spending another season in Chicago. That is of course, unless he had been given the opportunity and fallen flat on his face. I guess we’ll never know if he is an everyday NHL d-man, not when we can bring out the likes of Devries, Hnidy, and Klee that are so clearly superior to him.

By Anders

October 18, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

The Thrashers named a rookie line the Backstreet Boys? The Backstreet Boys? Talk about hanging some rookies out to dry. Other teams have to run them every chance they get just on principle. Please don’t tell me you guys have a defensive pair named Peaches and Herb!

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Just a guess, but I think DW is going with the same lineup so he can say “well we won tonight with the same lineup so the problem was the coach.” However, if the Thrashers get their backsides kicked, DW is going to look pretty stupid, again.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Anders - We do have a defensive pair named HaviZhit, does that count.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Thorburn and Popovic are out so they can entertain Buzilla’s fiance during the game.

By luckydog

October 18, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I’m with Russ — Ex has looked no better than average since last year. On CoachWad’s bunch of chumps he’s top-line though.

Maybe all this commotion will bring Kozlov out of his coma and he’ll set up Hossa a time or two. But I have mixed emotions about any “spark” we might see tonight. It reminds me of a woman who drops 30 lbs and buys some new clothes after her divorce — why didn’t she do that before the divorce? These guys are major leaguers who shouldn’t need a coaching change for them to perform at peak. It’s gonna kind of hack me off if they come out all fired up now.

I hope they are showcasing Kari for use in a possible trade for Kopitar.

All that said, Go Thrash!

By Bob

October 18, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Just a guess, but I think DW is going with the same lineup so he can say “well we won tonight with the same lineup so the problem was the coach.”

He’s not that stupid. While I’m sure there’s some nitwits that blog around these parts that would say “see, it’s all better now” after we win tonight, Waddell at least has been around long enough to know he’s going to get a 5 game bounce here. It’s smart of him to play the same lineup, we do need a win badly.

However, if the Thrashers get their backsides kicked, DW is going to look pretty stupid, again.

This is true, Stroz. I just don’t see it happening. Law of averages and the coach firing, plus motivation to get back at the Blue Shirts = big win for the good guys tonight.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Anders - it was actually Coach Hartley who named the rookie line The Backstreet Boys. Now that I think about, maybe that is why he was fired? Don’t know, but we have to change that nickname…

By Hanson Brothers

October 18, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee. I agree that we don’t have a number one center, but disagree that we haven’t had one in a long time. I’m sure Kovy would love to have had Savard here the past couple of years. With what DW paid for the current crop of centers, Savard’s price isn’t looking too bad right now.

Bob - I hope your 3 predictions are correct. I just don’t see us beating what is clearly a better team right now. I hope you are right though.

Also I think DW’s reason for keeping the same lines, though I disagree with it, is the only reason that Popovic and Thorburn are sitting. I think you will see them back on the ice Saturday. I hope Klee gets used to the press box soon. Not good when Klee makes me long for the return of Sutton.

By Anders

October 18, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Brian I hear ya. Somehow I don’t see teams quivering in their skates when the “Backstreet Boys” hit the ice. Sorry, but I only popped on here because I’m a Rangers fan (you may remember me from last years playoffs I took a pounding on this blog prior to the series) and this is the first I heard the nickname. I’m still chuckling . Do they play Backstreet Boys music when they score or anything like that?

By Brian

October 18, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Anders - #@$@%! you for that Backstreet Boys jab! I do remember you, wh and some others now that you mention it…

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Anders, it’s a horrible nickname coined by a now fired coach. There is no basis of this nickname from the fan base.

If we hear anything Backstreet Boys oriented tonight we now know it will be from you, so expect many confused looks and a few glares.

By ranallo10

October 18, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Speaking of taking a pounding, how’s Avery doing?

By Capt. Caveman

October 18, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

It’s a common reaction among sports teams to have an emotional reaction to a coaching change. It’s 50/50 here whether it’s good or bad but I wouldn’t be shocked to see a few wins rolled off. It’s about time no matter who’s coaching to throw a W up in the column. You have to admit that Hartley’s goalie swapping at the end of the season was a little irrational and questioned by many both fan and sportswriter.

I hope that something good happens soon, I would hate for this team to slide into Atlanta’s sports oblivion of fan malaise and apathy. ( HEY THOSE WERE COLLEGE WORDS !!)

By Billsen

October 18, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

While I agree that “Backstreet Boys” is a horrible nickname for that line, I think every Rangers fan needs to look at this before they make fun of it…

Billsen nastynest.net

By BG33Brown

October 18, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Billsen, now that was great.

