By sisu

December 1, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Good to see Kari back in the nets

By btr

December 1, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Changing one player from one line to another is a worthless move. ESP the move Craig spoke of.

The plain truth of the matter is this is NOT a very good team.

Too many retreads & roll players and not enough higher teir players who can contribute.

How many shots will we have tonight 18 ?

We donot haveenough scoring and our defense is looking worse by the game.

Let’s hope KL does not face 50+ shots lose these to games and the sprit idiots better fire Waddell, this show is getting so old !

By erock

December 1, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

So Brett’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing, playing well down there and scoring goals. And he’ll get his chance.”…That was a quote from WADDELL about Brett Sterling for the CHICAGO WOLVES.Why cant he come to Atlanta and SCORE HIS GOALS!!!!???…GET RID OF waddell now!!

By Craig Custance

December 1, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

btr and everyone else — The Islanders have given up 31-37-31 shots their last three games. We know about the Thrashers lack of shots, so I’m setting the over/under for Thrashers shots at 23. Which side are you taking?

By Sam

December 1, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Nice bits of info…thanks. I like the idea of Thorburn on the 3rd line, I suppose. He’s got decent hands. Dup is having a heckuva time closing the deal, so why not bump him? Slava’s been bumped, as well. Agree that we could use some real 2nd line players on our 2nd line. No offense to the guys there, but the reality is that on other teams they wouldn’t be 2nd-liners, IMO.

By erock

December 1, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

over… there will be alot of penalties….I believe it will be an ugly fight marred game…at least i hope it is..

By sisu

December 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

So what about playing Slava with Kovy to get him going? As to Dup moving down, I hope it lights a fire for him. Good luck with the cross town drive Craig, it can be tricky to drive up there:)

By Mike

December 1, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Why not put Kovalchuk Kozlov Hossa in one line? What happened to the days when your #1 line was your #3 players. I know you have to spread your offence but who needs depth when 1 line can score.

By Waffleboy

December 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Where the hell do you put Brett? He wasn’t ever playing well enough to be on our second line and his minutes on the third line would make him ineffective. btr- I could not disagree with you more. Take a look at least season’s opening night roster and compare it with this season’s. This season’s is so much better it’s ridiculous. We had Glen Metropolit as our number one center! This team is good enough to make the playoffs and the players need to start stepping up. Enstrom, Kovalchuk and, for the most part, Little are the only guys showing up every night. The rest of the team needs to pick up the slack.

By Waffleboy

December 1, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Vote for Kovy!

By Craig Custance

December 1, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks sisu

By Tony C.

December 1, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I think Metro would do just fine in the current system.

The reason you don’t put #17 Slava and Hoss all on the same line is because (like we’ve seen past couple of games) if the other guys top defenders can shut that line down, we’re screwed.

Glad to see we’re back to getting other teams’ #2

GO BLUE !!!

By hairyheckler

December 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I’ll go with the over on this one.

Thorburn was a bright spot from my seat on Thursday night. Good to see him move up a bit in the rankings.

The 4th line will struggle to score until Slates can get his head straight on putting it in the net. It’s like he has scoring block or something.

By Alan

December 1, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

I say we’ll have between 20 and 25 shots tonight. They’ll get at least 30 on us.

By Brian

December 1, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

mike - like all team sports, different players play different positions. Between Kovy, Hoss & Kozzy, none of them play center, so they will not all play on one line…

By R. Stroz

December 1, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Over, 27 shots

By kracker

December 1, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Over. I like Thorburn getting the chance to work the 3rd line, he works hard and has a little speed too….as for Dupuis, if the GM on the bench not liking your play doesn’t get you going, what will? Ditto Slater, is he EVER going to score? Speed isn’t worth a lot if you don’t rack up some points.

By stendec

December 1, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

KL back in goal within minutes? Whoop-dee-doo! Like to see him allow three goals or less. Not confident he will. Oh well, will be monitoring progress. CLOSELY! Best to all fellow Thrasher watchers!

