Thrashers

By Thrasher Ryan

November 14, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Dang Craig, that’s a crazy story outta Leaf-land! Sucks for that dude. As far as Toby being down with Jay-Z, thats kinda funny. A guy from Sweden with a mullet is into hip hop. It’s all good… lets just not let him pull a Kari Lehtonen and hang out all night in ATL with Lil’ Jon, dye your hair blue, and choke for the big games.

By Sara

November 14, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Ouch - that story couldn’t really get much worse without involving livestock could it? Nudey pictures he himself took and getting busted touching tongues with another guy. Yowch! One has to wonder how that would go over in an NHL locker room. But then again, it’s a different age now - no telling what some older/long-ago players might have gotten into when there wsn’t as much technology to “catch them in the act.”

As for the rest - start Moose on Friday I think against the Canes - I think he can hold his own anyway and in case things go south, I’d just as soon not see Pavs get shellacked again. Hopefully Kari will be back soon and can get it going again along with X - we really need his physical presence back for the Carolina game.

As for Enstrom’s taste in muzak - I’ll just snicker to myself for a while. Hip-hop - what a great american export.

By RS

November 14, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Makes Ilya’s leather kilt photos from a few years ago seem downright wholesome….

By Bob

November 14, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I think the Thrashers should promote the game heavily in Midtown the next time Lusty Tlusty comes to town, it’ll be a sellout for sure.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Pavelec get another shot before he gets sent back to Chicago when Kari is ready get back in net for us. How did Moose look last night? I heard the one goal he let in was pretty soft.

Any word on the search for a new Coach? Is there a search or is it Waddell the rest of the year?

By Thrashy Thrashy

November 14, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Wait’ll the NY Post get their hands on the pics from Sean Avery’s New Zealand holiday. It’ll be baa-d. Really baa-d.

By ranallo10

November 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I’d start Pavelec, that’s just my preference. Hedberg is STILL a backup goalie in skill and experience, I don’t feel he is the player that will lead this team in the big wins. I feel Lehtonen and Pavelec are the types of goalies that can steal a game, where as Hedberg is a goalie that can simply maintain a lead. Meaning…Hedberg (in my opinion) isn’t good enough to DEPEND on, but rather good enough to RELY on during a relief appearance. He’s a great number 2 goalie.

By ranallo10

November 14, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

If those New Zealand pics include Cuthbert, I hope to get many copies.

By Alan

November 14, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Jay-Z eh? I’d say Enstrom ought to check out a better line of hip-hop artists. Sweden has a ton of good artists to get into (Looptroop, Promoe, Chords, Timbuktu - just to name a few). Why he likes Jay-Z is a mystery to me, when Sweden offers better.

As for Exelby, I hope he’s back in time for Carolina. I’m predicting Moose in net for the game.

By Tony C.

November 14, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Well at least it’s Jay-Z and not some chumpy guy like Paul Wall.

I say give Moose the start against the ‘canes and the result decides your Tampa starter.

Also, what are your thoughts about the 2nd line? Do you think that Slava-Matic gets put there permanently?

GO BLUE !!!

By Brian

November 14, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

per Rawhide’s blog, j nes made the suggestion that we vote Enstrom into the all-star game. Everyone go on as many times possible and start voting for Enstrom.

By ranallo10

November 14, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Brian — I’m sure he’ll make the Young Stars team, I just can’t imagine the NHL letting him be in the All-Star game by write-in votes. After the Fitzpatrick debacle, they’ll definitely clamp down on that.

By Tony C.

November 14, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah I’d say #17 and Toby deserve the nod.

GO BLUE !!!

By ToF

November 14, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

I want to see Enstrom score a goal and do the Soulja Boy dance.

By Brian

November 14, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

ranollo - was Fitzpatrick the one from Vancouver? Even so, Enstrom has some stats to back it up, and given that the game IS in Atlanta this year, I am sure they would work for us, not against us…

VOTE FOR ENSTROM

By Sara

November 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

I’m all for giving major props to Enstrom - he has been amazing as a complete package. I’d say he could make a run for rookie of the year if his point production in particular gets up there, but I imagine the trophy is already being engraved for either part of the dynamic duo up in Chicago. He will definitely deserve some honorable mentions though in top rookie talks, along with Little IMO. But then again, I’m a Wings fan so what do I know. ;)

By ranallo10

November 14, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Enstrom will unfortunately get the hose in the Calder standings, similar to Vanek, Vlasic and Carle did in season’s past. Each of the three aforementioned players had high impact roles for their team, and were integral to the successes of their franchises, yet they all were overshadowed by shinier names like Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, Staal, etc.

