Thrashers

By Jenn

October 23, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand DW not trying someone new on D. The way the D is playing, I mean, come ON! Some change. Any change.

On the Larsen scratch, I’m glad he at least put Boulton in, though I’d have preferred Thorburn.

By Jenn

October 23, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, what I meant by the D comment is that I don’t understand not giving Popovic a chance to play. I wasn’t trying to beat a dead horse about trades, etc.

By GSU-Lee

October 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

I doubt I am first cause of the delay, but I just wanted to say that we don’t really know what Pop or Thorburn are capable of doing because neither of them play. When is it FINALLY time to sit Klee for more than one game? And what about Thorburn? Is he worth even having on the team?

By ssiscribe

October 23, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Craig: Thanks much for the updates. I am interested to see how Hoss and Kozzy do on separate lines tonight. Breaking them up may provide a spark; let’s hope so, at least.

Little and Toby has been excellent for the most part. Without them, the team probably remains 1-7, but still, neither one of them can hang their heads about the first eight games of their NHL career. Both have done everything in their power to give this team a chance.

It’s time for White to step up and start playing well. Granted, he may not be the ideal No. 1 center, but what else is this team to do? He needs to play better. Can’t blame Kovy, either; dude has played very well, both ways, so far this season.

Defensively, the Thrashers were a mess Saturday night. I don’t know a lot about hockey (I covered other sports back in my previous life), but the blueliners for the most part have looked lost and out of sync since the start of the season. Saturday was a joke. Must have a better showing from them. It just appears to be simple stuff, like lack of communication, poor spacing, etc.

Lose tonight, and the hole gets deeper. Toronto is a mess in its own right; need to get the first road win out of the way and even up the road trip.

Now, Hossa’s future (transition): I think he’s the best all-around player on this team (though I believe Kovy’s made tremendous strides on defense from last season), but I don’t know if Hossa’s going to be here come March. It depends on who the new coach is, how the next few weeks go with the team and what Hoss’ view of the future is for this franchise.

If you don’t think you can resign him, then you gotta trade him. No way you can let someone like Marian Hossa walk when you can address some of your glaring holes by trading him. No extension anytime in the near future, I say, unless the Thrashers have a remarkable turnaround the next month or so and the new coach is somebody Hoss really likes.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

You had hinted at the possibility of a trade due to that extra spot, which has led many of us ASSUME that meant a two for one swap, or a player for a pick. Are you thinking a minor trade is no longer imminent?

Hossa will help that line, they could still be the best of the pack.

Boulton Slater Haydar is interesting, as two of the three skate hard, one gets good opportunities and doesn’t finish, and the third (Haydar) seems to always be buzzing around the play. A very fast line in my mind, and aggressive. Fine for a fourth line.

I’m still disappointed just looking at the salaries of those three players on the “checking” line. A ~$9M line is ridiculous unless it’s the top line…Kozlov needs to prove his worth, and hopefully soon. Put him on Kovalchuk’s wing, please.

Popovic is getting the shaft right now, as several defenders deserve to sit before him. But maybe we’re not seeing his true colors and he’s actually PLAYING WORSE than the likes of Ken Klee. (I shuddered just thinking about that)

Anyways, let’s not give Toronto a chance to recover, let’s go Thrashers!

By GSU-Lee

October 23, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, I meant is Throburn worth having on the team if this is all we are going to get out of him

By zimthrasher

October 23, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jenn. If a veteran like Larsen is sitting due to performance, then Zhitnik and potentially even Havelid should also be held accountable.

If those lines are correct, I don’t like Eric Perrin on the RW of Ilya Kovalchuk. Darren Haydar has played very well and deserves a shot there. Perrin has been okay, but I think it is evident that he is not a top six player.

Hartley and Waddell have always tried to squeeze top nine players into the top six. Let’s just face it… Jim Slater and Eric Perrin are not top six guys. Apparently the organization promised Perrin at least the third line, but at 1-7 that sort of stuff has to go out the window. In fact, I’m quite sure that Hartley’s relationship with Perrin is what brought Eric to Atlanta and now that Hartley is gone that should play into how Perrin is used.

If Slava Kozlov could play RW, how that could solve some problems, huh?

I’ll say it again, Haydar has earned a shot to play with a guy like Ilya Kovalchuk…of all the younger forwards, I think Haydar would be the best at adjusting to and with Ilya. Darren is a natural RW, so the Sterling learning curve from LW to RW would not be an issue.

I know this has already been said, but Slava needs to get it going….we are pushing nearly 8 million dollars with Kozlov and Holik on the third line. Is that the best way to spend that money?? When looking at our holes now, there are two in the top six???

These are questions that are not likely to go away…DW has got to sign a grade A coach…

By Jenn

October 23, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I’m just gonna repeat my comment fromt the last blog, since I posted it moments before this post went live:

All the line changing in the world won’t work if the players don’t bother to show up. They need ENERGY.

I’m okay with splitting up the WolfPack (nice, by the way) just so long as they’re put back together if this doesn’t work. It’s time to take chances.

Speaking of chances, Ben Wright, over at the Blueland Blog mentioned the problem w/ Slava centering Kovy and Hoss. He’s done it before, and he’s not comfortable. You know what I say? Kozzie might not like to player center, but if he can do it, than he freaking should. Something’s gotta give.

And if mixing up the lines doesn’t work, than it’s time to start trading. I don’t care if we trade a 3rd liner for another 3rd liner, and I don’t care if Kari has to go, or even Hoss, just do something so the players know that Bob Hartley is not the only person being held accountable for this awful “playing”.