By JayBird

October 18, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I like my suggestion for the rookie line…The Baby-faced Assassins.

By JAR

October 18, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

The “chicago line”. All lower case for Little

By puck

October 18, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Its a lose/lose situation. If the Thrashers lose, its more of the same. If the Thrashers win with DW as coach, we still lose.

By GSU-Lee

October 18, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Popovic getting the bench over Klee makes no sense to me (rhyme not intended). Amen Brother! By the way, I remember Marc Savard and when I said we have not had a topcenter in a while he was the guy I was referring back to. Maybe I just meant it feels like its been a long time.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

JayBird - I like calling a line of hockey players “baby-faced” about as much as I like referring to them as a boy band…

Billsen - THAT WAS AWESOME Why didn’t we see that on the jumbotron instead of the NY, NY skit run over and over again during the playoffs?

By Adam from Chicago

October 18, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

LET’S GO RANGERS!!!

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Finally, we get the 1st goal of a game! Dupuis, on a sweet feed from Larsen, of all people!! 1-0!

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

It’s 2-0 Thrashers, but Atlanta should have six (6) goals by now. Hossa and Kozlov had breakaways. Kovalchuk hit a goal post. Kari was tremendous when he was in. I think he just reinjured his groin. Moose is now in net.

Atlanta goal scorers: Dupuis and Kozlov. Kozlov’s goal was a PPG tally. Moose has been good so far, too. Thrashers are still giving up way too many shots against. I’ve only seen one blocked shot by Atlanta. 2-0 after one period is a good result, but it should be more than this. This next goal is critical. 3-0 is a lot better than 2-1.

Go Thrashers!

By luckydog

October 18, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Welcome back to the NHL, Slava. We missed you while you were gone…

By Craig Custance

October 18, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen out for the rest of the game with a strained groin.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Shots on goal are 14-13, in favor of the “good guys.” But there is cause for some concern. Twice now the Thrashers have possessed the puck in their own zone at the blueline and failed to clear it out.

There’s really no excuse for getting “pick-pocketed” at the blueline. Get the puck out. I expect to see that in college and high school games. Lehtonen and Moose covered up for those gaffes with nice stops. In fact, one knocked Moose’s mask off. That play never should have happened.

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Kari out again! Moose in. Thrashers will break losing streak. It is 2-0 in second period. Kari liability. Deal him now while he still has SOME trade value!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Still 2-0 midway through second. Hedberg just made save of year! Team losing energy. Ranjerks should be in 6-0 hole already!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Shortie ups lead to 3-0. Thrashers still look sluggish. Ranjerks look even worse. Save by Moose was BIG! Could have been 2-1 at that point. GO BLUE GUYS!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Thrashers pushing Ranjerks around physically. Good to see. Final minutes of period.

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Thrashers worst team in league at putting shots ON net! Good team would be up by double digits at this point. BE ACCURATE WITH SHOTS! Ranjerks have already given up. Do not allow them any reason to hope!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Moose DID NOT allow goal at end of period. HOW REFRESHING! Still 3-0.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

stendec - I just went to the bathroom, what happened?

By Jameson

October 18, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Great… Return of the Glass Groin

By stendec

October 18, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hope Kari is not crippled. However, seems far TOO injury prone! Did start out well. Did not allow early score as in recent outings. Still think goal major Thrasher concern. No offense, Moose. HOPE YOU GET SHUTOUT!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Thrashers up 4-0 early in third period!

By sydney

October 18, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

What Atlanta needs to do is bring back our coach of the knights! John Paris Jr’. He brought us real hockey and real coaching. Plus he gave us a Championship. We won the Turner Cup. He is the best kept secret in hockey and more qualified to make this team successful than most within a short period of time. We want the CUP in our city. To turn the team around, he is the one we need, and that is the most urgent issue at this time. After he has done his magic according to our needs we look for someone else.

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Around 15 minutes to first win and first shutout!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

There goes shutout. DAMN!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Thrashers answer. Up 5-1 with just over eight minutes left. Looking good!

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

ANOTHER POWER PLAY GOAL ALLOWED! Penalty killers add bittersweet jab to otherwise glorious night! Still 5-2 down stretch.

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Thrashers almost off snide!

By David

October 18, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

This is more what I want. Glad to see this team has some heart. How bout that hit by Ex and Mac standing up for himself (not to mention DW giving them the right encouragement on the bench). Good goaltending by Moose.

By stendec

October 18, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Thrashers in a squeaker! In win column. Did not look good at end! Moose Kari-like. Should have been double digit goal night for winners! Guess beggers cannot be choosers. Just glad to get off snide! SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSE!

