Thrashers

By UGADawg16

November 7, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Typical Thrashers luck…Kovy goes on tear unequaled by any Thrasher and the Hockey Gods strike him down with a back injury for his effort. Actually, this may be typical Atlanta sports luck.

Am I supposed to say first or something?

By josh

November 7, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

What did Ovechkin say about Kovy?

By Rone

November 7, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

First?

By Hockeyfan

November 7, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Craig Did Bruce say that anybody has been interviewed yet? Didnt think so.

By Brian

November 7, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Why do I get the image of DW doing a Fred Sanford imitation when Kovy goes down? ELIZBETH, ELIZBETH, THIS IS THE BIG ONE…

By LAC

November 7, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Typical levenson, dumb as a stump and itsure is LAME to say they are “trying” to build a winner.

Winners go out and get players who will win,… Look at us this season.

Perrin/White/Klee our three UFA’s.

I would MUCH rather have retained Belanger/Sim/Hnidy they were a LOT better than what we picked up.

Seems to me like another STEP back and NOT a step forward and no relief in sight that we will sign some better talent next summer.

We have just THE WORST ownership in NHL hockey history,I just wish these clowns would sell to an OWNER… key word… OWNER not owners, as we have seen they cannot make a solid decision to save their lives… Too Bad We the fans have to suffer…

Mel was right on… Cheap, Cheap, Cheap !!!!!

By GSU-Lee

November 7, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

LAC, The three guys, White-Perrin-Klee are actually playing pretty well right now. I know Belanger is having a great year but Sim is out for the year and Hnidy ain’t doin that much. By the way, Todd White scored the GW Goal in overtime yesterday.

Craig, Terrific piece. I hope McCrimmon gets a SERIOUS look. I know if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but eventually the team will lose a few games here and there and THEN DW will look to hire a coach. I vote McCrimmon. The players support him and will play hard for him. After he hires McCrimmon, he should hire Mell as an assistant…that might be pushing it…but still

By Brian

November 7, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Typical LAC, calling others dumb while he himself complains over the player who just got us the game winner last night, White & Perrin are going to average better than a 1/2 point a game (not bad for the price, considering we weren’t going to spend as we already have Kovy & Hoss tying up the payroll). Then what does he do? He cries out for the player who is out or the season and got about 20 something points for us last year (again, over the players who will get 40-50 for us). Typical LAC…

By Brian

November 7, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee (& Craig) - I don’t understand why Mellanby is complaining? It’s not like McCrimmon was told no or has been fired, so why is anyone talking like he has already been passed over? Mellanby sounds like a former/disgruntled employee. Can anyone confirm that Mell wouldn’t move from St. Louis? IF so, why the crying? Besides, Mellanby played 2 years for us. I don’t think that qualifies as a free pass into mgt as say Hank Aaron for the Braves or Dominque Wilkins for the Hawks (players who were not only synonymous with those teams, but greatly contributed to them, thus deserving to be kept on in some capacity once they leave as players). If Kovy retires a Thrasher, he will get a free pass into mgt…

By GSU-Lee

November 7, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Craig, on the Thrashers main page on the AJC site your Mellanby article is titled “Mallanby has his say.” it is misspelled

By Jim Lahey

November 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Great coverage Craig. I think it is nice to read the Atlanta Spirit don’t have money issues, they just paid Hartley $2.1 Millon for training camp and 6 games. Sounds like Waddell dropped the ball on follow-up, got too busy signing Todd White :) for 4 years and working his extension for untold millions. The Spirit are already on-record praising Mellanby as our best Captain, so let’s not let them rewrite history. I hope McCrimmon gets the job, we need a hockey guy behind the bench. The team is playing well, lets keep them rolling.

By LA Kings

November 7, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

LAC, good posts. Agree on the owners. Not to dismiss the value of coaches who have no significant or relevant playing experience, but do we ever have some experience behind the bench:

Don Waddell 1 Regular Season Game

Bob Hartley Never Played

Brad McCrimmon 1222 Regular Season Games 116 Playoff Games

Steve Weeks (Goalie) 13 Seasons Many Regularr Season Games 15 Playoff Games

www.hockeydb.com

By Tony C.

November 7, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Maybe Don hasn’t asked for the big ticket acquisitions because he knows better…kind of like I didn’t ask my dad permission to borrow the car to goto burning man

Just a thought

Otherwise riddle me this: No offers to Brad Stuart, Gomez, Drury, Briere Nylander et al.

