Thrashers

By sisu

November 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Kari’s first game back with the team? 12/8 against the Caps

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Regarding the fix of the PK, I’ll volunteer to help. I can’t guarantee any success, but it can’t get much worse than it is currently.

By Sara

November 26, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

You know, Craig’s blog reminded me of something that kind of irritated me the other week. No surprise, there was a snarky comment in the Sports Vent about the Thrashers and hockey in general where someone said something to the effect of “I wish hockey would just disappear altogether.” Aside from the fact that as a die-hard hockey fan I would be devastated by such a thing, another thought also occurred to me. Whether or not people like the sport, hockey teams (at all levels) do so many things for their communities (like all sports teams do). Why banish something you don’t like when it has such benefits to others? People can be so short-sighted and foolish can’t they?

Well, I can’t say I enjoyed the hockey weekend. I’m certainly hoping the next one is better

Btw, Craig you brought up AHL games on TV - the NHL Network does on occasion air AHL games. I couldn’t find anything off-hand about their broadcast schedule this week but it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that the Chicago games could be aired. Wouldn’t that be sweet!

By zimthrasher

November 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Craig, thanks for mentioning some of the things that these guys do that is not on the public relations radar. One of the most noticible differences in your writing compared to Thrashers beat writers (and bloggers) of the past is your personal relationship with the team. I can tell that this year’s team is full of good people because of the way you write about them.

I think you’ve added a human element to the Thrashers that no previous writer has attempted to or cared to do.

As for the team, the penalty kill is atrocious right now. It is hard to pinpoint any particular reason why the Thrashers have struggled. Guys like Perrin, Holik, Hossa, Slava, Dupuis, White, and Larsen have the skill set to be effective killers.

I’m not sure if this stat even exists, but I wonder what our faceoff percentage is on the penalty kill, especially in our own zone.

Also, watching the most recent struggles, Atlanta has a difficult time transitioning to the point of attack. The Thrashers play a passive kill, waiting for opposing teams to make mistakes rather than forcing them. With our speed in or PK unit, we should be able to press other teams more effectively and still be able to rotate.

As for Kari, I think he’ll be in Atlanta pretty soon. Maybe two games is asking a bit much, but sometime next week is not out of the question. I’ll say he gets the start Dec. 5 against NYI.

By sisu

November 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

http://www.b2livetv.com/default.asp?v=Hockey

Is a pay per view link to AHL games including the wolves

By Thrasher_Ed

November 26, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Hey, from the sound of the NHL rumors for the GM’s meeting in California, we all need to support Brian Burke’s idea of teams eating part of a player’s salary to help facilitate more trades. I really liked the idea of Bryan McCabe possibly coming over from Toronto. We might could even get rid of $hitnik in the deal. Face it folks, he has been horrible this year and anybody else would have to be an improvement. Go Thrash!

By Bob

November 26, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the insight on some of the player’s doings lately. This is one of the reason’s I love hockey, and have dropped baseball. Baseball players used to be “good guys” in my eyes, growing up as a kid. The strike changed all that, and the money they’re paid for playing a game is just crazy. Hockey players, for the most part, are just plain good guys, from college on up to the pros. Guys you want to have a beer with, guys you’d want to go into battle with, guys you wouldn’t mind your daughter dating. It’s easy to root for most of these guys, the odd goofball like Avery aside.

The PK needs more pressure on the puck. They are too passive, they need to pressure the entry into the zone and once the other team gets it in, they need to not fall back into their box, but skate at each guy with the puck and try to force turnovers. Let’s also remember that your best PKer is the goalie, and we’ve had less than stellar goaltending this year. Let’s pray that Kari finally can get into gear when he gets back. I’d really like to see them settle into a good rotation, play Moose every 5th or 6th game the rest of the year and try to Kari mentally fresh.

I’d guess Kari gets two starts in Chicago and is back for the 12/1 game at the Isle.

By J

November 26, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

I take full responsibility for the slump this weekend. I got picked to do the “Risk it All” game Friday night in the first period (note, 0-0 score) and I risked it all and lost it all. The Thrashers haven’t scored since. What can I do to reverse the curse???

By J

November 26, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I’ll take 12/7 at home against the Rangers (he got hurt in our last game against them in our first win when he actually looked really sharp!)

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

J - You should have picked three.

All joking aside, the “Risk It All” configuration stays the same for about three or four games in a row. So, pay attention to where “win it all” is each game because the next game will probably have the same configuration as the prior game.