It’s a shame, but such is life.

By Darren

November 14, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Enstrom will definitely get overlooked in the Calder standings at the end of the year, but to be fair, Patrick Kane has been playing out of his mind in Chicago all year, and Toews hasn’t been that far behind him.

Still, I’d love to see Toby get some recognition when the season’s over, since he’s basically the No. 1 defenseman as a rookie for a team that’s never even had a No. 1 defenseman.

By Brian

November 14, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

People, we are not talking about the Calder trophy here. We CAN vote for the all-stars. Vote here for Enstrom. For those that don’t know how to cast a write-in, choose any of the players on the ballot from the dropdown. But only choose 1 defenseman. Then in the section below, there is a dropdown for 1 write-in vote, and select Enstrom. It looks like this. Remember, don’t choose a player for Defense No. 2 so that you can choose the write in for Enstrom.

By Sam

November 14, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Nice of you to post that news story about Tlusty here and keep the gossip going. I’m sure Jiri appreciates it, too. I would have never heard about it if you hadn’t.

Go with Pavelec Fri.

By Jameson

November 14, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Wow… sounds like the Bolts are picking apart the Canes tonight. It’ll be interesting to see if they come out deflated against us, or if they spring back into shape.

By stendec

November 14, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

so kl is coming back. goodbye team chemistry. goodbye victories. oh well, last year was a dream come true. keep smiling craig. best. go thrashers.

By sisu

November 14, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

stendec, are you new to hockey???? You must be because Having Kari back is great news. This team needs to have a #1 goalie, not a career #2 or a rookie. Don’t worry, Pavelic will be around, as early as next season:)

By Will

November 14, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Yes, vote for Toby. and of course Kovy and Hoss too

By ranallo10

November 15, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Voted, thrice.

By ranallo10

November 15, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Brian — Yes.

By stendec

November 15, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this

Hi Sisu Been fan of ice hockey since long before Flames, before Knights and into Thrasher era. Love the sport! None like it. I would love to see KL become next Bernie Parent or Mike Vernon (familiar name to true state hockey fans). Do not believe it will ever happen. KL may possess physical skills (jury still out) but those gifts offset by lack of concentration and mental toughness. Netminders sometimes have to literally carry their teams through tough spurts. Allowing soft goals or whoopsies early or late do not get job done. Monkey pucks do not qualify as valid excuse! As I said, I am sure KL is nice young man. However, he will never - I REPEAT NEVER - take Thrashers to next level. That level eventually includes Stanley Cups! Oh well, nice talking with you. Hope I am wrong. Doubt it. GO BLUE!

By Sara

November 15, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Hey Craig just wanted to take a minute to say good job and thanks for all the player features, blogs, and other articles you’ve been putting out there. It’s nice to finally get some really good coverage from our local news rag. I don’t know if Manasso was just never given the same amount of freedom or time that you are, but the increase in coverage since you came on board has been phenomenal! (In no way is that meant to be a dig at Manasso, btw. I always enjoyed his work and thought it was quality, there just wasn’t nearly as much of it.)

Pass on our thanks to Carroll for her contributions as well. And tell your bosses that at least some of us AJC readers sure do appreciate it and to keep it coming!

By Bob

November 15, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

stendec, you were the first one on here to call out Lehtonen, even back early last year when a lot of us thought Kari was the 2nd coming of Roy. You were right on with him, so I’m not questioning your hockey knowledge. Keep one thing in mind though, he usually comes back strong after some time off, which shows me the mental edge for him and focus is key to his game. So mabye, just mabye, what would wear him down mentally was Hartley. Hartley gone now, mabye he’ll flourish with him gone now, it’s at least a chance.

Patrick Kane has been playing out of his mind in Chicago all year, and Toews hasn’t been that far behind him.

Those guys both have had highlight real goals. Chicago’s in much better shape than I thought. I don’t know which one I’d rank ahead of the other, they are both that good.

By Thrasher_Ed

November 15, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Morning Thrash Bloggers, Anybody watch Tampa dismantle Carolina last night? Interesting comments from Carolina’s TV color guy about how Carolina had our number yet, he thought they struggle so much against Tampa. Bold comments since we won the season series last year. I really thought it was interesting watching Tampa’s only true scoring line just control the 2nd period against Carolina. Vinny L. was on fire last night. I finally spent the money for the Center Ice package, and I love it. You don’t realize what you miss without it. Go Thrashers! Time to downgrade the Hurricanes to a Tropical Depression!