By Brian

December 1, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Why all the whining about a 4th line center not scoring? How many other 4th line centers in the league are putting up the points that you folks think Slater should be getting?

By erock

December 1, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Hey waffle boy who do we have now that is doing any better than Sterling?? Your an idiot!! Bring up new blood and send these veterans packing!!!

By kracker

December 1, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Brian I think people just feel that a first round center with 145 NHL games at the beginning of this season should be scoring more than 1 point on 1 assist in 24 games this year. Slater is -6 as well but the Thrashers +/- is pretty dismal for most everybody.

By Waffleboy

December 1, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

erock- a little decorum please, no name-calling on this blog. Sterling was playing on his off-wing when he was up here, and that’s where he would be if you brought him back. Three points in ten games is definitely less than what Perrin is putting up, albeit not by much. Also, it’s “you’re an idiot” and my name is Waffleboy—one word.

By Waffleboy

December 1, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Vote for Kovy!

By erock

December 1, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

gettin it done on long island boys!!!!!!!!! 3-0

By kracker

December 1, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Woohoo Slater forces a rebound, Sutton gets beat out of position again, Boulton scooooooores!………..WOW then Hoss puts it in, 3-0 Thrash!!!

By stendec

December 1, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Thrashers up 3-0 in first period? Guess they are as much afraid of KL netminding as I am! Keep those goals coming boys. You may need ‘em!

By GoalieBrian

December 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

I always used to boo Andy Sutton for his horrendous play when he was with the Thrashers, and he’s earning it again tonight with that cheap run at Kovy at the end of the first.

It is nice to see the guys stepping up and lighting up the lamp. 4-0? Okay, let’s keep that going!

By Brian

December 1, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

kracker - can you please list the points scored by all the other 4th line centers in the NHL? There are 4 lines on the team and they all serve a different role.

By stendec

December 1, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

KL gets four-goal advantage! Nice welcome back from mates. Keep goals coming guys! Total effort for 20 minutes. Only 40 more minutes to go. Isles goalie count is four goals surrendered plus broken goal stick. Love that last second goal. GLAD IT WAS NOT IN THRASHER NET! Seen too damn many of those already.

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

I hope someone pops Andy Sutton good!

By GoalieBrian

December 1, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Which Isle threw the elbow to get the penalty at the end of the 2nd? Anyone catch that? They didn’t say on TV.

By stendec

December 1, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Thrashers still up 4-0 after two periods. KL has not allowed goal. SOFT OR OTHERWISE! Dare I dream of shutout? Believe win is definitely within reach. Add a couple more goals! GO BLUE!

By Brian

December 1, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

stendec - you never say that before the game is over, it is a jinx…

By kracker

December 1, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Swapping Thorburn & Dupuis looks good, so far, though it’s only been a couple of periods. They are getting points and shots, Slater too.

By Brian

December 1, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

GoalieBrian - I think it was a hooking call on Bryan Berard…

By Brian

December 1, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Craig - after only 2 periods you already have a push on the over/under.

By stendec

December 1, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

All credit to KL. Thanks for shutout! Thrashers gave KL four goals. The netminder only needed one this night. Excellent way to get off snide! Keep up good work. GO BLUE!

By GoalieBrian

December 1, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Nice shutout. That should give Kari some confidence now coming back from his injury. Bonehead penalty by Zhitnik at the end of the game, but hey, they killed it and got the shutout.

I’m kind of surprised that the refs were able to maintain control out there. It was looking pretty chippy there for awhile.

One thing I’ll give the Isles is their PK. So aggressive. I mean, I know our special teams haven’t been the best, but man, their killers were on their game.

Nice job guys.

By btr

December 1, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Crazy, Crazy, Crazy… Now we are back to the way we played during the SE run. Real solid game !!!!

Sutton typical Sutton, out of position a LOT almost fell on his butt on the Boulton goal, SO Typical for sure.

Let’s see if we can play another strong defensive game in NJ Sunday…

Then get out an BOO Sutton like a dog here next week !!!!!!