By Big_Bill

November 26, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Thrasher_Ed… Have YOU seen McCabe play this season ????

One Word describes his play - TERRIBLE

He is no better than Zit… But Worse.

He would be one of the LAST players WE need.

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

I’ve yet to fail picking six, but I also consistently pick the hammer at Braves games no matter how he does. I also choose the goalie for every mighty might shootout.

By Brian

November 26, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Stroz & J - the “Risk it all” was #4 last game if anyone here gets picked…

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

ThrasherEd — That rumor came about when people figured Hossa would be traded. I can’t imagine what Toronto would want in return for McCabe, but I’m 99% sure it wouldn’t be worth it. I’m in agreement with BigBill, based on the way he’s been playing I don’t think McCabe HELPS this team.

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Apparently underscores aren’t appreciated by this formatting…toofing_bad.

By Craig Custance

November 26, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Zim — Thanks

J — I think if you buy me the $100 Home Depot gift card you could have won, your curse is lifted.

By J

November 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - I did pick 3! #5 is usually always Lose All…the Thrashers girls even told me not to pick 5…but 5 was $25 gift card…#3 was lose all. #4 was apparently Win All. D’oh! (I got a $5 gift card as a parting prize)

By Jesse

November 26, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday, Craig!!!

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I’ve always been curious the point of picking the prices of the three objects (beyond the obvious advertising for Home Depot)…the items are rarely worth $100 combined, (typically a paint roller or another piece of junk nobody would buy)and no contestant keeps them and passes on winning it all (the smart move). The possible prizes won on the board are not enhanced by the number of items you correctly guessed high/low on, nor is the amount of tries adjusted based on your correct answers. I’ve even seen where a person missed all three but still got the opportunity to “Risk it All” (though they had nothing to risk). I think the contestant should be risking more, like their wallet, their seat for the game, or their first born child.

It’s such a stupid game — but #6 has been a winner 9/10 times. I’ll take my chances and go with 6.

Oh yeah, that game is just as stupid as the 6 Degrees of Blueland game, also known as the Jaybird and Ice Girls give the answer to the contestant game.

By Maal

November 26, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

there’s a link off the main wolves site to watch their games live. it’s pay per view, but what the hell right?

put me down for a return of the 2nd v NJD.

By Craig Custance

November 26, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

ranallo - I always get uncomfortable during the family feud game because it always seems to take too long.

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Most of the games seem to, especially when you have a goofball contestant who is lapping up his/her time on camera. Usually you can feel the discomfort from the crowd as the particular game gets tired and the contestant continually sucks.

It’s like the game where you shoot at the luggage…every damn time Jaybird or the other goof gives the person an extra three shots, and they still miss. I hate parting gifts, so the extra shots is just pathetic.

There was a chipping contest where the father and son couldn’t hit the damn green. After 4 hits, get them off the ice and say “Since you both suck, nobody wins a thing!!! Is that cool Steve?”. It sure would speed things up.

By J

November 26, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

The prizes I “risked” were a pair of gloves, an electric sander and something else that I’ve never heard of. I guess I was hoping to “risk that” for free tickets or something. Most of those contests are pretty lame, the 6 degrees of blueland used to be good, and I was hoping that I was gonna do that one, but now its lame and not really even related to anything about hockey until the end.

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I want to know how you get on one of the sumo hockey teams.

By Craig Custance

November 26, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I’m still trying to figure out which of the Kiss Cam kisses are real, and which are staged.

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

J - Three had been the “Win It All” for the Panthers and Bolts games.

I stepped out to bid on the autographed merchandise during the Devils game and missed the contest.

Ranallo - For every high/low the person guesses correctly, the contestant should receive a “free date” with the Blue Crew member holding that particular item, then “Risk It All” would have some meaning.

I’m just kidding folks, so don’t go ballistic.

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Craig - Is it really your birthday, if so Happy Birthday.

So how young are you?

By GSU-Lee

November 26, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Craig, is it realy your b-day? If so, best wishes. And the outrageous ones are staged. And does anyone know who the old guy who always takes his hat off to kiss his wife is? They always get an applause.

By J

November 26, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Craig - Happy Birthday (if applicable!) I recognize the fake kiss cam scenes because all those “actors” are from the improv group - whole world theatre. (PS - How do you insert a blank line within a comment?)

