AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIn search of secondary scoring
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just like we speculated yesterday in the blog, Don Waddell is shaking the secondary lines up a little bit for tonight’s game. Darren Haydar is in and will play with Bryan Little and Eric Perrin. That means Slava Kozlov will play on the Bobby Holik line. Larsen and McCarthy are sitting. So which one is the second and which one is the third line? The move balances out the scoring, but you lose a little defensively when you swap Larsen for Kozlov. Kozzy and Holik seemed to have pretty good chemestry when they played together earlier, so it could be a good move. I predict a Slava Kozlov goal tonight - you heard it here first. And if he doesn’t, I’m just going to go into the blog software and delete this sentence. The bottom line is this: The Thrashers can’t depend on Kovalchuk and Hossa to do all their scoring. They’re going to need better offensive production from the other lines, so maybe this is the first step toward achieving that.
Johan Hedberg in goal, which means Moose and Kari Lehtonen will be playing at the same time tonight. So pick a side — who lets in fewer goals tonight - Kari or Moose. Obviously Kari has the advantage of not facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, or maybe that’s not an advantage. I don’t know.
As we speak, Bruce Levenson is either playing golf in Pebble Beach or voting at the board of governors in California. It depends on when you read this. Don Waddell said he backed Brian Burke in his proposal to allow teams the ability to eat salary in trades. I asked him if he thought it gave a competitive advantage to bigger market teams like Toronto and New York, and he said they can just stash players in the minors anyway to clear cap room, so this way those players can stay in the league. This is the first board of governors meeting that Waddell has missed.
Anybody see Braydon Coburn’s contract extension? Good for him, seems like he’s doing well in Philly. I think it’s safe to say that trade isn’t working out right now for the Thrashers.
I hear the calls starting to come for the next huge Thrashers defensive prospect, Boris Valabik. I asked Don this morning who would be the next defenseman called up if the Thrashers needed help on the blueline, but he wasn’t tipping his hand. He mentioned the solid play of veteran Joel Kwiatkowski but also said he liked what he saw from Valabik when he was in Chicago to see Lehtonen play the other night. In her most recent breakdown of the players in Chicago, Holly Gunning at Hockey’s Future pointed out that Valabik is battling ankle injuries again, although it wasn’t the same ankle that cause him to miss time at the end of last season. There’s also a great quote from John Anderson about Brett Sterling inside that story that the AJC censors wouldn’t allow through.
Comments
By Bob
November 29, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
That’s an excellent idea from Burke about being allowed to eat salaries, that should spur more trades. I definitely think Kari will let in less goals and be back for us on Saturday.
By d
November 29, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Very positive article on DW and his changes for the Thrashers in todays Globe & Mail. Includes an interesting comment from Holik on how BH’s game plan did not suit the characteristics of the team. I’ve attached the link below:
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071128.wspt-shoalts1129/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
d, thanks for the link. That was a nice read. Let’s get someone fired tonight. I don’t care if it’s Paul Maurice or John Ferguson, Jr.
Let’s not also forget … that we need to keep the Leafs behind us in the standings for the rest of the year. It wasn’t until just last year that Atlanta started to have some good success against Toronto. Let’s not let them climb out of their rut and start a new streak against us.
By Jsmooth
November 29, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
If GMs can simply “stash” overpaid players in the minors to clear cap room, why don’t the Thrashers send Rucchin down? Come out and declare him healthy, let him suit up for one game with the Wolves and he can sustain some mysterious “lower body” injury that puts him on the IR in the AHL. I’m not up to snuff on my salary cap rules and the like so can someone like Brendan explain what the hell DW is talking about?
And letting teams eat salary will give big market teams an advantage for sure…I don’t see how it won’t.
By RS
November 29, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Hartley had let Coburn play last year instead of yanking him out after every mistake. That was the best thing for Coburn (not for the Thrashers). He went to a team that had already tanked last year and they paired him up with Derian Hatcher and just let him play, no matter what mistakes he made.
By Bob
November 29, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
I was fine at the time with Waddell moving Coburn, although we didn’t get the results that were desired, and I still think it was worth the shot. A few writers called out Waddell when he made those moves and said they were desperate moves made to save his job, which may have been true, but I still have no problem with the moves. It at least generated more interest here in town from casual fans, and I guarantee you that if this club continues to pull a minor miracle off this year and stay in contention, those same casual fans will come back, and that’s good for the long term health of this franchise.
