Thrashers

By kracker

December 5, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t resist: First?

By kracker

December 5, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Even at half-price Recchi isn’t desirable….well, too bad but it happens to everybody.

I have a seat in a 400 setion, row K, so I won’t be able to see the fight, if they do. Just kidding. It will be my first time up there. I will spare you the bad joke about needing the sherpa and an 02 bottle….oops.

The rematch is optional. Just get 2 regulation points and all will be right with the world. Ok, get 2 in OT if necessary.

By Sara

December 5, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Sutton isn’t as big a pansy as some make him out to be. He’s always been willing to get physical - unfortunately his sense of timing usually sucked. When you’re losing 9-0 really isn’t a good time to throw an elbow. When you’re up like 6-2 or something isn’t the time to take a run at an opponent either. When the other team just started moving the puck back toward your zone isn’t the time to get tied up with someone either.

It’s ok though - he’s their headache now, not ours. Well, maybe Thorburn’s headache … >8-O

By Buzilla Baby Blues

December 5, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

X KO’s MANDY

By DWTOO

December 5, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Think Recchi would be worth a look. He was instrumental in the Canes Cup run and could provide some vet leadership/experience similar to what Keith T. did last year. If it doesn’t work out release him.

By ranallo10

December 5, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Craig, this is twice now you’ve stolen my topic…

kracker — The half-price doesn’t happen until they pass him through re-entry waivers. Right now he’s been waived, which means the claiming team takes over his current contract ($2M salary cap hit). If he’s placed on re-entry waivers he’s THEN paid half of his contract from the Penguins, and half from the claiming team.

So far nobody wants him at full price…

Sara — It’s impossible to call a 6’6 man soft, but some people try to with Sutton. He’s no slouch in a fight, as was evident in the Thorburn match. My problem was that he always targeted the wrong players (fight wise). He’d square off with a 5’11 Darcy Tucker before he’d look at taking on a 6’5 Wade Belak. Belak is known as a fighting heavyweight, Tucker is not. He’d decline fighting with the big boys, but as soon as Jokinen wants to drop gloves (not known as a fighter) Sutton would be all in. He seemingly picks the fights he can win, which has always lost respect in my mind.

I was surprised he took on Thorburn, and equally surprised that Thorburn got so badly manhandled (physically).

Buzilla — I think Exelby would be better off staying away from Sutton fighting wise. That big lug is not worth getting another concussion, and payback would be better served via a Sundin-esque open ice check.

By Bob

December 5, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Recchi-ball is a shadow of his former self, pass on him.

I think Kari should kick Mandy’s rear, for playing such s** defense in front of him last year.

Sutton’s a puss, I’m surpised to hear Thorburn didn’t handle him. I still remember LeCavalier taking him to town, and Mandy got beat up by somebody else as well. I guess Thorburn’s not much of a fighter, mabye Enstrom or Stuart Little should take Mandy on?

By GSU-Lee

December 5, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe, I looked you up in the Signal archives….your Knights coverage was eerily similar to my spin on the Thrashers. Your sections were great.

By Waffleboy

December 5, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Look at the video. Most of the punches were to the back of Thorburn’s head. And as soon as CT land that right on Mandy’s chin, he was all ready for the linesmen to step in. Sutton’s the same wuss he always was.

By Brendan

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

Ya know, I’m gonna get a “ration of it” for saying this, but I’d take Recchi on re-entry waivers. He’s only half-price, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll put him back on waivers. Someone will claim him again on re-entry, or he’ll retire. It’s that, or play for the Chicago Wolves for the rest of the year. I’m sure the fans in Chicago might like that bone being tossed their way. I would think Recchi would do very well in the AHL.

On the “NHL Channel” they have a promo on Mark Recchi where he jokes that people asked him if he’s even still in the league this year. And his comeback is, “They’ll have to pry the stick out of my cold, dead hands.” Of course, that’s a promo and must contain theatrics like that, per the NHL’s recent advertising campaign. A campaign that even has Joe Thornton staring into a bathroom mirror, in full uniform, while asking, “Do these pants make my butt look big?” The NHL is trying to promote their High Definition games, by insisting that NHL Players are trying to look their very best for HD. And even features Jarome Iginla “plucking his eyebrows” for his closeups.