By J

November 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

R. Stroz - I just happened to see Jaybird at the game and started chatting with him, thats how I got on Risk It All. I bet there’s something you’ve gotta fill out to actually be on the ice. I did have to sign a form for Risk It All though

By J

November 26, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee - I don’t know them, but they have season tickets on the aisle in section 114. I actually saw him at a game without his hat on once! Last year I wound up sitting in the row right in front of them and wouldn’t you know it, they didn’t put em on! I’ve always wanted to get on Kiss Cam and stage a fight. Someday!!!!

By ranallo10

November 26, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Craig — I hope you’re joking, but if not the fakes are always from a straight on vantage, never shaky, and people aren’t walking in front of the camera or trying to get on the Jumbotron.

Stroz — I don’t know how long that plan would last, most guys would go home with the Blue Crew and no girls would be left to show the prizes. And for the record, I’ve only seen one I wouldn’t want to go home with…(shh, don’t tell my girlfriend).

My absolute favorite Kiss Cam (besides the real one of the old couple) is the fake of the guy with his beer. That one is solid. Also, I love it when the opposing players actually react to being on camera, as I’ve seen a player from Tampa do several times last season. I like it when the players ham it up in an away venue.

By Brendan

November 26, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Craig, happy birthday! Don’t forget to hit all the local merchants for free bithday goods and services.

My pool entry is “The Day That Will Live in Infamy,” December 7th, vs. the NY Rangers. Also, and I might be wrong, but I think Pavelec could play against the Devils on Sunday, December 2nd. There’s some historical precedent for Thrasher rookie goaltenders getting the best of Brodeur. Michael Garnett did it TWICE in 2005. With Brodeur recently hitting the 500-win milestone, that has got to make Garnett feel good, even if he is playing in Europe now. That would be Pavelec’s 7th game, hypothetically, still within the “safety zone” of his RFA eligibility. Otherwise, Moose has to start four more games before he gets any relief. Moose, I suspect, will start the Toronto game on the 29th and the Islander game on the 1st of December.

Sadly, no one took me up on the question, “Are the NY Islanders a playoff team?” and “Will we have to catch them to make the playoffs?” We’ll see the Isles, (and Mandy,) twice in a very short time. For those of you with the “Center Ice” package, you know how well the Islanders have been playing lately. After these two games, we won’t face the Isles again until February.

By Sara

November 26, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

My favorite Kiss cam is the one where the little boy kisses the little girl and she slaps him. Hilarious. Although, the one for the Devils game where the girl kisses everyone around her was funny. Two things I hate about the Kiss cam though - one - when a couple gets too frisky, gimme a break, there are lots of kids present, and two - when the crowd boos because two people won’t kiss, there’s no way to know what their relationship is so that’s really not fair. If they aren’t smoochin’ there’s likely a good reason for it. (I know it’s GA but we don’t all kiss our cousins down here.)

As for how you get picked - I know a lot of times it’s a matter of the staff/ticket reps seeing STH as they walk in and asking them if they want to participate. For whomever was interested in Sumo hockey - 99X has something going on now to play against their team I think. Maybe check their website for a link - I believe you have to attend a “Coors Light” event at a bar/club and can sign up there.

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Sara - Thanks for the info on Sumo hockey. I’ve always wanted to go out on the ice and knock people down.

By Hooky Bob

November 26, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Your chances of getting on the camera go way up if you are wearing some sort of Thrashers merchandise. Take note of how many folks w/o such clothing get on the screen. Thats good marketing folks.

By Hooky Bob

November 26, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Follow-up …my theory doesn’t seem to hold for my Stefan #13 jersey though.

By Jennifer

November 26, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

I believe the kiss cam fakes are also used for the Hawks. One of the giveaways is that no one in the scene is wearing Thrashers gear. One time last season the people setting behind me were so fooled by the fake that they spent the rest of that period calling everyone they knew to tell them about it.

Despite this my favorite is always the people who look around frantically for the “Village People” impersonators they see on the screen during YMCA.

By Brian

November 26, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

J & GSU-Lee - I sat 2 rows down in front of the old couple for the Caps game 2 weeks ago. I usually don’t pay attention to the scoreboard but was surprised to see them.

I usually don’t pay attention because after about 3 games this stuff gets old quick. What’s worse is when you go to another city and it’s the exact same gimmicks. Now consider that they don’t change much year after year. Does anyone really find the penalty box skits entertaining anymore? I was sick of the stupid NY, NY skit after only 2 games in the playoffs.

I also think the game operations crew doesn’t know a thing about hockey or sports because they pick the stupidest times to “get loud” or things like that. Why don’t they time that stuff before or after power plays when you want to get the team pumped for something coming up?

