Thrashers

By R. Stroz

November 12, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

And the Winner Is….

By Robert

November 12, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Agree with you fully on the trading Lehtonen talk. I’m not a big Kari fan but seems that everyone is jumping on the Pavelec band wagon. As for Steve Rucchin, is his contract a no-cut or no-trade? Can he be releaseed from the team and the insurance pick up his pay so the Thrashers could have extra money in the cap sysytem?

By FormerIslesFan

November 12, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

First?

By ranallo10

November 12, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Agreed on the Lehtonen front. Thanks for the updates (and opinion).

By GaVaHokie

November 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Wow, Stroz… here’s the answer to your question about why Thrashers aren’t always televised… Thrashers games continue to post almost invisible local TV ratings, often 0.1 — about 2,300 metro-Atlanta households.

By Robert

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

That’s a shame…But I guess when you have more Bad Boys in football…

By Bob

November 12, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Bingo. I had my first look at Pavelec Saturday night and was underwhelmed based on what I’d heard. He looked to have some good potential, but he also looked pretty raw to me. Sure, mabye in the future he could pan out to be a #1 goalie for us, but trade Lehtonen now? No way.

That is a good break catching Florida on the 2nd of the back to backer, let’s get 2 there.

By R. Stroz

November 12, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - That wasn’t a question of mine but the article is interesting.

By Bob

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

2,300 homes watching? Holy crap. I guess I know why we don’t get them in high def. Can 2,300 be right? That is shocking. I mean if it’s a road game, there’s got to be more than 2,300 season tix holders that tune in?

By Tom

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

All we need are 3 Nielsen boxes in Atlanta hockey households and then the ratings would skyrocket… That is the problem with such a small sample size for the rating companies is ridiculous numbers like this are put out.

By ranallo10

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

Bob — I don’t want to start something today, but can you honestly consider yourself a fair evaluator of young goaltenders?

What about his game made you think he was “raw”? Did you take into account the fact that it was a back to back game, or that he faced over 70 shots in those two contests? How about the fact that on several of the goals it was actually the fault of his defenders, and not the fault of his own (i.e. no bad rebounds, no bad positioning, no slow reaction time, no misplays to the opponent).

Pavelec is currently a good goalie, and even though I agree he’s not the goalie this team needs NOW, I’m not going to presume to discount his true ability. His “raw”ness is something I think you’re seeing due to the hype that’s being generated for him, and the fact that you missed his first four games against as good or even greater talent (Ottawa, Tampa twice, Florida, Washington).

He’s faced an AVERAGE of 35.5 shots against in his four starts, and posted a .972 save percentage, and a 2.75 GAA over those four starts. 142 shots in four games…there has been no four game stretch this season in which Luongo, Brodeur, Kiprusoff or Lundqvist each faced 140+ shots.

Rookie goalies sometimes get off to hot starts, but he’s good, and he’ll be good for this franchise in the future.

By Craig Custance

November 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’ve always felt the ratings system was antiquated. How do they factor in Tivo and things like that? That being said, those ratings numbers are brutal. Hockey has to do something to boost TV ratings across the board, it’s a black eye for the sport.

By GaVaHokie

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

Sorry Stroz.. it might have been Russ, can’t remember.

Gotta figure SportsSouth is not part of many basic cable packages. I know I had to upgrade to, I think, Top 200 on Dish Network to get it. Same goes for Fox Sports South. I don’t even get Versus, and I’m not upgrading another level just to get 2-3 extra Thrasher games.

Nielsen ratings is also garbage… it’s only an estimate of the population… it’s not an exact science, but it’s the only science, so it’s the gospel.

The real reason?… I still hear it all the time, “I love GOING to the games, but I can’t get myself to watch it on TV.”

By GaVaHokie

November 12, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Craig… DVR and TIVO information just became available to advertisers this month… the rating system is called “Live +3”… which means they can track how many people watched the actual broadcast (Live) plus how many people Tivo’d it and watched it within 3 days of the actual event(+3).

By GaVaHokie

November 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

oh yeah… don’t trade Kari, I absolutely agree. Everything you said Craig is spot on. Pavelec has looked great, but way too early to crown him as the future #1.