I’d endorse making those moves again at this year’s deadline if the team can stay within earshot of the 8 spot.
By GaVaHokie
November 29, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Well, Coburn was about the only bargaining chip we had to bring in veteran defense. Granted, it wasn’t the veteran that I would have picked, but nonetheless…
At the time, it looked like we had some decent depth prospect-wise on defense with Valabik, Enstrom, Lewis, Oystrick and Popovic. So, at the time, I’d say it was worth it.
I’d of rather had someone along the lines of Rachunek, McLaren or Brewer
By GaVaHokie
November 29, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Furthermore, if Coburn was still on the team, he’d be due a contract extension. So, when Waddell goes out and signs Andrei Meszaros this summer, we won’t think about it anymore. :)
By GaVaHokie
November 29, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Furthermore, if we still had Coburn, he’d be due a contract extension this summer. So, when Waddell signs Andrei Meszaros instead, we won’t think about it another second. ;)
By Craig Custance
November 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
JSmooth — There’s no cap issue with Rooch. The Thrashers are so far under the cap, there’s no reason for such a move.
By GaVaHokie
November 29, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the double post, double post.
By Thrasher Ryan
November 29, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
CC—Out of the following D prospects, which do you think we’ll see here first?
Oystrick, Valabik, Grant Lewis, or Denny. Or do you think we’ll see Kwiatkowski before any of them? Thanks.
By GaVaHokie
November 29, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Oystrick played down-right horrible in preseason. A lot of the guys I could say were unimpressive or didn’t stand out, but Oystrick I can clearly say had some HORRIBLE turnovers.
By Craig Custance
November 29, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Ryan — Of the prospects, I’d say Valabik. But if the Thrashers need a quick fill in right away, they might be more inclinced to go with Kwiatkowski.
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
I’m with Hokie on this one. I wanted Eric Brewer. But Waddell said, in specific terms, “I don’t want him.” Still, Zhitnik did fit the bill. The team did make the playoffs, and desperately needed a playoff-tested defenseman. Some folks still call him a “rental player.” But clearly, he’s in the second year of a three-year deal. So, that’s plainly untrue. Dupuis was “rental” who got re-signed. But Tkachuk was a “straight up rental,” meaning that there was no realistic chance of him becoming part of our team for the coming years. Belanger was a “rental, with options.” Truthfully, I’m surprised he wasn’t re-signed. The thing many of us forget is that we gave up a 2nd round pick to get Vishnevski, from Anaheim, during the (2006) offseason. So, when we traded Vish to Nashville for Belanger, we had a little bit more than one player invested in Vishnevski. Which made losing Belanger even more deflating. Gone were the (2007) second round pick, Vish, and the guy we got for him, Belanger.
JSmooth, I’m not entirely sure what Waddell means. I think he means that when a team is flush against the cap, they might stash a player or two in the minors on a two-way contract, allowing them to keep some of their higher priced players on the NHL roster. But really, they’ve got NHL-caliber players in reserve, down in the minors. That wasn’t really the “conceptual design” of the salary cap. Although, given the status (age, longevity) of the player, he may have to clear waivers to rejoin the team. And if that’s the case, then that player really won’t return to, let’s just say, the Devils. Some other team would claim him. But if it’s some young, high 1st or 2nd round draft pick, that player isn’t subject to clearing waivers. In short, they’re “hiding him” in the minors and bringing him up “as needed.” It’s not exactly prohibited. It’s clever manuevering by a shrewd GM. But, eventually, it catches up with you. That touted prospect’s contract will come up for renewal. And be subject to a Kevin Lowe-like RFA offer sheet. And if said player plays 10 or more games in the NHL, as a “call up” from the minors, the Devils would lose a year off his RFA eligibility. And let’s face it, that’s “un-Good,” to quote Rawhide.
By stendec
November 29, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
STUPID STUPID STUPID GOAL ALLOWED BY MOOSE! Did KL get back early? Hope not game-loser! PP offensive in its inoffensiveness! Where the Hell have the Thrashers gone? Where is effort? Damn!
By stendec
November 29, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Goal in last second! Pull Moose now! Garbage!
By stendec
November 29, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Moose was not ready tonight! F++K!
By stendec
November 29, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
About scoring. Trade Kovy, Hossa plus a player to be named later for Tom Lysiak, Eric Vail and Lanny MacDonald. Even at advanced age could not be less productive than this bunch. Embarrassing!