But I digress. If you’re Mark Recchi, and you really Don’t want to retire, you’ll try your utmost for whoever picks you up. Young, he is not. Fast, he is not. But experienced and playoff-tested, he is. If put on an “energy line,” and used sparingly, and perhaps in PP situations, I could see Recchi having “some value” for the Thrashers.

But, I’d be lying to you if I said I’d checked on his salary. I assume it’s low. But I don’t really know. If it’s $4-$5 million, that changes things. Even at half price, with 2/3rds of the season left. If it’s “cost prohibitive,” then that’s what it is. And it’s right to pass on him.

By Alan

December 5, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Brendan - According to TSN.ca, his one year contract with Pittsburgh is for $1.75M. If you consider a half-price re-entry waiver, would it be worth picking him up? I honestly don’t think we need another winger (unless we’re getting rid of someone who isn’t productive, as I indicated in a different comment), but maybe some veteran leadership might help a bit.

By Jameson

December 5, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

I actually thought it was painful to watch Thorburn go with Sutton. I mean, on the ice, there’s only so much you can do with someone 4 inches taller than you. It’s hard to shoot in under a reach advantage on ice. It’s too bad Mandy has such a hard time picking on someone his own size. Things will get interesting if Valabik can get his skating up to NHL speed.

By Jameson

December 5, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

Thorburn would do if we let him loose on Comrie.

By Jameson

December 5, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

At this point, I wouldn’t mind seeing what Thorburn would do if we let him loose on Comrie, though.

By Tom

December 5, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Just a note. Glad to get 2 points tonight but we need to rebuild the power play and Kozlov should not be let near it anymore.

He is still a solid player but he has lost his will to shoot and the other teams know it.

So instead of getting in his grill they know they can back off and smother Ilya.

We need shots on the power play, lots of shots to free up our stars. Otherwise we will be stuck in mediocrity or worse with 2 of the top scorers just getting tired when we are a man up.

By Hockeyfan

December 5, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Sutton’s dad (wearing the white jersey with the orange and blue turd) get the Loser stamp tonight. Nice job.

By Rone

December 5, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

I punked Mandy Sutton after the shoot out. Buzilla and I got down to the seats behind the Islander bench from the third period to the end of the game. We played it cool until the end of the game, not wanting to get booted. Then, after we won the shoot out, as Mandy was walking out, from 3 feet away and no glass between us, I yelled, “Three million dollars, and you still play like S#!T!!! He turned around and said “What?”, and then was forcefully pushed back to the dressing room by his new teammates. I received high fives all the way out by Thrasher fans who witnessed this. Needless to say, I would have gotten my butt kicked by Sutton, if he had gotten into the stands, but I don’t care. I hated him when he was a Thrasher and I’m glad I got under his skin as an Islander.

By Eileen

December 5, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Did Andy Sutton’s dad come to Atlanta to give moral support? I felt bad about the boos, but it was to expected after the hit on Kovy.

By Bob

December 5, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

as Mandy was walking out, from 3 feet away and no glass between us, I yelled, “Three million dollars, and you still play like S#!T!!!

Ladies and germs, I nominate this man right damn here for blogger of the year. Voting is now closed.

Classic and well played, sir.

Great game, two shorties? Nice.

By Tony C.

December 5, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

He totally would’ve destroyed you….but that’s nice. Glad to see ATL is finally getting some fans with some teeth.

Of course I didn’t get to see the game, but how on earth did we give up the tying goal???

GO BLUE !!! #17 OWNS YOU

By Brendan

December 5, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Alan, so it would only cost $587,250 to have Recchi? That’s cheaper than Jon Sim was last year. And only slightly more than what Boulton and Larsen cost. If Don Waddell made Haydar a center and put Slater on waivers, while picking up Recchi, I don’t know that we hadn’t improved our team.

Big win tonight! But not so great of a performance. Wins cover everything, right? I was very worried when the Isles rallied from down 3-1 to tie it, 3-3. And when they held a 5-on-3 manpower advantage in the closing minutes of regulation, my heart nearly stopped. We almost blew this game.