I’m all for trading Moose around February if Kari looks “dominant”… not good, not great… “dominant”.

By ranallo10

November 12, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I’m all for trading Moose now, it’ll stop confusing the away commentators when you all yell “Mooooooose” during an away game. Much like the “Looooouuu” chants during Vancouver away games, the announcers (who are often unfamiliar with the visiting team) consistently say “the fans are now booing the play of (insert home team name), WOW!”.

By Craig Custance

November 12, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Is that info available to the public, or just advertisers?

By matt

November 12, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

You have to play hedberg and get his numbers down if you want to recieve anything for him at the deadline…….If you guys are starting a 20 yr old over him every game why are teams going to want him if he is the primary back up, and is riding the pine while the number 1 man is down. Obviously doesnt look good for him. Also, he was great the first few games he started after Lehtonen went down, he has been getting stiffed.

By Hockeyfan

November 12, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Craig so when does Nick Lidstrom start for us?

By Brian

November 12, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Tom - you crack me up, because I was asked to be a Nielsen home in July, and I held off until hockey season started. They just visited me yesterday so I will be up & running soon.

Craig - I know it is not an exact science, but it is the industry standard and you are light years away from changing a thing to it. Not only are prices determined by it, but lots of shows still have underdelivery deals all over the place.

Hokie - I remember when they started tracking TiVo numbers, because it was the Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” that had the most rewinds/replays when they started that. However, do they track it if you are not hooked up for updates through your phone line? Mine is not (I refuse to have a landline nowadays) and so I doubt they can track my hockey viewing through my dvr…

By Craig Custance

November 12, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan - No comment.

By Craig Custance

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

In my defense, for as many Thrashers games as I’ve seen, I’ve still watched more Red Wings games. So when I think of defensemen named Nick, I automatically think of Lidstrom. Pathetic excuse, I know.

By Bob

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

I don’t want to start something today

Sure you do, you just can’t help yourself, can ya?

but can you honestly consider yourself a fair evaluator of young goaltenders?

Oh Sparky, you want to rehash my attempt last year to get you out of Ranallo World ? You remember it well don’t ya, when I keep saying that Lehtonen needed to be spelled by Moose every 6th or 7th game and you kept yelling at me (common them here) telling me I was clueless because he was young and could handle all the starts in a row? Remember what I told you? Probably not, so I’ll remind you that I said that Kari being a young goalie needed to be kept fresh so he wasn’t burned out by the time the playoffs arrived. Not burned out physically, but mentally. And what happened to Lehtonen after Hartley wore him out? He broke down mentally. Wasn’t that a fun exercise to go over again, Sparky?

What about his game made you think he was “raw”?

His game was raw because he was flopping all over the place. He even tried to head butt a puck that was coming in at him. Really, I kid you not, someone else had to see that. Those were not the moves of a goalie that’s ready to carry the #1 load in the NHL. Sure, there was plenty of raw talent there, raw talent, not the kind of steady calm play you need night in and night out of a NHL #1 goalie.

Rookie goalies sometimes get off to hot starts

Yes they do. But do you understand why? It’s because the opposing shooters don’t yet have the book on him. Pavelec looked to be in the Czech goalie mode of playing the ill defined athletic style that Hasek made so famous. Once a book is out on a young goalie, then you’ll see where he’s at.

To sum it up, once again, you’re so blinded by trying to prove me wrong on something, you completely miss the point. My point is he looks to have talent, but he’s raw (green) now and needs seasoning. So no way you trade Lehtonen now. Capiche?

Hockey has to do something to boost TV ratings across the board, it’s a black eye for the sport.

The answer is high definition. Why Bettman pushed the owners to sign a contract on the obscure OLN (now VS) network, instead of sticking with ESPN and their 2 hi def channels that are in almost every home, is beyond the pale. Worst decision they’ve ever made, especially when the opportunity was there to open up the flow of the game and bring more scoring, and thus fans, into watching the games. Hopefully they can undo that debacle, I’ve heard rumblings of ESPN talks, that could be the best thing that can happen to TV ratings.

By Tony C.