By stendec
November 29, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
I may miss a great comeback but I am through for the night. The Thrashers ALLOWING that third goal will send me to Louisville-Rutgers football battle. AT LEAST BOTH THOSE TEAM ARE TRYING! Thrashers pulled Falcon tonight and quit on home ice. May be three consecutive shutouts (no). What a wonderful array of offensive stars. RIGHT! As I type this a Thrasher scores. Whoopie. Good night everyone. God bless. SQUA TRONT!
By Hooky Bob
November 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Watching the game……. me thinks Kari should come back sooner rather than later.
I think it may give the boys a spark to get back in “W” column.
We just scored (#2) maybe I speak to soon.
By russian
November 29, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Welcome back La Thrasher. One player can not win a Game. He need to support. I didnot see Second line on action today. Little got too little :-( Haydar was unvisible. Perrin moved somewhere. SUCK! No presure on Toronto at all. Whole game I saw that Tornto make some changes. Three lose in the road it is too bad. Moose was not ready until middle of third period.
By Tony C.
November 29, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Bob C’mon. DW was desperate to save his job! How else do you explain the Tkachuk deal?
Yeah Walt’s good, but he ain’t as good as what we gave….what if DW hadn’t been able to get that pick back????
GO BLUE !!!
By stendec
November 29, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
defending champions do not lose to untalented chumps in their own back yard. welcome back to mediocrity. thought this time was gone forever. oh well. we do have last season.
By Brendan
November 29, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it. One hundred sixty-six (166) minutes without a goal. That’s over 8 periods. That’s 2.67 games without a tally.
Enstrom’s PPG at least made for a more interesting finish, but c’mon, folks. This game was two-points that were given away. Yes, some the Leaf goals were bad or questionable. Especially that first one. But what did Atlanta have, 17-18 shots?? On the WORST defensive team in the NHL. When the Leafs only give up two goals, they hold a parade.
I know this was the first game after a bit of a layoff. But this kind of performance, against this kind of team, is unacceptable. Tomorrow’s Toronto Sun will probably advocate that the GM/Coach who needs to be fired isn’t theirs. Well, they came to Atlanta write a story about a Coach or GM who gets fired.
At least TB and Florida lost in regulation, too. We really needed these points. This was a missed opportunity to really gain ground on Florida and extend a lead on Tampa Bay. Three losses in a row means the team is now two games under .500. The Islanders, our next opponent, lost to the NY Rangers, 4-2. We can’t afford to lose to the Islanders and let this thing reach four straight losses. And we can’t let the Islanders get too far ahead of us. We need to catch them to make the playoffs.
By KenJ
November 29, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
This sucks… We look WORSE than the start of the season.
NO chemistry what so ever.
The team is showing now how BADLY it has been built,on the Cheap and they arenow simply going through the motions and losing to a BAD leaf team for me… is reason enough to show Waddell the door onceand for all, He is NOT working.
How far back will we be monday after trips to the Island and NJ ?
Washington is only 4 points back now… This SUCKS !
Trade Holik and Slater they are done, Zit too, what has happened to Slava ???? He is non-existant ?
We need a BIG trade on bring up the kids, it is getting much worst rather than better !!!!!!!
By Alan
November 29, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
I’m very disappointed. I wish I could find the words to express it. We need more D, and Moose needs a rest. And we definitely need more puck possession.
By ACK!
November 30, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
It’s hard to believe that Zhitnik, Popovic, and Perrin were only -1 each. That’s definitely a case where the stats don’t tell the truth. Each of them was absolutely horrible tonight. At least Haydar has an excuse for showing a lot of rust.
By ranallo10
November 30, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
Lehtonen was the second star on the AHL website tonight, after leading the Wolves to an OT win with 30 saves on 33 shots.
Sterling was the first star due to his hat-trick and game winning goal in OT.
By stendec
November 30, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
KL gives up a three-spot but nets OT win. Moose surrenders four goals including magic behind-the-back crawling monkey puck to secure hard-earned defeat. What is wrong with THIS picture? Thrashers should be pumping in four goals per outing. Expect starting netminders to limit opponents to three! Expecting too much? Do not cry too much about All-Star lineup without Thrashers. They have played far less than stellar of late! SQUA TRONT!