By Midfield

October 23, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Hossa is part of the problem right now. He’s a big time underachiever among a few others. More so than Kozzy. Kozlov’s real value is in clutch goals and ST goals that put Atlanta on top in close games so many times last year. But he stinks too, no question about it.

By GaVaHokie

October 23, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

The Scribe Abides?… wtf :)

By GaVaHokie

October 23, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Ranallo… I don’t think he was hinting at a trade at all. Just merely stating that the Thrashers have never held out 3 guys without sending one of them down to the minors… due to contractual issues we can’t send anyone down without losing them to waivers.

By Bob

October 23, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

I know the Thrashers aren’t exactly loaded in the middle but that still says a lot about Little

You’re pretty darn good at saying a lot about little

Hey, someone had to say it!

You had hinted at the possibility of a trade due to that extra spot, which has led many of us ASSUME that meant a two for one swap, or a player for a pick. Are you thinking a minor trade is no longer imminent?

As Craig’s self appointed press spokesman, my take on it was that Craig was saying in an earlier blog to look for a roster move, meaning look for someone to be sent down. Now he’s explaining why no one was sent down.

So Hoss changed agents. Hmm. Why? Inquiring minds want to know. My unfounded conspiracy rumor of today is Hoss’ old agent was buddying up with Waddell and wanted a commission now and told Hoss to sign Waddell’s most recent offer, so Hoss s** canned him. Yeah, that’s the ticket.

C’mon, we have to beat the Buds, right? That’s one team I have no love for, almost wish Tucker was playing just so I could root for X to catch him with his head down.

By wvubru

October 23, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t care how much it costs per line. All I care about is whether or not the player contributes to a win.

But with that being said, Holik has already proven several times over he is unable to center players like Slava and the line providing points. Terrible move.

I would still like seeing a Hossa/Slava/Kovy line with the youngsters being the second line. Why break up the only thing that is working? Now we know why BH always seemed to do it. It was DW telling him to.

By GaVaHokie

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

Atlanta better get their sh*t together quick… Nov 3rd starts an EIGHT GAME South East division stretch… that’s not good.

By Brendan

October 23, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I hope Bryan Little has a big game in his homecoming of sorts. Go Thrashers!

Craig, does anyone know when Hossa changed agents? I have always thought Hossa had a good situation here in Atlanta. And by that, I mean, “Cap room,” an adoring fan base, ice time in all facets of the game. The Captaincy was/is there if he wants/wanted it. Not that he can’t replicate some or most of that elsewhere. But could part of the “discussion” be what he expects from Don Waddell? And if he’s dead-set against playing here next season, (I’ve seen no statement that he is or would be. Of course, why would he say such a thing?) might Hossa be willing to tip his hat “privately” to Don Waddell to help him get to the team where he does want to play?

If you’re thinking trade, this might enhace the return for Hossa’s loss. Stop. Raise your hand if you want to see Hossa vamoose into FREE AGENCY … for absolutely NOTHING but reclaimed cap room this Summer?

My goodness, I actually saw a few hands go up! Hmmn, I guess you’re not a big believer in Hossa’s playoff history. Fine. Diversity of opinion is what makes the world go ‘round.

For my $0.02, I don’t think “money” is the issue. But certainly, “money” is the primary issue for an agent. Correct me if I’m wrong, but couldn’t Don Waddell “theoretically” write a contract extension that basically stipulates that whatever the league maximum is … when the new “cap figure” comes out, be what Hossa is offered?

I’m not saying that’s a good practice or what ought to be offered. I’m just asking a generic question. But if it is possible, how is some other GM supposed to beat the league maximum? Okay, I guess they could offer more years. But, what I’m getting at is this. If Hossa wants to leave, am I wrong to think he should say so? I bet Waddell would help him get to where he wants to be. This could work for all parties concerned.

I want to be clear … I am a Thrasher fan who wants Hossa to stay. But if he wants to leave, and has made up his mind about that, he’s in control of his contract negotiations. He hold the cards, not Don Waddell. Normally, Don Waddell doesn’t negotiate contracts during the year. If they’re meeting to discuss a contract, I think that’s encouraging and I applaud Don was altering his stated policy.

By Hockeyfan

October 23, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

All of you Klee haters take a look at his +/- numbers. He and Havelid are at 0. X at -1, Tobi at -2, Zhitnik at -5, and McCarthy at -10. If anybody needs to sit, it is McCarthy…

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Bob and Hokie — I read that original comment the same way, but knowing that the three most oft benched players are on 1-way contracts, I figured he was HINTING that a roster move might involve actually trading away one of those “spare parts” for relatively little. I even bought into the idea of using one as a throw in for something more serious…i.e. - a couple teams are rumored to be looking for “enforcers”, and though Boulton and Thorburn don’t fit that role 100%, I could see them packaged with a defender like Popovic or Havelid for a slight upgrade in defense. Basically, I read into his statement and now see I was wrong with that assumption, so wanted further clarification.

I’m willing to give tonight a chance to see how well Little and Sterling look with Hossa. I think this can only help all three players. If Sterling can learn to play hockey like Hossa, and Little can keep playing like himself, they will be great fixtures on this team in the future. Kozlov NEEDS (can I emphasize this more) to be a second line player. There is no excuse for his contract numbers and length for him to be on a checking line…unless that line is expected to put up 18+ minutes AND actually try to score goals. They’ve shown flashes, but Holik is generally too lazy to play offense, Dupuis too Slater-esque at times (missed opportunities), and Kozlov is too hesitant with the puck. I don’t see that line doing much, unless something changes the way Holik and Kozlov are playing.