By rj

October 18, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

All you jokers like stendick are just a bunch of jerks. It was close because the guys in the clown suits made it close. This team needed a coaching change back in Feb. Who knows what they could have accomplished with a decent coach.

All the naysayers on all the blogs today have proven themselves to be stoopid.

By russian

October 18, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

One Victory! Finally! Refs are f*** biches, almost took game from us. Team played very well. 2 PP goals, one Short handed. Perfect effort. Kid’s line was great. Something happend with White and Kari. Damn! ;-(

By BG33Brown

October 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Just got back from the game and I wanted to share some thoughts.

DW did 3 main things different tonight and two I like and one I didn’t.

Positives

1. We carried the puck into the zone 90% of the time on the power play. We were so much more effecitive there and the 5 on 3 for us our D-men were at the top of the circles not inside the blue line.

2. The Forecheck was so much better.

Negative

Kovy on the blueline during the PP. He is great back there for the offensive stuff but he cost us all season last year with bad defensive plays and almost cost us twice tonight.

Other thoughts. Toby is a stud.
10/38 look great. 21 isn’t there yet. Kari was amazing before he got hurt. There were 3 HUGE saves before Dups 1st goal.

Lets hope this is the start of a good next month or so.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Bob - Good call on the game tonight, without the refs the score would have been 5 to 1.

The boys had some energy in their step tonight. I’m beginning to wonder if they did just lay down on Hartley.

FINALLY! A WIN!

By Jameson

October 18, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to say, I was a little disappointed when Ex didn’t stand up to Orr’s invitation, but then, this is coming from a guy who isn’t one or two concessions from the end of his career.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown - Toby is definitely a stud. One thing I saw tonight that I haven’t seen yet is his shot from the point. There was a PP where he took 2 back-to-back shots from the point and they were rockets that made me think Al Iafrate was back there…

By Oh Canada

October 18, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Best thing tonight..X’s hit on Straka.

2nd best: Wadell slapping X on the shoulder when he came to the bench after the hit.

3rd best: Dupius going to Lethonen after his goal.

The Thrashers have needed more of a “team” concept. This can really help us going forward.

I now look forward to this road trip. That is very different from my view just 4 hours ago.

I wish Tobias, Kari, and Todd speedy recoveries. The “team” needs you.

Thank-you X, thank-you Dupius for helping meld this team.

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

BG33Brown - Was it my imagination or were the line changes timed better. I thought I noticed two or three man changes instead of five man changes, that seemed to help control the puck.

By Brian

October 18, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Jameson - at that point X made the right play because that gave us a 4 minute powerplay, whereas if he did stand up like you wanted it could’ve gone down even strength at that point. Not getted goaded into penalties is very critical and that’s what X was avoiding…

By BG33Brown

October 18, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Stroz without question. Now I know this was only one game but for us who have watched this team for a long time. There were so many great “tweaks” NOT WHOLEALE CHANGES that DW brought to the team.

We will have to see how things go. White still sucks, I don’t care that he finally scored and for the record, I still can’t stand DW.

By Russ

October 18, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Finally!!! Give DW an extension!!! Just kidding on that, but great to get that first win. Let’s see how long they can sustain that kind of play. The one noticeable difference to me in coaching tonight was DW was willing to put the young guys out there throughout the entire game. Hartley’s bench would shrink as the game went on, particularly in the third period of a close game. That aspect is definitely a change for the better. They still need to get Popovic in for Klee though. Anyway good win tonight and let’s keep it going vs. Tampa on Saturday. Their aggressive forecheck always gives the Thrashers fits, should be a good test.

By Jameson

October 18, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Brain, that may have been the way the calls went, but with Orr’s gloves already on the ice, he should’ve walked away with an instigator call. It’s kind of ironic. I used to always be the guy that thought fighting distracted from the game. Now that it seems it’s being minimized, my feelings have changed. I’m not suggesting we should hire Pat Quinn, and try to become the second coming of the Braod Street Bullies, but someone needs to be able to stand up for this team besides Kovy.

By Craig Custance

October 18, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Lehtonen will get an MRI in the next couple days, but don’t be surprised if the team calls up Ondrej Pavelec to back up Hedberg.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

If the players did “sabotage” Hartley, don’t list Kovalchuk among them. He’s been our best player all year. He has showed nothing but grit, heart, leadership since the season began.

Rangers still outshot us 36-28, including three (3) power play goals. That’s got to improve. Thrashers got three (3) special teams goals themselves, two PPG and one “shorty.” That’s something to build on.