By kracker

November 15, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Why do people come on hockey blogs, profess to be hockey knowledgeable, trash a guy in no uncertain terms and then say but I hope I’m wrong? LOL!! The last thing a blog blowhard wants is for their spewings to be proven wrong.

By ToF

November 15, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Don’t you guys think it is just a little early in the KL’s career to throw him under the bus? The kid was the worlds best goalie prospect when drafted and has only had 1.5 years in the league. Goalies take forever to develop, and out staff has never developed players well. As long as we keep him knowing that his job can go to someone else, he should be fine. Then again, when you are playing with pylons in front of you, obviously your SV and GAA are going to be horrible. Even Luongo and Brodeur can’t win w/o some defense in front of them.

By GaVaHokie

November 15, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

It’s been a long time since the NHL made mainstream news… Bertuzzi… Tocchet… I guess Tlusty makes a good mainstream story (sarcasm). Hockey only makes mainstream news when something bad happens.

Tlusty must have put the pictures up to distract from the Avery-Tucker-Blake story. ;)

By Hip Czech

November 15, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

In regards to the concern about the Thrashers only having one line…

How many teams in the East really have 2 or 3 balanced lines (besides Carolina)?

Ottawa? besides Heatley and Alfredsson the next highest goal scorer is Fisher with 5, then you drop down to 3 for the next highest (and for all you Todd White bashers out there, who has more goals, White or Spezza?).

Pittsburgh? Besides Crosby, Malkin, and Sykora the next highest goal scorer is Gonchar (a defenseman)with 4.

Tampa? We know the story there.

Compare our second line points to Ottawa:

Kozlov 12, Little 7, Perrin 11 Kelly 8, Vermette 11, Eaves 7

The bottom line is I think we are better off keeping the top line intact. If they score 2 or 3 goals a night and we get one from the other lines or a D that would get points in most games.

By kracker

November 15, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Craig, Let me echo Sara’s thanks for your work and Rogers fine articles as well as a bit better coverage in general by the AJC of the #1 sport. Thanks to all that work to make it happen. Good luck to Bradley on learning to appreciate a player that is one of the great hockey talents of our age and a really nice guy as well.

Now….do I want to buy 6 more months of 7-day home delivery of the AJC at a 9% higher rate than my last 6 months cost….?

By kracker

November 15, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Craig, Let me echo Sara’s thanks for your work and Rogers fine articles as well as a bit better coverage in general by the AJC of the #1 sport. Thanks to all that work to make it happen. Good luck to Bradley on learning to appreciate a player that is one of the great hockey talents of our age and a really nice guy as well.

Now….do I want to buy 6 more months of 7-day home delivery of the AJC at a 9% higher rate than my last 6 months cost….?

By Thrasher_Ed

November 15, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Good points Hip-Czech! That was kinda where I was wanting to go with my point about Tampa. I feel we are a deeper club this year. Carolina does have better depth across all four lines, but only when healthy! They are really beat up right now. Cole and Hedican may not play tomorrow and I don’t like there D-Men at all.

By Sara

November 15, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Hip Czech are you factoring in Spezza’s down time with injury in to your comparison of the two?

White - 18 GP, 4G, 7A for 11 pts

Spezza - 10 GP, 1G, 12A for 13 pts

Just sayin’.

By Hip Czech

November 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Sara…I was trying to ignore that ;-)

I just think White is getting a bad rap. I don’t mean to suggest he is going to productive as Spezza over the whole year, but if keeps playing with Kovy and Hossa his numbers will be fairly close (less assists, maybe more goals than Spezza).

By Sara

November 15, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

HipCzech I hear ya - I’m just messin’ around. You’re original point is valid in that we do have more depth than people credit us with - I mean guys like Perrin, Dupuis, Kozlov, now Little - they can all contribute offensively and none play on the top line.

By GaVaHokie

November 15, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Craig… according to Eklund today, “Thrashers are getting close to an extension with Hossa.”

By T

November 21, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

When is the article on Tobias Enstrom supposed to come out? I am excited to read about him.

By **Islander Invasion**

November 21, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Sat Dec 1st!!! Are you ready for a beat down?