Haydar also deserves second line pairing minutes, I agree with whomever mentioned that. I also agree Perrin is not working in that role, and needs fourth line duties with Slater and Boulton/Thorburn. Hopefully someone will shine so that Larsen becomes expendable…he’s hurt us often this season (as has several of our defenders).

The Despondent STH abides

—10—

By Surly T

October 23, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone love Kozlov so much? Am I the only one who thinks he is weak and plays with no intensity and no heart? He obviously has some natural skating and passing talent, but I challenge his character. We’ve all read about how he has had to battle the challenges of life, including the famous car crash that killed his friend and left him devastated before coming to the U.S. But is it possible that those challenges also left him without any passion? He just doesn’t seem to care. He makes bone-headed passes for a “playmaker” and loses battles along the boards. I never see him hustle on the backcheck and he looks lost in the neutral zone. Honestly, his point totals the last couple years are directly attributable to Hossa, Kovalchuk and the powerplay rather than his individual merits. Why does everyone think having him center Kovy and Hossa will save this team? I prayed he wouldn’t be re-signed because he was overpriced but here we are. Someone please enlighten me. Maybe a stint on a checking line will teach him some discipline. Then again, maybe he just doesn’t care…

By RS

October 23, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

No you don’t change agents now if you don’t expect anything to happen until next summer. Maybe he expects to be traded NOW, as opposed to the trade deadline.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 23, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Klee or Zhitnik should sit, not Popovic. Would like to see more of Thorburn (don’t understand why “Slates” gets the free pass—haven’t understood it for 3 years now). I am sick and tired of watching Ilya give Slater a perfect pass in front of the net and “Slates” can’t connect. This guy is just NOT that good! Why can’t you people see this (mainly DW)? Glad to see Boulton back in instead of Larsen—just which we could do the same with Thorburn for Slater. It’s time for players like Kozlov, Holik, Perrin, and Hossa to step up their games. Kovalchuk can’t continue to carry this team on his shoulders. If I am DW, I am reminding this team each time they step on the ice that they are playing for their jobs now. This half-a**ed hockey play is unacceptable(even though this is Atlanta, and we are accustomed to losing!). STEP IT UP or get the heck out of ATL.

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan — we’re all learning that the reason his +/- is so high is he’s in the penalty box when the goals are scored, or he’s on the ice during the penalty kill.

He’s second on the team (behind Exelby) in PIM. He’s not a physical defender, but gets a ton of holding and hooking penalties due to being out of position.

McCarthy is an offensive specialist, so his +/- isn’t expected to mirror his production. Klee is supposed to be a defensive specialist, and he’s playing like he’s a holding specialist.

By Boulton's Bruisers

October 23, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

All of you Klee haters take a look at his +/- numbers. He and Havelid are at 0. X at -1, Tobi at -2, Zhitnik at -5, and McCarthy at -10. If anybody needs to sit, it is McCarthy… Yeah, well look at Hnidy’s +/- from last year. +15. And Don lets him walk away. If you want to blame anyone, blame Waddell, not the bloggers.

By GaVaHokie

October 23, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

There’s nothing to speculate in my book… it’s just a big game of “friendly” chicken.

Hossa has absolutely, positively no reason to sign an extension… if he wants to stay in Atlanta, fine… if he wants to go somewhere else, he has that choice. And there’s no ill-will behind it. There’s simply just no reason to sign anything.

So, on Waddell’s side of it, he ABSOLUTELY wants Hossa to sign. That’s where the game of chicken comes in. Can he trust Hossa to seriously consider staying next summer? Or, trade him before he can walk away?

If Waddell can get Hossa, who has no reason to sign anything, to sign an extension during the season… then Bob, Sage, LAC… I’m sorry, the man is a genius.

Hossa will be cheered for, paid $8+ million with 20+ minutes of ice time on any team in the league… guaranteed, in the bank… there’s no reason to sign. If my agent told me otherwise, I’d fire him (too?).

Bob, you might be on to something… what do agents want? They want money RIGHT NOW!! Hossa probably dumped him for a more patient agent.

By wvubru

October 23, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I for one don’t “love” Slava. I find him to be an overpaid player and have always thought that.

But since we have him on the team and he is better than most on the roster, I only suggest using him as a center between Kovy and Hossa because it gives us at least one great scoring line. And it doesn’t appear that we have any other players to match up with Kovy and Hossa. It also allows us to keep the kids together who appears to have some chemistry and are playing very hard.

The rest of the forwards, match them up as you see fit. I don’t think it matters too much.

By GaVaHokie

October 23, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Hossa’s new agent hasn’t called Waddell back when he was supposed to… what does that tell you? It means it’s not time to do business yet, and they don’t want to talk about it.

By Jenn

October 23, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I would hate to see Hossa leave without attempting a Kovy-Little-Hoss line. Now that I think about it, you do a Kovy-Little-Hoss line, put Slater with the WolfPack (for speed) and go from there. If Slater’s in with the Rooks, then they’re not psyched out with some superstar.

And then just play around with the rest and see what they can do. Kozzy-Thorburn-Dupuis?

And then get some new defensemen. Somehow. Without trading our future again. Or at least do some CT scans or MRIs of Zhitnik, and find out the cause of his memory loss. Cause I remember last year. I remember the push for the playoffs. I remember the 14 points and +4 rating in 18 games. Those were the days.