Five different scorers is another. White, Dupuis, Hossa, Kozlov and Little. If we get that kind of production with consistency, we’d win a lot of games. Don Waddell’s pregame speech?: “Forget about the record. It’s a brand new season, 0-0. Tonight’s the home opener. There’s 38 home games and 38 road games. Let’s go have some fun.”

Wanna hear something funny? They used to play a 76-game schedule in 1968-69 and 1969-70. But it increased to 78 games in 1970-71, when the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres entered the league. Fewer games means??? You guessed it, they all “matter more.”

Go Thrashers!!

By R. Stroz

October 18, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

I wonder who put the tweaks in, Brad McCrimmon, Steve Weeks, or DW.

Although I’m still beyond frustrated with DW, I really enjoyed watching the players’ extra energy tonight. Even though winning is always more fun, the players did seem “looser” tonight.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget about the replay tonight on SportsSouth.

By R. Stroz

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

While the Hossa contract situation is the main management priority, management should consider DuPuis’ contract to be a major priority as well.

By Brendan

October 18, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Moose will be the “winning goaltender of record” since he was in net when the winning goal (4th goal) was scored.

Craig, how would Pavelec’s “call up” affect his timetable towards “restricted” free agency? For skaters, GM’s can play them in nine (9) games “safely.” Once the 10th game is played, the clock starts ticking on their path to restricted free agency. So, what’s the rule for goaltenders? Is it playing in nine (9) games? Dressing as a back-up for (9) games? Or is it less games for goaltenders? Do they go by “minutes played,” for example?

I’d sure like to see Pavelec get a few starts, but I don’t want to lose a year off his longevity with the organization, unless there’s just no other way.

By wh

October 19, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Dupuis for Bourett taste good tonight?

By wh

October 19, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Excellent point Brian - I had a good conversation on X/Orr. I also predicted Hollweig on deck when Orr got tossed. Thought roughing up Jagr 15 seconds after Hossa was doubled heading for the corner (under a minute left) and moved quietly Guarantees X/Orr II before the playoffs. MUCH needed win. Lehtonen haters unite - you got the backup. Here’s hoping Fan love for “the other guy” spurs a streak long enough for Wadell to resign USA hockey due to his multiple commitments.

By Thrashers27

October 19, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

Finally, I can say “WOOHOO” and mean it. Way to go boys! Let’s do it again Saturday night!

WOOHOO!!!!!

By luckydog

October 19, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

maybe we’ve found our bobby cox in CoachWad — a gm who really ought to just be coaching. team looked real relaxed and so did he. (i loved the eyeroll the cameras caught when he was informed of kari’s latest groinpull.) let’s just hire a real GM who can start patching the holes at center and on d.

btw, while it’s nice to see pepe lepew (dupuis) involved in the game again, it was Big Bad Brad Larsen who made that first goal with the behind-the-back pass onto the doorstep.

my first star goes to Little, our best center; 2nd to Enstrom, just cause i like him better every game; and 3rd to Kozlov, for waking up long enough to poke one home in the 5 on 3.

Nice win guys!

By Bob

October 19, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Bob - Good call on the game tonight, without the refs the score would have been 5 to 1.

Yep, isn’t it amazing? Just about every time after a coach gets fired, the team that lost the coach comes out and plays great and wins the game. This play shoudl continue for the next few games, then things settle back in to normal.

I thought Waddell was going to kick that ref’s butt. He was going butt nuts! That was hilarious. There were some pent up frustrations and anger let loose last night, on the ice and behind that bench.

What is up with Lehtonen? Anyone else feel like this is going to be a month long type thing? If the swelling has to go down before they can even do the MRI, it’s got to be bad. You know what, I think that really is a good thing in the big picture. Think about it. 1, it shows us that Kari is what stendec has said all along, nice foresight stendec, and you have Kari pegged from Day 1. 2, the players gave Moose the player’s player award last year. They can now continue to circle the wagons further and rally around Moose. And I look forward to seeing Pavelec, haven’t seen him yet.

By Christy

October 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I feel like that person who brings rain to a parade, because as happy as I was for the team last night, enjoying the win for the team I follow and am a fan of, I was equally angry at some of the players who hadn’t managed to drum up half of that enery in the previous games. The conspiracy theory being alive and well in my mind.

But I’ll get over it. Though I didn’t like to see BH go, it sure is nice to watch a win instead of a loss. hope they keep it up and I can just be happy the rest of the way…

By raindawg722

October 19, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Christy, here’s an umbrella. I agree with you. Why the sudden burst enthusiasm? They’re professionals. They’re supposed to be fired up for every game no matter who they’re playing for.