November 12, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

That’s sad. It is also kind of cool, I mean if those guys got gigs as sportscasters, then there’s hope for Buzzilla…

By ranallo10

November 12, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Bob — I was rather nice in my post, was I not? You seemed to get your feet stepped on, so I will from now on insert a plethora of compliments so you do not further get your feelings hurt by my opinion. You’re an amazing person Bob, we all missed you greatly while you were gone.

After one game, you have come to the conclusion that a goalie is “raw”. You should be an NHL scout; I say apply for any of the many positions each franchise employs, and you’ll be on your way to becoming the GM somewhere (ala Dayton Moore—first name that comes to mind). Thanks for reading my second paragraph Bob.

Bob, your opinion on hockey is a valid opinion, and I feel like a bad person for attempting to show you another way to look at the topic of contention. Turco, Hasek, Hedberg, Emery, Brodeur, DiPietro, Lundqvist, Miller…I’ve witnessed each of these goalies make a jump for a puck they could not reach with their glove. Head-butting a puck is not a new phenomenon in the NHL, strictly reserved for rookie Czech goalies on the Atlanta Thrashers. Turco was ALL OVER THE PLACE during the Vancouver series this past playoffs, and he’s a clear cut number one goalie. Hasek still makes unorthodox saves in his 40s, and is probably the best athlete to ever suit up in goalie pads. Out of the box saves do not indicate “raw” abilities, or “flopping”. However, you’re a smart person Bob, more people should be like you.

Pavelec doesn’t play like Hasek. The similarities between Hasek and any other goalie are completely off base. He’s in a league of his own with his unorthodox “style” (if you can call it that). Butterfly style they have in common, but Hasek is an improvising goalie. Pavelec is not.

As for your revisionist history, you fail to remember that your blubbering of “worn down” started from just that term…”WORN DOWN”. You, after receiving much flack from dissenting opinions (I wasn’t the only person), changed your statement to include “mentally”. I argued that as a 23 year old he PHYSICALLY was not worn down. Now that we’ve reviewed this history, does your point make any sense relevant to the play of Pavelec?? No. However Bob, it’s nice of you to have a point, it’s a great way to form an argument by validating it with some “proofs”. You’re an inspiration to us all.

As for “the book on rookies”, authored by The Program…when Ilya Kovalchuk quotes to this newspaper (paraphrase) “I couldn’t score on [Pavelec]”, I take notice of that. As a teammate, Kovalchuk will be shooting on him OFTEN during practices, thus learning this “book” you spoke of. When Kovalchuk comes to Custance and says “I can’t score on him”, I don’t take that lightly. A rookie goaltender is prone to rookie mistakes, which thus far Pavelec has limited. That’s called “POISE”. He’s shown poise, consistency, and rather good talent (albeit “raw”, which you can’t really define after seeing one game, but you’ll continue to try). He’s got the making of a good goalie, and I’m glad Waddell convinced him to stay in the organization (wait, did you forget that swift move by the GM you despise?? You’ll ignore it I’m sure). Keep plugging Pa, you’ve done a wonderful job thus far in life. People are proud of you…I’m proud of you.

I never said to trade Lehtonen, I like him. I’ll take a 24 year old number 1 goalie over Hedberg any day, even if he’s “mentally worn down”. Though, it’s quite astute of you to notice the mentality of a person you’ve never met in life, it’s rather impressive that you can judge this from afar. Miss Cleo should sit down with you to pick your brain.

If this team is going to win any big games it’ll be behind Kari Lehtonen and not Johan Hedberg. That is why Hedberg is a backup, and Lehtonen is the starter.

In conclusion, we all love you Bob, please do not get offended that we disagree with you. We’d hate for you to disappear for another month…I think it might be the end of this blog in general.

By ranallo10

November 12, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

And for the record Bob, one opinion validated by a quote from a coach who has subsequently been fired (or from a GM you personally consider inept) does not qualify YOU as good evaluator of NHL level goaltending talent.

By ranallo10

November 12, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

(sorry for breaking the Brendan Amendment of The Rules to Commenting. Hokie and Brian, I should know better by now)

By BG33Brown

November 12, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

“Put him in a body bag Johnny”

By gategirl

November 12, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

If Kovy is doing this well after they said he had a not so good relationship with Hartley. Why don’t we see how Kari is going to play after he gets heathy before we talking about trading him.