By Sara

October 23, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

ranallo that would have been an awesome argument about Klee, if it weren’t for the fact that the PP and PK have absolutely no effect on +/- (unless you’re scoring shorties/giving up shorties which hasn’t really happened enough to totally skew anyone’s numbers). But his PIMs do totally s*ck, especially since they usually do involve holding or some other “I’m a slow @ss who can’t keep up”-type penalty.

Bottom line, the whole team/organization stinks from the bottom to the very tip top at this point.

I like the idea of trading off a player at this point - to the great north of Edmonton for pucks and sticks, or to Columbus or Pheonix - equally crappy teams. Something that might actually be considered “punishment.” As opposed to Ottawa or Anaheim or some crap like that - where someone might actually want to go.

Oh well, I’m cranky again this week. Work s*cks - I suddenly can’t believe I went to school for 4 1/2 years just so I could torture myself like this every day. But I digress. We better win tonight - losing to the friggin’ Leafs might be the last straw for me. ;)

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Sara, thanks for pointing that out. I was hinting at the idea that when he’s on the ice it’s during periods that DON’T affect his +/-, so thus it stays higher. Your clarification is appreciated, it supports my point.

By Mark

October 23, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Ranallo, +/- is a measure of a defenseman’s play at even strength. So, even if he is an offensive defenseman, it is important. What good are you doing the team if every time you help the team score a goal, you give up two more? McCarthy is -10 with 0 points. That’s horrible. There is a reason why a former first round pick has bounced around the league for years and it’s not because he is in great demand. He’s just another perfect example of how Waddell has no clue of how to build an NHL defense.

By Thrasher_Ed

October 23, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Craig Custance, Can you explain why the Thrashers are not willing to try an get a long term injury exemption for Rucchin? Seems to me we could use that money to go get another player either now or at the deadline, either way I am not sure if Steve Rucchin ever plays again in the ATL. Heck trade lets make a deal with LA Kings for Frolov and Brown since they want to unload them. Send them Slater and Zhitnik or Havelid!

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Mark — I understand the point of the plus/minus metric. However, it’s simply ONE stat that should be used to gauge the effectiveness of a defender.

Greg DeVries and Jaroslav Modry both led the ATL defense in +/- during their respective tenures, does that mean they were good defenders?? No, both had a knack for being out of place during UNEVEN situations, such as PKs, and were suspect to giving up costly goals. Also, both were making up for their lack of speed by continually hooking and holding players, in an effort to keep the playing field equal for themselves.

Klee is another DeVries. He’s slow, holds too often, can’t seem to be in position for 75% of his shifts, but occasionally makes one great play.

McCarthy is an known deficiency on defense. He’s there to help with breakout passes, to help create scoring opportunities, and his +/- will reflect upon his successes but will also be adjusted based on his linemate’s defensive abilities. He’s a third line defender for this club, who now is playing with a brain farting veteran in Zhitnik. McCarthy SHOULD be the lowest +/- rating on this club, however he should also be producing more points…I can’t disagree with you there.

If you want to argue the uselessness of McCarthy, that’s fine, I think the defensemen as a whole are playing poorly right now. However, I’ll take McCarthy and his minus-whatever over Klee right now. Just like I’d take Popovic and his unproven ability over Klee. Hell, I’d take Thorburn/Boulton on the defensive line over Klee.

By rj

October 23, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

The forwards could help the D by being more physical when the other team is moving the puck up the ice. Pound the puck carrier. It works for the other teams, it will work for us. The Thrashers just let the other team skate up the ice and set up in the zone.

This is a left over from Hartley that needs fixing. Make the other team pay for touching the puck and take away their time and space to make plays.

By Brendan

October 23, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Klee should be in the pressbox. He’s insurance in case the “kids” fail. Let Mark Popovic get his chance. Or at least “showcase” him for a potential trade.

By puckjunque

October 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ed - Good point, can’t wait to hear the answer. Well it’s just a little over an hour until the Thrashers hit the ice and there is only one thing left to do, PRAY, yes i said pray. So everyone, hands on keyboards and bow your head.

Oh heavenly father, Thank you for giving us a NHL team in the land of the football. Everyone on this team made it to the NHL because at times in their careers they had a momments of greatness. Please guide our team to greatness tonight, give them the strength, energy and skill they need to kick some maple leaf @ss. Amen

By BigBill

October 23, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Great Tread idea from Thrasher_Ed… Let’s HOPE SO !!!!

By Mark

October 23, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

I agree Klee sucks. The whole defensive corps sucks right now. My only point was that the +/- stat is an important one especially for a defenseman becuase their first job is to always keep the puck out of their teams net when they are on the ice. Some d-men accomplish that by keying the attack and that is fine but if the other team is scoring regularly when you are on the ice, that is a problem, whether that has to do with the pairing, poor back pressure from the forwards or whatever. And I totally disagree that McCarthy should be the worst +/- player on the ice. As a defenseman you should not be a - player, end of story. If you want to look at good examples of offensive d-men that key the attack but also know how to play defense look no further than Rafalski, Tomas Kaberle, Timonen, etc. +/- can be influeced greatly by how good or bad your team is but no one should be -10 after eight games.