Whatever, looks like maybe the Smurfs can be competative. I’m still looking forward to a game where we lead AND HOLD the lead all game long. You know, winning hockey!

GO BLUE !!! #17 OWNS YOU (even from the bench)

By remie

November 8, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

I hear a lot of fair weather fans trying to talk hockey without much knowledge or substance = drivel.

By Tony C.

November 8, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this

Levenson said. “We understand in this market we have to win to establish a broader fan base and, frankly, to retain the fans we have who have been very patient over the years.”

Do ya Bruce?

By TrailerParkBoys616

November 8, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

I agree with Jim Lahey!

Beast is the Man!

Thanks to guys like Mel who have no problem speaking their minds (and the truth).

No DW or Levenson or even worse Bernie Mullins BS!

By Sara

November 8, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

Hey I’m willing to cut ownership some slack here. They took on two teams that had been bottom-feeders in their respective sports, which means that revenues are going to be less than desirable. At least with the Hawks there is better revenue generated from the TV contracts. And from the perspective of the Thrashers, be glad that ownership has been showing a real desire to spend money on this team (our payroll isn’t exactly chump change). Honestly, in the Atlanta market, which is going to generate more revenue - a winning NHL team or a winning NBA team? It would be easy and logical from a business standpoint for them to focus 75% of their attention on the Hawks, and leave the Thrashers on the backburner for a while. Yet the Hawks continue their struggles at least early on this season (like we can throw stones) while the Thrashers won their division, made the playoffs last season, and after a road bump, are 6-3 since Hartley left, and climbing rapidly out of the basement. Yet some complain about the calibre of talent or spending of the ownership in one breath, while saying they won’t come to games and spend money with the next. (rolling eyes)

And remie most everyone who has posted on here posts here all the time - plenty of knowledge and substance to go around, only differing opinions. Just because I don’t always agree with LAC or Bob, as examples, doesn’t mean I make the mistake of assuming they know nothing.

On a side note, what the heck happened to Brendan??

By storstark

November 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

remie, that’s a really stupid thing to say. What kind of fairweather fan is posting on a thrashers blog when the team dropped its first six and still has a losing record??? Everyone here is pretty hardcore, win or lose.

By FormerIslesFan

November 8, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

On a different note, tsn.ca has a great piece on Exelby and his being a heavy hitter. Instead of focusing on the negative (did I really just say that?) let’s enjoy the many positive things we’ve seen in the last two weeks.

Hey, CC did you ever find out the answer to my question about whether Pavalec has a nickname?

By Russell

November 8, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

If Waddell can handle both roles and the team keeps playing like this, Don’t change!

Scott Mellanby: Get a job in the minors, make some decisions that matter, then we’ll see how you did and think about listening.

Whoever scouted Toby Enstrom needs to be consulted more often before draft day.

Keep Pavelec away from Damian Rhodes old locker (obviously Lehtonen is sitting too close).

For all you Waddell the GM bashers, it is clear that this team has the ability to play with and beat any team on any night. The GM’s job is to put that roster together. The coaches jobs are to utilize the roster to win games.

Kovy, get well soon!

Toby, keep working, looking good!

Ex, You have clearly taken the Scott Stevens role in this league as the best open ice devastating hitter. Old time clean, hard hockey.

Hoss, Keep using the speed. Use your outside move and drop that shoulder and either get the shot or draw the penalty. Also love to watch you chase down the opposition and pick their pocket from behind.

Everyone else, keep the jump, and stay aggressive. Really enjoyed watching the games the last couple of weeks (can’t believe I said that after the first 6 games).

By Bob

November 8, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Where is Brendan? Oh how I miss his randomly placed bold type and his sixteen paragraph reports. Maybe he is upset he isn’t the blogger.

By Chris

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

I would not be disappointed if McCrimmon ended up as the hire based on what I’ve read about his relationship with the players. Anyone that has worked a day in their life knows that when the worker bees have true respect (not to be confused with fear) for their boss, results are easier to come by. Even if that is all McCrimmon brings to the table to start, that’s something.

By ThrasherNY

November 8, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

To preface this post I should say I am a dedicated Kovy fan. My jersey collection is 4-1 in favor of Kovy over Hossa.

Also, this blog is a little late in timing.

Here is my topic though; did anyone else see something that read a bit odd in Mark Bradley’s column? He refers to Hossa as our second best player?