By Brian

November 12, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

ranollo - great line there. I think that was section II of the Walter/Hokie rule, wasn’t it???

By Jack

November 12, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I seriously would go to the games if I had the time outside of work and college, but I don’t and really watching the games on TV is my best bet. I should re-phrase; used to be my best bet(until SportSouth decided to not televise 4 straight games) and an overall of 15 total games that aren’t broadcast by the Thrashers(I didn’t include the 5 games that are broadcast nationally on NBC and VS). Another thing if we’re are talking about broadcasts are the games on 680, if you live north of Atlanta(don’t know how south of town is) you are pretty well out of luck after dark(which is usually when the games start) so unless you are right on top of a computer screen when the game starts your majorly outta luck if the game isn’t on and you can’t get radio reception.

Craig - good point about Lehtonen although I really do see Ondrej being the future #1 goalie for this franchise.

By Tony C.

November 12, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I think gategirl has a very valid point. It can’t be easy when you’re being compared to Roy at every turn (not even young brash Roy at that, but Mr. veteran “Hell yeah I talk to my goalposts” Roy).

I think KL will shut a lot of people up when he gets back to the ice.

Also, did I read it right that he has Armitage on his mask now?

GO BLUE !!!

By Hooky-Bob

November 12, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Just read the article on Perrin. His set-up of Hossa’s shorthanded goal the other night was a thing of beauty,…made possible only by great hustle.

So, he has assisted on all our shorthanded goals.

My hat goes off to him.

By Tony C.

November 12, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Also:

If you want to remain a part of this dojo, YOU WILL SWEEP THE LEG!!!

By Jim

November 13, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Craig: Couldn’t agree more with your goalie strategy. When Kari is healthy and on his game, he is one of the best in the NHL. A Lehtonen-Pavelec combination in future years would give us a solid foundation.

By Brian

November 13, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Jim - When Kari is healthy and on his game, he is one of the best in the NHL. I think many folks agree with you, the keyword there was when he is healthy and on his game. That’s why so many are jumping on the Pavelec express. Moose and Ondrej just don’t seem to go down so easily (although yes Ondrej has only had a few games).

By Bob

November 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Ranallo World I’m worried about ya, son. Obsess much? lol.

Pavelec will be sent down as soon as Kari is ready, mark my words, or in Ranallo World’s case, obsess over them driving yourself into fits, spewing nonsense while hoping and praying it’s not true.

Lehtonen and Pavelec would be a good 1/2 combo next year, but it’s Kari and Moose as soon as Lehts is healthy.

We need 2 pts from Florida tonight.

By Midfield

November 13, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

About the only way the Hartley could influence Lehtonen was by either pulling him off or putting him on the ice. Not nearly so as with other players. I can’t imagine that he would send Lehtonen in without asking him if he was ready. Granted, that one time when Hartley pulled Hedberg for Lehtonen after scoreless OT, was questionable decision. But, come on, this is not a pee wee league, for crying out loud. These guys should be accountable for how they prepare themselves to play - whether mentally or physically. Here’s a hint: drinking Absolute with your hometown buddies until 5 in the morning is not a good idea during the season.

By Matt H

November 13, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

I’m also of the opinion that when Kari comes back, he’s gonna put on a clinic. I think Craig mentioned in a blog right after he went down that he was curious to see how he’d respond under Waddell’s coaching.

I am too. The problems I see in Kari’s game could be well-addressed through the proper coaching, I think, and perhaps Hartley just wasn’t the man for that job (see last year’s playoffs, of course).

As far as injuries go… well. That’s tough. Only time will tell there. We can hope and pray. I get bad flashbacks of Daren Puppa. The best in the league, when his back allowed.

By Brian

November 13, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Matt H - I thought I was the only one who had Puppa flashbacks. Do you have flashbacks of that Malarchuk incident of did you watch Puppa on the Bolts?

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Craig… on the DVR ratings… it’s barely available to the advertisers so far, in fact, October was the first month it was being tracked for most cable channels… so I don’t know when it will be made available to the public… so your answer is… maybe? Eventually?

It’s strictly an advertising sales tool at the moment.