McCarthy and Klee are both indicators of Waddell’s inability to build a good roster of Defenseman. The Rangers exposed the Thrasher D during the play-offs last season when we couldn’t get the puck out of our own end. It showed that we were slow footed and couldn’t make a good outlet pass. So Waddell sign’s Klee? That’s an upgrade? Check out the TSN Scouting Report on Klee and ask yourself if he helps correct the problems I mentioned above.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?name=Ken+Klee&hubname=nhl-thrashers

McCarthy is a good skater but he has a history of making bad decisions under pressure and that has dogged him his entire career. It’s why he has not been able to stick around in the NHL until Waddell gave him a job.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 23, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Wow—now some of you guys are starting hear what I’m shoutin’! Ranallo—I’m with you, bud. I would much rather have Steve MC in there. Brendan—Klee is useless. The question is, can we find a sucker to take him from us? Pops should be playing; not watching Klee go to the penalty box for holding 2-3 times a night. Thrasher Ed—I know someone will take Slater in a trade. He’s still young. I just can’t understand why it is taking so long for people (mainly Don) to realize that the kid is a bust. He will not work out here. We keep waiting for hom to produce, and yet, NOTHING.

By Hockeyfan

October 23, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

If McCarthy is an Offensive Defenseman than shouldnt he have at least one point and maybe a lot more shots than say Klee?

By Midfield

October 23, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

ranallo is incorrect. Neither DeVries, nor Modry led Atlanta defense in +/-. Sutton and Havelid always did.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 23, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Midfield is incorrect. Shane Hnidy led Thrashers defensemen in +/- all season in 2006-2007. +15 at the end of season. Hossa i think led the team with +18.

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Mark — Look at Popovic and McCarthy’s scouting report on TSN as well, then tell me which two of the three you’d rather have on this club.

A #6/#7 defenseman, a powerplay specialist, or a top 4 defenseman?

Hockeyfan — I agree, McCarthy SHOULD have more shots than Klee. However, I cannot OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD think of more instances in which McCarthy was a direct cause to a goal MORE OFTEN than Klee was a direct cause.

I don’t care what a defenders plus/minus is IF THE DEFENDER IS PLAYING WELL. If the defender is playing poorly but his +/- does not reflect as much, I consider that stat as a bad indicator to the overall abilities or usefulness of a defender.

And comparing McCarthy to anybody you mentioned is rather unfair, as nobody said he’s even close to a true number 1 or number 2 defenseman. I said “third line defenseman”…aka a powerplay specialist who has a defensive deficiency, and should be hidden on the roster with limited minutes.

As of now, Klee should be hidden in the pressbox.

Midfield — You’re right, I’m wrong. DeVries and Modry led the team in points as a defender, not in +/-. Hnidy led +/- last year, and Sutton the year prior. My apologies, I’ll look up the correct stats next time…my research assistant failed me today.

By Tony C.

October 23, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

iS THE GAME NOT ON TV???

By BigBill

October 23, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Better finish than start for first period… White was terrible at the start,Ilya ON FIRE…

Defense even looked pretty good this period… let’s HOPE it continues !

By David

October 23, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

no

By bob

October 23, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Ilya again is proving that he is the best player on our team. What a first period. Are Hoss and Kozy EVER going to show up?

By Craig Custance

October 23, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

zimthrasher: If? If the lines are correct? Would I lie to you?

Bob — As my press spokesman, thanks for correctly interpreting what I meant. It’s pretty sad when somebody who gets paid to communicate needs somebody to explain what he’s saying.

Brendan — According to Waddell, the agent change happened in the last couple days. I haven’t confirmed it yet with Hossa, but I will.

Thrasher_Ed — The only way the Thrashers would benefit from getting an injury exemption for Rucchin would be if they were up against the cap. They have no motivation to clear Rucchin’s salary from the cap number, because they’re not even close to exceeding the salary cap. Even if they got the exemption, they’d still have to pay him.

By GSU-Lee

October 23, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Craig, are the officials as bad as Kamal is making them sound?

By David

October 23, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

ugh…10 seconds left…god i hope we pull out 2 points out of this

By Brian

October 23, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

WOOHOO!!!

By ranallo10

October 23, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee — I’ll take this one for Craig.

Yes.

Blake played the puck wiht a highstick, nearly decapitated Hossa…no call. Hedberg had the puck trapped…no call. The refs gave one point to Toronto. Kovalchuk is the man. That is all.

By BigBill

October 23, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

This has to be THE BEST GAME Ilya has played, we was everywhere tonight, just super, He has taken his game to an entire new level, a COMPLETE Player…

That move in the Shootout was just GREAT what a move and very happy to see Slava has not lost his shootout touch…

Bad start to the game, but after the first couple minutes we played a very good road game, Hats Off The Everyone tonight in Toronto !

By dj

October 23, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Wow…all night we heard about Toskala’s glove hand. I think Kovy got tired of hearing about it. In other news, I officially have a man crush on Ilya Kovalchuk.It’s not something I’m proud of but man….he was fire on ice tonight.

By GSU-Lee

October 23, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Ranallo10, thanks. I love being in Atlanta and not being able to watch ATLANTA THRASHERS HOCKEY on television. I am going to behead someone. By the way, Kovy is amazing.

By Jameson

October 23, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Craig, you shouldn’t sweat Bob’s help. You can’t help audience error.

Sorry, this is late, but no one mentioned the fact that before he moved to Hossa’s left, Kozlov spent a lot of time on Kovy’s right. In fact, there was even an interview when the change happened where Kovalchuk spoke about how he would miss playing on the line with Kozzy, but that he understood he needed to play in his natural left wing position.

By kracker

October 23, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Craig, The caption under the photo says tonight’s game at the Leafs is the first game of the seven game road trip. It is the second game of the road trip.

GREAT WIN!!! As it turned out.

By Russ

October 23, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Great win tonight. It was tough giving up that point late in the game like that. If the Thrashers get back in the playoff race you hope that doesn’t come back to haunt them. Anyway, with the way they have been playing you’ve got to take two points any way you can get them.