By Jsmooth
November 30, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this
Brendan is absolutely on point. If we can’t muster more than 20 or so shots against one of the slowest teams in the league, then we are in big trouble. Can anyone explain what has happened to our fluid neutral zone passing that helped propel this team to a 7 and 1 record over 8 games? Perhaps the SE division simply sucks relative to the rest of the conference. Something is rotten in Denmark!!!
By GaVaHokie
November 30, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Brendan… Bellanger was offered a contract and he flat out refused it. He didn’t want to stay here.
Two years ago, when Lehtonen came back from a groin injury in December, he led the team to first place in the Southeast… here’s to some dejavu.
Put McCarthy on waivers, bench Popovic or Klee and give Kwiatkowski, Pilar or Valabik a look.
By Russian
November 30, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
to GaVaHokie I am with you. Sit Zhitnik and Klee. Popvic should be OK. Bring Kwiatkowski, Pilar from Chicago. I think team need to give a break to Holik and Slava also. They are sleeping old mens. What is deal to pass puck back to back D every single time. That is look Horrible.
By Bob
November 30, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
This club needs outstanding goaltending to win. Or for Kovy to pot 2 or 3 in a night. I’m afraid we can’t expect either every night, so it’s up to the rest of the guys to start pulling their weight.
The question in my mind is, have we seen the best that the rest of these guys can do? I’m afraid this just isn’t a playoff lineup folks. I’m still thinking the best we can hope for is to stay within sniffing distance of the 8th spot, and then hope Waddell makes more “desperation moves” (yes Tony, I agree with you, I just think they still were necessary) at the deadline to save his job (again) and to try to get this club into the playoffs again.
By toph2o
November 30, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Pilar has looked horrible in Chicago, I’m scared to imagine what he’d be like in Atlanta.
Anyone else notice the numbering of the bottom 2 D pairs? 2-22, 7-77…
By FormerIslesFan
November 30, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Wow, what a horrible disappointment last night. Having now been to the Carolina, NJ and Toronto games in succession, I can state that this team just looks flat. We’re way past the excuse of “They ate too much turkey on T’Giving.”
5 shots through the first period? 12 through 2 (or at least, I THINK that I what I saw last night when I looked up at the shot clock). Unacceptable, especially against Toroto. Zhit looked horrible (as is his custom these days) and I noticed him once again standing right next to Hedberg on at least one goal not near ANY Leaf when the puck was in the back of our net. He is a liability, period and unless we can get some sort of draft pick for him, I think the best course of action at this point might be to pull a “Bryz” and put him on waivers in the hope that someone will pick up the remainder of his salary.
Klee is not there yet, but in my book, he is not too far behind.
What was killing me last night was that Teskala looked particularly vulnerable and of the first 10 shots the Thrashers put on net, he gave up rebounds on 9 of them (the only one he didn’t was fired directly into his chest). Yet, we had NO ONE crashing the net looking for rebounds.
sigh
Okay, that’s enough ranting for now. But, it’s fair to say, that this team has looked horrible. No jump, no spirit. When the highlight of the game is a second period fight (nice job by Boulton, BTW), you know your team is having issues.
stepping down of his soapbox
By R. Stroz
November 30, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Sit Zhit
Otherwise Zhit Happens
By GaVaHokie
November 30, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Interesting that Kovalchuk has this to say about Bob Hartley.
By Brian
November 30, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Hokie - great link, interesting quote as well.
By stendec
November 30, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
A constructive comment, or two, for Ilya Kovalchuk. Your comments about Bob Hartley were completely inappropriate and unprofessional. To me, they put you is a DeA++hole Hall class. Not a class ANYONE wants to be in! Son, you are young and talented. Learn when to keep your mouth shut! That is part of growing up and becoming responsible. You are too nice to take a thug attitude like members of another Atlanta so-called pro team. SQUA TRONT!
By Alan
November 30, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
I fail to see the unprofessional and inappropriate comments in the article, stendec. Help me out? Basically, he said Hartley was a good coach, but he felt that he had to conform. Conforming can take a huge toll on a person. Under Waddell, he can be who he is. It’s not like he called Hartley’s mother a w******* or anything.
By rj
November 30, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
More womens hockey league style of play from the Thrashers. No hitting. At least the girls put out a lot of effort. Kozlov reminds me of Stefan, just coasting along. Lets bring up some young blood, the older guys are just milking it for a paycheck.
By Bob
November 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
More good news for ya, stendec, your boy Kari is back. Probably be the starter tomorrow night, gee, who would’ve guessed that.
Let’s hope they give Pavelec plenty of work in Chicago, he could use it.