By Barry

December 1, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

What a great start and game for the most part by the Thrashers. Sutton still continues to show us why it tooks many weeks before anyone would sign him. What a cheap shot artist and pansy he is. How can you sit there and go after Kovy when you played together all those years? Anyway, the one part of the Thrashers game that just still continues to suck is their PP. OMG Thrashers are like sleep walking on their own PP. About two times Thrashers had a PP it looked like they were on the PK with the Isles having 1:00 of puck possesion in Thrashers own zone!!! Thrashers need to learn to be more aggressive on the PP. Just because you have an extra man doesn’t mean you can just relax and the other team is going to give you scoring chances my gawd!

By Brian

December 1, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Barry - they definitely should’ve been more aggressive on the PP in the 1st, but in the 3rd they were more concerned with protecting the lead (and shutout) so they did sit back a little I think…

By Brendan

December 1, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Okay, Waddell is now 12-7-0 after 19 games. This has to be, overall, a positive direction. There’s been a lack of consistency. But what ELSE is new? Tonight, the Thrashers got out to a great start and the team kept it up, proving they can play with a lead over 40 minutes. Truthfully, they won the game on Kovalchuk’s goal in the first minute and protected it 59+ minutes.

This was as good of a “road effort” as we’re apt to see all year. This could have easily been 7-0. Some of the guys, like Dupuis, had multiple quality chances. Havelid had a fantastic setup by Kovy. I think he hit the post. Another positive is … no PPG against us. But the biggest positive on the night, even greater than Kari’s 1st win and shutout on the season, was the four-point swing on the Isles, who we must catch by season’s end to make the playoffs. There’s a big rematch coming up with them. We need to win that one in regulation time, too. That’s be an eight-point swing (We get four points, while taking four potential points away from them).

By Craig Custance

December 1, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

I guess I was off on my shots over/under.

By kracker

December 2, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Hmmmmm…Islanders press votes Exelby #2 star? Were they impressed by his hit on Satan? Or his preserving Lehts SO by raking the puck from the goal?

Best line I saw tonight was “Finally Sutton was Thrashers best player.”

By Sara

December 2, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Alright Slater-haters, just for you guys Stat-Girl over here is gonna go do some research (actually that part’s mostly done, I just have to make a nice pretty spreadsheet out of it) to compare Slates to other 4th line centers out there and see what we get (or I guess in this case, what we’ve got).

I’ll tell you now, this is a somewhat difficult proposition. Since I don’t watch all 30 teams on a regular basis, I can’t be positive who is playing the 4th line C position on all of them. Guys play out of position all the time. Basically what I’ve looked for is the guy listed as a C with the lowest ATOI per team. As with most of my research I stumble across other interesting things, like the fact that some teams are rolling four lines with almost equal regularity (in fact, Chicago and Colorado are turning into real pains in the rears trying to figure out who the 4th guy is supposed to be so if anyone knows those answers, feel free to let me know).

I’ll post the link to the spreadsheet when I am finished.

By Sara

December 2, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

The spreadsheet is up. I found that foxsports.com does depth charts for each team, although the accuracy is questionable (as in Little was listed as our #4 center, when in actuality it’s Slates and Perrin, who they listed as #3 is playing wing currently). So I went somewhat by their listings and also by just looking at the ATOI for listed centers per team. If you think I’ve got something wrong, let me know so I can re-evaluate and fix it. I do these spreadsheets not to try to make my own points, but to put out information we can all use to make comparisons and form opinions. I want this stuff to be as correct as I can get it.

As for the “results” of this analysis:There are a lot of considerations - some of these guys are getting a lot more ice time than Slates is on average - but most have put up better numbers. Keep in mind also that Slater was a -7 in the first six games, but a +2 during the Waddell era. I think Slates brings a lot of energy which fits in well with what the fourth line is meant to do (and is doing). The question to me really is, can we (the fans and/or the team) be ok with a 4th line that doesn’t contribute much offensively but is doing a good job of playing keep away from the other teams’ top lines? Personally, I’m good with it.