And finally, the stupid thing where they pick a Thrashers fan and then an attendee with the opposing teams jersey, cheer - boo - cheer - boo, they time that all wrong but it’s old and dumb anyway. Oh, but wait, he’s really a LOSER! Gee I didn’t see that coming after 7 years of going to games here…

Hooky-Bob - you must have been right in front of me at will call before the NJ game, I saw that Stefan jersey.

By Hockeyfan

November 26, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Craig Put me down for Dec 5 also if Kari has a good couple of games in Chi-town, otherwise it will be a little longer.

Bring Pasi in for goalie coach.

As far as the kiss cam, if it makes you laugh, then it is staged. If it contains the fat, bald guy or the kid, it is fake. If it is a giveaway night and the people dont have the blanket, scarf, hat, etc, then it is staged. If it isnt the old couple that are dressed up, it is staged. Actually Craig can you talk to the older couple and do a piece on them? I would love to know more about them.

By stendec

November 26, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Hope you are well. So disenchanted with team. Back-to-back shutouts totally unacceptable! Love Thrashers. Hey, they are defending champions. Do not fit Jekyll & Hyde mold. First up, if KL helps team I will be happy. Do not trust him but no longer believer in the Kid. Moose seems best man between pipes. Although, if offense becomes offenseless, it does not matter who is in goal! I expect no less than a goal per game - hopefully a lot more. Professional shutouts only accepted in game where guys wear shorts and compete on big green cow pasture. Blank jobs not digestable in any other pro sport! KL must work on mental sharpness. Attention cannot wander even for second. Too many bad things can (and have) happened. Far too many early and late goals. Those torpedo momentum. KL must become mentally tough. He will be forced to carry this team on his shoulders many nights. Must adopt a rigid refuse-to-lose attitude. If KL fails in these he should remain on permanent rehab! Too many flakes on Thrasher roster as it is. Champions should never have to back into playoffs! Expect far more from Thrashers. NO MORE SHUTOUTS UNLESS ZERO IS ON RIVAL SIDE!

By R. Stroz

November 26, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Hockeyfan- Great idea on an article on the distinguished, older couple.

By dj

November 26, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why dead hookers is not an answer on Family Feud. Come on, What type of vegetable served during thanksgiving? My house we have turkey, gravey, stuffing, broccolli, and a side of dead hooker. It’s a tradition. Also, I love the ice girls. But, they never give me t-shirts.

By ranallo10

November 27, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

dj — maybe it’s because you try to get their attention by yelling “hey, Boobies, give me a shirt will ya?!”

By Tony C.

November 27, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

stendec rules.

I say KL has three rehab starts then back up just before Christmas

CC (or anyone @ practice actually)- What drils seem to be taking precedence??

GO BLUE !!!

By kracker

November 27, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

I think the guys just needed a break from the action. I feel that with the team getting off to the lousy start, the trauma of and uncertainty following Hartley’s firing and the furious effort to “get back in it”, well, these things have the team mentally gasping a bit. The negative aspects to the season’s start are worsened by having all the young players on board for the season.

This is a great time for a mini-break. Beat Toronto on Thursday and everybody will be back into it. Beating Toronto and defending home-ice is very BIG.

I guess either Islanders or Bruins a week later. I don’t know Kari’s Chicago schedule but I would bring him back for a normal practice with the team if possible. We have multiple days off before those games.

I hope the boys rest and recharge because December has 16 games including 5 back-to-backs beginning this Sat & Sun.

By Sara

November 27, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Brian I had forgotten about the opposing fan/our fan skits. I hate those - they go back and forth between them so quick you can’t really cheer or boo and do they always have to do it after the other team has gotten a lead??

I give them a lot of credit with the penalty box skits though - they’ve been trying to change those up some and rotate in new ones.

If I had one other suggestion though, it would be to actually post chants on the Jumbotron - might get better specific reaction then just “make some noise” does. Especially since the arena seems to have a hard time even getting in sync to “Let’s Go Thrashers” on their own.

By Joey

November 27, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Penalty box skits are old and boring now. Unless it’s Matthew Barnaby in town and they show the Animal House skit. That one is hands down the best! Maybe they’ll be real creative as they always are and substitute Barnaby for Sean Avery the next time the Rangers are here. I’ll be really suprised if they actually come up with a new one for him.