We need Lehtonen to steal a game here for us and stem the tide.
By Eileen
November 30, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Kari or Moose? I will take Kari. Anything to get this team going again.
By THEFISH
November 30, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
FIRE WADDELL ALREADY, YOU PUTZES!!!
By Thrasher Ryan
November 30, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Craig—Is Waddell taking applications for coach? Because It does not take a hockey expert to realize his current lines just do not work.
By Brendan
November 30, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
There is no way Waddell is getting fired before Christmas. If the team is forced into selling off assets at the trade deadline, (February 2008,) thennn I’d suspect we’d be seeing the last of Waddell. But, maybe not even then.
By Tony C.
November 30, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
That was ugly last night…Moose wasn’t on his game, and unfortunately, The Smurfs need for their goalie to be on-point when getting outsized that bad (please teel me we don’t play SJ this year)…and he wasn’t. Secondary scoring is a neccesity…I thought about the moving Slava to C…would he actually play??? It seems like he’s just “down” about his role on the team-wonder what his response to being benched for the last half of the game will be???
GO BLUE !!!
By Tony C.
November 30, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Oh, and it’d help if we didn’t pass the puck to the other team as they skate into our zone-just a thought that should’ve been in my previous post.
By KenJ
November 30, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
I just don’t understand why these sprit owners are so in love with waddell.
Even the most casual fan can see he is an awful GM with NO hockey sense.
He fails to resign players whowe need and signs players who are either worthless…IE washed up or small bit players.
I have heard all sides, but if this team is stuck, like it is now on New Years Day, then Mr.Waddell has to be let go… Worked wonders in Dallas… Why not here,but then they have an OWNERS we have owners who cannot even work togather… Go Figure but it looks not good folks !
By Thrasher_Ed
December 1, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
If you could have any former Thrasher(currently playing in the NHL) back who would you choose? Andrew Brunette, Milan Hejduk, Chris Kunitz would be a good three to start with any other ideas. Who is in goal tonight, Lehtonen or Hedberg?
By Roswell Thrasherfan
December 1, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
uh-oh, the Thrashers must have lost a couple games, I see Bob and some other “new bloggers” are calling for Waddell to be fired. Gee, I hope we win tonight, that always makes lac & Bob go away.
thrasher ed, when did Milan Hejduk play for the Thrashers? Now you guys are blaming the GM for players that were never even on this team?
By Brendan
December 1, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
I think Waddell is 11-7-0 since he took over. If you then decided to fire “Coach” Waddell based on that record, and only that 11-7-0 record, even I say that was a bit “rash.”
We’re not quite in a “free fall” just yet. But both these Islanders games coming up are very important to our playoff aspirations. The Islanders are probably a team we’ll have to catch and surpass to be in the playoff field. So, now is a really good time to turn it around and play like the team that went 9-2 over an eleven game stretch and 11-4-0 during a 15-game patch.
This penalty kill just can’t be ignored, however. Waddell said he’d review it and make adjustments. That’s still a work in progress. But it’s got to improve. Point of fact, it can only improve when it’s ranked 30th overall.
Let’s stay positive folks. The start of the Thrashers next new winning streak begins tonight at 7:00 PM.
By Brendan
December 1, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Thrasher_Ed, my choices would be Steve Staios, Brian Pothier, and Frank Kaberle on Defense. And Andrew Brunette and Shean Donovan on offense. Unless Brunette recently signed a contract extension, I think Brunette will be UNRESTRICTED this Summer. I’m not positive about it, though. I think his salary is in the viscinity of $1.6 million. That’s mind-boggling to me. What a steal!! Keep in mind though, he’s not a spring chicken anymore. Ya know, for “toughness,” how about Darcy Hordichuk? Did you Know?”: Darcy Hordichuk was a Don Waddell draft pick, selected 180th overall, sixth round, in 2000. Don plucked him from Saskatoon (WHL).
By Shady
December 3, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
The Thrashers are struggling but have a good nucleus for a run at winning the conference. The key is the ability to find continuity in the scoring line and the defense stepping up to make the big plays along with great goal tending. I would suggest DW to look at films last year of the Holik line, who scored many key goals. Brad Larsen should be playing minimum 12-16 minutes a game. Clutch earned his stripes and brings it every game. GO BLUE - Its time to Bark as the Dog Days approach. Find your shade boys and slip n slide - The “Effect” will reward you with anothe play-off shot.