By kracker

December 2, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Sara, I will read your spreadsheet with interest. For the record: I am not a Slater-Hater. I want all the guys to do so well DW has the most difficult (or the easiest) job ever deciding the lines, the pairings and who are the healthy scratches.

I do hope Slates can pick it up and now would be a good time, we badly need his scoring. The last two seasons he is 10g,10a,71gm,+1 and 5g,14a,74gm,+8. This year he is 0g,2a,25gm,-5.

By Craig Custance

December 2, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Sara - the Hockey News usually has pretty good depth charts, and they get them from the beat writers.

So, from what I can see, your spreadsheet leads me to believe that Slater is below average. Would that be your conclusion? (Nice work, by the way)

By Sara

December 2, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

One other point real quick. Think about the implications of someone who has put up say 10 points, but is a -8 (Jared Stoll I’m looking at you). I can tell you now, those implications are, as Rawhide would say, Un-Good.

By john

December 2, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

why not bring Sterling up and play Sterling-Slater-Dupuis give them a few more minutes and in a few games they could come together and be a good scoring line.

By Alan

December 2, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Slater does appear to be “below average” …but he’s not the worst one out there. His ice time is a little low, too. Hell, compare him to Niedermayer, who has a full ten minutes more ATOI than Slater. I think if the fourth line was given a bit more ice time, it could become just as potent as the first line.

By Sara

December 2, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Craig thanks for the tip. I was hoping for a source like that because the beat writers are the most likely to know who really plays each line regularly. Unfortunately I wasn’t willing to scour 30 newspapers to figure it out. :)

My take on Slates is two-fold. He is a first round pick playing on a fourth line - not really the net result you want there. And I had hoped to see more from him based on his performance at school and also what I saw from him at prospect camps prior to his becoming a full time player. His assets have always been his speed and tenacity of play and I think we still see that. I’d like to see more points from him (and that line). But to me a fourth line’s job is mainly to be defensively responsible and shut down other team’s top lines. Our fourth line is doing that - I think if we had puck possession stats we’d really see it.

So in total, Slater isn’t performing as I had hoped he would, but I think he is performing well in the role he has been given.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Jim Slater will wind up being a “bonus” player Waddell throws in to complete a deal for someone he really wants at the trade deadline.

Jim Slater could actually light it up in the minors and become more attractive in a trade situation. Slater is still young and developing. Another organization might eagerly take him on, especially at his salary.

Let’s not also forget … Waddell has some other players who can be converted to Centers. Like? Kozlov and Haydar. They’ve done it before.

How did we ever get Jim Slater? When Florida swapped draft positions with Columbus so that the Jackets could take Nash 1st overall in 2002, Columbus gave the 30th overall pick that it acquired from Buffalo, via Detroit, to Florida. Florida handed it to Atlanta in exchange for not selecting Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester with 2nd overall pick.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

sara - your stats can be manipulated. The biggest error here is that people think a 4th line center is supposed to be a scorer. Let me give a football analogy since people aren’t catching this whole “4th line thing”. There is a fullback who only gets 2 yards every time he carries the ball. He only has 14 yards for the whole year. Now a bunch of bloggers are complaining, saying that “we drafted that fullback in the first round and he only averages 2 yards a carry and only has 14 yards all year”.

But what coaches look at is the fact that the only time that fullback is given the ball is on 4th and 1. He was brought in 7 times on 4th and 1 and got exactly 2 yards each time they gave him the ball. The team is 7 for 7 on 4th and 1 attempts. Pretty successful fullback, wouldn’t you say?

Now look at Slater. He is not going to play many minutes. He is not out there to get hat tricks. He and Thorburn and Boulton are out there to provide a spark. They are there to give the scorers a breather in certain situations. They grind it out and when necessary, drop the gloves. Don’t look at Slater the way you look at White or Spezza or Crosby. The coaches know in what situations they needed Slater & Co. to go out and either mix it up or just shut a line down for 1 shift.