The PK unit came up huge with that kill and they generated two goals! That’s good for the ol’ “plus-minus.”

Head to head, Atlanta is 2-0-0 vs. the Islanders, compared to 0-1-1 for New York. So, Kovalchuk’s OT clincher (Kozlov had the winning shot), we took a point away from the Islanders and added it to our column. It would have been much nicer to hold on to that 3-1 edge and win in regulation. But all things considered, I think our Icebirds got very lucky tonight. We are now 3-points up on the Isles in the head-to-head competition. That’s huge for our playoff considerations. And with Ottawa defeating Florida in regulation time tonight, Atlanta climbs two big points higher in the standings.

By stendec

December 5, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Hate to fuss after getting two points BUT…WHAT THE HELL IS IT WITH THRASHER GOALIES GOING SOUTH ON GOALS IN CLOSING SECONDS? We give up more early and late goals than anyone else in NHL. At least it seems so! KL given 3-1 lead which he failed to hold (from posts I have read some fans believe soft goals were involved). To his credit, he got us back on track in shootout. Sorry Moose. Should have been two quick points then back home to families. Spirit of giving shelled out point to Isles. Hope it does not bite us later. The Thrasher power play has a lot in common with Falcon offense. NEITHER CAN SCORE! Shorthanded goals are plus but team will never make it to next level without viable power play. An 0-for-9 is being held hitless in MLB. Embarrassing! I guess two points are two points but I sure thought the team would perform better. MUCH BETTER! Bittersweet triumph. GO BLUE!

By stendec

December 5, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Hi Craig. Hate to fuss after getting two points BUT…WHAT THE HELL IS IT WITH THRASHER GOALIES GOING SOUTH ON GOALS IN CLOSING SECONDS? We give up more early and late goals than anyone else in NHL. At least it seems so! KL given 3-1 lead which he failed to hold (from posts I have read some fans believe soft goals were involved). To his credit, he got us back on track in shootout. Sorry Moose. Should have been two quick points then back home to families. Spirit of giving shelled out point to Isles. Hope it does not bite us later. The Thrasher power play has a lot in common with Falcon offense. NEITHER CAN SCORE! Shorthanded goals are plus but team will never make it to next level without viable power play. An 0-for-9 is being held hitless in MLB. Embarrassing! I guess two points are two points but I sure thought the team would perform better. MUCH BETTER! Bittersweet triumph. GO BLUE!

By stendec

December 5, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Sorry about double post.

By Brendan

December 6, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

I was a little “critical” of Slater in my post above. Truthfully, he played a “decent” game, I think. He had two deflections that wound up on net. One was a pad save by DiPietro in the 2nd period. And the other was a high redirect on the PP in the 3rd period that clanked off the iron. At the time, it would have made the score, 4-2, Atlanta. It could have been a huge goal. But Slater just isn’t catching the breaks.

By R. Stroz

December 6, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Craig - Any news on the condition of Todd White? He appeared to take a puck on the head in the third period.

By Tom

December 6, 2007 6:05 AM | Link to this

R Stroz

Todd’s IQ went up 20 points…

By Sara

December 6, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this

Stendec Allowing goals late in the period isn’t a goalie problem, it’s a team problem. The team concedes offensive play to the other team, gets caught running around in their own zone and gets sloppy. In those cases, any goalie is going to find himself high and dry. But it’s a definite problem that needs to be addressed along with our abysmal PP. How can such a talented group come up empty handed so many times with a man advantage? There were a couple of occassions last night where they were able to get in close via carrying the puck in or having rebounds where the skater who got to the puck first just moved it back to the blueline instead of snapping off a quick shot that might have caught DiPietro by surprise. Too much over thinking and under thinking going on out there.

It was interesting listening to the Islanders broadcast last night - I wasn’t tuned in for the intro but that was Billy Jaffe I do believe working the analyst position. Very complimentary of the team, as to be expected, but not so much of the “fickle fans” (notice the quote marks). Particularly after the booing of Sutton. Said the fans never understood that while Andy was here he was used in inappropriate situations (which I have to agree with - Sutts never belonged on the blueline at all - not that that’s what Jaffe meant).