Hossa has generally been considered the Thrashers best player the last two seasons…I think Ilya might be stealing that crown this season.

By stendec

October 23, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

TWO POINTS ARE TWO POINTS! But another goal in closing second? What the Hell are these guys thinking?

By Brian

October 23, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

stendec - I was furious when that happened with 8.7 remaining. The first thing I think of are the close ones to Carolina last year and some of the other goals that come late in the 1st and 2nd. Like you say though, 2 points are 2 points. Glad to see Kozzy got another SO goal.

By Brendan

October 23, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Russ & DJ, per AJC columnist Mark Bradley, “Kovalchuk is getting less special every year.” LOL. Mark Bradley cracks me up sometimes. Kovalchuk should arguably be the Captain of the team these days. Truthfully, I can’t imagine Kovalchuk commanding more trade value than he does right now.

Stop! Do NOT trade Kovalchuk!! If Waddell is still in “panic mode,” and he actually wound up trading Kovalchuk, I don’t think he’d leave town so much as he’d be dragged out of it.

Sara, I’ll top ya one. I wound up getting home so late, I missed the 1st period. Well, I caught Kovalchuk’s goal. And then, I had to leave with a few minutes left in the second period. So, I popped a tape in the VCR and let it roll. Can you guess what happened next? Yep, I forgot to check how much “time” was left on the tape. Suffice it to say, I got all of the 2nd period intermission show. D’oh!! (TM, 20th Century FOX, “The Simpsons,” all rights reserved.)

So, I missed the 3rd period, the tremendous collapse in waning seconds, the overtime, and Slavamatic and Kovalchuk’s tallies in the shootout. Arrrgh. At least with SportsSouth, they sometimes have a replay. In conclusion, I am aware of “Tivo,” and plan on getting one soon. Oh look, Frolov just scored for the Kings. It’s 4-0 Los Angeles over the Predators. Coach Trotz just pulled Mason from the net. Is this going to be good for the Thrashers? Or bad? I think the Thrashers have Nashville coming up soon.

By Tony C.

October 23, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Russ

Ya think?

Believe it.

GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Brendan - you are S.O.L. SportSouth didn’t carry the game tonight as many have complained, so they won’t have the replay. Now if we were playing say the Colorado Avalanche, you could just catch the replay on FoxSports Rocky Mountain. But as luck would have it we played a Canadian team, so we don’t get their sports channels to catch the replay…

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I was also going to ask, who do you have your dish with? I got my Tivo for free. It’s not really Tivo, but a free dvr - works great and I am hooked on the thing.

By Brendan

October 24, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Wins cover everything, Stendec. But sooner or later, the issues have to be addressed. In that NJ game, if I’m remembering correctly, the Thrashers gave up “late goals” in all three periods. That’s pretty much been the story all throughout this young season. And, it goes without saying that good teams don’t give up late goals in periods. We, or the refs, handed the Leafs a point tonight. I didn’t actually see it, however. So, perhaps I shouldn’t comment on it. In any event, the Leafs are only a point under .500 for the season, thanks to that “gift” point.

Hey, the other day, I heard Matt McConnell, Intermission analyst, say he wanted the straight up W-L, .pct, and Games up and Games back, like they do in baseball. It was nice to hear someone else say it. But, uhh … whenever a team is struggling, those “half-losses” prolong the season a bit. A team that is 3-4-3 like the Leafs would actually be 3-7 in such a format. And the Thrashers would only be a “half game” behind them at 2-7.

Bygones.

By Brendan

October 24, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Brian, the Rogers Sportsnet Broadcast crew gave a lot of credit to Kovalchuk. Is Nick Kypreos a “regular” on that network?

By Brendan

October 24, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Like Buzilla, I have Comcast Cable. By the way, those Rogers Sportsnet broadcasters called out Havelid for coughing up the puck on the Hall Gill goal. It was a totally unforced error. Also, they seem to advance the idea that Kovalchuk’s goal, late in the 1st period, was the result of a previous icing call that should have been negated by the linesman. It was their contention that Enstrom touched the puck at center ice, which, if true, would have negated any icing call. It was a little too close to call, even on replays.

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Brendan - I don’t make it a point to watch them regularly. I will always try to catch Coach’s Corner & Satellite Hotstove when I can though, I’ve been around that for decades now. I would even try to catch Kelly Hrudey in the 2nd game of HNIC, but he obviously wasn’t as good as the first set…

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Speaking of HNIC, this was an interesting interview on their Canadian Sirius show

By R. Stroz

October 24, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Kozzie finally earned his money tonight on two fronts. First, his shoot out goal and second teaching Kovy how to copy his shoot out form. If you have an opportunity, look at the similiarity between Kozzie’s shoot out goal and Kovy’s shoot out goal. The professor has been mentoring his younger countryman.

By Bob

October 24, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

If Waddell can get Hossa, who has no reason to sign anything, to sign an extension during the season… then Bob, Sage, LAC… I’m sorry, the man is a genius.

Agree, that would be a coup of epic proportions.

Bob, you might be on to something… what do agents want? They want money RIGHT NOW!! Hossa probably dumped him for a more patient agent.

I was only being 1/2 tongue in cheek when I wrote that. It was the only plausible explanation I could think of why he’d dump his agent now, when it’s pretty clear he’s not going to sign an extension now with Atlanta . I’m leaning even more towards this wild a* theory this morning after watching Hossa mail it in last night. What is up with him, is he trying to force Waddell to trade him now?

Ilya again is proving that he is the best player on our team. What a first period. Are Hoss and Kozy EVER going to show up?