They aren’t looking for a 100 yard game or 2 TDs/game, they just need to convert that 4th and 1 once a game…

By Mike

December 2, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Anyone know if Lets is going to get the start again tonight? A part of me hopes he does after his perfomance last night, but I don’t know if he is in shape to play back to back.

GO THRASHERS!!

By Craig Custance

December 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Moose tonight - no other lineup changes.

By Craig Custance

December 2, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Brian — So, in your opinion, is there any way to quantify Slater’s contributions like you can a fullback?

By Sara

December 2, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Brian you’re exactly right and I was trying to convey my thoughts on that in my other posts. 4th lines are, to me, energy lines and defensive lines. The most important stat for me for the 4th liners is +/-. Now in Slates’ case, it still doesn’t look all that good at -5, but that damage was really done in the first 6 games. By and large, Slates is even in most games, as he should be. When he’s even, the other team hasn’t scored and he’s done his job. Some of those other centers have more points, but they are also minuses on the season - which is really bad to me. Jared Stoll has 10 points - he’s been on the ice for ten goals. He has a PP point, which had no effect on his +/-, and a SHG which gave him a +1. The other eight should be even strength, so he should be a +9 based on those numbers. But instead he’s a -8, which means he’s been on the ice for 17 goals against. Pretty sorry performance IMO.

Like I said, I’d still like to see more offense from the 4th line (and lines 2 and 3 for that matter), but they do well what they are there to do and that’s ultimately what matters. It doesn’t make Slater special - he’s expendable, most 4th line guys are. But it doesn’t make him a bad player either.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Craig - unfortunately for our information/data age, not everything is conveyed in numbers. How do you quantify leadership? Can you show me the leadership points that Kovy has accumulated this season, or since we can’t quantify it does it not matter at all? The coaches know this stuff, and that’s what counts. They probably have their own system, and even that can’t be quantified at times. How do you measure the energy jolt a team gets if Boulton goes and drops the gloves after someone illegally knees Hossa?

Sara - +/- is NOT the stat to measure Slater by. The reason being is because the only way it gets improved is if his line scores, and we have already stated that they are not there to score. So why judge him on how many points he gets when at the same time you say you don’t care if he doesn’t get points?

For the record, that fullback example was a formula that the Dallas Cowboys used when Emmit Smith was getting first downs on 3rd and short but his yards/carry average was below that of Barry Sanders & Thurman Thomas.

The +/- was used by Scotty Bowman for over 10 years before the league made it an official stat…

By kracker

December 2, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

About Slater, it’s a bit like what was said about Stefan: It wasn’t Patrik’s fault he was drafted 1st player. And it isn’t Slater’s fault he was drafted in the first-round (30th pick.) Had he been picked one spot later he is a 2nd rounder, with maybe a bit less expectation for that drafted player.

Nonetheless, he was a good late first round pick and still has lots of upside potential. You can’t teach speed, as they say.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Craig, I’m hesitant to mention this, but have there been talks between Holik and Waddell regarding any contract renewal? Certainly Holik’s agent can point to Hossa and state, “You’re talking with him, why not me/us?”

If you are at liberty to discuss it, we’d all like to know if such talks are ongoing. For those of you who really like Holik, this would be the opportunity to potentially re-ink him for less. At least, hypothetically, anyway. Holik still may be had very affordably during the offseason. Waddell knows this, as well. Which may be why he’s not potentially talking to Holik’s agent.

Also, it’d be interesting to note if Steve Rucchin does intend to “formally” retire at the conclusion of the season. I doubt Don Waddell would re-sign him, even if Rooch does decide to give it another try next season.

By Craig Custance

December 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Brendan — Last time I checked with Bobby there were no discussions of a contract extension nor did it sound like anything was in the works.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Kracker, centers selected after Jim Slater, 30th overall, include: Jarett Stoll, 36th overall, Matt Stajan, 57th overall, Jiri Hudler, 58th overall, Jarkko Immonen, 254th overall, and Jan Stastny, 259th overall. The Diamond in the rough from the 2002 Draft was … Petr Prucha, RW, 240th overall.