Ah well, we got the two pts - it sure wasn’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but as long as those kinds of wins are the exception rather than the norm, I can live with it.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

December 6, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

My God, can DiPeeeatro whine any more? I thought there was no crying in Hockey…

Just for the record, everything that Rone said was 100% accurate. Beer muscles…nuff said

By Northern Hockey Fan

December 6, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Congrads Blue land!! You are the classiest fans and the most educated fans in the NHL. Such a classy move the street cones, beautiful!! Who ever thought of that should have a statue In Philips. What passion with the BOOS!! And so much louder than Avery got (after messing and taking Ilya out), even louder than the KILLER Heatly get (I guess killing a teammate, using a city to get off, and turning your back on the city just does not warrant the boos it used too), WOW!! I was astounded, great job!! One might think you miss Sutton and were upset he went to the Islanders. As for going down and saying 3 million and you still play like sh!t, again outstanding, very classy. To think that Blue Land does not have players making more money and playing worst than human waste! Goalies over rated, snipers wanting out, D-men not only out of position but out shape (so bad rookies are playing better than them).

I command you on your classy acts last night, for you are classy fans, not like Hab fans, Leaf Fans, Bruin Fans, or Ranger fan. NO, no much more educated about the game, much more passionate about your players, and you just simply much classier than those fans.

Great job Blue Land may you never change.

By Bob

December 6, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

WHAT THE HELL IS IT WITH THRASHER GOALIES GOING SOUTH ON GOALS IN CLOSING SECONDS?

A common thread I’ve noticed with these late period goals is an inability for the guys to play it smart and just get a puck in deep to wind down a period. Last night, Hoss was the culprit. He had the puck, was entering our zone with about 25 secs left or so, and instead of just dumping it in deep behind the Isles net, he tried to get cute with it, turned it over, and back came the Isles. I think if they just work on some sound fundamental hockey and make sure they dump it in deep late in periods, that problem will work itself out.

My God, can DiPeeeatro whine any more? I thought there was no crying in Hockey

That was ridiculous. And what about the refs letting him flail around the ice and interrupt play, one of the refs should have skated over and put him back in his net instead of letting him skate around flailing his arms. I don’t much care for Little Ricky D, mabye it’s the Isles fans that laud his abilities too much, or mabye it’s his ridiculous meanderings out of his net, but his act wears thin on me.

Rone is da man

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Northern Hockey Fan — Good call, one fan (Rone) speaks for the whole of the Atlanta fan base. Because there were audible boos and a few fans heckled a former Thrasher player, all Atlanta fans are classless. I’ll call that ASSumption Number 1 on your part.

ASSumption Number 2 is that Atlanta fans are devoid of a sarcasm meter.

ASSumption Number 3 is that people vociferously booed Sutton MORE than Avery or Heatley. Apparently you don’t come to those games, as you’re a New York Islander fan. Come out and hear all of the booing then, people aren’t too happy with either of them (more so than Sutton).

ASSumption Number 4 is that Andy Sutton’s $3M cap hit and 4pts, -4, and team leading 40 PIM is anything less than (expletive).

ASSumption Number 5 is that no Atlanta fans give the over priced players on our roster (Holik & Zhitnik) crap for NOT performing.

ASSumption Number 6 is two-fold…”Goalie’s out of shape” (who? all reports indicate Lehtonen was more in shape than ever before), and “snipers wanting out” (Ilya looks rather content, he’s our only “sniper”).

You’re compiling quite a list, I can go on if you’d like.

And by the way, you don’t command us, you “commend” us. Go suck a muffler.

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

stendec — You’ve said in the past that your vision is failing you, how are you able to watch the games? Do you listen to them on 680 or on Television? Are you able to see enough of the game? I’ve been curious of this a long time.

From my vantage, I wouldn’t consider any of the goals against Lehtonen last night as solely his fault. The first was bad defense on behalf of Boulton and Slater, who collapsed in front of the net but never pressured Comrie (New York’s top scorer). The second goal was a deflection, most goalies can’t do anything about unmolested deflection attempts. The third goal he was screened by a 6’5 Vasicek…again, not much he can do about that unless he cup-checked the player.