By J

November 27, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

I still like the penalty box skits…especially during the TV Timeouts when they have time to do a song. Those are usually good. I think my favorite one this year was against the Rangers (I think) where the guy choked on his popcorn or something and was wearing a Mets shirt under his jersey, or something. Even though I’m a Mets fan…I thought that was clever.

By ranallo10

November 27, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t mind the penalty skits, though the oft used ones are worn out. It’s annoying to see the guy in the old uniforms as is the case with the TB “Grease Lightning” skit, the NJ “Devil Came Down to Georgia” skit, etc.

I’ve heard that players and coaches around the league have recognized those skits as a unique thing to the Thrashers. I have no way to confirm that, so maybe someone else has heard the same?

By kracker

November 27, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

I can’t actually confirm but I have read on other forums people talking about penalty box skits being pretty common throughout the league. Seems like it would be a natural because it’s so easy to do: you need a couple of people, more if multiple players or a referee are included, a penalty box or mock-up and a camera. Fans are optinal.

My fave this year is the choking Ranger wearing the the Mets t-shirt.

By Sara

November 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

So…ESPN.com has up the early predictions for the award winners. No real surprises I suppose…except maybe Kovy for the Lady Byng?? Enstrom’s listed as 2nd runner up to the Calder, and Kovy also got honorable mention for the Hart. That’s the award that’s really going to tick me off. Even though the article brings up the point about holding it to it’s actual definition - for the player most valuable to their specific team - they still picked Vinny-boy as the front-runner. Maybe I am totally biased, but I think the Thrashers would be more screwed without Kovy this season than TB would be without Lecavalier.

By GSU-Lee

November 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Sara, I agree with you completely about Vinny and Kovy, but I will say this: Unless Kovy beats him in every stat and the Thrashers get into the playoffs ahead of the bolts, Vinny’s got it in the bag barring some kind of injury. He is right up there with Crosby, Ovechkin and Henrik Lundquist in “The only players ESPN gives a crap about club.”

By Brendan

November 27, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Sara, I completely agree with you on Kovy’s value to Atlanta compared to Vinny’s for TB. Truthfully, if I had to answer who the most valuable player is on the Bolts … I’d say a healthy Dan Boyle. He is their blueline.

Thanks for the link, too, Sara. I liked that Toby Enstrom got a runner-up for the Calder. Crazy me says Kovalchuk has a shot at the Rocket Richard Goal Scoring trophy, and even the Art Ross Scoring Trophy. But I’m not crazy enough to pick Kovy to win the plus-minus award. Even though he’s something like a +4 this year. Which is, clearly, a career-best for him.

Speaking of plus-minus, Marc Savard was a +4 for Boston last night, with 1G and 3A. Also, believe it or not, ever since Co-GM Brett Hull took over the Dallas Stars for fired GM Doug Armstrong, the Stars are 4-0-0. Maybe there is some evidence, however small, to suggest firing a GM does also have some immediate impact on a hockey team.

C’mon now, Thrashers. Let’s get Paul Maurice fired this week!!

By ranallo10

November 27, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee, plus he’s Canadian, so that’s all TSN talks about other than Crosby.

Montreal fans soil themselves with the rumors of getting him. Canadian broadcasters continually claim he’s the best player in the world.

The hockey world has a hardon for Lecavalier right now, and unless Kovalchuk beats him out in every major stat (like you said) and makes the playoffs seeded higher than TB, Lecavalier wins it hands down.

By Sara

November 27, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

C’mon now, Thrashers. Let’s get Paul Maurice fired this week!!

Actually as bad as things are going in the great hockey mecca of TO, the Thrash could pull a daily double and get both the coach and the GM fired. Sweet. Wonder if there’s an award for that. ;p

By Buzilla Baby Blues

November 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

12/7/07 against the Rangers

…..he’s due

By Brendan

November 27, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Sara, to reinforce you point, I offer the following. Richard Peddie, the President of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, told the Toronto Sun that hiring GM John Ferguson, who had no prior experience as a general manager, was a mistake. Wow, you don’t really see that sort of thing make it into print BEFORE someone gets fired. It’s usually after.

By kracker

November 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Interesting article, Brendan. It seems to me that as long as Maple Leafs Entertainment continues to make lots of money lose or win, the Leafs may never truly rebuild. They will just tweek the roster and shoot for a PO berth with no real chance of winning even a conf crown unless a goalie carries them aganist all odds. Maybe when Sundin hangs up the skates they will do something major.

I like reading Howard Berger’s soap opera-like accounts of the ups and downs of the Leafs. I get him over at hockeybuzz.com.