It just goes to show what an inexact Science drafting really is.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the feedback, Craig. Is this a great blog, or what? Ask a question, you get an answer inside of a few minutes!

By kracker

December 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Interesting list, Brendan. Yes, drafting and player development isn’t a club strength to this point in the Thrashers’ short history.

By Alan

December 2, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

2-1 NJD? C’mon, Thrashers! Pull it together!

By Hooky Bob

December 2, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

So, does anyone know what the Thrasher’s record is when McGeough is a ref?

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Way to go Kovy!!! We’re at least going to get a point. And our record in overtimes/shootouts is 5-0.

Thrashers gave up that “late” goal at the end of the 1st period. But credit Atlanta for hangin’ in while the Devils did their best job at “smothering” us.

Maybe we’ll be back at .500?

By btr

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

Good Game… despite SOL, this one will not linger like others.

By Sara

December 2, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

HookyBob I was wondering somewhat the same thing. If there’s some stats I’d like to get my hands on, it’s how many penalties each ref calls against each team. The League will never give that information up - although arguably if there’s nothing to hide there’s no reason not to put that out. We get screwed by McGeough constantly - at least it feels that way. I’d like to see if the actual stats back that up or if he’s an a-hole to everybody.

Brian I didn’t say I don’t expect the 4th line to score - because I do want and expect them to contribute offensively. However their primary job is defense and I think +/- is the way to look at it. Nor is it just the overall number. I went and looked at Slater’s game by game stats and most games he’s an even - that means job well done to me.

By Brian

December 2, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Antyime you can come away with a point when you were trailing in the third is a good thing they say. The better thing is that they have 3 pts in 2 games and the 3 game slide is ancient history now. BIG game on Wed versue the Isles again…

By Brian

December 2, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Sara - point taken, if they are truly defensive, they should have an even +/-, not be negative…

HookyBob - when I saw McGeough the first time, he had his helmet on (and I only saw his face) and I thought to myself in my head “oh no, that isn’t who I think it is, is it?”

By kracker

December 2, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

It is great to get the come-from-behind OTL point - that beats losing 1-2 by a 1000%.

By Brendan

December 2, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

In the shootout, I was surprized that Kozlov, Hossa, and Kovalchuk all missed. I think that’s only happened one or two other times. I can’t remember now. But usually, one of them pops in a shootout attempt, even in a loss. Kozlov had a pretty good look. He got Brodeur down, but Marty bested him. Hossa tried his usual “five-hole” move. And Kovalchuk tried to go high glove, getting Broduer to “lean” a bit. Marty would have none of it.

Okay folks, a few days off … then another big game vs. the Islanders. I keep tellin’ ya, we have to catch the Islanders to make the playoffs. A regulation-time win means an eight (8) point swing, for the year, towards doing just that. We must not only get points, but deny them points in the process.

Laugh all ya want about Charles Wang and his team of, essentially, “castoffs” from other clubs, the Islanders manage to be a very effective team in the Eastern Conference. I think all the credit in the world deserves to go to Head Coach Ted Nolan, who seems to know how to reach each and every one of his players. The Islanders really are a bunch of retreads. From Atlanta, they got Sim and Mandy (Sutton). They got Comrie, Fedotenko and Vasicek from Free Agency. I’m trying to think of a “home grown” Islander, and only DiPietro comes immediately to mind.

By Brian

December 3, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Brendan - part of the reason they are a group of retreads is because they couldn’t sign Ryan Smyth in the offseason after they traded good prospects for him, and who made that blunder? Not only did they lose the superstar, but also the future talent. And it’s not like they needed to rent a player to make the playoffs for the first time or it was “their year” to do it last year in a small window (a la Doug Weight or Keith Tkachuk).

As for Ted Nolan, I jumped off of his bandwagon a long time ago…

By GaVaHokie

December 3, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Craig… was your Sutton interview before or after the game? :) I’m sure Sutton would have different things to say if it were after.

That Isles defence is Swiss cheese.

Give me 20 minutes in practice with Dupuis and I’ll get his shots on net… how do you miss the net TWICE within ten feet of the goal? He’s got a focus and release issue.