I think I’m in agreement with Bob and Sara about the “problem” this team is having giving up late goals. They seem to turn off the engines and try to coast during the last 30 seconds. I hope McCrimmon and Waddell are noticing this too.

By Sara

December 6, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Sore losers are so funny.

By Northern Hockey Fan

December 6, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

ranallo10 – Nice list. Your Ass1 – You got me full of Sarcasm, really hard to see that right.

Your Ass2 – Devoid no, cannot see it till it hit you in the face YES!

Your Ass3 – I have been to those games, and I am sorry to knock you out of your fanasty world, but you
                      are wrong, go watch your tapes or listen to the audio again.

 Your Ass4 – you want to pull stats,  ok I’ll play Zhitnik 4 million, - 11, 2 points. Yes, that is a world class
                      player. You want another ok McCarthy, yes the player you all wanted in over Sutton last
                      season is he not riding the pine again while a ROOKIE is playing…. Yep and – 13 WOW! 
                      Great players.

 Your Ass5 -  Yes, Atlanta fans do not care how poorly your high end players play. Holik, Oh he is our #1
                      face off guy… what an honor, too bad that is all he is for you. I love seeing him win or lose
                      the face offs get trapped on the ice. Zhitnik, Mr. Let me show up to camp out of shape, play
                      worst than the rookies, and collect my check… what can be said but good trade. But as
                      many of you screamed at me last night he should be on the top line, and later in the season
                      I will see that.   HMMM! I am not thinking so.

 Your Ass6 – I was speaking of Mr. 77, not your Moose or Fragile Groin boy.

  Your Ass7 – OK, you want to say Ilya is your only sniper, fine. Well Hossa wants out and will not be with
                      your team next year. It is sad that your coaching staff can take one of the best players and
                      make him look like a 3rd liner. I am willing to bet he does not even make the All-star game….
                      Good job!!! 

 Your Ass8 – Yes, there are a*******hole fans around the league, and you are right  Rone does not speak for
                      all you fans, but all you fans defend him. That my dear blooger is the reason you Atlanta
                     Fans are so classy.

 Your Ass9 – I have to say I love your closing argument “Go suck a muffler” I am honored to have had the
                      chance to exchange words with such a person as you. Truly honored.

By Brian

December 6, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Northern Hockey Fan - and where would riding on the zamboni, taking off your Thrasher jersey to show a Turd jersey rank on the classy scale? Is that worst than as you say? By the way, your posts make you sound more whiny than DiPietro after he got beat with a clean shot…

By Rone

December 6, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Northern Hockey Fan,

Did you finish Elementary school? Take some time to proof read before you hit the “Post” button.

Go get your shine-box.

By DWTOO

December 6, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Northern Hockey Fan - Sutton has taken more than his share critism here over the past few years. He’s had his ups/downs like most players. What brought the BOO’s from the fans was his play saturday night. No one liked the run he took at Kovy at the end of the first period. If he had palyed a clean game then he probably would’ve been given at least a polite greeting. Sutton brought this on himself.

I will agree that he shouldn’t have bench-jockeyed at the end of the game. Chalk it off to liquid courage.

Now go curl up with your pal from MI - good Pucks n Snot.

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I’d love to read your counter to my post, but unfortunately the format is a bit off.

I’m always open for debate, please repost so I can read it clearly.

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Okay, I tried copying and pasting into Notepad and I can now see your full argument.

Let’s see…your second point claims that Atlanta fans are not able to sniff sarcasm unless it hits us in the face. Definitely full of class there.

Point 3 — Obviously we disagree about who gets more boos when it comes to visiting players, I’d argue Heatley, you apparently would argue Sutton. Our resident comedian (Buzilla) made a humorous YouTube clip that is anti-Avery. Our home stadium boos Heatley with every touch of the puck, to the point that Heatley has been interviewed numerous times about how it affects him (to my recollection, he’s handled it with class by saying the typical “fans are allowed to feel that way”). Everyone in the NHL hates Avery.