By raindawg722

October 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Christy, here’s an umbrella. I agree with you. Why the sudden burst enthusiasm? They’re professionals. They’re supposed to be fired up for every game no matter who they’re playing for.

By Bebs

October 19, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Kudos to the boys!

Offense finally had the wake-up call that they needed…

Shooting the puck and making a presence in the crease makes a big differecne…that’s how games are WON.

The rookies seems be feeding off the intensity of the veterans…GOOD

DW was right…let’s take it back to the basics and have fun. Alot of you don’t particularly like DW but you have to give credit where credit is due…GOOD JOB DW

Power play still needs work but let’s build on what was working against the Rangers…Pressure (O & D), Shooting, Skating and being aggressive…NICE HIT X!!!!

By Thrasher Ryan

October 19, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Well folks Sori Letemin just bought himself a ticket out of town. The look on Waddell’s face when he heard the news on the injury to Sori was PRICELESS!Thank god we have Pavelec to call up. Moose and Pavelec the rest of the way. DON WADDELL—Please try to shop around the following players: Bobby Holik, Kari Lehtonen, Jim Slater, Ken Klee. How many letdowns are you people gonna let Sori give you before you realize thatKari IS NOT the future of the franchise!?!

By ranallo10

October 19, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

A few things:

1) Exelby absolutely destroyed Prucha. That was a perfectly legal check, demolished the guy in front of both benches, then took the high road and got Orr kicked out of the game.

2) The refs continually blow, and as one person pointed out the score should’ve been 5-1 had the refs not intervened (4-1 maybe because I felt White was offsides from my seat).

3) For those of you “Letemin” haters, did anybody notice who Dupuis congratulated after scoring the first goal of the game?? That’s right, it was Lehtonen. NEVER do you see a forward skate back to his goalie and THANK HIM after scoring a goal. I can’t think of one other instance I’ve seen that. If you weren’t too busy hating you would’ve noticed Kari making three amazing saves within seconds of eachother, which lead to the breakout from which Dupuis scored (nice feed by Larsen, completely unexpected, and all started by a forecheck by Holik, and nice positioning by Dupuis).

4) Bob is right about one thing, a team typically plays with much more enthusiasm after a coaching change. Let’s hope they can buck the trend and continue this heated play. As of now though, they need to keep playing like they’re 0’fer.

5) I hope Pavelec gets to start at least one game very soon, I’d love to see how he can handle a team full of NHLers.

Now to specific people:

Thrasher Ryan, stendec, et ali — If you want Lehtonen traded, now is not the time. We’ve discussed this in length previously, but Lehtonen is playing poorly and is currently injured…which means he has absolutely no trade value currently. To get your wish Lehtonen (and the others named) would have to play well, which would raise their trade value, but would also mean that the team would likely not want to get rid of them.

Fair market value can’t be found right now for anyone on our roster, so I doubt a trade will happen where our team gets the better end of the deal. As Barry Melrose said lately, teams will be trying to pickpocket the Thrashers because they’re 1-6. It’s not worth losing Lehtonen for little in return.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 19, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Ranallo—I agree with you that Lehtonen cannot be traded right now due to injury. That’s obvious. My point is that these groin injuries are a constant thing with this kid; they are gonna keep coming back and biting us in the a. We need to make a move as soon as possible before the rest of the league figures it out. **Jim Slater—Great speed, great intensity, WAY TOO inaccurate with his shot. The sooner DW realizes that pick was a bust, the better off we’ll be. Bobby Holik—I know we will have a tough time dumping him off on somebody, but i’ll take some draft picks in exchange just to clear the cap space. Ken Klee—This year’s Todd Reirden. MUST get rid of asap. I would rather see Popovic or Valabik take that roster spot. Niclas Havelid—I don’t know what the deal is with this guy. It seems like after his mother died, he became a totally different player. I don’t think it’s gonna work out here for him. I can see him being some kind of “sweetener” in a trade. Zhitnik—Decent, not great. also could be thrown in as part of a trade. However, I see Havelid going before this guy. Just out of curiosity, what did you guys think of the line last night of Kovalchuk/ White/ Hossa? DW finally did what BH would not. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Also, I did not like Straka’s cheap shot on Enstrom. Straka is a long time veteran and he should know better than that. That looked like some John Tortorella/ Tampa Bay Lightning dirty hockey in my opinion.

By Brian

October 19, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan - I would love to see Hossa & Kovy on the same line, but I couldn’t tell if that was just an uneven line change where Kovy was his usual first on/last off (which I don’t mind) or if that was supposed to be that way…

By Christy

October 19, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

didn’t we see the Kovy/White/Hossa line in Philly? Sometime in the 2nd period I think?