By Brendan

December 3, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Brian, the Islanders continually “Pull a Homer.” Simpsons Dictionary definition: “To succeed, despite idiocy.” The Ryan Smyth deal was bad. There’s an ever growing list of them for the Isles. But four of last five (4/5) seasons the Isles have made the playoffs. Of course, they haven’t won any playoff series.

Brian, didn’t Ted Nolan do some “decent” things while in Buffalo? I think they won a division title and returned to the playoffs, after a lengthy absence, under Nolan. Now, keep in mind, I’m not a member of the “Ted Nolan Fan Club.” But I will give him credit for his achievements. I’ve never quite heard the “full story,” but there are apparently some details of his private life that are best left … private.

By Brian

December 3, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Brendan - Ted Nolan did have the 1 year where they overachieved, but what is most absurd are all the half truths that circulate making him into a legend and everyone feels bad for poor Teddy when it is crazy when you hear the facts.

LEGEND: Ted Nolan was fired from the Buffalo Sabres

FACT: The Sabres offered Nolan a contract but he turned it down, calling it an olive branch

LEGEND: Ted Nolan was blackballed from every other job opportunity because no one wanted a Native American to succeed

FACT: Ted Nolan was offered the head coach position of the TB Lightning, turned it down because he didn’t feel it was right for him. He also was offered an assistant position with the Islanders and other teams

I could go on, but I just got so sick about how poor Teddy was being discriminated against when nothing was further from the truth. As well, the guy had 1 good year and acted like everything should be handed to him on a golden platter. Paul Maurice took the ‘Canes to the Cup Finals, coached them for years. What was his next position? He coached the St. John’s Leafs minor league hockey team. He did well and got promoted to his current position. He didn’t publicly whine about the whole thing. I didn’t have to listen to the same half truths over and over again. John Tortorella took that same TB team to a Cup championship, the time was ok for him but not for poor Teddy…

By GaVaHokie

December 3, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Was Ted Nolan the guy who was top candidate for the Thrashers job before Hartley was hired? I remember someone whining that they were offered the position and it was taken away and given to Hartley at the last minute.

By Brian

December 3, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Hokie - Nolan was among the plethera of candidates before Fraser was hired, but I doubt he was ever considered when BH was brought on. That doesn’t mean that the conspiracy theories weren’t running wild though in the media…

By d

December 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

My son,who plays on a travel mite team, says Hossa always goes for the 5-hole in the shoot out. Sure enough, Hossa attempted this same shot against Brodeur yesterday. If my son knows what’s coming - you can bet Martin does as well. At what point does DW give Little another chance in the shootout instead of Hossa or Kozzy?

By Brian

December 3, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

d - keep Kozzy, he is one of the top 10 leaders since the shootout started. But Hossa can sit for Little IMO. I actually called the bicycle kickstand move he did against Brodeur and said that was coming (he tried it on a breakaway either that game or on Sat).

By Craig Custance

December 3, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Kovy was named the NHL’s first star for the month of November.

By Bob

December 3, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

But to me a fourth line’s job is mainly to be defensively responsible and shut down other team’s top lines.

Sara, that’s the 3rd line’s job, to go out and play against the opposing top line. The 4th lines job is to bring some energy when needed in very limited minutes, like after the opponent scores, after a PP that goes bust.

I’m not wasting bandwidth arguing whether or not the textbook definition of a bust is a 1st round draft pick who is now a below average 4th line center. lol.

Stendec, you on the sign Kari to the extension bandwagon yet? Just kidding, he usually comes back strong from having time off, which shows why it’s so important to keep him mentally sharp. Let’s hope Waddell has that message and will play Moose every 5th game or so the rest of the way out. If he can keep Kari sharp, you can expect elevated play out of him. Otherwise, you’ll see those valleys again, but these peaks in his play sure are nice, no?