But you’re right, Sutton got it worse. (note the sarcasm)

Point 4 — McCarthy and Zhitnik have been the ire of many fans eyes this entire season. Nobody likes a -13, or a -11. Many people question the usefulness of Zhitnik, and would like him off the ice. We don’t defend him to away crowds because we feel slighted that the fan doesn’t like him…we’re big boys (and girls, in Sara’s case). We can deal with a little criticism of overpaid players. However, McCarthy is being paid 4 times less than Sutton, and has played sparingly this entire season.

Point 5 — Um…complete thought? I don’t want Zhitnik anywhere near the top defensive pairing, so who are the “many of you” people you speak of? Every fan on this board feels Holik is overpaid for his skill set and is not a #1 center. I don’t know where you get this stuff from.

Point 6 — Who played more games last season, Rick DiPietro or Kari “Fragile Groin Boy” Lehtonen? Who had a better record? Injuries happen, just ask Mr. DiPietro if remembers his from last season.

Point 7 — Our slumping superstar is playing better than your top player, a free agent acquisition who is signed for only one season. Hossa has never publicly said he wanted out, and has recently given the team credit for winning and how it influences his re-signing with this team. Give me ONE example of where he said he “wants out”.

Point 8 — We defend him because he’s one of our own, just like you defend Sutton because he’s one of your own. I don’t condone picking on players from the opposing team simply because you don’t like them, but I don’t care what Rone does when he’s inebriated. He didn’t punch a child, he berate Sutton’s dad, he didn’t yell at you…he voiced his frustration towards Sutton DIRECTLY, which is commendable considering how most NHL fans are too scared to say anything towards the players they are dissatisfied with. Tactless, maybe, wrong, that’s not my judgment to make.

Point 9 — If you can’t handle some criticism, go back to your New York blogs. Nobody invited you here, but if you want to stay please click the advertisements so we can make money off of you while you’re here.

By ssiscribe

December 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee: Thanks much for the kind words. Had a great time down there and learned a lot. It was great training, to be sure, and great memories.

Good win for the Thrashers last night. I ended up listening to my alma mater nearly knock off the Jackets. Ah, so close. Would’ve been nice, indeed, to win the city championship in the Den on Decatur. The gym sounded like it was packed and full of energy, a far cry from my days at the ol’ Signal.

Selah, good people.

—30—

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Back to business at hand:

Craig — You mentioned Waddell’s discussions with Anaheim in your recent story, do you think perhaps other positions were brought up in their discussion, such as center? Anaheim needs to clear space, has plenty of centers, so I was kinda curious if there could be a connection.

Regarding their defenders, Beauchemin would be a great addition, and I’d always welcome back Hnidy. Beyond that it might not be worth the money for their other defenders (nor worth the cost of players/picks/prospects sent to Anaheim).

By Jsmooth

December 6, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Getting back to hockey (as opposed to arguing with ignorant Turd fans), Tom is absolutely correct in his assessment of our PP. Until we get more creative and stop forcing the puck to Ilya for a one-timer, we are never going to be a playoff team.

I’m telling you, we are a slightly better than mediocre team (thanks to our flat-footed defense — not Enstrom — that does not take the body consistently enough above the circles & hence stupid late period goals) whose PP unit must be its best unit. We don’t have enough playmakers on the team to score 4 + goals consistently to offset our defensive liabilities.

If we have any advantage, it’s our ability to outskate and draw penalties, but when you play more aggressively on the PK and fail to shoot enough (other than Kovy) on your own PP, then you are in trouble. This MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE JANUARY!!

Don’t get me wrong, I love our Thrashers, but it’s time to shake up the PP (and I don’t mean putting Haydar out there for Kozzy). Give me somebody like Thorburn who is willing to scrap, win puck battles in the corners and give up the body in front of the net. Has anyone else noticed he is one of the few guys who consistently wins puck battles in the corners??

Sorry for the long post. It’s been a few days since I had a chance to vent my feelings about this team.

By ranallo10

December 6, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Jsmooth — I think Waddell may have noticed Thorburn’s improved play, which is why he’s now on the third line with Holik and Kozlov.

You’re not alone in your sentiment about the PP though.

By Jsmooth

December 6, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

ranallo — for lack of a better term: WORD!! Nice to see Thor rewarded for his play by a move to the third line. I’d really like to see him as the RW with Little and Perrin as we need some grit on that line to create more space for them to operate.