Wee bob, last couple of years, Hoss was our best player. But while watching the game last night, I thought about you and was going to write on here this morning that now you’re right. Kovy is our best player this year. He is playing his heart out and at both ends. Part of that equation also is that Hoss is absolutely mailing it in. He looked so half assed the whole night just flipping pucks at the net. The half hearted shootout attempt. He’s not skating hard to the net, which is his forte, he’s just letting the D ride him wide, and the Laffs D is almost as pitiful as ours, he could take that D apart if he was trying. Hal Gill? please.

And Kozlov, he is just floating around out there. But he did look absofreakinlutley amazing, as usual, on his shootout goal.

I’d really like to see Popovic get in there for us.

Can we play the Laffs every night? They might challenge us for that lottery spot.

By Sara

October 24, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Brendan that’s a bummer….but it’s also why I upgraded to a DVR when I ordered my Center Ice package. I have to put the kids to bed at some point during the game and invariably while I’m tucking in the whirling dervishes, something amazing happens that somehow never gets replayed for the rest of the night. This is actually the first year that I’ve had Center Ice (my previous carrier didn’t offer it) and I tell ya it’s worth it just to be guaranteed all the Thrasher games.

A few other observations. I don’t agree that the officiating was bad last night. Check the stats and see which team spent the most time in the box. Usually officiating in a Leafs/Thrashers game is horribly biased, so those two last night did great. Bottom line, Moose didn’t have either puck covered - his fault, not the officials. And we had calls go our way as well - the Kovy goal was a direct result of a gray-area icing call that went our way.

Even better though, was the coverage from the rogersnet TV crew - they weren’t complete homers, were fair to the officials, very complimentary of the good aspects of our team, equally critical of the bad spots on both teams (and hey, they just called it like it is). That’s unusual from Canadian media who typically have loved to rag on the SE division teams. I was pleased - it was an enjoyable broadcast.

By Eileen

October 24, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Would someone be kind enough to fill me in on the “Mellanby comments”? I missed it. I have no idea what Craig is referring to in this blog. THANKS!

By kracker

October 24, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

On Hossa’s slow play since he returned: Anyone think he may be playing a little tentatively due to the groin strain? If I recall correctly it’s his first time with a significant groin injury so he may be playing conservatively until he’s 100%.

By Brian

October 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Sara - Some Canadian media (rogersnet, tsn) are a little more neutral, CBC is not only biased to the Leafs, but so biased that the Sens and other Canadian teams hate it.

Eileen - Mellanby is now on HNIC, he said Marian was upset that we didn’t go after Scott Gomez, Chris Drury or Daniel Briere (the 3 premiere free agent centers last summer). The statement is ludicrous though because any one of those 3 is a $7mm/year player, we already have 2 $7mm/year players (Kovy and Hossa himself) so we had to go after someone more affordable. Some say it should’ve been Comrie, but if White & Perrin keep putting up numbers like last night, they might prove to be good.

By Thrasher Ryan

October 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

I am actually starting to like Waddell’s lines. But, here’s a line that we haven’t seen yet that I think will work: Dupuis-Little-Hossa. Speed, Speed, Speed. Heck, it’s worth a shot. On the trade front, here is what I think. Brad Larsen is as good as gone. Remember, Larsen was a Hartley favorite. How about Larsen/Slater/Havelid (or Zhitnik) to Toronto for Kaberle/Raycroft/draft pick(maybe). That moves clears some cap space while providing depth at the goalie position (which all of a sudden we need). Later on in December, after Lehtonen returns, we trade Holik/Lehtonen/Klee to Los Angeles Kings for some of their young guys. Just some food for thought. The time to make a move is now. As far as Pavelec getting his first start, I think you let the Moose start at Nashville, and Pavelec to start at Chicago. My $.02. Also, Thrashers mangement needs to address the lack of radio coverage (need stronger signal) in metro ATL and why are so many games this season NOT ON TV?

By Mark

October 24, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

We should have signed Savard two summers ago. $5M for a #1 center is now looking like a bargain compared to what Briere, Gomez and Drury signed for this summer.

By kracker

October 24, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan: Leafs fans would linch JFJ if he moved Kaberle in the sort of deal you propose, though I’d love to have him, for sure. He might come over in some sort of deal involving Hossa.

By Surly T

October 24, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Beer always tastes better when you win. God bless Kovalchuk! This team is starting to find a consistent approach…I think this roadtrip will force them to come together.

ps. R Stroz Does Kozlov really earn $3.3 million with a sexy shootout goal?

By Brian

October 24, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Mark - Savard wasn’t liked in Calgary, he was a cancer in the Atlanta lockerroom, and there are whispers that he isn’t doing so well in Boston. Not exactly who you want to be paying $5m/year to. Besides, this has been beaten to death in blogs from 2 years ago.

Thrasher Ryan - we don’t need goalie depth, we have Pavelec, Moose is great, why another goalie? Then what do we do when Kari comes back and we have 4 NHL caliber goalies (counting your trade for Raycroft) on our roster?

Surly T - I ran the stats last year, Kozzy scored in almost every one of our shootout wins. That alone added a ton of points to our division championship season. He did it again last night. I agree with you if you want more production in the first 60 min (65 counting 1st OT). But those shootout goals are worth it.

By Surly T

October 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

I was just bouncing around NHLNumbers.com and a quick survey shows that only three teams in the whole league spend less on defense than the Thrashers - a comment on the experience, talent and overall value of our blueline.

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Brian — I agree with all three statements.