My son,who plays on a travel mite team, says Hossa always goes for the 5-hole in the shoot out. Sure enough, Hossa attempted this same shot against Brodeur yesterday. If my son knows what’s coming - you can bet Martin does as well. At what point does DW give Little another chance in the shootout instead of Hossa or Kozzy?

That shootout was a little disappointing and I also wondered about the effort out of all three guys there. But remember, they were going against Brodeur, he’s the best goalie in the league. They may have been overthinking it a bit and trying to be too cute, I’d prefer full speed, quick deke moves, and take your shot, but whatever, 3 out of 4 pts from a quick weekend road trip is nothing to gripe about.

Congrats to Kovy, his effort this year has been nothing less than outstanding.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

December 3, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Craig,

On my way back from college years ago, I didn’t have enough cash for one of the tolls, so they made me pull over and I had to write them a check

By Brendan

December 3, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

I never keep a checkbook in my car, Buzzilla. How fortunate that you did!

By Tony C.

December 3, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

I’d Stoll over Slater in a heartbeat.

By Remie

December 4, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Eroc- you’re an idiot

By Brian

December 4, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Erock - I just read your post above to figure out why Remie just referred to you. To put it easy, Sterling can’t just do equal or similar to who we have now. He has to far exceed them. The reason is that he can stay in Chicago. You can’t send a vet like Kozzy to the minors just because he has established himself and is allowed to have slumps. As well, he is not doing worse than Sterling, he just isn’t doing much better. Then you have the whole problem of having certain players clearing waivers in order to be sent down. You don’t have that problem with Sterling now. Thus, unless Sterling far exceeds someone who is here now, he is the odd man out.

By Brian

December 4, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Craig - can you give us an update on the all-star votes (particularly the Enstrom total which is not available anywhere else)? Thanks.

By Brendan

December 4, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

On 680TheFan this morning, I caught an appearance by Kari Lehtonen. Perry was “grilling” him on the design of his new mask, which … apparently … will feature “Transformers.”

Allrighty, then.

My favorite mask of the past … just might be Bernie Parent’s. I liked Jim Rutherford’s also. And Cheevers is a classic! Tony Esposito’s was memorable, too.

By ranallo10

December 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Perry’s got room to “grill” anybody. He discusses Hero’s every week on his show, and claimed that Pittsburgh “has no chance — please!” of beating West Virginia. Good call Perry.

Perry is in the same clA* as Kinkade…

I love that Emery has Mike Tyson on his mask as a tribute to his penchant for boxing/fighting. Gotta love Emery, though he’s gotten a little sloppy as of late.

By ranallo10

December 4, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

What’s up with this crap??? I put an asterisk before an a and after an ss and it wigs out.

Stupid AJC — I blame Rawhide.

By Brian

December 4, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

ranollo - maybe we can try a trick taught in a different cla ss, let’s see if it works…

By Brian

December 4, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Enstrom was named Rookie of the Month He beat out both Toews and Kane from Chicago…

By Rawhide

December 4, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Hey! I look in here TOO Ranallo!!

( .\/. ) grrrrrrrr…..

By Alan

December 4, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

That’s really awesome, Brian! Congratulations are definitely in order for Enstrom!

By Brian

December 4, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Kovy has almost caught Ovechkin in the latest all-star vote totals.

Go and vote now as we are gaining ground.

By ranallo10

December 4, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

You’re not so intimidating without your blue letters Rawhide…

I ain’t scurred!

By Thrasher Ryan

December 4, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Thanks for getting my comment to Coach Waddell last Friday. He changed lines a bit, but it still needs some tweaking. Tell him to try:

Kovalchuk-White-Haydar Kozlov-Little-Hossa
Boulton-Holik-Thorburn
Perrin-Slater-Dupuis

Exelby-Klee
Havelid-Enstrom
McCarthy-Popovic

Alternative lines include scratching Slater and moving Perrin to Center, adding Larsen at Left Wing on Line 4.

Slater and Zhitnik could use the view from the press box to reflect on their game and think about about to snap out of their shnides.

Thanks Craig.

By Mike B

December 7, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

If Kozlov is gonna score big goals, can we start printing playoff tickets?????