By ToF

November 13, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I said this over on Rawhides blog, but neither of our “kid” net minders carry much return value. GMs really don’t like picking up goalies based on potential (outside of the draft) because they take so long to develop that you can’t tell if the deal was a bust or not for a few years. I say we shop all three in hopes that somebody takes the bait and gives DW an offer he can’t refuse. But, seriously, we aren’t going to get a deal that good. So…you make the kids duke it out. Kari gets first dibs thanks to last year and his pending RFA status. If he drops the ball (doubt he will), then Pavelec gets another shot. If bother goalies prove unworthy of our starting slot, I say the Thrashers start funding research into cloning humans and by the end of the 2011-‘12 season DW (or whoever happens to be GM at the time) signs a bevy of cloned NHL superstars as free agents. We will of course have to kill the originals, but sacrifices have to be made for the good of the organization.

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Wow, take a look at this… I think Avery is begging for some “mama” jokes when he comes to Atlanta.

By ranallo10

November 13, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Bob — So you simplify this entire hubbub to the statement I’ve made since before Pavelec was signed?? It makes a lot of sense when you use my own opinion as your own…it’s an easy way to stop arguments. You turned a post about the lackings of the goalie you’ve only see play once, into a post replicating many people’s exact ideas BUT with the words “mark my words” input to make yourself feel special.

Next time just word it “whatever Ranallo World said 6 months ago I now believe, so that’s what will happen”. Also, you should put in the clause “I am biased against all products drafted by Waddell, as it is continuing my disdain for his skills as a GM” — this is called the Enstrom Articles of The Program’s, Scouting Guide for Dummies.

By Thrasher Ryan

November 13, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I think Ranallo and Bob would make a good sports talk radio tandem. You guys crack me up.

By ranallo10

November 13, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Thrasher Ryan — I’m too pretty for the radio…

(I’m kidding)

By R. Stroz

November 13, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie - Ranger’s management should insist that Avery take his lithium daily.

By Lew39

November 13, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

No need to do anything with the Goalies. Kari has a couple of years of experience under his belt and if he is in shape and not ridden hard and let out wet, and matures he will improve. Even Holik insinuated Hartley didn’t rest Kari enough last year.

Pav is young and new to the league. great skills but has a great deal to learn (see him (mis)handle the puck.

Moose is a great teacher and back up and a consumate team player.

What this teams needs is to make sure Kovi, who has matured 1000% this year, doesn’t get hurt and… find a way to get Hossa back to being Hossa so there is a double threat on that line.

Our defense is questionable. Zit is having real problems getting started. he is only a shadow of what he was when we obtained him last year.

By kracker

November 13, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie I am late to this thread but I don’t believe those ratings numbers for a second. 0.1% for the Thrashers? That is just nuts.

We would have to believe that 18,000+ people per game will pay big $$$ to go to a Thrashers game live but almost none of those same people will watch the games on on television. I know some are corporate seats but many of the sellouts are not full or half- season ticket holders either, thus greatly broadening the attendance base. Add to that nonsense all the people that watch or listen to the games and follow the team but rarely go to the games. I used to be one of those people.

Neilson ratings ate like college football bowl games: Anachronisms that need to go the way of the dinosaurs. I gauarantee you the Neilson households don’t accurately represent the fanatical hockey fan base in this area. Cable companies could compile the ratings accurately with two-way boxes and they should do so.

By Brian

November 13, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

The reason that there are 18,000 people in the stands but only 2,300 tv’s tuned in is because everyone at the game named Bob watches the away games together on one tv set…

By kracker

November 13, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Jack About the radio broadcasts on 680, they must have received permission to broadcast with more power after dark this year. I live 8.5 miles outside 285 and get good reception all theough the game and post-game shows. Last year it was bad after the power-down, lots of static, a wavering signal and bleed through of the competing stations on the same frequency. So give them a try now :)

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

kracker… that’s the thing. Only 12,000 on average go to a game. How many are repeat customers? Probably the majority (who wouldn’t be watching it on TV, now would they). The rest would be people who come to watch on a “novelty” basis who probably don’t watch at home.

Now, out of the 12,000 attendees… now many are season ticket holders (the real die-hards)? Seriously, how many, I don’t know?