In addition, Savard 2 years ago was not worth $5M, but compared to today’s market he is. There are many possible reasons why he is no longer here: perhaps Waddell lacks foresight (as most will say) and felt Savard’s salary requirements were exorbitant, or perhaps Hartley and others on the team did not like Savard’s attitude in the locker room, or perhaps Savard got in trouble dating underaged girls in the Greater Atlanta area even though they admitted they were 17 when he questioned them about it (oops, was I supposed to tell people about that??).

We don’t know the reasons, so why continue beating the ficus that the dead horse has become?

Thrasher Ryan — Nobody wants our excess or junk for their role players and impact teammates.

Bob — I hate to always disagree with you, but I don’t agree on the complete non-biases of the coverage last night. In my opinion, watching the DVR replay of the icing call, and watching the DVR replay of the :10 goal, I cannot see where the homer announcers get any of their crap. It was worse than VS for a minute…if Blake hadn’t argued the call, they wouldn’t have known there was a problem. And watching in replay the call looked correct, as you can clearly see a change of direction when the puck is at Blake’s stick (on his defensive side of the red line), but it does not hit Enstrom’s stick. It was icing, the refs called it right, the broadcasters were wrong.

As for the refs, the covering of the puck is disputable. It’s my contention that Hedberg had the puck stopped, and that the play should have been called dead. However, my biggest problem was the no call immediately before that goal. Jason Blake played a puck with his stick that was at his eye level, nearly hit Hossa in the face, and no call was made. Playing the puck with a high stick is illegal, but due to the no call the puck got to their defense, and less than 3 seconds later was in the net.

Unless Blake is not taller than the crossbar, that’s bad officiating.

However, I agree the game was slightly less slanted towards Toronto than usual.

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

SurlyT, what 3 team are those?

Comparatively, where is Toronto and Los Angeles (two teams who have given up as many goals as Atlanta)?

By Surly T

October 24, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Brian I’m no sabermetrician and don’t know if there is such a thing as “win shares” in hockey, but you’re right…shootout goals are money. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable than we (Mr. Constance?) can translate the math into $3.3 million. (No sarcasm this time, Kozzy’s contributions might be worth that much in win shares.) Pardon my passion, but I have a powerful visceral reaction to lackluster, apathetic, heartless play, whether I’m on the bench, in the stands or loafing at home on my couch.

By Surly T

October 24, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

ranallo Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks.

Craig soo sorry for misspelling your name. Custance. Custance. Custance.

By Surly T

October 24, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

ranallo Toronto - $21 million LA Kings - $17.9 million Atlanta - $10.9 million

FYI, There are a couple teams on par with Atlanta. [http://www.nhlnumbers.com/atl.html]

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

SO basically Atlanta’s defense is performing as expected based on Salary. One can also deduce that Toronto and Los Angeles are performing below expectations due to their NHL ranking in goals against.

Interesting tidbit there SurlyT, thanks.

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Surly T - I think I am pretty knowledgable so let me run some numbers here. Last year, Kozzy shot in 11 shootouts, scored 7 times. That is an extremely high % (with exception to the players who shot once and scored for 100%, but if they were that good they would have shot many more times).

Anyway, of his 7 SO goals, 5 of them were game deciding goals which led the NHL. That is 5 games that Kozzy won in the shootout. If we don’t get those 5 points, we go from 97 points and a division championship to 92 points which is what the 8th place Islanders had. Not to mention, some of those points could have gone to teams that were chasing us, so it might have knocked us out of the playoffs all together. Is that worth an extra $1mm to you? He would’ve still gotten $2mm that we would give to someone else, so why not pay him $3mm and get those SO goals? I think it is worth it.

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

The Keep Kozlov Campaign worked, and I think it is still to our benefit to have him here.

I’m fine with Kozlov, he fights more than people give him credit for. I’m fine with Hossa, he seems hesitant and I assume will bounce back.

It’s nice to wake up knowing Atlanta is two points higher in the standings.

By Brian

October 24, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Surly T - I just want to add, I am already on record as saying that I too am disappointed in Kozzy in regulation. It was on one of the previous blogs this month, don’t ask me to look it up please.

Also, even though the Thrashers D may be lowly paid, our overall cap is on par with the rest of the league. We are $1mm under the average, and how much is $1mm going to add to the overall performance of 6 different players back on the blueline? The problem becomes if we add to the D, we take away from the O in budget/cap space.

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

…which will be remedied next season once the contracts of Rucchin and Holik are off the books.

I think we’ll have to wait it out with this defense, maybe hope for an improvement closer to January or February.

By TN Thrasher

October 24, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

I hope Waddell just doesn’t let Hossa walk away for nothing.If he doesn’t resign,then trade him for a true #1 center and top 4 defenseman or top 6 forward, and use the cap space when Rucchin and others contracts are up to bolster the team. Oh and make sure to deal him out west,im sure Kevin Lowe would give up the house for Hossa.

Kozzy has always been a slow starter to the season,so that’s no surprise,he’ll come around.

Just remember fellow fans,the season is a marathon not a sprint.

By Bob

October 24, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Bob — I hate to always disagree with you, but I don’t agree on the complete non-biases of the coverage last night.

Whatchou talkin’ bout, Willis?

I know that sexy pink blouse I had on this morning might have confused you, btw you may want to seek counseling on that, Sparky, but you may want to look again who wrote what you’re talkin bout.

SO basically Atlanta’s defense is performing as expected based on Salary

Yep, you get what you pay for

By ranallo10

October 24, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

You’re right, that was Sara. Someone slipped something into my Wheaties I guess.

By Eileen

October 24, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks Brian.