This statement seemed odd to me in light of how the two were viewed last season. Clearly Hossa was the favored Thrasher. I heard it at the games. I read it in the AJC articles. To be fair he did put up more points, but Kovy didnt have Kozlov.

I have long said that Kovy is our most talented player and is vastly underutilized under the Hartley era. I was most upset when they removed him from double shifting on the PP. He is the best sniper shot in the league and a work-horse, he can handle two minutes. How can you sit him…ever! Teach him a lesson at practice if he needs to understand something.

He has carried this team on his back at times and his drive is unmatched. I am so glad to see him getting his praise. He deserves it. I pray he is back in the lineup Friday.

I am amazed at how fast the Hossa support has dried up. Hossa has ridiculous skills and we need him to make a surge like Kovy has if this season is going to turn into something.

Did anyone esle think that line was odd?

GO KOVY!! GO HOSSA!

By ToF

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

I figure that its about time I stop lurking and start discussing.

I have pretty much jumped on the McCrimmon bandwagon. Word on the street is that he has been doing all the coaching and Waddell has been little more than a watchful eye. I honestly don’t know how DW, if and when he turns the bench over to someone, could not pick the Beast after the results we have had of late. Still would like to see our secondary players make even more of an impact.

Bold: FormerIlesFan I read earlier today somewhere, wish I could remember where it was, that his nickname was The Wall, which is pretty boring (and scary unoriginal). I say we give him a new one (looks like he will be here for a bit). I suggest Radar or Ondrej the Giant.

By ranallo10

November 8, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I’ll trade Brendan for Pucks-N-Sage any day of the week.

By ranallo10

November 8, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

The didn’t sound right…I meant I’d rather read anything Brendan rights (no matter how long) than have to hear from P&S again.

By ranallo10

November 8, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Come on ToF, I typed that!!! His old goalie mask said “The Wall” under the face guard.

I know, I know…I’m weird and like to look at the designs on goalie helmets.

I like Ondrej the Giant.

By Alan

November 8, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I wholly support McCrimmon and would enjoy seeing this team under his direction. He’s done great things soc far, and I think things would only continue to get better with time and something more than an interim coach.

By ToF

November 8, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Bold: ranallo 10 …oops. Its still boring

By Russ

November 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

I’d still rather see John Anderson as the coach, but I think the longer they go without naming a coach the less likely he is to be the choice. Just my opinion, if the job goes to McCrimmon I hope he does a great job.

GO Thrashers!!!!!

By Alan

November 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

As far as Ondrej Pavelec’s nickname is concerned, it’s published on Wikipedia as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ondrej_Pavelec

By ranallo10

November 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Agreed.

By Russian

November 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Any words from Doctors? Will Kovy play at Friday?

By Brendan

November 8, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

I watched a little of Florida and Tampa Bay last night and I’m a little surprised the Bolts won. Tortorella is fighting to keep his job. Florida is another important game within the division on Friday. Hopefully this tandem of McCrimmon (running practices) and Waddell behind the bench will continue to be successful.

I saw the Mellanby article in the paper. I’m not sure what to take away from that. If he wanted to remain with the Thrashers “for peanuts,” I’m surprized that wasn’t arranged. But we don’t really know all the details of what the position was that Mellanby wanted. Now, if he heard no offers whatsoever, who can blame him for moving to St. Louis? That is, with no job here in Atlanta.

As for money, well the ownership has maxed out the cap both seasons since the lockout, by the end of the season. And, of course, it’s foolish to max out a cap at the start of a season. But, I certainly will entertain the idea that they should have spent more than $42 million when the cap is $50.3 to start a season.

Now, Waddell may have been told not to exceed $42-43 million. If that’s the case, how do I scream at him for doing what’s he’s told. It’s the Spirit’s money, not his. He’s just doing the best he can within the budgetary constraints. If the Spirit Group’s instructions to Waddell were, “do whatever you think is best.” That’s a whole other situation. I’m inclined to think that wasn’t the case, however, as I seem to recall Craig doing a summer blog where it was mentioned that Waddell and the ownership would be setting up a budget later on in the Summer.

So, what do take away from that? That the ASG is “cheap” in October but “big spenders” in February? Well, they didn’t seem cheap in October 2005. In February 2006, they had no cap room to spend. In February 2007, they spent good money. Now, you can make an argument that says they didn’t trade wisely. But, I’d say such comments are directed mostly at the Tkachuk deal.