Those die-hards are the one’s who are most likely to watch away games on TV… but count out the people who don’t get Sports South or FSN or Versus… and count out the one’s who don’t care as much as you think (for real, I know a season ticket holder who doesn’t watch the games on TV and barely knows the players).

I don’t think the number is as far off as you think.

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

In fact, probably about 1,000 of those viewers are people who keep tuning in to see if “Bass-Masters” is on yet. :)

By puckjunque

November 13, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

GaVaHokie, I’m sure we all have checked the listings to see what is more important than a Thrashers hockey game, home or away I’ve seen something called Sports Science. Can anyone tell me what is so fascinating about this show that it can’t wait until oh 3:00 am to air? Also, I’m I the only one who doesn’t look forward to a pre-recorded bullriding competition? Who and how many people watch that stuff? Anybody??

By kracker

November 13, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

YUou may be right Hokie…I still think Neilson needs more sampling e families to be revelant these days.

Buck and Kincaid say their calls and ratings tank whenever they do hockey segments but isn’t that to be expected? They will never cultivate a hockey audience if they continue to generally ignore the sport of which they are the flagship station.

Consistent winning by the Thrash would help also :)….throw in some serious global cooling too, haha.

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

There’s also the equation (I think someone brought it up earlier) of how many people watch at someone else’s house?

There could be 5,000 people watching the game at only 2,800 househoulds… Nielsen also doesn’t take into account Sports Bars.

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Here’s a good rule of thumb… if you see a bunch of commercials with 1-800 numbers, no one is watching.

Those are called “Direct Response” commercials… they cost nothing for the advertiser to put on the air, and they only pay the network if people call the number and order something.

So, if you want to support hockey, start ordering your “Now 24” CD’s and “ProActiv” solution. :)

By Brian

November 13, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hokie - no show or sport takes things like sports bars into account. That is because no one there can hear or pay attention to the commercials, and the only reason any of this is tracked is to see how many eyeballs a given program will get for the commercials to be seen…

By Brian

November 13, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Hokie - don’t forget the COB commercials…

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Hokie - don’t forget the COB commercials…

Brian… do I know you? :)

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify… “Direct Reponse” is what networks fill their commericial time with when they can’t sell advertising time to real advertisers. So, if you see a 1-800 number, that means they couldn’t sell advertising time, which is usually because no one is watching.

By Brian

November 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Hokie - doubt it, I haven’t been in those circles in awhile, but I know the industry so I can pick up on things like direct response commercials and throw something like COB commmericals back at ya :) I am starting to pick up on your background though. You must work for who I think you work for…

By GaVaHokie

November 13, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Brian… does your last name start with a “G”?

By Brian

November 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Hokie - No, however I started out on the sports side but eventually started dealing with the entertainment side (where I picked up that other stuff mentioned above). Rawhide will send you an e-mail address, we’ll take this one offline…

By Bob

November 13, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

I think Ranallo and Bob would make a good sports talk radio tandem. You guys crack me up.

Yes, it is pretty funny, but I fear you’re not the only one cracking up (stroz, you may want to get a script of Lithium for old ranallo, as well). I’m picturing ranallo sittin there getting bleeped out every 5 seconds by the producer as he goes off. lol.

Here’s a hint: drinking Absolute with your hometown buddies until 5 in the morning is not a good idea during the season.

I want to hear more about this, what’s the skinny? Do we have Eddie the Eagle Jr. in training here? Hockey players are famous for being out all night and skatin the next day, I kind of respect the kid for it, but would love to hear more, Midfield, if you can share.

By Jack

November 13, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Kracker the reception is better this year, but it still has too much static and another station bleeding in to make out anything Kamal says. Everyonce in a while you’ll get bits of good reception but its mostly a crapshoot. I am listening to the game on the computer tonight.

By Brian

November 13, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hokie - check your inbox…

By ranallo10

November 14, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I’m picturing ranallo sittin there getting bleeped out every 5 seconds by the producer as he goes off.

I know the topic of conversation for the first show…here’s a snippet from the script:

“(Bleep) you (bleep bleepity) stupid (bleep bleep) McGeough!!!! Your thoughts Bob?”

By Julian Ward

November 17, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

What’s up with Haydar. Is he injured or just a healty scratch. He started out well.